Version:    DRAFT 38.21c
Entry Date: 5 Oct 2001 - 6 Dec 2001
Problems:

• If you pin swap or apply other modifications to PCB traces originated from schematic BUS structures, and then use Back-Modify, the Layer 8 change highlights are not automatically moved back to the bussing layer. A subsequent cycle of Forward-Modification and then Back-Modification will refuse to update the apparently dual updated schematic.
  Workaround: If your changes are in the .SLK file save them elsewhere. Use the 'Workaround' fix on the (unmodified) schematic and generate a new Rats-nest & Reference (.URF) file. Ignore the generated .SLK file, and back-modify from the PCB layout that includes your changes.
  Avoidance: Initially refuse the offer to automatically change the layer of modifications. Find any updated busses and use [Layer ...] from (Local Menu > Layer) specifying the bus layer (usually 7) to update modified bus lines.
  

• Startup command DRAFT * and DRAFT "*" produce convenient file selection dialogues.
  
• Postscript output is available for direct from DRAFT (used as the primary printer output for the Linux form).

Version:    DRAFT (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 6 Dec 2001 - 5 Aug 2002
Problems Fixed:

• If you pin swap or apply other modifications to PCB traces originated from schematic BUS structures, and then use Back-Modify, the Layer 8 change highlights are not automatically moved back to the bussing layer. A subsequent cycle of Forward-Modification and then Back-Modification will refuse to update the apparently dual updated schematic.
  Workaround: If your changes are in the .SLK file save them elsewhere. Use the 'Workaround' fix on the (unmodified) schematic and generate a new Rats-nest & Reference (.URF) file. Ignore the generated .SLK file, and back-modify from the PCB layout that includes your changes.
  Avoidance: Initially refuse the offer to automatically change the layer of modifications. Find any updated busses and use [Layer ...] from (Local Menu > Layer) specifying the bus layer (usually 7) to update modified bus lines.
  
• Closing the parameter dialogue box after selecting [Browse] may induce an unexpected formal artwork repaint. On complex artworks this can be annoying.
  Advice: If you use Browse facility much, select [Always Browse] the first time you invoke it so that the whole area under the dialogue box can be stored if the graphics/operating system support this.
  
• [Flash Markers] and [Flash Markers...] from (Reconnect > Options) refuse to execute. The cause is that the underlying function
  DRAW <attribute requirement> [<n> [ <name list> ] ]
  only works sensibly when <attribute requirement> is '-' (Draw all attributes including Library). The documentation is wrong in that the <n> <name list> part must be included.
  Workaround: None - this problem has been present since 12.2c with no reports.
  
• Menu command [Break Corner...] from (Edit > Break) Prefixes a '%' symbol to the name you provide.
  This command is documented as being BREAK % <name> but should in fact be just BREAK <name>.
  Workaround:- Avoid the menu system entry and type the command 'br nametouse'
  o [Flash Markers] and [Flash Markers...] from (Reconnect > Options) refuse to execute. The cause is that the underlying function
  DRAW <attribute requirement> [<n> [ <name list> ] ]
  only works sensibly when <attribute requirement> is '-' (Draw all attributes including Library). The documentation is wrong in that the <n> <name list> part must be included.
  Workaround: None - this problem has been present since 12.2c with no reports.
  
• The WIREGEN message "Suspect incomplete signal(s) on Layer ... includes a ridiculous layer number, and fails to ask the question of whether you want the items moved to another layer.
  Workaround: Reply No and fix the offending signal(s) interactively.
  
• The WIREGEN message "Force Touching for gap ... " means that your step size is so large signals may fall onto the wrong pins. Select [Step/grid & Cursor] from (Options) and select a typical step size like '50' or 1.25
  
• [Command line and .DEX command files only]
  CREATE and FIRST line drawing command forms accept only integer <width> parameters, and apply only 0.1 of the specified value.
  Workaround: Specify 10 times the required width.
  
