Tera Term: Using Wait Command For Serial Communication

Tera Term, a widely used terminal emulator, facilitates serial communication, enabling users to send commands and files to various devices. Scripting in Tera Term enhances automation, but managing timing is crucial. The “wait” command becomes essential to ensure that the device processes each command before the next one is sent, particularly when transferring files using the “send” command, preventing data loss and ensuring reliable operation.

Okay, so you’re ready to dive into the world of Tera Term and its amazing automation skills? Think of Tera Term as your trusty digital Swiss Army knife. It’s a free, super versatile terminal emulator that’s been around the block, used by everyone from hobbyists tinkering in their garages to seasoned engineers in sprawling industrial complexes. It’s a digital portal that allows you to talk to other machines, especially over that classic RS-232 connection.

But here’s the secret sauce: Tera Term isn’t just a terminal. It’s got macro scripting superpowers! Yes, you can automate those tedious, repetitive tasks that make you want to pull your hair out. Imagine automating file transfers so you can sit back, sip your coffee, and let the machines do the heavy lifting.

Why bother automating file transfers, you ask? Well, picture this: you’re manually transferring files, one by one, yawn, making sure each byte lands in the right place. It’s time-consuming, and frankly, a bit soul-crushing. Automation swoops in like a caped crusader to save the day! We’re talking about serious time savings, way fewer chances for errors, and the sheer joy of watching a script do all the work while you actually do something interesting.

In this guide, we’re laser-focused on using Tera Term macros to automate file transfers specifically over RS-232. Now, RS-232 might seem like something out of a tech museum, but trust me, it’s still kicking! It’s the unsung hero in embedded systems, those little brains inside everything from your washing machine to industrial robots. It’s a staple in legacy devices (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!), and you’ll find it humming away in specialized industrial applications where reliability is king. So, dust off that serial cable, and let’s get scripting!

RS-232 Serial Communication: The Foundation

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of RS-232 serial communication. Think of it as the ancient language of electronics, still spoken fluently by embedded systems, legacy gear, and that cranky old industrial machine that nobody wants to replace. But before we start chattering away in bits and bytes, let’s understand the basics. In essence, serial communication is like sending a message down a single wire, one bit at a time, instead of shouting all the bits at once. It’s a bit slower, but sometimes slow and steady wins the race especially when dealing with older equipment.

Understanding the Key Parameters

To have a successful conversation over RS-232, both devices need to speak the same language, and that means agreeing on a few key settings:

Baud Rate: The Speed of Speech

This is basically the words-per-minute setting. It dictates how many bits are transmitted per second. It’s crucial that both devices use the same baud rate. If one device is set to 9600 baud and the other is trying to listen at 115200, it’s like trying to understand someone speaking a mile a minute while you’re stuck in slow motion – utter gibberish! Common baud rates include 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.

Data Bits: The Length of Each Word

This determines how many bits make up each data character. Usually, this is set to 8 bits, which allows you to send standard ASCII characters. However, sometimes you might see 7 bits used, particularly in older systems.

Parity: Error Detection, the Grammar Police

Parity is a basic form of error detection. It adds an extra bit to each character to help detect if something went wrong during transmission. Common parity settings are None, Even, and Odd. “None” means no parity bit is added. “Even” means the parity bit is set so that the total number of 1s (including the parity bit) is even. “Odd” does the opposite. While it can detect some errors, it’s not foolproof.

Stop Bits: The End of the Sentence

These bits signal the end of a character transmission. Typically, it’s set to 1, but sometimes you might see 2. They help the receiving device synchronize with the data stream.

Flow Control: Preventing Overload

Imagine trying to pour water into a glass faster than it can drain – you’ll end up with a mess. Flow control prevents one device from overwhelming the other with data. There are two main types:

• Hardware Flow Control (RTS/CTS): This uses dedicated hardware lines (Request to Send and Clear to Send) to signal when a device is ready to receive data.

• Software Flow Control (XON/XOFF): This uses special characters (XON and XOFF) to tell the other device to start or stop sending data.

Configuring Tera Term: Getting Ready to Talk

Now, how do we tell Tera Term to use these settings? It’s easier than teaching a parrot to say “serial communication.” Simply go to:

1. Setup -> Serial Port.
2. A window will pop up, and here’s where the magic happens. You’ll see dropdown menus and fields for Baud Rate, Data, Parity, Stop, and Flow Control.
3. Enter the settings matching the device you want to communicate with.

