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Systems & Settings => HARP => HARP Software => Topic started by: NicholasHMCaldwell on November 24, 2012, 02:07:05 PM

Title: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: NicholasHMCaldwell on November 24, 2012, 02:07:05 PM
AutoHARP (designed and implemented by Monk) is now available in beta format for download both from the ICE Vault http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item834 (http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item834)
and from Sourceforge
https://sourceforge.net/projects/autoharpsuite/ (https://sourceforge.net/projects/autoharpsuite/)

AutoHARP 1.0.0.0 is a Beta version of a unified character creator and combat tracker. Character creator is suitable for both HARP Fantasy and HARP SF. Combat tracker can handle both fantasy and sf combats. This beta version comes with a minimal database to allow you to try out the software. The full database will be available in the commercial version.

Monk will be very happy to receive feedback on any matters relating to the software. Once he and we have seen it through this beta phase, GCP will release the commercial version on OneBookShelf.

Best wishes,
Nicholas

Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 24, 2012, 06:56:04 PM
Heeeere we go!  8)

A big thanks to Nicholas and John for making this possible.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Old Man on November 24, 2012, 09:00:30 PM
Hey all,

So I download and get a 8Mb file called - AutoHARP-1.0.0.7z - what opens it? Was it a Zip within a zip??

Thanks,
Old Man

Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Old Man on November 24, 2012, 09:03:37 PM
Hey all,

So I download and get a 8Mb file called - AutoHARP-1.0.0.7z - what opens it? Was it a Zip within a zip??

Thanks,
Old Man



Ah, I went to - https://sourceforge.net/projects/autoharpsuite/ - instead and got an .exe - Nevermind :)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 25, 2012, 08:41:11 AM
7z is a 7-Zip file which I believe WinZip understands and can extract as well. If not, 7-Zip is a free download. I have to compress into a 7z file in order to attach to gmail and mail since gmail will not send zip files I think because they are trying to prevent viruses.

Also for those who may not see the readme file and are using Windows XP, there is a known issue where AutoHarp will not close properly, that is it will crash before it finishes closing. I have isolated the code that causes the crash, which happens when the application is stopping all events so it doesn't effect any work done. The issue is currently being looked at and I hope to have a solution soon. I am thinking of temporarily removing the line. The effect would be users would have to use the toolbar to create a new character and not the menu.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zhaleskra on November 25, 2012, 11:04:26 AM
I will definitely download this and give my review once I've used it a few times.

@Old Man, when I downloaded Black Mesa, I had to download 7zip too. I think the idea is that it's a zip format for large files.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on November 26, 2012, 09:24:52 AM
Good work!

It looks great. The interface is simple, I like it.  :D

I have some suggestions for improvement, if I could.


Adding tool tip balloons will help understand the use of each control.

In which format the character files are saved? Is there an example file included in the beta package?

I suggest to rename the file in the zip with the word "install" in it, as I first thought that the application didn't need installation and would run immediately.

I suggest to change the default installation directory. On my computer, it went in ...\User\AppData. It's not a folder I use often. I think Program File would be more appropriate.

I suggest to rename the exe file AutoHarp-CT to something more intuitive (it's HARP combat tracker?), as I had a one-second hesitation which exe to run.

I wonder if there is a way to use the Harp logo as the app icon (?). Actually, the icon looks like a blank sheet.

I like the wizard to create a new character.  :)

In the wizard, I think some error checking is needed.

In the first page, if I select race: Human, hybrid, greater: Human, it works and the talent list doubled. After that, if I select hybrid, lesser 1:human, hybrid, greater goes to None (good!), and nothing changes in the talent list (there are still nine talents). Finally, if I select hybrid, lesser 2: Human, the human talent list is added again. Now I can select hybrid, greater: Human. The talent list changes, but it is still too long.

I think it would be easier to know where to put the human stat bonuses if the non relevant columns in the grid are shaded (like Total and Racial). I think it would be even better to merge the Racial and Human column.

To test racial hybrid, another race would be useful (like Elves).

Thanks for doing this!  ;D
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 26, 2012, 10:06:58 AM
Thanks Zut for the suggestions and remarks. To answer some of the questions posed.

The character is saved in XML. About adding another race to the demo database, unfortunately that would be up to Nicholas and John.

I love the suggestions and many of them are practical especially naming conventions. I'll print out your suggestions and see what I can do to help with the confusion. Also thank you for the descriptive bug report. It helps me recreate the issue so I can fix it. If you would, could you create a ticket on the SourceForge page for Autoharp. I believe anyone can create a ticket. That way I can track the bug. Thanks again!

note: I really love the idea of color coding the input column if a user selects human for a race over my asterix solution.  8)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on November 26, 2012, 11:22:43 AM
Happy to see that inputs are welcomed (and that it didn't discouraged you!). I will keep them going then.  :evil1:

I had a look at the exe folder after install. There are *.manifest files. I think they are some kind of "remainder" from the compilation. Are they needed to run AutoHarp?

