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SID Knowledge Base

For SID V5.xx

The Knowledge Base contains articles gleaned from our technical support files. They answer many of the more frequently asked queries.

Installation Problems and Setup tips
PDF outputs
Setup "stalling" on a CAB file.
Dongle not being recognised
Update of LOG templates
ODBC Setup
Non-English PC's
AutoSketch

Errors
Messages containing "Index, order ...."
Importing Date fields from Excel
Help INDEX not working
Log production error (This is not a valid macro(MCR) file)

Projects
SID Project Path names

Inputs
Borehole ID conventions
Creating and editing Pick Lists in Datafields
Dealing with "DRY" piezometer readings (DEP & DEPC
Calculations in the STRATUM datatable

Surfaces
General method for creating surface mapping files (e.g. for SURFER Version 7)

Logs
Plotting CPT results
How to insert your company logo onto a Borehole Log template
How to create piezometer installation graphics on logs.
How to e-mail log specifications for technical support.
Using symbols on logs (e.g. Water-strikes)
Changing directories in AutoSketch

Sections
Separating boreholes on section plots

Graphs
Graph Symbols
Updating graphs from SID4 and Grapher V1

Miscellaneous
How to e-mail a small SID dataset for technical support.
Do not use TIMEC as a User-defined field name

EXCEL Worksheets
Memo fields in Excel worksheets used in import and export from SID

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PDF outputs
By using PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader) outputs from SID you can easily distribute logs, sections graphs etc electronically in a format with which most PC users are familiar.

To setup SID to produce PDF output files you need to install a "PDF printer" on your PC. There are several free printer drivers available on the internet - we find the following site useful www.pdf995.com

Once you have installed a PDF printer you can make this the default for AutoSketch so that all logs sections will be produced as PDF files.

We have also found that the PDF files can be printed on a larger range of printers than that supported by AutoSketch.

Plotting CPT results
From Version 5.09.01 SID includes an example CPT log style. Also included is a test dataset - this is in the Project "Example CPT".

The datatable STCN holds the raw cone data. In the "Example CPT" project 2 user-defined fields have been added.

STCN.FRESMPA - The sleeve resistance converted to MPa - this is a calculated field = Stcn.stcn_fres/1000
STCN.FRATIO - The Cone Friction Ratio - this is a calculated field=100*Stcn.fresmpa/ Stcn.stcn_res

The log-style "CPT" has 3 graphs

Cone resistance: Stcn_res v stcn_dpth   using colour 7 (black)
Sleeve resistance: Fresmpa v stcn_dpth   using colour 1 (red)
Friction ratio: Fratio v stcn_dpth   using colour 1 (red)

Using this example you can see how to develop your own CPT logs. We suggest that you develop 2 or 3 CPT styles to cater for different resistance graph scales.

Log production error (This is not a valid macro(MCR) file)
You may get this error if your SID installation folder name is greater than 8 characters long.

Just rename the SID installation folder - then depending on
where you have stored your project data you may also need to edit the full
path to each project folder.

You can do this directly ....
1. Select Options:SID system file management
2. Select the SIDSITE table
3. Directly edit the required fields
4. Save the table

Also you will need to reset your ODBC setup for Word & Excel if you use these - see Options:ODBC setup for Word & Excel.

AutoSketch Setup
The print set up commands do not work in Autosketch on Windows
2000 and XP. (Paper size, orientation etc). Instead you need to use Control
panel/printers and set up the printers there.   On some printers it is also
necessary to set the appropriate printer command to print in black otherwise you get very grey looking copies and to print text as graphics if the printer does not support the fonts used.

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Non-English PC's
SID will only work with the "locale" set to ENGLISH.

Memo fields in Excel worksheets used in import and export from SID
Import from Excel worksheet to SID
Note that he maximum length of an imported Memo field is 254 characters
Export from SID to Excel worksheet
The full contents of Memo fields are exported to Excel worksheets

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Calculations in the STRATUM datatable
The following fields are calculated (filled) by SID when the Data:Data Checks option is selected:

GEOL_LEG - This is the code used to generate the graphical legend on logs and sections. It is filled-in by SID only if it is empty (so you can enter your codes). In that case the DESCRIPT filed is searched for the first capitalised word that matches a code in the pick-list (eg SAND, CLAY etc

GEOL_TOP , THICKNESS - This is the depth to the TOP of the stratum and the stratum thickness. The requirement is to enter data for the depth to the bottom of the strata. SID computes these 2 additional fields by arranging the entered stratum data in depth (to base) order.

