title: How to filter the jqGrid data NOT using the built in search/filter box
body: <p>I want users to be able to filter grid data without using the intrinsic search box.</p>
  
  <p>I have created two input fields for date (from and to) and now need to tell the grid to adopt this as its filter and then to request new data.</p>
  
  <p>Forging a server request for grid data (bypassing the grid) and setting the grid's data to be the response data wont work - because as soon as the user tries to re-order the results or change the page etc. the grid will request new data from the server using a blank filter.</p>
  
  <p>I cant seem to find grid API to achieve this - does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.</p>