• BOX setting of Pick/Blink markers sets markers in any background library, and PICK/BLINK COPY and TRANSFER obey these markers in the background.
  Workaround: Remove the background library before using these features - [Clear Background] from (Symbol > Retrieve>)
  
• All forms of settings of Copper depth lists resistances 10 times to small.
  Explicit numeric settings of Resistivity lists resistances 10 times too big.
  Workarounds: First explicitly set [Various] from (Route > Resistivity > Set Copper Depth) and then [Ohm Metre ...] from (Route > Resistivity > Set Coefficient) entering 1.68E-8 for Copper to obtain the correct results.
  History: Artworks imported from Vutrax 11 have compatible values and when carried forward no problem arises.
  
• If startup command DRAFTEXEC contributions from CONFIG.MCH and CONFIG.GRF exceeded 80 characters including auto-inserted ';;', only the first command in the list is executed.
  
• If the first ever dimensioning (DIM) operation on a file uses the typed command form, the decimal point is mis-initialised as 'end of string' and decimals do not appear. Workaround 1: Initially use the dialogue (command DIM?). Workaround 2: Initialise include option 'T.' to assign the decimal point as a dot (or whatever you want).
  
• Individual Picked points that are Pad shapes have warning triangles gratuitously displayed as well as the pad.
  
• [Linux only] MAKELIB SHAPE & other variants used .LIB extension in upper case.
  
• [Linux Only] The EXEC BEEP function available in .DEX (DRAFT command) files did the timing but did not make any sound.
  
• [Linux only] Some direction buttons in BUS dialogue did not toggle properly.
  Workaround: [Reset] and click the direction. If this leaves more than one set then, [Reset Again], set all the other controls, and [OK]. Click the command line at the bottom, click the most recent command, and change 'RU' to whatever you want. Press <enter>.
  
• [Linux Only] DRAFT (and theoretically MENUVTX and SEE) will exit unexpectedly without saving when it has drawn about 30,000 'pull down menu' symbols in main and local menus. This includes colour changes and those in pull-downs that appear momentarily as you move over items. Normally takes an hour or so of intensive normal use to occur.
  Remedial: If it occurs look for a ....auto.bak file to see if it recovers some of your lost work.
  Workaround 1: Exit (with Save) Restart regularly.
  Workaround 2: After Vutrax 12.4a is issued, either upgrade, or download vtxinstall.zip, unzip it into your home directory, & in a BASH shell execute './vtxinstall ./gash' When the initial unpack of 5 files is complete [Cancel], copy ./gash/rtl/libtwin32.so over the version in ./vutrax/rtl (or wherever) & remove directory /gash.

Old Version:  VTXMSG 4.02a
New Version:  VTXMSG 4.02b (Type B only)
Entry Date:   3 Nov 2001
Problem Fixed:

• [Windows 98SE only]: There is a low incidence problem with Freeware and Shareware refusing to run, spuriously reporting 'KEY MISSING OR WRONG S/N'.
  Fix: Download file vtx12 3 vtxmsgb 4 02b.r01 from the updates section, select [Update] from (File > Setup > Configuration), select the style of configuration, and install this file.
  Downloads after 3 Nov 2001 and CDs dated after this have the fix in an updated vtx12 3b.m08 (was 363,511 bytes, now 395,999 bytes).
  If you continue to have trouble please contact the office.

Version:    TOOLBOX (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 1 Feb 2002 - 20 Apr 2002
Problems Fixed:

• [Make Job Library] from (Tools > library) (BUILDLIB) fails to optimise out duplicate pad shape definitions (PADSHAPE ...) when they are longer than 64 characters. The effect is normally a file slightly larger than necessary. However, If you repeatedly include the previous job library when building new libraries, the file size may grow absurdly.
  Avoidance: Build job libraries from original libraries only.
  Fix: A development fix is available on request.
  
• If you have unconnected pins in a schematic library that have no corresponding entry in the physical library, the 'ANNOTATE' and 'BACK-MODIFY' functions complain of a mismatch between schematic and reference (.URF or .MRF) file.
  Remedial action: Use [Library Test] from (Analayse) in Schematic mode to detect the mismatch
  
• [Linux Only] BUILDLIB forced all file names to upper case, and consequently did not find them.

