http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/recent.aspx Ape Software - Recent Posts en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit AspNetForum Sun, 06 May 2012 17:27:40 GMT Sun, 06 May 2012 17:27:40 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic80-version-725-released.aspx
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:

• Hiding Equipment Records by Status
• Changing Field Names
• Setting Up & Turning On the Sign-In Mode
• Security Methods Overview
• Monitoring Changes With The Audit Log

And more to come very soon.]]> Sun, 06 May 2012 17:27:40 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx
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.]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:34:48 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:48:09 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic79-simple-troubleshooting.aspx
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.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:45:56 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx
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.]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:38:04 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:36:24 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic78-calibration-labels.aspx
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.]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:42:29 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic78-calibration-labels.aspx
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.]]> Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:36:06 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic77-ms-access-duplicate-index.aspx
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.]]> Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:07:51 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic76-label-print-basics.aspx 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!]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:42:47 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic75-calibration-control-folders-view.aspx 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. ]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:55:43 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic74-instructional-videos-are-here.aspx

• Grouping Records in Grids
• Data Grid Filter Rows

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!]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:47:49 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic73-version-71-released.aspx
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

]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:34:05 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic72-brother-ptouch-lbx-labels.aspx
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.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:21:02 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic71-attachments-and-pictures.aspx
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.]]> Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:23:40 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic70-job-tracking.aspx
I know! Exciting, right?]]> Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:28:10 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic69-barcode-labels-and-scanning.aspx

• PT2430PC (http://www.brother-usa.com/Ptouch/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=PT2430PC)
• PT-9700PC (http://www.brother-usa.com/Mobile/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=PT9700PC&PG=8)
• PT-9800PCN (http://www.brother-usa.com/Mobile/ModelDetail.aspx?ProductID=PT9800PCN&PG=8)

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.]]> Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:22:52 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic65-crash-when-using-deleted-template.aspx 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.]]> Sat, 13 Aug 2011 14:31:51 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic64-version-59274-release.aspx
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.]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:33:10 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic63-easy-to-use.aspx
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!]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:18:26 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx
Version 7 will also include bar coded label printing / scanning, desktop notifications, Excel exporting, job tracking for tools used in specific jobs, and much more functionality with the custom reporting feature.

Version 7 will be a free upgrade for anyone who purchased Calibration Control version 5.x in the last 12 months.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:19:37 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic62-request-scanned-certificate-support.aspx Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:00:52 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic61-next-patch-update-58206.aspx issues for version 5.8 of Calibration Control. I am especially happy with finding what I think will be a solid fix for the intermittent System.AccessViolationException that’s been plaguing a few users for the last two months.

In all that time, most of the posts I’ve found on the Internet from Microsoft (MS) told me that this error resulted in a serious programming flaw with code that I’ve written when it turns out to be another MS bug. It had to do with the combination of the MS ACE database drivers in addition to the use of a MS file or folder dialog. Therefore, you would have seen this error when in clicking buttons like [Browse], [Open File], [Save File], [Backup To], [Restore From], etc. I finally found what looks like a good description and work-around to this issue here: https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/details/624503/oledb-operations-cause-accessviolationexception-during-savefiledialog

In addition to the AccessViolationException, I’ve completed 17 other issues and maybe even a couple more this evening. Most of these issues are things that I’ve found but a few were noticed by users like you. For instance, after editing a record from the Tool Browse screen your cursor will remain on the record you just edited instead of popping up to the top of the grid.

As soon as I release this version I need to take a day off to fix a research proposal for another project and then I’ll be back to the grindstone for version 7.0, which I think we’ll be able to release in 2-3 weeks.

As always, please let me know what you need and I’ll do my best to make it happen!]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:10:06 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic60-calibration-labels-barcodes--scanners.aspx
I will spend a bit more time creating some additional calibration labels so you’ll have more choices but even better, you will be able to edit any of the labels I create as well as create your own. I will also design a selection of asset and other labels (like ‘no cal required’) and we’ll just keep adding more as needed.

If you have a recent model Brother label printer that connects via USB and can use the P-Touch Editor 5.0, you’re in great shape! If not, you can buy a compatible printer from between $50 to $500 that prints durable polyester labels. For the barcode scanner, just about any one-dimensional scanner will work. I will provide suggestions for printers and scanners when I release the next version of Calibration Control.]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:28:18 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic59-upgrade-someone-elses-key.aspx
I created a new help to cover just this situation: Need to upgrade a product key you did not originally purchase?]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:32:02 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic58-version-57-ready-for-download.aspx

• Crash Reporter: The Crash Reporter allows the user to share details of crashes from the program perspective as well as their own. It also provides an opportunity for users to request additional assistance so we can get them up and running quickly. This is a great way to help me squash those nasty bugs fast!
• Grid Layout Saving: Layout changes to the Tool Browse grid are now saved immediately instead of waiting until the form closes. Therefore, if you make a layout change and then open a record, the auto refresh after saving a record will not revert the Tool Browse grid back to the state before users made their changes. How frustrating!
• Access Driver Requirement: Finally, if the drivers for the Microsoft Access 2010 Database Engine are not installed, Calibration Control simply froze. Not cool! Now, Calibration Control will tell users that this is the problem and offer a link to show them how to check for and install the necessary drivers. Much nicer.

]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:21:50 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic57-working-on-version-57.aspx Calibration Control version 5.7 planned issues page and tell us if we should be working on anything in addition to these issues.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:48:27 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic13-upcoming-calibration-control-55-release.aspx http://www.apesoftware.com/calibration-control/download.aspx. Well, since I didn't post a response earlier, version 5.6 is actually ready for download. ]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:46:30 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic10-calibration-control-54-issues.aspx Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:45:26 GMT http://www.apesoftware.com/forum/topic15-calibration-status-should-update-equipment-status.aspx http://www.apesoftware.com/calibration-control/download.aspx.]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:44:16 GMT