Beta 11h

Nicki · 05-22-2010, 10:26 PM

Limit frame rate is now in the menu and it is working just fine for me.

Ralph · 05-22-2010, 10:44 PM

Well it controls the fps... but seems to do a lot of hunting to maintain it.. which really causes the CPU rate to fluctuate big time.

Jim Sachs · 05-22-2010, 10:47 PM

Yes, the variability of the frame rate illustrates my problem in trying to limit it. The way that the frame rate is controlled is by calling the Sleep() function with the number of milliseconds you would like to wait. There are two problems associated with this. First, the function only takes whole numbers. Sleep(20) might give a frame rate of 105, and Sleep(21) might give a framerate of 90. So, if you have set the Framerate Limit to 100, the system will be constantly switching between 20 and 21. (These numbers are just made up, and don't represent an actual machine.)

This first problem is the main reason why I was hesitant to restore the Limit Frame Rate feature, and had let the user control Sleep directly.

The second problem is that Sleep() gives up the remainder of that time-slice, and allows the next program in the multitasking queue to run. There's no guarantee when I'll get control back, if ever. This makes it very difficult to maintain a steady FPS.

Jean-Pierre Marro · 05-23-2010, 12:02 AM

Hello,
Thank you for the new version MAC Beta 11 H, very well.
Could you say to me that it is the best "Limit Frame Rate" for the smooth running with:
1 - card(map) NVDIA GeForce 8600MS
2 - card(map) ATI Radeon HD 4650
I put 60 for 2 … Indeed or not Indeed??

cjmaddy · 05-23-2010, 01:14 AM

As I've said in the other thread, the Frame Rate control in 11h seems to be working as intended, but with some fluctuation.
The only visible difference being the fps and the Sleep setting are bouncing up and down a little. But the end result seems to be the same.

Jim Sachs · 05-23-2010, 01:30 AM

Jean-Pierre Marro -

I think you have it backwards. YOU need to tell US what framerate limit produces the smoothest animation on those machines

Jean-Pierre Marro · 05-23-2010, 02:59 AM

Thank you Mister Jim Sachs
I understood the message …

henemly · 05-23-2010, 02:59 PM

Just tried 11h, and the white etch calendar, etc. looks great, but
did the font change to times new roman bold?

Image5.jpg

Jim Sachs · 05-23-2010, 03:07 PM

Yes, that's the font when Etched is chosen, just like the old days. You could have labeled your screenshots, "v11h Solid" and "v11h Etched".

Dale · 05-23-2010, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by Jim Sachs:

Yes, that's the font when Etched is chosen, just like the old days. You could have labeled your screenshots, "v11h Solid" and "v11h Etched".

For future consideration: I find that the etched font makes the calendar a bit difficult to read, but the digital clock looks just fine. It would be nice if those font settings were independent (implying also allowing color for non-etched).

henemly · 05-23-2010, 06:24 PM

Right, now I see that Jim. Also just saw that this etched font is the same one used in the old v2.6 too.

Jim Sachs · 05-23-2010, 06:45 PM

Yes, just like the old days (v2.6).

JohnWho · 05-24-2010, 02:27 PM

Jim -

In "Logo Playlist" -

1. shouldn't this panel be re-named to "Clock/Logo Playlist" to match the Settings menu choice?

2. when you check "Etched Font" under "Digital Clock/Calendar Options" the "Font Color" words fade out a little and the color picker slider moves to the far left "white" color. Perhaps a brief note "Etched font white only" or something would be helpful?

Otherwise, I like that when you uncheck the "Etched Font" box the slider returns to the last selected color.

Just making some "beta" suggestions.
.

Jim Sachs · 05-24-2010, 11:06 PM

1. Panel renamed.

2. Text is to be avoided if at all possible, plus there's no room for any more of it on that panel. Disabling the control and setting the slider to white makes it obvious in all languages that white is the only color available when etched font is used.

Dale · 05-25-2010, 01:33 PM

Testing of Beta 11h and other comments have resulted in a number of significant changes that we haven't seen.

Will there be other Betas to be tested prior to 3.1?

[Just asking. No agenda.]

Jim Sachs · 05-25-2010, 01:34 PM

Yes, as soon as I get the analog clock in place. The shading is a problem on the hands.

Nicki · 05-25-2010, 02:10 PM

We could all maybe hold our suggestions for a day or two, to let the Betas catch up. Not having a go at anyone, honestly. Just let the dust settle a bit, see what's fixed in the next release.

Jim Sachs · 05-25-2010, 02:51 PM

There shouldn't be any surprises. I think I've mentioned each change as I've implemented it.

JohnWho · 05-27-2010, 06:51 AM

Jim -

I notice that each of the Settings Screens have the MA 3 graphic on them except the new Background Color screen and the Registration Screen (at least the one in a Registered version, not sure about the "testfish" screen).

Edit to add - Yes, the graphic is on the "testfish" Unregistered screen.

I know that's not a big thing, but if it isn't difficult to add it to them, they will then look uniform.

Jim Sachs · 05-27-2010, 07:10 AM

I'll look at it.

05-22-2010, 10:26 PM	#1
Nicki Sugar Plum Fairy Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,267	Beta 11h Limit frame rate is now in the menu and it is working just fine for me. Run you clever boy. And remember...