Tip: Taking a screenshot of your settings is an excellent practice to avoid forgetting what you’ve configured.

When Serial Communication Still Shines

In today’s world of high-speed internet and wireless connections, you might wonder why we’re even bothering with RS-232. Well, it still has its place:

• Embedded Systems: Many microcontrollers and embedded devices use RS-232 for initial configuration, debugging, and data logging.
• Legacy Systems: Plenty of older industrial machines and scientific instruments still rely on RS-232 for communication.
• Direct Hardware Access: Sometimes, you need a direct, low-level connection to a device, and RS-232 provides that.

So, while it might not be the flashiest communication method, RS-232 is a reliable and essential tool in many situations. Mastering these basics will set you up for successful file transfers and automation adventures with Tera Term!

Tera Term Macros: Your Automation Scripting Toolkit

Alright, let’s dive into the magical world of Tera Term macros! Think of them as your personal army of tiny robots, ready to execute your commands with unwavering precision. In essence, macros within Tera Term are mini-scripts, little programs that automate repetitive tasks. Instead of manually typing in the same commands over and over again, you can create a macro and let Tera Term handle it. Talk about a time-saver!

Let’s break down the language these little robots speak:

Macro Syntax: The Language of Automation

Think of the syntax as the grammar rules for your robot army. Mess it up, and they’ll just stand there looking confused. Here’s the lowdown:

• Commands: These are the instructions you give to Tera Term. For example, sendln sends a line of text, connect establishes a connection, and sendfile (as we’ll see later) is the hero of our file transfer story.
• Variables: These are like labeled containers where you can store data. You can store text, numbers, or anything else you need for your script. For example, you could store the file name in a variable called fileName.
• Comments: These are notes you leave for yourself (or others) within the macro code. They’re ignored by Tera Term but are super helpful for understanding what’s going on. Start a comment with a semicolon (;).

Here is a simple example macro of text string:

; This is a comment
strput "Hello, Tera Term!"

Creating and Executing Macros

Time to give birth to your first macro! Here’s how:

1. Create a New File: Open your favorite text editor (Notepad works just fine) and save the file with a .TTL extension. This tells Tera Term that it’s a macro file.
2. Write Your Code: Type in your macro commands, following the syntax rules we just discussed.
3. Execute from Within Tera Term: In Tera Term, go to “Control” -> “Macro” and select your .TTL file. Watch your little robot go to work!

Configuration and Command-Line Execution

Okay, now things get interesting. Imagine you’ve crafted the perfect macro. You don’t want to lose it! Here’s how to keep it safe and make it even more powerful:

• Storing Configuration Files: Tera Term allows you to save your settings in a configuration file (.ini). This includes macro associations. This way, when you open Tera Term, your favorite macros are ready to roll.

• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Want to launch a macro directly from the command line? Tera Term lets you do that! This is fantastic for scripting and integrating Tera Term with other tools. The command would look something like this:

  ttermpro.exe /MACRO=your_macro.ttl
  Add Command-line arguments to give your macro file variables that can be used to make your macro more customizable.

  ttermpro.exe /MACRO=your_macro.ttl "arg1" "arg2"

  Then within your macro.ttl

  getarg 1 argument1
getarg 2 argument2

  Now the variables “argument1” and “argument2” can be used within your macro with values of “arg1” and “arg2” from the command line.

With these techniques, you’ll not only save time, but also elevate your automation game to a whole new level!

sendfile: Your Serial Transfer Superhero!

Okay, so you’re ready to beam files across the serial universe with Tera Term? Excellent! The sendfile command is your trusty starship, the Millennium Falcon of serial file transfers. It’s the main workhorse, the go-to guy, the… well, you get the idea. It gets the job done.

Think of sendfile as saying, “Hey Tera Term, grab this file and fling it through the RS-232 portal!” It’s that simple, but understanding its nuances is key to a smooth and successful journey. Let’s break down how to get this engine humming.