Version:    PLOT (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 21 Dec 2001 - 30 Jun 2002
Problem Fixed:

• [Windows ME, NT, 2000 & XP only] If you attempt printer access though the BIOS, typically by using your own command (.BAT) file without specifying the output destination, Windows ME, NT, 2000 & XP refuse. Unfortunately the message box suggests that you are using the Linux version. This just a typographical error.
  Avoidance: Follow the suggestions in the message box.
  
• Paths to Plot control files or destination files that exceed 81 characters may cause malfunctions.

Version:    DESRULE 34.04c (VUTRAX 12.3b Update)
Entry Date: 21 Nov 2001
Problem Fixed:

• Checks using [Power layers] from (Tools > Routing > Design Check > Build Rules) (or the explicit the POWERLAYERS directive) may produce spurious warnings on all but the first and last POWERPLANE directive for any layer that is split into 3 or more areas.
  (The generation of multiple split planes works fine.)
  Fix: Updates for Windows and Linux versions are available for download.

Version:    WIRE 68.00b (*** In Preparation for VUTRAX 12.4a)
Entry Date: 5 Aug 2002
Problems:

• [Linux Only] Hierarchy references in upper case (as in file from DOS and Windows files) can't find standard lower case files.

Vutrax to PSPICE Menu System (*** In preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date:   1 Feb 2002
Problem Fixed:

• [Linux only]
  Selecting [Spice Simulation] from (Functions) does not work.
  Workaround: Select manual Volume [Pspice Simulator Interface] section [Running the program], and enter the required command line option using [Option x] from [Specify].
  Fix: Request a development MENUVTX. Remove any VTXPSP.MNU files in projects that have upper case names, then install the supplied vtx12 3 menuvtx 10 09 dev b linux.t01

Version:    SEE (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 18 Dec 2001 - 30 Jun 2002
Problem Fixed:

• Spell checking can leave the start of correct words highlighted if you type slowly on a partially typed or unrecognised word. About 0.5% of such words can be effected. Workaround: Save the file (Ctrl+S) to fix the highlights.
  Avoidance: Restore windows by clicking icons in the taskbar.
  
• If you use a selectable printer style (as opposed to the default printer) and nothing gets printed, select [Properties] and make any unimportant change (e.g. select [Landscape], [Apply], [Portrait], [OK]. Printer output should then work correctly.

Old Version:  VTXUDDU (Various - not previously logged)
New Version:  VTXUDDU 5.01a
Entry Date: 12 Aug 2001
Enhancements:

• Upgraded to 32 Bit executable handling 'long' file names and with much larger capacity.
  
• Absence of option -du and -ud implies 'convert to current operating system'.

Version:    PRINTFRM (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 21 Dec 2001
Problem Fixed:

• [Windows ME, NT, 2000 & XP only] If you attempt printer access though the BIOS, typically by using your own command (.BAT) file without specifying the output destination, Windows ME, NT, 2000 & XP refuse. Unfortunately the message box suggests that you are using the Linux version. This just a typographical error.
  Avoidance: Follow the suggestions in the message box.

Version:    VTXHELP 2.00b (Vutrax 12.3b)
Entry Date: 5 Oct 2001
Enhancement:

• Uses standard dialogue boxes for searches rather than web page based forms. (The Windows version can be made to revert to the previous form).

Version:    VTXHELP (*** In Preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 3 Nov 2001
Problem:

• The Vutrax Help List of volumes include one (or depending on your configuration, more) '&amp'. Read as '&'.

Version:    AMAYA 3.2.1v [Linux only] (VUTRAX 12.3b)
Entry Date: 5 Oct 2001
Function:

• HTML Browser with local CGI capability used for help and tutorial system.

Version:    SQUASH 11.00a (VUTRAX 12.3b)
Entry Date: 30 Jun 2002
Problems:

• [This problem is only when SQUASH is used in an ad-hoc tool. Use for installation, menu squashing etc. is OK.]
  The source file name is not network address aware when using the subdirectories option. In packed files the network address is embedded in the packed file names. More seriously, when not packing (DON'T TRY THIS)
  squash \\remote\c\fred\*.* \ -e -s
  overwrites the source files before they have been read.
  Workaround: Map a driver letter to \remote\c and reference the network drive using this.
  Fix: request issue 11.01a which includes extra consistency checks, and blocks writing to the current source file.

