Expert Mode

You should only use the Expert Mode if you are a very experienced user. Some fields automatically assume the default values. Be very careful if you decide to change any of these values. (See: Invalid Data).
On some fields, as you insert a value you will be changing the value of some dependant fields. That relationship is going to be clarified bellow.

Menu

In the NCPE Menu you have 2 options: File and Help.

The File toolbar options

New: Creates a new model. Asks you if you want to save the non modified changes on the current one and put the default values in all parameters.

Open: Opens a model already saved.

Save: Saves the current model

Save as: Saves the current model with a different name.

Save split: When you make a “save split” you are saving 2 node.cfg files. They are saved (by default) each one on the node directory correspondent.

Preview: Shows the current state of your node.cfg file.

Check: Reports the warnings and errors found on your actual node.cfg file.

Wizard: Changes to Wizard Mode. Recommended to inexperienced users.

Exit: Exits the application.

The Help option allows you choose between:

Help Contents: Contains all the help you can need about the NCPE. It is split in 3 sections: Welcome to the NCPE Help, NCPE Basics and Node_cfg Basics. The “Welcome to the NCPE Help” gives you a general overview about the NCPE and a generic explanation about how to use it. The “NCPE Basics” explains you how to use the features of the NCPE tool. The “Node_cfg Basics” has generic information about the node.cfg file as well as details about each field you have to fulfill.

About: Contains information about the NCPE and java versions.

Invalid Data

If some invalid data is inserted that information will appear at red color and the icon at the bottom of the screen changes from “green Valid data” to “red Invalid data”. This will be kept that way until the values are corrected.
If you try to save the model or generate the node.cfg file with some aparently invalid data, the application will warn you of that and will ask you if you want to continue anyway. Remember, if you decide to continue, this can bring you some problems later.