Linking the Plan Wheel to Your Computer

(This information is intended for persons interested in using the Plan Wheel XL (or Plan Wheel PC) for their individual use. Commercial software developers should refer to Application Note AN-13, "Interfacing to the Plan Wheel".)

Note that "Plan Wheel" (without the XL or PC designation) cannot be interfaced to your computer. Be sure you have the current model "Plan Wheel XL".

Regardless of what software you use for estimating, the Scalex Plan Wheel XL can be used as an input device for doing the takeoffs. This applies whether you use a spreadsheet such as Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, or Quattro Pro, a database such as Access, FoxPro, or dBase, or any of the popular estimating programs available.

Transfer Software

To use the Scalex Plan Wheel XL with your software, you should determine what, if any, transfer software is needed. Transfer software moves the measurement from the Plan Wheel XL into your estimating, spreadsheet or other program. It also allows you to change the scale factor and other scaler settings from the computer.

Transfer software is available for programs which work with Windows, DOS, and Mac.

What to Buy

For Windows programs, purchase the Plan Wheel XL and XL Interface Kit. Ready Connect, the transfer software included in the Interface Kit, works with all versions of Windows: 3.x, 95, 98, NT, or 2000. (You may wish to purchase the Scale-Link package, which includes the Plan Wheel XL, Ready Connect software and a protective case at a special package price.)

For DOS programs, purchase the Plan Wheel XL, and TakeOff for DOS. You must also purchase the connecting cable separately.

For Mac programs, purchase the Plan Wheel XL and Scaler Mac.