  







Whale Express


















Information in this document is subject to change without 
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of 
Tartan Software.  No part of this document may be copied or 
reproduced by any means without the prior written consent of 
Tartan Software.  Tartan Software assumes no responsibility for 
any errors which might appear in this document.

This edition applies to Whale Express version 2.0

The Software, Whale Express and accompanying written 
materials are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.  
Tartan Software has made reasonable effort to assure it's safety 
and worthiness. but will not be responsible for damage 
exceeding the price paid for using the Software.











Copyright  1993-1994 Tartan Software.

All Rights Reserved











C-Room is a trademark of Tartan Software
America Online is a service mark of America Online Inc.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.






Table of Contents


What is Whale Express...................................	3

Getting Started......................................... 	3
		What is a Whale Express File.......................	4
		Command & Data.....................................	5
 		Things to Notice...................................	6
		Running a Whale Express (wex) file................	7

Whale Express Commands....................................	9

Command Variables......................................	21

Time, Date, Input Variables...........................		37

Common Questions & Answers............................		38

Appendix A:  ReadList....................................	39

Appendix B:  Sample Files.................................	41

Ordering Whale Express....................................	44


WHAT IS WHALE EXPRESS?

Whale Express is an example of an "application specific" 
scripting language.  Whale Express is custom designed 
to work with America Online for Windows.  While a 
number of scripting languages already exist in the 
Windows market, most are complex and require 
programming experience on the part of the user.  Whale 
Express is designed using K.I.S.S.(Keep It Simple 
Stupid) technology.  While future versions may include 
complex programming structures, this version uses 
knowledge of WAOL to include conditional information 
within Whale Express.

The free trial size version of Whale Express is available 
for downloading on America Online.  The only charge is 
the short time required for downloading. This free 
version of Whale Express is fully functional but is 
limited to 10 commands per script.    If you find yourself 
using Whale Express often, you'll probably wish to order 
the pro-version for a small fee.  Ordering is simple and 
an order form is available by clicking here.

Distribution of Whale Express is done strictly through 
America Online via electronic mail.  There are a number 
of advantages to ordering Whale Express and being a 
registered user.  Most importantly, you'll be eligible for 
support via electronic mail on America Online.  Tartan 
Software will also be sure you receive any maintenance 
and incremental feature releases of Whale Express.  Be 
sure to include your screen name when ordering. 


GETTING STARTED

First let me assure you that you don't have to be a 
computer programmer to use Whale Express.  It's easy 
to create straight forward, easy to use macro files which 
will save you time while using America Online.

Probably the best way to understand how to create your 
own scripts is to read this document, and then review 
the sample macro scripts we've included with Whale 
Express.  All of the scripts are documented under the 
online Help and are completely safe to use online.

Some scripts are useful in that you can use them to sign 
you on to America Online, perform requested functions, 
and sign off.  Other scripts are run when you're already 
online. For example, the forward.wex script is only used 
when you've recently read a mail message.


WHAT IS A WHALE EXPRESS FILE?

You'll notice that all Whalex scripts have the suffix,  
.WEX.  This is used to indicate a Whale Express script, 
even though a WEX file is the same as an ASCII text 
file.  Our program provides a full Windows style editor 
to view and edit your work.  You're not required to use 
this editor to create or edit scripts.  Since these files are 
ASCII text,  most any text editor will do.  If you're more 
comfortable using your favorite DOS editor, or even 
Windows 
Notepad, you'll be fine.

A WEX file is made up on a sequence of instructions.  
Each line of the file contains a new instruction.  Each 
instruction is processed one at a time, starting with the 
first line.  Each one of these instruction lines contains 
two parts,   the command and the data.  No special 
characters are required.  The command and data are 
separated by one or more spaces.

The syntax of a Whale Express instruction is straight 
forward and easy.  Many of the internally built 
application specific commands provide the error 
checking and conditional responses needed for useful 
scripting.  This allows scripts to be short and easy with 
as few commands as necessary.  The following is the 
simple syntax of a Whale Express instruction:

Command 		Data

* There must be at least one space between the 
Command and its data.

* Only one instruction per line.   

* Data strings DO NOT require any quotes for 
delimiters.  If you include quotes, they will be taken 
literally as quotes.

* The Whale command processor is case insensitive so 
you don't have to worry if your capitalization matches 
the examples in this document.

* Many data fields have default values so data is 
optional or not required.

* In many cases, the full text is not required in the data 
field. Whale Express allows partial text matches.


COMMAND & DATA

A complete list of commands is available in the online 
help.  Most relate directly to operations you're familiar 
with online.  Some examples include; Keyword,  Menu, 
SelectButton, Signon, SendText, and others.

The data portion of the instruction line varies depending 
on the command but is often, a filename,  text label, or 
control number.

