TCFilemaker2 (ex TimeCode for Filemaker) Beta

This plugin allows you to calculate with TimeCode values in Filemaker Pro Files.
TimeCode is widely used in Film and Video postproduction.

Configuration

You need Filemaker 7, 8 or 9 for Macintosh OSX (Universal) and for Windows.

Installation

Macintosh: Drag the TCFilemaker2 file to the FileMaker Extensions folder in the Filemaker folder.
Windows: Drag the TCFilemaker2 file to the System folder in the Filemaker folder.
Open Filemaker.
Go to the menu Edit-Preferences-Application... Go to the tab Plug-Ins.
You should see the TCFilemaker2 plugin in the list.
Click into the checkbox to enable it.
Then open the timecode tester.fp7 document to explore the plugin.

Shareware registration

You can to install and use the plugin on any computer. I expect, however, that you buy a license (30 USD) via the website http://order.kagi.com/?ZSI.
The plugin is not protected, as I prefer spend my time on making it better than on writing software security routines. But the deal is simple: I only will give email support to registered clients.
Support: matti@belle-nuit.com

Migrating from Version 1

TCFilemaker2 replaces Timecode for Filemaker.

Version 2 uses a new syntax which was introduced by Filemaker 7. Before, all Plugins used the generic function Extern(). Now, each Plugin can define their own functions. This makes the formulas much more readable.
Note: For Filemaker 4-6, you can use Timecode for Filemaker 1

The downside is that you have to change your formulas, because the older syntax is not supported any more.

External("TCFM-Plus",tc1 & "_" tc2 & "_"& fps) becomes Timecode_Plus(tc1,tc2,fps)

External("TCFM-Minus",tc1 & "_" tc2 & "_"& fps) becomes Timecode_Minus(tc1,tc2,fps)

External("TCFM-Mult",tc1 & "_" factor & "_"& fps) becomes Timecode_Mult(tc1,factor,fps)

External("TCFM-Div",tc1 & "_" factor & "_"& fps) becomes Timecode_Div(tc1,factor,fps)

External("TCFM-Text",tc & "_" & fps) becomes Timecode_Format(tc1,fps)

External("TCFM-Value",tc & "_" & fps) becomes Timecode_Number(tc1,fps)

External("TCFM-Frames",tc & "_" & fps) becomes Timecode_To_Frames(tc1,fps)

External("TCFM-SetFrames",frames & "_" & fps) becomes Timecode_From_Frames(frames,fps)

External("TCFM-Seconds",tc & "_" & fps & "_ " & speed) becomes Timecode_To_Seconds(tc1,fps,speed)

External("TCFM-SetSeconds",seconds & "_" & fps & "_ " & speed) becomes Timecode_From_Seconds(seconds,fps,speed)

External("TCFM-Version","") becomes Timecode_Version

Note that not all parameters are required. See the syntax page for details.

We recommend you to backup your database before you migrate. Then duplicate the concerned fields, change the formula and compare the results before you go on.
The tester database uses both plugins for testing. It uses both plugins. The old plugin calculations are in gray.

Reference

You can find all functions in the formula dialog box when you define the calculation fields. The functions list has a view popup-menu whith as last entry External Functions.

Usage of Parameters

The input fields tc can be number fields or text fields, and the TimeCode values can be formatted with delimiters or as number strings only, but the output is always a string, so be sure to define the result of the calculation as Text or the result will be zero.
All functions except Number, Frames and Seconds return formatted TimeCode, but you can reuse this one easily in another function.
fps (frames per second) is optional in all functions (default 25). Supported are timecode 24,25,29.97 and 30, and the outputformat of 29.97 uses semicolons between seconds and frames (00:00:00;00).
Note: You have to use the period sign (.) to specify fractional values like 29.97. Local delimiters ere not supported.
All calculations work in 24h mode, so there is no negative TimeCode. Time Codes over 24 hours are wrapped.
DropFrame TimeCode is handled.

Timecode_Plus(tc1,tc2,fps)

Returns tc1 + tc2.

Timecode_Minus(tc1,tc2,fps)

Returns tc1 - tc2.

Timecode_Mult(tc1,factor,fps)

Returns tc1 * factor.
You can enter fractional values, but the decimal separator must be a period.

Timecode_Div(tc1,factor,fps)

Returns tc1 / factor or 0 if factor is 0.
You can enter fractional values, but the decimal separator must be a period.

Timecode_Format(tc1,fps)

Formats the TimeCode with colons.

Timecode_Number(tc1,fps)

Returns the timecode as a number without delimiters.

Timecode_To_Frames(tc1,fps)

Converts TimeCode to frame count.

Timecode_From_Frames(frames,fps)

Converts frame count to TimeCode.

Timecode_To_Seconds(tc1,fps,speed)

Converts TimeCode to seconds as a string.
Speed is optional (by default equal to fps), and it is useful, if you want to run 30 NDF timecode at 29.97 frames per second.

Timecode_From_Seconds(seconds,fps,speed)

Converts seconds to TimeCode.
Speed is optional (by default equal to fps).

Timecode_Version

Returns a version string. The parameter is ignored.

History

19.9.7 release TCFilemaker2 Universal and Windows
19.4.4 Checked compatibility FM 7.
7.8.2 OS X Version version 1.0
4.9.1 Windows version 1.0
7.6.1 version 1.0

http://www.belle-nuit.com - 19.9.7