1.0 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing an upgrade to version 20.1. This version provides several enhancements over previous RoboCAD 20 versions. Most of the over two hundred files that make up the system have been revised. Some of these changes make the system faster, others provide new features or even greater ease of use. We have also enhanced the installation procedure, and provided on-screen help for many installation choices.

Here's a partial list of improvements:

• Installation can be from either the A: or the B: diskette drive.
• The installation program is compatible with Windows 95, 98, and NT4.0.
• More SuperVGA (800 x 600) displays are directly supported, and on-screen help for advising which display to use is included.
• There are more installation help screens. Revised default values reduce the need to make changes, simplifying and speeding up installation.
• Windows installation help included.
• RoboCAD Windows icons, wallpaper, PIFs, and other Windows support included.
• Create your own new fonts, or change existing ones, with RoboFONT, the graphical font editor.
• Many detailed performance enhancements speed up operations and reduce errors.
• Improved virtual memory scheme eliminates the "File cannot be copied onto itself" message.
• New screen colors enhance contrast on VGA display systems.
• The old "Save Setup" function has been replaced by "Update Setup." This also reduces the chance of using Save Setup in a mistaken attempt to Save a drawing.
• Full support for RoboMILL and Print-A-Plot (from Insight Development) added to the Run Other menu. As soon as one of these products is installed, the menu function will automatically activate.
• Support for the "No DOS" option. This prevents use of the Toolkit:DOS functions, and is especially useful in Educational installations, where it prevents students using the DOS Shell to interfere with the computer.
• Fonts: 28 fonts are now included as standard; the font files have been re-sequenced to speed up drawing and plotting.
• The introductory library includes several new sample drawings.

For Windows users we have provided icons, RoboCAD wallpaper, and other support. See the file robowin.txt on Disk 1, the System Diskette for more information.

We have revised the System Menu to include RoboFONT. You use RoboFONT to edit the existing RoboCAD text fonts, and to create new ones. Documentation for RoboFONT is included as section 4 of this Update documentation.

Within RoboCAD, options for RoboMILL and Print-a-Plot are "hidden" in the Setup:Run Other menu. They will automatically appear if (and when) these products are purchased and installed. You can also access RoboFONT through this menu.

Enjoy your new RoboCAD!

2.0 Special note for Educational Users

2.1 Font

If you do not want your students to be able to change the fonts, you can prevent access to RoboFONT as follows.

Permanent change: ensure you are in the main RoboCAD 20 directory, then delete the file fonted.exe. You may use the DOS del command, or File Manager or Explorer File:Delete commands. You will have to re-load RoboCAD (or as a minimum, re-copy this file) in order to restore access to the font editor.

Temporary change: ensure you are in the main RoboCAD 20 directory, then rename the file fonted.exe. From DOS use the command:

ren fonted.exe *.ex_

From Windows use the File Manager or Explorer File:Rename command to do the same thing. To restore font editing, ensure you are in the main RoboCAD 20 directory, then rename fonted.ex_ back to fonted.exe. From DOS use the command:

ren fonted.ex_ *.exe

From Windows use the File Manager or Explorer File:Rename command to do the same thing.

2.2 Operating System Access

You can prevent users accessing the operating system command prompt by suppressing Toolkit:DOS Command and Toolkit:DOS Shell menu commands.

For this to work you must start RoboCAD in the usual way, through either RSYS.BAT or RSYS.PIF. If you have any custom menu programs they should be set up to run RSYS, as above.

The program SWTCHDOS switches the state of the RoboCAD operating system access menu (DOS access). If DOS access is currently blocked, running SWTCHDOS will restore access. If access to DOS is available, then running SWTCHDOS will block DOS access. SWTCHDOS must be run before running RoboCAD (i.e. RSYS.BAT).

To run SWTCHDOS, get a command prompt, ensure you are in the RoboCAD directory (folder), type SWTCHDOS, and then Enter. You may also double-click SWTCHDOS (or SWTCHDOS.BAT) from the Windows File Manager or Explorer, or use the Start:Run dialog.

Do not attempt to run SWTCHDOS from within RoboCAD using Toolkit:DOS Shell or Toolkit:DOS Command. You may loose your drawing, and the results will be confusing.

3.0 Quick Installation Guide for RoboCAD 20.1

Although the following may look formidable, it is really very easy to install RoboCAD. These pages are an attempt to help you avoid difficulties that a few first time users encounter. The basic (DOS) procedure is:

• Put the System Disk (or Disk #1) in the A: drive.
• Log on to that drive by typing A: and pressing Enter
• Type install and press Enter.
• Follow the screen instructions.