Some scripts are useful in that you can use them to sign 
you on to America Online, performs requested 
functions, and sign off.  Other scripts are run when 
you're already online. For example, the forward.wex 
script is only used when you've recently read a mail 
message.

Suppose you're online, and you'd like to attend a 
conference in the Windows chat room.  Here's a simple 
script which will take you there. 

Keyword  Windows
SelectIcon	Conference

Perhaps this doesn't seem like it would be very helpful.  
It only saves you from a couple clicks right?  Well, it 
also saves you from staring at the computer screen 
waiting when the system performance might be a little 
slower than normal.

You might want to go ahead and add some additional 
instructions.  If you already know you're planning to 
attend the Windows conference, you might add the 
Signon command to the beginning of your script.  If 
you're already online, the Signon command is ignored so 
you can still use this script.  You might also want to add 
an automatic greeting when you enter the room.  This 
can be done with the SendText command.  This 
command will send text to an AOL chat room just as if 
you typed it in.  So, we end up with the following.



Signon
Keyword Windows
selecticon Confer
SendText  Hi everyone,  What's the topic tonight?

So,  here we have four simple instructions which will get 
you online, and get you started while you go grab a 
snack,  stop by the little boy's or girl's room, or explain 
to your spouse why you need to use the computer.

THINGS TO NOTICE

You'll notice a few things about the macro script we 
created on the previous page. If you look at the Signon 
instruction you'll see there is no data.  Not all commands 
require a data field.  In the case of Signon, if you don't 
specify the number of your account name, we'll default 
to the last account you used to access America Online.

There are no quotes in the text we used in SendText.  
This is something programmers are used to, but not 
required for Whale Express.  Everything after the last 
space after the command is considered data.

You might also notice that the "selecticon" command 
isn't capitalized in this example.  Whale Express doesn't 
care whether you capitalize it or not.  

The same is true with the word Conference.  You don't 
have to know the exact capitalization used by AOL and 
you won't even need the complete word.  The first icon 
with the text you provide will be used.    You setup your 
instructions so they are visually appealing to your own 
tastes. 



RUNNING A WHALE EXPRESS(WEX) FILE

Under the File menu, you'll find the item,  "Run".  
Selecting Run bring up the standard File open dialog 
which allows you to select the Whalex macro file you 
want to execute.  Just find the WEX file you want to 
run, and select the OK button.

Anytime you run a WEX file successfully, the name of 
the file will be added to the Express menu.  This allows 
you quick access to those macros which you use most 
often.  Up to 10 WEX files will be stored here. 

The F3 key can be used to abort a script in progress.


FILE / EDIT MENUS

You'll find that the File and Edit menus with our 
program work just like ever Windows program. Using 
the File New, Open and Save allows you to create, view 
and edit Whalex files.  The Edit menu also provides the 
same abilities to Undo, Cut, Copy and Paste the text 
when your editing a Whale Express file.


OPTIONS MENU

"Stay on Top" is something you turn on or off.  This 
tells our program that you want the Whale Express 
program to always be visible and not blocked by other 
windows on your desktop.

"Save Settings" tells Whale Express to remember it's 
size and position for the next time you use the program.

"Font" allows you to select the font and font size to use 
used when editing WEX file.



EXPRESS MENU

"NewScreenName" is a built in macro which will sign 
you off-line, and back on again using a new account 
name.

"Instant Message" is another built in macro which 
allows you to keep others from sending you Instant 
Messages which might disturb you while you're running 
your macro.


HELP MENU

When in doubt,  use the online Help to learn more about 
each of the Whale Express commands. 



Whale Express Commands

AddText
Begin
Bitmap
Call
CloseChatLog
CloseLog
CloseWindow
Copy
Cut
Download
Error
Exec
Exit
InstantMessage
Keyword
Menu
Message
Movie
NewScreenName
OnError
OpenChatLog
OpenLog
Pause
Paste
PasteFile
PlayWav
Rem
ReadList
Repeat
Quit
SelectButton
SelectEdit
SelectIcon
SelectList
SendMail
SendText
SetText
SignOn
Upload

AddText

AddText		Text message

This command will add your text to an edit field with 
the current focus, just as if you had typed it in.  Use 
SelectEdit if needed to set the focus to the desired 
AOL edit field.

AddText also adds End of Line characters so that 
multiple AddText commands can be used within the 
same Edit field.  Unlike SetText, this command will 
not replace the text currently in the edit field.

See Also:  SelectEdit, SetText


Bitmap

Bitmap		BMP filename

This command will display a bitmap in the center of 
the screen for the default number of seconds or 
number of seconds set by the Delay variable. This 
command can be used within a script which might be 
used for applications using Express scripts for demos.

Delay     10
Bitmap     c:\windows\tartan.bmp



Begin/Repeat

BEGIN/REPEAT		number of times

The Begin/Repeat structure allow scripts to repeat a 
certain number of times. 