The Syntax Secrets: Cracking the Code

The basic syntax is pretty straightforward. You just tell sendfile the name of the file you want to send, like this:

sendfile "filename"

Replace "filename" with the actual name of your file, of course (e.g., "config.txt" or "data_log.csv"). This works great for plain ol’ text files. But what about those sneaky binary files?

Binary Files: Handle with -binary Care!

This is where the -binary option swoops in to save the day! Binary files (images, executables, etc.) need special treatment. Without the -binary flag, Tera Term might interpret them as text and mangle them during the transfer. Nobody wants a corrupted firmware update! Use this syntax for binary files:

sendfile "filename" -binary

Remember this option, or you might end up with a digital disaster. Think of it like this: -binary tells Tera Term to handle the file with extra care, ensuring every bit arrives intact at its destination.

sendfile in Action: A Text File Transfer Tutorial

Let’s walk through a simple example. Suppose you have a text file named "message.txt" with the following content:

Hello, serial world! This is a test message.

To send this file, your Tera Term macro would include the line:

sendfile "message.txt"

Easy peasy! Tera Term will open "message.txt", read its contents, and transmit them over the serial port.

Real-World Scenarios: Where sendfile Shines

So, when would you actually use this? Here are a couple of examples:

• Configuration Files: Imagine you’re configuring an embedded device. You could create a configuration file ("config.ini") with all the settings and then use sendfile to upload it to the device.

• Data Logs: Picture a sensor collecting data and saving it to a log file ("data_log.txt"). You could then use sendfile to transfer this log to a computer for analysis.

• Firmware Updates: This is a critical application. When updating firmware on an embedded system, you must use the -binary option to ensure the new firmware image is transferred without corruption.

These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless. The sendfile command empowers you to automate all sorts of file transfer tasks over serial communication.

Why Timing Matters: Serial Communication’s Need for Speed (Control)

Alright, picture this: you’re trying to tell a story to someone, but you’re talking super fast, like a speed-talking auctioneer. They’re probably going to miss half of what you say, right? Serial communication is kinda like that. It sends data bit by bit, like delivering a message one word at a time. If the receiving end isn’t ready to hear the next bit, poof, data loss! That’s where timing comes in. Devices need time to process information, especially in the slow-and-steady world of serial. Imagine an old computer trying to keep up with a modern one. It needs a breather!

Introducing the wait Command: Your Serial Communication Chill Pill

Enter the wait command, Tera Term’s secret weapon for timing control. Think of it as a pause button for your macro. It tells Tera Term to just… hang out… for a specified number of milliseconds. The syntax is super simple: wait milliseconds. So, wait 1000 means “pause for one second.” Seriously, that’s it. If you want to increase or decrease the time, all you need to do is change the number. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, right?

wait in Action: Giving sendfile a Helping Hand

So how do we use it with sendfile? Well, often you will want to ensure the receiver is ready to receive the file before you start sending it. You can insert a wait command before the sendfile command to let the receiver get ready. Think of it as a polite knock on the door before you burst in with a delivery. Similarly, after sending the file, you might need to give the receiving device time to process the file and store it. Put a wait command after sendfile to give it that time.

Here’s what it might look like in your macro:

wait 500 ; Wait half a second before sending
sendfile "my_config.txt"
wait 2000 ; Wait two seconds after sending

The Art of Delay: Finding the Sweet Spot

Now, how do you figure out the right amount of delay? Well, that’s where the fun… err, experimentation… begins! There’s no magic number. It depends on your devices, the baud rate, the size of the file, and even the phase of the moon (okay, maybe not the moon). Start with small delays (e.g., 100 milliseconds) and gradually increase them until your file transfers become reliable. Trial and error is your friend here! Also, use a bit of intuition, it’s useful too.

When Timing Goes Wrong: A Cautionary Tale

What happens if your timing is off? Bad things, my friend. You might experience data loss, where parts of your file get dropped. Or communication errors, where the receiving device throws its hands up and says, “I can’t understand you!”. Imagine a broken record skipping or a conversation where people keep talking over each other. The result is the same: a garbled mess. That’s why mastering the wait command is so important. It’s the key to smooth, reliable, and stress-free serial communication.

Error Handling: Ensuring Data Integrity

Alright, let’s talk about something super important when you’re slinging files back and forth with Tera Term: error handling. I mean, imagine sending that crucial firmware update only to have it arrive corrupted. Nightmare fuel, right? That’s why we need to be smart about this and build in some safety nets.

