THIS SERVICE MANUAL IS ISSUED IN ADOBE

ACROBAT FORMAT FOR EASE OF VIEWING

AND DISTRIBUTING AND CAN BE VIEWED
AND PRINTED AS REQUIRED.

A LIST OF CHAPTERS IS SHOWN ON THE

LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE SCREEN. CLICKING
ON AN ARROW WILL DISPLAY THE
CONTENTS OF THE CHAPTER. TO VIEW THE
REQUIRED CHAPTER OR SECTION, CLICK ON
THE TEXT OF THE REQUIRED HEADING.

THE LIST CAN BE HIDDEN BY CLICKING THE

LEFT ICON ON THE TOOLBAR AND WILL BE
DISPLAYED BY CLICKING ON THE SECOND
TO LEFT ICON.

TO MOVE THROUGH THE MANUAL, USE THE

SCROLLBAR OR THE SINGLE ARROWS IN THE
TOOLBAR (PAGE UP AND PAGE DOWN). THE
DOUBLE ARROWS ON THE TOOLBAR MOVE
TO THE FIRST AND LAST PAGES.
THE PAGE CAN BE ZOOMED IN BY CLICKING
ON THE MAGNIFYING GLASS IN THE
TOOLBAR. THIS TOOL WILL ALSO ZOOM OUT
(e.g. WHEN VIEWING CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS) IF
THE CTRL KEY IS PRESSED WHEN CLICKING
ON THE PAGE.

THE PAGE WILL BE EXPANDED IF THE RIGHT

PAGE LAYOUT ICON IS CLICKED JUST TO THE
LEFT OF THE SEARCH BINOCULARS ICON.
THE FULL PAGE WILL BE DISPLAYED IF THE
MIDDLE PAGE ICON IS CLICKED.

SOME OF THE TEXT IN THE MANUAL IS

COLOURED:- CLICKING ON BLUE TEXT WILL
MOVE TO A LOCATION IN THE SAME
CHAPTER AND CLICKING ON RED TEXT WILL
MOVE TO A LOCATION IN A DIFFERENT
CHAPTER.

TO RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL POSITION

AFTER MOVING THROUGH A LINK, CLICK
THE RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON THEN SELECT
GO BACK.

THIS PROCEDURE WILL ALWAYS MOVE BACK

THROUGH THE SCREENS EVEN THOUGH A
LINK WAS NOT USED.
 LLOYD INSTRUMENTS LTD

BATCH TESTING UTILITY

V2.0 ISSUE 3

FOR USE WITH NEXYGEN V4.0

PART NUMBER 40/0717

March 2000
 LLOYD INSTRUMENTS LTD

12 Barnes Wallis Road

Segensworth East

Fareham

Hampshire

PO15 5TT

Telephone: +44 (0) 1489 486399

Fax: +44 (0) 1489 885118

ISSUED BY TECHNICAL SUPPORT DEPT

Direct phone line +44 (0) 1489 486422

V2.0 ISSUE 3 CONTENTS 1

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General 1
1.2 Utility Features 2
1.3 Creating the Required Tests 3
1.4 Configuring Microsoft Word 3
1.5 Configuring Microsoft Excel 4
1.6 Installing the Utility 5
1.7 Selecting the First Test 5
1.8 Selecting Export Options 9
1.9 Selecting Default Global Options 16
1.10 Selecting Other Tests 17
1.11 Removing Unwanted Tests 18
1.12 Changing the Utility Logo 18

2 STAND ALONE EXAMPLE 1

2.1 All Production Samples are Tested Using One NEXYGEN Batch 1

3 STAND ALONE EXAMPLE 2

3.1 Each Production Batch Uses a Different NEXYGEN Batch 1

4 USING THE UTILITY VIA AUTOMATION

4.1 Running the Utility from Excel via Automation 1
4.2 Adding Data from an Excel Macro to NEXYGEN 9
4.3 Detailed Notes for the Utility Commands 11

5 EXCEL AUTOMATION EXAMPLE 1

5.1 Automatic Customers Name on the Report 1

6 EXCEL AUTOMATION EXAMPLE 2

6.1 Pull Tests with Different Pass/Fail Limits 1

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

The Lloyd Instruments NEXYGEN Software is a very powerful Materials Testing Program which
fully supports all of the usual Windows 95 features and also contains other very powerful features
which make it one of the most comprehensive Materials Testing programs available. The program
may appear to be complicated to use by those operators who are not so familiar with computers
so the Batch Testing Utility was created to simplify its operation. The Utility is a separate program
which combines with NEXYGEN to make a very easy to use testing system. Therefore, any
operator can quickly and easily test samples, export data to Excel and obtain printed reports using
the minimum number of mouse clicks (or keypresses).

The Batch Testing Utility can be used as shown below:-

1 To create a stand-alone testing system where a product is always tested using the same
NEXYGEN Batch File, e.g. 40 micron film is always tested using the NEXYGEN File called
“40 micron Film.” This file can be automatically archived either after a specified time period
or when the number of samples exceeds a specified value. The archived file has the same
name as the original followed by the dates of the first and last tests. When a file has been
archived, a new file with the original name is automatically created and this is used when
subsequent samples are tested.

2 To create a stand-alone testing system where a product is tested using a NEXYGEN Batch
File which has the same name as the product Batch Number, e.g. film from production
batch “BA67” is tested using the NEXYGEN File called “BA67 40 micron Film.” When a
new production batch is made, a new NEXYGEN File can be easily created to match the
batch name, e.g. “BA68 40 micron Film.”

3 To create an Integrated Testing System using Microsoft Excel, Access, Word or any other
program that supports OLE2 Automation. This system can be easily configured to suit the
testing requirements.

In all cases, the test data can be automatically transferred to Excel at the end of each test and/or
at the end of a batch (even if the batch is ended early by clicking on the EXIT BATCH button).
The data at the end of each test can consist of graph data points and/or measured results and
will be transferred after the SAVE TEST button has been clicked. If the FAILED TESTS option is
selected in the configuration, then the data will only be transferred to Excel for failed tests. If the
ALL TESTS option is selected in the configuration, then the data for ALL tests will be transferred
to Excel UNLESS the REPEAT TEST button is clicked instead of the SAVE TEST button. This is
provided to eliminate the data from Excel if the test is obviously incorrect, e.g. the sample
slipped out of the grips. The graph data will always be overwritten by the next test but the
measured results can either be overwritten or the new data appended to the bottom of the
table if the APPEND option is selected.

The Excel worksheet is automatically saved after the data has been transferred.

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The data at the end of a batch consists of measured results and will be transferred when all the
samples have been tested and after the row data has been transferred. The measured results
can either be overwritten or the new data appended to the bottom of the table if the APPEND
option is selected.

The utility can also automatically run a pre-defined macro in the Excel Worksheet or
Workbook. If the PRE-TEST MACRO option is selected in the configuration, the data will be
transferred to Excel, the Macro run and the worksheet saved BEFORE the SAVE TEST/REPEAT
TEST buttons are displayed. This allows Excel to calculate various results and transfer the data
back to NEXYGEN for PASS/FAIL checking before displaying the buttons. If the POST-TEST
MACRO option is selected in the configuration, the data will be transferred to Excel, the Macro
run and the worksheet saved AFTER the SAVE TEST button is clicked. The Excel worksheet is
automatically saved after the data has been transferred.

1.2 Utility Features

The Batch Testing Utility provides the following additional features to those provided by the
NEXYGEN program:-

1 Quick and easy display of graph screens during batch testing, without the user having to
open and close the graph screen manually for every sample.

2 Automatic entering of sample number into the NEXYGEN Batch.

3 Automatic Graph Re-Sizing at the end of each test.

4 Automatic closing of the Batch when the required number of samples have been tested.

5 Elimination from the statistics those samples that slipped out of the grips etc.

6 Pass/Fail Indication at the end of each test.

7 Automatic printout of sample results including test graph at the end of each test.

8 Automatic printout of batch statistics including overlaid graphs for the samples just tested
even if the batch was ended early by clicking on the EXIT BATCH button.

9 Automatic File Archiving either by date or by the number of samples tested.

10 Automatic transfer of graph data points and/or measured results to Excel.

11 Automatic display of the Software Console when the Utility is started and automatic hiding
of the Console when the Utility is closed.

