How to control Num Lock

[Tom Patten]

Hi

I have a problem with a form that as I tab through the "num lock" turns off and on. More often OFF. I want it on till I manually turn in off.

There was another discussion of this topic which I was unable to turn up with a search. I did find a note from Sylwyn that referenced a call to windows API -way over my head!

Anyone found a simple solution, or onarrive or ondepart code that seems to cause num lock to turn off. I use code in both these areas, but have not found a predictable pattern I can solve.

As always, thank you very much for your help.

Tom

[Tom Patten]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Upon further research I found the "common link".

It seems that whenever a field gets activated that has a field rule to use a lookup table, then I add the following script to the onarrive event the numlock key turns off.

sys_send_keys("{ALT-DOWN}")

I like the pick list to automatically open on this form only. I tried making the field rules popup conditional with the .T. expression, but it would not automatically open back at the form. So it seems my choices are to either click on the down arrow, or turn off the numlock. No saved key strokes.

Tom

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

I have this happening, also, but ONLY ONE SOME machines - some operators report it, some don't. And I don't get it on my machine.

I'm glad you found something that causes it - though; I couldn't find a cause, since it doesn't occur on my development machine.

[CALocklin]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Here's an intermediate solution I use. I haven't seen any effect on my Num Lock key but maybe it's just because my machine isn't susceptible.

In the form's OnKey event I put:

IF a_user.key.value = "{F8}"
a_user.key.handled = .T.
IF a_user.key.event = "down"
sys_send_keys( "{ALT-DOWN}" )
END IF
END IF

This allows the user to press the F8 key to activate pop-ups. It seems much easier than using a key combination like Alt-DownArrow.

I also generally include the F12 key to push my "Done" button and F11 to push my "Find" button. This is done to save touch typists the hassle of going back and forth between mouse and keyboard.

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Cal - I put the code in field rules for the file, especially if it is a child file - like "Payments" where the operator is filling in payment return fields in an embedded browse - so that as they "arrive" at the field, it does a sys_send_key.

[CALocklin]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Understood. My suggestion was simply presented as an alternative that was easier than pressing "Alt-DownArrow" but, obviously, not as easy as an automatic pop-up.

[Tom Patten]

RE: How to control Num Lock

On further testing, I find that if I compact the databases, update reindexes and reboot the computer, the NUM LOCK key does not turn off after sys_send_keys.

But after I work with the application awhile, it will start acting up again!@#$

Thought I had it figured out.

Tom

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Tom and Cal - I was fixin' to post another message saying I don't think it is the sys_end_keys altdown as I can't get it to reproduce "on demand" on a client's machine. I think it is slightly more complicated.

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

has anyone else had this issue and/or found a remedy?

[CraigSchumacker]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Martin:

Yes, I have had a similar condition, only with the caps lock. The client for whom I designed the application is either un-aware that it exists, or does not experience it.

I have not had time to investigate what is causing it, so it sits on a back burner in the back of my mind.

The characteristics are similar to yours. The elements involved are embedded browses on forms, and sys_send_keys.

I, until your thread a few days ago, assumed my situation to be a unique side effect for "pushing the envelope" for A5 v4.5 build 266.

A brief overview:

Program used by manufacturer for disassembly/rebuild of a part in need of overhaul. A larger part consists of other smaller parts which need to be disassembled, and single components which make up the parts.

Parent record (of set with 3 children) with each child embedded browse on a separate tab. Embedded browse (with no children)On Arrive triggers a script that, based on parent, loads the correct primary disassembly matrix (from a source table) for that part. Double click on lines in the browse to open outside forms with embedded browse with similar On Arrive event script that, in turn, loads sub-disassembly matrix, or component inspection instructions. Double click on any embedded browse line for a single component not needing disassembly opens a dialog box to complete the blank fields in the browse. User has no direct access to alter records in any browse. On closing each subsequent form, the ON Depart writes back to the previous forms matrix an "X" in either the "accept" or "reject" column of the browse.

In a sense, all part disassemblies and component inspections are daisy chained together...

If my wordy paragraph makes any sense at all(!), then you'll realize that refreshing the forms/screens after each script is crutial, as the data must be refreshed with every double click, and with every form close.

The only way I could trigger a guaranteed refresh was to use sys_send_keys("{F5}"). It works, well, but when the scripts are running, I can watch the keyboard and see the caps lock light flashing on and off!

Even if I could isolate the problem, trying to send it to Alpha, and describe what had to be done to simulate it would be nearly impossible!

I'm just telling you all this to let you know that you are not alone with this one, but I can be of little help at this time.

The key criteria for the problem does sound like it involves embedded browses and sys_send_keys(), but I cannot confirm if it is machine specific. I'll keep my eyes open in the future and get back to you. Because it is the num lock for you, and the caps lock for me, I suspect the machine may be a factor.

Yea, I know, I'm not a lot of help...

Craig

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

thanks - what's a problem is that for me when the numlock goes off, and they use the key pad, it sends the wrong thing and can cause erratic behavior.

[CraigSchumacker]

RE: How to control Num Lock

Martin:

Yes, I see your problem. My caps lock is no biggee, as all the fields force uppercase anyway. I'm just not crazy about the Christmas tree effect while the script runs...

OK, have you considered calling a windows API to set the "virtual" state of the keyboard? I have never tried it, but it could be possible. I don't think it will light the Num Lock LED, but WIndows would respond like the key was pressed, by my understanding...

Before you get too excited, though, I haven't had very much luck getting API's to work very well in Alpha, and it might take some time on your part with no success. It is possible you can do it in A5, I just can't guarantee it. There are a couple article's at www.learn alpha.com that show the use of API in Alpha, one for calling graph components, and one for calling zip DLL's.

However, if you know someone fluent in Visual Basic (perhaps even for hire), you could package a VBasic solution for it, calling the VBasic compiled .EXE from A5 when needed. If you use an installer, you could install the Vbasic EXE and corresponding DLL files (and the user32.DLL that contains the SetKeyboardState-VK_NUMLOCK api) to flip the toggle for the num lock). I would expect the VBasic deal would take about an hour to create and test thoroughly, maybe less. Based on my use of VBasic, it might add a couple seconds to you script time, and I'm pretty sure it could run invisibly, but again, not positive.

I think Ira indicated that he had better luck calling an API in V5 than in V4, but I have no time to confirm this personally, sorry...

Just throwing out an idea here, since it sounds like you have no other alternatives... Sorry the solution is such a bandaid...

Craig

[martinwcole]

RE: How to control Num Lock

thanks for your ideas