Auto-Save Operation and Options

This document describes how to use the auto save feature and the options available for file naming.

NOTE: This has changed from versions prior to 8.5.8. I n previous versions, the file name was made from the last saved file. Now the name is always taken from the user preference setting, see below.

Auto Save

Automatic file saving is used in several ways in the apps. One way is when quick-save is activated by touching and holding the Save Recall folder icon on many modules, such as RTA. Keeping your finger on that icon for a few seconds (the default is 2 seconds) will cause a file to be stored and recalled back to the screen with no user interaction.

Another use for automatic file storage is in SPL Graph. This module can be configured to store files after completing a test. See the SPL Graph help for more information on how to do this.

Also on the Save Recall screen, there is an "Auto" button which will generate a file name and then ask to store the file.

In each case, the app must generate a file name. The rules that it uses are explained here.

Name-Based and Date-Based File Names

There are two schemes available for the name that is created, a Name Based Scheme, and a Date Based Scheme. This is the first thing to decide when you are setting up your auto-save file options.

Name Based Scheme

The name based scheme uses a user-specified base file name, and adds a sequence number of 2 to 6 digits in length to it, after a dash.

The base file name is global. Every module in the app will use the same base name, which defaults to "New File". Every auto-save file name will use this name. You can change this name to anything that you like.

The sequence numbers, however, are unique to each module. So RTA keeps track of its sequence numbers independently from SPL Graph, for example.

By default, the sequence numbers start at 1, and are 2 digits in length. Using just the defaults, your first file name would be

New File-01

For example, let's say you set the global base file name to "My Device", the sequence number to 17, and the length of 3. Then, the first file name created for a module will be

My Device-017

As sequence numbers exceed the length setting, they will automatically get longer, so after

My Device-999

the next file will be

My Device-1000

Saving Frequently-Used Names

If there are names that you use often, or names that you would like to save for projects that recur, you can use the Name List feature.

To access the Name List, just tap the Name List button on the Auto Save Naming settings screen. A screen will appear with a list of the file names that you have saved.

To add a new name, tap the + button on the upper right corner. Enter any text name that you would like to add to the list.

To delete a name, just swipe across the name cell in the table. A red Delete button will appear. Tap it to remove the name from the list.

To copy one of these names to the Auto Save Naming screen, tap the name, and then tap the Select button. The Name List screen will disappear and the name will be inserted into the global base name text field. You can edit this name as needed or just exit the screen.

The names are stored in a file called "autosaveNames.dat" in the calibration folder, under the public folder. Note that if you are using iCloud your names will be shared across all of your devices.

Date Based Scheme

The name generated in this mode will be the date, followed by the module name, and then followed by a sequence number. For example, in the RTA module, that name might look like

20121104-RTA-001

if the file were created on November 4, 2012. Note that these file names use the YYYYMMDD format, and will sort nicely, if you export a group of them.

Date and Time Based Scheme

The name generated in this mode will be the date, followed by the module name, but does not use sequence number, since each file is time-stamped down to the sceond. For example, in the RTA module, that name might look like

20121104-082416-RTA

if the file were created on November 4, 2012 at 08:24:16. Note that these file names use the YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS format, and will sort nicely, if you export a group of them.

Auto Save Options

The settings for any module are accessed from the mini-menu on the bottom of the Save Recall page for that module. This is the icon on the bottom tool bar with 3 parallel bars. There is also a button on the SPL Graph Auto Save Setup page to access these options.

Global Base File Name (name based scheme only) -- You can set the system-wide base file name on any of the Auto Save settings pages. The name you enter here will  be used by every module in the app.

Next Sequence Number -- Enter the number to be used for the next auto save name here. Note that the number in the field is picked up from the last saved number.

Sequence Number Length -- Choose the minimum length for the sequence number from the examples show in the selector. Number can grow to be longer than this, but they will never be shorter. Note that file folders can be sorted in a more readable manner if you make the sequence number length long enough to store the largest number that you expect to see.

Quick Save Delay -- You can set the number of seconds that you have to keep touching the Save Recall folder icon here.