E4
E4 is the first Windows version of Entrer Trois, the original data entry program that McPherron wrote to do his dissertation work back in the late 1980s. E4 is a flexible data entry program designed to make data entry faster and to reduce errors. It works with configuration files that you create wherein you specify the variables to be entered and their type (eg. text, numeric, menu, table, instrument). One of its most important features is the ability to create conditional statements that allow certain variables to be skipped based on values entered for previous variables. Currently the program supports several different kinds of electronic calipers and scales (though these days most calipers work with USB and a keyboard wedge that require no changes to the program)
In E4 the data are written directly to Microsoft Access MDB format database; however, they can also be exported in plain text (ASCII). The E4 database is created automatically from the configuration file, and Microsoft Access is not required directly by the program.
The format of the configuration file has changed a little from the DOS program Entrer Trois. However, McPherron made every effort to make it backward compatible with Entrer Trois configuration files (ie. it reads Entrer Trois configuration files). The program is not as bug free as Entrer Trois, but it is stable enough that it has been used for over 20 years by countless persons. Still, if you encounter a bug, please email McPherron (though most effort these days is on E5).
CALIPERS - Looking for a set of calipers? McPherron highly recommends the Mitutoyo electronic calipers (150mm works well for most lithics) with a USB keyboard wedge.
Installation Instructions
If you are installing the program for the first time - then you must download and run e4_setup.exe. You should then download the updated version of E4 to get the bug fixes. You should overwrite your existing copy of the program or place E4.exe in the same folder where you do your data entry. If you have already downloaded and install e4_setup.exe, then you should just download e4.exe.
There is no manual, but sample CFG files are provided here and there is a bit more information about the E4 concept and more example CFG files on the E5 GitHub page. You can modify these CFG files as you like to create your own data entry configuration. Note that when you modify the configuration file, it is best to provide a new "Table" entry in the CFG file. Otherwise the fields in the CFG will not match the fields in the existing table and problems are likely.
If you experience problems with this program, please contact McPherron. Note that while McPherron has made every effort to make this program bug free and while he uses it day to day to do his own data entry, you should take care to always make backups of your own data. Do not change the CFG file or update the program without first making a backup of your data.
| Description | Filename | Size |
| E4 installation and program (Windows) | e4_setup.exe | 19mb |
| Updated E4 only (use only if e4_setup.exe above has be installed) | e4.exe | .5 mb |
| Sample simple CFG |
2k | |
| Sample more complicated CFG | e4_sample02.cfg | 8k |