05-22-2010, 10:47 PM	#3
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	Yes, the variability of the frame rate illustrates my problem in trying to limit it. The way that the frame rate is controlled is by calling the Sleep() function with the number of milliseconds you would like to wait. There are two problems associated with this. First, the function only takes whole numbers. Sleep(20) might give a frame rate of 105, and Sleep(21) might give a framerate of 90. So, if you have set the Framerate Limit to 100, the system will be constantly switching between 20 and 21. (These numbers are just made up, and don't represent an actual machine.) This first problem is the main reason why I was hesitant to restore the Limit Frame Rate feature, and had let the user control Sleep directly. The second problem is that Sleep() gives up the remainder of that time-slice, and allows the next program in the multitasking queue to run. There's no guarantee when I'll get control back, if ever. This makes it very difficult to maintain a steady FPS. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium Last edited by Jim Sachs; 05-23-2010 at 01:26 AM.

05-23-2010, 12:02 AM	#4
Jean-Pierre Marro Registered Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toulon, France Posts: 47	MAC Beta 11H (Limit Frame Rate) Hello, Thank you for the new version MAC Beta 11 H, very well. Could you say to me that it is the best "Limit Frame Rate" for the smooth running with: 1 - card(map) NVDIA GeForce 8600MS 2 - card(map) ATI Radeon HD 4650 I put 60 for 2 … Indeed or not Indeed??

05-23-2010, 01:30 AM	#6
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	Jean-Pierre Marro - I think you have it backwards. YOU need to tell US what framerate limit produces the smoothest animation on those machines Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-23-2010, 03:07 PM	#9
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	Yes, that's the font when Etched is chosen, just like the old days. You could have labeled your screenshots, "v11h Solid" and "v11h Etched". Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-22-2010, 10:44 PM	#2
Ralph Retired Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton Alberta Ca Posts: 2,443	Well it controls the fps... but seems to do a lot of hunting to maintain it.. which really causes the CPU rate to fluctuate big time.

05-23-2010, 01:14 AM	#5
cjmaddy Registered Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Lancashire, UK Posts: 7,854	As I've said in the other thread, the Frame Rate control in 11h seems to be working as intended, but with some fluctuation. The only visible difference being the fps and the Sleep setting are bouncing up and down a little. But the end result seems to be the same.

05-23-2010, 02:59 AM	#7
Jean-Pierre Marro Registered Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toulon, France Posts: 47	Thank you Mister Jim Sachs I understood the message …

05-23-2010, 02:59 PM	#8
henemly asdf Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hiko, CommieFagnia Posts: 278	Just tried 11h, and the white etch calendar, etc. looks great, but did the font change to times new roman bold? Image5.jpg

05-23-2010, 06:06 PM	#10
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Originally posted by Jim Sachs: Yes, that's the font when Etched is chosen, just like the old days. You could have labeled your screenshots, "v11h Solid" and "v11h Etched". For future consideration: I find that the etched font makes the calendar a bit difficult to read, but the digital clock looks just fine. It would be nice if those font settings were independent (implying also allowing color for non-etched).

05-23-2010, 06:24 PM	#11
henemly asdf Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hiko, CommieFagnia Posts: 278	Right, now I see that Jim. Also just saw that this etched font is the same one used in the old v2.6 too.

05-23-2010, 06:45 PM	#12
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	Yes, just like the old days (v2.6). Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-24-2010, 02:27 PM	#13
JohnWho Registered Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida Posts: 486	Jim - In "Logo Playlist" - 1. shouldn't this panel be re-named to "Clock/Logo Playlist" to match the Settings menu choice? 2. when you check "Etched Font" under "Digital Clock/Calendar Options" the "Font Color" words fade out a little and the color picker slider moves to the far left "white" color. Perhaps a brief note "Etched font white only" or something would be helpful? Otherwise, I like that when you uncheck the "Etched Font" box the slider returns to the last selected color. Just making some "beta" suggestions. . I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!

05-24-2010, 11:06 PM	#14
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	1. Panel renamed. 2. Text is to be avoided if at all possible, plus there's no room for any more of it on that panel. Disabling the control and setting the slider to white makes it obvious in all languages that white is the only color available when etched font is used. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-25-2010, 01:33 PM	#15
Dale Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Missouri Posts: 960	Testing of Beta 11h and other comments have resulted in a number of significant changes that we haven't seen. Will there be other Betas to be tested prior to 3.1? [Just asking. No agenda.]

05-25-2010, 01:34 PM	#16
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	Yes, as soon as I get the analog clock in place. The shading is a problem on the hands. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-25-2010, 02:10 PM	#17
Nicki Sugar Plum Fairy Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,267	We could all maybe hold our suggestions for a day or two, to let the Betas catch up. Not having a go at anyone, honestly. Just let the dust settle a bit, see what's fixed in the next release. Run you clever boy. And remember...

05-25-2010, 02:51 PM	#18
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	There shouldn't be any surprises. I think I've mentioned each change as I've implemented it. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium

05-27-2010, 06:51 AM	#19
JohnWho Registered Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida Posts: 486	Jim - I notice that each of the Settings Screens have the MA 3 graphic on them except the new Background Color screen and the Registration Screen (at least the one in a Registered version, not sure about the "testfish" screen). Edit to add - Yes, the graphic is on the "testfish" Unregistered screen. I know that's not a big thing, but if it isn't difficult to add it to them, they will then look uniform. I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant!

05-27-2010, 07:10 AM	#20
Jim Sachs Developer Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 9,791	I'll look at it. Jim Sachs Creator of SereneScreen Aquarium