An Example to Get You Started

This example goes through the steps needed to display a simple plot. It is intended that going through this example will give you a basic idea of how the program works so that you can experiment for yourself.

In order to follow the steps you need a file called example.dat in your current directory. A suitable file to copy is

~pcs/example.dat

If this window gets in the way it can be moved in whatever way is usual for your window manager

• type motplot to start the program.
• move the pointer to the motplot menu bar and place it over the word "Commands". ( The menu bar is the area at the top of the motplot window containing the help menu that you used to get this window )
• press and hold down the left mouse button, a menu will appear
• still holding down the left mouse button move the pointer down the menu to "Read" and release the button, a second menu will appear. Click on the "file" button, a DIALOGUE will appear in a new window. Depending on the settings of your window manager you may have to position and size the new window yourself.
• move the focus into the DIALOGUE window - either by moving the mouse pointer there or moving it there and clicking. ( This is also controlled by your window manager ).
• type the name of the file
• if the file is not in the current directory then press the TAB key, use the delete key to delete the current contents of the "which is in directory" area and type in the directory name
• the example data file is of type "XYZ". To set the file type move the pointer over the XYZ button and click the left mouse button.
• move the pointer over the BUTTON labelled "Read" and press and release the left mouse button. This carries out the read operation which you have specified in the dialogue. A line will appear in the "List of Spectra"
• move the pointer back to the menu bar and select "Plot" from the "Commands" menu in the same way as you selected "Read" Another dialogue will appear.
• type the number 1 in the first text entry area of the Plot Construction Dialogue
• operate the "Plot" button of the Plot Construction Dialogue. A new window will appear containing a plot of the spectrum read in.
• to remove the plot window move the pointer to the plotting program menu bar and place it over the word "File".
• still holding down the left mouse button move the pointer down the menu to "Dismiss" and release the left mouse button. The plot window will disappear.
• to end execution of motplot move the pointer to the motplot menu bar and place it over the word "Quit".
• still holding down the left mouse button move the pointer down the menu to "Quit" and release the left mouse button. The motplot window will disappear and motplot will be terminated.