Bringover the file [indigo]<chipndale>top>colorvplot15.df with the DF tool. (15 is the current chipndale version, keep this number up to date, independantly of this documentation).

Independently whether ChipNDale is already running or not, execute the command

to set up the appropriate software and colors.

Now you need to get your design on the screen. Execute the commands

to read in your ".chip" or ".dale" file into ChipNDale.

Plot any portion of the design you wish by selecting an area using the left mouse button with 'Y' held down. Terminal will request the number of vertical strips you want the plot divided into; each strip will be made into a pd file named "plot(i).pd" where i is 0..(#strips -1). A '.' will be printed for every band completed; the phrase "finished plot(s)" indicates that all strips have been done.

Be sure that the versatec is in "Soliciting Client" mode. If it says "Got a Client" and the LED display indicates disk activity, someone else is probably sending a file and you'll have to wait. If it is not busy and does not say "Soliciting Client," punch the white boot button on the front of the machine and wait for the correct prompt to appear.

You have your pd files; you want hard copy. Make sure the versatec is in "Soliciting Client" mode; give the command

and the file will be transferred over the net to the color versatec (aka belle). An pie-shaped icon will appear indicating the portion of the file that has been transferred. You must wait until the file has completely finished printing (not just finished moving over the net) before sending the next print request.

Completed plots are cut off each night and left for pick-up on a table in the Purple Lab. Users are discouraged from cutting off their own plots. (It is quite difficult to install the paper properly; such that the next user gets a good plot again)

You can easily change the colors assigned to levels by editing the command files VersatecCMOS.cm and VersatecCMOS.cm.