Example:  Lobby.WEX
	OnError  PlavWav  Hello.wav
	SelectIcon	List
	BEGIN
	SelectList	Lobby
	SelectButton	No
	REPEAT	30

This is an example of wanting to get into a particular 
room in the People Connection area.  This script will 
bring up the room list and make the selection to enter 
the room named Lobby. In many cases, rooms you 
want to enter are full and you get a message asking if 
you'd like to enter a similiar room. This script will 
continue to knock on the door of the room  for 30 
times or until it finally likes you enter. When you 
enter, it won't find the No button and the OnError 
condition will play a wav to let you know.

You could also use BEGIN/REPEAT to look for 
people online using the Get Info menu. Don't forget 
you can include a Pause in your loops and create 
operations which are performed every minute or so.



Call

Call		Express Script name

This command  allows you to call scripts from within 
another script.  This allows the creation of small 
reusable scripts which can be called from other main 
scripts. 

Example:

Signon 1
Call    C:\whalex\myscript1.wex
Call    C:\whalex\myscript2.wex

Another good use of Call is in conjunction with the 
OnError command.  This allows you to execute 
multiple commands following a script error.

Example

OnError     Call  myerror.wex

Note if your scripts are in the same directory as the 
Whale Express application, you aren't required to use 
the full path.


CloseLog  / CloseChatLog

CloseLog / CloseChatLog

These two commands are used to close respective 
logs of the previous OpenLog commands. You may 
Exit America Online without closing the Log file, but 
some data loss may occur.


Also see:  OpenLog,  OpenChatLog



CloseWindow

CloseWindow

This command will force the current top most 
window to close.


Copy

Copy		Edit field 1..n 

This command will select all the text in the text box 
and copy it into the Windows clipboard.    Copy will 
also access non-editable text messages allowing 
scripts to copy text from on-line articles and 
messages.  It will also act on Edit fields similar to Cut, 
but will not delete the text from the edit field.   
Current focus can be set using the SelectEdit 
command or you can specify the edit field as data.


Cut

Cut			Edit field 1..n

This command will select all the text in the edit field 
specified in the data field and delete the text, placing it 
into the Windows clipboard.  If no data field is used, 
then the field with the current focus is used.  Current 
focus can be set using the SelectEdit command or can 
be specified in the data field.




Download

Download

This command is the proper way to exit the system and 
download all the files in the download manager before 
exiting.  Download should be the last item in a script 
file.

All files found in your Download Manager will be 
downloaded, and Whale Express will exit America 
Online.

also see:  Exit



Exec

Exec		<program name>

This command allows you to run other programs from 
within a Whale Express script.  This is handy for running 
other WAOL Add-On programs which you might enjoy 
as much as Whale Express.  You should include the full 
path name of your program unless the program exists in 
one of your path directories.


Example:

Exec	C:\waol\croom.exe



Exit

Exit

When you have completed your on-line duties, Exit 
will sign you off America Online, and will exit the 
America Online program.  You may notice a short 
pause while Whale checks if you have files in your 
Download Manager. If the Download Manager has 
files, they will not be downloaded using this 
command.  You can use the Download command if 
you'd like files downloaded when you exit.


InstantMessage

InstantMessage		off | on

This is handy little-known feature of America Online.  
This command will tell America Online to hold 
sending you Instant Messages and Promotional 
banners.  This command can be used to make sure 
that your automated operation isn't disrupted by a 
well meaning friend.  The data tells whether you want 
messages on or off.

Example:

Signon     	1
InstantMessage     off
Keyword     StockLink
SelectEdit 		1
SetText     		AMER
SelectButton     Get

While turning off Instant Message isn't required for 
using Whale Express, it will prevent people from 
thinking you might be ignoring them.



Keyword

Keyword		keyword

Just like the CTRL-K for doing Keywords on-line, 
this command will take you to the department on-line 
which is specified in the data field.  For Compuserve 
users, this is the same as using  GO.   For Prodigy 
users this would be the same as a JUMP.

Example:

Keyword TITF
SelectList 1

TITF is the short keyword for "Tonight in the 
Forums".  By selecting the first list item, it will 
currently display a list of open conference rooms.



Menu

Menu		Menu Text

Menu allows Whale Express to select a menu item 
just as if you pulled down a menu and selected an 
item.  You won't have to include all the text found in 
the WAOL menu, but you'll need to provide enough 
so there's no confusion with other menu items.

The entire text of the menu is not required.  Whale 
Express will start with the File menu and check all 
menus until a match if found.

Example:

Menu     		 	Lobby
SelectIcon     	List
SelectButton	Private
SelectEdit     	1
SetText     	 	Whale Express
SelectButton	Go




Message

Message		Text Message

This allows some interaction during the script 
playback and can be helpful for OnError situations.  
Using this command will create a popup message box 
with the text you specify as the text message.  