12 Easy creation of Test Files from “Master Files” when each production batch requires a new
Test File.

13 Easy transfer of Completed Tests created from “Master Files” to a “Storage” directory.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 2

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

Therefore, this utility is mainly designed to run NEXYGEN in a "Batch Testing" mode where, say, 5
samples are tested in a "batch". The user only has to select the test, click on perform then load the
samples. The graph screen will be displayed for the selected number of samples and a Pass/Fail
indication will be displayed after each test. Any printed reports will be automatically produced if
selected. Any requested data will be automatically transferred to Excel and an Excel macro run if
requested. The utility can also automatically archive the batch when the required number of
samples have been tested, or daily, weekly etc.

1.3 Creating the Required Tests

The Batch Testing Utility allows PREVIOUSLY DEFINED test files (NEXYGEN Batches having the
suffix .bch) to be automatically run. Therefore, each Batch MUST be created and set up ready for
use, with at least one test saved, BEFORE the Batch Testing Utility can be used. The Result Units,
Pass/Fail Limits and Graph Axes should be selected before the Batch is saved.

1.4 Configuring Microsoft Word

The Batch Utility will automatically print the test reports as required but Microsoft Word may give
error messages during the printing if the Background Printing option is switched on. To disable the
Background Printing, start Word, select TOOLS, OPTIONS, PRINT then uncheck the
BACKGROUND PRINTING option.

The Overlaid Graph feature of a Batch Report requires a Macro to be created in Microsoft Word.
To create the macro, start Microsoft Word, select TOOLS, MACRO, MACROS, enter
BatchReportFinished as the Macro Name then click on the CREATE button. A screen will be
displayed with the beginning and end of the macro already entered but the complete macro text
should be altered to that shown below:-

Public Sub BatchReportFinished()

Selection.HomeKey Unit:=wdStory
Selection.Find.Execute FindText:="<Overlay>", Forward:=True
If Selection.Find.Found = True Then
Selection.Delete Unit:=wdCharacter, Count:=1
Selection.MoveRight Unit:=wdWord, Count:=1, Extend:=wdExtend
Selection.Delete
Selection.InlineShapes.AddPicture FileName:="C:\Overlay.wmf", LinkToFile:= _
False, SaveWithDocument:=True
End If
ActiveDocument.PrintOut
End Sub

When the macro is completed, close the macro editor by clicking on the close box on the top right
of the screen.

If an overlay graph is required in a Batch Report, it will be inserted where specified by an

<overlay> tag. The overlay graph is retrieved from the file C:\Overlay.wmf.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 3

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

1.5 Configuring Microsoft Excel

The Batch Utility can automatically export graph data points and/or test results to Excel after
each test and/or after the end of the batch. The Utility can also automatically start an Excel
Macro which can be used to calculate other results and can even pass these results back to the
Batch. Note that any results passed back to the batch are numerical values only, i.e. they
CANNOT contain UNITS, so load value can be passed back as (say) 50.65 and NOT 50.65N.

If the PRE-TEST MACRO option is selected, the data will be transferred to Excel, the
worksheet saved then the Macro run BEFORE the SAVE TEST/REPEAT TEST buttons are
displayed. This allows Excel to calculate various results and transfer the data back to NEXYGEN
for PASS/FAIL checking before saving the data.

If the POST-TEST MACRO option is selected in the configuration, the SAVE TEST button must
be clicked to transfer the data to Excel, the worksheet will then be saved then the Macro run.

If an Excel macro is required, start Microsoft Excel, select TOOLS, MACRO, MACROS, enter
the Macro Name then click on the CREATE button. A screen will be displayed with the
beginning and end of the macro already entered. Type the remainder of the macro then close
the macro editor by clicking on the close box on the top right of the screen.

If a result is to be passed back to the Batch, the macro must refer to the Batch using a
GETOBJECT command as shown in section 4.2.

The Utility can also be controlled by an Excel macro to make a fully integrated Materials Testing
system using OLE2 technology. This option provides additional features, some of which are only
accessible by commands in the Excel macro.

The macro commands allow:-

a Specifying the Batch Name to be used

b Specifying the number of samples to be tested

c Specifying and displaying pre-batch help information

d Specifying different result columns and/or pass/fail values to check the Pass/Fail status

e Creating specified picture files of every sample or those that failed

f Creating a specified picture file of all the tests overlaid onto one graph

g Running the Batch in a “No-Save” mode

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 4

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

1.6 Installing the Utility

The Batch Testing Utility has been designed for use with NEXYGEN V4.0. It can also be
used with NEXYGEN V3.0 if the BATCH.EXE file is replaced with V3.1 Issue 9 and the
GRAPH.EXE file is replaced with V3.1 Issue 2 but the list of Graph Axes may not be displayed for
an Excel Row Export if the NEXYGEN text is not set to display ENGLISH.

Please contact Lloyd Instruments for the V3.1 upgrade files which have to be copied into the
NEXYGEN folder (usually C:\PROGRAM FILES\NEXYGEN\PROGRAM). Please contact Lloyd
Instruments for upgrade details if the NEXYGEN version is only V1.1 or V2.

The utility is either supplied on two 3-1/2 inch floppy disks or via an email. If supplied on disks,
insert disk number one into the floppy drive, click on the START button, select RUN then enter
A:\SETUP. Insert disk number two when requested then press the ENTER key twice.

If supplied via email, copy the files into a temporary directory, double click on the SETUP file then
press the ENTER key twice. In both cases, the set-up program will automatically install the Utility
files to the folder C:\PROGRAM FILES\BATCH TESTING V2 and create a start-up option in the
PROGRAMS part of the START menu. If a different folder is required, this can be specified during
the installation.

1.7 Selecting the First Test

The required NEXYGEN Batch MUST be created with AT LEAST ONE TEST PERFORMED
then selected and configured by the Utility before they can be used for Batch Testing. Start the
Utility from the START menu to display the screen shown below:-

Note that this screen has a blank field above the PERFORM TESTS button and cannot be used
until at least one test has been configured.

The menu only has two options after the utility has just been installed but this menu may have one,
two, three or four options after the utility has been set-up ready for use. At least one NEXYGEN
Batch must be selected for use with the utility by clicking on the CONFIGURATION menu option
to display the Configuration screen as shown below:-

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 5

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The top part of the screen (labelled NEXYGEN Batch File) is blank which indicates that no
NEXYGEN file has been configured. Click on the SETUP menu option then select NEW to display
the Windows File Open screen shown below:

Locate the required Batch, changing folders as required, then click on Open to select the Batch
and return to the configuration screen as shown below:-

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 6

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The field to the right of the filename shows that this file is a “Test File”, i.e. one that the
operator can use for testing samples. The settings on this screen and the EXPORT screen only
apply to THIS file, so every test file can have different settings.

The file can be viewed, if required, by clicking on the VIEW BATCH button and this can be used
to set-up pass/fail limits, check graph axes etc.

The “No of Samples” field will default to 5 Samples and this should be altered as required. The
Sample Sequence Number, e.g. 1, 2, 3 etc. will be automatically entered into the Batch unless
the “Auto Sample No” option is switched off.

The Pass/Fail Status can be automatically entered into a new text column in the Batch for use
with Word Reports etc. and is selected by the “Pass/Fail Status” checkbox. A new column will
be automatically created in the batch and this column will contain the text Passed if the sample
passed AT THE TIME OF THE TEST or Failed if the sample failed. This column can be used in a
Word Report by using a report tag of <Values Pass/Fail Status>. Note that the text in the
Pass/Fail Status column is automatically entered AT THE TIME OF THE TEST and will NOT
change if the Pass/Fail criteria is altered later.

A Word report can be printed at the end of a test (Row Report) or the end of the batch (Batch
Report). A Row Report contains the results for the test with the test graph. This can be printed
either for all tests or only for those samples which FAILED. A Batch Report contains the data for
ALL the tests in the "Batch" with or without a graph of all the tests overlaid.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 7

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

If a Word Report is required, click on the required report drop down box to display a Word
Report field as shown below:-

To select the required report, click on the relevant field then select the report from the
Windows Open screen shown below:-

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 8

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

Select the required archive option. If the “Max Samples in Batch” option is selected, the
maximum number of samples will default to 1000 but can be changed as required. Note that the
maximum number of samples that can be stored in the Batch is approx. 1500 if Windows 95 or
Windows 98 is used, but there is no limit if Windows NT is used. The test file will be archived at
the end of a “Batch” when the number of samples exceeds the specified value.

