Technical Issues - Using the FileMaker Pro Spectra Database

Note: Windows 2000/XP/Vista  required!

A sample FileMaker Pro database lets users familiarize themselves with FileMaker Pro without buying it. This is accomplished with the FileMaker runtime module, installed by FMRTSetup.exe (no passwords required). The installation creates program directory C:\Winfilm\FileMaker_RT.
 

Runtime version limitations:

  • Security cannot be adjusted. Here we have set a User level. In a full implementation there are Browser and Admin levels, etc.
  • The runtime does not support ActiveX automation. In the full implementation there is no need for IMPORT and EXPORT buttons.
  • The runtime does now allow any layout changes.

These limitations are not, of course, in the full FileMaker Pro 8 implementation.

FM Pro 8 (Sep 2005) adds customizable menus. In previous FM 7 examples, we used Dacons' MenuControl. The new built-in customization appears to be much easier to use. (Customizable menus are absolutely essential for security.) The bad news: FileMaker Pro 8 Advanced is required for customizing menus. (Not all users need Advanced, only developers.)

The installation adds two BASIC macros:

SpectrumGet.bas - Run AFTER clicking EXPORT Spectrum to display the spectrum in DESIGN.

SpectrumSave.bas - Run BEFORE clicking IMPORT Spectrum. (Note that this macro alters your FSPlot configuration.)

Make sure that Macro Buttons are enabled in File Toolbars and add Macro Commands as shown below.

Contact FTG Software if you have any problems getting this to work.

To remove the software, just delete c:\Winfilm\FileMaker_RT.
(The installer does not update the Windows Registry.)

If running the standalone version whets your appetite for the full version, we suggest you download the free 30-day trial version of FileMaker Pro 8 along with the FilmStar Database (password required).  In that case you would change the above Macro Commands to

1. BasRun C:\Winfilm\FileMaker_8\FM8_GetSpectrum.bas;
2. BasRun C:\Winfilm\FileMaker_8\FM8_SaveSpectrum.bas;

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