The first step towards working with a drawing tablet is the creation of a template. Templates are constructed as a table with as many columns and rows as desired. The position of the individual fields in these templates is determined by coordinates. In these fields you can specify WSCAD commands, and in any order, components from any available library and also complete drawing macros. The dialog 'Digitizer template' appears, preset with the most recent settings. In the Fields section you can enter the number of rows (Y-direction) and columns (X-direction) which determine by multiplication the maximum number of fields which can be used. The Size shows the X and Y extensions of an individual field. This value is constantly updated and is displayed in 'mm'.
The Format section determines the page size on which the tablet template will be output. You can choose from any current paper size, and the dimensions (x and y) of the current size are displayed. Margins can also be defined (in 'mm'). Under Name you see the drive and directory where the templates are stored. If you want to create a new template, then first complete the settings described above, give the template a new name e.g. 'Tablet.901'. and click on the button New. This loads a new template as a WSCAD drawing with the name Tablet.901. All the columns and rows are created and the individual fields can then be completed graphically with each symbol or command. With the button '…' you can change the preset directory or drive where the file Tablet.901 is stored.
Hint
As long as you do not enter any other template into the Name field, this template is active for your drawing tablet. This also applies to the menu item Load/display template.
Please note that the file extension *.901 should not overflow the 900 range of numbers, as this ensures the unambiguous assignment of WSCAD tablet templates.
In order to load a tablet template or to display its contents you use the menu command 'Settings - Digitiser – show assignments' or the corresponding Command Button.
In the display at the top left you see the currently selected field with the co-ordinates Column/row. If you click on a particular field of the tablet then the current settings of this field are displayed under Type and Description. To change a field first select it by clicking on it and then select the desired Type.
Hint
For the assignment you can choose from any WSCAD command, any library component and any drawing macro.
Depending on the chosen Type, you will now see under Commands all the commands, components or macros which are available for selection. The plus sign in front of a command shows that for this group there is a further level of commands for you to choose from. A minus sign shows that you have reached the lowest level. Click on the minus sign and you can move back up to the next level of commands. Once you have found the desired command or component you can assign this value to the previously selected field of your template, by using the button Assign to Field. Thus you can assign components or commands field by field as you wish.
Hint
These settings are stored with the template in their own *.ini file.