If the “Daily”, “Weekly”, “Monthly”, “Quarterly” or “Yearly” options are selected, the test file
will be archived when the difference between the current date and the date of the last test
meets the specified conditions. The test file will be archived when it is selected from the user
drop down box before the test is started. The test file may also be archived at any time by
displaying the Configuration Screen then clicking on the “Archive Now” button.

Whenever a test file is archived, the file will be saved with a new name which is a combination of
the original name, the date of the first test in the batch, the date of the last test in the batch, an
optional sequence number then the optional archive reference. The Archive Reference may be
used to identify a laboratory name etc if all the data is archived to a central file server.

If a test file called Plastic Cup is archived, the archive file may become (say) Plastic Cup
01101999 12101999. A new file will then be created with the original name so that the batch
testing utility will automatically continue to operate with the new batch. If the test file is archived
again on the same day, the second archive will be called Plastic Cup 01101999 12101999 1. If
the test file is archived a third time on the same day, the third archive will be called Plastic Cup
01101999 12101999 2. This allows the test file to be archived several times during the day if
required.

The test results (including obvious failures) will normally be saved into the Batch Table but the
user may be given an option to Abort bad data by clicking on “Allow Tests to be Aborted”. If
this checkbox is unchecked, the SAVE TEST/REPEAT TEST screen with sample Pass/Fail status
will NOT be displayed after each test so EVERY TEST will be automatically stored in the Batch.

1.8 Selecting Export Options

The Utility can be used to Export data to Excel during the testing by clicking on the EXPORT
menu option to display the blank screen as shown below:-

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 9

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The test data may be exported at the end of each test (Row Export) and/or at the end of each
batch (Batch Export). The export screen contains two Tabs and a single drop down box. If a
Row Export is required, click on the first drop down box and select either “Export All Tests” or
“Export Failed Tests.”

Click on the Workbook field and select the required Excel Workbook from the Windows Open
screen. If the selected Workbook contains more than one Worksheet, the exported data will be
transferred to the Worksheet specified in the Worksheet field. Note that if the specified
Worksheet does not exist, the Utility will transfer the data into the Active Worksheet.

If a Macro is to run in Excel AFTER the data has been transferred, click on the second drop
down box, select either PRE- SAVE MACRO or POST-SAVE MACRO then enter the macro name
in the new field.

If Excel is to be displayed during the data transfer, check the “Show Excel” checkbox. If Excel is to
be Automatically Closed after the data transfer, check the “Auto Close” checkbox. The second
option can be used to prevent the operator from changing data during the transfer. The workbook
is AUTOMATICALLY SAVED after EVERY data transfer to protect against accidental data loss.

The screen below shows data transfer to worksheet number 1 of the “Certificate of Conformity”
workbook, hiding Excel during the transfer but leaving Excel running after the transfer.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 10

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The “Row Export” option has a graph data points feature which can be used to redraw the test
graph in Excel or to analyse the graph. The graph data consists of 2 sets of graph points and each
set has to be selected by clicking on the GRAPH X AXIS and GRAPH Y AXIS fields. Clicking on
one of these fields will display a list of the Graph Axes available for the LAST TEST in the Batch,
which MUST contain a GRAPH. The required axis is selected by double clicking on the required
name. Note that when using foreign language versions of NEXYGEN V3, the graph axes may not
be listed so these have to be entered by clicking on the optional + then typing the axis name.

The Graph Axes selection screen with optional + for V3.1 is shown below:-

The data points will be exported into adjacent columns, e.g. “A” and “B”. The top cell will contain
the Axis Title, e.g. cell “A1” could contain the Title “Load” and the data points will be stored in the
cells below, e.g. “A2” downwards. The first column will default to “A” but this can be changed as
required between “A” and “Y” and is specified in the COLUMN field. The second column will
automatically be one column to the right, e.g. between “B” and “Z”. The number of data points
will default to 100 but this can be changed as required as specified in the DATA POINTS field.

When graph data points are selected, ALL the DATA in the 2 SPECIFIED COLUMNS will be
DELETED before the new data is transferred to ensure that no old data can alter the table. For
example, if a previous graph export contained 1000 data, then if a new export of only 100 points
was performed, the first 100 points would be correct but the remaining 900 data points would
obviously be incorrect. Therefore, the columns are always deleted to ensure that only the new
data is displayed. Note that there can only be ONE set of graph data points in the Excel worksheet
UNLESS a macro is created to automatically transfer the points to (say) worksheet 2.

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The “Row Export” option also has a Test Results feature to transfer the measured Test Results to
the worksheet. The required data is selected by clicking on one of the RESULT fields to display a
list of ACTUAL results then double clicking on the required text. The Test Result can either be
output as TEXT (together with the Result Unit, e.g. 50.75 N) or as a VALUE (without the Result
Unit, e.g. 50.75) if the VALUE checkbox is ticked. The Result Title will be stored in the Cell
specified by the CELL field and the data will be stored in the cell below, e.g. if CELL “C1” is
selected, cell “C1” will contain the Result Title and cell “C2” will contain the result for the sample.
The CELL specified for RESULT 1 will default to C1 but this can be changed as required between
“A1” and “Z65536.” Note that the Result Title will change depending upon whether the result is
output as TEXT or as a VALUE. If the data is output as TEXT, the Title will not specify the Units,
e.g. LOAD, but if the data is output as a VALUE, the Title will specify the Units, e.g. LOAD (N).

The data will be automatically overwritten when next test is performed UNLESS the “Append
Data” checkbox is ticked when the new data will be stored under the previous data, e.g. cell “C2”
will contain the result for sample number 1, cell “C3” will contain the result for sample number 2
etc. This allows a complete table of test results to be created as the samples are tested and may be
used to calculate statistics etc. When a Batch of tests has been performed, this column may need
to be manually erased before the next batch is tested.

Up to 20 Test Result parameters may be exported and are selected by the scrollbar at the right
hand side of the screen.

The Test Result selection screen is shown below:-

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

If an Excel macro is required to calculate a special result that will be stored in the Batch, the macro
must be able to access the Batch using Automation. This requires the FULL PATH of the Batch to
be known by the macro and this can be achieved by outputting the Batch Name to Excel using the
field at the bottom of the screen. The specified CELL will contain the Title “Data from Batch” and
the cell below will contain the full Batch Name and Path. This can be used as shown in section 4.2.

A completed Row Export screen is shown below:-

The data transfer may be checked by clicking on the TEST button which will open the specified
worksheet, transfer the data and run the specified macro. Note that Excel will ALWAYS be
displayed during a Test Run, even if the SHOW EXCEL option is NOT selected, so that the data
transfer can be viewed for checking purposes. However, when the Utility is run in normal
operator mode, Excel will be displayed or hidden as specified by the Show Excel checkbox.

Note that an error message will be displayed when the TEST button is clicked if cell references are
duplicated or certain fields are left blank. If a “Row Export” is not required after it has been
defined, select “No Export” from the first drop down box to disable it.

If no BATCH EXPORT is required, click on the OK button. If a BATCH EXPORT is required, do

NOT click on OK but click on the BATCH EXPORT TAB to display the Batch Export screen.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 13

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

If a Batch Export is required, click on the dropdown box, select “Batch Export, click on the
Workbook field and select the required Excel Workbook from the Windows Open screen. If
the selected Workbook contains more than one Worksheet, the exported data will be
transferred to the Worksheet specified in the Worksheet field. Note that if the specified
Worksheet does not exist, the Utility will transfer the data into the Active Worksheet.

If a Macro is to run in Excel AFTER the data has been transferred, click on the second drop
down box, select RUN MACRO then enter the macro name in the new field.

If Excel is to be displayed during the data transfer, check the “Show Excel” checkbox. If Excel is to
be Automatically Closed after the data transfer, check the “Auto Close” checkbox. The second
option can be used to prevent the operator from changing data during the transfer. The workbook
is AUTOMATICALLY SAVED after EVERY data transfer to protect against accidental data loss.

The screen below shows data transfer to worksheet number 1 of the “Test” workbook, hiding
Excel during the transfer, running the macro called “results” then closing Excel.

The Test Results for the Batch just performed (e.g. the 5 samples just tested) can be transferred to
the specified worksheet by selecting them in the RESULTS fields. Clicking onto any of the RESULT
fields will display a list of ACTUAL results which can be selected by double clicking on the required
text. The Test Result can either be output as TEXT (together with the Result Unit, e.g. 50.75 N)
or as a VALUE (without the Result Unit, e.g. 50.75) if the VALUE checkbox is ticked.

