Editing datasets in the medit grid
The following is a quick overview of how to edit a datasets in the medit grid.
Medit input datasets are simple text files. Medit parses these text files and presents the msmac inputs in a grid format. As you navigate the grid, medit displays information on each input or field. The information includes the variable name and units. The majority of editing in medit will be accomplished by simply selecting a cell which contains the variable you wish to change and making the change.
You can also use the graphic edit command which allows you to make changes and view the changes in a graphic display. Please see the Graphic Display section for information on using the Graphic display option to make changes to your msmac input file.
Some input variable are the control header for input tables; they define the size and increments for input tables, like for braking or steering. These table headers have to be edited in , and these input variables may
The following are the simple steps to make a change to an input variable:
o Click on a field with the mouse in the grid, for example, in the following we have selected field 2 of input card 1 as depicted in Figure 58:
Figure 57 grid edit, field select with mouse field 2, cards1
Notice that the ‘helper’ field displays the description of the input variable ‘The end time for the simulation’.
o Msmac Input file Help file: At any time when you navigate the msmac input file, you can get additional information on the input card you are editing by simply pressing the F1 button (the 1st Function button above the tab key on most keyboards). This will bring up the msmac input help file for the card you are working on. For example, press F1 now. The help file should load as depicted in Figure 59.
Figure 58 msmac input file help file brought up with F1 key
Returning to the medit grid, and our location on input card 1, field 2;
o With the field highlighted, if you simply start typing, for example the numbers 1234, the numbers you type are inserted before the existing number as depicted in Figure 60
Figure 59 results of select a field with mouse and then start typing 1234
o Now you could now use your arrow keys or the mouse to move to the number 5 and delete it and thereby change the field from 5 to 1234. This is a technique where you can change a existing field while retaining the original field and then going back and deleting the numbers from the original field. This can also be used to modify part of a field.
Another way to edit a field is as follows:
o 1st cancel your changes by selecting the Esc key (upper left corner of keyboard) which removes any changes you made to the field
o And then select a field to make a change by using the highlight the field as depicted in Figure 61
Figure 60 field selected and highlighted with the mouse
o Now when you start typing, for example 1234, the existing field is replaced with the new numbers as depicted in Figure 62
Figure 61 field contents replacement with 1234
o Now to save a field in which you have made changes, simply select another field with the mouse or arrow keys as depicted in Figure 63
Figure 62 field change accepted once the focus moves from the changed field
Table Header and Table Edit mode