Menu 10.4.39 - Collector Macros

Macros are two- or three-character commands that collectors can enter at the CMD prompt to automatically execute a series of other commands or keystrokes. Macros and function keys are similar because they both execute other functions; however, macros do not have some of the limitations that function keys have. The following table illustrates their differences:

Macros	Function Keys
Work on any terminal, whether it has function keys or not.	Must be a part of the terminal.
Same macros are available to all collectors.	Default function keys available to the entire agency.
Can only be changed by management.	Can be changed by collectors to suite their needs.
Can insert dates and times.	Can only load times.
No character limits	There is a 22 character limit.

Macros can be set up to enter automatic note lines, but the text cannot be longer than 33 characters on one line (it can however, be broken into more than one line). If the characters on one line exceed the 33-character maximum, the program will lose all characters after 33.

Also, if you want a macro to update a field that is limited to 15 characters, and you enter 20 characters, only the first 15 will be input. If you are running a macro that prompts for notes, remember the following:

• If you type a numeric value that matches an action code, the system will perform the action code.
• When you enter a dollar amount, use a dollar sign. If you do not enter a dollar sign and an action code matches the amount you entered, the system will perform the action code.

Before you actually set up your macros, it is a good idea to think through what you want each macro to accomplish and the key strokes required. Starting at the CMD prompt in the Collector screen, write down each key stroke including each time you press Enter. When you have written down all of the steps, you are ready to create the macro in the Macro Setup routine.