TodayPlus Boards v2

While I am self-educateing the C# for PPC, I found out it is very difficult to add new features into TP weather section.  Although our several efforts had made some sucess, yet there is still limited what we can do/add into TP.

Since it has been very quite in past week, I have been exploring the possibility to see we can come out a new way to enhance TP weather.  Limiting by the skin codes we have, it is very hard to do so.  Therefore, I forced to think an alterntivae to take more "dramatic approach", a new module.

The idea will be scary since it is to totally "abondon" the skin codes for the weather.  And use a new module (exe) to replace the whole function of TP weather.   Similiar idea to use ImageViewer to replace the "image" code.

So do we have everything we need to do so, the answer is "not yet but close".  So here are what we have:

1.  The city set-up remains the same and the essential registry keys (cityid, code) still will be utilized by module.  --> yes

2.  As you knew, the city.txt still will be used for source of weather information, and will be downloaded via "radar.exe" (this time, the codes will be incorporate into the new module).   -->  yes, just need to incoporate the code

3.  Will have an option to do "automatically" and "manually" updating.  The detection of connection and its type will be implemented and the "window" of updating can be user-determine.  --> no

4.  New features, including hourly temp forecast, 10-day forecast, forecast details text and chart will be included. --> yes, but need to incorporate

5.  The radar/satellite image will be incoporated and possible to display animated gif for radar image. --> no but very close

6.  Ideally, its size and position can be specified by users (like ImageViewer) and layout can be skinned (will be a long shot). --> no, very long shot

Please welcome to share your comment (good or bad) with me.  My intention is to try to come out a standalone exe that can be called by TP.  The exe can be called/exited "on-demand" of users using the skin code and still remain the maximum flexibility.  

For those ask me why I spent so much efforts doing that.  My answer is doing this for fun.  Given the facts that there are som many standalone weather programs (I owned most of them) out there, my intention is not to come out a freeware to compete with them.  Rather just for me to use this "topic" to help me learning the C#.  And if the "by-product" is useful to anyone, then they just take it as free but not for making profit from it. :wink:

Uk_skinner,

This is a very good post! A post with good and understandeble information. Also information that tells us some thoughts with the eye on the future. You are doing good things with this!!!
I'm happy that your fun (= working with these things) is our pleasure (=getting nice and new feautures)! A better combination is unthinkable!

Another point. Uk_skinner, forgive my naughty thoughts: isn't it possible that, one day, your .exes overgrow TodayPlus, and take over the lead of TodayPlus??? Or: am I dreaming too loud now??? What do you think?!?

Timmy

Timmy:

 Thanks for your kind words and confidence.

 I don't know how the future will be.  The only fact here is after these days (one year consider a "long" time for software world), no other program just like TodayPlus surfacing.  The talent of SRS is no boubt.  At least, following his steps is a good learning process to me.  The age is not at my side and I probably only can do so much, the rest has to be leave to the others.  Who knows, the srs or other talent will show up.

UK,

Another very nice idea !!  I guess we will also need an additional EXE to close the program using the TP skin buttons..  Something like "imvClose.exe"...
This way it can be set to change pages within the skin, and close the weather mod at the same time !!!   8)

The forum has been very quite, so I just updated what I have so far.  Still need a lot of work.

This will be the current weather information.

Features:

   * The drop down city selection window.
   * Update button to trigger radar.exe.
   * All the current weather information from weather.com
   * The radar/satellite image at below.

Edit:  please see updated screenshot below

This will be forecast page.

Features:

1  Drop down city selection.
2  Drop down day selection (10 day)
3  Sunrise/sunset time (city local time)
4  Day forecast
5  Night forecast
6  Drop down list for different chart

Dear uk,
You really ARE THE BEST! I never cease to be amazed by your talent!
Thanks for ALL your good work! Please keep it up! :approve:

Thanks and appreciation to ALL you guys working in anyway on TD+. For a lost cause, you've all given our today screens a new lease of life!

Al

Quote from: AbramDear uk,
You really ARE THE BEST! I never cease to be amazed by your talent!
Thanks for ALL your good work! Please keep it up! :approve:

Abram,

I fully agree with your words! And uk_skinner knows I mean it.

Quote from: AbramThanks and appreciation to ALL you guys working in anyway on TD+. For a lost cause, you've all given our today screens a new lease of life!

