How to use this software : a) Load a previously defined protocol, or define a new one from scratch.

First choose how data elements are supposed to be encoded : NONE stands for 'pure binary' for bitsmap or binary fields, BIGEND means 'big-endian' (network byte order) for integer values (numeric field s and lengths), PBCD is for Packed BCD and HEX is for Hexadecimal. To add a data element, use the bottom part of the dialog, input appropriate valu es, then click the 'Apply' button. If the field number already exists, it will be up dated, otherwise it will be added. To delete a field definition, use the the 'del' key of the keyboard. You will NOT be asked for a confirmation, but if deletion was not intended, just clik 'Apply' immediatly. Fields 0 and 1 are ommitted. They are reserved for first and second bitmap (16 b ytes each). b) Optionaly, define [new] messages. To select a message definition, use the drop-down combo box. To add one, input a MTI (4 digits), edit the message title and click '+' button, then use left, right or space key to change data element properties. To only change the title of the current message definition, update it and click the '=' button. To delete the current message definition, click on the '-' button. Don't forget to save any modification fo later re-use ! c) Paste an ISO8583 message (begining with the MTI) into the third tab. If the message constains binary parts, paste is as an hexadecimal string and cli k on the 'Hexa' checkbox. Then click the 'Parse' button. You can find test messages in the testmessages.txt file. I haven't tested all of the possible combinations of encoding, and perhaps there is some others not yet implemented in this tool. So don't hesitate to send your bug fixes or remarks to me at iso8583@free.fr. note : 'size of length for variable lenght fields' in the *.pro files is calcula ted based on the encoding length.