Messages

1

Tech / Fill forms

« on: July 05, 2010, 09:03:58 AM »

QUOTE

tell application "System Events" to tell process "TextEdit" to keystroke "v" using {command down} Another method would be to try the 'key code' command in the script: tell application "System Events" to tell process "TextEdit" to key code 125 --down to new line "Tab" is 9 in the ASCII list, BTW.

IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!

Often when I'm trying to understand how a script should work I need to step away for a time and let it gel in my head. It struck me this morning, and I was surprised at how easy it was!!!

No need to jump to a plain text editor. I made a VERY simple Applescript that looks like this:

QUOTE

tell application "Safari"
   activate
end tell
tell application "System Events"
   key code 9 using command down (this invokes "paste")
   keystroke tab
end tell

This script will paste the copied info into the currently selected field in the browser. Then it tabs to the next field.

Then....

A FMP Script sets up a loop to copy the contents of the appropriate field (the grade).
Then the Applescript activates Safari and pasts the grade into the first student's grade field.
FMP then copies the next field (the comments), and the SAME Applescript pastes it, and then tabs to the next field, which is the NEXT student's grade.
The FMP Script then goes to the next record and loops the process, exiting after last.

Thanks for the think tank!!!!

[that]

2

Tech / Fill forms

« on: June 21, 2010, 08:17:14 PM »

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jun 21 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What version of FileMaker Pro do you have?

I have 9 as well.

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jun 21 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I only have version 9, but it would appear that its "Open URL" script step, combined with an AppleScript could be used to do what you want.

I've done ALOT of scripting, but I'm certainly not an expert scripter. I've not even tried to mix FMP scripts with AppleScripts.

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jun 21 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you don't have access to those names, a simple tab action could be used to step from one field to the next.

That's what I've been researching - how to invoke the "tab action".

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jun 21 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The most difficult task, of course, is the script and then the testing to verify that it works 110% correctly!

Indeed!

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jun 21 2010, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It may simplify things to have FileMaker Pro export the required data as a plain text file with whatever field and record delimiter you find most useful. The script may more easily read and use that file than trying to extract it from FileMaker Pro directly.

That was my goal. It's very easy to create a text file with a script and have it contain whatever data you wish. It's getting the script (AppleScript or Automator?) to invoke the tab between each piece of data. That method, as you know, would not require knowledge of the field names.

I don't even need, or want, the script or scripts to run automatically, aside from creating the text file. I'd rather "copy and paste" the info, and allow whatever "tab" code to permit the movement from field to field. But if scripting is the way to go, I'll research those links.

Thanks a BAZILLION!

3

Tech / Fill forms

« on: June 21, 2010, 04:30:50 PM »

This is for you html experts out there.

I'd like to fill in web forms using something similar to Autofill. Here's what I mean...

I have to do a lot of online grading and there are a number of insanely repetitive tasks. I use FileMaker Pro to generate grades and comments. Those grades and comments must then be individually transferred (via copy-paste) to the fields on my school's Virtual Campus (in a web browser). This requires a constant switching back and forth between FMP and Safari.

What I'd like to do is gather the text from grades and comments, with appropriate coding, so that a single "copy, switch to Safari, and paste" will populate all the fields of the web form.

In my mind, it would be as simple as inserting a code that invokes the "tab" key to go from field to field. So the text copied from FMP would read Grade1<tab>Comments1<tab>Grade2<tab>Comments2 (etc), and paste the right info to the right field.

Does that make sense? Is such a thing possible?

4

2008 / Faxing through bluetooth cell phone

« on: August 21, 2008, 08:32:22 AM »

QUOTE(sandbox @ Aug 21 2008, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can do it with my Blackberry, but it's better to use an email to fax service. Are you using a twisted pair for your phone line...or are you on VOIP?

The point was not to use a pay service for faxing. I've used eFax in the past, and they rocked. But, I'm already paying for a cell phone, so I'd like to use it as a fax, if it's possible.

I'm not on VOIP and there is no land line hooked into my computer. There IS a way in 10.5 to use the bluetooth network to recognize the Razr as a fax. It connects and all seems to go well, but the fax just never goes through. So, I'm wondering at which end there's a problem, in the phone or in 10.5. I'm guessing it's the phone/service.

We also have a regular fax machine (Brother MFC 8220) with a network card, so that it can be used as a network printer and scanner by any Mac on the network. But you can't fax through it from the Mac. Again, not sure why, but that's a separate issue over using a cell phone for a fax machine.

QUOTE(Jack W @ Aug 21 2008, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fax's tend to be fairly large. Maybe the system is choking on that?Try a small fax 1st and see if that works?

Yeah, that may be part of it. I'll try a post-it note.


EDIT: I'm thinking it's just not possible. Apparently AT&T phased out it's faxing capability. So even though the Mac can send a print file as a fax to the phone via bluetooth, it just doesn't know what to do with it. Damn. I'm sure that there's a hack that would make it happen (a fax call is still a phone call), but I'm not hopeful. Thanks anyway!

