Calculation not taking a Variable

[macmedic13]

So I've been trying to figure this out for 3 hours now, I have no idea what is going on. Hope that you guys can help. I think this is the right forum since it is a calculation. If I'm in the wrong area please forgive me.

So here is the script, very basic. I'm looking to capture video to a time and date stamped file in a predetermined folder location. For this I'm using the Troi file plugin and the Grabber plugin.

Set Variable [ $filename; Value:BOSIS Basic::File Location & Get ( CurrentTimeStamp ) & ".mov" ]

Set Field [ BOSIS Basic::Video File; Grab_OpenMovieGrabWindow( "-Unused" ; "QTKit"; "Built-in iSight" ; "$filename") ]

I've run it through the debugger. The variable is evaluating as expected. But the field calculation won't use it. It creates the file name $filename?

Have I done something or is it Grab_OpenMovieGrabWindow can't evaluate the variable?

[bruceR]

You're quoting $filename in Set field. Don't.

[macmedic13]

Thanks for the assist. I have the variable working. now, but when I try to add it to the calculation I'm getting an error saying there is a no such directory? So how should I structure the file naming part of the function. This is what I have currently.

Set Variable [ $filename; Value:Get ( CurrentTimeStamp ) & ".mov" ]

Set Variable [ $savedir; Value:BOSIS Basic::File Location ]

Set Field [ BOSIS Basic::Video File; Grab_OpenMovieGrabWindow( "-Unused" ; "QTKit"; "Built-in iSight" ; $savedir & $filename ) ]

I have the directory I want to use in a text field. But I'm still getting an error saying it can't find the directory.

Thoughts?

[Raybaudi]

Get ( CurrentTimeStamp ) returms a string that can't be used as a part of a file name: there are some not allowed chars.

Try:

Filter ( Get ( CurrentTimeStamp ) ; " 1234567890" )

[bruceR]

I agree with raybaudi; but I think further explanation would be helpful.

Get(currentTimeStamp) returns something like this. Note the slashes; they will be interpreted as folders if used for a file path.

8/6/2010 2:20:17 PM

raybaudi's suggested function returns something like this:

862010 21814

But it seems to me a more useful result is something like this:

20100707.152305

You can make your own calc or use a custom function like this: http://www.briandunning.com/cf/392

It returns a nice readable, sortable, no-folder-conflict format like this: 2006-01-09_14-05-00

[macmedic13]

Thanks guys. That did the trick!