HOW TO CONVERT & CREATE PALM FILES

If you are interested in creating "working" PALM files for your Subdivision then you will want to read this carefully. The files I am speaking of are the Division General Orders, Superintendents Notices, and a Timetable. The first two can be simply "captured" from the Carrier’s emulator web site and then assembled and converted to a PALM .pdb file. The latter (Timetable) will take a little (LOTS!) more work if you want to do it correctly! Also note that the Timetable MUST be updated each time a Division General Order or System General Order is issued which AMMENDS your particular Timetable. This is tedious demanding work – has GOT to be RIGHT before you post or share with anyone else as your (and not to mention EVERYONE ELSE's YOU SHARE WITH) JOB will depend upon the correctness of this document. BE CAREFUL – BE EXACT – BE ACCURATE!

Before you begin you will need the following:

A very good understanding of computer word processing.

An excellent command of "capturing" text via the internet (or if you are an old hand at computers you may have learned to capture text through PROCOMM PLUS via a direct connection) or the tried and true method (ALTHOUGH VERY SLOW AND TEDIOUS) of print at work and scan into a file at home. I will explain in detail how to "capture text from the BNSF emulation program via the internet – but a working knowledge will be expected!

Several "files" are NEEDED (REQUIRED) to be downloaded and installed on your system – PALM. These are:

AportisDoc Mobile for the PALM

AportisDocPDFConverter.exe – installs on your computer – used for converting .PDF files to .PDB

DocReader – A utility which does not install itself on your PC but which simply resides in its' own folder and which will convert a .PDB file to .TXT or a .TXT file to a .PDB and allows font control as well as bookmarking (via embedded bookmarks).

SmartDoc.zip – A program for your PALM which allows renaming of .PDB’s as well as editing of them.

Box_template.txt – The file I created which has templates you will need for the Timetable creations.

If you feel a little cavalier – RichReader is another program for the PALM. In it’s .zip file you will find instructions for converting MS Word .rtf files to .PDB’s via a autoexec.bat call to the folder you have the files in. It works well – except it requires a lot of editing via SmartDoc to get rid of all the "special" characters it leaves in the file when the conversion is done. If you feel the need to work in .rtf files on your system then by all means use this little utility.

Here we go.

Get all the programs listed above. Install them as necessary – either to your PALM or your PC. These must be installed and ready for use before you are ready to continue. READY?

Step one: Get the Division General Orders and Superintendents Notices for your division. ALL of them.

This is done on the internet by accessing the BNSF web site and invoking the emulator. Once the emulator has started and you have logged on, proceed to the General Orders and Superintendents Notices. In this area (14) you will get a list of files. You will need them all for your division. Choose an option – either Superintendent Notices or Division General Orders and when the list comes up, you may want to copy this list for reference at the bottom of your files - I do. To copy this list(assuming starting from scratch and all files are needed) go to the top of the "in effect" list and placeyour mouse cursor beside the top number - holding the left button down drag the mouse to the lower right of the screen - highlighting all the "list" from top left number to lower right description. Now release the mouse button and move the cursor to the upper left toolbar of the JAVE window to the "EDIT" tab and click on it - when it opens click on the "COPY". The text you highlighted in yellow - will dissappear. It is in the clipboard. Now open any word processor - notepad will do just fine - and "PASTE" the captured text into it. Return to the JAVE window and (use the mouse to click on the JAVE window top bar - and you will have control in the window once again) - and scroll the list using "F8" - repeat this process making successive "PASTES" into the text window until you have it all. Now you are ready to get the files and make your document. At the list - scroll back to the top using "F7" and place a "D" in the space indicated to "display" the file. When the file first appears  - press and hold the "SHIFT" key and press the "F7" key - this will open a box in which you enter your email address on the top line and then tab down to the bottom line and enter a short one or two word description of the file for later ID. When you hit enter the file will go out to the email address you supplied and return you to the file. Hit "F12" and return to the list. Repeat this process getting all the files in succession. When you have them all you are ready to go to step two – copying and pasting the separate files into ONE FILE of each – a SUPERINTENDENTS NOTICES file and a DIVISION GENERAL ORDERS fle. I did not say a SYSTEM GENERAL ORDERS file on purpose - because I expect you to simply copy and use mine. Hey - saving time and effort is what this is all about!