The Importance of Being Error-Aware

Think of it this way: RS-232 is like sending a letter by carrier pigeon in a thunderstorm. A lot can go wrong! Electromagnetic interference (EMI), loose wires, or just grumpy gremlins can mess with your data. If we don’t check for errors, we might end up with garbage data, corrupted files, or a device that’s just plain bricked. Not ideal.

Common Culprits: Error Scenario

So, what are we up against? Here’s a quick rundown of some common error scenarios:

• Noise on the Line: Electrical noise is the bane of serial communication. It can flip bits and garble your data.
• Incomplete Data: Sometimes, due to timing issues or interruptions, a file transfer might get cut short. You end up with only half the file, which is about as useful as half a sandwich when you’re really hungry.
• Buffer Overflows: If your receiving device can’t keep up with the data stream, its buffer might overflow, leading to data loss.

Checksum Verification: Your Data’s Bodyguard

The best way to make sure the data arrive complete is to implement a checksum! Here’s the plan of attack:

1. Calculate the Checksum: Before sending the file, we calculate a checksum. This is basically a unique “fingerprint” of the file. There are different algorithms you can use (like CRC, MD5, etc.), but for simplicity, let’s stick with a basic checksum (summing the byte values).
2. Send the Checksum: We tack the checksum onto the end of the file (or send it as a separate packet).
3. Calculate on the Receiving End: The receiving device calculates its own checksum of the received data.
4. Compare and Conquer: We compare the two checksums. If they match, huzzah! The data is (likely) intact. If they don’t match, something went wrong.
5. Retransmission Request: If the checksums don’t align, trigger a retransmission request.

Showcasing Errors: The messagebox Command

Tera Term’s messagebox command is your friend here. Use it to display error messages to the user:

messagebox "Checksum mismatch! Requesting retransmission..." "Error"

Error Logging: Your Digital Diary

It’s also a good idea to log errors to a file. This helps you diagnose problems later:

; Open a log file
fileopen logFile "error.log" 1 ; 1 = append mode

; Log an error message
filestringwrite logFile "Error: Checksum mismatch at " + time + CRLF

; Close the log file
fileclose logFile

Responding to Errors: A Tactical Approach

So, what do we do when an error occurs? Here are a couple of strategies:

• Retransmission Attempts: The most common approach is to simply try sending the file again. You might want to limit the number of retries to prevent an infinite loop.
• Abort the Transfer: If retries fail, sometimes the best option is to cut your losses and abort the transfer. This prevents further data corruption or system instability. You would want to trigger a graceful exit!

Unleashing the Power of Tera Term Macros: Beyond the Basics

Ready to take your Tera Term macro game to the next level? So far, we’ve covered the essentials of automating file transfers. Now, let’s dive into some advanced techniques that’ll let you create scripts so sophisticated, they’ll practically write themselves (well, almost!). We’re talking about variables, conditional statements, and loops – the building blocks of truly dynamic automation.

Variables: Your Macro’s Memory

Think of variables as little containers that hold information. Need to store a filename, a checksum, or even just a “yes” or “no” answer? That’s where variables come in.

• Declaring Variables: In Tera Term macros, you declare a variable using the set command, like this: set myVariable = "value". It’s just like giving a name to a box and putting something inside! For example, set filename = "config.txt" stores the filename “config.txt” in a variable called filename.

• Using Variables: To use a variable, simply reference it by its name. For instance, sendln filename will send the value of the filename variable (in our case, “config.txt”) to the serial port. You can also use variables to store numbers or responses. Using set result = recv(10) stores whatever you receive from the serial port (for 10 milliseconds) into the variable named result. This is super useful for two-way communication with embedded systems!

Conditional Statements: Making Decisions on the Fly

Ever wished your macro could think? Conditional statements are your answer! Using if, else, and endif, you can tell your macro to execute different commands based on certain conditions.

if result = "OK" then
  sendln "Configuration successful!"
else
  messagebox "Configuration failed!" "Error"
endif

This snippet checks if the variable result contains “OK”. If it does, it sends a success message. Otherwise, it displays an error message box. Pretty neat, huh? This logical control lets your macros dynamically respond to different situations.