LEVEL_BASE, LEVEL_TOP - These are the reduced levels of the startum base and top as calulated from the corresponding depth entries and the HOLE GR_LEVEL (Ground level). Note that SID calculates the reduced level of all depths in the SID datatables.

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Messages containing "Index, order ...."
If you get any of the following error messages:

Table not ordered

Missing or corrupt CDX

Index does not match datatable

Close SID and DELETE all .CDX files in the relevent Project folder and try again.

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Importing Date fields from Excel
There is a Microsoft bug when date fields are imported from Excel into SID. It only manifests itself when the FIRST row of a datatable contains a date where the DAY number begins with a zero - eg 05/10/1998. The imported data will contain a "scrambled" date - eg 05/10/0199 or similar!

Workaround: Type a ' (apostrophe) at the beginning of the date eg '05/10/1998. You only need to do this for the date in the first row of the spreadsheet even when the following rows contain dates with leading zeros.

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ODBC Setup
In Windows 2000, "Data Sources(ODBC)" is now under a button called "Adminstrative Tools".

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Updating Multiple Installations

Update a single standalone system PC-1

Install clean(new) SID versions on all other PC's (PC-n)

If PC-1 shares a network server with any of PC-i:

Start PC-1 and "Install a SID server" on the network server (Options:SID system files)

Start PC-n and "Connect to SID server"

Note that when PC-n "Disconnects..." later, PC-n will hold the updated system locally.

For PC-n not connected to network with PC-1

After 1 above, copy the \SYS\ folder and sub-folders to a zip file eg SYSFILE.ZIP

After 2 above, overwrite the local \SYS\ folders and sub-folders with the contents of SYSFILE.ZIP

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Update of LOG templates
SID 5.03 should create a folder \sys\logs\ to store the log template files (*.skd). If you have a problem with SID locating templates then manually copy the *.skd files from the \sys\ folder to the \sys\logs\ folder.

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SID Project Path names
SID Project data directory path names must only contain the following characters:
A to Z
0 to 9
_ (underscore)

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Dealing with "DRY" piezometer readings
SID has a set of rules for dealing with piezometer/well readings. These apply to the POBS datatable as follows:

Data is stored in Numeric form in POBS_DEP - this can be entered directly, and can be negative or zero (but look at the SID Help:Dealing with Zero Values topic)

However, because the word "Dry" is often entered by fieldworkers, POBS has another field called POBS_DEPC - this is a Character field and can accept "Dry", "D", "12.34","-1.2" etc.

This is the preferred method - SID then calculates POBS_DEP as follows:

1. POBS_DEPC="D" or "Dry" AND POBS_RTDEP(As read Tip Depth) has a value
POBS_DEP=POBS_RTDEP
2. POBS_DEPC="D" or "Dry" AND POBS_RTDEP(As read Tip Depth) is empty(0)
POBS_DEP=PIEZO_TDEP (Installed Tip Depth)
3. Value of POBS_DEPC=zero
POBS_DEP=0.001 (SID zero - see above)
4. Value of POBS_DEPC not= zero
POBS_DEP= Value of POBS_DEPC

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Setup "stalling" on a CAB file
1. Download the offending file again. If you have tried more than 3 times then please send us the filename that is causing the problem.
2. Run the SETUP.EXE file from \DISK1

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Dongle not being recognised
1. In Windows Explorer open the SID_V50\DONGLE folder
2. Run the SETUPDON.EXE file - you may see some brief screen flickering - that's all.
3. Run SID again.

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Help INDEX not working
If you find you cannot access the HELP index or the INDEX tab does not appear - delete the SID5.CNT file in \SID_V50\

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How to create piezometer installation graphics on logs.
The graphics are composed of several elements:

1. The TIP represented as a solid pattern.
2. The RESPONSE ZONE represented as a SAND pattern.
3. Two vertical lines for the installed piezo tube.

