VTAS - Vehicle Track Analysis Software

Donfabs & Consillia’s Vehicle Track Analysis Software is designed to handle all types of data sets derived from the Company’s range of vehicle ride and track geometry equipment. Using a SQL Server database VTAS provides the structure to allow the easy storage and recall of hundreds of data sets.  Data recorded using the Mactrack or Macminder can be stored individually or “Journey Data” sets can be assigned. To these groups additional information can be added such as annotation or histogram files. 

Using the flexible graphing system, VTAS can overlay custom data synchronised with the captured instrumentation data, for example milepost annotations, structure position and global positioning data providing useful conditioned based maintenance information. 

VTAS utilises XML data transfer technology to seamlessly connect the VTAS data analysis system to the wide range of Consillia railway measuring and monitoring equipment. Portable enough to run on a laptop computer, VTAS has import software expansion modules available that enable the laptop to be connected directly to the measuring / monitoring equipment for the download of captured data directly into the VTAS SQL Server Database.

All data stored within the database can be recalled, manipulated, graphed and exported for use within other proprietary software. Hardcopy printouts can also be produced for reporting purposes.

System Specifications
Hardware Interface	Enhanced parallel port or via Memory Card
Storage	A standard explorer view enables storage of data in a hierarchical format. A top level journey file is created to encompass data sets from supported equipment. Each piece of equipment has a unique serial number which enables VTAS to easily cross reference sets of data for analysis and reporting.
Number of Data Sets	Limited to the storage capacity of Microsoft SQL Server. 2GB (MSDE), 1TB (SQL Server)
Directory Structure	Stored using Date, Time, Instrument, Journey or User Name
Graphical Display	Multi-channel Side by Side trace display in vertical and horizontal scrolling window Zoom In and Out, Pan facility, Drag and Drop facility User friendly tree structure for easy selection of traces Overlay and building of group traces Area select for statistics, histogram, export, save or print facility
Database	MSDE 2000 Data Engine The Microsoft Data Engine provides the functionality of SQL Server, without any front end (no Enterprise Manager or Query Analyser). MSDE 2000 is recommended for small clients with 2-5 users. Provides: • Storage of all data sets • Delete single or multiple data sets • Rename, Move, select for Display, Archive and Multiple Selection facility Fully expandable to harness the additional scalability offered by Microsoft SQL Server
Reporting Functions	Utilises industry standard Crystal Analysis® and Crystal Reports® reporting engine customised to individual customer requirements Provides • Print Report • Print Preview • Email Report • Export Report
Export Facility	Export area or complete file Datasets can be copied as XML or CSV data into a variety of compatible programmes.
Print Facility	VTAS will print to most Windows supported printers and includes font, point size, page selection, and preview functions. Provides • RAW Data Print – allows the user printable output of the raw data that has been read from the equipment without any post download processing applied • Processed Data Print – After processing the data can be printed or formatted to present the captured data in a report format
PC Requirements	Pentium III 750 MHz processor (minimum) 256MB RAM (minimum) 1 Gb of Disk Space Free (minimum) Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP with the latest Service Pack installed Super VGA Graphics Card (800 x 600 pixels) CD ROM Drive VDU, Mouse, Keyboard, Printer Port

Once you have downloaded a VTAS, follow these instructions to install:

Prerequisite Software

VTAS requires that the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) is installed and running on your system before installing VTAS, you can find more information about MSDE here. The Microsoft Data Engine is automatically installed by the VTAS installer if it is not found during installation.

Windows 2000/XP

If autorun is enabled simply insert the CD and wait, the setup program will start within a few moments otherwise simply browse the CD contents in windows explorer and double click Setup.exe to start the install. The installer will guide you through the rest of the installation process.

NOTE: The setup may install the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE) which adds several minutes to the install time and may require a reboot!

This list covers the known level 1 and 2 bugs with VTAS 2.1 (BETA). Please read this before reporting any new bugs.

During the beta test stage of a release all service packs will be available here.

Please read the release notes carefully as these will detail the bugs fixed and the known outstanding bugs including their assigned priority levels.

Installation folder

By default VTAS will be installed into <DRIVE>\Program Files\Consillia\VTAS2.1

Sub folders are as follows -

Reports - Store for the crystal report files

Data - Store for the imported Macminder data (by default you will find two fir files here which are simply samples from test Macminder data that you can import)

INI Files

VTAS has two INI files used for configuring the software, it is advisable not to change the settings in these files unless directed to do so by your system administrator and/or Consillia software development department.

The files can be found in your system root folder: e.g.: / C:\Windows

VTAS.INI

METRUMERRORLOGGER.INI

FM&T.INI

The following resources contain useful information about VTAS:

VTAS Help (Online manual - Coming shortly, in the meantime please contact us)

Right Click, save target as...

Save to desktop

You may also need to alter your security settings on this file to view it, right click the file, choose properties and then unblock.

The best way to report a bug is via email directly to the Consillia software development department, please include in your bug report as much information as you can provide. This will hopefully enable us to reproduce the bug and fix it for the next release of the software. To send a bug report please contact Consillia

To send a debug report directly from VTAS see the document Debug in the Error Handling section of the online help.

Consillia Limited accepts no liability for any damages whatsoever (direct or indirect) arising out of the use of or inability to use this product, even if Consillia Limited has been advised of the possibility of such damages.