Also, there is a sub-folder named res (I suppose this is the resources folder) with many pretty images. :)  I suggest to rename it (at least for the release version) something like "images". The icons look great overall. Maybe attack.png could be modified, I'm not sure what it represents. I suggest to use a more classic representation: two swords crossing each other. The icon addpicture.png could probably be enhanced with a little plus sign in one corner. The icon castspell.png is well self-explanatory. :D

I will have a look at SourceForge and try to put my suggestions over there.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on November 26, 2012, 11:57:57 AM
I couldn't find the way to post a new ticket (error report), either as a guest or with my (new) account. I couldn't find help about this either on the website. Is there supposed to be a button or something on the Ticket page for this? Maybe I need a permission from the admin?
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 26, 2012, 01:04:26 PM
There are certain files and directories that are "fixed". The manifest files are necessary for the GUI and the res directory shouldn't be changed as the application looks for these images in that directory. I am hoping in the future to find a way to "hide" these folders and files but until then they have to stay fixed.

Not sure what is going on with SourceForge. I would think anyone should be able to add a ticket but I will check it to make sure I have proper permissions set since I'm wondering if they are not set for global use.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 26, 2012, 02:18:53 PM
I have adjusted the permissions for adding tickets, so now anyone should be able to add one. To add a ticket you go to the source forge site listed in the first post and click on the tickets tab. Then click Create Ticket and add as much information as you can about the error and how to recreate it.

Zut: I cannot recreate your talent issue you mentioned before. The only thing I see is that the lesser hybrid selections do not change to none if the user selects a greater hybrid. Other than that the talents seem to be correct even though a user would never select the same race twice for a hybrid.  ;) What OS are you using, however I doubt that would make a difference.

Here's what I did: I selected Human for a race, then selected the greater hybrid elf (I tested this with human as well, however I wanted to make sure it works with a real case scenerio) and got 8 talents, 4 for human, 3 for elf and the Stat Bonus talent. I then selected gnome for lesser hybrid and then elf and got 10 talents, 4 for human, 3 for gnome and 3 for elf. I then selected elf again for greater hybrid and got my original 8 talents I had before, but as noted, the lesser hybrid selections didn't change to none.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on November 26, 2012, 04:32:16 PM
Tickets: done!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 27, 2012, 08:46:05 AM
Someone posted an anonymous ticket about an application crash. I will need more information to recreate. For example what race, culture and profession were used. Did you go back to a previous page? Any special values or actions during the character creation process?

Also for anyone posting a bug report I have two notes: 1) I have to be able to recreate the bug so I can analyze and fix it. So please try and be as descriptive as possible. If you can try to recreate it yourself with screenshots so I can see the whole process. 2) I am very open to suggestions however please don't be offended if I mark suggestions as won't fix or enhancements. As I need to prioritize my time I have to decide which tickets are worth the time to fix right now or are even really necessary. I can't address every suggestion passed to me, but I will try to address as many as I can.

Thanks for all the feedback. I really do appreciate it.  8)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 27, 2012, 02:08:18 PM
Ha! Don't I feel embarrassed. There is only one race, culture and profession thus far with the demo so why on Earth did I need to ask.  :o ::)

Good news is I may have already addressed this issue. I ran into something when trying to create a Linux build where it crashed right after I was finished with the character sheet and I found the issue which caused it. Weird thing is this doesn't always happen which was why it was hard to spot. However I will still provide a quick patch this Friday so we can make sure it never happens.   ;)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on November 27, 2012, 02:36:34 PM
Good, it happened to me too. I didn't reported it at first, because I tought you had enough with what I already posted.  :) But I saw on SourceForge that you solved most of them. Quite efficient!  ;D

Any news about adding a new race to the demo?
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 27, 2012, 03:40:14 PM
Actually I would encourage those using the application not to hesitate reporting a bug or a crash. In this case it helps me ascertain the importance of the bug and how soon I should be addressing it. In this case I may provide a patch sooner than later, probably tonight.  8)

Also if you see a ticket which happens to be the same error you are getting, making a post to that ticket will help boost it's priority and importance.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on November 27, 2012, 07:18:33 PM
UPDATE

Version 1.0.0.1 is now available. This is an emergency patch that resolves an issue where AutoHarp will randomly crash after completing the New Character wizard. Other issues addressed with this patch are:



---
I'm hoping to get a linux build for the next update. Happy Harping.

