E-TRAC Settings and Patterns spreadsheet

[The Beep Goes On]

Hi folks,

Below is the intro comment in the file...

The Beep Goes On - E-TRAC Settings and Patterns

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Originally, this file started as an experiment in recreating an E-TRAC pattern in an Excel spreadsheet. It grew from there into what could be an active and long-term repository for all the settings and pattern information you may encounter and wish to document.

The motivation came from a wish for the capability to work with settings and patterns within a standard computer framework. You know, be able to live it, eat it, breathe it and pass it through my lower intestine. The large pattern grids and emphasis on documentation bear witness to these goals.

PC Xchange can only upload to the E-TRAC pattern files created on an E-TRAC. The E-TRAC Emulator can import emulator created pattern files as well as E-TRAC created pattern files. The emulator cannot export pattern files that will upload into an E-TRAC. In both cases, pattern creation requires the use of an E-TRAC, whether real or virtual. I am hoping to be able to import E-TRAC and emulator patterns and export emulator patterns in the next version, if possible.

For a casual user this utility might be interesting for a while. For a serious detectorist there are multiple purposes which this utility can address...

- A starting point for setting up your E-TRAC
- A repository for your settings and patterns which can easily be added to as you acquire new information
- For someone who records target information, this file provides a natural, free-form type of documentation
- Bench testers can benefit by recording their results as patterns (primitives)
- Can easily print, take screenshots, share pattern coordinates or the entire file
- Depending on your acquired data, new insights may be deduced using the Pattern Mixer

It remains to be seen whether this utility will be useful or not, but I hope it aids, informs or entertains you in some form or fashion.

Regards,
TBGO

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Welcome screen...

[EBCIII]

Good stuff! You really put some effort into it, Beale.

[The Beep Goes On]

Thanks Beale!

I spent some time looking at the .ptrn files and figured out their encoding scheme. So, Import/Export will added to the file soon.

Thanks,
Beep

[cntrydncr1]

I'm waiting on my etrac as we speak! this all looks too intimidating right now!

[The Beep Goes On]

Originally Posted by cntrydncr1

I'm waiting on my etrac as we speak! this all looks too intimidating right now!

Cool...I hope it comes soon. It's actually pretty simple once you're familiar with the machine.

Beep

[r49miner]

Hey Beep, I'm sure it's appreciated by those that use the E-Trac. I appreciate your efforts and I don't use the E-Trac. Lot of work went into that, thanks for sharing.

[Jason in Enid]

That's some really cool stuff you are doing there. One desire I have for a V.2 E-Trac would be the addition of a Memory card expansion, and the ability to record a signal response.

This way you could build a file, in combination with a program like yours, of actual targets for your area. you could find the exact differences between shallow and deep targets, co-located targets, iron falses, etc.

[The Beep Goes On]

Thanks Chuck and Jason!

Import/Export is a reality...works great. Need to finalize the file first, though.