The "File" menu contains the basic commands for working with Q-DAS applications. It provides commands for working with the test plans and for customising the application.
Working with the test plans
Use these commands to create new test plans or to open test plans from files or databases.
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New Opens the dialogue for creating new test plans. How to create a new test plan is part of a separate topic. Link to: Create new Test Plan |
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Open file This is used to load a dataset from a file. Selecting "Open file" displays a dialogue box with directories and files, along with a list of supported file types. The path to read from initially can be specified in <Configurations> | <Paths>. |
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Part selection (File List) The "Part Selection" dialogue box is used to generate a list of available dataset files for a quicker access. How to use the "Part Selection" dialogue is part of a separate topic. Link to: Part Selection (File List) |
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File... | |
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Open file (append to currently loaded data) This allows an additional dataset to be loaded in addition to the currently loaded dataset to enable parallel evaluation. |
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Open from QML Allows a dataset to be loaded from a file, restricted to QML files only. |
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Merge files If there are datasets in different files but with the same characteristic structure, this allows the files to be merged so that they can be evaluated together. A separate topic deals with the handling of the dialogue. Link to: Merge Files |
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Import (*.csv, *.txt) Allows a dataset to be loaded from a file, restricted to CSV and Text files only. A separate topic covers the handling of non-Q-DAS formats. Link to: Import and Conversion |
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Excel import (*.xls, *.xlsx) Allows a dataset to be loaded from a file, restricted to Microsoft Excel files only. A separate topic covers the handling of non-Q-DAS formats. Link to: Import and Conversion |
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| Conversion Sometimes measurement data is stored in special formats that cannot be easily loaded using the Q-DAS import options. In order to load such datasets, special converters can be developed. The "Conversion" options allow the converter to be configured and started manually. A separate topic covers the handling of non-Q-DAS formats. Link to: Import and Conversion |
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Open ZIP file If the measurement files are compressed in ZIP archives, they can be loaded without having to extract them (unzipping). When the ZIP file is opened, the contents are displayed in a separate dialogue. Only DFQ and DFD/DFX files will be displayed. Single or multiple files can be selected for loading. When using the ZIP file, the measurement files are loaded in read-only mode. |
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Last opened Lists the last opened measurement files and directories. The pin icon is used to add or remove the file/directory from the quick access. |
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Read from Database Opens the "Read from Database" dialogue. This is used by the evaluators to load the datasets from the database. The dialogue provides the user various options for loading test plans from the database and also methods for searching for a subset of the database information. These user-defined search conditions can be saved as filters and queries and shared with other users and groups. Link to: Read from Database |
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Part Selection Database The "Part Selection Database" dialogue is used by operators to load data sets from the database for data recording. It is used to restrict the selection of test plans so that users or user groups only see the relevant test plans for selection. It can also be used to auto-fill the additional data, allowing the user to start recording data by simply pressing a button. Link to: Part Selection Database |
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Database... | |
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Quick Filter It displays a dialogue with a list of saved "Quick Filter" constellations. How to create and handle the filter is part of the "Filter Level" topic. Link to: Read from Database - Quick Filter |
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Choice of Queries It displays a dialogue with a list of saved "Queries". How to assign filters to queries and how to handle them is part of the "Filter Level" topic. Link to: Read from Database - Quick Filter |
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All Parts The "All parts" function is used by administrators to list the contents of the database and provide a quick overview of the k-fields, i.e. parts, characteristics, measured values and additional data in the database. The topic "Overview of the database structure" explains how to use it. Link to: Value Database - Functions and Administration |
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Tree Structure This option is now obsolete and is only available for update purposes. |
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Save Use this button to save any changes made to the loaded dataset in the same location from which it was loaded. |
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Save... |
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Save as... To save a newly created dataset or a copy of a loaded dataset as a file, select "Save as...". The path to be addressed first can be defined in "Paths". |
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Save to Database To save a newly created dataset or the loaded dataset to the value database, select "Save to database". |
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Upload-Save to Database When a dataset is loaded from a file, this option allows a copy of the dataset to be saved to the database using the upload functions. The key fields used to identify existing parts and characteristics are set globally in the general database options. Once used, this option is no longer available from the menu. It will not reappear until a new dataset is loaded from a file. |
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Extended Save Options The advanced save options allow an existing dataset to be used as a template for a new one. In the dialogue box that appears, it is possible to specify whether all characteristics, all measured values or other information such as catalogues, GUIDs should be included in the copy. This option is particularly useful when using solara.MP to create new datasets for repeating measurement system analyses. |
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Save in QML Use this option to save a copy of the loaded dataset in QML format. Please note that in QML files the catalogue data is always saved with the file. |
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| Save as (Configuration Excel Export) This triggers the creation of an Excel file for the loaded data. The file extension must be entered. The export includes the header data and the measured value data according to the "Configuration Excel Export" dialogue, but not the calculated results. Configuration and use are explained in a separate topic. Link to: Excel Export (of loaded Data) |
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| Save for Tool Change This option is used to save a copy of the dataset for tool change. When the dataset is saved, the average calculated for a characteristic is used as the "target value (K2100)" and the measured values are deleted. This means that after a tool change, the newly created file can be used to measure the new test parts. To evaluate the data, merge the two files by selecting <File> | <File...> | <Merge files>. The file saved with the "Save for tool change" function must be the master file. |
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| Save as TAG N file This option was used for customers switching to the outdated TAG-N software and is no longer relevant today. |
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Send Open Data by E-Mail Use this option to create a temporary DFQ file for the loaded data and attach it to a new email. This option can only be used if an email program is installed and can be found in the Windows registry. |
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| Export Results into Files Use this option to export the calculated results to a QML file. Which calculated result fields are exported is defined in <Configurations> | <Fields, Input and Output> | <Result Export (File)>. |
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Close Select this option to close the open dataset. |
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Application Management
This section of the "File" menu provides various settings to personalise the application. These include, for example, settings for the evaluation strategy, user management, various application paths, catalogues or database connections and options.
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Info Displays the most important information for using the Q-DAS software. These are the Q-DAS product information (product, version), the licence information (licence number, remaining days for time-limited licences) and the most important computer information. |
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Language Provides a pull-down menu to change the language within the Q-DAS application. From version 14.0.2.x all languages are available without licensing. The available languages and how to create language specific reports, forms or graphics is explained in a separate topic. Link to: Languages in the Q-DAS Software |
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Configuration This menu group contains the options for customising the Q-DAS application. The options available are explained in a separate topic. Link to: Configurations Menu |
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User Login This allows a user to be switched. The previous user is not logged out until the login of the new user has been confirmed. A password must always be entered to change a user. |
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Sign out User This is used to log out a user. A new login must be performed or the application must be closed. A user change always requires a password entry. |
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Module Selection Note: |
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Exit Select this option to close the application. |