If you include the following in your script, anytime 
there is an error you'll received a message.

Example:

OnError		Message  There has been an error.


NOTE:  The text does not require single or double 
quotes.  All text following the Message command will 
be considered part of the message.


Movie

Movie		AVI filename

This command will center a dialog on the screen and 
play the Video for Windows movie specified by the 
AVI file name.  It's not necessarily something you'll 
need to automate your America Online scripts, but it 
does provide an easy way to play AVI files.

The Video for Windows  runtime package is 
required for this command.  If you require this 
software contact Tartan Software and it will be sent 
to you free of charge(excluding AOL download 
costs).

Example:

Movie     c:\windows\media\earth.avi


NewScreenName

NewScreenName		1..5

This is a very useful command which combines all the 
commands needed to allow you to sign off, and  back 
on-line using a new screen name.  This command is so 
useful that it's also available from the Express menu 
for easy access.

NOTE:  Signon requires that auto-password is 
enabled.  You can set this feature using CTRL = from 
the America Online options dialog.


OnError

OnError		Express command

In case of a command failure,  the command from the 
last OnError statement is executed. Common 
examples would allow you to Exit AOL if a script 
failures, or begin other scripts with the Call statement.  
Multiple OnErrors are allowed within a script, but 
only the last OnError command will be used.

Example:

OnError   	Call  error.wex




OpenChatLog

OpenChatLog		Filename

This command uses the Chat Logging feature of 
America Online which allows you to maintain a file 
which will capture all the conversations in a 
conference room or in People Connection.  The 
filename parameter should be any normal DOS file or 
path name.  If the file already exists, the log file will 
be opened in Append mode and will not delete 
information previously contained in the file.

see also: CloseChatLog


OpenLog

OpenLog		Filename

This command uses the Logging feature of America 
Online which allows you to maintain a file which will 
capture all the message read while on-line.  The 
filename parameter should be any normal DOS file or 
path name.  If the file already exists, the log file will 
be opened in Append mode and will not delete 
information previously in the file.

Example:

Signon    	1
OpenLog 	c:\mail.txt
Menu     		Read
ReadList
CloseLog
Exit

see also: CloseLog


Pause

Pause		Seconds

This command will create a pause in the Whale script.    
The data field is the number of seconds you wish to 
wait before continuing on to the next Whalex 
instruction.  A common use for this command is in 
creating a lecture in a conference room. A Pause 
should be used between successive SendText to users 
have time to read your messages.

The number of seconds is optional and defaults to the 
current value of the Delay variable.  The default for 
Delay is 10 seconds.

Example:

SendText     I'd like to thank you all for coming 
tonight
Pause     	2
SendText     Next weeks topic will be Windows
Pause     	2
SendText     Goodnight


Paste

Paste		Edit field 1..n

This command will copy any text in the Windows 
clipboard into the currently selected Edit field.  You 
can also set the paste field by using a number in the 
data field.  This can be a handle command to export 
data from other applications.

see also:  Cut, Copy, PasteFile




PasteFile

PasteFile		Filename


PasteFile allows you to read a file directly into an 
America Online edit field.  Before using PasteFile it 
might be necessary to use SelectEdit to set the typing 
focus to the edit field you're pasting into.

Example:

SelectEdit 	2
PasteFile		c:\waol\document\help.txt

see also:  Paste,  SelectEdit


PlayWav

PlayWav		WAV filename

This feature allows you to add fun sounds to your 
scripts.

This command will play a  sound "wav" file using the 
installed Windows sound driver.  The wave file name 
can be the wav name listed in the WIN.INI file, or just 
filename if the wav file is in a directory found in the 
directory Path.   You can also use the full path name 
of the wav file.
The .WAV suffix is not required.

Example:

PlayWav     c:\sounds\coool.wav

You can also utilize the PlayWav command with the 
OnError by setting the following example.

OnError     PlayWav  c:\sounds\bummer.wav




Rem

Rem

Like most languages, Whale Express allows 
comments and remarks within a file.  You can use a 
Rem statement to add comments to your Whale 
scripts.


ReadList

ReadList		Express command

ReadList is a powerful command which is used in a 
variety of places to process list items.  Use this 
command when you've reached an area online which 
presents you with a list box, like Mail, or Message 
boards.  This command will read each item one at a 
time.  

The number of items can be set with the Read 
variable.  In many cases , before using this command 
you'll probably wish to use the OpenLog command so 
that text will be saved in  file.

The optional data parameter allows extra processing 
of each item.  You many add any command here 
which will be executed for each item in the list.  An 
example is the Download Later button while viewing 
a list of files in a library.

The following script will search for all the files which 
have been uploaded during the pass week and queue 
them for download at a later time.

