Re: [ql-users] XOR in high color mode
Hi George, That is exactly what I am doing. The only difference is that I am using block writes to do fast lines (width of 1). Could you forward me your test program directly to see if I can see any other difference? Thanks, jim On Oct 10, 2005, at 12:00 PM, George Gwilt wrote: A large number of my programs contain a moveable, resizable outline - and with GD2 colours. You need to set OVER -1 (or iow.sova with DM_XOR [if that is -1]). Then print the outline (which must not be coloured black!). To move the outline you need to print it again (in the same place) so that it disappears. This is because a XOR (a XOR b) = b. You can now print the outline in a different place. I can confirm that this procedure works in C68 since I have just written a short test program to see if it did. George On 9 Oct 2005, at 07:41, James Hunkins wrote: Guys, As part of QDT's drag and drop, I am trying to set the mode into xor to allow me to temporarily put an outline onto a part of the window and then restore it. I am doing this with C68 (basically calls the machine code wrapper), using the iow_sova call. When I set the mode to DM_OVER, it draws my outline OK. However, when I set it to DM_XOR, it does draw anything. I also found this to be true if I set it to DM_OR. Is there a limitation with high color modes and drawing in OR or XOR mode? In SuperBasic it works fine in the original QL color mode. Does anyone have an alternate suggestion to drawing a temporary outline and then being able to restore it on different parts of the screen? Thanks for the help, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] a question about QDT
HI Guys, I must have some character checking that is blocking the extended characters such as these. Will look into it and fix it on an upcoming update. Thanks for reporting it. QDT work is currently ongoing after a long hiatus from it due to my move and new job. But putting in the hours on the drag and drop copy/ move feature at this time. Stay tuned... Jim On Oct 5, 2005, at 4:20 AM, François Van Emelen wrote: Malcolm Cadman schreef: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], François Van Emelen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi QDT-users, Why can't I use characters such as 'éèêà..' to name or rename folders and icon texts? Is this a feature (couldn't find anything about it in the manual) or is it a bug? You mean that you wish to use accented characters and they are not being accepted ? Yes I haven't tried this myself. Perhaps you should email the author directly. In addition I am, for one, looking forward to an update to QDT. So am I. Thank you for your reply. François Van Emelen ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] US QL Show Oct 8-9 2005 canceled
Spring would be better for me too. Sometime after March. All the best to Al! jim On Sep 26, 2005, at 8:07 AM, Bill Cable wrote: As many of you know Al Boehm suffered a serious stroke this summer. He was the organizer of the US QL show. He is slowly recovering but still is partially paralyzed on his left side. I spoke with him by phone two days ago and he appointed me to decide what to do. The original Motel picked as the show site has changed hands and can not be located by its original name. I am not aware of anyone coming to this show at present. If anyone is please contact me. I am canceling the show as originally set up although we may have a small meeting in the Boston area at Al's daughters house on Oct 9th although that has not been decided for sure. We may schedule another show for the spring of 2006 in the Boston area. Bill Cable ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] was Turbo, then A4 A5, now online conferencing
I would be interested. jim On Aug 14, 2005, at 1:37 PM, gwicks wrote: - Original Message - From: James Hunkins To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2005 9:34 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] was Turbo, now A4 A5 On the other hand, it would allow some of us to participate who can't actually get there (small matter of an ocean in the way in my case). I do phone and video conferences all the time and have taken to using video iChat nearly every day. While obviously not as ideal on direct 1 to 1 contact, it still is an opportunity that would be nice to have. This might be an idea for QL is 21. I am still not certain what internet facilities we shall have and, in any case, our network expert will only be present on the Saturday, but it would be interesting to have an international link-up if there is sufficient interest. It would also be an idea for the show at which Quanta has its AGM. Networks are now standard for most non-UK shows, but it has never happened at a UK show, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] was Turbo, now A4 A5
On Aug 13, 2005, at 4:10 AM, gwicks wrote: Online conferencing is not as simple as its sounds. Jochen and I are trying to set up online facilities for urgent QL Today editorial conferences, but I am having problems with my server. The last Quanta committee meeting lasted for 4 hours. Would you really like to be sitting at your computer for that length of time? Sorry but I like to have human contacts. On the other hand, it would allow some of us to participate who can't actually get there (small matter of an ocean in the way in my case). I do phone and video conferences all the time and have taken to using video iChat nearly every day. While obviously not as ideal on direct 1 to 1 contact, it still is an opportunity that would be nice to have. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] A4 or A5
Disk based also would not work for some of us. My personal preferences is that we have an option of a mailed copy or a downloadable copy. An email notification with a login to get the copy would work on my case. Most people who can get email should be able to login to a web site and download. This would avoid trying to send a large file to someone who's mailbox doesn't have room for it. The only question I would think of, if the number of required printed copies gets too small, does the cost for those go up? Cheers, jim On Aug 6, 2005, at 4:05 AM, Derek Stewart wrote: Not all Quanta members have the abilities to download an electronic version of the magazine. What are the arrangement for these people, is the magazine going disk based. Derek gwicks wrote: - Original Message - From: Derek Stewart To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 10:38 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] A4 or A5 I would like the magazine kept the way it is now. Not sure about downloadable version,. this would mean non-subscribers would have access to the magazine. But I guess this has been thought out. Thought out, but not yet worked out. There are two possibilities. One is bulk emailing and the other is a closed section on the website. However no one on the Quanta Committee has experience of either so we would have to have external expertise. Downloading was thought up some years ago as a way of reducing costs, and if I remember rightly came from members at an AGM. The magazine is Quanta's biggest single expense. However savings would only be in postage and not in printing. Obviously the printer has to make a living and his only savings would be paper and ink costs, Best Wishes, Geoff ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QPC2/Windows
Hi Stuart, Here are answers to your questions... 1. Has anyone tried QDT? What do they think of it? Does it allow drag and drop or any other file handling functions like Windows Explorer does? Drag and drop is not yet there but am currently working on it. 2. If QDT doesn't have a file handler, are there other graphic front-end file handlers that can be used in QPC2? So far QDT pretty much just uses what is available. However, a file manager is also being planned that will be incorporated into the QDT folder type environment. It will also allow for objects to be made directly from files within it folders and full drag and drop, when it gets done. 3. I vaguely remember QPTR - am I right that this just has functions/handlers rather than being a full windowing suite? Yes, qptr is a set of calls that handles the windows/pointer environment. It is very capable, especially for how long ago it was developed. QDT has had to extend the pointer environment in certain ways (IE: the tabbed notebooks) but takes full advantage of the pointer environment as it exists, including the wonderful message passing between jobs. 4. Is Easy Pointer 4 anything to do with the above? No - just wish I had it when I start QDT. Am using it for future utilities, etc. I had used the original Easy Pointer for most of the window development, generated the 'C' code from it and then tuned it in. I'd like to have a snazzy interface rather than typing everything in. This will be important, I feel, if QPC/QXL/QL are to live for longer. QDT does take advantage of the QMenu interface (use the right mouse clicks or short cut keys) where it makes sense. It is not included in the demo but if you already have it from another application, it will use it. QMenu is included with the full purchased release. Jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QDT status (another moving story)
Hi Guys, Wanted to let everyone know why there hasn't been a major QDT upgrade since the initial release. It is another moving story (but not nearly as painful as Jochen's). For the last four months I have been contracting with ATI out of the local office on a huge project so have been very busy, much of it spent traveling to Canada. The good news is the last boxes are almost out of my Bay area home and packed on a truck. A week from today I will arrive in temporary housing in Toronto, Canada and start practicing saying 'A' on the end of every other sentence (just joking, only on every 3-4 sentences). I will be working for ATI as an architect (my perfect job) - you will see the first thing that I was involved in pretty soon. Once I get up there (and perhaps on the move) I can start spending some real time again on QDT. I am currently working on the drag and drop (the top requested feature) and then probably the file manager. Then I will go back and fill in all the tabbed notebook capabilities (there are tons of things coming). Stay tuned... The almost Canadian, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
On Apr 22, 2005, at 4:55 AM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: On the other hand, while the money will never, ever compensate for the time or energy, it does show me that people respect the work and are interested in it. If no one was willing to pay what I consider to be a very underpriced cost for QDT, I would read it as no one appreciated the work being done. Therefore, it would not happen and further development would definitely not happen. You have to be careful - if people perceive one program as costing more than the operating system it runs on they may not understand the reasons. I would be happy to raise the price of QDT if that would make anyone more comfortable :) Actually, am considering this for later, simply because QDT is relatively very underpriced. But if I do, it will be pre-announced to allow anyone waiting to buy before it would happen. The pricing was initially set to encourage people to buy it and give it a go. However, in review against other QL modern software prices and further comparison to PC type software prices, it really does feel very underpriced to me. jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Just an idea for a new Product.....
For myself, I started QDT as an interesting project. Plus I really enjoy the people involved in the community. To be honest, I would have abandoned the project quite a while ago if I was only doing it for the money. Probably before it even started. On the other hand, while the money will never, ever compensate for the time or energy, it does show me that people respect the work and are interested in it. If no one was willing to pay what I consider to be a very underpriced cost for QDT, I would read it as no one appreciated the work being done. Therefore, it would not happen and further development would definitely not happen. So, while the money isn't everything, obviously, it definitely is something. Knowing the effort that goes into different QL software projects, I don't know of any that I would consider not to be fare value. And most are very good deals already. jim On Apr 21, 2005, at 5:08 AM, COLIN PARSONS wrote: The only way, taking a leaf from Linux, that it is going to increase it's market penetration is if it is freely available for download, under a GNU license. This is a bullet that has to be bitten, if there is to be any future for the platform! Very encouraging discussion ... how many new software products will people write for QDOS/SMSQ, being told they better give it away for free to stabilize their own future ...? Taking an example from the Linux community again, a LOT, if they have any real belief in the future of the platform. How many work in the QL sector for real monetary gain, rather than love of the product? Cheers Colin ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc;
Hi Bill, Yes, please do send over your install_log file when you figure it out, along with letting me know if you had any demos loaded before. You asked about the signal extensions. You do not actually need them. For some reason the latest build of the unzip utility thinks that you do and gives you a warning that they aren't there. But everything works just fine regardless. I have added a note in the FAQ page on the QDT website as to this. QDT itself instead uses the env_bin for its signal passing and does not itself require the signal extensions. This env_bin is part of the QDT install to make sure that your system is set up properly. jim On Mar 30, 2005, at 1:34 PM, James Hunkins wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc; Date: March 30, 2005 1:27:43 PM PST To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks. Did you have any of the demos loaded before installing 1.00r? jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc;
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc; Date: March 30, 2005 1:27:43 PM PST To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks. Did you have any of the demos loaded before installing 1.00r? jim On Mar 30, 2005, at 1:07 PM, Bill Waugh wrote: - Original Message - From: James Hunkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 5:05 AM Subject: Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc; Bill, Just thinking about your problem. Are you installing the release version or one of the demo versions? If a demo version, which one? If About doesn't tell you from the QDT icon, that will tell me what I need to know. Thanks, jim Hi James I have the release version 1.00r I have it working on a hot_key that I defined myself in the boot I'll send install_log when I figure how to get it from QL_win to outlook express everything seem to be working ok, still looking around All the best - Bill ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] qdt/qpc;
Bill, Please forward me the following items by separate email and I will try to figure out what is wrong with your install and running of QDT. Also, please feel free to contact me through the following email on any QDT related questions. Part of your QDT documentation gives you information on getting 'quick' support. 1. send me a copy of: - if QDT installed properly: from win1_QDT_, there should be an install_log or similar type file else if QDT did not install properly from win1_QDTINST_, the same install log or similar file 2. your boot file - original one that was backed up - boot file after QDT installed 3. your QDT_log file after you ran QDT (in win1_QDT_) 4. the DESKTOP_QDT file in win1_QDT_ Is your boot file a single file or does it call other basic boot files conditionally during boot? I have many messages that are included in these and should be able to determine the issue if you can pass these files to me to review. support AT jdh-stech DOT com Thanks, jim On Mar 28, 2005, at 9:19 AM, Bill Waugh wrote: Hi A couple of queries that some of you might can help out with 1. (I'm sure this has come up before) when running QPC when the cursor moves over a basic window a letter A attaches itself to the cursor? system is Sempron running windows XP. 2. I have tried three times to install QDT, it keeps logging no hotkey available when there is indeed plenty left unused, and in #0 window no signal extension. Exec ing QDT direct does not bring up any Icon and nothing appears in Jobs Can QDT exist alongside QPAC2, surely it must if it should have a hot_key. I have minimised my boot file to eliminate any problems but still no luck Any clues or should I do a Dillwyn ( maybe I've done a Dillwyn - yikes) all the best - Bill ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] SGC battery
Just be careful when soldering it in. They can explode if you get carried away. A quick tap of solder though is fine. jim On Mar 20, 2005, at 11:43 PM, Phoebus R. Dokos ( . ) wrote: On Sun, 20 Mar 2005 22:53:35 -0500 (GMT-05:00), extdgl42 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone have for sale the SGC card battery? The red creature about 3/4 inch square. I have an index card recording the stamped in printing on the top surface, but not with me at the moment. Today we replaced the Minerva battery, which registered about .1 or .2 V. The SGC battery barely even made the multi meter needle quiver. I believe we were touching with the probes correctly. Doug L. 37830 USA Doug, I replaced mine with a run of the mill Lithium battery bought from Walmart. It just needs soldering in the appropriate positions :-) As for the Minnie battery I assume you mean Mel's... I am glad you finally got around to it :-) Ffibys ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Suggestions on a postcard ....
