DUH--

You can convert from numeric to a string with alltrim(str(M))

Jeff

>Just to add a little to what John has said--
>
>You can convert to numeric to a str with alltrim(str(M))
>
>HTH
>Jeff
>
>>Hi Brad ---
>>
>>First off, maybe using "m" by itself is not a great idea as VFP uses it as a preface to memvars, i.e. m.variable.
>>
>>Secondly, think about dumping the =.T. and =.F. and just do a If PortOpen or If !PortOpen.
>>
>>Third, the MESSAGEBOX(m) will error if M is numeric.
>>
>>
>>>I am having trouble with the syntax on the following calculation. Evidently, I am not structuring the command as needed by fox.
>>>
>>>any suggestions?
>>>
>>>Thanks in advance.
>>>Brad.
>>>
>>>
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.PortOpen=.T.
>>> if thisform.olecontrol1.portopen=.t. then
>>> messagebox ("The Port is open, Ready to Send this Part Number to the Saw.")
>>> endif
>>>
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.output="motest"+chr(13)
>>>
>>>M=thisform.txtColumn3.value
>>>
>>>Mc=(m)* -1 *THIS IS WHERE I GET THE ERROR***
>>>
>>>messagebox (M)
>>>
>>>
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.output="D"
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.output=(Mc)
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.output=chr(13)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.output="GO"+chr(13)
>>>
>>>
>>>thisform.olecontrol1.PortOpen = .f.
>>> if thisform.olecontrol1.portopen=.f. then
>>> messagebox ("The Port is now closed")
>>> endif