Example:

Keyword		File Search
SelectButton	Past Week
SelectButton 	List
ReadList	 	Download Later

Here the SelectButton command is done after each 
item is processed putting the file into the download 
manager.  At the end of this script you could add the 
Download command which would exit America 
Online after downloading all items in the download 
manager.


ReadList Options:

Under normal circumstances when ReadList processes 
an item, it will look for a valid Next icon which is used 
in many message boards.  This is extremely helpful for 
reading complete folders.  In some message boards 
however, the messages read with the Next icon are 
the same as those in the the list.  To prevent this 
redundancy, you can turn the processing of the Next 
icon off with the listNext variable.

ReadList processes the list by selecting each item on 
the list.  This is the same action as a user double 
clicking.  In some cases you may want to process a 
list by highlighting an item and selecting one of the 
buttons on the current list.  This can be accomplished 
with the help of the listSelect variable

There will be times when you might only want to read 
a particular set of messages in the list.  You can 
specify those messages you wish to process by using 
the listMatch command variable.

Also See:
	listStart, listEnd, listNext, listEnd, listMatch, Read



Repeat


	See:  Begin


Quit

Quit

This command provides a way for you to quit the 
Whale Express program from within a script.  This is 
not the same as the Exit command which will quit the 
Windows America Online software.  



SelectButton

SelectButton		Button text

Works just like SelectIcon in that it simulates a user 
pressing or double clicking on a button.  This allows 
you to select any button on the current top window.  
Partial matches are supported.

NOTE: SelectButton will also work on radio buttons 
and check boxes.


Example:

Menu     		Lobby
SelectIcon		List
SelectButton	Private
SelectEdit		1
SetText		Whale Express
SelectButton	Go




SelectEdit

SelectEdit		Edit field 1..n

This command will set the focus to an edit field 
control. This command is important for using the 
SetText command and can also be used in setting 
focus for the Cut/Copy/Paste/PasteFile commands.  
The relative position of the edit control is determined 
by AOL form designers.  Any changes made in form 
definition by AOL programs could affect your scripts.  
You might have to experiment a little to find the 
correct field number, but in most cases AOL have 
created fields in a logical order.

Example:

SelectIcon     Forward
SelectEdit     1
SetText     	BillP
SelectEdit     4
SetText  	----  Forwarded by Whale Express  ----
SelectIcon     Send

This short script is handy if you'd like to forward mail 
to another user or screen name.  In this case, while 
reading mail, this script will click on the Forward icon 
bringing up the Forward Mail form SelectEdit is used 
prior to using SetText to fill in the form with the user 
name BillP



SelectIcon

SelectIcon		Icon label text

This command will simulate a mouse click on an Icon 
picture on the current window.  Whale Express will 
search for the icon immediately above the text you 
specify.  Partial text matches are allowed and 
recommended. In fact, if icon text is contained on two 
lines, you should only match with the first line.   In 
cases where multiple icons have the same text, such as 
"Click Here", the first icon found will be selected.  To 
handle these situations, there is an alternate way to 
select your icon by icon number.

Examplea:

	SelectIcon   #3

	SelectIcon   Send


SelectList

SelectList		 list text  or  #number

This command will simulate the user selecting an item 
in a list box. SelectList assumes only one List control 
is in the current top most AOL window.  The first 
item in the list is considered list item number 1 when 
selecting an item by its position. 

Using text to find a list item works for the first item 
withing the list range which contains your text 
anywhere in the item.

Example:

SelectList     Check for live discussions

or 

SelectList     #1





SendMail

SendMail		Mail Filename

SendMail is used to send text files which have been 
formatted as an off-line mail file. SendMail allows you 
to write all your Email off-line with the Whale 
Express editor, and use a Whalex script to 
automatically send your Email as quickly as possible.

The format of an off-line mail message contains all of 
the information found in the Mail Compose form 
Online.  With the exception of the text of the 
message,  each line of the file contains one item.  Each 
line can wrap within the Whale Express editor, but 
ends when you press the Enter key

Line 1> TO: information
Line 2> CC: information.  Leave a blank line if no 
Carbon Copies are to be sent.
Line 3>SUBJ: This is required field and must contain 
the title of your message
Line 4>File:  This is also optional, but if you'd like to 
send a file via Email, enter the full path on this line.
Line 5> The text of your message begins here.




SendText

SendText		Text message

This command allows you to broadcast text in a 
conference or room in People Connection.  This 
command is intended for people who run conferences 
or teach classes on-line where text can be prepared 
ahead of time.  Data must be less than 93 characters.

NOTE:  Misuse of this command in such a way to be 
disturbing to other America Online members can be a 
violation of terms of service.  Loss of your America 
Online account could result.