These can be incorporated in any SID log specification as follows:

TIP

Select Options:Log Spec

Select the Log Style name you want to amend

Select PATTERNS

Add a new entry

Item description= Piezo tip

Pattern code taken from: Fixed pattern code=SOLID

Horizontal location fixed from X= Just left of the centreline of the appropriate log column

To X= Just right of the centreline of the appropriate log column

Vertical location on page:TOP:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Piezo_tdep-0.25

Vertical location on page:BOTTOM:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Piezo_tdep+0.25

Save

RESPONSE ZONE

Select Options:Log Spec

Select the Log Style name you want to amend

Select PATTERNS

Add a new entry

Item description= Piezo response zone

Pattern code taken from: Fixed pattern code=SAND

Horizontal location fixed from X= At the left of the appropriate log column

To X= At the right of the appropriate log column

Vertical location on page:TOP:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Depth_top

Vertical location on page:BOTTOM:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Depth_bot

Save

TUBES

Select Options:Log Spec

Select the Log Style name you want to amend

Select VLINES

Add a new entry

Item description= Piezo tube left

Horizontal location fixed at X=Just left of the centreline of the appropriate log column

Vertical location on page:TOP:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=0 (zero)

Vertical location on page:BOTTOM:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Piezo_tdep

Save

Add a new entry

Item description= Piezo tube right

Horizontal location fixed at X=Just right of the centreline of the appropriate log column

Vertical location on page:TOP:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=0 (zero)

Vertical location on page:BOTTOM:Scaled from depth:PZREF:

Depth expression=Pzref.Piezo_tdep

Save

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How to e-mail log specifications for technical support.
To e-mail the logspecs:

ZIP-UP the following files from your \SYS or SID server directory:
LOGSPEC.*
*.SKD (or just the template causing a problem)

E-mail zyt@cix.co.uk with a step-by-step account of the problem and attach SIDLOG.ZIP using the MIME/Base64 protocol

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Using symbols on logs (e.g. Water-strikes)
There is a known problem with AutoSketch that does not allow the automatic printing of logs containing PARTS.
However you can VIEW them and you print from CAD. So PARTS are only PARTly useful!
A workaround is to use a character/symbol instead from the GSI Symbol Set (supplied with SID) as follows:

Select Options:Log Specs:Text

Add a new entity

"Contents taken from..." - User Input - Enter the symbol (e.g. the character "5") this gives a downward black arrow. 4. Font:GSI Default Symbol, Bold, Size 16 (to suit)

Horizontal location to fit your log (you will need to tune this as the position is at the left bottom edge of the enclosing rectangle)

Vertical position: scaled from depth

From data: WSTK, expression: WSTK.DEP (for the water-strike example)

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How to e-mail a small SID dataset for technical support.
To e-mail a small SID dataset:

Start SID

Select Outputs:Database export

Use the HOLE filter to select a typical HOLE(s)

Select format=SID project

Press 'Export project data'

On the sub-project screen enter the 'Site name' (e.g. TEMP) and 'Directory to create..' (e.g. TEMP)

Press the Save (disk) button

Exit SID

Use PKZIP/WINZIP to compress all the files in the directory you specified in 6 above (e.g. C:\SID4219\TEMP) to a file SID_DAT.ZIP, say

E-mail zyt@cix.co.uk with a step-by-step account of the problem and attach SID_DAT.ZIP using the MIME/Base64 protocol

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How to insert your company logo onto a Borehole Log template

Find the name of the template CAD file. If you are not sure - start SID and look in Options:Log Specs:Template - close SID.

Start AutoSketch and open the template drawing - the SID templates are in the SID program directory (e.g. C:\SID46008)

Select the File:Import menu option

Select the file type to import (e.g. BMP) followed by the directory and filename of the required logo graphic file.

Click Open - this will place the file on your drawing

Now use the Move and Scale commands (from the Modify menu) to position and size your logo as you need.

Save the drawing.

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Separating boreholes on section plots
There is an easy way to separate the hole data on a section plot as follows:

Each hole is plotted on a separate CAD layer. e.g. a Borehole with ID BH1 is plotted on layer called LAYBH1 etc

You can make any layers visible or invisible (all visible on startup) - just double click on the layer box at the top right of the CAD window and un-check the layers(holes) that you want to hide.

You can then select a hole using the CAD selection tool and move it. The tool only selects visible holes.

Turn the layers back on again.

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Changing directories in AutoSketch
To change directory when saving/exporting/importing in AutoSketch just double-click on the [..] symbol in the file list.