On Mar 8, 2005, at 12:19 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ok, grovelling apologies over, I need/want/would like some suggestions for articles in the QL Toady Assembly Language series. I realise I have to fix that damned disassembler - but that's another job. I'm looking for something fairly short that fits into one or two issues so no long term tasks like 'convert all of Linux into M68008 assembly languge' please :o) How about something on how to use Things? jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Suggestions on a postcard ....
First of all, since when were we worried about being diplomatic here :) I did read the articles by Jochen and they were a help. But as mentioned, the 'meaty' followup one(s) didn't happen for what ever reason. No problems - really did appreciate what we got so far. Was just thinking that someone might want to play around with it a bit and perhaps take it further. Wish I had time but I am struggling to get back into QDT again right now. I see some more good suggestions have popped up too, cool. Keep up the cool series. While I don't do much assembly, I occasionally borrow some of the info for my C68 programming. jim On Mar 8, 2005, at 8:10 AM, P Witte wrote: - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 3:30 PM Subject: Re: [ql-users] Suggestions on a postcard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How about something on how to use Things? Ah now then, how to be diplomatic about this one ? I suggested a while back that an article on Things would be a good idea and Jochen - currently the only person I know who knows about Things - took up the challenge and did produce a couple of articles. Then they stopped (due to pressures of work and health if I remember correctly) so the 'meaty' articles on actually using Things never appeared and I'm still confused about them. So, I second your request, but unfortunately, I'm unable to assist - yet ! The only thing about Things that interests me (the rest should be pretty straight forward. All you need to do is read the manual about 100 times) is how to use parameters in Extension Things. There are also a few esoteric topics such as whether Things can be users of other Things and the like, but I suppose most of that can be discovered by just trying.. Per ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] EasyPtr was movig sbasic
Myself for another. jim On Mar 3, 2005, at 11:17 PM, François Van Emelen wrote: Roy wood schreef: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], gwicks [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Snip Easyptr is still a commercial program sold by Jochen and I On the subject of EasyPtr any news of a possible upgrade? The upgrade situation is not easy. I do have an updated version of Easymenu and Easysprite but they are by no means releasable as Marcel considers them unfinished. The question is would there be a market for an updated version. Marcel does a lo of work on this kind of thing and gets little back for it. He has the source files but I cannot, in all honesty, ask him to work for nothing. He says that the code is not that easy to understand so he is the ideal person to do it. I would like to see and improved high colour version and I, for one, would be willing to pay for this. How many others? I don't know how many but I would be one of them. François Van Emelen ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fred Toussi
:) That story sounds all too true. I have actually seen some very fast Java but unfortunately, that is more the exception than the norm. It is very easy to program poor Java code and it can bog down big time. The nice thing with C is that it tends to enforce proper use of structures and better programming habits. Java leaves it up to the individual programmer and software architect to know what they are doing - not always a good idea (to be nice). Cheers, jim On Feb 17, 2005, at 11:34 PM, Norman Dunbar wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Actually just poorly written Java apps and/or with poorly designed Java development environments. I would presume that since he used to write QL code that he knows how to efficiently use Java too. It makes a big difference if you understand and apply good practices in Java, just like it does in QL coding. So with him, fast might be appropriate. Cheers, jim Morning Jim, I once was having a 'lunchtime rant' in the canteen at work over the new 'improved' Oracle installer which had just been rewritten (re-architected as they put it - g) in Java from C. It was so slow that even the main splash screen had it's own screen to show that the splash screen was loading. Nice. Things have improved a little since then, but java stuff is still slow. My ranting was overheard by the so called 'technical director' who advised me that Java was indeed as fast as C. This was and is total b*ll*x as Java is interpreted byte code while C is compiled into machine code. He was not to be deterred and informed me that he had already implemented two systems, with over 1,500 users each, written in Java and it was fast. I was then astonished when he admitted that Java is slow if it has to deviate from the 'normal' path through the code. I asked if this included hanling errors and he replied that it did. The upshot was, in his two systems there is no error handling and only the 'one true path' through the code is allowed. I'd hate to have paid for those systems ! He's no longer the technical director - he didn't have any technical knowlege at all. I'm no longer the Oracle DBA there either - I work for myself now. :o) Cheers, Norman. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 14/02/2005 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Fred Toussi
Actually just poorly written Java apps and/or with poorly designed Java development environments. I would presume that since he used to write QL code that he knows how to efficiently use Java too. It makes a big difference if you understand and apply good practices in Java, just like it does in QL coding. So with him, fast might be appropriate. Cheers, jim On Feb 17, 2005, at 10:32 PM, Norman Dunbar wrote: The bit that puzzles me is the fact that it is written in Java, but described as 'fast' and named 'Hypersonic'. Must be a different Java to the one I've been used to. All Java applications are s...l...o...w ! :o) Cheers, Norman. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 14/02/2005 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Disk Mate 5
That was almost too easy. Something tells me you may be getting more requests :) Cheers, jim On Jan 24, 2005, at 1:26 PM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: Pål Monstad wrote: Nice to hear from you! I'm sorry, but I do no longer have the source code for DM5, so I guess it's impossible to make DM5 work with extended colours. I anyone is interested, please put the program into Public Domain. In case you're curious, the result looks like this (with my personal theme colours, look on other systems will differ as colours and even the sprites at the top are not hard wired anymore): http://www.kilgus.net/images/dm5.png Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Disk Mate 5
At the rate it is currently going I will be able to celebrate my 1th sent email (of those that are still in my archive, all the BBS years not included) within the next few months. Unbelievable. Where I come from, we would call you an email wimp - only 1? :) jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] BMP files etc
Actually I personally prefer the way you have it now Dilwyn. It works great and you are able to give descriptions with everything. An FTP site is fine for massive file downloads or looking for particulars. But it depends on file names and folder hierarchy to let people know what stuff is. And not all the files that you and everyone offers have the most descriptive names. I would be asking what the advantage to setting up an FTP site actually is, other than a personal preference of someone, before you go to all the work of doing it. There might be a good reason but I can't think of one, at least for your files. Cheers, jim On Jan 13, 2005, at 7:31 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dilwyn, with all the stuff that you are providing on your www site maybe you should also consider an FTP repository. In that way all the files available are readily accessible for download. FTP came before HTTP and was designed for file access. Although the latter seems now to be more popular as users are more used to accessing from a web site. -- Malcolm Cadman I've never set up an FTP site and would need help and advice to get it going, but it's something I'd consider. I've been very lucky with the Freeola UK6 site, it's reliable, has masses of free space and the only real restriction they place on you is that everything must be visible, i.e. pages anyone can read or files anyone can download, you mustn't use it as a private file store. I guess they make their money from users dialling up. Can you point me a source of information on getting and setting up an FTP site? Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] BMP files etc
Hi Dilwyn, I don't think that I see the changes. Am I blind or did they not actually get uploaded yet? Thanks, jim On Jan 11, 2005, at 4:08 PM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: I've updated the Graphics page on my software download site to include the BMP and QL high colour screen conversion and other graphical utilities as I mentioned earlier today. The upload includes a copy of the article from Vol 8 Issue 3 of QL Today and the SBASIC listings showing how to convert between 24 bit BMP files and QL mode 32 and mode 33 screens in both directions. Hope this helps Jim Hunkins and anyone else trying to get their QL to handle PC graphics. Point your browser at this URL, then steer to the Graphics page. www.dilwyn.uk6.net Dilwyn Jones -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.6.9 - Release Date: 06/01/2005 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] display or convert non _scr formats to _scr
I quick request for help here. I am looking for a way to either convert non-ql formats such as JPG or BMP to _SCR or to display them full screen so that I can do a capture into the _SCR format. Any quick suggestions, other than from GIF (color count is too limited)? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] display or convert non _scr formats to _scr
I tried it on QPC but it didn't seem to want to start? Is there something special I need to do with it? jim On Jan 10, 2005, at 3:13 PM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: I quick request for help here. I am looking for a way to either convert non-ql formats such as JPG or BMP to _SCR or to display them full screen so that I can do a capture into the _SCR format. Photon displays JPG. Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] display or convert non _scr formats to _scr
Hi Marcel, Tried a new copy, shorten file names, etc. and it still doesn't work on my QPC. The copies I have found so far are from April 2000. I tried it in Aurora color mode and it works there but with the normal 256 color limits. It doesn't start in hi-color mode though so I am wondering if I don't have a current copy. Thanks, jim On Jan 10, 2005, at 3:20 PM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: I tried it on QPC but it didn't seem to want to start? Is there something special I need to do with it? EX photon;'filename' Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] display or convert non _scr formats to _scr
Hi Roy, I think my question got translated :) What I am looking for is a way to get a capture of an image into a _scr format so that I can load it as a BGIMAGE for wallpaper. Assuming I have something like a BMP or JPG image at my proper screen resolution, is there a way to convert it directly to the SCR format or, I think this is what I used to do, display that graphics image on QPC full screen and then use one of the capture programs such as snatch to save it as a SCR image. Jim On Jan 10, 2005, at 4:47 PM, Roy wood wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], James Hunkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP Roy, if you are on line, I think you told me how to display a full screen image before and capture it? I was using the Print Screen Function in Windows which worked even though QPC2 was running full screen. Don't know how you would do this on a MAC. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] camera (was Lynx 282)
This is absolutely hit and miss, depending on the software, updates, manufacturer of system and camera, other software, etc. (IE: ouch). Simple solution - buy a Mac or better yet, do we have someone volunteering to write all the drivers and design the hardware for our system? (in case someone thinks I am serious, I am not) By the way, I don't work for Apple anymore before anyone says anything. But I do have too much experience helping others trying to get their cameras hooked up and working reliably on the PC side. And no, this is not an offer to help. I don't do Windows anymore :) Just QL and Macs. Cheers, jim On Jan 9, 2005, at 12:12 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Sun, 9 Jan 2005 at 19:14:16, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) On 9 Jan 2005 at 16:38, Dilwyn Jones wrote: snip Hmm sorry to add to your woes, but I have a totally different story... I took my digicam digi camcorder to my recent vacations. I took picures films of my children skiing, brought them home, plugged both in: the digicam (USB) was recognized as a removable disk and I just pulled all of the pictures off it into the laptop and was able to display them there. The camcorder was plugged in via firewire, I again just pulled everything off it with some (free) MS software called movie something. Both worked first time. I do admit that this was the first time I was impressed by anything windows related (and the family was suitably impressed). I'm probably just lucky. I didn't install any kind of driver or anything, not even the software that came with the devices - but it was XP SP2.. Absolutely identical situation with my Canon Powershot G5. Incidentally, Dilwyn, you should be able to plug in the camera's storage card into, say, a 6x1 reader and copy the photos from there. My Canon's PCMCIA card is added automatically as a drive under XP. This should be the same for any standard card, needing no added drivers. Multi input cards readers are very cheap, if your PC/laptop doesn't come with any. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Subject ? ? ? ?
I believe in this case, it would be the thing at the bottom of the ? jim On Jan 9, 2005, at 1:53 PM, David Tubbs wrote: can anyone tell me what the point is ? ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Subject ? ? ? ?
