ALTER\2 : Item Definitions

In DC305, the ALTERItems option allows you to examine items, rename items, print item definitions, and more.

To access the Items options window, enter the ALTER command and select [2] Items in the menu or enter ALTER \2 in the command line.

Expand the topics below to learn more about the Items options:

This feature is primarily used to add items not yet existing in the cowfile. From the Items drop-down menu, select Add [Ins] to edit the following:

  • Item name: Limited to five characters.
  • Item type: Choose from a predefined list of types.
  • Item description: Limited to 31 characters.

For calculated item types, you can select a pair of “operators” (OP1 and OP2*) that affect how the item behaves. For item types that accept other items as operators, press the space bar or up arrow key to display a list of current item names. To select an item, select or type the item name, then press the Enter key.

NOTE: In this case, “operators” do not mean the same as using system operators such as =, <, or x. For item definitions, OP1 and OP2 function as two preexisting items that combine as a variable to formulate a calculated item type.

Once an item definition has been reviewed and created, the system will ask if you wish to create another. If you would like to create another, the system will save the previous item and open a new window to create a new item.

This option allows you to delete items from each cow's record as well as the item table. Select the item you would like to delete, click the Delete [Del] option, and confirm deletion.

NOTE: The system will not delete any items numbered 1-89.

Use this feature to change an item name and/or description of your choice. Click on the item you would like to rename and select the Rename option in the Items drop-down menu. Once an item name/description has been changed, the system will ask if you would like to update command abbreviations. The system displays all commands that contain the item as well as an option for changing the commands contents.

NOTE: DC305 cannot update the MONITOR table, CowCards, and fresh item table. If an item has been moved to a different location in the table and has been given a new item number, make sure that your CowCard table, fresh table, MONITOR table, and command abbreviations have been properly updated.

These options are found within the Tools drop-down list at the bottom right side of the Items option window.

The system displays the numbers, names, types, operators (or storage location), and descriptions of all items in the current table. You can either print the list from the browser or export the information to a file.

To find a specific item, click the Find option or press the [F9] button on your keyboard. Enter the desired item into the search bar. The system will automatically locate the item as you type.

IMPORTANT: Do not use this feature until you have exhausted all other options. Once applied, all deleted items cannot be recovered.

If you use this feature, the system will delete all user-defined items after the first 89 items. To clear all item definitions, enter ALTER \S in the command line, and select [2] Items. Prior to deleting all item definitions, the system will ask for confirmation.

This option presents a list of item types and their formats. The system displays the list of item types when you create or modify an item, or when you enter a zero for the item type. This list can be printed or sent to a file.

This option is used to either preview an item or change its type and location. Select an item you wish to modify and press the Enter key. Once your desired changes have been made, you can either save the item or modify another item.

This option can be found within the Advanced drop-down list and is primarily used when VAS Support need to debug or manipulate the item table. You can also utilize this function to print, save the file, or view the availability for new items within the current table. If conflict is shown, you can modify or remove the item.

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