TodayPlus IS the best program at this moment. No doubt about that. SRS, the maker, was a genious. Everybody here at this forum knows that. I don't know another program with SO MUCH possibilities in it as TodayPlus. It's realy amazing! And at the same time TodayPlus is a hobby. Everybody can change things in the skinfile. There's also no program at this moment with that amount of possibilities.

Timmy

Dear Timmy,
As a TP veteran, you put it so much better than I do! Thanks, that was exactly what I meant!

Abram, Timmy:

 Thanks for your good words. :oops:

 I am not as talent as you thought.  Trying to follow SRS's path will not be easy, especially without his guidence.  As you pointed out, TodayPlus is really a "master-piece".  I will do what I can and the rest is really up to fate.  

 Timmy: The screenshots you saw here are not "skinable" yet.

Well, as I can see your skills are growing every day (in contrast to mine :oops:)

Very nice ideas again and solid work with the dropdown's ...

Waitng for the first release to test :wink:

Regards Broesel

Quote from: BroeselWell, as I can see your skills are growing every day (in contrast to mine :oops:)

Very nice ideas again and solid work with the dropdown's ...

Waitng for the first release to test :wink:

Regards Broesel

broesel:

While I was wondering where you have been, then you "boom" showed up.. :D

In my mind, SRS like a professor who should win the "Nobel Prize" and me just like a "kindergargen student".  It will take me sometime to even be able to reach his level (if that is possible).   :oops:  :roll:

Quote from: uk_skinner
broesel:

While I was wondering where you have been, then you "boom" showed up.. :D

Well, much work and my big family :wink:
My children had a competition
this weekend and I had to be the driver :roll:

But I'm always here wtih you, even if I don't have time to write
intelligent answers :wink:

Regards Broesel

The part of ImageViewer codes were incorporated.  The radar image can be "drag-and-move", zoom in/out and fit.

Cool 8)

Nice feature again

Regards Broesel

Quote from: uk_skinnerThe part of ImageViewer codes were incorporated.  The radar image can be "drag-and-move", zoom in/out and fit.

Uk_skinner,

Day by day...  Step by step...

Thank you for letting us know your results and your progress!

Timmy

broesel & Timmy:

 Thanks.
  Yes, one step at time.

 The essential radar.exe codes has been incorporated.  Next, I will try to see I can build an "auto update".  Here are my thoughts:

1    "Auto Update" can be switched off by users.
2    "Auto Update" only will do the downloading when there is internet connection.
3    Mutiple profile (radar.txt) support, in other words, users should be able to set how often the auto downloading depends on the different type of information.  For example, 10-day charts for (temp,precp...) probably need to be updated twice a day.  Radar image probebly would like to have updated every couple of hours (if there is nothing happened).  But you probably want update every 10 minutes if there is a storm.  This will help users who use GPRS.

Any other thoughts?

Quote from: uk_skinner
1    "Auto Update" can be switched off by users.
2    "Auto Update" only will do the downloading when there is internet connection.

Fine features ...

Quote3    Mutiple profile (radar.txt) support, in other words, users should be able to set how often the auto downloading depends on the different type of information.  For example, 10-day charts for (temp,precp...) probably need to be updated twice a day.  Radar image probebly would like to have updated every couple of hours (if there is nothing happened).  But you probably want update every 10 minutes if there is a storm.  This will help users who use GPRS.

Nice too .... how to switch between the profiles ?

QuoteAny other thoughts?

Scroll through various Radarpics ?

Regards Broesel

QuoteNice too .... how to switch between the profiles ?

:think:  :think:

My original thought was to use the radar.txt format.  So you have different radar.txt (different name, of course).

Let's say:

1.txt : city.txt, hourly chart
2.txt : radar image
3.txt : 10-day chart

User can set up the time window for updateing for each one.  For example, 30 minute for 1.txt and 120 minutes for 2.txt and 360 minutes for 3 .txt.  

If you need to change it, just change the time window in the set-up.

QuoteScroll through various Radarpics ?

At this moment there is only one radar image for each city.  When you select the city from the drop window, every piece of information change.   The idea for mutiple images for the same city is also in my mind.  I can have arrows to allow you to do the selection.

Quote from: uk_skinner
My original thought was to use the radar.txt format.  So you have different radar.txt (different name, of course).