V2.0 ISSUE 3 INTRODUCTION 14

 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The Result Title will be stored in the Cell specified by the CELL field and the data will be stored in
the cell below. If CELL “C1” is selected, cell “C1” will contain the Result Title, cell “C2” will
contain the result for sample number 1, cell “C3” will contain the result for sample number 2 etc.
The CELL specified for RESULT 1 will default to C1 but this can be changed as required between
“A1” and “Z65536.”

Note that the Result Title will change depending upon whether the result is output as TEXT or as
a VALUE. If the data is output as TEXT, the Title will not specify the Units, e.g. LOAD, but if the
data is output as a VALUE, the Title will specify the Units, e.g. LOAD (N).

The data will be automatically overwritten when a new Batch is tested UNLESS the “Append
Data” checkbox is ticked when the new batch data will be stored under the previous data. This
allows a complete table of test results to be created as all the samples are tested and may be used
to calculate statistics etc.

Up to 20 Test Result parameters may be exported and are selected by the scrollbar at the right
hand side of the screen.

When both Export screens are correct, click on the OK button on either screen to return to the
CONFIGURATION screen shown below:-

Note that a new checkbox labelled “Export Data” is now displayed which indicates that a Excel
Export has been specified and is enabled. If the export feature is to be temporarily switched off,
e.g. during a new product trial, uncheck this box then recheck it again later to resume the export.

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

1.9 Selecting Default Global Options

The Configuration Screen Menu has a GLOBAL option which is used to define a Password, select
the Language, control the Software Console and define Test Directories. The set-ups may be
password protected by selecting GLOBAL, PASSWORD then entering a password. If a password
has been specified, the main screen CONFIGURATION menu option will not be displayed so the
operator cannot change any of the set-ups. If a set-up requires changing, or a new test has to be
defined, double click on the main screen logo then enter the password. The CONFIGURATION
screen will be displayed and the test can be configured.

When the CONFIGURATION screen is exited, the password will still be active so the
CONFIGURATION menu option will not be displayed. To remove the password, move to the
CONFIGURATION screen, click on GLOBAL, PASSWORD then click on the CANCEL button.

The default text displayed within the utility is English, but this can be changed as required by
translating the messages in the ENGLISH.LNG file in the C:\PROGRAM FILES\BATCH TESTING
V2 folder. Copy the ENGLISH.LNG file to the required name, e.g. FRENCH.LNG, load the file
into a text editor (e.g. Notepad) then translate the text. Note that the FIRST LINE must NOT be
altered, otherwise the utility will not run. To select the new language, select GLOBAL,
LANGUAGE then select the text file from the drop down list. Note that the utility MUST be
closed then restarted before the messages will change to the selected language.

The NEXYGEN Software Console can be automatically started and displayed when the utility is
started then automatically hidden when the utility is closed. To define this feature, select GLOBAL,
CONSOLE then select the checkbox action for both Standalone and Automation operation.

The Utility can automatically create test files from pre-defined MASTER Files and can also transfer
the completed test files in the WORKING DIRECTORY to a Storage directory. To use this feature,
select GLOBAL:, MASTERS, DIRECTORIES to display the screen shown below:-

Click on the MASTER DIRECTORY field then select the required directory to store the MASTER
Files.

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Note that a new directory may be created using this dialogue box and MASTER NEXYGEN Files
can also be created by right clicking the mouse button then selecting NEW, NEXYGEN BATCH
DOCUMENT. If the required directory is empty, click on CANCEL otherwise select a file then
click OK.

Click on the WORKING DIRECTORY field then select the required directory for the test files.
This is the directory for “OUTSTANDING WORK “or is the “WORK IN PROGRESS” directory.
Click on the STORAGE DIRECTORY field then select the required directory to store the
COMPLETED TEST Files.

The two check boxes define whether an operator can create test files from the pre-defined
Master Files or transfer the Completed Test files to the Storage directory. These check boxes are
ONLY applicable if a PASSWORD has been defined. If these options are allowed, or no password
is used, then the main screen menu may have additional options of CREATE and/or STORE.

If the MASTER DIRECTORY is specified and at least one NEXYGEN file is present in this directory
then the CREATE option will be given either if no password is defined or if the “USER CAN
CREATE NEW BATCHES” option is selected when a password is defined.

If the STORAGE DIRECTORY is specified and at least one NEXYGEN file is present in this
directory then the STORE option will be given either if no password is defined or if the “USER
CAN STORE FINISHED BATCHES” option is selected when a password is defined.

If the operator is not given permission to create or store batches, the supervisor will have to
perform these tasks by entering the CONFIGURATION screen then selecting the menu options
of GLOBAL, MASTERS, CREATE or GLOBAL, MASTERS, STORE. The action of these screens is
shown in section 3.

1.10 Selecting Other Tests

If another test is to be configured, select SETUP, NEW, select the NEXYGEN file then set-up the
options as shown previously. When all the tests have been defined, click on the OK button to
return to the main screen. The main screen is the screen that the operators will use and only has
the drop down box with a list of tests and a button to perform the test as shown below:-

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Note that the name of the LAST DEFINED or LAST USED NEXYGEN Batch is displayed in the
field above the PERFORM TEST button. Note that the screen shown above has the
CONFIGURATION menu option because NO PASSWORD has been defined but does NOT have
the CREATE and STORE menu options.

If a password has been defined, the Configuration menu option is removed and the screen below
only has the operator HELP option which displays brief information about using the program.

1.11 Removing Unwanted Tests

Any tests that have been previously defined may be removed from the Utility by moving to the
CONFIGURATION screen, selecting the test using the drop down box, then selecting SETUP,
DELETE.

1.12 Changing the Utility Logo

The utility will normally display the NEXYGEN Logo as shown in this manual but can display a
different logo if required. The picture should be 240 x 90 pixels and MUST be stored in the Batch
Testing directory (generally C:\PROGRAM FILES\BATCH TESTING V2) with a name of Batch
Testing.WMF.

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2. STAND ALONE EXAMPLE 1

2.1 All Production Samples are Tested Using One NEXYGEN Batch

If a product is always to be tested using the SAME NEXYGEN Batch, i.e. all springs are to be
tested with a Batch called “Spring”, then the test should be configured with a suitable ARCHIVE
option, e.g. Archive weekly. The operator will always select the test setup called “SPRING” so if
this test is not immediately displayed on the main screen, click on the drop down box then select
the test from the drop down box as shown below:-

The test is started by clicking on the PERFORM TEST button which will automatically open the
NEXYGEN Batch and display the Graph screen displayed similar to that shown below:-

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Note that this graph screen also contains a text box (annotation) to indicate the test action. This
box was created when the Batch was first defined using the ANNOTATE feature of the
NEXYGEN GRAPH so could contain notes to assist the operator.

The test is controlled by the NEXYGEN Batch Testing dialogue box shown below:-

This dialogue box may be moved to any position on the screen and will retain this position for ALL
tests. Click on the PERFORM TEST button to test sample number 1. The dialogue box will
disappear and the usual NEXYGEN test dialogue box may be displayed to request any sample
information, e.g. Lot Number, Hour, sample dimensions etc.

Fit the sample then click on OK to start the test.

The test will be performed as defined in the NEXYGEN Batch and the graph will be drawn as
usual during the test. When the test has finished, the graph will automatically resize to the best fit
then another dialogue box may be displayed which indicates the sample Pass/Fail status. Note that
this screen will NOT be displayed if the “Allow Tests to be Aborted” checkbox was not checked
in the Test Configuration.

This screen allows the test to be saved or to be repeated (e.g. if the sample slipped out of the jaws
etc.). If the sample passed the Pass/Fail criteria, or no Pass/Fail criteria was specified, the dialogue
box will display a green tick as shown below:-

If the sample failed the Pass/Fail criteria, the dialogue box will display a red cross as shown below:-

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Clicking on SAVE TEST will save the Batch, export the Row Data to Excel then print a Row
Report as specified in the test configuration, then display the dialogue box ready for the next
sample as shown below:-

If the test obviously failed, it can be repeated by clicking on REPEAT TEST but as this will loose
the test data, a confirmation dialogue box will be displayed as shown below:-

The Batch will end either when the required number of samples have been tested or the EXIT
BATCH button is clicked before the next test is started. When the Batch is ended, the Batch Data
will be exported to Excel and a Batch report will be printed if specified in the test configuration,
then the Batch will automatically close and the Utility will be redisplayed.

