HanDbase -force number entry

[ffolliet]

a question for handbase users please.

am running my own customised logbook. one field is the hospital unit number. i can't figure how to set this so that i don't have to double depress option button and thus enter numbers as numbers.

anyone?

[benjie]

There is no way you can get around that wonderful feature.

Also, unless you are using digits to computate, numbers should be defined as text, though you will still have to press the key twice.

Are you using the forms program?

I use HanDBase extensively throughout the day for hours and hours - even with the kinks it has, it is a great application.

Ben

[ffolliet]

thanks for that ben.

didn't buy the forms add-on, wasn't sure what difference/benefit it would actually make.

[benjie]

The forms add on makes HanDBase an even more useful product. As with any application, the learning curve is there and for some, the forms generator does not make a lot of sense. I have built lots of applets and posted many on the DDH website; however, due to a crash of their system, I have no idea what is still there.

The forms application allows you to segregate functions/information into areas that "make sense" in one way or another. A well designed form makes entry and review a breeze.

Attached are some pics.

Ben

[ffolliet]

looks impressive.

my logbook is simple list of pieces of information that i require, entered in a logical fashion. the date and time is auto-entry, operation, diagnosis, assistants and complications are from individual linked databases, the rest are from pull down lists with preset defaults.

have automated backup (on treo)

now working on auto blue tooth synch

then i (manually) export from the desktop into an excel spreadsheet which then does the calculations on a pivotal table.

the final .xls is then exported back into d2g.

if i could improve the system i'd love it all to be automated. but we can dream...

[benjie]

Instead of links, try relationships - much more efficient and once you get the hang of using them, links become useful only for editing a record, not creating it. The forms utility allows you to customize a lot.

Once in a while I do price comparisons or collection. In one database I keep a list of the items I am looking for (in fact, it is actually a list of all of the products my company carries plus bunches of other items). I use a relationship field type to open the file, then with its quick index feature, I enter the first letter (or two or three, et cetera) to get to the entry I want and then tap that entry - that then imports the data into the data base I am working in - this involves using the "db popup" field type. If I have to edit the products database, I use a link field type to open the file up and then edit the record(s) as needed.

After I get the information needed, I then sync to the desktop, edit the file and export it to an Excel spread sheet. - works well.

I also have DTG and once in a while I open a spread sheet to capture the information. HanDBase allows one to capture more information much easier than an Excel spreadsheet done directly on the device.

Ben

Originally Posted by ffolliet

looks impressive.

my logbook is simple list of pieces of information that i require, entered in a logical fashion. the date and time is auto-entry, operation, diagnosis, assistants and complications are from individual linked databases, the rest are from pull down lists with preset defaults.

have automated backup (on treo)

now working on auto blue tooth synch

then i (manually) export from the desktop into an excel spreadsheet which then does the calculations on a pivotal table.

the final .xls is then exported back into d2g.

if i could improve the system i'd love it all to be automated. but we can dream...