Differences from Previous Versions

Posted on by Bill Horger

The differences refer to the Full-Screen (aka “Classic”) version of C-Master (9.5.03 and earlier).

The following is a list of some of the differences between the previous versions of C-Master (DOS, PDP, VAX, etc.) and the 32-bit “fill-in the blanks” version. The Windows-only version has other differences.

This list does not cover differences in menu presentation or menu text wording.

Data Entry and Verification

  • Select data based on the drill hole number or the quad/state/scale/log ID.
  • Assign Ferm codes to descriptive lithologies “on the fly” during the entry process
  • No more iterative application of “non-standard” phrases and recoding required (code on the fly)
  • Scan a log, set of logs, or entire collection for problems, inconsistencies and errors (Catalog Verification)
  • Enter lithologies using the method most suited to you; screen/text oriented or via a selectable window.
  • Import data from and export data to other systems (CSV/Tab delimited data)
  • Use NAD27, NAD83, or WGS84 coordinates
  • Duplicates can be based on only the Source and Drill Hole number (original method including quad/state/scale can be enabled)

Support for multiple configuration files (through short-cuts)

  • Build shortcuts and configuration files from templates and selecting your data folders (CONFIGMAKER)

Data Entry Changes for Faster Entry

  • Data entry is changed from a screen entry format (line by line) to a full-screen (fill in the blanks) format.
  • <END> key can be used or the <ENTER> key to signal the end of data entry
  • Double click on dedicated “button” at the bottom of the screen does the same thing.
  • Data entry using a Windows style dialog also allows use of arrow keys.

Menu selections are selected either by a click or a manual entry in an options box.

  • Select the number of clicks (1, 2, or 3)
  • Change Y/N responses by clicking on the field.
  • Color selections for displayed text is user-selectable
  • Output that was directed to a printer or file is now placed in a PDF file, and the PDF file viewer can be automatically activated to view the results.
  • Results are stored in files whose name includes the date/time of creation

LOGPLOT Log Strip creation

  • PDF, AutoCAD , and Image output (BMP, JPG) available
  • PDF log strips can be sent to wide platen plotters directly. PDF options support “pages” greater than 200 inches.
  • PDF sent to Neuralog Color Printer(s) directly supported
  • Uses TrueType font for bitmapped characters for better readability (BMP, JPG, dot-matrix printers)
  • Direct output to a file OR a specific printing device (if supported) to produce log strips (no more DOS required)
  • SPOOL program provided to send data directly to an installed printer
  • Add a shaded background to PDF, AutoCAD, and Image outputs (by assigning a color to a litho code)

CATALOG search/print

Create a file of results from a search that can be used to:

  • Populate the files used in a sub-project
  • Select a set of logs for strip log production
  • Select a set of logs to be output is CSV format

Apply a geographic boundary to searches (inclusive or exclusive)

Importing C-Master formatted file(s)

  • User can “drag-and-drop” logs for importation.
  • User can specify the folder and wildcard file selection parameters
  • Logs to be imported no longer required to be in 8.3 file format
  • Perform a “validation” to identify potential errors in the data to be imported prior to committing to the import
    • Coordinate check for duplicate logs
    • Scans logs for common errors

Import CSV/Tab delimited data

Export CSV/Tab delimited data

Exceptionally Fast (3.6 GHz processor)

  • Create log strips in PDF, AutoCAD, or Image form:  > 5 logs/second
  • Scan catalog, open every log and verify data is consistent and identify problem area (15,000 logs, < 2 minutes)