Let's say:

1.txt : city.txt, hourly chart
2.txt : radar image
3.txt : 10-day chart

User can set up the time window for updateing for each one.  For example, 30 minute for 1.txt and 120 minutes for 2.txt and 360 minutes for 3 .txt.  

If you need to change it, just change the time window in the set-up.

Sounds good to me :)

QuoteScroll through various Radarpics ?

QuoteAt this moment there is only one radar image for each city.  When you select the city from the drop window, every piece of information change.   The idea for mutiple images for the same city is also in my mind.  I can have arrows to allow you to do the selection.

I see, I thought you could only display one pic for all cities ..
Well arrows to select another one would be nice, so you could have
several pics (radar, traffic, ... for one city)

Regards Broesel

UK,

Awsome! This looks great.

Using a text file for settings is perfect. It makes customizing, tweaking and backup much easier. It is also a great way to share with others. I have learned how to customize T+ by cutting and pasting sections of others skin text files and seeing what changes.

THANK YOU.

tree99:

Well, the one I am working is till long way to go "being customerized".  I am still searching the related information to make a "skin-able" program.  So far, no luck yet.   :oops:   Of course, I will keep trying to search.

I believed I found a way to display animated gif file.  So if the user can find a site to download the animated weather image in animated gif format.  It can be displayed in this module.  :wink:

Quote from: uk_skinnerI believed I found a way to display animated gif file.  So if the user can find a site to download the animated weather image in animated gif format.  It can be displayed in this module.  :wink:

Congradulations!  I'm sure everyone here will be VERY happy to hear this new feature is coming soon.

Quote from: uk_skinnerI believed I found a way to display animated gif file.  So if the user can find a site to download the animated weather image in animated gif format.  It can be displayed in this module.  :wink:

Uk_skinner,

You remember what we said yesterday?

... day by day ...

... step by step ...

Congratulations!

Timmy

Very Nice, UK !!  You are a "Programming Machine"... (http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_28_1.gif)

ZapMe1,

I have a very off-topic question for you.

You are using smileycentral.com smileys. But when I looked at that URL, they forced me to install things. I didn't, because I'm afraid of viruses and spy ware.  But what do you, as a regular user,  think of it?

Timmy

Quote from: TimmyZapMe1,

I have a very off-topic question for you.

You are using smileycentral.com smileys. But when I looked at that URL, they forced me to install things. I didn't, because I'm afraid of viruses and spy ware. But what do you, as a regular user, think of it?

Timmy

I love SmileyCentral... I've been using it for a few months, and haven't seen any signs of SpyWare or Viruses !!   I do, however, use anti-spyware software and a good anti-virus..  I hide behind a double firewall, and also have an additional layer of protection thru my router...

Nothing is 100%, but I've been ok so far !!  :pray:
SmileyCentral gets my vote !!!

Quote from: ZapMe1

Quote from: TimmyZapMe1,

I have a very off-topic question for you.

You are using smileycentral.com smileys. But when I looked at that URL, they forced me to install things. I didn't, because I'm afraid of viruses and spy ware. But what do you, as a regular user, think of it?

Timmy

I love SmileyCentral... I've been using it for a few months, and haven't seen any signs of SpyWare or Viruses !!   I do, however, use anti-spyware software and a good anti-virus..  I hide behind a double firewall, and also have an additional layer of protection thru my router...

Nothing is 100%, but I've been ok so far !!  :pray:
SmileyCentral gets my vote !!!

ZapMe1,

Thanks for your information!!

Timmy

One more step today, the AnimateiMageViewer (AMV) was 80% ready.  Just like its cousin ImageViewer, the window position and size and the file pathway can be specified in a text-base file, .amv.  Once it set up (AMVStart), just hot link to any amv file, the animated gif can be displayed.  However, the "drag-and-move" is not supported yet  :wall: .  I still need to work on Zoom in/out and "center" functions.  And I need some graphic expert to make the new icon for it.  As you all know, I am not very good in image and graphic. :oops:

Quote from: uk_skinnerOne more step today, the AnimateiMageViewer (AMV) was 80% ready. (...) I need some graphic expert to make the new icon for it.  As you all know, I am not very good in image and graphic. :oops:

Uk_skinner,

You can mail me your wishes (pixels and example-pics) and I'll try to full fill your wishes.

