All shipping was done today, but I haven’t had time to send everyone the tracking details yet. So if you were waiting for a physical item, it’s on the way.
Year: 2015
Hybrid remote use
I’ve managed to get one remote hybrid computer setup and working perfectly. This is so the server allows one user of the Hybrid at a time. What’s left to do:
1. Allow multiple simultaneous users (about 1-2 more days of work)
2. Security testing (1 day of work)
3. Modifying instructions (1-2 more days)
At this point, it will be made available to players. But I will need the sd card back from users before access can be given. The card needs to be plugged into the server. You can ship back now (just the sd card), but use a reputable and fully tracked courier that ships to po boxes. Shipping address is at http://www.roulette-computers.com/support/
I haven’t requested it back until now because if you are without the card, then you wouldn’t be able to run the hybrid software. Waiting until now minimizes the time you don’t have access.
So a realistic estimate for it to be available to players is about 5 working days, which is about the same time the sd card takes to reach me.
Extra parts to do later include:
4. Software mods (only minor) so:
a. The operator can speak to the players at the table (like on phones, to give players instructions)b. Audio quality is lower, because it is currently transmitting at a much higher quality than needed)c. Extra bettor phones will work via remote too (currently only 1 bettor/player is supported, but it’s an easy fix)
You will be able to access everything from the existing phones you have. But the buttons for starting and stopping the video, and starting the prediction process will need to be run via a hidden cable, like with the other computers (Uber, Lite etc). You can do these mods yourself, or my technician can do them for you. But for best results with highest frame rate possible, faster phones should be used. Including mods, they will be about USD$1000 each. You need only one of them though. Again you can use the existing phones though, but they have a slightly lower frame rate.
No calls today (skype messaging only)
I wont be taking calls today as I still have a cold and lose my voice quickly. But I’ll be available for Skype messaging.
Hybrid Partnerships
It’s very difficult to know a productive profit-split partner before they actually start playing. When I consider applications for partnership, everyone assures me they’ll be more dedicated than everyone else. But even with careful selection of partners, only about 1 in 10 prove to be regular productive players.
The main reasons for this are:
* People easily lose interest when they don’t pay anything for the computers. Players who pay for them inevitably dedicate more time.
* Players weren’t honest about their availability or personal circumstances that affects their ability to dedicate time.
Many partners have failed to disclose winnings, which I know because they tell other players who then tell me. And many players simply stop responding to my emails completely and never bother to even return the equipment. Unfortunately this is how disrespectful some people are, even when they get something for free.
It is very difficult to find people with integrity, who also understand the roulette computers are just a tool that need to be used by motivated and capable people. The computers are extremely accurate in experienced hands, but they are still just a tool, and the player needs to do the work.
There are almost 200 applications for Hybrid partnership. Again everyone assures me they will be dedicated. But rather than carefully selecting partners, I sent instructions for every individual to do some basic research at their local casino. These were simple instructions that require the player to spend 2 or so hours in their local casino. And out of nearly 200 players who assured me they were serious, barely any actually did the research. This at least helped identify people who weren’t serious enough.
I’m still looking for serious partners. But if you aren’t going to do what you say you’ll do, and aren’t even prepared to do some research at your local casino, don’t bother applying. See www.roulettephysics.com/partners/ to apply.
Hybrid remote access
I’ve written the instructions to use remote access, except some details about connecting to my server, because the server tech is still configuring it and some things aren’t known yet. But the prototype server that actually runs the Hybrid software is complete.
So basically all that’s left to do is:
1. Server admin finish configuring intermediary server (the server in between the phone in the casino, and the computer that runs the Hybrid software)
2. Instructional video to make everything easier to understand
For players using the remote access capabilities, I’ll be able to see everything you do and it will be much easier for me to help you. In many cases I’ll be able to just set everything up for you, with all you needing to do is sit in front of the wheel with the hidden camera. Because I know the setup process so well, it wont take long at all and it will mean there’s a lot less for you to learn. Then you just do the usual click to start the prediction process.
This will be the only way to access the new version which includes 1-3 second predictions. This is for a few reasons, including the typical processor cant handle 30 frames per second. The new version needs a lot more processing power.
So there is still some work left to be done. I don’t yet know when it will be ready for use. Hypothetically if the tech finished Thursday, then everything should be available about a week from then because there will need to be testing and fixing any issues that are found.
Remote Hybrid Use
All coding for remote application of the Hybrid is complete. We’ve created the server for it but it needs to be configured properly. This may take a few more days. I’ll need to hire someone extra for this part. It will take a few days to find someone, then a day or so for them to complete the work. All things considered, it should be up and running some time next week. But it will need more testing before it is made available.
Public holiday Monday
I’m up to date on all emails and tickets, except for a few ones that came in late today. I’ll be away Monday due to public holiday, but back Tuesday.
General Update
I’ve been caught up in some work so a bit behind on emails and help desk tickets, but will be fully up to date by tomorrow midday.
Support structure changes
To ensure I have more time to manage Hybrid teams, the sales part of my company is either being leased or sold to another individual who I know well. No this doesn’t mean I’m retiring from roulette. Leasing it means I still have ownership and control, but the operator will run sales and support and take majority of sales revenue. There are a lot of details that need to be worked out.
What it means to players is the primary contact for the majority of issues wont be me. It will be either my associate or his partner. When there are questions they don’t know the answer to, I’ll address them personally. They can escalate issues to me via the help desk when everything is set up. Blog updates will be done by both of us, whenever required.
The details are still being worked out, but essentially nothing significant will change for players. Some of the important aspects being worked out include what can be sold, volumes, pricing, limitations etc. Especially the computers aren’t just ordinary products and we don’t want them to become too common. The interests of all players, including the partnership teams, are an important consideration. The main exclusion from the arrangement is the Hybrid, which he has nothing to do with.
Some of the loose ends include the JAA system phone. The programmer was on vacation for 2 weeks and only just returned, and is resuming work (expects to be finished shortly). Before any transition is done, these parts will be finalized. There is still also further development needed on how JAA cross references data. I’ll still be doing this development.
This may cause some players to be alarmed, but the way everything will be done, in most cases players won’t notice any difference. They will still be operating as the same company name, which means I’d still be legally responsible for whatever issues. I wouldn’t do this if I wasn’t confident everything will run smoothly. Rest assured that proper support is a very high priority, and if any player feels they are not getting proper support, you’ll still be able to contact me directly.
As far as a timeline for all this is concerned, everything should be finalized before the end of the financial year. At least this is our goal to make it simpler.
General update
I was unavailable for most of today, then took some calls but didnt have time for many emails, and I missed some calls. So I’ll take more calls tomorrow up until midday, and I expect to be up to date on emails & help desk tickets by early afternoon.