User's Manual

DPC/TRACK
Users Manual
7-18
Field Types
DPC/TRACK provides several different field types to help manage the different
types of data associated with instrumentation. The different field types are:
• Text
• Number
• Date
• Pick
• YesNo
A field’s type defines the kind of information that is stored in that field, the
appearance of the data, and how the data in the field may be edited. Basic
definitions of the different field types are first presented followed by detailed
instructions on how to enter, edit, and delete data within each field type.
Note that certain fields may have an associated ? or Down Arrow button. When a
? button is selected, a drop-down list of suggested values is displayed. You may
choose a value from the list, or simply enter the data of your choice, per that field
type’s rules of data entry, as described below. (Optionally, you may simply click
within the field box and enter data without accessing the list.) When a Down
Arrow is selected, a drop-down list of all possible values is displayed. You must
choose a value from the list or exit the field. (Clicking within the field box
accesses the list as if the Down Arrow had been selected. Typing a value within
the field box will auto-select the entry that best matches what you’ve typed in.)
Text
A Text field may contain any combination of text, numbers and other ASCII
characters. There is no limit of characters allowed within a Text field. Some
Text fields are defined to allow full-page text entry and editing, which is
accessed by clicking on the associated T button. A Text field with this option
may appear as a large field box showing multiple lines of text. When data is
entered into a full-page Text field, the text will automatically “wrap” as
necessary to form multiple lines. Press OK to accept your data changes and
exit the full-page data entry mode. Pressing Cancel negates your changes
and exits the full-page mode. Pressing the Print button will print the data
currently in the field to the attached printer. Text fields without the full-page
feature appear as a standard size field box, in which text may be entered in an
indefinitely long single line.