Timmy

Hello, guys.

Just update what is my progress right now.

Although I was able to show the animated gif radar image, but I failed to be able to move the image using "drag-and-move".  It also required to install extra .dll under the /Windows in order to do the trick.

So, I decided to find another approach.  Unfortunately, this time I need to use another exe to "extract" the frame in the snimated gif.  In the past week, I have been beating myself to see I can do it by myself.  Due to my limited knowledge,  I failed.  However, I did borrow an exe from a commercial program and was able to make AnimatediMageViewer just like ImageViewer we have, including every features plus to set the loop-time.  But I can not release it because of usage of this commercial exe.

I would like to ask help from you, if you come across a PPC freeware or source code (even better) can "extract frame from animated gif", please let me know.  Meanwhile, I will continue to work my way through to see I am able to create one.

I got some small progress to make this module "skinable".

Use the "Today-Plus like" skin code.  The module can be customerized.  This just a beginning and it has not completed yet.  I just would like to share with you given it has been very quite here.

As you can see from screenshot, I am still running it in QVGA so that was the reason that weather icon was only 1/4.  Every component was added using skin codes.  And the image is just like the one in IMV, can be "drag-and-move".

height,270
datadir,\Program Files\TpWeather2\data
wicondir,\Program Files\TpWeather2\Shiny_VGA
imagedir,\Program Files\TpWeather2\Images
box,city,8,8,180,22,Tahoma,8,b
changefont,Tahoma,8,r
current,update,8,32,Update: ,,l,,
font,color,196_15_15
current,temp,54,64,, F,l,,
font,color,15_15_196
current,realtemp,84,64, / , F,r,,
font,color,0_0_0
current,barometer,134,64,baro: , in,l,,
current,humidity,54,112,Humidity: , %,l,,
current,uv,54,80,UV: ,,l,,
current,visibility,134,80,Visibility: , miles,l,,
current,sky,54,48,Sky: ,,l,,
current,winddir,54,96,WindD: ,,l,,
current,windspeed,134,96,WindS: , mph,l,,
imagebutton,210,32,refresh.gif,1
image,amv,10,130,220,150,\Program Files\TpWeather2\data\1.jpg,0,0,0,100,100,100,0,1000

Uk_skinner,

Yust curious.

You're working with a new option: 'current' in stead of 'today', am I wright? Just to get more and new possibilities?!?

Timmy

Quote from: TimmyUk_skinner,

Yust curious.

You're working with a new option: 'current' in stead of 'today', am I wright? Just to get moreand new possibilities?!?

Timmy

Yes, that is the way I call it, "current" instead of "today".  I tried to mimic the "code" in TodayPlus.   :oops:

Hey uk-skinner, that looks very good already  :D

Not far of a weather-plugin that is skinnable  :wink:

And then ... only missing some small things like rss, poom, worldclocks .....


Regards Broesel  :wink:

Quote from: Broesel....
And then ... only missing some small things like rss, poom, worldclocks .....


Regards Broesel  :wink:

I'm waiting for this :mrgreen:

Uk_skinner,

I've found a beautifull animated radar picture:

(http://todayplus.jhollin1138.com/files/timmy/vie.gif)
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/daten/radar/eurg/vie.gif?1cb6ce5862ef8e817b59b730955797ec&LANG=en

Can this picture be opened in your AnimatedImageViewer?

Timmy

Yes, no problem..

It is an animated gif.

But I still have an issue here that prevent me to go further.

Quote from: uk_skinnerYes, no problem..

It is an animated gif.

But I still have an issue here that prevent me to go further.

Uk_skinner,

I know what the  problem is, but I just was curious to know. I'll wait patiently for your legal version...

Timmy

Uk_skinner,

Here's another question. I also found this beautiful animated picture, but it's no normal animated.

(http://todayplus.jhollin1138.com/files/timmy/regiokaart.jpg)

http://www.weathernews.nl/dyn/weer_nl/compact.asp

I can't get is into my PocketPC. Do you know a way to make that possible???

Timmy

Timmy:

 Most likely is a flash player plug-in.  Can you see the animation in PIE?

Quote from: uk_skinnerTimmy:

 Most likely is a flash player plug-in.  Can you see the animation in PIE?

Uk_skinner,

In PIE I get the attached screenshot. And that's not what I get on my PC...