The operator will continuously use this setup to test the springs and the utility will automatically
create an archive of this batch when required. This archive will be stored in the ORIGINAL
directory but will NOT be displayed in the Utility drop down list. Therefore, the drop down list
only displays ACTIVE Batches, i.e. ones that are to be used for testing.

Note that if the Pass/Fail Status checkbox is ticked in the Test CONFIGURATION, the text in
the Pass/Fail Status column is automatically entered AT THE TIME OF THE TEST and will
NOT change if the Pass/Fail criteria is altered later.

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3. STAND ALONE EXAMPLE 2

3.1 Each Production Batch Uses a Different NEXYGEN Batch

If a product is to be tested using a different NEXYGEN Batch for each Production Batch or Lot,
i.e. Lot Number BA67 is to be tested using a Batch called “BA67 Spring”, then a MASTER
NEXYGEN File must be created and the MASTER, WORKING and STORAGE directories defined.

When a new production batch is made, the MASTER File is used to create a new test file which
will be used to test the samples and this file should be prefixed with the production batch number.

A MASTER NEXYGEN file is created the same way as a normal NEXYGEN file but MUST be
created in or saved to the MASTER directory. Note that when the setup information for a
MASTER file is viewed, the field to the right of the setup dropdown box will show MASTER FILE
and not TEST FILE.

If the operator is allowed to create new Test Files, the main screen will show a CREATE menu
option (and maybe a STORE menu option if working files are present) as shown below:-

The drop down box shows that the last spring tested was from production batch BA66.

When production batch BA67 is started, the operator selects CREATE from the menu to display
the AUTO BATCH CREATOR screen shown overleaf. To create the new test file, the operator
enters the production batch number in the FILE PREFIX field then selects which of the MASTER
files is to be used to create the new test file or files. When the options are correct, clicking on the
CREATE button will automatically create the test file or files and add them to the drop down box
ready for the operator to use.

If the operator is not allowed to create new Test Files, the supervisor will have to enter the
CONFIGURATION screen then select GLOBAL, MASTERS, CREATE.

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When the CREATE button is clicked, the main screen will contain the files for batches BA66 and
BA67 as shown below, so either test can be used depending upon the sample batch.

When the last sample from production batch BA66 has been tested, the NEXYGEN file can be
transferred to the STORAGE directory and the file name will be removed from the drop down
box. This prevents the operator from accidentally adding further tests to the BA66 file.

Therefore, the drop down list only displays “WORK IN PROGRESS” Batches, i.e. ones that are to
be used for testing.

To store a COMPLETED Batch, the operator selects STORE from the menu to display the
AUTO BATCH STORAGE screen shown overleaf which displays the same list of files as shown
on the main screen drop down box. Select the file or files to store then click the STORE button.

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

If the operator is not allowed to create new Test Files, the supervisor will have to enter the
CONFIGURATION screen then select GLOBAL, MASTERS, STORE.

Note that if there are many files displayed on the screen, i.e. many batches are in use, the list can
be restricted by clicking on the SEARCH button then typing the beginning of the filename, e.g.
“BA”. The drop down list will now only display test files which begin with “BA”.

Note that if the Pass/Fail Status checkbox is ticked in the Test CONFIGURATION, the text in
the Pass/Fail Status column is automatically entered AT THE TIME OF THE TEST and will
NOT change if the Pass/Fail criteria is altered later.

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4. USING THE UTILITY VIA AUTOMATION

4.1 Running the Utility from Excel via Automation

The Utility not only has the ability to export data to Excel but can also be controlled by Excel,
using OLE 2 technology, to create a fully integrated testing system which is even easier for an
operator to use. A simple Excel macro will start the Utility, which will control the test, then the
Excel worksheet will be automatically redisplayed when the last sample has been tested. This
allows the Quality Manager or Laboratory Supervisor to create a customised test routine with
very little macro code.

To create a macro, start Excel, open the required workbook to control the tests, select
TOOLS, MACRO, MACROS, enter the required name, e.g. TEST then click on the CREATE
button. A screen will be displayed with the beginning and end of the macro already entered. To
make a SIMPLE testing system, type the additional text so that the procedure is as shown
below:-

Sub Test()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

When the macro is completed, close the macro editor by clicking on the close box on the top
right of the screen.

This macro will start the utility which will automatically perform the tests using the LAST
BATCH that was used, i.e. the name of the test that would be displayed if the utility is started as
a stand alone program. The utility will then perform the test for the specified number of
samples, exporting the data and printing the Word Reports as defined in the test configuration.

The macro can be activated by creating a button on the worksheet so that when the operator
clicks on this button, the tests will be performed. To create a button, select VIEW, TOOLBARS,
FORMS then select the COMMAND BUTTON control on the new toolbar. Draw the button in
the required position on the worksheet then a dialogue box will be displayed showing a list of
predefined macros. Click on TEST then click on the OK button to return to the worksheet.
Select the button text by holding the left mouse button down while moving the mouse over the
text then type the required name, e.g. PERFORM TESTS. Click on the worksheet to de-activate
the button then close the FORMS toolbar by clicking on its close box on the top right corner of
the toolbar. The macro will now run when the button is clicked by the operator.

If 2 or more types of samples are to be tested, or a different number of samples is required, 2

or more buttons can be created and each button will need a slightly different macro. The Utility
is run by the macro command Util.RunTest, but this command can be customised by adding
extra parameters. These parameters are:-

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Util.RunTest “TestName”, Samples, “HelpText”, NoSave

Note that ALL of these parameters are OPTIONAL and the “NoSave” parameter is Boolean so
MUST be specified as TRUE if the data in the batch is not to be saved at the end of the batch.

The first parameter will override the default test name if the utility is started as a stand alone
program and the second parameter will override the setting on the Utility configuration screen.

If 2 buttons are required to control 2 different Batches, e.g. button 1 is to test a dumbbell using
a Batch called PLASTIC.BCH and button 2 is to test film using a Batch called FILM.BCH, then 2
macros are required as shown below:-

Sub Plastic()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Sub Film()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Film”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

If a different number of samples is required for each button, e.g. button 1 is to test 5 dumbbells
using a Batch called PLASTIC.BCH and button 2 is to test 10 dumbbells using the SAME
PLASTIC.BCH Batch called FILM.BCH, then 2 macros are required as shown below:-

Sub 5Test()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Plastic”, 5
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Sub 10Tests()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Plastic”, 10
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

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The buttons can be replaced by pictures so that the operator can click on, for example, a
picture of a dumbbell or a picture of a piece of film. To create a picture, select INSERT,
PICTURE, select either CLIP ART or FROM FILE then select the required picture. If a suitable
picture is not available, one can be created using Windows Paint or a similar graphics program.

When a picture is selected, it will be displayed on the screen with its sizing handles visible.
Resize the picture as required, click the RIGHT mouse button inside the picture, select ASSIGN
MACRO then a dialogue box will be displayed showing a list of predefined macros. Click on the
required macro name then click on the OK button to return to the worksheet.

Click on the worksheet to de-activate the picture then the macro will run when the picture is
clicked by the operator.

The Utility can display customised help for the operator before sample number 1 is tested. This
is achieved by adding a third parameter to the Util.RunTest command as shown in the 2 button
system shown below:-

Sub Plastic()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Plastic”, ,”Fit wedge grips to the machine”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Sub Film()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Film”, 3,”Fit air grips to the machine”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Note that the first macro does not specify the number of samples so the number of samples
specified in the Utility Configuration screen will be used. However, note that a COMMA MUST
still be used to indicate the separation between the first, second and third parameters.

If any “Help Text” is defined, this text will be displayed in the centre of a larger “Pre-Batch”
screen as shown below:-

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Up to 9 lines of text may be displayed and the text will automatically wrap when the length
exceeds the screen width so the command line:-

Util.RunTest “Weibull”, 3, "Fit air grips to the machine. Cut the film into 25mm wide
strips. Clamp the film into the top grip before clamping into the bottom grip."

will be displayed on the screen as shown below:-

The text may be made more readable by splitting it into defined lines with a blank line separating
them and this can be achieved by adding a “^” character to indicate the end of the line. The
command line

Util.RunTest “Weibull”, 3, "Fit air grips to the machine^Cut the film into 25mm wide
strips^^Clamp the film into the top grip before clamping into the bottom grip."

will be displayed on the screen as shown below:-

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The first two lines are displayed one under the other because of the single “^” character to
indicate the end of the first line. The third line has a blank line separating it from the second line
because of two “^” characters. The first “^” character indicates the end of the second line
and the second “^” character gives a blank line. Note that the COMPLETE help text MUST be
enclosed in ONE SET of quotes and NO quotes ( “ ) can be used within the text although a
single quote ( ‘ ) can be used if required.

