5/6/2012 5:27:40 PM
Topic:
Version 7.2.5 Released
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Version 7.2.5 is now released and the big deal is not just that it’s 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, but that now there is a new infrastructure for additional languages. This structure also gives you the ability to change the field names of virtually any field.
These changes took so much time to implement that many of the other important improvements that some of you were looking for didn’t get implemented yet. Therefore, over the next couple of weeks, I’ll devote most of my time to address as many of the new feature issues you’ve asked for. Give me a little time and I’ll catch up. 
In the meantime, here are some of the new help topics:And more to come very soon.
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2/15/2012 12:34:48 PM
Topic:
Request: Scanned Certificate Support
Roger Clark
Posts: 4
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After further testing and experimenting on my end, I have found the problem with CC and TIF files. It seems that the computer system that I have CC installed and running on was missing about 40 of the most common file associations. Strangely enough, double clicking a TIF file from the Windows Explorer would open the file fine, but CC would crash when attempting to access the file. After I manually added the file associations back into Windows, CC now opens and displays the TIF files just fine.
So a possible fix in the CC code would be to display some type of error message to the user that the file type is not recognized and suggest that they create a file association within Windows to correct the problem.
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11/2/2011 12:48:09 PM
Topic:
Request: Scanned Certificate Support
Roger Clark
Posts: 4
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Just got around to doing more testing on this issue. My scanned TIF files cause a software crash when CC tries to open them, no matter where they are saved. I've double checked the file permissions and everything seems to be correct. I convered one TIF file to JPEG and saved it in the same directory and verified the file permissions were identical. CC has no problem opening the JPEG file at all. The TIF file opens fine from the desktop by double-clicking, and it is displayed in the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer program. So my guess is there is something in the encoding of the TIF file that is causing an issue someplace. They TIF files were created my the Microsoft Scanner and Camera Wizard, so I can't imagine there would be anything non-standard about the saved files.
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10/14/2011 3:45:56 PM
Topic:
Simple Troubleshooting
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Hi Constant Users,
I just posted a new page that you may find useful, but hopefully not too often: http://www.apesoftware.com/calibration-control/help/simple-troubleshooting.aspx
In this new page, I describe the basic troubleshooting steps for Calibration Control I usually take when I'm trying to figure out what's going on with a given failure situation. Like I said, I hope you don't need to use this page but it's here just in case.
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10/14/2011 3:38:04 PM
Topic:
Request: Scanned Certificate Support
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Hi Roger,
Yes, Calibration Control supports TIF files; I just tested to make sure that the answer was yes.
When CC "attaches" a file to your equipment or calibration record, what it's doing behind the scenes is copying that file to a special folder location and storing a LINK to that file in the CC database. When you try to open a TIF from within CC, all its really doing is trying to open your TIF with whatever program you have set on your computer as the default program for TIFs. The concept is very similar to clicking on a link in an email and your default browser opening that link. Make sense?
All this makes me think that there might be a configuration issue on your computer for TIF files. To check this, open any TIF file from your file system by double-clicking on it. If it works, then try to open your TIF attachment in CC.
If none of this works and you receive a pink Crash Report, make sure you click the checkbox in that crash report that sends me a copy. And with ANY Crash Report, always try to tell me what you are seeing (were trying to do) on your side.
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10/13/2011 8:36:24 AM
Topic:
Request: Scanned Certificate Support
Roger Clark
Posts: 4
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Just tried attaching some scanned calibration certificates as TIF files and I get a software crash if I try to view them from within CC. Is there a list of supported file formats that CC can handle? You mention PDFs, but will TIF or BMP scanned images work as well?
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10/9/2011 4:42:29 PM
Topic:
Calibration Labels
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Fantastic idea and I don't think it would be that hard to implement. Since I will need to add a field to one of the tables, I will probably add this feature during the next upgrade that requires a DB update, probably 7.2 in a few weeks.
Specifically, I created Ape Issue 798 to give you the ability to assign labels to specific equipment so you don't need to change the default label each time you want to switch labels.
I attached your name to the issue so I'll be sure to tell you when the feature is implemented.