Windows 3.11 users:

• Exit Windows.
• Follow the DOS instructions above.

Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 users:

• Put the System Disk (or Disk #1) in the A: drive.
• Click the Start button in the Taskbar.
• Select Settings:Control Panel and double click Add/Remove Programs.
• Click the Install... button.
• Check that A:\INSTALL appears in the Command Line dialog, and click the Finish button.
• Follow the screen instructions.

However, Murphy's Law guarantees that if you have a problem our support staff will be busy (or it's midnight). So please read through these few words that, hopefully, will quickly have you enjoying RoboCAD - CAD the way it should be!

3.1 Don't do anything yet!

Don't just copy the diskette(s) to your hard drive. Please read all this guide before you begin installing RoboCAD. There is an installation program that copies only those files needed to run your particular configuration, and also makes necessary changes to them. Robo software will not run properly-and probably won't run at all-unless the installation process is used. (If you have more than one Robo product, be sure to install them in the correct order so that automatic integration is set up properly. The correct order is RoboSOLID first, RoboCAD next, then RoboMILL, and then any other utilities.)

3.2 Protect your diskettes

Please ensure the diskettes are write-protected before using them on your computer. If you should have a virus, this will stop the diskettes becoming infected. All Robo diskettes are double virus checked during manufacture, and are shipped virus free in sealed packages. No RoboCAD installation program needs to write to the diskettes. If your computer tries to do this suspect a virus.

We suggest you make a backup copy of your diskettes before using them. Windows 3.11 users should shut down Windows and use the DOS diskcopy command. Windows 95, 98, and NT users should open My Computer, SINGLE click the A: drive icon in My Computer, then select File from the My Computer window menu. Select Copy Disk from the File menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. You must copy to the same size, type, and capacity as the original diskettes, and be sure to label the copies properly. Store the originals in a safe place and continue the installation using the backup copies you just made.

NOTE: Do not use the copy command at all, and only use xcopy (or Windows File Manager) if you know how to ensure all files and subdirectories on the diskette are copied properly. Do not use either the DOS or the Windows backup command. Copy the diskettes one-to-one, that is, do not move the files onto a different arrangement of diskettes: the installation process requires files to be on the expected diskettes.

3.3 RoboCAD 20 (and RoboSOLID) software is installed from the A: drive

(You only need to read this section, 3.3, if you are not installing from drive A:)

Should you need to install RoboCAD 20 from the B: drive (because of media sizes for example), the installation program will automatically use the DOS subst command to make the B: drive "look like" the A: drive. However, if you are using Windows, or installing RoboSOLID, or if there are any problems, you must make the change yourself.

To do this, Exit Windows 3.11 completely if you are using it-you can't make the change in the DOS shell (MS-DOS Prompt window). Put the System diskette in the B: drive, type:

subst a: b:\

and press the Enter key. You must type the command exactly as shown; please note carefully the spaces, colons, and the backslash. Should you choose to go back to Windows you may get a message about 32 bit file systems and subst. Don't worry, the floppy disks are not 32 bit, so there is no problem.

Next time you start the computer, this command will automatically cancel. If you wish to cancel the command yourself, ensure you are not on either the A: or the B: drive, type:

subst a: /d

and press the Enter key.

Windows 95, 98, and NT4.0 computers have 3½" A: drives, and so are automatically compatible with RoboCAD 20.1a.

3.4 Install the software

Current RoboCAD products all install in the same general way.

If you are installing both RoboCAD 20 and RoboSOLID 2, you should:

• Install them in the same directory (folder).
• Install RoboSOLID first, and then RoboCAD

To install your RoboCAD upgrade, put the System or Disk #1 diskette in the A: drive and then...

From DOS:

• Log on to the A: drive by typing A: and pressing the Enter key.
• Type install and press the Enter key.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

From Windows 3.1 or 3.11:

either:

• Shut down Windows, and follow the DOS procedure, above.

or:

• Select the Program Manager "File: Run... Browse..." command sequence.
• Select the A: drive, and then select install.bat.
• Click OK

or:

• File Manger: double click on the install.bat file in the A: drive file list.

or:

• File Manager: highlight install.bat and use the "File: Run... " command.
• Click OK

From Windows 95, 98, or NT4.0:

• Click Start, choose Settings, then click Control Panel.
• Double click the Add/Remove Programs icon to open the "Add/Remove Programs Properties" dialog box. Ensure that the "Install/Uninstall" tab is to the front.
• In the top section of this tab screen is a button labeled "Install_" Click it. You will see the dialog box: "Install Program from Floppy Disk or CD-ROM".
• If you have not put the RoboCAD 20 System diskette into the floppy disk drive, DO IT NOW!
• Click the "Next >" button located at the bottom of the "Install Program from Floppy Disk or CD-ROM" dialog box. Windows will automatically search for the RoboCAD 20 System diskette, and locate the installation program, A:\INSTALL.BAT

If this doesn't happen, you have the wrong diskette in the floppy disk drive or the diskette is faulty. Put the correct disk in the drive and click the Back button at the bottom of the dialog box and repeat the steps above.