Step two:  Open DocReader. You should be comfortable working with text in a word processor!! If not you soon will be!! It will start with a "BLANK" page stating "No document loaded". Select "File" and then "New" and then move the mouse to "Options" and select "Font" choose "Courrier New" in 10 pt. This font is essential for our files. Open your email client - I use Outlook Express. Get your mail. May take a while so get a glass of tea or soda and relax.  When the program opens – browse to the folder you received all the BNSF files in – and get the FIRST file of the string. When it opens you will want to place your mouse cursor at the extreme left on the line which contains the "date" of the file for BNSF. This will be the beginning of each file. What we are after is to create one L O N G document containing all of the files we have. They will need to be in order numerically for clarity. Either way will work earliest to latest or vise-a-versa. With your cursor positioned on the date in the beginning of the emailed file - hold the left mouse button down and drag the cursor to the bottom of the file - I do not take the "IN EFFECT" part until the very last file - but you may do as you wish - whatever works for you. I simply (repetitively) highlight the selected text and "COPY" and then minimize the program (the email client) as it will no longer be needed at this time (take my advice – do not "CUT" text nor should you delete these email files – YET!). Open DocReader or switch tasks to return to your "BLANK" page and "PASTE" your selection in. Repeat this as necessary placing some line spacing (I try to use four lines between each "PASTE") until the file has ALL the GO’s or SN’s. I usually do NOT include the "IN EFFECT" portion until the very LAST file is pasted. Then I recheck the entire file to make certain it corresponds to the numbers listed and does NOT contain any that have been CANCELLED. (This will get tedious at times – hence the warning to others to double check my work!!) At the end of the files - I now place the total list captured earlier - this allows the users to see a short description of the files in effect - in case I am too short with the bookmarks - step three!

Step three: When the files are complete, you are ready to do the "bookmarks" before saving to .PDB for the PALM. The files you already have are OK for any LAPTOP’s as they will read the same as the PALM files you are about to create. At the top of your file - I use the Division - simply click the cursor on a word - then when the "marker" is blinking - move the mouse to the toolbar and select "Bookmark" then "Add" and in the coresponding box that opens put the bookmark reference (keep it down to fifteen characters or less!) and hit enter or click OK. Repeat until you reach the end - in my case it is always "IN EFFECT". Now you are ready to save your file and "SYNC" and/or upload it!

Step four:The preceding paragraphs describe the method used to create .PDB files from scratch. Now I will describe the method used to modify a BNSF Time Table for use on a PALM. This is where you will need the box_template.txt. You will need to download the appropriate time table .PDF file from the BNSF timetable and rulebook web site. Once you have the files ready on your hard drive you will be ready to begin the conversion. Assuming that the AportisDocPDFConverter software has been loaded onto your PC system, and that you have the timetable.PDF file I will describe the method in detail.

The AportisDoc PDF Converter program places an icon on your desktop at installation. This is for "Drag and Drop" conversions of files. We will NOT be using this feature for this time table conversion.

Step five: Open the AportisDoc PDF Converter program via START – PROGRAMS – AportisDoc PDF Converter. When it opens the window will have a small "Drag and Drop icon in the center – do NOT use this. Instead you will need to look at the top left corner of the window. Below "File" is an Adobe PDF icon in red. Click this "button" to begin the process.

DETAILS:

A box will open in the center of the window.

Click "Next" button at the bottom of the box.

Use the "Browse" button to select the Folder-file you wish to convert. In this case the timetable.PDF.

Click once on the file name highlighting it and then click "Open".

The box will change displaying the file name and full path in the Document Name slot in the box.

Click "Next" button at the bottom of the box.

The box will change and allow you to type in the name you wish the finished file to have.

Click "Next" button at the bottom of the box.

The box changes – asking if you would like to preview text before converting. Make sure the Yes is selected.

Click "Next" button at the bottom of the box.

The box asks if you want the converted file installed on your handheld at the next sync. I do not do this –

But you may do as you wish – if you choose to install the file then you will need to rename it on your

PALM and then sync again and then go get the file from the backup folder in your PALM folder for

uploading.

Click "Next" button at the bottom of the box.

A message fills the box – read it if you want – when ready click the "Finish" button on the bottom.

A progress box temporarily appears as the file is converted to TEXT. When the progress box disappears –

Another smaller window will open containing the "TEXT" of the file – in this case the timetable we just

Converted. You may notice that some text is single charactered or that text is somewhat jumbled in

Appearance. This is what we will correct and edit to the PALM specifications.

WARNING!! DO NOT CLOSE THIS WINDOW YET!!

You may want to MINIMIZE the AportisDoc windows – but DO NOT CLOSE THEM!!

Closing these windows will force completion of the conversion before you are finished!! Minimize them.

Open your word processer and load the box_template.txt. Get out a printed copy of your division timetable

For easy reference. We will be referencing the printed copy – and using the box_template file for cut and

Paste purposes for editing the file in the AportisDoc PDF Conversion window. Sound complicated? It is.

But it is also quite SIMPLE really. You need the printed copy to make absolutely certain that things get placed

In the correct ORDER. You will use the box_template file to facilitate (simulate) the text separating tables

In the timetable. As we progress you will need to load the Division GO’s also for cut and paste into our file.

When we are completely satisfied that the file we are converting is UPDATED, AMMENDED, and fully

ACCURATE to DATE – THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL WE "FINISH" THE FILE!! BUT NOT NOW!!

First pass through the timetable (from this point on I will refer to the "converted" file as TT) file should be for editing out all garbage. If it is garbled, jumbled, or out of place – highlight and delete it. We will use the steps in each pass below to amend/update this file prior to completion and finishing the conversion.