Example:

SendText     I'd like to thank you all for coming 
tonight
Pause     	4
SendText     Next weeks topic will be Windows
Pause     	4
SendText     Goodnight


You'll notice the pause statements between multiple 
SendText statements.  These are very important in 
making your text readable by both new users and old-
timers.




SetText

SetText		Text message

This command will enter text into the edit field with 
the current focus, just as if you had typed it in.  Use 
SelectEdit if needed to set the focus to the desired 
AOL edit field.

Example:

Menu     		Compose
SelectEdit   	1
SetText     	Tartan
SelectEdit  	3
SetText     	Whale Express test
SelectEdit 	4
SetText    		Hi!  I'm testing the mailform.wex 
script
SelectIcon		Send

This example brings up the Email compose form and 
fills in text based on the edit field number.  The edit 
field numbers are determined by America Online 
forum designers and are subject to change.  In most 
cases, they won't change and field numbers will be 
created in a logical order.


SignOn

SignOn		name

This command initiates the signon process to America 
Online, including the selection of screen name and 
dialing America Online. The name should be the 
screen name or Email address you wish to use.  If no 
name is  provided, the current screen name will be 
chosen.  If you are already signed on to America 
Online, this command is ignored.

NOTE:  Signon requires that stored-passwords 
are enabled.  You can set this feature using CTRL 
= from the America Online options dialog.




Upload

Upload    filename

Note:  Upload will only be available to registered Whale 
Express users.

The Upload command may only be used when the 
current America Online window is an Upload form. 
This form is usually in response to selecting the 
Upload icon, or using "SelectIcon Upload".

Before using the Upload command it's appropriate to 
set the values of the various fields.  These values can 
be set once and used for each upload or can be reset 
before each Upload command.  If no values are set, 
default values will be used.

Subject
Author
Equipment
Needs
Description

Subject   		data
This field is required by America Online
Data field is limited to 32 characters

Author  		data
Data field is limited to 20 characters

Equipment   data
Data field limited to 32 characters

Needs   			data
Data field is limited to 36 characters

Description   filename
This data field should be the name of a description 
file.  If no file is specified default value is used.


Example Upload script

In the following example we have a number of files, 
all with the same Author, Needs and Description.  We 
set these fields once and then instruct Whale Express 
to upload the file.  After the initial upload, we change 
the Subject line and upload other parts of the 
program. 

SelectIcon 	Upload
Subject 		PAINT: v1.3 Basic Paint Program
Author  		My Software Company
Needs  		An UnZIPing program
Description  C:\paint\mypaint.txt
Upload 		c:\paint\mypaint.exe
Subject 		PAINT: Utility for MyPaint
Upload 		c:\paint\paint1.dll
Upload 		c:\paint\paint2.dll
Upload 		c:\paint\paint3.dll
Upload 		c:\paint\paint4.dll
CloseWindow


Command Variables

The following commands are used as 
modifiers for Whale Express commands.  
Most are used to modify the powerful 
ReadList command.  The only exception is the 
Delay which is used as the default time for 
Pause command and Bitmap display.

Delay
Error
listStart
listEnd
listMatch
listNext
listSelect
Read


Delay

Delay		1..n

This variable is used to specify default waiting periods 
for commands such as Bitmap or Pause.  Default 
value is 10 seconds.

Example

Delay     10

Error

Error    On | Off

Under most cases, your script will fail to continue an 
error occurs in any of the commands.  There may be 
times when you'll want to continue even if are button 
or icon is not found in previous commands.  You can 
turn Error checking off by using the statement,    
Error  Off

Error On  will reset the default error checking 
condition.

listStart

listStart		1..n

Under default conditions ReadList will begin on the 
first list item and process the max. items available.  
Setting listStart in your script will allow you to begin 
the list processing on the item you need.

Example:

listStart		3


listEnd

listEnd		1..n							
		

Example:		

listEnd  	9

Under default conditions ReadList will process max. 
items available. Setting listEnd in your script will 
allow you to specify the last 
item you need.

Sample Use:

listStart		3
listEnd		9
ReadList




listMatch

listMatch		text to search on

The ReadList command will use listMatch to decide 
which items to select.  Normally, ReadList will select 
all the items in the list.  With the addition of a 
listMatch instruction, you can tell ReadList to only 
select those messages with particular text in the list 
item text

The default for listMatch is to read all items. To set 
listMatch back to it's default status use the wildcard 
character.

listMatch 	*

At this time no logical operations are supported.  Only 
single text matches are supported. such as AND/OR 
operations.

Example:

Menu 			Read New Mail
listMatch		Test
ReadList		Call  treply.wex


The above sample script which we use here at Tartan 
Software to automatically respond to those mail 
messages which are send to the Tartan name from 
people testing Whale Express.  The script reads all 
our new Email and selects those messages with the 
text "Mail Test" in the subject line.   We've provide 
you with the TREPLY.WEX below so you'll see the 
full picture.