Sorry about that, been working on the QDT install database for 3 days now and my mind is having problems being serious about much of anything :) Actually, subject lines are very important and a continuing frustration to me - and definitely not only on this mail list. I treat subject lines (or try to) as part of good manners. Knowing how busy I am, I appreciate the little things that everyone does to help myself and others manage our collect time better. Also, for those who take the time to snip off the extras in a response, another bout of appreciation. Jim On Jan 9, 2005, at 2:10 PM, Rich Mellor wrote: lol Jim I think he means wot's the point ohf having a subject line - the body of the emails soon goes away from it... ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Fwd: [ql-users] QDT User Manuals
Hi Malcom, http://www.jdh-stech.com For quick access to the documentation directly, you can use (note that this address may change in the future but is listed for your convenience for right now)... http://www.jdh-stech.com/QDT/documents.html By the way, for anyone looking at the manuals, it might be useful to understand their actual purpose. There are quick access text readme files included in the release - early samples are included in the demo. The manuals themselves are intended as a much more exhaustive reference and do include hopefully (or will include) exhaustive details and a lot of background of what and how QDT is put together. Thanks, jim On Jan 4, 2005, at 9:46 AM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: What is the web site address ? ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
Glad it is working for you so smoothly. If you do hit any problems, there is an errata and FAQs page on my website. I am racing towards a full release copy and both Roy Wood and Jochen Merz are the distributers who you can order through. And believe me - big difference between the demo and the full version :) I will let everyone know when we get closer to the final release day this month. cheers, jim On Jan 4, 2005, at 10:58 AM, Derek Stewart wrote: I received the QL Today demo of QDT, which I have installed on my Q60. The QDT install program worked great first time, merging all my boot file together with QDT boot file. No problems there at all. QDT looks really slick and I have been running it constantly since it was installed, as I do not switch off the Q60. QDT on my Q60 has only 18 days to run, then I do not know what will happen, I can not seem to buy a full copy. A really nice piece of software. Derek ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT User Manuals
Thanks, anything will help. I already got some good feedback from Per and will start working on incorporating it and anything else I hear probably on Sunday, if not before. Cheers, jim On Jan 4, 2005, at 1:54 PM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], James Hunkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Hi Malcom, http://www.jdh-stech.com For quick access to the documentation directly, you can use (note that this address may change in the future but is listed for your convenience for right now)... http://www.jdh-stech.com/QDT/documents.html Thanks, Jim. I will download them tomorrow, and hopefully give you some initial feedback over the coming weekend. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] OT: Calling Jim Hunkins
That email is invalid (was closed out over a year ago) - we are doing some spam filtering on the sight. The best way to contact me concerning any QDT specific item is either through the email link on the website or directly with contact at jdh dash stech dot com. You can also use jimh instead of contact for general business type issues. By the way, please do NOT list in plain text any of my email addresses anywhere. Especially the business related ones, as I don't want to get to the position where I have to do huge spam filtering or need to change them. I appreciate everyone's understanding on this. By the way, in case you are curious, on my website, the email addresses are shown in graphics format and the links are done through encrypted java code. Just to let you know how serious I am about trying to block my business addresses from spam robots. Thanks, jim On Jan 3, 2005, at 12:38 PM, Phoebus Dokos wrote: Jim can you investigate this? --Attachment begins-- Hi. This is the qmail-send program at host220.ipowerweb.com. I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses. This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out. [EMAIL PROTECTED]: 209.237.15.61 does not like recipient. Remote host said: 550 [EMAIL PROTECTED] unknown user account Giving up on 209.237.15.61. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QDT User Manuals
Out of curiosity, has anyone grabbed any of the user manuals for QDT from my website yet (3 so far, more on the way). They are rather large (PDF and with graphics) but I am hoping that they will be useful. Before I start reducing them to plain text forms for inclusion, I would really appreciate any user feedback I can get on them. Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] spam from this archive?
Interesting, I hadn't even thought about the email address being shown in the headers here. But interestingly enough, while some might be coming through, it hasn't been too much that I know of. I will check with my provider though for an update just in case. I did just try to get to www.mail-archive.org and it says that it isn't available. Then I went through the normal sign up website and see that the archive is available only list participants and therefore not readily available to spam robots. While not foolproof, this will detour the majority of them. jim On Jan 3, 2005, at 2:25 PM, Dave P wrote: On Mon, 3 Jan 2005, James Hunkins wrote: By the way, in case you are curious, on my website, the email addresses are shown in graphics format and the links are done through encrypted java code. Just to let you know how serious I am about trying to block my business addresses from spam robots. The archiving of this list on www.mail-archive.org seems to be the biggest originator of spam for me. I only use this email for this list, and it gets by far the most spam in variety and quantity. Dave ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
Some more great feedback - keep it coming everyone, as it is most useful. Here are some responses below... On Jan 1, 2005, at 6:33 PM, François Van Emelen wrote: 1)I have a 'UNKOWN' folder that doesn't contain any object. I tried to add one in this folder(as I did in 'APPS') but QDT prompted a warning window '.. aborted.. . QDT doesn't allow to delete the folder either telling me the folder isn't empty. In this case it is empty due to the limits of the demo. In the full version, any executable that is not found in the database but found on your search path will be placed here, up to the limit of 100 objects. Then you can decide if you want to keep them or delete them. The reason you can't add anything is again the limits of the demo. The limits are both for a single folder plus overall limits. If you delete something from one of the other folders or the desktop, then you will be able to try adding one in this folder. 2) A folder's window should be closed once an object is executed. The executable folder (not enabled in the demo) will be kind of like this. This is a folder that when its object is clicked on it will execute a program (normally within the folder) and not open the folder itself. Or you can from the menu open the folder. I may in the future be adding an option to close a folder when opening a new folder or executing something - user configurable. It is on the wish list at this point. 3) I miss an 'ESC' button in the 'About windows' and a 'Close/ESCP/ Quit' button in some 'dropdown menus'. Will be adding a specific ESC button. For now, just hit escape to close it. I fell into a mental trap and followed a very bad example from the PC world with many About windows. I am considering an option for future drop down menus to allow a single click close of them. Will also consider a separate icon or method. But for now, please also use ESC to abort from any drop down menu. This will likely not be in the full release but would be added in one of the free updates. 4) The icons are, of course, outstanding. Why not keep the same high quality standard for the icons/sprites in the folders/warning/About windows? (for example the JDH logo,ESC,?(help), W(warning),... These are being worked on along with some other cosmetic improvements - just did not make it in time for the demo. 5) All 'Icons/Folders/ About/Warning have the same names( Object icon/ Folder icon/ Wait/ About). This is not a good idea in case one would hang or crash: I woundn't know which one to 'rjob'. Will look into name differentiation for future updates. For actual errors, additional more specific information is added to the qdt.log file (but never enough it would seem :) ). Will also be releasing as a future update a separate job manager that will allow you to block out all the QDT items if desired (each object on the desktop, icon or open folder, is a separate job). 6) If you delete an object in a folder and add a new one the space left by the deleted object remains empty. If you that a few times you will have to resize the folder's window to see the new added object. This isn't quite true but for some reason the first space in a folder is not being used in the placement algorithm. The algorithm for placement of new objects is based on a preset grid. I am currently doing some much needed tuning for icon placement but the theory is that if any object is within a grid square it will not be reused for a new one for automatic placement. Currently there are a few locations not being used properly in the demo but this will be correct in the full release. Of course, you can always move any object around so if you want to pack things tighter or spread them out, no problems. All the above comments would change my opinion about QDT: It's a great piece of software. If it had been around 10-12 years ago this list would have a few hundreds of active subscribers instead of a few tens. Timing seems to be everything. But to tell the truth, if we have hundreds of active subscribers I would spend all my time monitoring this list and not getting anything done on the QDT release :) If available at the QL metting in Eindhoven (March?),I will buy it, together with QWORD( Dutch and French versions). Happy New Year to all of you. At this point in time QDT development is my full time job (took a mini-sabatical from the work force to finish this and a few other projects) So it will definitely be shipping this month. I understand that Jochen and Roy are both taking orders at this time. We will announce final shipping dates when I get a bit closer to the golden release copy. Again, thanks for excellent feedback. Jim JDH Software Technologies ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
The demo should be OK for the unknown folder since no objects are being placed in it on this version. The sizing issue that Roy has discovered will be fixed in the full release. Cheers, jim JDH Software Technologies On Jan 2, 2005, at 8:43 AM, Roy wood wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Dent [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes I wrote earlier: I haven't been able to read the disk supplied with Toady. :-( Jochen sent me the files. I've installed on QPC. It took 2 attempts. The first time I ran into a file name length problem. Solved by not trying to put QPT in win1_SYSTEM_QPT_ but win1_QPT_ It works now and all I can say is WOW!!! Now to try it on my Aurora :-) Be careful on the Aurora. It is probably OK on the demo because you have a limited number or items but the full version has problems if the window is too large. I found the bug last night when I installed it on my MinisQL and Jim is looking into it -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Fwd: QDT Demo
Glad you were able to get it installed. You did run into the file/dir name length limits built into our systems. And QDT does use sub-directories. Will add a note to the FAQs page just in case someone else hits this. Cheers, jim JDH Software Technologies On Jan 2, 2005, at 7:08 AM, Dent wrote: I wrote earlier: I haven't been able to read the disk supplied with Toady. :-( Jochen sent me the files. I've installed on QPC. It took 2 attempts. The first time I ran into a file name length problem. Solved by not trying to put QPT in win1_SYSTEM_QPT_ but win1_QPT_ It works now and all I can say is WOW!!! Now to try it on my Aurora :-) Jon. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
Still no excuse for me. After these years at Apple, you would think that I would be more consistent on every part of the interface :) Plus, many users of this probably won't be used to the PC side of things so I shouldn't be making that kind of assumption. Will definitely take care of these points one at a time... Cheers, jim On Jan 2, 2005, at 11:38 AM, Roy wood wrote: 0In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Malcolm Cadman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP 3) I miss an 'ESC' button in the 'About windows' and a 'Close/ESCP/ Quit' button in some 'dropdown menus'. Yes, your point 3 is annoying in the Demo, you can't get rid of it ... :-( Interesting that we are now so centred on desktop furniture that we don't think of hitting the ESC key. That gets rid of it. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QDT Demo
Personally I would like someone to add on a 3D sculptured look to the QDT windows - which are essentially flat at present. Then the 'eye candy' appeal will be even greater. Scheduled is a finish to implementation of full color palettes and themes, which will include more of the 3D look that Marcel has so nicely implemented in WMAN (SMSQ/E). Also, some time during the upcoming year you will have Marcel's alpha blending in the Icons plus folder and desktop graphics backgrounds. Lots of neat stuff on the way. If case anyone is curious, the upcoming release is/will be ready for normal use. For anyone who buys it, there will be upgrades at no charge throughout 2005 as the additional capabilities/tuning are added. For that you probably have to change the system palette a bit. Marcel has a nice set of two (or more now?) basic files that will do that for you QDT is not yet set to use the system palette (had some difficulties with that part of the implementation so put it aside for an upgrade once the basic stuff is finished. QDT at this point is using its default color palette. There will be many options (take a look in the Desktop Configuration notebook to give you some idea - hooks are there, just fish on them yet (sorry - it is very late for me over here :) ). The latest IMac interface makes yet another step forward with its use of transparency and translucency. You mean of course Aqua and OSX :-) Which you Jim will know all about :-) Yes, but I won't be going quite that far with QDT. After all I am one person plus the help of a few on a fairly old OS while Apple has the latest hardware and tons of programmers :) Wait until he shows you that mucho cool task switcher that Apple has (simple wow... I was so jealous I nearly drilled his head ;-) hehe Actually, you did start the drill if I recall. Luckily there was nothing to leak out. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QL Today - David McCann - Q60 Blues