If the test data is exported to an Excel Spreadsheet, for use within Excel or even for linking to
Word or an Access Database, it may be considered unnecessary to store the test results within
the NEXYGEN Batch file. The NEXYGEN Batch file can be run in a “No Save” mode by adding
a fourth parameter of “TRUE” to the Util.RunTest command as shown below:-

Sub Plastic()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.RunTest “Plastic”, ,”Fit wedge grips to the machine”, True
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

The tests will be performed as usual and the data will be exported to Excel by defining a
BATCH EXPORT with the “Append Data” option enabled. At the end of the Batch of tests, the
NEXYGEN Batch file will be DELETED so it is VERY IMPORTANT that the data transfer to
Excel has been correctly set-up and proved BEFORE using this command.

Additional features may be used via Automation but these MUST be defined BEFORE the
Util.RunTest command.

These features are:-

Util.AddData Sequence, “Column Title”, “Text Result”, Numerical Result

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Up to 10 parameters may be entered into the batch using sequence numbers of 1 to 10. Note
that only ONE of the “Text Result” or “Numerical Result” parameters can be used and if BOTH
are specified, only the “Text Result” will be entered into the Batch. Note that if any
Numerical Data is added to the batch, it will be included in the Statistics and SPC.

Util.PassFail Sequence, “Measured Parameter”, Lower Value, Upper Value, Status

Up to 5 Pass/Fail parameters may be used with sequence numbers of 1 to 5. Note that the
“Status” parameter is Boolean so MUST be specified as TRUE if a Pass/Fail column is required in
the batch.

Util.SaveGraph "Picture Name", Failed only

Note that the “Failed Only” parameter is Boolean so MUST be specified as TRUE if a graph is
only required if the sample fails.

Util.SaveOverlays "Picture Name"

Util.Version

This returns the version number of the utility and has limited use.

The features are used as shown below:-

The Util.AddData command can be used to enter Text or Numbers (but NOT values with
Units, e.g. 50 N) into the Batch Table instead of using the NEXYGEN Pre-Test question feature.
This can be used where an Excel worksheet contains a list of information, e.g. list of customers,
that is required to be automatically entered into the Batch to simplify the data entry and/or to
eliminate typing errors. Up to 10 Util.AddData commands may be used but each command
requires a DIFFERENT SEQUENCE number between 1 and 10. Note that any numerical data
that is entered into the Batch can be used to provide statistics, SPC graphs, Pass/Fail limits etc.

Two macros with different data inputs are shown below:-

Sub ProductA()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.AddData 1, “Company”, “Lloyd UK”
Util.AddData 2, “Phone”, “01489 486422”
Util.AddData 3, “Material”, “PVC”
Util.AddData 4, “Hardness”, ,21
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

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Sub ProductB()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.AddData 1, “Company”, “Lloyd France”
Util.AddData 2, “Phone”, “00 33 1 30 57 47 74”
Util.AddData 3, “Material”, “PET”
Util.AddData 4, “Hardness”, ,18
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

The Util.AddData commands will automatically add the data to the specified columns, creating
the columns if they do not already exist.

The Util.PassFail command is used to specify DIFFERENT Pass/Fail criteria to that specified in
the Batch. This can be useful if there are several products which use the SAME Test Setup, e.g.
they are all tested using the NEXYGEN PLASTIC.BCH file, but the Pass/Fail criteria is different.
This command will automatically create new columns in the Batch for EVERY Pass/Fail
parameter that is specified. If “Load at Break” is specified as a Pass/Fail parameter, a column
titled “Load at Break (Range) will be created which indicates the input low and high values.

Another column titled “Load at Break (OLE)” will also be created which will contain either a 1
(number one) if the sample passes the Load at Break criteria or a 0 (number zero) if the sample
fails the Load at Break criteria. This column can be formatted to 0 decimal places for readability
and a Pass/Fail Limit MUST be defined in the NEXYGEN BATCH and a suitable Pass/Fail limit
range is 0.9 to 1.1.

Two macros with different Pass/Fail Limits are shown below:-

Sub ProductA()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.PassFail 1, “Load at Break”, 55, 65
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Sub ProductB()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.PassFail 1, “Load at Break”, 100, 1000
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

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At the end of the test, the specified LOWER and UPPER Pass/Fail values are compared with
those measured and stored in the column of the NEXYGEN Batch table which has the same
Title as the specified MEASURED PARAMETER. Therefore, the column name MUST be
specified EXACTLY the same as in the Batch and the BATCH COLUMN MUST be formatted to
display the required units. Therefore, if the LOWER and UPPER Pass/Fail values are specified in
lbf, the Column in the Batch MUST be formatted to display the load in lbf.

Product A (tested by the first macro) will pass if the “Load at Break” value is between the small
range of 55 to 65 (units as set in the Batch Column). Product B (tested by the second macro)
will pass if the “Load at Break” exceeds 100, but the product specification does NOT have a
maximum value to indicate a failure.

If the Pass/Fail specification does not have an UPPER LIMIT, a suitable UPPER value is the
LOADCELL VALUE.

If the Pass/Fail specification does not have a LOWER LIMIT, a suitable LOWER value is 0.

The Pass/Fail Status is indicated by the SAVE TEST/REPEAT TEST screen and the Red
Row/Green Row indication in the Batch. However, if a Word Report is to indicate the Pass/Fail
status, another column titled “Pass/Fail Status” can be automatically created which contains the
text Passed or Failed. The text in this field can be used in a Word Report by using a Report
Tag of <Values Pass/Fail Status>.

To create this column, if it is NOT already selected as part of the Test Setup in the
CONFIGURATION screen, add an additional parameter to the Util.PassFail command, e.g.

Sub ProductA()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.PassFail 1, “Load at Break”, 55, 65, True
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Sub ProductB()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
Util.PassFail 1, “Load at Break”, 100, 1000, True
Util.RunTest “Plastic”
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Note that the text in the Pass/Fail Status column is automatically entered AT THE TIME OF
THE TEST so will NOT change if the Pass/Fail criteria is altered later.

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The Utility can automatically create a picture file for every sample, failed samples only and/or an
overlay graph of ALL the samples just tested in the Batch. These features are provided by the
commands

Util.SaveGraph "Path and Picture Name", Failed

and

Util.SaveOverlays "Path and Picture Name"

These commands are most useful if the NEXYGEN Batch is used in the “No Save” mode when
it will not be possible to view the graphs later in NEXYGEN. The Util.SaveGraph feature will
automatically add the sample number to the end of the PICTURE NAME, which could be the
sample ID number, so if 5 samples were tested using a sample ID of B67, the command:-

Util.SaveGraph "C:\B67"

will automatically create picture files called “C:\B67 – 1.wmf”, “C:\B67 – 2.wmf”,
“C:\B67 – 3.wmf”, “C:\B67 – 4.wmf” and “C:\B67 – 5.wmf”.

If picture file is only required if the sample FAILS the Pass/Fail criteria, add the second
parameter of “TRUE”. If samples number 2 and 3 failed when 5 samples were tested using a
sample ID of B67, the command

Util.SaveGraph "C:\Tests\B67", True

will ONLY create files called “C:\Tests\B67 – 2.wmf” and “C:\Tests\B67 – 3.wmf”.

If a graph containing all 5 samples overlaid onto one graph is required, the command

Util.SaveOverlays "C:\B67"

will automatically create a picture file called “C:\B67.wmf”.

In all cases, care must be taken to ensure that the filenames are UNIQUE because the files
WILL be automatically overwritten by a newer file with the same name.

4.2 Adding Data from an Excel Macro to NEXYGEN

If a Specialised Test Result is required that NEXYGEN does not directly provide, this result can
be obtained by exporting the required data to Excel then using Excel formulas with a macro to
calculate the value. If the required result is the load at the SECOND peak, this value can be
obtained by exporting the graph data to Excel. If the required result is (say) the load value
multiplied by a factor, this value can be obtained by exporting the load result to Excel,
performing the calculation then transferring the result back to the Batch.

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However, the Excel macro that it used to control the test will NOT wait until the batch of
of samples has been completed before performing the calculation and transferring the result back
to the Batch.