Again, thanks for the feedback and suggestions
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Modric on December 03, 2012, 08:47:16 AM
This might be a stupid question, but does AutoHARP incorporate the rules for the latest version of HARP (1.5) released this summer?
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: The Dude on December 03, 2012, 08:55:42 AM
Has anyone tested this on Linux using WINE?
I'll give it a go, if anyone is like me, and is migrating over to Ubuntu/Linux.



EDIT: Didn't read two posts upwards... go Linux!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: NicholasHMCaldwell on December 03, 2012, 09:15:56 AM
This might be a stupid question, but does AutoHARP incorporate the rules for the latest version of HARP (1.5) released this summer?

Yes.

Best wishes,
Nicholas
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on December 03, 2012, 02:09:33 PM
Has anyone tested this on Linux using WINE?
I'll give it a go, if anyone is like me, and is migrating over to Ubuntu/Linux.



EDIT: Didn't read two posts upwards... go Linux!

Oh yes.... there will be a *pure* Linux version so no need for emulators.  8) The only thing is that I don't really know how to create a proper package in Ubuntu and unfortunately installation will have to be a download and untar until I figure it out. My target date for release of the Linux version is next Monday.

I also hope to find in my possession one Macintosh and thus be able to get a OSX version out there.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on December 08, 2012, 09:15:28 AM
***UPDATE***

I know this update comes early but I got finished early I saw no reason to hold up the release.

Version 1.0.0.2

With this version, both Windows 7/Vista/XP and Linux Ubuntu are supported. I do believe that other linux distros will work with this build so for those not running Ubuntu try it out anyways and let me know what distro your using and if it works.

This version does address a few bugs

 
Enhancements include


Also with this release the repository is now updated. Remember this is an Open Source application.  8)

Next on the list is to get my Martial Law and College of Magics databases updated as well as start working on the Sci-Fi Extreme database.

Happy Harping![/list]
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Turbs on December 13, 2012, 04:31:38 AM
tried making a quick character and the wizard confused me on the first page.

Particularly the part where you assign the 10 points of 'stat bonuses" for being a human
The confusion arises for me because there is a RACIAL column and a HUMAN column. for the first few minutes I was trying to
distribute my 10 points into the racial column.

Can I suggest you add a big green arrow or something equally overt with a label say "Assign Stat bonuses here"
also is that Racial Column necessary? I can't work out what its for..
Probably because this is a beat/trial and you can only make humans but still..

Another big arrow for the column where you assign stats too would be nice, colouring it green too would also be useful
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Turbs on December 13, 2012, 04:57:33 AM
Something went Buggy with my last post SO I shall post the entirity of what I wanted to Say here;

Quote
tried making a quick character and the wizard confused me on the first page.

Particularly the part where you assign the 10 points of 'stat bonuses" for being a human
The confusion arises for me because there is a RACIAL column and a HUMAN column. for the first few minutes I was trying to
distribute my 10 points into the racial column.

  • Can I suggest you add a big green arrow or something equally overt with a label say "Assign Stat bonuses here"
    also is that Racial Column necessary? I can't work out what its for..
    Probably because this is a beat/trial and you can only make humans but still..

     
  • Another big arrow for the column where you assign stats too would be nice, colouring it green too would also be useful

     
  • when assigning language ranks (and region lore skills for that matter), can you leave the name of the language field editable?
    i.e. default to Spoken Linguistics : racial but allow the user to type over it.  Most people I know create their own game world or use another one.
    Also I have to choose to assign points to the same language skills twice..is this on purpose? no doubt this is editable in the databases but to make a really good program it would be nice to be able to do it in the generator as you go.

  • Colouring the column you are supposed to be filling out in the skill section would also be beneficial, took me a few moments to work out why I suddenly couldn't add any more skill ranks to skills until I realized I had switched over to professional skill point allocation.



BUG:  I completed the skill allocation page and hit the next button. (I had no points left to spend) The Application crashed..

Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on December 13, 2012, 08:41:38 AM
It sounds like you are using version 1.0.0.0. Could you verify this by clicking the question mark or going to Help->About?

Current version is 1.0.0.2. It addresses the confusion by actually color coding "green" (how about that) the column you are supposed to edit and the bug where the application crashes when you finish the character sheet has been addressed.  :)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zut on December 14, 2012, 11:42:33 PM
Good work Monk! The character interface is clear, easy to navigate.

I posted a few tickets on SourceForge, to let you know.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on December 21, 2012, 11:04:26 AM
Thanks, Zut!