On Jan 1, 2005, at 6:14 AM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: QDT takes that approach by scanning the 'windrive' contents, so that it sets up a users system for them. It tries to take away all the 'pain' from the user ! Note that, even with the pre-scanning of the drive and other work that QDT does the install, the customer still has some responsibility to make sure that QDT picked the right things. I believe that Roy properly pointed out (haven't seen the final article yet - come on international mail :) ), it is possible for QDT to setup up an object that, if picked, can crash the system. Yes, it is a good idea to help the customer get started but ultimately, the customer will need to do something on anything as helpful as LaunchPad or QDT if he wants to take advantage of it. There are ways to do things better but at the cost of restricting what the user can ultimately do too, or missing out on things. Always tradeoffs. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] not QDT Demo
So much for using my mail filters to sort anything with QDT in the topic :) Thanks for making the topic clear for me though! Cheers, jim On Jan 1, 2005, at 7:49 AM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: Can you do me a bit of a favor? Change the subject line if you want to keep talking about this other stuff? Trying to monitor for any QDT specific stuff but instead end up reading all about something else. Thanks! jim Of course you are right :-) Ffibys After our chat about the Welsh meaning and spelling of your name are you now resorting to the Welsh spelling when doing abit of finger wagging here;-) -- Dilwyn Jones -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.5 - Release Date: 26/12/2004 ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QDT Demo
On Dec 31, 2004, at 3:16 PM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: I actually did try it from the Demo floppy as it has LRUN flp1_QDINST_BAS printed on it. Although it didn't seem to want to start from there. Did the basic program not run? If it did run, what did you type in when it asks where the installer programs are? If running from the floppy you would need to enter: flp1_ Demo's are all about finding the reactions from real users. Maybe for some people but this demo had two totally other purposes. 1) to let someone try out the program so that they could understand basically what it is and decide if they want to buy it 2) to let someone test it on their system to make sure that their system can handle it before they purchase it I have been taking user feedback and input on QDT for about four years now, both at shows and then over the last year with my testers. I do expect (and look forward to) additional feedback and reactions of course. Just my practice to use the unzip version that I have. It has turned out that Jim had used an earlier version. So inadvertently it has highlighted something that we wouldn't have thought of. One advantage of using properly tested install setups (all pieces) is that everything has been tested. The supplied install program worked fine with the file. The QL Today guys actually ran it from a floppy to do a final verify before it was shipped. One of the reasons why the unzip was included is that I am aware that there is a difference with different unzip and other archive type software. And when you think about it, the nearest thing to a standard for zip/unzip that I am aware of has been the attempt to match the original PKZIP package. Of course there are different efforts like infozip that Jonathan ported over for us. In other words, pick a 'standard' of the month' :) Cheers, Jim Hunkins JDH Software Technologies ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Back to the QL
Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes SNIP I like to have a basic BOOT program to get a working system, and put everything else into a 'boot1'. I don't really see the point in that unless you are using the JM ROM This also is just makes it a pain if anyone wants to do an automatic installation program that needs to check some stuff in the boot file. Of course the 'advanced' user (in this case) would likely be able to do the extra install pieces with notes back from the installer (IE: advanced vs. easy modes). I think I have now got a romdisq that I can use to boot any QL system using the on-board ROM - very useful for troubleshooting. A simple alternative to this is to have a user key input required after just the basic install is done (abort if trouble shooting or continue as normal). jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
Hi Malcolm, Could you forward me separately to the email address below copies of: - install_log file (should be either in your win1_QDTINST_ folder or more likely in your win1_QDT_ folder (assuming that is where you installed it)? - qdt.log (should be in your win1_QDT_ folder, same assumption) - your boot file(s) Also, any additional notes about your install process would be appreciated. For the installation, you should run the basic program that came with the install. It should run everything for you, including the unzipping and starting the official installer. The intent is that the three files are self contained. Just by running the basic program, you don't need to know much else. You might want to go to the QDT website to download the PDF QDT Installer User Manual. It has complete screen shots and lots more detail. It also has a few more user manuals plus errata, FAQs, etc. http://www.jdh-stech.com There is a link near the top of this page that takes you directly to QDT contact at jdh-stech dot com For email of any issues or need for support If anyone else has any problems with this install, please contact me directly as quickly as possible as I am racing to get the final full production release ready. By the way, the EXIT button only happens at the end of the install itself. The bottom right button is always the next step button, whether it be NEXT, START, or EXIT. I am really curious why you do not have anything visible on your screen to start with, especially since you are running it on QPC. Perhaps it has to do with the way you started things versus using the automated install from the basic program. Malcolm, one last thing, where did you get the more recent InfoZip copy? Last comment for now, it should be Jim, not Tim :) Have fun, jim On Dec 30, 2004, at 12:59 PM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: Hi, Just received the November/December 2004 QL Today issue. Which contains a nice present of the Demo version of QDT - QL Desk Top - by Tim Hunkins, on a floppy disk. I haven't got it working yet, after a couple of hours, which is probably my fault and I will investigate further tomorrow. A few comments on the installation. The version of InfoZIP as supplied is 5.21b (jh) which is older than the version that I have which is 5.32. The latter threw up some errors with some of the Icon files. After I had got past that problem, by using the supplied InfoZIP, the QDT Desktop Installer finally appeared. Initially I found it confusing, as all the text boxes were blank ( black ), and none of the four boxes across the lower part of the window had any contents either. The screen shot on the top of page 41 of QL Today showing the Installer has the bottom right hand box as being 'Exit'. It took a while to realise that this is actually the box that you click on to progress with the automated setup. The word 'Exit' suggests that it will end the session rather than continue. After realising that the 'Exit' box is actually the one to click on, it proceeds smoothly, although it takes some time to scan the win_drive(s), inevitably. May I suggest that Installer shows a 'Continue' or 'Next' prompt in the bottom right box ? Then the user knows it is safe to proceed. Also a message saying 'Please wait to complete ... scanning activity shown by the spinner may take some time'. I used the 'Advanced' option for the boot file, as I have more that one boot file. After the installation had successfully completed, I added the recommended alterations to the boot file contained in the 'Change' file that QDT saves during its installation. Although, at present, the boot file runs OK. QDT itself is not running for some reason. I have installed it with QPC2 v3.23 to a Zip Drive disk which is Drive D: in DOS/Windows and win2_ in QPC. -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] infozip
On Dec 30, 2004, at 2:56 PM, Rich Mellor wrote: You will also need to include the signal extensions with that in the installer (same as I use for QWord installer) and zip the files with the latest version of zip (v2.2 - also from same source). Which signal extensions are you referring to? Infozip in the past has always been independent of extensions that I am aware of. I know - what a pain - unzip does not seem to actually use the signal extensions (sigext30_bin), but always complains if they are not loaded. This has caused us a headache with the QWord installer - you cannot include them in the compiled program, as they are a device driver. They must be loaded in the boot (and not from an SBASIC either). Will send a copy of them to you privately - they are not easy to find on the internet at the drop of a hat. I will try it without them to see what the actual result is. I may end up staying with what I have been using (unless I have the extensions installed on my test system too). I have grabbed the latest zip and unzip as suggested and will test with these for the upcoming official full QDT release. Jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] infozip
Actually yes AND no... Infounzip needs the signal extensions but will function properly (well sort of) without them :-) Phoebus Phoebus, Just what is this (well sort of) behavior you are describing? With the copy of unzip that I included with the demo, I get some warning about non-qdos extensions or something but that is just a warning and hopefully will be ignored by everyone. ? jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT Demo
Confirmed, please be sure to use the included files (basic program and the included unzip) to install. Using a newer version of infounzip will not work. Thanks, Jim Hunkins JDH Software Technologies ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] infozip
Just tested against the newer zip/unzip. Results: 1) can't mix the new unzip with the old zip (IE: separate email to use what came with the demo) 2) non-QDOS extensions - don't know why these were showing up but don't using the newer zip/unzip 3) the newer zip (at least its defaults) is slower to zip but not bad 4) using the new zip/unzip, the only thing that I see is a warning in SBASIC window 0 that the signal extensions were not found. - this did not impact the installation so can be addressed with a quick note in the readme file (fully verified) - much better than having to worry about making the user install extra stuff to run the installer 5) I do a separate check as I copy files from the install directory to the main directory (do this independently for several reasons). If a file is missing, the install will abort with an appropriate message and information in the log file. Does anyone know why unzip is looking for the signal extensions and what they add? It would be nice to have a copy available or a command line option that would totally avoid this minor inconvenience, especially in this case or for new users. People tend to panic over notes like this ;) Cheers, jim On Dec 30, 2004, at 4:00 PM, Phoebus Dokos wrote: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 15:19:15 -0800,() James Hunkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] /wrote: Actually yes AND no... Infounzip needs the signal extensions but will function properly (well sort of) without them :-) Phoebus Phoebus, Just what is this (well sort of) behavior you are describing? Your installer is C based right? Well with the signal extensions you can verify that the commands that you fed unzip were executed properly and that the return code was 0. Otherwise you have no means to know (other than visually confirming it) that the installation/unzipping process was completed the way it was supposed to the copy of unzip that I included with the demo, I get some warning about non-qdos extensions or something but that is just a warning and hopefully will be ignored by everyone. Non QDOS extensions? Were files zipped at the QL level or at the DOS level (I mean outside QPC that I know you use) Phoebus ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] infozip
The unzip that is included does not need the signal extensions which I have not loaded onto my system (at least yet). The ACP that I am using does not need them either but may be out of date. We should be OK with the current demo distribution as long as everyone uses the included files as they are supposed to. The full release build will probably be with the newer unzip since it is just a minor warning message and doesn't break stuff. But it will help with those who manually try to do things (only up to a point though :) ). Cheers, jim On Dec 30, 2004, at 4:11 PM, Roy wood wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], Phoebus Dokos [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Thu, 30 Dec 2004 15:19:15 -0800,() James Hunkins [EMAIL PROTECTED] /wrote: Actually yes AND no... Infounzip needs the signal extensions but will function properly (well sort of) without them :-) Phoebus Phoebus, Just what is this (well sort of) behavior you are describing? Your installer is C based right? Well with the signal extensions you can verify that the commands that you fed unzip were executed properly and that the return code was 0. Otherwise you have no means to know (other than visually confirming it) that the installation/unzipping process was completed the way it was supposed to the copy of unzip that I included with the demo, I get some warning about non-qdos extensions or something but that is just a warning and hopefully will be ignored by everyone. This is why I did not pick this up when I tried it out. I load the signal extension in my boot file. It has long been a requirement of the later zip files and ACP does not work correctly without it - or at least it did not work at some point. I originally loaded it when QTPI needed it. -- Roy Wood Q Branch. 20 Locks Hill, Portslade, Sussex.BN41 2LB Tel: +44 (0) 1273 386030fax: +44 (0) 1273 430501 web : www.qbranch.demon.co.uk ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QL Today - David McCann - Q60 Blues