Therefore, a different macro MUST be used to perform any calculations and transferral of
data to the batch and this macro MUST be run by the utility as either a Row Export macro or a
Batch Export macro.

This macro must be able to reference the Test Batch so the Full Path and Name of the Batch
MUST be known by the macro. The Utility has a “CELL FOR BATCH NAME” field on both the
Row Export and Batch Export screens to enable the Path and Name to be transferred to Excel.

If a special test result is required (say) called “Strength” which is calculated from the formula
Load at Break / 3, then the Row Export screen could be defined as below:-

A macro called “Result” has to be defined in Excel to calculate the special value and transfer it
back to NEXYGEN. Note that this macro CANNOT be used to control the tests as explained
earlier.

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The macro could be

Sub Result()
Dim Batch as Object
Set Batch = GetObject(Range("A2").Value)
Batch.Row(Batch.Rows).Graph.Result("Strength”).Value = Range(“C2”).Value / 3
Set Batch = Nothing
End Sub

Note that the ACTUAL parameters are stored in cells A2 and C2. The cells specified in the
Utility Configuration screen are for the parameter TITLES.

Also note that by specifying a PRE-SAVE MACRO, the “Strength” result can be used as part of
the Pass/Fail checks so that the SAVE TEST/REPEAT TEST screen can indicate the status of the
calculated result. When the SAVE TEST button is clicked, the Batch is automatically saved by the
Utility so the calculated result is stored in the Batch. It is unnecessary and NOT recommended
that the Batch is automatically saved by the macro because the sample data cannot then be
removed from the Batch by clicking on the REPEAT TEST button.

However, if a POST-SAVE MACRO or a BATCH MACRO is used to obtain the result, the Batch
is not automatically resaved by the Utility so the macro MUST save the Batch as shown below:-

Sub Result()
Dim Batch as Object
Set Batch = GetObject(Range("A2").Value)
Batch.Row(Batch.Rows).Graph.Result("Strength”).Value = Range(“C2”).Value / 3
Batch.Save
Set Batch = Nothing
End Sub

4.3 Detailed Notes for the Utility Commands

The Utility is controlled by passing parameters via the Automation commands. If the parameters
are typed directly in the macro script, (e.g. Util.RunTest “Plastic”, 5), care must be taken to
ensure that the parameters are passed in the correct order and are of the correct type. A TEXT
parameter MUST be enclosed by quotation marks but a NUMERICAL parameter must NOT.

If the parameters are passed to the Utility via VARIABLES, (e.g. Util.RunTest “Plastic”, X)
these variables MUST be declared as the correct type (String, Integer, Single or Boolean) using
either PUBLIC, PRIVATE or DIM statements.

Some parameters are OPTIONAL but if another parameter is specified AFTER it, the comma
MUST be used to indicate that this parameter is omitted, e.g. Util.RunTest ,5

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The full list of automation commands and their parameters is shown below:-

Util.RunTest Optional SelectTest as String, Optional Samples as Integer, Optional Help as

String, Optional NoSave as Boolean

Note that the following Automation commands MUST be specified BEFORE the
Util/RunTest command.

Util.AddData Sequence as Integer, Title as String, Optional TextResult as String,

Optional NumResult as Single

Sequence can be between 1 and 10, i.e. 10 parameters can be added to the Batch

Util.PassFail Sequence as Integer, Parameter as String, Low as Single, High as Single,

Optional Status as Boolean

Sequence can be between 1 and 5, i.e. 5 parameters can be used for Pass/Fail checks

Util.SaveGraph Name as String, Optional Failed as Boolean

Util.SaveOverlays Name as String

Util.Version Returns the Utility Version Number as a String

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5. EXCEL AUTOMATION EXAMPLE 1

5.1 Automatic Customers Name on the Report

This example shows how Excel can be used as a simple database which stores a list of Customer
Names and Addresses. The system is intended for use when only ONE product is tested using
ONE NEXYGEN Batch. When the operator has some tests to perform, the customer is
selected from the database list then the PERFORM TEST button displayed on the worksheet is
clicked. The Utility controls the tests and also automatically enters the customer details into the
NEXYGEN Batch. When the last sample has been tested, the Utility will automatically print the
Batch Report (assuming that this has been correctly set-up) with the customer name and
address.

Before creating the Excel System, create a NEXYGEN Batch to perform the tests and configure
the test speeds, pre-test questions etc as required. Perform one test, define any Pass/Fail Limits
then save the batch. Now create the required Word Report, entering the “Merge Report Tags”
where the customer details are required. Assume that the NEXYGEN COLUMNS will be
labelled “Customer”, “Address 1”, “Address 2”, “Address 3”, “Address 4” and “Address
5”. Enter the Report Tags of <First Customer>, <First Address 1> etc where the address
is required then enter the tags where the measured results are required, e.g. <Values
Maximum Load>, <Mean Maximum Load>, <COV Maximum Load>, <DEVIATION
Maximum Load> etc. Save the Word document ready for use. There is no need to print a test
document at this time because the NEXYGEN columns for the customer details are not present
until the batch is run from the automation.

Start the Batch Testing Utility manually, select CONFIGURATION, select the newly created
NEXYGEN Batch, enter the required number of samples then select the newly created Word
document for use as a BATCH REPORT.

Create the Excel Testing System by starting Excel, selecting one worksheet then setting the first
6 columns to a suitable width to fit the screen (22 was used in the screen shown below:-). The
NEXYGEN COLUMN Titles used in the Word Report MUST be entered into the first row of
each column, i.e. “Customer”, “Address 1” etc. The system will automatically create these
columns in NEXYGEN so care must be taken to ensure the correct spelling.

A button is required on the worksheet, (similar to that shown in section 4.1) which will run the
“Perform Test” macro. Another macro is required to run if the mouse is clicked in ANY cell, so
the “Visual Basic Editor” is used instead of the simple macro editor shown earlier.

To create the button, select VIEW, TOOLBARS, CONTROL TOOLBOX., select the
COMMAND BUTTON control on the new toolbar then draw the button in the required
position on the worksheet. Click the right mouse button over the drawn Button, select
COMMANDBUTTON OBJECT, EDIT, select the button text by holding the left mouse button
down while moving the mouse over the text then type the required name, e.g. PERFORM
TESTS. Click on the worksheet to de-activate the button, click on EXIT DESIGN MODE on the
toolbar then close the CONTROL TOOLBOX toolbar by clicking on its close box on the top
right corner of the toolbar.

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Enter some customer details so that the screen looks similar to that below. Note that any
unused cell a the row, e.g. cell “E4” in the example MUST have a SPACE entered into it by
pressing the spacebar, otherwise the Word Report will not be correct.

To create the macro, select TOOLS, MACRO then VISUAL BASIC EDITOR to display the Visual
Basic screen shown below:-

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 NEXYGEN BATCH TESTING UTILITY V2

The macro consists of 2 parts:- The first to select the customer name and the second to
perform the test. Both macros are activated by clicking onto sheet 1, so it is easier to create the
macros as part of sheet 1. To create the macros, first double click on the “Sheet 1” Icon in the
left “Project” windows a shown above.

Enter the following text in the right hand “macro” window:-

Public X As Integer

Click on the left hand drop down box labelled “(General)”, select CommandButton1 and a Sub
Procedure will be created with the beginning and end of the macro already entered. Type the
additional text so that the procedure is as shown below:-

Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim Y As Integer
Dim Util As Object

X = ActiveCell.Row
Range(Cells(X, 1), Cells(X, 6)).Select
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
For Y = 1 To 6
Util.AddData Y, Cells(1, Y), Cells(X, Y)
Next
Util.RunTest
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Note that the Sequence Parameter (Y) passed to the Util.AddData command is provided by
a VARIABLE so this variable MUST be specified as an INTEGER using the DIM command.

Click on the left hand drop down box again, select Worksheet and a Sub Procedure will be
created with the beginning and end of the macro already entered. Type the additional text so
that the procedure is as shown below:-

Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Excel.Range)

X = ActiveCell.Row
If X = 1 Or Cells(X, 1).Value = "" Then
CommandButton1.Visible = False
Exit Sub
Else
Range(Cells(X, 1), Cells(X, 6)).Select
CommandButton1.Visible = True
End If
End Sub

Exit the “Visual Basic Editor” by clicking on the close box on the top right hand corner of the
screen to return to the worksheet, then save the workbook using the FILE, SAVE menu option.

