Automating Macro Loading

This tip makes use of a TSR program called KEY200.COM that is built into the HP 200LX. For users of the HP 100LX you can get the same functionality by loading the KEY100.COM file onto your Palmtop and putting it in a directory where DOS can find it. The following instructions refer to the KEY200 program. If you're using a 100LX you'll need to change "200" to "100".

To get started, insert the following command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file d:\bin\key200 c:\_dat\key.txt

Put the line above the line that starts the HP System Manager (100 or 200). Then enter the following lines into a new file in MEMO. You may omit typing the lines that start with "!" They're comments. There will be a total of 3 lines (discounting word wrap). The three lines start with "^CTRL". Double check your typing. One error can ruin your effort. Use the File, Save As... command and name the file C:\_DAT\KEY.TXT. Be sure that the ASCII box in MEMO has a check mark in it.

! Swap System Macros Files !

! ===================== !

^Ctrl 7 : Ctrl More ^Ctrl ^More Menu ^Menu F ^F O ^O a ^a

Enter ^Enter Alt ^Alt Q ^Q

! open "A.MAC" !

^Ctrl 8 : Ctrl More ^Ctrl ^More Menu ^Menu F ^F O ^O b ^b

Enter ^Enter Alt ^Alt Q ^Q

! open "B.MAC" !

^Ctrl 9 : Ctrl More ^Ctrl ^More Menu ^Menu F ^F O ^O c ^c

Enter ^Enter Alt ^Alt Q ^Q

! open "C.MAC" !

Finally, reset your palmtop to load the Key100 or Key200 TSR and the KEY.TXT file. With the above you can load sets of macros (macro files) called: A.MAC, B.MAC and C.MAC. To load the A.MAC file, press and release the Ctrl Key, then press and release the number 7 Key. You can add additional sets of files by modifying the KEY.TXT file.

Dara Khoyi

CSi 74147,242

We've adapted this tip slightly. Dara used the CTRL 1, 2, and 3 keys. We've substituted the CTRL 7,8, and 9 keys since the version of Software Carousel we favor uses the CTRL 1,2, 3 keys to swap sessions.