Timmy

If I follow your link on PC, I did not see any animation.  What was the original link?  Probably also get some Java script involved.  PIE doesn't work well for the site with Java Script.

Quote from: uk_skinnerIf I follow your link on PC, I did not see any animation.  What was the original link?  Probably also get some Java script involved.  PIE doesn't work well for the site with Java Script.

Uk_skinner,

The original URL is: http://www.weathernews.nl/b2s/

For your information:
•  It's NOT an animated gif pcture. When clicking on one of the words below the picture, you get another view.
•  I have Macromedia Flash Player ActiveX on my PCC.

Timmy

Quote from: Timmy

Quote from: uk_skinnerIf I follow your link on PC, I did not see any animation.  What was the original link?  Probably also get some Java script involved.  PIE doesn't work well for the site with Java Script.

Uk_skinner,

The original URL is: http://www.weathernews.nl/b2s/

For your information:
•  It's NOT an animated gif pcture. When clicking on one of the words below the picture, you get another view.
•  I have Macromedia Flash Player ActiveX on my PCC.

Timmy

Timmy:

 It has javascript, so it is not simple animated gif.

Quote from: uk_skinner
Timmy:

 It has javascript, so it is not simple animated gif.

Uk_skinner,

Just to be sure: pictures with javascript can't be read on the PPC?

Timmy

Quote from: Timmy

Quote from: uk_skinner
Timmy:

 It has javascript, so it is not simple animated gif.

Uk_skinner,

Just to be sure: pictures with javascript can't be read on the PPC?

Timmy

The webpage used javascript to process (or call) the image/data and showed on the page.  As far as I know, PIE does not support javascripts very well.  Netfront is much better a browser to do it.

Quote from: Timmy

Quote from: uk_skinner
Timmy:

 It has javascript, so it is not simple animated gif.

Uk_skinner,

Just to be sure: pictures with javascript can't be read on the PPC?

Timmy

Timmy: The picture you see on the website is generatet with javascript
(multiple graphics positioned on the website by javascript). So you can't
save it as a picture (you will only get the background with the outlines
of the Netherlands). It is not possible to store that with the radar.exe.

It could work with a php-script, that builds up a picture, that can be
saved.

Regards  Broesel

Quote from: uk_skinnerThe webpage used javascript to process (or call) the image/data and showed on the page.  As far as I know, PIE does not support javascripts very well.  Netfront is much better a browser to do it.

Uk_skinner, thanks for the explanation!

Quote from: BroeselTimmy: The picture you see on the website is generatet with javascript
(multiple graphics positioned on the website by javascript). So you can't
save it as a picture (you will only get the background with the outlines
of the Netherlands). It is not possible to store that with the radar.exe.

It could work with a php-script, that builds up a picture, that can be
saved.

Regards  Broesel

Broesel, thanks for your explanation, too.

And ehhh...., do I smell here possibilities for our first-class exe-builder???

Timmy

Quote from: Timmy
And ehhh...., do I smell here possibilities for our first-class exe-builder???

After looking into the source something deeper, it looks like,
that this would be too difficult, because the icons displayed in the map are small
flash-animations, and I don't think, that it is possible to get them
positioned by a php-script on the map-background. To get them into
a pic they also had to be "something like converted" to non-animated
pics.

So I think, no luck for you Timmy ...

Regards Broesel

Quote from: Broesel
After looking into the source something deeper, it looks like,
that this would be too difficult.

So I think, no luck for you Timmy ...

Regards Broesel

Broesel,

If it's impossible, than it's not worth giving it more time. Thanks for your thoughts!

Timmy

Timmy:

  I was trying to digest broesel's statement.   :think:

  I know you can access javascript within PHP, and the icon can be replaced, maybe there is a way to "put" the image together in PHP and send back to user.  Just a thought.  It will be one of my long list.  Be patient.

Quote from: uk_skinnerTimmy:

  I was trying to digest broesel's statement.   :think:

  I know you can access javascript within PHP, and the icon can be replaced, maybe there is a way to "put" the image together in PHP and send back to user.  Just a thought.  It will be one of my long list.  Be patient.

Uk_skinner,

So you think there IS a possibility?!?!?!?!?!?! Would be nice!!!

And yes, I'll be patient. Do what you want to do, and enjoy the things of your long list! Moreover: take good care of yourself!

Timmy