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10/5/2011 5:36:06 AM
Topic:
Calibration Labels
Caity Kagarise
Posts: 1
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First, let me say that we recently upgraded from and older version (5?) to version 7 and the improvements are wonderful! I love the expanded sort/filter features, and it was a snap to create a label based on your instructions for the super narrow 3/8" Brother Super-Adhesive tape.
However, I have run into a small inconvenience. Most of our calibrated tools are plug gages, some of which are quite small - so I've had to minimize the info on the labels. Still, I'd like to utilize the barcode reader for gages that can accommodate a larger label. It would be great if I could switch to other-than-default on a gage-by-gage basis, or if I could set an overriding label type within the gage record itself, this way I could print barcode or no-barcode based on the gage infront of me.
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9/24/2011 10:07:51 PM
Topic:
MS Access Duplicate Index
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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I just posted a new video that teaches Calibration Control users how to resolve the issue where adding a new record results in the error message of: Record cannot be saved because a key value submitted already exists. This same video tutorial should be useful to MS Access database users who experience the error of ‘The changes you requested to the table were not successful because they would create duplicate values in the index, primary key, or relationship’ when attempting to add new records to tables that have AutoNumber fields with the ‘no duplicates’ property. Both issues, the one experienced by Calibration Control and MS Access users, have the same cause although they provide different error messages.
The Bug (Cause)
The AutoNumber fields of MS Access databases sometimes loose count and issue non-unique numbers for new records.
The Fix
I posted an MS Access macro created a corresponding video demonstrating the bug and instructing the use of the Macro.
If you are a Calibration Control user and need assistance addressing this problem, please let me know and I will fix your database for free.
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9/21/2011 8:42:47 PM
Topic:
Label Print Basics
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Yesterday, I posted a new tutorial for getting started quickly with printing labels in Calibration Control. This video covers the absolute basics so I’ll come up with more detailed videos as time permits.
After you’re comfortable printing the default labels (120 to choose from), if you decide to go further and create your own, you can access up to 25 database fields with your own label templates. This help topics (sorry, it’s not a video) we’ll get you started using the label editor that comes with your P-touch label printer.
Let me know if you have any questions!
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9/20/2011 4:55:43 PM
Topic:
Calibration Control Folders View
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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My calibration management software (Calibration Control) can use up to five different folders, which can get confusing. That’s why I created a new video: Understanding the Calibration Control Folders
When Calibration Control is first installed, it uses a program folder and a settings folder. All users need at least read access to the program folder and read/write access to the settings folder.
Since the program folder should be out-of-sight/out-of-mind for the normal user, the four folders the new video focuses on are the Settings, Data, Files, and Web folders. While the Settings folder cannot be moved, you can move the other three to any location on your network where your users have read/write access.
Watch the video for more info and let me know what other topics you want to see.
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9/18/2011 7:47:49 PM
Topic:
Instructional Videos Are Here!
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Yesterday and today, I finally spent the time to learn how to produce instructional videos for Calibration control. Here’s the first two:
Yes, I know these are simple videos on simple topics but as I get comfortable with the recording software, I will begin to record the more important topics relating to new features, your requests, and the core functions of Calibration Control.
So let me know what you want to see!
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9/18/2011 7:34:05 PM
Topic:
Version 7.1 Released
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Let me make another try at keeping my posts up-to-date. I’ve been so busy adding new features for my calibration management software (Calibration Control) that I didn’t make the time to tell everyone about the changes!
Since my last message, there have been some really BIG changes with Calibration control, namely in the release of versions 7.0 and 7.1. You can get the details from the Calibration Control Version History) but some of bigger changes to the software include:
- Label Printing
- Barcode Scanning
- Desktop and Email Notifications
- Attachments (any type of file on equipment or calibration records)
- Web Page Generator
- Job Tracking
- Equipment Pictures
- Exporting from the Data Grids
- Editable Due Cal Report
- Filter behavior in the Equipment screen dropdowns
- Several New Usability Features
- Several Bug Fixes
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8/16/2011 8:21:02 AM
Topic:
Brother P-Touch LBX Labels
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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I just had one user send me his stash of Brother LBX labels so send me yours as well!
Version 7.0 (out this week) of Calibration Control (CC) is using Brother LBX files created with Brother’s P-Touch Editor. So if you are already creating calibration labels manually for your Brother printer and have already created file formats with the LBX, LBL, or MBL format, please send them to me at service@apesoftware.com and I’ll make sure we add their formats to the available choices for Calibration Control.
