Digital Workshop

I have a project that involves multiple timers - they can be started and stopped at different times. - each clock needs to be a self contained timer. - now, the issue is reseting each self contained timers variable.

When I first run the project it, it works great - after the correct time is reached, the clock stops and an alarm is sounded. - BUT! after that, - I can no longer enter any NEW input to start the process again.

I have the feeling the variable is still running in the background - even after I use the "stop timer" command, the variable will NOT reset and allow me to restart the process again.

- how Do I reset a single clock timer variable and make it wait till ive entered a new time so I can run the timer again?

- Ill put it to the panel of experts.

P.S. - Im using Opus Pro 2.6 for this project, but I also have the latest version of Opus Pro as well. - is there a work around or script for this task perhaps?

Rick

Welcome to the forum (or, welcome back).
Opus v6 is really smooth. refined. I think you'll enjoy where it's gone.

Check out this post. Not sure if that's the issue here.
viewtopic.php?t=2922&highlight=clock

If you do a Search on timer, clock and such... you'll come across some past discussions and a few sample pubs (they show when you're logged on). I put one in Tutorial area, and I've also seen a neat analogue clock too.

Good luck.

I would like first of al lto say thank you for your help my friend - its so nice to find help so wickly.

I guess, I had better give you the concept of what I'm up to, so you will have a better grasp of the project because, even though the scripting looked great - I have script-a-phobia ( which is really a nice way of stating the obvious...I couldnt script to save my life! lol!

So here's the projects concept:

Ok, think about a large map that covers around 20 kms of rail network.
- now, imagine you are a supervisor, and your job is to send teams of both workers and specialised machines out onto the rail network during an emergency. there could be 30 different teams out there in whats termed as " the danger zone" - and its up to you to be able to keep an eye o ntheir location ( so they keep within their agrreed bounderies or locations ), and that after and agreed time - an alarm will sound to let you know that a team SHOULD be finished with the task you have set them, and you should then contact them to get a situation up-date.

I can deal with all of this except for one problem...

If for example what we will call " Team 1" started their task at say, 3pm - and so you start the clock timer. - if they finish at either ON time or before time - no problem (even if they go OVER their allowed time limit ) - no problem. The clock can be stopped, and the team then moves onto their SECOND task. - ( here's the issue ) "team 1" 's timer will NOT allow me to give them another job because team 1's clock refuses to reset.

Now, you spoke of " tickers" - would you suggest that a ticker would be a better alternative? and how do I use them? - Also, to make matters WORSE - there could be up to 30 teams at ANY location performing tasks that need to have their OWN timers ( 1 timer to a team ) - this means I need to be able to generate 20 different counters and run independently of the other ( hence why Id like the counter and its operation self contained within a single team information sheet.

Ill give you my work in progres - if possible, could you please try to figure out a simple way to smack this variable i nthe head tilll it behaves? - it just keeps hammering away like the mother in-law.

Also, PLEASE excuse the length of the post - but I figure the more complete the info, the better the remedy because of the better understanding of the problem. -and hey, Im new too lol!

Sadly I havent been able to get ANY productivity out of Opus 6.0 - your comment relating to "smooth" seems to be very differnt to mine ( hence Ive opted tocontinue to use Opus 2.6 instead to develop my projects for the time being ).

Here's my machines stats"


------------------- System Information -------------------

Illuminatus Opus Professional
Version: v2.81
Level: Professional
Build Date: Apr 2 2003 18:05:42
Build Type: Release

System Info
Operating System: Windows XP Professional - Build 2600 Service Pack 2
Total Memory: 3.5GB opf ram
DirectX Version: 9.0 or better
Space on drive C: 456591 Mb
Space on drive D: 451982 Mb

Processor
Type: (Family 6 Model 15) Intel(R)Core Duo CPU - 2.67GHz
CMOV Support: Yes
MMX Support: Standard
SSE Support: Extended
3DNow! Support: No
Number of processors: 2

Digital Workshop Products
Illuminatus Opus:

Web Browser
Default Browser
Internet Explorer: 6.0.2900.2180

DLL Versions
ComCtl32.DLL: 5.82 (xpsp.060825-0040) (28/2/2006)

Display Adapters
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Resolution: 1024 x 768
Colour depth: 16 bpp
Driver Version: 6.14.11.6218 (6-29-2007)
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Resolution: 1024 x 768
Colour depth: 16 bpp
Driver Version: 6.14.11.6218 (6-29-2007)

DirectDraw
NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT: nv4_disp.dll - 6.14.11.6218 (23/7/2007)


- and yet Verson 6 seems to "freeeze" for up to 10 secs between menu options - and it really runs as slow as a wet week. - I spoke to DW about it, and they say its because of Win XP service pack 2 and 3. - it seems there is an issue that causes this - think I should move up to Vista? ( or play it safe ? ) - any ideas?

Rick,

'yes'... good to have the full picture.