Loops: Repetition Without the Repetition

Got a task you need to repeat multiple times? Loops are your best friend! Tera Term macros support for and while loops, letting you automate repetitive actions with ease.

• for Loops: Ideal for repeating a task a specific number of times.

for i = 1 to 5
  sendln "Iteration: " i
  wait 100
next

This loop sends the message “Iteration: ” followed by the current iteration number (from 1 to 5) five times, with a short delay in between.

• while Loops: Perfect for repeating a task as long as a certain condition is true.

set attempts = 0
while attempts < 3
  sendln "Trying to connect..."
  wait 1000
  set result = recv(100)
  if result = "Connected" then
    break ; Exit the loop
  endif
  set attempts = attempts + 1
endwhile

This loop attempts to connect up to three times. If it receives “Connected”, it exits the loop. Otherwise, it increments the attempts counter and tries again. Very handy for handling unreliable connections!

Bonus: Simple User Interfaces

Want to make your macros even more user-friendly? You can create basic user interfaces using commands like inputbox and messagebox.

• inputbox: Prompts the user to enter a value.

inputbox "Enter filename:" filename
sendfile filename

This displays an input box asking the user to enter a filename, then sends the entered filename using sendfile.

• messagebox: Displays a message box with a custom message and title (like in the conditional statement example above).

These simple UI elements can make your macros much easier for others (or even your future self!) to use.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you’ll be able to craft Tera Term macros that tackle even the most complex automation challenges. So, go forth and experiment! The possibilities are endless!

Practical Examples and Use Cases: Real-World Applications

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks and see how we can put these Tera Term macros to work in the real world! Forget abstract theory; we’re talking about getting our hands dirty with some practical applications. Think of these examples as blueprints for your own automation adventures.

Automating Firmware Updates

Ever had to update the firmware on some quirky embedded device? It’s usually a tedious process, right? Well, imagine this: you kick back with a cup of coffee while Tera Term automatically transfers the latest firmware image to that device. It’s like having a little robot assistant!

• Transferring a New Firmware Image to an Embedded Device: This is where the sendfile command shines. You craft a macro to send the firmware file over the serial connection. Think of it as beaming the new brain into the device.
• Verifying the Successful Update: But wait, how do you know if it worked? Your macro can also send commands to the device to check the firmware version after the transfer. If everything matches, BAM! Success. If not, you get an error message, and you can retry (or start that second cup of coffee).

Data Logging and Transfer

Got a sensor spitting out data like a caffeinated parrot? Instead of manually copying and pasting, let’s automate the whole process.

• Collecting Data from a Sensor: Your Tera Term macro can continuously read data coming in from the sensor over the serial port. It’s like setting up a digital scribe to record everything.
• Transferring the Data to a Computer for Analysis: Once you’ve collected enough data, your macro can automatically save it to a file and even transfer it to your computer for analysis. Think of it as automating the process of turning raw data into actionable insights. Now you can impress your boss with those fancy graphs!

Remote Configuration of Devices

Ever need to tweak settings on a device that’s miles away? No problem! Macros to the rescue.

• Sending Configuration Commands to a Remote Device: Your macro can send a series of commands to the remote device to adjust its settings. It’s like being a remote control wizard, tweaking things from afar.
• Retrieving the Device’s Current Configuration: To make sure everything is set up correctly, your macro can also retrieve the device’s current configuration and display it. This helps you confirm that your commands were executed successfully. Think of it as getting confirmation that you successfully twiddled those remote knobs.

The Power of Automation: Beyond File Transfers

Okay, so we’ve conquered file transfers with Tera Term macros – high five! But hold on, the automation party doesn’t stop there! Let’s zoom out and see the bigger picture: the wonderful world of automation itself. Think of it as your own personal army of tiny digital helpers, ready to do your bidding.

Automation is all about making things easier, faster, and, dare I say, even fun? It’s about letting the computer handle the boring, repetitive tasks while you, the brilliant human, focus on the stuff that actually requires brainpower – like dreaming up new projects or finally mastering that perfect cup of coffee. By automating your tasks, you’re essentially reclaiming your time and reducing the potential for those oh-so-human errors that creep in when you’re doing the same thing over and over again.