Version:    VTXSETUP 12.3c
Entry Date: 23 May 2001 - 5 Oct 2001

Enhancements:

• Explicit recognition of Windows XP.
  
• Looks for Interface modules from the same directory and offers to install them as part of the primary installation.

Version:    VTXSETUP 12.3d (Issued for Linux only)
Entry Date: 24 Nov 2001
Problem:

• [Linux Only] Update to Vutrax on Red-Hat Linux 7.2 (& possibly other distributions around Nov 2001) using Gnome may induce a crash of 'Panel' (possibly not until the next login). The inducing factor is the update of desktop icons.
  'vtxshell.desktop' was (harmlessly) named 'vtshell.desktop'.
  Workaround: To get the user environment usable again try:-
  [New Terminal] from (Right Click on Desktop)
  mv .gnome-desktop xgnome-desktop
  Ctrl+Alt+BackSpace (Forces X to shutdown)
  Login again (or 'startx' according to system setup)
  Double Click [xxx's Home], select 'xgnome-desktop' and drag desktop items you want to keep onto the desktop.
  [Up], and then [Move to Wastebasket] from (Right Click on 'xgnome-desktop')
  Fix: VTXINSTALL 12.3d makes the problem less likely, & provides an option to avoid creating desktop icons. This is part of the 'Pre-installer' download.

Version:    VTXSETUP 12.3e (Issued for Linux only)
Entry Date: 1 Feb 2002
Problem:

• [Linux only] Some Linux distributions include 1000's of fonts. Part of library libtwin32.so only looked at the first 512 at any resolution, and can fail to find critical fonts. Installation may fail, or a Linux system updated with a resident Vutrax may fail to run without error message.
  Workaround: Remove or do not install unused fonts.
  Fix: Download 'vtxinstall' dated 1 Feb 2002 or later. [Enable Changes] from (File > Setup > Configuration). Exit Vutrax. Perform an 'update' by running 'vtxinstall' and using your existing .m0? files.

Version:    VTXSETUP (*** In preparation for Vutrax 12.4a)
Entry Date: 16 July 2002
Problem:

• A relative path for installation folder sometimes tries to install into a subfolder of the masters folder. If the copy phase of install succeeds, the startup phase may fail.
  Workaround: Browse the folder and ensure it is 'full path'.

Version:    VTXSHELL 5.01a (VUTRAX 12.3b)
Entry Date: 5 Oct 2001 - 16 July 2002
Enhancements:

• Windows XP recognised as "Windows XP".
  
• DIR allows listing of Create/Change of Owner, Link count, Mode etc., Last Modified or Last Accessed date as part of listing and in date range selection. Only works with appropriate filing systems in the Windows version.
  
• ARCHAFTER environment variable introduced (primarily for Linux but usable in Windows).
  
• Files of size over 4,294,967,295 bytes (only possible with the Windows NTFS file system) are listed and summed as 999,999,999.
  
• DIR <path>\*. lists all files in Windows XP, but the (intended) only extension-less files in Windows 95, 98 etc. Cause: A workaround for a bug in Windows 95 that works OK in Windows 98 but not in XP.
  May effect the files listed in the menu system and other file list expansions. The is no significant impact on normal operation.

Version:      VTXFIND 1.04a (VUTRAX 12.3b)
Entry Date:   5 Oct 2001
Enhancements:

• The search results are written to comma separated variable file vtxfind.csv.

Version:    VTXTOSPC 4.03, SPCTOVTX 4.06 (VUTRAX 12.3 Updated)
Entry Date: 3 Nov 2001
Problem Fixed:

• [Windows Only]: [Help] for the Specctra interface does not work in new installations because there is no help file.
  Fix: Download and install the updated module from the web site.

Version:    BMP2VTX (Vutrax 12.3b Updated)
Entry Date: 3 Nov 2001
Problem Fixed:

• [Windows only]: [Help] from (Functions > Bitmap to Vutrax) fails.
  Workaround: In the Help Dialogue [Contents List] select 'Bitmap to Vutrax Converter', [List sections] & [View Section].
  Fix: Download and install the updated module from the web site.