You will still be able to use the P-Touch Editor to modify and create your own P-Touch labels that work with CC. The only difference is that you will need to change the names of some of the fields on the label so CC can recognize them and place the right information inside.
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8/14/2011 11:23:40 PM
Topic:
Attachments and Pictures
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Today was spent adding most of the code for equipment record attachments and pictures. I say most, because I still need to debug the code against SQL Server and add code required to update user databases so they can hold additional attachment information. I added two additional tabs in the Equipment Edit dialog, one for Attachments and the next for an equipment ID picture. The picture and attachments work together since Calibration Control treats the picture like a displayed attachment. So far, it works very nicely.
Tomorrow I plan to add attachment capability to the calibration records for those situations where you need to attach records related specifically to the calibration, like additional measurements, pictures, or anything else. I should also finish debugging what I’ve done today along with the calibration attachments tomorrow.
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8/14/2011 11:28:10 AM
Topic:
Job Tracking
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Another new feature I’ve added for version 7.0, coming next week, is Job Tracking. With Job Tracking, you can record which equipment you use for which jobs. That way, if you ever find that a piece of test equipment of received out-of-tolerance on calibration day, you can easily backtrack in your investigation to find out which jobs it affected.
I know! Exciting, right?
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8/14/2011 11:22:52 AM
Topic:
Barcode Labels and Scanning
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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It’s long overdue and so many of you have been asking for it and finally, it’s implemented! I just finished creating the code for integrating Calibration Control (CC) with Brother label printers. Specifically, the next version of CC (7.0) now includes compatibility with Brother Label printers. I’ve tested and specifically recommend three label printer models, which are:
I recommend these printers because they use polyester labels, which are much more durable and have a much tackier adhesive than the standard paper label printers. If you already have a Brother label printer that is not one of the three models listed above, I suggest trying to use it first before going out and buying a new printer. If it’s a recent model, it will probably work.
The new labels include a select of calibration due, asset, and CNR (calibration not required) labels. We’re creating a sample of about 10 each that will go with the program so all you need to do is select your preferred label in the options dialog. Some of the label include bar codes that, when scanned into CC, will open the appropriate equipment record and help simply other data entry tasks (e.g., equipment check in/out/transfer and job recording).
We’re working on a few more important new features and will release the first version of 7 this coming week.
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8/13/2011 2:31:51 PM
Topic:
Crash When Using Deleted Template
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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Discovered by Ape.
Issue 327: http://www.apesoftware.com/calibration-control/issues.aspx?id=327&v=22
Issue
The application crashes when the user attempts to create a new record with a non-existent template. This happens when the user creates a template and then deletes the template while it is still selected as default.
Work Around
Delete the EquipDefaultTemplate line of the general.config file in the data folder.
Update
Fixed. CC now automatically updates the configuration files with the default new record settings when a template is removed. Updated the LoadFormDefaults sub in frmEquipment.
Release
I will release this fix with the next patch.
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8/12/2011 2:33:10 PM
Topic:
Version 5.9.27.4 Release
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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With this most recent release of Calibration Control 5.9, we are continuing to iron out as many of the bugs that we find. We are also continuing to add more of the basic features our users are asking for with constant attention to keeping it simple.
The nice new feature in this version is the dramatic improvement in the standard Calibration Certificate. This new version looks much more professional and is MUCH easier for you to customize with your company logo or to move around and add the fields you need, although it already has just about everything you’ll need in a formal certificate.
Please keep the feedback coming and we’ll keep improving Calibration Control for you.
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8/8/2011 3:18:26 PM
Topic:
Easy to Use
Ape
Administrator
Posts: 90
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I just had a couple of wonderful comments from current users that I wanted to share with you.
Easy to Use
The first is from a medical device company in Colorado. The individual there told me that that he was helping get another non-computer user up-to-speed on using Calibration Control. The non-computer guy said that Calibration Control was easy to use and actually kind of fun. Cool!!!
Easy to Use and Doesn’t Crash
I have another customer (quality manager of a railroad company) who told me he tried to use a competitor’s gage tracking software to find that it was too complicated and kept crashing. He liked Calibration Control because it was neither of those.
Thanks for the feedback!
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