Now, why are macros the rockstars of the automation world? Well, they bring a level of consistency that’s hard to beat. Once you’ve crafted a macro, it will perform the same task, in the same way, every single time. No more accidental typos or missed steps! Plus, they’re incredibly repeatable. Need to do something 100 times? Just run the macro 100 times! And let’s not forget the reduced errors. Macros are like little robots, following instructions to the letter. They don’t get tired, they don’t get distracted by cat videos, and they don’t accidentally delete the wrong file (hopefully!).

But wait, there’s more! Tera Term macros aren’t just for file transfers. They’re like Swiss Army knives for your digital life. Here are a few other cool things you can automate:

System Monitoring

Want to keep an eye on your server’s health without constantly logging in? Create a macro that periodically checks CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk space, then sends you an email alert if anything goes wrong. Think of it as your own personal server watchdog!

Network Testing

Need to diagnose network issues? Automate ping tests, traceroutes, and port scans with macros. You can even create macros that analyze the results and flag potential problems. Say goodbye to manual network troubleshooting!

Remote Administration

Imagine being able to remotely manage a bunch of devices without ever leaving your desk. With Tera Term macros, you can automate tasks like restarting services, updating configurations, and even installing software on remote machines. It’s like having superpowers for system administration!

Troubleshooting and Best Practices: Tips for Success

Let’s face it, even the best-laid plans can go sideways. Your shiny new Tera Term macro, designed to automate the most tedious file transfers, might just throw a tantrum. Don’t panic! Debugging is as crucial as writing the code itself. Let’s dive into some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Common Issues and Solutions: When Things Go Wrong

• Communication Errors: Ah, the dreaded communication breakdown. It’s like trying to have a conversation with someone who speaks a different language – or yells at a different speed. The usual suspects? Baud rate mismatches, incorrect data bits, parity hiccups, and sneaky stop bit saboteurs. Always double, triple, quadruple-check these settings, especially when connecting to older devices. Remember, it’s better to be slow and steady than fast and incomprehensible.

• File Transfer Failures: So, the serial connection is humming, but your file is nowhere to be found. Likely culprits include an incorrect file path. Tera Term needs to know exactly where to find the file; otherwise, it’s like asking a GPS to guide you to “somewhere fun.” Also, make sure Tera Term has the necessary permissions to read the file. And, for the love of bits, use the -binary mode for non-text files! Forget this, and your precious data turns into digital gibberish, imagine sending cat image and when it reach other side it become dog image? that’s how crucial is using binary mode.

• Macro Execution Errors: If your macro starts behaving like a toddler throwing a tantrum, it’s probably a syntax error, a rogue variable, or some messed-up logic. Brush up on your Tera Term macro syntax – one misplaced character can wreak havoc.

Tips for Writing Efficient Macros: Code Like a Pro

• Comment Like You Mean It: Future you (and anyone else who has to decipher your code) will thank you. Comments explain what your code does, which is invaluable when you need to revisit it months later. Think of them as little love notes to your future self.

• Divide and Conquer: Complex tasks are intimidating. Break them down into smaller, manageable functions. A long monolithic macro is hard to read, debug, and maintain. Small functions, or subroutines are easier to deal with.

• Variable Virtuosity: Avoid hardcoding values. Use variables to store and manipulate data. This makes your macros more flexible, reusable, and easier to modify. Change the variable once, and the change applies everywhere it’s used.

• Timing is (Still) Everything: Optimizing timing delays is critical for reliable data transfer. Too little delay, and you risk overwhelming the receiving device. Too much delay, and your macro will run slower than a sloth on sedatives. Experiment and find the sweet spot.

Debugging Techniques: Sherlock Holmes Mode

• The messagebox Detective: The messagebox command is your best friend. Use it to display variable values at various points in your macro. This helps you track down where things go wrong, like a digital bloodhound.

• Step-by-Step Sleuthing: Many text editors provide the ability to execute a macro line by line. This allows you to step through your macro line by line to identify exactly where and when the errors occur.

• RTFM (Read The Fantastic Manual): The Tera Term macro documentation is more helpful than you think. Consult it for detailed information on commands, syntax, and troubleshooting tips. Seriously, RTFM.

So, there you have it! Playing around with delays in Tera Term can really save you a headache when you’re sending files. Give these tips a shot, and hopefully, things will run a bit smoother for you. Happy scripting!