• Next click the Finish button at the bottom of the "Run Installation Program" dialog box. The RoboCAD 20 installation program will begin.

Windows opens an installation window. Depending on your computer's screen resolution and configuration, the MS-DOS Window may appear small. You can enlarge it by hitting the "maximize window" button at the upper left of the DOS window, or use Alt-Enter for full screen operation. If you are unsure about this, look it up in your Windows documentation.

• Follow the on-screen instructions. If this is a first-time installation, simply accept all the default settings.

Whichever of the above methods you have chosen, the installation will now begin. Follow the on-screen instructions. Make a note of the installation path (disk drive and directory) that you install RoboCAD into-you will need this information later. It's best to write it down, taking care to check the spelling. You will usually be asked to change diskettes, and you may not use all the diskettes supplied-RoboCAD only installs those files needed for your particular setup.

3.5 Display

When asked which display you are using, be careful. What matters is the type of display board installed inside your computer, and not what it says on the monitor. Due to the lack of mode switching standards, using SuperVGA (800 x 600) often requires a few extra steps. Be sure to read the screen instructions carefully. If in doubt install for regular VGA: you can always change this later.

3.6 Arrow size

You can choose whether to use standard or small arrows. What does this mean? The various national and international drawing standards (ANSI, DIN, BS, ISO, etc.) define the size and proportions of the arrows used in dimensioning objects. The arrow size is defined in terms of the text (font) height. Most people think that these "standard" arrows are too big, so we give you the option to go with a smaller, more pleasingly proportioned arrowhead. If in doubt, choose "small". Your reference manual gives details of how to change this at a later time, or re-specify it completely using RoboFONT to create your own personal arrowhead design.

3.7 Running RoboCAD after installation

RoboCAD will usually start up automatically after a successful installation. If it does not, or if you have exited out of it, how do you start it up again? You will need your note of which drive and directory you used to install RoboCAD. For this example we'll assume you accepted the default settings, so RoboCAD is installed on the C: drive in the directory \robo20. If your installation path is different, please make the corresponding changes in the following.

DOS users:

• Change to the C: drive.
• Change to the directory \robo20
• Type RSYS and press the Enter key

Windows 3.1x or NT 3.51 users:

• Use the Program Manger Run command.
• Browse the C: drive, and the directory \robo20.
• Chose RSYS.PIF and click OK

Windows 95, 98, and NT4.0 users:

• Click Start, choose Settings, then choose Programs.
• Choose Windows Explorer, and click once to open the Windows Explorer window.
• In the All Folders list (on the left) click on the robo20 folder.
• In the Contents of Robo20 list (on the right) click on Rsys.

All Windows users:

RoboCAD is supplied with icons and PIF files. If you know how to set them up, you can create a Windows RoboCAD program group, add RoboCAD to an existing Windows program group, or for Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 you can create one or more shortcuts. RoboCAD will operate correctly with all these techniques.

Additionally, for all Windows NT:

If you get "Wrong disk..." messages after installing the introductory library, re-start the installation and answer "N" to "Install Introductory Library?" The installation will proceed normally. If you get errors creating sub-directories you can either create them manually, or continue by restarting the installation program after each error. These are "User Rights / Permissions" problems: see your System Administrator if the above work-around fails.

• Use ONLY the RoboCAD NT Utilities to create new library indexes. If you do not have them you can download them free of charge from our web site http://www.robosys.com

When you exit RoboCAD 20, some Windows systems require you to close the MS-DOS or command window by using the "close window" button. If you don't know what this is, look it up in your Windows manual. If you wish, you can use the Windows "Programs Properties" dialog to make this automatic.

3.8 Creating Windows Shortcuts (95, 98, NT 4.0):

There are three ways to set up access to RoboCAD 20 from the Windows Desktop:

• a Shortcut on the Desktop.
• the Start menu.
• the Programs list.

You can set up and use any or all of them, or delete them, as you wish. We recommend that, at a minimum, you leave RoboCAD 20 in the Programs list because this is the typical location for most programs operated under Windows 95/98/NT4.0.

