Questions
Here are some common questions we have received from PlusTab users:
1. It doesn't seem to be saving that much faster than previous versions.
Be sure you are using Excel 2007 sp2 or higher. Do your Windows/Microsoft Updates for Office. SP2 makes the file save much quicker.
If you are using the Excel 2003 version, it is faster than previous versions, just not as quick as the 2007 version.
2. Does it work on Macs?
Not in the Mac OS. You need bootcamp and Windows XP/Vista/7 and Excel 2007 or 2003 for Windows.
3. Does it work on Excel 2010?
We have not tested the program on Excel 2010 which is still in beta at this time.
4. Can I still edit the spreadsheets directly?
No. Do NOT edit the spreadsheets including the rounds sheet. If you unhide spreadsheets and play with them, you are likely to cause errors. The ONLY spreadsheet you can adjust is to copy and paste _rows_ _within_ the Judge Prefs sheet. DO NOT PASTE in prefs from a different spreadsheet. you will cause errors.
AGAIN--IF YOU EDIT THE SPREADSHEETS--YOU WILL CAUSE THE PROGRAM TO STOP RUNNING.
5. Should I just use 1.5 or wait until you get all the kinks worked out of Version 2?
NO--YOU SHOULD USE VERSION 2.2 OR HIGHER. It already has the kinks worked out of it; over 155 revisions and improvements were made to the program since its release 4 months ago.
Earlier editions are no longer supported (as in, we really can't help you with it anymore). Further, there are far more kinks in 1.5 than in the current version. Version 2.2 is faster, has many, many more features and many less bugs (the bugs are almost entirely unusual situations). WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING VERSION 2.2 OR HIGHER. The version number is located on the Start Page in the lower right.
6. Why do I need to adjust my macro settings?
PlusTab is built through a series of compex macros programmed in visual basic for applications. You must enable macros when you open up the PlusTab excel file in order for the program to work. For more information on setting up the macros please visit our support wiki.
7. Is the program really free?
Yes. There is no cost to download and use the program. You will need a copy of Microsoft Excel 2007 or 2003.
8. Can I use forensicstournament.net and download the file from there?
Yes.
FIRST, DOWNLOAD THE ENTRIES
--Log into forensicstournament.net
--click tournaments at the top of the page
--click the info link for your tournament
--click the admin link at the top of the page
--click the Entries tab
--click debate
--click the plustab format
--check the divisions you want to download
SECOND--OPEN PLUS TAB
click the "import data" button
click import forensicstournament.net file button
in the dialogue box, find your file and click open
it will import the file and take you to the tournament settings
--change the names of the divisions and settings to what you want
and you are ready to go
9. Can I use DebateResults and download the file from there?
Yes.
FIRST--DOWNLOAD THE DEBATE RESULTS FILE
log into debateresults.com
go to main menu
go to director's page (on the lower left of the screen)
click download under "click to download"
download the trpc text team (for policy or parli-ld, doesn't matter)
(if you do prefs/strikes, you can download that file too)
save to a folder you know
SECOND--OPEN PLUS TAB
click the "import data" button
click import bruschke policy teams file
in the dialogue box, find your file and click open
it will import the file and take you to the tournament settings
--change the names of the divisions and settings to what you want
and you are ready to go
10. Can I use the program with info downloaded from Joy of Tournaments?
Sorry, no. Joy of Tournament is not supported.
11. Is there a listserv to get more information?
Yes. Click here to sign up for the PlusTab email listserve and get emails when there are important announcements about the software.
12. What if I have a problem using the program?
EMAIL THE SPREADSHEET WITH THE PROBLEM TO Jim Hanson at hansonjb@whitman.edu
Explain the problem in the email.
Normally, Jim responds to emails within an hour or two except before 11:00am Pacific Coast Time.