SelectIcon 		Reply
SelectEdit 		4
PasteFile 		c:\tartan\treply.txt
SelectIcon 		Send
SelectButton 	OK
CloseWindow




listNext

listNext		on | off	

Normally, when ReadList processes messages, it will 
automatically look for a valid Next icon.  If found, the 
Next button is processed.

On some boards the next message can be found in the 
list, and 
accessed with a Next button.  This can cause 
redundant reading of
messages.

Example::

listSelect 	OFF
ReadList 


listSelect

listSelect		on | off				

This command variable allows you tell Whale Express 
if you want to actually select a list item or just 
highlight it.

Under normal conditions both SelectList and ReadList 
will act as if you double click the mouse on the list 
item.  By turning listSelect off, you can highlight the 
item you desire, and then select the appropriate 
action.

Example:

listSelect	OFF
SelectList	3
SelectIcon 	Find Since
SelectEdit 	1
SetText		7
SelectIcon 	Search
listSelect 	ON
ReadList



Read


Read		1..n

Setting this variable will allow you to set the number 
of messages read when reading the news, message 
boards or download libraries.  You can set and reset 
Read anywhere in the script, The preference would be 
to set Read directly before calling a function which 
reads multiple messages.

Example:

Keyword		file search
SelectButton	Past week
SelectButton     Windows
SelectButton     List
read 			10
ReadList     SelectButton Download Later

This will tell Whale Express you only wish the first 10 
files found to be added to your Download Manager.




Date, Time, Input

The following special variables can be used in your data 
parameter to allow you to change the value of what is 
used based on the current date, time or what you type in 
during the execution of the script.


%input 

Will prompt you for variable data to be entered.  Do not 
use this in any scripts which you run unattended.

	Example:      SendText  Hi %input,  How the heck 
are you?

%date 

Will insert the current date into the data.
   
	Example:      OpenLog  
C:\MAIL\MAIL%date.TXT

	The %date is four characters in the format  MMDD

%time 

Will insert the current time into the data

	Example: 	Message   The date is %date, current time is %time

	The %time is six characters in the format  HHMMSS



Common Questions & Answers


Q:  How do I cancel a script in progress?
A:  Use the F3 key. 

Q:  Will Whale Express slow my system down?
A:  No.  Whale Express requires no special hooks that 
monitor your system activities.  Until you run a 
script, the program acts like any other Windows 
program waiting for the user to select an action.

Q:  Why the name Whale Express?
A:  Internally at America Online, the Windows 
version of America Online, WAOL is pronounced 
"Whale".

Q:  I'm having trouble running a script which uses the 
Download Later button to store programs in my 
Download Manager.
A:  Use  CTRL= in America Online and set your 
Download Preferences.  Be sure to remove the 
check box item which says "Confirm Additions to 
my download list".

Q:  When I use Signon, it still asks for my password.
A:   Using Signon and NewScreenName requires the 
use of the Stored Password feature of America 
Online.  Use CTRL = in America Online to store 
your passwords in your WAOL software.  Note: 
Due to a feature in the WAOL software you'll 
need to redo your stored passwords after creating 
a new screen name.

Q:  When I try SelectIcon Message Board, it's not 
finding the icon.
A:  The text for Message Board is probably split 
between two lines.  You only need to use the top 
line of the Icon name.   Try  SelectIcon Message 
or even  SelectIcon Mess will work.  Whale 
Express will find partial matches of text.

Q:	Can I use Whale Express to capture my 
NewsGroup messages on Internet?
A:	At this time, Whale Express can be used to help 
you capture your Newsgroup messages but can't 
do it all.  The current structure of the newsgroup 
message boards is different from the regular 
boards on AOL.  For example, the Next -> button 
is not disabled when you reach the end of a 
newsgroup folder.  We'll continue to work with 
AOL on solutions to this in the future.


Appendix A:   ReadList

ReadList is the key to accessing Email, and Message 
boards.  This command provides all the error checking 
and logic required to so being a programmer is not 
required to use Whale Express.  This section is provide 
for those users who feel more comfortable knowing 
what's going on.

You'll notice that Readlist takes a couple of seconds to 
get started. During this time Whalex is checking for 
some conditions which are common to list processing.  
The following is the behind the screen processing which 
ReadList performs.

First:
We need to handle situations where no list exists when 
you might be expecting one. Whalex looks for a 
standard message with an OK button.
Something like.. "You have no new mail", No more 
messages,  etc...  If such a messagebox is found, no list 
is processed and the script continues on with no errors 
reported.

Next:
If you do have a list then we want to be sure we can 
access all the available messages. Whalex will look for a 
More button, More icon and List More Icon.  Whalex 
will keep pressing this button or icon until there are no 
more items available or there are more items than 
READ is set to..