Second pass through the TT file is to utilize the box_template file and cut and paste the appropriate items into the TT file where they belong. Reference the printed copy for this task. Remember that the Line Segment tables do not need to be complete or fully rendered at this time. Everything where it should be? Ok then you are finished with the box_template file and it can be closed. Now open the Division GO file you compiled earlier.

Third pass through the TT file is to apply all the amendments from the Division GO file via cut and paste. This is decidedly delicate work and requires patience, thoroughness, remember you JOB as well as anyone you pass the file along to DEPENDS on the accuracy of this file! (Constant comparison to the printed copy helps clear up a lot of things during this process – I mark the printed copy with a red marker as each step – page is amended-updated). This is where you will need to complete the Line Segment tables – this can be facilitated by "copying" a single line and repeatedly "pasting" it into place until you have the correct number of rows – boxes – and then using the overtype ( this is turned on and off by pressing the "Insert" key on my system.) you can simply type in the necessary text – nimbers to fill it out. Note that it conforms to the GO’s "amended" versions in most cases. Get it right. Also the GO’s are referenced for changes-amendments to any part of the document. Usually this is done on a subdivision by subdivision basis for clarity – unless it happens to be a "ALL SUBDIVISIONS" amendment. Speed changes, Crossovers, GCOR, etc. Are all updated and/or amended NOW. Cut and paste when you can – edit if necessary – but get it right.

Fourth pass through the TT file is to double check for accuracy. Page numbers correct – everything look like it should, all amendments in place? Check against printed copy carefully. When you are satisfied it is absolutely correct – click on the "Edit" at the top of the window and then click on "Select All" and all the text will become highlighted. Go back to the "Edit" and click on "Font" – here you will want to select Courier New and make it 8 points, recheck the file for accuracy and appearance as at this point it is as close to looking like it will on your handheld as it will get prior to actual conversion – if all is OK – then go back to "Edit" and click on "Select All" then "Copy" - then you are ready to click on the "File" and select "Finish". The progress box will reappear and the file will be converted to a PDB for the PALM. If you chose not to have it installed on your handheld the file will be in the same folder as you had the original PDF file before conversion. This file should be ready to go. You will of course want to go ahead and install it and check it out on your handheld. By the way – you should still have a "Copy" of this file in your clipboard. Go to your word processor and close all files. Open a "New" or "Blank" file and simply paste – insert the file here. Now save this as a .TXT file and voila’ you have a viable LAPTOP file for your members that would rather carry a LAPTOP than a PALM. (PS – your LOCAL CHAIRMAN, SUPERINTENDENT, TRAINMASTER, ROADFORMAN, will probably want this!)

Congratulations you have just completed a CURRENT timetable for your DIVISION!

Now read on.

I had to create my own Timetable from the Carriers .PDF file. I took a lot of experimentation and frustrating effort ( display on the PALM is limited in character width – so not only was the file hard to convert – but a special way of displaying it had to be overcome). You will benefit from this experience I hope. The first Timetable I created (Arizona Subdivision) took me 58 hours – and it was unreadable by any program I had I thought. Through good friends I soon discovered that AportisDoc allowed files to be viewed on the PALM in a virtual screen mode – in other words – like looking at a full sheet a document through a tiny window. Using "scroll" buttons to not only move UP and DOWN but, LEFT and RIGHT also. This feature allowed the document I was working on to be viewed as it was intended!! Of course I had to format it correctly and convert it properly and then edit out the "special" characters that MS Word would embed into the .RTF file. (I was using RichReader as a conversion – RTF to PDB.)

I began to realize that there would be at least three Timetables needed to satisfy my seniority district alone (if I wanted to serve the entire membership – especially the young in seniority working extra or being force assigned to ANY of the three Subdivisions). I created a "template" file which had the necessary "forms" needed to aid in creating uniform Timetables. These were garnered from Division General Orders and stripped clean of text – I was thinking ahead - this way they could be used and when a "AMMENDMENT" was issued – it could be "cut & pasted" right in with very little effort later on. I decided to pass along my work to you out there on other divisions. This all sounds complicated and hard – it really isn’t complicated at all – but it is in a sense hard. These files must be done with great care as this is essential to keeping the program going. The membership reaps a twofold reward – PALM files as well as LAPTOP files. Remember that all of these files MUST be kept updated and amended!! (I average at least two files a week!)

DocReader allows you to get a PDB file - edit it and save it back to a PDB. This method will work extremely well. The PDB file will retain all bookmarks. You may have to update them after the file is updated/amended to assure proper placement.

SmartDoc – allows renaming, editing, bookmarking of files in your PALM. The file can then be "copied" as above and then uploaded into a web site – the membership likes it this way as the files are pre bookmarked and ready for use!

Sorry I was so long winded with the instructions - but I didn't want to leave anything out!  Enjoy!

Comments or Questions should be addressed to hilbillynospam@ctaz.com remove the "nospam" in this address for it to work.