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To test the system, click on cell “A1”, check that only cell “A1” is selected and that the
“Perform Test” button is not visible. Click on cell “A2”, check that the complete row is selected
(most of the row will be shown in reverse highlight) and that the “Perform Test” button is
displayed. Click on any empty cell and check that only that cell is selected and that the “Perform
Test” button disappears.

Select a customer by clicking anywhere in the row, e.g. cell “D2”, click the PERFORM TEST
BUTTON and check that the Utility starts the correct NEXYGEN as shown on the taskbar.
Perform one test, click the SAVE TEST button then click the EXIT BATCH button. Check that
the Word Batch Report prints with the correct customer details then check that the Excel
worksheet is re-displayed. If this operates correctly, recheck using a different customer name.

When the system has been proved to operate correctly, enter additional customers as required,
noting that ALL address cells MUST contain data (press the SPACEBAR on any blank cells) and
also note that the data in ALL address cells MUST be entered BEFORE entering the data into
the Company Name cell.

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6. EXCEL AUTOMATION EXAMPLE 2

6.1 Pull Tests with Different Pass/Fail Limits

This example shows how Excel can be used as a simple database which stores a list of Products,
the number of tests required per product and the minimum pull forces per product. A suitable
product could be transformer cores, each having a different number of terminals moulded into
it. The system is intended for use with only ONE NEXYGEN Batch but as each product could
have a different pull-out force, the Pass/Fail limits are specified via the automation and not as a
NEXYGEN Pass/Fail limit within one of the measured columns, e.g. Maximum Load.

When the operator has to test a part, the product is selected from the database using a drop
down box then the PERFORM TEST button displayed on the worksheet is clicked. The Utility
controls the tests, offers the graph screen for the required number of pull tests and checks each
pull-out force against the specified Pass/Fail Limits. New columns with the Pass/Fail Range,
Pass/Fail OLE and Pass/Fail Status are automatically created by the Utility. The Pass/Fail OLE
column will contain a number which will be 0 (zero) for a Fail and a 1 (one) for a Pass so the
Pass/Fail status can be displayed by defining Pass/Fail Limits of 0.9 to 1.1.

Before creating the Excel System, create a NEXYGEN Batch to perform the tests and configure
the test speeds, pre-test questions etc as required. Perform one test, format the “Status”
column to 0 decimal places, set the Pass/Fail limits to 0.9 and 1.1 then save the batch. Now
create the required Word Report, entering the “Merge Report Tags” where the measured
results are required, e.g. <Values Maximum Load>, <Values Status>, <Mean Maximum
Load>, <COV Maximum Load>, <DEVIATION Maximum Load> etc. Save the Word
document ready for use. There is no need to print a test document at this time because the
NEXYGEN column for the Pass/Fail Status is not present until the batch is run via automation.

Start the Batch Testing Utility manually, select CONFIGURATION, select the newly created
NEXYGEN Batch then select the newly created Word document for use as a BATCH REPORT.
There is no need to change the “No of samples” field because this information will be supplied
via the automation.

Create the Excel Testing System by starting Excel and selecting two worksheets. Display the
first worksheet, enter the Company Name in Cell “A5”, select the required font and point size
(e.g. Arial, 20 point, Bold) select cells “A5” to “O5” then click the MERGE AND CENTRE
Toolbar option. Enter the text “TRANSFORMER TERMINAL PULL-OUT SYSTEM” in cell “A8”,
select the required font and point size (e.g. Arial, 16 point) select cells “A8” to “O8” then click
the MERGE AND CENTRE Toolbar option. Enter the text “Transformer Product Code” in cell
“A12”, select cells “A12” to “O12” then click the MERGE AND CENTRE.

Enter the text “Press the button to start testing” in cell “A20”, select cells “A20” to “O20” then
click the MERGE AND CENTRE.

To create the drop down box, select VIEW, TOOLBARS, CONTROL TOOLBOX., select the
COMBO BOX control on the new toolbar then draw the drop down box over cells “F14” to
“J15”.

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Click the right mouse button over the Combo Box, select PROPERTIES, click on STYLE, click
on the drop down arrow then select option 2. Click on the close box on the top right of the
PROPERTIES window.

Select the COMMAND BUTTON control on the new toolbar then draw the button over cells
“G22” to “I23”. Click the right mouse button over the drawn Button, select
COMMANDBUTTON OBJECT, EDIT, select the button text by holding the left mouse button
down while moving the mouse over the text then type the required name, e.g. PERFORM
TESTS. Click on the worksheet to de-activate the button, click the right mouse button over the
Button, select PROPERTIES, click on FONT, click on the drop down arrow then select the
required font size and bold etc, e.g. Arial, 12, Bold.

Click on the close box on the top right of the PROPERTIES window, click on the worksheet to
de-activate the button, click on EXIT DESIGN MODE on the toolbar then close the CONTROL
TOOLBOX toolbar by clicking on its close box on the top right corner of the toolbar. The
screen should look similar to below:-

Click on the SHEET 2 Tab at the bottom of the screen then set the column width of “A” to 50,
“B” to 15, “C” to 50 and “D” to 15. Enter column Titles of “Product Code”, “Number of
Pins”, “Help Information” and “Lower Limit” in the first row of each column. Enter some
product details so that the screen looks similar to that below:-

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The macro consists of 2 parts:- The first to list the products in the drop down box and the
second is to perform the test. Both macros are activated by clicking onto sheet 1, so it is easier
to create the macros as part of sheet 1. To create the macros, first double click on the “Sheet
1” Icon in the left “Project” windows a shown below:-

Click on the left hand drop down box labelled “(General)”, select CommandButton1 and a Sub
Procedure will be created with the beginning and end of the macro already entered. Type the
additional text so that the procedure is as shown below:-

Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim Util As Object
Set Util = CreateObject("NEXYGEN.ExcelUtility")
X = ComboBox1.ListIndex + 2
Util.PassFail 1, "Maximum Load", Worksheets(2).Cells(X, 4), 1000, True
Util.AddData 1, Worksheets(2).Cells(1, 1), Worksheets(2).Cells(1, X)
Util.RunTest "Pull Test", Worksheets(2).Cells(X, 2), Worksheets(2).Cells(X, 3)
Set Util = Nothing
End Sub

Click on the left hand drop down box again, select Worksheet and a Sub Procedure will be
created with the beginning and end of the macro already entered. Type the additional text so
that the procedure is as shown below:-

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Sub Worksheet_Activate()
Dim Nextcell As Object
Dim X As Integer
Set Nextcell = Worksheets(2).Range("A1")
Do While Not IsEmpty(Nextcell)
Set Nextcell = Nextcell.Offset(1, 0)
Loop
Worksheets(1).ComboBox1.Clear
For X = 2 To Nextcell.Row - 1
ComboBox1.AddItem Worksheets(2).Cells(X, 1).Value
Next
Worksheets(1).ComboBox1.ListIndex = 0
End Sub

Exit the “Visual Basic Editor” by clicking on the close box on the top right hand corner of the
screen to return to the worksheet, then save the workbook using the FILE, SAVE menu option.

To test the system, click on the drop down box, select a product then click the PERFORM TEST
BUTTON. The Utility should start the NEXYGEN Batch so perform one test, click the SAVE
TEST button then check that the Pass/Fail status is reported correctly. Click the EXIT BATCH
button then check that the Excel worksheet is re-displayed. If this operates correctly, recheck
using a different product.

When the system has been proved to operate correctly, enter additional products into sheet 2
as required.

Note that the Utility can display different text if the ENGLISH.LNG file is modified then saved
with a different name. The file could be changed to say “READY TO PULL PIN 1 OF 4” instead
of “READY TO TEST SAMPLE 1 OF 4”. The original ENGLISH.LNG file is copied to two other
files called TEST.LNG and NORMAL.LNG. The TEST.LNG file is modified as required then this
file is automatically used by the utility when transformer tests are performed. When the
transformer tests are completed, the NORMAL.LNG automatically replaces the modified file
ready for any other tests on a different product. The required files are renamed ready for use by
the utility by using the FILECOPY lines at the start and the end of the macro as shown below:-

Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Dim Util As Object

FileCopy "C:\Program files\Batch Testing - Excel\Test.lng", _

"C:\Program files\Batch Testing - Excel\English.lng"

(MAIN MACRO CODE HERE)

FileCopy "C:\Program files\Batch Testing - Excel\Normal.lng", _

"C:\Program files\Batch Testing - Excel\English.lng"
End Sub

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