What, you talk out of your a## - no comment :) Actually thanks for the Kudos but you have actually missed the point of the 'complex piece of software engineering'. The intent of QDT is to make things as simple and intuitive as possible. The installer is (hopefully) a case of this. With the easy install, the software scans and builds everything for you (assuming you have standard setups such as a single boot file, etc). Things are drag and drop, context sensitive menu driven, etc., etc. I would say that at least half of the engineering has gone into the interface and usability itself. But you will see as soon as you get your hands on it (at least I hope so) :) I don't know about the stability of SMSQ/E on Q40 or Q60 but QDT has been installed on these systems with no problems. Cheers, jim On Dec 30, 2004, at 5:26 PM, Phoebus Dokos wrote: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 01:19:06 -,() Rich Mellor [EMAIL PROTECTED] /wrote: On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 22:36:51 -, jms1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Damn where's my copy of QL Today - trouble is that people want a helping hand, but no longer turn to the user group for help and just moan rather than shouting for help. Unlike the world of Windows, Unix and Mac users, all the QL traders are always willing to lend a helping hand and there are several sample boot programs. My guess is (without having read the article) that QDT would have been a better solution for this user - go on Jim, persuade them to budle it with Q40/Q60. Well I am not so sure that QDT would be right if it weren't preinstalled. Moreover, I have found SMSQ/e 3.07 to be extremely unstable on the Q40 and Q60 and QDT doesn't work that well with older versions of (stabler) SMSQ/e. QDT is a very complex piece of software engineering (kudos to Jim of course) and as such is sometimes more difficult to tune than X-Windows. For a novice I am not so sure that it would be suitable at least not right away... maybe something like Launchpad... Of course I am probably talking out of my a## here as I have NOT YET (hehehe) received QLT (as a matter of fact not even the previous issue :-( *sniff*) So I may have not understood correctly Phoebus ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QL Today - David McCann - Q60 Blues
I am still trying to figure out why QDT (At least the beta version I have) hangs the machine as what I thought it was (see private message that I sent a couple of days ago) wasn't the case. Believe me, the Beta version you have is so old, I can give you a whole list of reasons why it would crash your machine (and can't figure out why it worked so well for others). There have been many, many changes since then. I would definitely throw that version in the trash. But you will see as soon as you get your hands on it (at least I hope so) :) Oh I will get it :-) You know that already don't you? Yes, I certainly would expect so. By the way, the little gift that I promised for you in QDT will not be in the first release but it will show up sometime during this next year (love to keep you on the edge!). jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QL Today - David McCann - Q60 Blues
I will, I will... is it too late to add Freetype II on it? :-D hee-hee hee (BIG Hint) You know, if everyone wants to pitch in and pay me my normal wage for the hours that I am putting into this (I have spent the last 30 days pretty much full time on this), I will be happy to entertain even more grander things than I already am :) BTW: I just thought that Malcolm's problem may be that he's not running on High-colour Just out of curiosity, will QDT work on the Aurora with SMSQ/e (with colour drivers) and what SMSQ/e does it need anyway (BTW: You didn't correct the little slip-off in your webpage that I wrote you about... QDT cannot possibly require SMSQ/e v.3.23 (you probably mean QPCII v.3.23) as such version doesn't exist yet :-) QDT requires high color - period. It is not tested, designed, or anything else to use without. That would definitely explain his blank screens. The documentation should be fairly clear. I don't recall what i said in QL Today but think that this was included. To put in QL low color support would be a huge additional effort and the input that I had from everyone at the US show was that they weren't interested in it. So, unfortunately, a few people will not be able to use it but hopefully this will mean that it will be a better experience for everyone else [more features and functionality]. Everyone should also realize that it just would not work as well in low color as it really needs the color resolution to give the user interface the ease of use that it has. There are other perfectly good launchers (such as Launchpad) for those users who don't want to or can't afford to upgrade their systems to support the hi color. Jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT icons
Another quick note for images that anyone would like to use for an icon in QDT. They need to have what I call hard edges. If you have an edge that goes from black to white in steps, for example, since I have not incorporated Marcel's alpha yet (coming later), if you put this kind of image onto a dark background it looks like it has a messy white/off white type halo - not a good thing. If you want your image to have this kind of soft edge, then I can give it a solid color background. Be sure to let me know if that is your preference versus transparency. Cheers, jim On Dec 23, 2004, at 1:04 AM, James Hunkins wrote: This is my last call for graphics for QDT icons before the upcoming release. If anyone has a favorite program (especially their own) that they want a custom icon for in QDT for, you need to get it to me by Dec 31st at the latest (I would appreciate them before then if possible). I can import any major format. Ideally they should be 40 by 40 pixels but in many cases, I can reduce them with Photoshop from as high as 48x48 unless there is too much tiny, critical detail. If you want to design your own and you are using Photoshop or equivalent, please head to my web site to pick up the Photoshop color swatch with the colors that QDT uses. You can directly download it at: http://www.jdh-stech.com/QDT/Resources/QDT_Icon256.aco For transparency, please use the last color in the swatch [named transparent] (my conversion routines will swap it into transparency). If you have any questions about icons and QDT, please contact me at the email address given on the website. http://www.jdh-stech.com/ Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] QDT website - major upgrade
Guys, I have uploaded a huge update on the QDT website. Not only does it have details of the huge amount of progress done lately, but it has updated screen shots, two User's Manuals (more to come), Errata notes on the upcoming demo disk, etc. Please take a look and give my your feedback if you feel so inclined. http://www.jdh-stech.com/ This is the primary link into everything including the QDT sections I have created direct links from the top of this page directly into the QDT section for your convenience. Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] QDT icons
Forgot to mention, any icon graphics submitted must be available for free distribution with QDT releases and from the QDT website. If you are borrowing the graphic from another source, you will need to point me to notification that it is available for reuse, modification, and distribution. If you are the owner of the graphic, please let me know. Also note that the icons will be distributed with QDT and eventually posted on the QDT website for QDT users to download for their personal use with QDT. A note of course will be included as to author, source, and usage limits. There is unfortunately no payment for any graphics submitted or distributed with QDT. Thanks, jim On Dec 23, 2004, at 1:04 AM, James Hunkins wrote: This is my last call for graphics for QDT icons before the upcoming release. If anyone has a favorite program (especially their own) that they want a custom icon for in QDT for, you need to get it to me by Dec 31st at the latest (I would appreciate them before then if possible). I can import any major format. Ideally they should be 40 by 40 pixels but in many cases, I can reduce them with Photoshop from as high as 48x48 unless there is too much tiny, critical detail. If you want to design your own and you are using Photoshop or equivalent, please head to my web site to pick up the Photoshop color swatch with the colors that QDT uses. You can directly download it at: http://www.jdh-stech.com/QDT/Resources/QDT_Icon256.aco For transparency, please use the last color in the swatch [named transparent] (my conversion routines will swap it into transparency). If you have any questions about icons and QDT, please contact me at the email address given on the website. http://www.jdh-stech.com/ Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Happy Holidays
Same goes for me - lets hope everyone has a really good Christmas, and comes back rfreshed in the new year, ready to take the QL forward that little bit further... With the release of QDT and internet ability for Q40/Q60 (and QPC2 I believe), 2005 should be a good ywar With that note (as I continue working on everyone's Christmas present at 4 am here), wishing everyone the best for their holiday and looking forward to a really good year! Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] ANNOUNCE: QWord RELEASEd (at last)
So where can this be bought. If no US dealer, is there a download option for purchase? jim On Dec 17, 2004, at 2:21 AM, Rich Mellor wrote: Just a quick note to let everyone know that we have now released v1.02 of QWord for QPC2, Q40/Q60 and Aurora. Cost is £20 for each version (although you can another version for a different machine for only £5 more). QPC2 version is supplied on CD Q40/Q60 version and Aurora versions are supplied on HD disk - Aurora version will even install to HD disk!! Any questions - please email me off the list. By the Way Some people are still having problems getting Aurora to support high colours - normally a configuration problem on the hardware, but where do they go for advice?? -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ http://www.rwapservices.co.uk/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Detecting GD2
I don't know if I should say anything (like that ever stops me) but I am somewhat confused by why not to use the PE for all the drawing. On QDT, Marcel's sprite draw implementation is extremely fast and handles all the color conversions to the different systems completely transparently. I actually went back and rewrote much of QDT to take advantage of this. I did keep much of my original icon formatting for memory conservation reasons but have an on-the-fly fast conversion to the new sprite formats, which combined with the fast sprite drawing, is still very much faster than what I had. Still some color palette tuning (only because of the options I want to give) but it looks really nice right now. The direct benefits are, in addition to very fast drawing on the screen, is that out of the box, it seems to be working on most if not all the systems that meet its hardware requirements. Note that I am not supporting non SMSQ/E systems with QDT. But, to be honest, for the price of the upgrade, if someone isn't willing to go that far I suspect that they won't want to pay for QDT (or any other cool programs) either. There is another side note here is that I also require hi-color. Original plans were to support 4 color but it just didn't look good enough for the time investment. A game is a different thing however on that aspect I would suppose. I find it unfortunate that programmers need to spend so much time and effort trying to support users who choose not to upgrade when they could be shipping what they have and working on other cool stuff instead. As for those who don't want to upgrade, that is definitely their choice. But they shouldn't expect to be able to run all the latest stuff either. By the way, the work done in SMSQ/E, WMAN and the PE really has made a tremendous effort to transparently support as much legacy stuff as possible, but there is of course a limit. Hopefully I haven't offended anyone by this but after all the tremendous amount of time that I have spent on QDT (and am doing so right now), I find some of this thread to be frustrating. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] How many repeats this time?
Sounds like someone has a virus going again. I received several copies but not as part of the normal email list. Either the virus has gotten email addresses from the mail list or someone with my email address (and others) in their address book has the virus. Jim On Dec 4, 2004, at 11:53 AM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: All right, who's been sabotaging tesco.net? Like this email, I sent one copy to ql-users, one copy to Jochen's QLNews list. Every time I've dialled up tonight I've had another copy back. That's what I get for threatening to put a picture of all those nice QL people in a calendar. Some of the alcohol must have leaked into the PC...and I've got to get up at 0515 tomorrow for work, not a nice thought to go to bed on in a moment, 10 copies of every email I send coming back. Jochen claims I sent 5 copies to QLNews. Rather clever as I only sent it once. In turn, his email back to me had 5 copies of the original email attached, so that's 10 I've had back in total! I've heard of Christmas Spirit but this is ridiculous. Hope you've all got your QaLendars by now... -- Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] SCR_XLIM on SMSQ/e
I actually use a 1x1 window at position 0x0 for this. Since I don't normally do anything else with this but use it for a dummy channel for screen size detection, it works great. One note of caution, if you do one this small, make sure you do not have borders set to any size other than 0. It seems that the opw_con call go ahead and attempt to setup a window even if there is not enough room for borders. I was getting away with this until the other day when it starting locking things up. Seems like the error trapping in opw_con isn't quite smart enough to check for stupid code like what I tried to do :) jim On Dec 4, 2004, at 10:03 AM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: Yes - you are probably right - but I think that it defaults to #1 in both cases Never mind - have just opened #1 within the program to overcome this. Detection of high colour drivers is more of a problem though - see other email Most resolution checking extensions using iop.flim require an open window channel to return maximum window size. Some such as the SMSQE ones implicitly open a channel, so it seems to the user that it doesn't newed one. DISPLAY_CDE extensions don't have a default channel, you must give them the lowest valid CON channel number. It doesn't have to be a big window though, just a little 8x8 window (some extensions will work with minimum 2x1 window, never tested display_cde on that). The latest display_cde has extensions for detecting GD2 and a few other bits and pieces. I thinkit's on my website, if not, I can email you a copy. Dilwyn Jones ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Detecting GD2
Thanks, was wondering what happened to his site. A major resource and I hated not being able to find it. Cheers, jim OK - found the documentation on Thierry's website - this should surely also be on the SMSQ/e site and possibly Marcel's ?? But this does :-) url:http://thgodef.nerim.net/qdos/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] The hardware conflict...
On Nov 26, 2004, at 1:26 AM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Thu, 25 Nov 2004 at 21:07:54, Dave P wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) My only discomfort over Nasta's design is that he is extremely concerned about efficiency of space. Therefore, he's crammed an awful lot into a very small 6-layer PCB. I would always be inclined to spread things out a bit and go for fewer layers. But that's just me - spending a bit extra on PCB to save the cost in time to shoehorn all those tracks into SUCH a small space ;) It is likely, surely, that the bigger PCB with fewer layers is cheaper. http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm I would presume that he is using a couple of the layers for power and ground, which will help a lot with the higher speeds and tend to keep noise off the signals. Also, in manufacturing these days I believe in higher quantities that 6 layers isn't much more (may actually be less than) than 4 layers. jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] The hardware conflict...