No time now to cover your full post. A couple suggestions though. Check this thread if you haven't already read it.
viewtopic.php?t=1682&highlight=timer+stop

Do a Search of Posts... put Fred Harms in the author box. Fred is a master at getting a lot done in Opus without touching an Ounce of code.

re: ticker
Also do a Search. Some people swear by it. I just have not used it to any extent.
I'm sure other users will help you with these actions.

I still would encourage OpusPro v6.
I ran it on a WinXP SP2 system with very few problems for over a year. I'm on Vista now and I would say 'no hurry' to switch. Plan on allocating some time to working out Vista's 'new way or handling things'... not an Opus issue directly (although I've had a couple hiccups using it initially).

Playing with Opus v6... have you tried "resetting Opus registry"? IMMEDIATELY upon launching the app, Hold down Ctrl + Alt keys... and a prompt will ask to reset. This wipes out editor custom configurations and your options settings. Then play with the included sample pubs... see if you still get the same glitches.

Yes, I have infact downloaded a few of them - but sadly, their for higher versions of Opus...... and so they wont run under 2.6

but many thainks....Ill keep trying. is there somonre out there that has a timer that WILL run under 2.6? ( nice to pull apart and examine - as I did mine from scratch. ) - possibly why its buggy. lol

Rick,

Since you are using Opus 2.6 I suggest you use the search feature at the following link. This search feature will search 3 forums at once. Some of the links have code attached. I would use either of the search term, clock or timer.

The search option is located in the center of the page.

http://graphicsinaction.com/forum.htm

I would like to say a huge thanks to everybody this is a steep, but really exciting learing curve. your all awsome.

Rick,

I was suggesting running through the sample pubs on Opus v6... as a way of determining if your system/environment likes Opus v6, and not introducing any 'gotchas' from your own pub work (just in case).

One added thought on clocks... would it make sense to put each Team on a separate Opus page and Control the Clock object there. I don't know what happens with Clocks when you leave a page and return... but persistent variables or pub variables might retain the timing? You could have other page that consolidates the view (sort of read only, or use 'Custom Trigger' to start/stop object on other page (Hint: search Mackavi custom trigger)

Ensure your job security. Today timers, tomorrow animated work-order flags, then SMS integration. Next winter... http://www.drivaware.it




Actually, I think Opus can handle something like that today... if you figure out how to get the data to it locally or to a web database.

The System Info from your above post says you are using "Opus v2.81" not version "2.6." Version 2.81 was good, but the current OPUS v6 is light years ahead of it. There MUST be a conflict on your computer if you are having any problems using OPUS v6. I use it everyday, and would hate to have to return to using 2.81. Animation of Text is a HUGE visual improvement which you will love to implement.

If you are using a User Created Variable for each clock which tracks work, each Variable will be unique. You can individually reset any Variable by going to Actions -> Programming -> Variables -> Set Variable. Make sure when you create a new Variable that it is a Number and not Text, plus make it a Publication Variable and not a Page Variable. Let us know if any of this helps your situation.

Sounds stupid I know but cant seem to find an option to set a variable as either a publication or page. it just has text or number or variable. - any chance of a simple sample I can reverse engineer perhaps?

Also, I loaded Opus 6. on again tonight and tried to create the same project from scratch...WHAT A LOAD of @#$%^&*! it is.... I am really cheesed off with it.... it runs as slow as a wet MONTH.

I MUST admit, that it looks way better and with loads and LOADS of improvements... but dang it! - it runs slower than a 486sx and "freezes" for up to 10 seconds " as if its catching up " when I select an option..like viewing properties, or changing text colour... - I even formatted the machine 2 days ago then started fresh with it this evening..( groan ! ) guess Im stuck with developing on 2.81 - I cant figure out WHY its doing this. - DW says its the windows XP service packs 2 & 3 that are the cause.

Just a thought.....If I send you what Ive done so far - perhaps you can see what the heck Im doing wrong? ( in either version 2.81 or Opus 6.0 )

If it's running like this -- it's not Opus causing it.
Try setting your computer video to 32bit.

Paul

ok, will do - but im currently running at 16 bit....wouldnt the change to 32 bit put even MORE stress on the system? - ( just a thought ) - perhaps Ishould turn off the extended desktop and one of the monitors too? - although that cant be right because Opus can work in multi monitor applications anyway. - ( thanks for the heads up my friend - Ill change to 32 bit now. !

See Attached pic.
When I Right-Click in a Text Object >>> "Insert Variable: >>> New,
then I am presented a choice of Page or Pub var.

When I otherwise create Variables in that Tab of Publication Properties, it's a Pub var. Likewise via Page Properties >>> Variables tab, it's a Page var.

- - - - - -
A lot of things can get in the way of PC performance. But assuming it's not RAM, Windows swap file, registry bogged down, malware, USB cycles, CPU throttling, outdated Graphics driver,... perhaps it's worth a try to see if Presenter application from DW stalls the same way. (I assume that at the core they are the same 'engine', but what the heck it's only time).

The 16-bit might cost in performance as it is having to map/interpret/emulate or some gyration.