5. Windows Menu Reference

5.1 File Menu

5.1.1 Log file

Opens and closes the Log file of all messages shown on the screen. Use it when the system is new and if suspicious behaviour is observed. The file created is called 'rategate.log' and is a simple text file. Send a copy to ASL if in doubt.

5.1.2 Extra safe log

If RATEGATE has been crashing, use this to open the log file. It severely affects the system performance but ensures that the log file is not lost.

5.1.3 Fast display

Lines in the Log window over-write instead of scrolling. Use when performance is an issue but not a serious one.

5.1.4 Suppress display

Nothing will be shown in the Log window. Use when performance is a serious issue.

5.1.5 Extended display

Long lines in the Log window are show fully. Only an issue with the RSF, RSF+ and TDQF feeds.

5.1.6 Monochrome screen

Makes the Log window more legible if a monochrome screen is used but use a colour one if at all possible because of the diagnostic significance of display colour.

5.1.7 Display spaces as <SP>

Spaces shown will be expanded to '<SP>' instead of ' '.

5.1.8 Exit

Use to exit the program. <ALT-F4 or double-clicking the top-left box also exit the program as in all Windows systems.

5.2 Vic Records

These all call dialogue boxes to edit the 'INSTMENT.TXT' file. The file is updated dynamically but the amendments & deletions do not take effect until the system is reloaded.

5.2.1 Add a new VIC

An empty dialogue box is displayed and the fields can be filled in.

5.2.2 Delete a VIC

A dialogue box is displayed in which the VIC to be deleted should be typed.

5.2.3 Amend a VIC record

A dialogue box is displayed in which the VIC to be amended should be typed. Another dialogue box, like the one to add a VIC, is displayed with the present values of the fields shown. This can be edited to the new values. Do not try to edit synonym VICs. There are too many chicken-and-egg situations to resolve on-line.

5.3 Diagnostic options

These toggles allow the suppression of display items (the default is 'all on'). They can be used in a mature system after it is evident that the feed and user connexions are working properly if performance is an issue.

Show user input

Show user output

Show feed input

5.4 Tune

The menu lists intervals between reads of the data vendor feed and is not included in all systems. If performance is an issue, this menu can be used in discussion with ASL support staff to try to balance the system for optimum performance.

5.5 Performance...

In several of the items above, the expression 'if performance is an issue' occurs. This is because, with a possible 2000 instruments passing through the system with widely varying update rates, it is impossible to properly size the RATEGATE. The system is written in 'c', which is inherently a high performance programming language and every trick of the programmer's art has been used to optimise the performance.

5.6 Help

The one help menu item gives the option to call for this User Guide via Internet Explorer automatically. This assumes that the server has access to the Internet at the time. This user guide is the master copy and always up-to-date.