[8c]

FreeCEN

ctyPARMS files


File Names [7d]
Help & Support [7f]
Credit files [8e]
Back to Index

The need for ctyPARMS.DAT as a file:
A "ctyPARMS" file is an essential part of the Download and operation of the INCENS programme for Transcription work. It automatically defines the file-naming which will be used for the transcribed work and provides a list of Parishes likely to be encountered with a given "Piece".
Transcription work using SSCENS can proceed without access to the ctyPARMS file - but it will be required when it is time to prepare the ZIPfile for a Checker-Import use.
"ctyPARMS" is used by WINCC and VALDREV as a source list of Parish names.

Do not leave things to the last minute before initiating a PARMS file!

Note that ctyPARMS files are not transferrable between census years.
A new file must be prepared for each Cty/Year being worked.
Since they are all named with the respective Chapman Code +PARMS (e.g. "DEVPARMS.DAT)" it is important that the correct version is ZIPped with SSCENS transcription work!
A ctyPARMS.DAT file may be opened using WordPad. Any PARMS file which is created or altered after July2003 can be identified by the manner in which the file starts. For example: "0DRMnnnnCTYyear    "etc confirms the number of records in the file (nnnn), the CTY code, and the Census Year.

All ctyPARMS files are stored on the FreeCEN server for download under the relevant census year here.

Construction of a ctyPARMS file
Support will need information for the whole county in the form of a (spreadsheet) saved as a .CSV file showing the following information:-

England/Wales

  A B C D E F G H
1 DRM 123 DOR1861          
2 1325   Shaftsbury   542796     a
3 1325     Cann       b
4 1325     Motcombe       b
5 1325     Shaftsbry Holy Trin       b
6 1325     Shaftsbry St James       b
7 1325     Shaftsbry St Peter       b
8 1326   Fontmell   542796     a

Scotland

  A B C D E F G H
1 DRM 92 AYR1841          
2 596 596 Ayr   1042404     a
3 596 596   Kilbirnie HS410596     b
3 597 597 Ayr   1042404     a
4 1597 597   Kilmarnock EDs 1-13 HS411597     b
5 597 597 Ayr   1042405     a
6 2597 597   Kilmarnock EDs 14-29 HS412597     b
Instructions:
Cell A1 should contain your initials (max 4)
Cell B1 should contain the total number of lines in the file
Cell C1 should contain the Chapman code and year (7 characters)

The data lines are laid out as follows;
columnMaximum charactersEngland/WalesScotland
A4Piece NumberOPN, including any subdivision allocated by FreeCEN
B4Leave BlankOPN, excluding and subdivision allocated by FreeCEN
C20Sub-District Name("a" records only)OPN Name("a" records only)
D20Civil Parish Name ("b" records only)OPN sub-division Name ("b" records only)
E8LDS Film Number("a" records only)LDS Film Number("a" records only)/FreeCEN file name("b" records only)
F24Leave BlankLeave Blank
G3Leave BlankOPN suffix (If applicable)
H1a/ba/b
Common Errors to avoid

Guidance in obtaining the source information to enable preparation of these requirements can normally be obtained from the Co-Ord Organiser or the CD Organiser.
Assistance during preparation and checking of this data will be provided by Support
While it is possible to alter a ctyPARMS file after it has been issued, this action could run the risk of confusing pre-existing work!


May 2004