3.8.1 A Desktop shortcut

We'll assume you installed into the suggested location C:\ROBO20. Open the Windows Explorer - you will find it in the Start menu under Programs. One way to do this is click the Start button on the Taskbar, then slide the arrow up to Programs. You'll see a list of programs and folders. One of these, typically all the way at the bottom of the list, is Windows Explorer. Move the arrow over Windows Explorer and click once to open the Windows Explorer Window. From the All Folders list (on the left), click on the folder labeled Robo20. You may need to use the elevator or scroll bar on the left to see this folder.

If the above paragraph is confusing, or you can't find the Robo20 folder, you will need to get help from your local Windows expert.

From the Contents of 'Robo20' list (on the right), chose the file or icon named Rsys or Rsys.pif. (Note: You must be able to see your desktop at this point. If Windows explorer fills the entire screen, hit the reduce screen button in the group at the top right hand corner of your window, one over from the close window button.)

Holding the right mouse button, drag the icon of Rsys onto the desktop and release. You will see a drop-down menu. Choose Create Shortcut(s) Here.

Windows creates a standard MS-DOS shortcut icon for Robo20, naming it "Shortcut to Rsys". Right click on the mouse with the cursor over the Icon. Choose Rename from the floating menu. Change the name to RoboCAD 20.

Right click over the icon again and choose Properties. The RoboCAD 20 Dialog box appears. Choose the Program Tab. Click the Change Icon... button near the bottom, use the browse button to find the Robo20 directory and choose the Rman_16.ico or the Rcad_16.ico icon. Then OK button your way out of this dialog box. Note: If you do not know how to use the browse window, the default location for the Change Icon dialog is in one of the Windows sub-directories. Use the picture of the folder button that has an up arrow in it to back up directory levels until you see the Robo20 directory, then choose it by clicking on it. It works very much like Windows Explorer with the toolbar on. You now have an Icon named RoboCAD 20 floating on your desktop that can be used to access RoboCAD 20.

3.8.2 Adding RoboCAD 20 to the Start menu:

If you have not already done so, create a Desktop shortcut. After you have done this click the Start button on the Taskbar. Choose Settings, click on Taskbar. In the Taskbar Properties window, click the Start menu Programs Tab then click the Advanced... button.

Now, using the right mouse button, drag the RoboCAD 20 Icon from the Desktop onto an empty space in the "Contents of 'C:\ ... \Start Menu" area. Release the mouse button and choose Copy from the floating menu. An icon will appear in this area.

3.8.3 Adding RoboCAD 20 to the Programs list:

If you have not already done so, create a Desktop shortcut. After you have done this click the Start button on the Taskbar. Choose Settings, click on Taskbar. In the Taskbar Properties window, click the Start menu Programs Tab then click the Advanced... button.

Now double-click on the Programs folder in the "Contents of 'C:\ ... \Start Menu" area. It changes to the "Contents of C:\ ...\Programs" area. Next, using the right mouse button, Drag the RoboCAD 20 Icon from the Desktop onto an empty space in the "Contents of C:\ ...\Programs" area. Release the mouse button and choose copy from the floating menu. An icon will appear in this area. Close the Window and OK out of the Taskbar Dialog Box. If you check the Start Menu, you will see an Icon in the top section for RoboCAD 20. If you select Programs, you will see an Item in that list for RoboCAD 20.

For more information browse our Technical Bulletins, or Frequently Asked Questions.

3.9 Configuring RoboCAD

Once RoboCAD is up and running you will probably want to configure it.

3.9.1 Mouse

To use RoboCAD you need a mouse with driver software. For DOS, Windows 3.1x and Windows 95/98 "Boot into DOS" operation, the mouse driver should be installed through the autoexec.bat file. If Windows works with a mouse it does not necessarily mean a mouse driver is installed-check this if your mouse doesn't work with RoboCAD. Operation from Windows 95/98/NT4.0 Desktops usually provides mouse services for RoboCAD. If not, check with your system administrator.

3.9.2 Printers and Plotters

To produce "hard copy" you need a printer or a plotter. Whether it's a printer or plotter has little to do with how it works or where it's connected. As far as RoboCAD is concerned a "printer" is a device that requires a low level bitmap or "raster" output; a "plotter" is a device that understands high level "vector" commands such as HPGL, HPGL/2, PCL5, or PostScript. Generally "plotter" output is higher quality and faster.

Determine what capabilities your hard copy output device has, and what it is compatible with. If it supports more than one protocol, then choose between them in this order for best variety of paper sizes, speed and quality:

• HPGL, HPGL/2 (most pen plotters, recent laser printers, some ink-jet printers and plotters)-use a RoboCAD Hewlett-Packard plotter driver.
• PCL5 (many multi-mode laser printers and ink jet printers)-use the RoboCAD PCL5 plotter driver or the RoboCAD plotter driver for the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 3.
• PostScript (mostly higher quality laser printers)-use the RoboCAD PostScript plotter driver, or the RoboCAD plotter driver for the Okidata 830+.
• None of the above-use a RoboCAD printer driver. Note that ALL RoboCAD printer output is black and white ONLY.