Update
AutoHARP has been revised to 1.0.0.3

The important bug fix here is finally put to rest the application crashing during character development. Other fixes include:

Stuff for the future:
I have started working on the Sci-Fi Extreme database and it looks as if the Maneuver window in Combat Tracker is
going to get a huge makeover. It will include values such as bonus, percentage and RR so that the Maneuver
window can be used to roll for skills. Also Sci-Fi Extreme contains information on how to make a robot or cyborg,
so the database will add functionality to AutoHARP to create a robot or cyborg. Martial Law and College of Magics
is still on the table. I am also interested in finding some way to bring in Hack and Slash if possible.

Happy Harping!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Luxferre on January 04, 2013, 11:09:24 AM
I downloaded your autoHARP, but it doesnt even start :(

System: Vista, Home prem, Java updated...

Does anyone has an idea, whats wrong?

(and apologize my bad english please)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on January 05, 2013, 04:45:00 PM
You don't need to have java updated for AutoHARP since it doesn't use Java.

In what way doesn't it start? You can't install it? You have installed it but when you double click the application it won't start? Does anything happen when you try to run it? Does a process get started? Check the task manager for the last query. What are you doing to start the application?

Thanks!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Luxferre on January 06, 2013, 11:53:09 AM
My mistake, sorry!

But I can only generate Human, urban, fighters... right?  :(
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zhaleskra on January 06, 2013, 01:19:44 PM
I recently downloaded and installed the newest version. The program fails to start because it is searching for a shortcut it cannot find.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on January 07, 2013, 08:41:56 AM
I'm sorry but I cannot seem to recreate the shortcut issue. I installed the application in Program Files and on the Desktop and both times I was able to run both the Character Maker and Combat Tracker. Was there anything unique you might have done during the install process?

note: I tested under XP and my sandbox is Windows 7. 
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zhaleskra on January 07, 2013, 05:12:27 PM
Nope, just ran the latest installer then tried to run from my Start Menu programs.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on January 08, 2013, 08:47:55 AM
I, unfortunately, overlooked that shortcut. Just run the application from the generated folder for now until the next patch. Thanks for pointing that out.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: Zhaleskra on January 11, 2013, 02:03:38 PM
The shortcut my Start Menu seems to be looking for is the installer, which is weird in itself.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on January 29, 2013, 11:08:02 AM
It's been a while and I was wondering if anyone here has any new feedback so I know what I should concentrate on and perhaps what people might be looking for enhancement-wise.

Thanks!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: darb on May 13, 2013, 09:27:12 AM
When are we going to see the commercial version?
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on May 20, 2013, 08:27:58 AM
I honestly don't know. I have sent emails in the past but I have not heard from anyone. I'm curious if there is even interest as I have not received feedback or issues since the start of the year.  :(
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: darb on May 20, 2013, 04:05:09 PM
oh damn.  that worries me a little.  I think this product looked very very promising and really lots of us have  been clamoring for something like this.  It must be super frustrating for you to put in that amount of effort and get the cold shoulder.  Lets prod them a bit....
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: John @ ICE on May 21, 2013, 02:42:25 AM
Heeeere we go!  8)

A big thanks to Nicholas and John for making this possible.

You're welcome!
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: WoeRie on May 21, 2013, 02:43:37 AM
The shortcut my Start Menu seems to be looking for is the installer, which is weird in itself.

It's the same here! The Installation came up with the following links in the Start Menu: "C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoHARP\AutoHARP-Install.exe". However after manually changing the link, everything works fine.

I use Windows 7, 64 bit
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on May 21, 2013, 09:11:15 AM
The shortcut my Start Menu seems to be looking for is the installer, which is weird in itself.

It's the same here! The Installation came up with the following links in the Start Menu: "C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoHARP\AutoHARP-Install.exe". However after manually changing the link, everything works fine.

I use Windows 7, 64 bit


This is the work around until I release a new patch which does resolve this issue.  :)
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on June 06, 2013, 08:36:08 AM
I have given my final 1.0 installation files to Nicholas and I believe sometime in the next few days AutoHARP will be live and the full databases can be purchased from OneBookShelf.

Thank you everyone for your patience. I'm quite excited to give you all the full blown application.  8)

Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on June 06, 2013, 10:32:03 AM
The shortcut my Start Menu seems to be looking for is the installer, which is weird in itself.

It's the same here! The Installation came up with the following links in the Start Menu: "C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoHARP\AutoHARP-Install.exe". However after manually changing the link, everything works fine.

I use Windows 7, 64 bit


This is the work around until I release a new patch which does resolve this issue.  :)

This is resolved with the latest update. Currently the Linux install doesn't create shortcuts. This will be addressed hopefully with the next update.
Title: Re: AutoHARP goes to Beta
Post by: DavidKlecker on June 10, 2013, 08:27:26 AM
To the moderator,

If we can unsticky this thread and sticky the AutoHarp 1.0 thread that would be great!  8)

Thanks!