Malcolm, As an alternative on your side can't you set your email program to wrap the lines for you? Both my email programs do this automatically and all the emails that I have received from this list are fitted automatically to my window width which is great! If someone forces hard stops in a line as you suggest, then when the reader gets it and if his window doesn't match the width, he ends up getting some short cutoff lines which are a bit annoying :) Cheers, jim On Nov 26, 2004, at 10:37 AM, Malcolm Cadman wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes Certainly, we don't need all the PC bells and whistles (fastest DVD drives, terabytes of hard disk and so on), so a low end laptop would probably suffice with a fast QL or Q60 type board put into it. Production runs won't be that large, so perhaps buying up cheaper end of line laptops. The idea doesn't appeal to me personally, as QPC2 would be adequate for my needs, but I can see that what might amount to a laptop Q60 (name only used to illustrate the possibilities) might well appeal to some if the price was right. As I mentioned the Q60, if something like a redesigned Q60 was slotted into a cheapish laptop with floppy drive, CD-ROM, ser and par ports and built in screen, it might well fill the kind of machine you envisage. Dilwyn ... any chance of setting your line width to 70 characters. ? Like the above. When receiving your current emails they have long lines ... Probably because you are mailing from a different portable PC ? -- Malcolm Cadman ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Proforma Filter
Hi think that I saw Marcel ask this but if not: Lets say that we come up with a way to print to a modern printer. But don't all the printers use USB now? How would they connect to the non-QPC QLs (or QPC on older computers without USB)? Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Fwd: [ql-users] The Way Forward
On Nov 24, 2004, at 1:54 PM, Tarquin Mills wrote: In message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Duncan Neithercut wrote: 3. If the site contains the magazine in downloadable format offer an opt-out from the postal paper copy with email notification of new issues - may save some money from those of us with internet access Sell magazine from site to non members (get their credit card numbers). Only once it becomes interesting again of course see below. If Quanta magazine is available on the Internet the number of paper copies will fall, if they are printed this will make it uneconomical to continue to print it. If there is no paper magazine I will resign and subscribe to QL Today instead. There is also the question of critical mass, period. If there aren't enough people belonging to Quanta, then it won't make sense whether it is paper or internet based. If there is enough new and/or unique content, I don't mind having a paper copy around. On the other hand with the extra cost of an overseas subscription and the small value of the current mag (it takes me around 10-15 minutes on average to scan through it and get anything that I can use or am not aware of - sorry to say), an internet copy would probably do me better than the paper copy. Hopefully this will change. By the way, before someone says why don't you write for Quanta, my hands are over-full with QDT development and the occasional article for QL Today. And if you don't think that you can write, if you subscribe to QL Today you will see a series of articles on graphics. I believe this particular series started when I and a few others pushed a particular gentleman to try to write something. He didn't think that he had anything to write about. And now 30 to 40 articles later... :) Whether it be for QL Today or Quanta, I sure wish that more people would try their hand. I suspect that there is a bunch more talent just sitting around waiting for encouragement! Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Questionnaire
I just filled out the form from the Quanta link and it responded 'Thanking' me for my submission. jim On Nov 24, 2004, at 2:44 PM, Dilwyn Jones wrote: Tony, just had a go at the feedback form. Here is some feedback: Minor typos: an Romdisq French one - was a Datel interface QEPII should be QEPIII (at least the one Ron Dunnett sold was QEPIII) an QControl interest doing in software development Other things: Is there a thank you or redirection page, as this is usually normal with submitted forms. I got none, I therefore didn't know if the form I submitted actually got to you or not. I didn't spot a Reset button, I made a bit of a pig's ear of it the first time and would have liked a facility to quickly clear out all the selections and start again. Other than that, well done! I remember how long it took me to get something similar going for my employer a few months ago! -- Dilwyn Jones - Original Message - From: Tony Firshman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 1:16 PM Subject: [ql-users] Questionnaire The questionnaire is now live and (hopefully) working: http://firshman.co.uk/scripts/qq.cgi I initially used [EMAIL PROTECTED] and got Automated reply from [EMAIL PROTECTED] saying This account is no longer used. Looks like there are re-direction problems still, John S. I have used your -real- address, which users will not see. The one there is the demon one - it that your preferred one? You should get a test one on the 'nosuit' address. Could you please let me know if you have got the two sets of results from me, and whether they look OK. thanks, Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Proforma Filter
I'd like to build some form of standardised print support into Launchpad at some point. I'm sure Jim Hunkins would probably like something to work towards with QDT as well. -- Dilwyn Jones Yes, Yes (jumping up and down!) jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta
Sorry John, but my strong belief is that, if friends or associates are involved, it is even more important to have a legal agreement when any kind of business and/or financial activities are involved. Otherwise, you are risking some very hard feelings if something is not understood or goes wrong. Unfortunately I have my own personal experience with this and know others who have also gone through some bad stuff. I would hope that any business activity that Quanta undertakes has a legal agreement of some type. Doesn't have to be over bearing or bundled with a bunch of lawyers (after all, the idea is that we do trust each other I would hope), but it does need to be there. This also protects Quanta because, if there are any questions about how something is done, there is a solid paper trail that at least shows the good intent behind the activities. Cheers, jim On Nov 23, 2004, at 10:15 AM, John Taylor wrote: Didn't they extend a loan to DD systems to get the Q60 built (further?). (...) Yes they did, and a very straight forward and successful arrangement it was and fully repaid within 12 months. This is the sort of thing that Quanta would be willing to consider for other projects but no one has come forward with a project. John Gilpin.(Treasurer) It wasn't quite as simple as that John. Dennis and Derek asked me if it were possible to get Quanta to market the Q60 so that they could concentrate on the production. I agreed to approach the committee on their behalf. The Chairman, Robin Barker, called a meeting specifically to discuss that and DD were invited to attend. Previous to the meeting the proposal had already met with a flat refusal from the Chairman. He was however willing to discuss financing DD and to that end John Mason turned up with a two and a quarter page legal agreement. This despite not having put in an appearance at two previous committee meetings. My first reaction was to get up and walk out. If DD were to be trusted, a simple statement, even a verbal one, would have been binding. If they weren't to be trusted then we shouldn't have been dealing with them. Finally it was agreed that DD would submit all invoices to me for payment and I would instruct the Quanta Treasurer to make the required payments. In return, when a sale had been completed they would send the money to me and I would place such money in to the Quanta bank account. I kept records and would have acted on these in the event of a dispute. Trust was not always in evidence I am afraid, especially from Robin Barker and John Mason. The rest of the committee merely acquiesced when requested by the Chairman. If the financing of projects is to be conducted in this manner, then they are dead in the water, for heavens sake, we are dealing with people we have known for years. Therein lies the problem. John Mason has never been active among the Quanta members or the QL community beyond the traders, the Dorset sub group and the committee. I have said it before. Attitudes are too deeply ingrained in the current committee, it has become a little closed shop or mutual admiration society. For a healthy active committee you have got to have conflict. The members must believe in what they are doing even if the others disagree. John Taylor ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Proforma Filter
I hate to distract from the financial side of this, but this is probably going to take a lot of work by someone(s) and I suspect that it needs to be for the love of doing it rather than expecting to get any money out of it. I personally would rather see Quanta (or otherwise) money spent on financing projects that have physical costs to them (IE: hardware, manufacturing, etc). Also, I am still intending on developing a printer object for QDT sometime next year. QDT will not be selling for enough to pay additional fees for something like this. So if it was developed by someone and then charged for, I would likely have to do something independent for QDT. By the way, it sounds like this is definitely an important project so please don't take my comments otherwise. Cheers, jim On Nov 23, 2004, at 1:09 PM, Rich Mellor wrote: OK, I have now had the chance to digest the wealth of emails on this subject. What we need is a definitive document which will set out the bare bones of how this system will work. I would be willing to put this together based on the earlier emails - if you want to be part of the design process, then let me know and I will forward the draft document for comments. Once we have agreed on the specification, we then need to look for volunteers - 1) Person to write a new PFF device driver (failry simple) 2) Person to write the Printer THING 3) Person(s) to write the filters I would also suggest that this is put forward as a project to Quanta and we ask them to finance the project - possibly a one off fee for development costs (£250 split equally between the developers)?? If need be, this could be done as a loan and the end product sold commercially akin to the situation with the Qx0 where Quanta get a share of each sale to repay the loan (not as if it would ever be repaid, unless we sold the program for £50 per copy). Any comments on this?? Quanta comments would be also appreciated. -- Rich Mellor RWAP Services 26 Oak Road, Shelfield, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 1RQ http://www.rwapservices.co.uk/ ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership survey
Even better than that with my 1920 x 1200 :) On Nov 21, 2004, at 8:08 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 at 01:50:03, David Tubbs wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) At 01:14 22/11/2004 +, you wrote: 1680 wide screen. Must be a wet dream for many and it is often on my lap (8-)# 1680 x 1050 is a fabulous size. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta web form
Seems to work for me - nice job. jim On Nov 22, 2004, at 6:09 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: There are a few minor issues concerning error reporting of linked items. However I can see nothing wrong in the POST data on a completed form, so I will code the email sending tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow morning I will get some feedback before I finish the code later today. Do try and break http://firshman.co.uk/scripts/qq.cgi It is already 40k, and some 1200 lines! BTW thanks to Lau for the background. I nicked it from his site in the mid 90s (8-)# Does anyone know the name of the French made floppy disk interface? Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership
Hi Tony, Guess what, Safari was interpreting your page perfectly and Firefox was being a bit generous. It turns out it is an easy fix (and very easy not too see). Here is what I found. Original code: Do you subscribe to the QL mailing list? input type=radio name=mailing value=yesYes input type=radio name=mailing value=noNo nbsp;(see a href=http://www.quanta.org.uk/; target='Uhttp://www.quanta.org.uk//a for details)BR Correction: - where it says target='U - change it to saytarget=U Note that the original page uses a single ' and a double . Safari sees the single ' and then looks for a matching single '. You have it correct elsewhere. Fun stuff :) Could you also ask the following type of questions: Hard Disk - what size Rom Disk - what size SMSQ/E - what rev Memory - what size Thanks! jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership Survey
Either this email is intended to make us all feel really good about how our day is going or to show that you always have backup plans (won't even ask about the spare rear doors :) ). Cheers, jim On Nov 21, 2004, at 12:23 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Sun, 21 Nov 2004 at 14:09:20, David Tubbs wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) At 04:30 21/11/2004 +, you wrote: Tony wrote The -whole- point of doing the on-line survey was to get someone on the Quanta committee to say they would like to use the form. A forlorn hope I am sure. But I see no need for Qanta to be involved, the results of a survey (if any) would be of general interest to many and surely particularly so for traders. Quite understandable, there seem to be many more knockers than constructivists here. All my inputs here have generated are facile denials of my assertion that no one is without access to the www. If your troglodyte BC chooses not to avail himself then that his choice. My, you must have had a night of it, I find myself living upside down times these nights. I had just got back from rescuing a worldnews machine. The Linux machines rumble on almost without attention. This is a W2003 machine. Windows locked up on closing. When we did a power cycle, we found that W2003 had successfully managed to destroy the boot sector on both raid mirror disks! Brilliant achievement Bill (8-)# We have so many troubles with windows that we will move this machine to linux and run a Windows emulator under Linux. Ridiculous isn't it. On the way back, I got out of the car to buy petrol, but somehow the door did not unlock. I had to break a window to get back in. Fortunately I have at least 4 spare rear doors at the bottom of the garden! I turned -off- my phone to avoid the 08:30 church alarm. The ry thing turned itself on again to sound the alarm (8-)# Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
[ql-users] Gardens
OK, so it is a good thing that I did not make a wise crack about how we plant edible things in our gardens here in the states :) jim On Nov 21, 2004, at 1:09 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Sun, 21 Nov 2004 at 12:27:49, James Hunkins wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Either this email is intended to make us all feel really good about how our day is going or to show that you always have backup plans (won't even ask about the spare rear doors :) ). Not just rear doors (8-)# Mind you Bill Cable has spare -cars- Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership
Now that is what I call service. The reason I was wondering about the memory size has to do with users who have a modified QL with hard drive or Rom disk who might want to run QDT. While relatively compact, once you start putting alternate backgrounds (screen sizes/themes) and tons of icons, it may have a performance impact (or might not). Also might make a difference if this ghostscript printer conversation goes somewhere. I saw everything but the size of the hard drive in the update. And it works just fine now in Safari - Thanks! Cheers, jim On Nov 21, 2004, at 12:42 PM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Sun, 21 Nov 2004 at 10:39:54, James Hunkins wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Hi Tony, Guess what, Safari was interpreting your page perfectly and Firefox was being a bit generous. It turns out it is an easy fix (and very easy not too see). Here is what I found. Original code: Do you subscribe to the QL mailing list? input type=radio name=mailing value=yesYes input type=radio name=mailing value=noNo nbsp;(see a href=http://www.quanta.org.uk/; target='Uhttp://www.quanta.org.uk//a for details)BR Correction: - where it says target='U - change it to say target=U Note that the original page uses a single ' and a double . Safari sees the single ' and then looks for a matching single '. You have it correct elsewhere. Whoops - full marks to Safari. There were many more like that which I spotted earlier (under firefox). Fun stuff :) Indeed. MSIE is very bad at 'intelligently' wrong html, much like QDOS and bad basic. Firefox is better, but not a sgood as Safari. Could you also ask the following type of questions: Hard Disk - what size Rom Disk - what size SMSQ/E - what rev Memory - what size Done (except memory - expansion type gets near enough!) Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership
