The GEM WS File Manager program , WFM for short is a DOS based graphical utility application. This was written by Dave Williams for GEMClub.
WFM will load a file that was saved directly onto a WS disk and allow you to then Display, Print reports or Edit – Voice, Global, Sequencer/Style and/or ALL files either on an IBM PC (with MS-DOS 3.0 or greater). This program disk includes all programs, overlays and help files.
Installation onto a computer, loading and setup is straight forward due to the initial default setting being selected automatically the first time WFM is run.
Once loaded, WFM displays the opening title window and awaits either a depression on the mouse button or <ENTER> key, revealing the main menu.
The main screen takes the form of most familiar Atari style menu. The pull down menus may be selected either by the mouse or by pressing Function Key 1 and then using the conventional cursor keys (for those whom prefer not to use rodents) and provide the following menu options: About, File Menu, Utils Menu, Language, System and Quit. Also full implementation of ‘Hot Keys’ have been provided. This allowing fast selection of all file options and utilities such as Display, Print etc.
Full program status is provided on the bottom line of the screen at all times. This includes File details and Options set.
The first option that must be performed, is to load a Workstation file. Regardless of the file extension (for example .VCE for Voice), WFM automatically determines not only the file type but whether it is a version 1 or 2 file. This is important as version 1 does not have a programmable drumkit for example and automatically disables all drumkit options.
The file pull down menu facilitates the following: Load, Save, Save As, Copy, Move/Rename, Delete and File information.
Once a file has been loaded the Utility menu enables you to Display to screen, Print to the printer or Edit. All options are automatically set so that if for example the file loaded is a voice file, then all utilities only prompt you with Voice and Drumkit options. Making operation as straight forward and friendly as possible.
The Display and Print menus provided the following details:
- Voice FileVoice Names, Dynamic Switch 1&2 including Velocity Value and Octave Setting.
- Drumkit Names (Version 2 file only), Note Number (36-108), Note Value (C2-Bb7), Percussion Instrument Name, Dynamic Switch Name, Frequency, Channel Select, Effects Set and Level.
- Global File Global Name, Voice Name A,B,D,E and E or Voice Number if not working on an ALL file. Also, a Plus and Minus indicator is placed before each voice name to show if the voice is turned on or off.
- Sequencer FileStyle name only.
The editing options were not in full implementation so unfortunately I was unable to provide a full test. However, Voice and Drumkit re-mapping is provided. This enabling you to change the voice number parameters or re-assign the percussion instrument note numbers, either manually or by loading in an template. A MT-32 template was provided.
All the above file details will be expand in future releases and hopefully full editing and MIDI parameters will be included in the final release.
Further, the facility of copying styles and merging into one Workstation file is also to be included. This utility alone is worth having as it will save a great deal of time in the generation of new styles and enable you to load only your favorite Styles into the Workstation.