Now comes the real power:
At this point Whalex knows how many items there are 
in the list, or how many you want to process per the 
Read variable.
Here's effectively what happens...

For I = listStart to listEnd
{
     if(listMatch) SelectList  I			; select each item in turn if they match
     If (Express command)				; check for data command and do it
         Execute the data command
     else 									; comes here after reading 1st message
         while(Next Button Active)		; if there's a Next Icon,  click it.
                SelectIcon Next
     CloseWindows						; Close Message window, get ready
}	  									; to select the next item.



"Express command" could be anything like, 
SelectIcon  Download later
or Call xxxxx.wex

Or in the case of message boards where when you select a folder you just get
another List of folders you can just add another 
ReadList so it looks like...

ReadList ReadList

And note that the 2nd ReadList could even have it's own 
data parameter so
effectively you could have
ReadList ReadList ReadList ReadList SelectIcon 
Download

The simplest case is where you have a single list of 
folders or files and
ReadList will go down DoubleClick on each of them so 
they will be logged.


You'll find that in some message boards, processing the 
Next message isn't required and could be redundant.  In 
these cases you may turn off Next processing by setting 
the command variable listNext

listNext	Off




Appendix B:   Sample Files


AMER.WEX

This is a simple script which takes the user to the 
StockLink area on AOL.  AMER is the stock symbol for 
America Online Inc.  This provide a quick way to check 
the price of America Online.  Change this script to allow 
you to quickly check your own favorite stock.  Note 
that Signon is used, but this script can still be used while 
already online.  Sigon will be ignored.

Signon 
Keyword 	StockLink
SelectEdit 	1
SetText 	AMER
SelectButton Get



GETMAIL.WEX

This is an example of how you can use Whale Express 
to SignOn,  Read all your mail, and sign off again.  You 
can  change the name of the file in the OpenLog 
command if you'd like your mail to be saved to another 
directory.


Signon 	
OpenLog 	c:\mail.log
Menu 		Read
ReadList
CloseLog
Exit



NEWWIN.WEX

This powerful script demonstrates using Whale Express 
to find recent uploads in America Online's File Search.  
In this case, all files in the Windows libraries uploaded in 
the past week at marked for Download Later.  This is a 
good example of the powerful ReadList command.  
Adding the Download command will cause all files in 
the Download Manager to be downloaded before exiting 
your online session.  You will need to change your 
download options on America Online(CTRL=) so that 
you no longer confirm additions to your download 
manager.

Note how a complete command can be included in the 
ReadList command. When each item in the list is read, 
the Download Later button will be selected, adding the 
file to your download manager.  The Download 
command will also exit you from AOL when downloads 
are complete.


Signon 
Keyword  		File Search
SelectButton Past Week
SelectButton Windows
SelectButton List
ReadList     SelectButton Download Later
Download



ROOMS.WEX

A little known feature allows members to list all active 
discussions in conference rooms.  These rooms allow up 
to 48 users and often have useful topics.  This script 
keywords to the "Tonight in the Forum" area and selects 
the first menu item which is "Check for Live 
Discussions"  This is a handy script and one that proves 
scripts don't have to be complex to be useful.

Keyword 	TITF
SelectList  #1






MAILFORM.WEX

This is a good example of using SelectEdit and SetText 
to fill in an online form such as Email.  This sample will 
send a friendly note to Tartan Software support.  We'll 
send you a note back to let you know this script worke 
ok.


Menu 			Compose
SelectEdit	1
SetText 		Tartan
SelectEdit 	3
SetText 		Whale Express test
SelectEdit 	4
SetText  		Hi!  I'm testing the mailform.wex 
script
SelectIcon  	Send
    

FORWARD.WEX

Instead of using the Reply button when reading Email.  
This is a sample of  a script you could use to forward 
mail back to the original sender and then include your 
comments.  This is handy when you might need to 
remind the sender what you're replying to.  For this 
script to work, you should run it right after reading a 
piece of mail.


SelectIcon 	Reply to All
Copy 		1
CloseWindow
SelectIcon 	Forward
Paste 		1
SelectEdit 	4





(Print this form)




TARTAN SOFTWARE ORDER FORM


AOL Screen Name ___________________________________________


Name ______________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State ______ ZIP _________

Phone (optional) _____________________ 	Circle: home or work



(New York residents must add appropriate sales tax.)

County______________________________________


Whale Express v2.x		________	$ 39.95
C-Room v2.x			________	$ 19.95
TimeKard	v1.x		________	$ 24.95

Tartan Booster
Complete Package	________	$ 69.95 (Save $16.00)

NYS Sales Tax		________	(if New York state resident)


Amount enclosed:  $______________



Please make all checks payable to Tartan 
Software

Mail to:  	Tartan  Software           
			143 Horstman Dr.
			Scotia, NY  12302


Tartan Software	- 24 -	Whale Express