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Borehole ID conventions
Do not use the following characters in the Borehole ID (BH_NUMBER) field:
/ \ ( ) [ ] { } " ' , .
Always carry out the Data:Checks option until you get the message "Checks completed OK" - SID replaces forbidden characters automatically during this process.

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General method for creating surface mapping files (e.g. for SURFER Version 7)

Select Outputs:Queries

Create a New query - call it SURFACE or something similar

Select the HOLE datatable

Select the STRATUM datatable

Link the tables on the BH_NUMBER fields

Select all fields (the * default) - you can select specific fields here if your surface-mapping software does not have this facility.

Setup any RULES you need - or just leave blank

Make the HOLE and CODE selections you require

Select Results:Send to a file

Select the SLK format

Enter a name for the file e.g. SURFDATA

Start/switch windows to SURFER (or other surface-mapping system)

Select Grid:Data and the SURFDATA.SLK file which will be in the SID program directory

Select whatever gridding options you require and create the grid

Select Map and create the Plot you need using the grid file you just created.

For subsequent Outputs just select the SURFACE query again

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Dongle Activation Procedure.
This is usually required when installing major upgrades or as advised by MZ Associates.
From SID V5.02.05 you no longer need to do this - SID does it automatically for you.

Step 1

Make sure your SID DONGLE is plugged into your printer port.

Select the SID Program Directory using Windows Explorer or File Manager (e.g. C:\SID50)

Run the USAFE.EXE program.

Press the Find Key button

You should see KEY ID: XXXX XXXX XXXX ….. at the top of the window.

If you use e-mail:

Press the Save Key ID button

When you see the Save Dialogue showing the keyid.idx file , press OK.

Press the Exit button on the USAFE program window.

E-mail the keyid.idx file to key@mzassociates.co.uk

If you don't use e-mail:

Send a FAX addressed to KEY , fax no.: 0171 681 1985 and include the KEY ID exactly as produced on the screen.

Press the Exit button on the USAFE program window.

Step 2 - When you have received your activation code

Make sure your SID DONGLE is plugged into your printer port.

Select the SID Program Directory using Windows Explorer or File Manager (e.g. C:\SID50)

Run the USAFE.EXE program.

Press the Find Key button

You should see KEY ID: XXXX XXXX XXXX ….. at the top of the window.

If you received a file by e-mail:

Press the Update Key button

Press from file….

Locate the file update.upx that was sent to you.

Press OK

You should see the message KEY Updated successfully - if not then contact MZ Associates.

If you received your activation code by fax:

Type in the code into the USAFE window exactly as shown on the fax

Press the Update Key button

You should see the message KEY Updated successfully - if not then contact MZ Associates.

You will now be able to use your SID program.

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Graph Symbols
Grapher provides 2 separate functions for producing marks on graphs:

Symbols - these are not used on SID default templates. You can specify a single symbol for every data point on a graph.

Data Point Labels - these can vary with data and can be written alongside a data point or centred on it.
SID uses Data Point Labels to allow Hole or Stratum related marks. You can set the font attributes of Labels - e.g. Symbol set/Font Bold etc. in the Grapher template. The SID default graphs use the GSI Default Symbols "font".
You can edit/create any GRAPHER templates to incorporate either or both of these in the way you need.
See also the SID Help topics "Setting-up GRAPHER" and "Options - Graph Specifications"

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Creating and editing Pick Lists in Datafields
For example to setup new codes in SAMPLE:TYPE (or any other datatable:field pick list):

Select the Data:Database structure:Datatables menu option

Select the Datatable and datafield you want

Click on the edit button

Click on the Pick List button

Add or Edit codes as required

Press the exit/save buttons saving the changes.

The current project now has the new codes.

To make the new codes (and any other database structure changes) apply to other projects you must make this new setup become the SID default.

Select the Data:Database structure:Project menu option

Click on the "Make this project's structure the SID default" button.

Press exit.

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Updating graphs from SID4 and Grapher V1
SID 5 is optimised for Grapher V2 and although it is possible to use your old graphs we suggest that you build user-defined graphs from the new templates in SID5 - and update to Grapher V2!!

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Do not use TIMEC as a User-defined field name
TIMEC is a "reserved" word in SID. Do not use it as a field name or you may generate an unwanted error message.

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