Hi Tony, Just trying to catch up - had taken a quick glance but wasn't quite clear on if you were asking for input on the form itself or wanting people to fill it in - now I understand. It would be a shame if this form was not used. I had looked at the Quanta location and, believe me, with time constraints, I can't see myself or many others actually taking the time to print it, fill it in, and mailing it (especially from the States). There is a reason why I use email and websites versus snail mail :) By the way, as to the form, the final line shows Do you subscribe to the QL mailing list? Yes No (see and then stops there. See what? Also, how would someone submit this (a Submit button?). Is this supposed to be an email submitted form or some other way. If so, what about security (don't want the spammers to latch onto the address)? Cheers, jim On Nov 20, 2004, at 10:23 AM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Sat, 20 Nov 2004 at 17:41:26, Tarquin Mills wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) In message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tony Firshman wrote: On Sat, 20 Nov 2004 at 17:43:45, Francois Van Emelen wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) Tony Firshman wrote: I am disappointed at the response to my form. You shouldn't be. You have done your best. I have only had two people commenting on the content, and not from the right quarters. Add 1 to that number. I'm not a Quanta member and I have no intention to become one. You misunderstood. I meant only two have made suggestions on 'corrections' to the form. I still have nothing from the people that matter on whether my form is going to be used. It would be good to hear something though (8-(# It looks like my attempt to inject some positiveness into the issue has fallen flat. How do Qx0 and Thor users fill in the form, when all the questions are about black box QLs? True. That is a very major omission isn't it. I have added something: http://firshman.co.uk/scripts/qq.cgi However I think this form will not be seeing the light of day. There is a resounding silence from those who matter. I am disappointed. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Quanta membership
By the way, as to the form, the final line shows Do you subscribe to the QL mailing list? Yes No (see and then stops there. See what? You must have seen a version I was editing. The form does not stop there Interesting. In Apple's Safari, I emptied the cache and reloaded it - quit in the same place. But using Firefox, it shows a lot more, presumably all the way to the end. Anything special you are doing with your CGI that might be pseudo standard? I see in your source at this 'stop' point: input type=radio name=mailing value=yesYes input type=radio name=mailing value=noNo nbsp;(see a href=http://www.quanta.org.uk/; target='Uhttp://www.quanta.org.uk//a for details)BR What is the radio name type? This seems to be where Safari stops. I am forwarding this to Apple to see if they have comments. If I hear anything I will let you know but I suspect that I won't. Normally they just fix things if something is broken and it shows up in the next update. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] Re: QL2005
Actually a good way of doing this is to allow users to opt-in for an email reminder that a new magazine copy is available and then they could follow a link to the web site to get it. This reduces the amount of email and helps people with dial up connections. Cheers, jim On Nov 19, 2004, at 8:03 AM, wolfgang mühlegger wrote: Tony Firshman schrieb: The magazine could also be provided (by email) in say pdf form, again saving money. no, you could get it on your members area! ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] How about scanning jobs in C68? Problem with mt_jinf
Thanks for the help guys. I still seem to have a problem with the original routing mt.jinf falling out of the tree when I leave it up to it to run the full structure. So instead I am simply walking through the entire job table (good suggestions). One last question on this one, how do I know if a job table entry is valid? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] How about scanning jobs in C68? Problem with mt_jinf
Guys, Another question for all the wonderful brilliant readers... I am trying to scan and get all the jobs names running. In C68 I am using the mt_jinf call which is the direct wrapper to the assembly call. According to the documentation, if I set the jobid and the topofthetree job both to 0, then it should keep scanning and find every job. Well, sometimes it does, depending on what and/or how many jobs I have running. But this seems to be an exception to the rule. When it is done going through the tree, it sets the jobid to 0 again (IE: SuperBasic job) and then would start over if I let it keep going. What it seems to do is to prematurely return with the jobid set back to 0. I see that the assembly call is used within SMSQ/E for the jobs command which seems to work just fine. Is there something that the documentation isn't saying? Or perhaps the documentation is incorrect. The code for jobs in SMSQ/E seems to be using the registers a bit differently than I would expect. Any help, anyone? - As an alternate, perhaps someone has a better way (even though I eventually need this for one of the new jobs control application for QDT) of doing my immediate requirements. I need to be able to search find find the jobid for a specific application which I know by name. Is there an easier way to get this? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] How about scanning jobs in C68? Problem with mt_jinf
I may be about to answer my own questions here.. Looking at other assembly that does use this call, the examples do match the usage in the documentation. I suspect that I fell for the old 'believing what you read' thing without thinking it out. I bet that this does not recurse through the full tree on its own in most cases. Will try to do some recursion (will check on a hand drawn tree) and see if that does it. Any suggestions in the meantime would of course be welcome. Cheers, jim On Oct 22, 2004, at 1:59 AM, James Hunkins wrote: Guys, Another question for all the wonderful brilliant readers... I am trying to scan and get all the jobs names running. In C68 I am using the mt_jinf call which is the direct wrapper to the assembly call. According to the documentation, if I set the jobid and the topofthetree job both to 0, then it should keep scanning and find every job. Well, sometimes it does, depending on what and/or how many jobs I have running. But this seems to be an exception to the rule. When it is done going through the tree, it sets the jobid to 0 again (IE: SuperBasic job) and then would start over if I let it keep going. What it seems to do is to prematurely return with the jobid set back to 0. I see that the assembly call is used within SMSQ/E for the jobs command which seems to work just fine. Is there something that the documentation isn't saying? Or perhaps the documentation is incorrect. The code for jobs in SMSQ/E seems to be using the registers a bit differently than I would expect. Any help, anyone? - As an alternate, perhaps someone has a better way (even though I eventually need this for one of the new jobs control application for QDT) of doing my immediate requirements. I need to be able to search find find the jobid for a specific application which I know by name. Is there an easier way to get this? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] Re: Executable Things in C68 (or otherwise)
Forgot to mention, wasn't there an article or two about using C68 to work with Things in Ql Today? I couldn't find them when I scanned old copies but... I did see Jochen's articles (but only 3 - was there a 4th) back in Volume 4 I believe. Thanks, jim On Oct 21, 2004, at 1:45 AM, James Hunkins wrote: Another request for help - this time in coverting most of QDT into executable things. I am writing it in C68 and I see that C68 has all the calls and structures to link in new Things and access them. But the questions are: 1) how can I make an executable piece of code generated with C68 into an Executable thing that I can load into memory and link into the thing list 2) how would I pass parameters to it? 3) do I have to generate separate data space for each instance of an executable being used or would the normal C variables be isolated from different calls to the same executable code. Without doing things, QDT will end up with a lot of duplicate code (every open folder and every desktop icon calls an executable presently). Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] program version # - setting and reading back in SBASIC
Can anyone advise on how to set the program (or file?) version number in either C68 or assembler? And then, how does one read it back in SBASIC? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
Unfortunately no, won't be able to get over there for this. But Roy and Jochen will both have updated copies that I hope they will be showing off. I suspect that someone could twist Roy's arm to demo it on the big screen. jim On Oct 3, 2004, at 1:17 AM, gwicks wrote: - Original Message - From: P Witte Subject: Re: [ql-users] locking a window? Looking very much forward to experiencing QDT in the flesh. Is it likely to be available at a show near me sometime soon? Are you at QL2004? I am hoping Roy will give a demonstration in glorious technicolour on the big screen. Best Wishes, Geoff http://members.lycos.co.uk/geoffwicks/ql2004.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
Hi Wolfgang, On Oct 1, 2004, at 3:50 AM, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: Just for a futher clarification - do I understand you correctly, Jim, that you want the following: exec a program(program B) from another one (program A), and have that other one(B) always stay on top of the first one (A).? Exactly. Like, for example, use the QPAC2 files menu to launch an application, and make sure that the window thereof is never covered by QPAC2's files menu later on? Yes. But you might take a look at the email I just sent to Jerome here - it gives a couple of good examples where I need this behavior. jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
More good stuff.
Holding onto your stuff here and made some notes for myself. Moving
onto my next QDT piece since I am trying to get an update ready for the
upcoming show and every minute right now seems to count. Staying with
the behavior I last described (as per your previous suggestion - works
as you advertised) but what you propose here points me to a way that I
think I can tune it the rest of the way. Want to think about the side
affects first though (got to love the creativity of software users :)
).
Will place with this a bit later.
Cheers,
jim
On Oct 1, 2004, at 5:00 AM, P Witte wrote:
James Hunkins writes:
The not so good side affect is say the user moves the called program
away to a better spot on the screen, so that the calling program is
uncovered. Now just moving the cursor over the calling program pops
the top program to the top and [now for the bad part], the cursor pops
over to top program. Pretty disconcerting (and definitely against the
concept followed throughout the pointer environment), not to mention,
with a lot of screen real-estate, you might not see where the cursor
went. Looking forward to the emails and phone calls for that.
Well, you asked for it ;)
Here is a more developed version of the tester I posted previously. It
works
slightly differently in that you have to DO the calling program to
re-pick
the called program to the top, but you can fmodify this behaviour using
various tests and fiddling the termination vector.
Requires ptrmen_cde from EasyPtr to be LRESRed (included with my Msprv,
available on my website
http://knoware.mysite.freeserve.com/index.html)
In place of FEP('Files') use your own program, eg id =
FEX(pathFred_exe).
100 OUTL
110 DIM pr%(16): REMark Pointer Record
120 tv% = 1: REMark Termination vector
130 id = FEP(Files)
140 REPeat
150 RDPT tv%
160 PVAL pr%: REMark Read last event
170 IF pr%(5) = 2 OR pr%(7) = 61 THEN
180 REMark On DO or Wake, ..
190 IF JobLives(id) THEN
200REMark pick to top
210PTOP id
212REMark Or PTOP id \ (ie Pick and Wake)
220 ELSE
230REMark Resume normal services
240EXIT
250 END IF
260 END IF
270 END REPeat
280 :
290 DEFine FuNction JobLives(jid)
300 LOCal nj, n
310 IF jid = 0: RETurn 1
320 REPeat nj
330 n = NXJOB(n, 0)
340 IF n = 0 OR n = jid: EXIT nj
350 END REPeat nj
360 RETurn n
370 END DEFine JobLives
380 :
Of course, this is only a sketch. Special conditions may apply (eg Job
0),
and you may want to develop different versions for different cases. My
point
is, you can - by a lot of hard work - usually emulate, to some degree,
the
effect you want to achieve. Far from satisfactory (and certainly not
fool
proof), but its available now! and better than nothing.
Per
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Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
Bury me at the deepest level [ just on top of the desktop background if any ] would be very nice for QDT. Most modern desktop put their object icons directly onto the desktop and most windows sit on top of them by default. This would allow me to place the icons onto literally the desktop and have an option for a user to pick them all to the top (if he is trying to find one - useful since we don't have a way to hide all windows (or do we - another option?) or put them back down. Cheers, jim On Oct 1, 2004, at 12:10 AM, Jérôme_Grimbert wrote: Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Marcel, were you thinking of something specific here? Just that constantly picking a windows is a bad thing to do. Perhaps I want to work with another application on top that happens to burry it? That's also why programmatically bringing another application to the foreground is impossible since Windows 2000 (instead the task bar button starts to flash). A long time ago, when background was not available at the system level, one way to do it was to have a full-screen application which always picked another to the top... due to the lack of 'Burry me to the deepest level' system call. Maybe what some need is some additional system calls: - Burry me at the deepest level (opposite of current 'bring me to top') (but to keep things clean and safe, should work only for current job, not for another, as Marcel noted, that would be a bad thing to do.) - Am I at the deepest level ? - Am I partially covered ? (not fully exposed: aka, I/O would block) - Am I at the top level ? (fully exposed) ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
I had considered that but things like dropdown menus and error messages should have the original window left open so that you can have a reference. Not to mention, with folders, I would not like a full folder closing every time I wanted to run do a change to it or pick a sub-option. For somethings your suggestion may work but I am afraid not for the desktop that I am working on. Cheers, jim On Oct 1, 2004, at 2:37 AM, John Hall wrote: James Hunkins wrote: By the way, this mechanism is only being used when a particular sub-program is called and the calling window needs to be locked. Examples programs that need windows larger than the caller's window [drop-down menus, File and List selects, etc] and programs that will be directly changing something in the calling program so we would want to lock the calling program out [IconDraw for notebooks which will change the notebook's icon, Add Objects for folders, and notebooks for folders or Icons]. A possible alternative approach would be to close/remove the calling program's window(s) before the sub-program is called and then reinstating it/them when the sub-program exits... John ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
It turns out that this (so far) only seems to work if the top application is not completely buried by someone else and is directly on top of the calling application. This might be an issue even if my original idea of having the calling application not pickable was used. Marcel, were you thinking of something specific here? Per, I will be playing around with the bits I send to the call as you suggest in a separate email. Simply ran out of steam earlier this morning and still had 'real work' to do :) Cheers, jim On Sep 30, 2004, at 7:11 AM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: A very interesting method. So far (after my normal fiddling with C68) this now works if I right click on the window that should stay hidden - I see it flash to the top but the window it has called flashes back on top. And what happens if you move the top application to the side, thus completely exposing the picker and then try to bury the top application under a QD or whatever? Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
Does this mean you are offering to enhance SMSQ/E one more time so that I can lock down a window properly [hint - hint]? I would be more than happy to abandon this approach (sorry Per) for a simple lock down mechanism. On the other hand, the idea behind the workaround is that it would only pick the window back to the top if the calling window was physically picked (IE: mouse clicked onto). Or at least that would be my intention. I definitely don't want something just happening repeatedly and using up horsepower. Note that this is possible due to the newer pointer call that lets us pick what vector it responds to (I hope). Cheers, jim On Sep 30, 2004, at 9:27 AM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Marcel, were you thinking of something specific here? Just that constantly picking a windows is a bad thing to do. Perhaps I want to work with another application on top that happens to burry it? That's also why programmatically bringing another application to the foreground is impossible since Windows 2000 (instead the task bar button starts to flash). Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] locking a window?
