Year: 2019

Today I received a version with a bug fix. The bug causes chart data to be lost if the software is restarted. It was introduced with the changes made to better enable saving of multiple profiles. Everything appears ok now, but before I install it on all servers I’ll do more testing to ensure everything is ok. This will take a few hours. The problem with modifying a complex program is if you change one thing, bugs can be introduced. Then everything must be tested thotoughly to make sure nothing else was disrupted. So I’ll finish testing on Monday, then install the updated version.

I’m half way through updating all servers. I’ll finish tomorrow. The updates aren’t major, but make it easier to maintain multiple profiles, which I’ll explain later. Also if you have ever experienced a crash where the main software closes, this is because the server runs out of memory. The fix appears to be simple, but we’re still looking into it to make sure. Basically when you are finished with the server, in the "Controls" tab, change "select camera" to "select camera" (disable the cameras). Don’t leave the camera running when it isn’t being used.

I’ve created two new support videos: scatter assessment, and monitoring/correcting raw prediction accuracy. Email me for the download links.

I’ve made a new instructional video which explains two methods that assist you to see the winning number. In normal circumstances, you need only pause the live video and view the magnified images. But if the video is poor quality, you can use the additional tools. Contact me for the download link.

The mod for the new ball sample update method is complete. But before I release it, another small mod is being done (to save some parameters so you don’t need to re-enter them). It isn’t essential but makes it easier. It will probably be done within 24hrs, then I’ll update everyone’s servers tomorrow. The new ball update method makes maintaining high accuracy easier, with less for the Operator to monitor.

The video instructions explaining how to use the new feature were done today. Email me via encrypted email for your download link.

Some time next week the programmer will complete an update for updating ball samples. The superior method is polynomials, but you can reduce accuracy if you don’t do it properly. If you are unsure of what to do, then "auto update" or "auto update 2" are better options. The upcoming mod will allow you to use polynomials in a much more hands-free way. Basically you’ll update the ball sample in the same way as "auto update", and will just watch the max deviation value to ensure it remains low enough. If it is too high, the value will be red. With the mod you should still monitor raw prediction accuracy, but there’s unlikely to be any problem if you just watch the max. deviation value. The update should be ready by the end of next week.

I’ve created a video explaining how to use max. deviation. It applies only to the Remote Uber and Hybrid. Email me using encrypted email for the download link.

I’ll also update the written instructions soon. If anyone would like further details to explain anything else, please let me know asap. But please check all instructions first to ensure it isn’t already covered.

I’ll be away for about a week from tomorrow. I’ll still have access to everything needed including servers, or anything urgent, but my responses will be slower than usual. Please be patient, I’ll be back soon. First when I’m back I’ll respond to all emails, then work on updating some instructions.

I’ve applied updated software to all Remote Uber & Hybrid servers. It includes:

– Minor bug fixes

– "Auto update 2" algorithm (in the ball sample area)

For now, just use "Auto update" and not "Auto update 2", until I can update instructions to explain everything. Basically "auto update 2" is slightly easier, but not quite as accurate except in some conditions where it’s the better option.

I’ve also created two new training videos:

– Fast-play method: this enables operators to spend far less time in front of a screen. It can be the difference between an operator spending 2 hours, or 30 mins at the screen.

– How to get rotor timings in smaller arcs for earlier predictions.

To get the video download links, send me an encrypted email asking for them.

I’ll also need to update some of the written instructions, but I probably wont have time to do this until next week. But the videos explain all the main parts anyway.

I’ve been paying attention to where my time goes during the day. When it comes to support tickets and emails, about 90% of the time goes to answering questions that are already answered. Of course I don’t expect people to absorb everything from instructions. But too often people aren’t properly reading instructions, for whatever reason. Some people expect me to spoon feed them everything. It would be fine if there was only one player, but there are many.

I don’t want to give short responses like "it’s in the instructions". So I end up wasting a lot of time re-writing, elaborating, cutting and pasting parts of the instructions etc. Even if I cut and paste instructions, this takes time, when it is done multiple times.

If something is not in the instructions, or not clear, then I fix it in the instructions.

BEFORE CONTACTING ME FOR SUPPORT, PLEASE THOROUGHLY READ INSTRUCTIONS. READ THEM MULTIPLE TIMES. IF YOU GET STUCK, READ THEM AGAIN. YOU WILL LEARN AND ABSORB NEW PARTS WHEN YOU RE-READ THEM.

Understand I sincerely care about quality support. But I don’t have time to re-write instructions in emails, and spoon feed information that is already in instructions. Help me by properly re-reading, then I will have more time to do more important things like making some last additions to software players requested.