5

Community / Drinking Age Debate

« on: August 21, 2008, 08:24:23 AM »

QUOTE(krissel @ Aug 21 2008, 07:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The old line about 'dying for our country' was valid back when there was a draft. No more. Joining the service is a choice now.

It's still valid, since at 18 folks can and do die for your freedoms. We teach and train them to use the most technologically advanced weaponry and machinery to kill enemy combatants and they die defending US interests. But no, folks of that age should not be allowed to buy a bottle of wine. They can't handle it.

QUOTE(krissel @ Aug 21 2008, 07:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Unfortunately being killed by a drunk driver isn't.

3 out of 4 (75%) of drunk driving fatalities are committed by folks well over the legal drinking age. Is a return to prohibition in order?

[one]

6

Community / Drinking Age Debate

« on: August 20, 2008, 01:42:56 PM »

My gut reaction is that if a young man (or woman) can go off to war and die for our freedoms at 18, then they ought to enjoy the freedoms they are protecting, like buying a bottle of champaign for their wedding day.

So if I'm going to support that, I'd also support a very strict "probation" period until the age of 21. Meaning, one strike, one DWI, you're out. Your license is revoked until the age of 21 and some other things, like special drivers ed courses.

7

2008 / Faxing through bluetooth cell phone

« on: August 20, 2008, 11:14:07 AM »

Thanks for the link.  OSX 10.5 actually sets up the fax more automatically than the 10.4 steps. I had done that already, (phone connects as fax through bluetooth) but for some reason the connections dies during the "send" phase.

FYI, I'm with AT&T. I switched to AT&T for my future purchase of an iPhone. Waiting for a hefty stock gain first, so my phone will essentially be free

The software for OSX "seems" to be set for this kind of thing. Any other clues?

8

2008 / Faxing through bluetooth cell phone

« on: August 20, 2008, 10:06:24 AM »

I've been looking for a fax solution on my Mac, like fax thru internet (efax), FaxSTF, etc. But I know that the Mac has built-in fax drivers. I recall being able to fax out using a dedicated phone line plugged into the modem. Currently, a fax machine plugged directly into my G5 (which has no modem) would work, but it's not a practical solution.

What IS practical is the fact that my bluetooth-enabled Razr cell phone IS a dedicate phone line of sorts. I can connect to it from the Mac via bluetooth and it *almost* works but quits out on me.

So, I'm wondering if there's a Star-Trek-like recipe solution to this, or if it's just not possible. Any clues?

9

2006 / Font management in 10.4

« on: October 10, 2006, 01:35:39 PM »

Thanks!!!!

Is there anyone here who uses a 3rd party option?

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2006 / Font management in 10.4

« on: October 10, 2006, 09:40:05 AM »

I'm about ready to take the plunge for 3rd party software for font management. Font Book is the pits. I'm not a huge fan of legacy Suitcase. What ar ethe favorites out there?

11

2006 / Applescripting

« on: June 09, 2006, 10:18:27 AM »

Appreciate the help, Bob and airbus. The FM link has a lot of good stuff. It will take me awhile...

meanwhile, here's my script so far:

QUOTE

tell application "Desktop Printer Manager"
   set default printer to desktop printer 2
end tell

tell application "FileMaker Pro"
   activate
   select menu item "Page Setup..." of menu "File"
   tell (print Setup of document 1)
      set PaperSize to "JOB JACKET"
   end tell
   print document 1
end tell

tell application "Desktop Printer Manager"
   set default printer to desktop printer 1
end tell

Switching the printer works. The problem is with the middle section, trying to change the page size. Nothing I've tried to activate the "Page Setup..." will work. I even have a system-level macro where "contol-P" activates the Page Setup... menu, but FM will not allow the "ketstroke" command.

Any clues?

12

2006 / Applescripting

« on: June 07, 2006, 02:52:23 PM »

Thanks! But, I already posted there, and two weeks later I don't have a single response.

Anyone here knowledgeable?

13

2006 / Applescripting

« on: June 07, 2006, 10:43:33 AM »

Anyone here good at Applescript?

Got a few issues trying to get a simple script to work....

Using OS9 (I know I know)
using FileMaker Pro 6

Trying to script the following....
Change default printer, then Page Setup to select a new paper size, then print, then switch the default printer back.

Anyone think they can help, or care to try?

Thanks!!

14

2003 / Mac comaptible PDA's ?

« on: September 22, 2003, 03:45:23 PM »

Thanks guys.... mucho appreciated.

More questions though.... curious about current models available and deals, how much memory I really need (can 8mb possibly be enough?) etc. For instance, dealmac.com listed the palm m125 for $69 after rebate. It's a refurb, and it's 8mb. But, will I seriously be looking at an upgrade when I realize I can't do ______?

Any thoughts?

15

2003 / Mac comaptible PDA's ?

« on: September 22, 2003, 03:04:55 PM »

I've finally reached a point where I can hold out no longer. a PDA has become a necessity. So I was tooling around Office Depot testing out the PDAs, palm pilots, et al. They're all PC-based, of course  

So, I need to ask the experts. What's the best deal out there? And, are they mac-compatible?!?