Working now with one not so great but probably acceptable (better than loosing a menu somewhere and being locked out). If the top program is still over the calling program, then cursor movement over the calling program gives the expected locked cursor icon. If one clicks on the calling program (either mouse button or space/return keys), the calls the calling program but immediately returns the top program to where it belongs and places the cursor within it. This is pretty good so far as the cursor won't move too far and the primary use of this is when Roy (and others :) ) 'mis-clicks' from the called program and accidentally hides it behind the calling program - all nice and neat and the cursor movement is small enough to not be too bad on the old brain. The not so good side affect is say the user moves the called program away to a better spot on the screen, so that the calling program is uncovered. Now just moving the cursor over the calling program pops the top program to the top and [now for the bad part], the cursor pops over to top program. Pretty disconcerting (and definitely against the concept followed throughout the pointer environment), not to mention, with a lot of screen real-estate, you might not see where the cursor went. Looking forward to the emails and phone calls for that. However, loosing a menu is the worse thing of the two and most users will not be moving a called locking program out from the calling program. So will go ahead with this and make sure that it is included in the readme file, just in case. That is unless Marcel comes through AGAIN (just the second hint in a couple of hours Marcel :) ). I wonder if it would be to obvious if I was to tell him how brilliant he is (again). Hasn't worked before but you never know. Like I said, not perfect but it does work and should be fine for the vast majority of cases. By the way, this mechanism is only being used when a particular sub-program is called and the calling window needs to be locked. Examples programs that need windows larger than the caller's window [drop-down menus, File and List selects, etc] and programs that will be directly changing something in the calling program so we would want to lock the calling program out [IconDraw for notebooks which will change the notebook's icon, Add Objects for folders, and notebooks for folders or Icons]. Pretty cool stuff. Thanks again for the help once again. Proceeding onto adding this through QDT (happy now Roy?). Cheers all, jim On Sep 30, 2004, at 9:46 PM, James Hunkins wrote: Does this mean you are offering to enhance SMSQ/E one more time so that I can lock down a window properly [hint - hint]? I would be more than happy to abandon this approach (sorry Per) for a simple lock down mechanism. On the other hand, the idea behind the workaround is that it would only pick the window back to the top if the calling window was physically picked (IE: mouse clicked onto). Or at least that would be my intention. I definitely don't want something just happening repeatedly and using up horsepower. Note that this is possible due to the newer pointer call that lets us pick what vector it responds to (I hope). Cheers, jim On Sep 30, 2004, at 9:27 AM, Marcel Kilgus wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Marcel, were you thinking of something specific here? Just that constantly picking a windows is a bad thing to do. Perhaps I want to work with another application on top that happens to burry it? That's also why programmatically bringing another application to the foreground is impossible since Windows 2000 (instead the task bar button starts to flash). Marcel ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] locking a window?
Anyone have any ideas of how I can lock a window so that it can't be picked to the top under SMSQ/E if the mouse clicks on a visible part of it? It sounds like there might not be an official way to do this but creative ways are always entertaining. QDT often calls other programs which run in separate windows. The calling window is locked to the degree where it is kind of in standby and will not accept any user input. But if you accidentally click on the original window, it currently pops to the top and may accidentally cover the window that is accepting input. Any suggestions will be more than welcome. Cheers, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] C and system sprites of SMSQ/E 3++ on Q40
Nice little (and very true) analogy! Thanks for the wishes - thanks to all the pieces that Marcel and others have put together in SMSQ/E along with some great color help it will be even better. Just wish I had the time to get everything into it and out the door. But will keep pushing. It is worth it when I am running it on my 23 Cinema display, where QPC and QDT are in their glorious 1920x1200 pixels :) Stay tuned... Jim On Sep 23, 2004, at 12:31 AM, Tony Firshman wrote: On Wed, 22 Sep 2004 at 23:01:08, James Hunkins wrote: (ref: [EMAIL PROTECTED]) You would think after all these years of programming I would not forget to use the static keyword in this stuff. I wasn't doing this and therefore the external programs couldn't find the correct data. One I threw in static (thanks Wolfgang!), it works just as you all kept telling me. Very obvious - now :) Thanks for help everyone! Back to programming, That is life isn't it. I re-built my car engine a while back. I had always thought (for 13 years) that the Volvo spark plug lead layout on the 7nn series was brilliant. The distributor cap had the outputs all in a straight line. They were then held in a neat parallel line all the way to the spark plugs, 4,3 2 1. How sensible rather than the usual 1,3,4,2 or similar. I started the car up and it idled 'perfectly' first time, but when I drove off there was no power. Hrmm. The ignition was electronic, and the manual was distinctly unclear about the position of the -only- feedback - a slotted disk on the flywheel. so I took the engine out and checked the position (the only way) and it seemed OK. I then went back to the first stages (like one should -always- do even in programming!) and checked the leads. Nothing in the manual about the physical connections to the cap, so I checked with a continuity meter. The lead order was 2,1,3,4! It was only the electronic ignition being -clever- that made the engine idle perfectly on two cylinders! Moral: In life and programming one should always go back to first principals and never assume anything! Good luck with QDT. I must say it looked very professional at Orlando. Tony -- QBBS (QL fido BBS 2:252/67) +44(0)1442-828255 tony@surname.co.uk http://www.firshman.co.uk Voice: +44(0)1442-828254 Fax: +44(0)1442-828255 TF Services, 29 Longfield Road, TRING, Herts, HP23 4DG ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] C and system sprites of SMSQ/E 3++ on Q40
Of course the Apple one - and it kept me up to 3 this morning again :) As for playing with my QDT - forever and ever! Tony, my new display at 23 has more resolution than my 40 television. And it is better. So if I ever get a break from my programming I will be watching movies on it. And by the way, my speakers are nothing compared to everyone else in the area :) But I am not complaining. When I last used them (last month!), they were very nice to have. By the way, in case anyone wants to be an Apple fanatic but wants to run QPC on their Macs, I am using my 1GHz Powerbook with VirtualPC 6 to run QPC, its display plus my new monitor. Plenty of horsepower for all that. And I understand VirtualPC 7 is 10-30% faster and will run on the G5s. I wonder if I can get a compile to finish before I tell it to start? Cheers, jim On Sep 23, 2004, at 7:53 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm more envious of the 23 cinema display - an apple one I assume. Some of us poor souls have to make do with old CRT G3 Imacs..since I had to sell my dual 1.42Ghz G4. Oh, and Jim, have you finished playing with your QDT yet :-)) (Private joke) Cheers, Darren Branagh, Bank of Ireland - Cards And Loans Business, Nassau House, 33/35 Nassau Street, Dublin 2. Ireland. Tel: 1850-530-530 Fax: 01-6706813. Direct Line:- (+353)-1-6176082 BOI Group Data Classification - Wolfgang Lenerz [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent by:cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [ql-users] C and system sprites of SMSQ/E 3++ on Q40 s.q-v-d.com 23/09/2004 15:49 Please respond to ql-users On 23 Sep 2004 at 12:40, Tony Firshman wrote: (...) I wonder what his neighbours think (8-)# What , think? With all this noise? grin Wolfgang www.scp-paulet-lenerz.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and delete this E-mail from your system. Thank you. It is possible for data transmitted by email to be deliberately or accidentally corrupted or intercepted. For this reason, where the communication is by email, the Bank of Ireland Group does not accept any responsibility for any breach of confidence which may arise through the use of this medium. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of known computer viruses. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] C and system sprites of SMSQ/E 3++ on Q40
Thanks Wolfgang and Jerome, I have a simple workaround which I should have tried to start with. Your answers reminded me that when I did my custom icons I ended up having to do them in Assembly and linking them in. It turns out that this is actually easier and great so that I can share the files between different QDT modules. I am now using the default system icons in over half of QDT and should have the rest converted and tuned by tomorrow night. It was exactly as you illustrated, Jerome. Simply a 0 byte and then the icon number in the next byte - with a C pointer to the location of byte 0 (just as Marcel documented the new sprite formats, of course :) ). Again, thanks for the help. These new icons do really help the appearance! Cheers, jim On Sep 21, 2004, at 7:28 AM, Wolfgang Lenerz wrote: On 21 Sep 2004 at 2:40, James Hunkins wrote: (...) It just feels that I am missing a pointer between C68 and the new stuff. I am guessing that persistent the red X icon indicates that the system call could not find the one that I want. Yes, that is correct - the red X indicates that the pointer environment didn't recognize the system sprite you were trying to have it draw -but it does understand that you are trying to draw a system sprite. Typically, that means that you are trying to draw a system sprite with a number higher than 39, or a negative number. If you wish, could you build a very small test application (where you have the problem) and send it to me - I could try to find out what happens (but please send the compiled version + the source). Oh, and what version of smsq/e are you using? !!! wolfgang www.scp-paulet-lenerz.com ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] use of new system sprites from C68?
No problems - plenty of other code work to do over the weekend on QDT :) I appreciate your help! Cheers, jim On Sep 16, 2004, at 10:38 PM, Jérôme_Grimbert wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Jerome, Since no one else has jumped in with help on this yet, would you mind digging through for a sample of your 'C' code showing the proper use of the new system sprites. It would really help me a lot. Ok. You will have to wait till monday, but just be patient... ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
Re: [ql-users] use of new system sprites from C68?
Jerome, Since no one else has jumped in with help on this yet, would you mind digging through for a sample of your 'C' code showing the proper use of the new system sprites. It would really help me a lot. Thanks, jim On Sep 14, 2004, at 2:30 AM, Jérôme_Grimbert wrote: James Hunkins wrote: Has anyone used the new system sprites from C68? This would be using it in the window definition which was originally a pointer to a sprite file. I have tried it by defining 2 bytes such as: unsigned short test_sprite = 0x0008;[ byte 0 = 0x00 for a system sprite 0x08 for the sprite number ] and then doing a pointer to its address from the proper loose item field: test_sprite, If I point to one of the normal sprites (with byte 0 = 0x01) I get the expected sprite. But when I do the above all I get is a red 'X' sprite, no matter what sprite number I use. Any ideas? If someone has used the new system sprites, could you supply sample code and instructions? I think I did use the system sprite from C68. I used an array of char instead of a short... It did work, or so I believe. I would have to dig that code if you do not get a better answer. ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
[ql-users] use of new system sprites from C68?
Has anyone used the new system sprites from C68? This would be using it in the window definition which was originally a pointer to a sprite file. I have tried it by defining 2 bytes such as: unsigned short test_sprite = 0x0008; [ byte 0 = 0x00 for a system sprite 0x08 for the sprite number ] and then doing a pointer to its address from the proper loose item field: test_sprite, If I point to one of the normal sprites (with byte 0 = 0x01) I get the expected sprite. But when I do the above all I get is a red 'X' sprite, no matter what sprite number I use. Any ideas? If someone has used the new system sprites, could you supply sample code and instructions? Thanks, jim ___ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.quanta.org.uk/mailing.htm