In each case, choose the driver that most closely matches your printer/plotter model, or that it claims compatibility with. If you must use a printer driver, choose your printer or a compatible if listed. If all else fails, choose Epson:All-the resolution will be low but most printers have basic Epson MX graphics compatibility.

With RoboCAD 20 version 20.1 you can also use the automatic links to the Print-A-Plot program from Insight Development Corporation. This "converts" some 1500 printers of all kinds into high quality plotters, with full color support where available.

To set up or change the configuration you should select Configure System from the initial menu. You'll see the current settings - press Enter to continue.

You'll see a list of choices similar to this. The exact list depends on your version of RoboCAD, and the options you have purchased.

1 Save Changes
2 Select Input Device
3 Select Plotter
4 Select Font
5 Select Printer
6 Select Ports
7 Assign RoboCAD Colors
8 Assign RoboSOLID Colors
9 View Configuration

If you can use a plotter, choose Select Plotter. If you must use a printer, choose Select Printer. Put the RoboCAD Drivers diskette in the A: drive, select New Driver if necessary, and accept the suggested path of A:\. You'll get a list of all the available drivers. Read the screen carefully, and note that the list may extend onto more than one screen. Choose the driver best matching your equipment. When you make a selection RoboCAD will return to the configuration menu, above. Next tell RoboCAD where your printer or plotter is connected. Choose Select Ports, use the Enter key to move down the list to Plotter (or Printer) and type in the number corresponding to the port (LPT1, LPT2, COM1, etc.) that the device is connected to. You have to know this, or find it out for yourself-RoboCAD can't find it out for you. After completing the selection, choose Save Changes to return to the main menu.

Parting note: you must use a RoboCAD driver; Windows drivers and drivers written for other CAD systems will not work with RoboCAD. For more complete information on printing and plotting check Printer and Plotter Drivers.

3.10 Your computer

RoboCAD will run under DOS 3.3 or later on a minimum of a 1MB "286" computer with Hercules monochrome graphics, an EGA, or a better display, a mouse, and 10MB of free hard disk space. The better your computer, the faster RoboCAD will run.

For Windows, you need much more than the above minimum. We suggest the following as absolute minimums:

Note that RoboCAD does not need all this memory, but it is the consensus and experience of many users that with less memory than stated, operation of Windows is not reliable. With Windows 3 through 98 you also should re-start your computer at least once a day to reset Windows and the hardware.

RoboCAD was not designed to run (and will not run) under DOS versions prior to 3.3, Windows versions prior to 3.1, or Windows NT versions prior to 3.5.

Networking RoboCAD (sharing libraries) requires expert installation-see your network administrator. You may require RoboCAD's Active Networking upgrade.

3.11 Appendix: Windows NT version of RSYS.BAT

If your operating system is Windows NT, version 3.51 or later, you should use a different version of the rsys.bat file than the one supplied. This batch program file is the one that usually controls access to your RoboCAD installation. It also manages communications between RoboCAD, RoboSOLID, RoboMILL, and any other programs using the Run Other menu and protocols. If you are not using the Run Other feature, you do not need to change rsys.bat: if you are using it, for example to move between RoboCAD and RoboSOLID, this will not work unless you are using the version of rsys.bat for Windows NT.

This is because Windows NT uses a different command interpreter, and the set command, used extensively in rsys.bat, does not work the same way.

To determine the version of rsys.bat that you are using, open an NT Command Prompt window (Start:Programs:Command Prompt). Navigate to the RoboCAD folder, typically by typing cd \robo20 and pressing Enter. Then type rsys -v and press Enter. The following shows this, and typical results:

C:\WINDOWS>cd \robo20                        (you type this)
C:\ROBO20>rsys -v                            (and this)
Version 1.40 [crw 970918]                    (the program outputs these three lines)
(c)1997 Robo Systems International Inc.
Press any key to continue . . .

This version is the regular file, and not the one you should have for NT.

For the NT version you'll get these results:

Version 2.00 for Windows NT
(NT 4.0 SP3 - crw 981102)
(c)1995-98 Robo Systems International Inc.
Press any key to continue . . .

To install the NT version, first download it; next rename your present rsys.bat to (say) rsys.aaa; then copy the new rsys.bat to your RoboCAD 20 folder.

Go to . . .