Radarspotting

Mode-S Software => PlanePlotter => Topic started by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 09:49:28 AM

Title: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 09:49:28 AM
Hi,

PlanePlotter version 6.4.1.5 is now available for download following
the link on the PlanePlotter web site.

http://www.planeplotter.com#download

---Usual boilerplate---
Updates are free to registered users.

You may need to exercise your browser Refresh function to force it to
show you the new version of the PlanePlotter web page. If you post a
message saying that the web site is still pointing to an earlier
version, you pay a forfeit !

You can install the new version over the old one but you *must*
close/exit PlanePlotter before installing the new one. Your settings
will be preserved. If you post a message saying that the installer is
unable to replace planeplotter.exe, it means that you did not close
PP first and you pay a forfeit !

If you have a version-specific firewall (eg Zone Alarm), you may have
to reassure it that the new version is permitted to access the Internet.
-----------

New in version 6.4.1.5 - in no particular order

Server connection warning

The server connection warning now shows in the
status bar, rather than a pop up dialog to avoid hanging unattended instances.

OLE/COM method GetDesigData(27)

OLE/COM method GetDesigData(27) was a short
integer so could not report target altitudes
above 32000ft.  It is now a full integer.

Shared longitudes outside of +/-100°

shared longitudes outside of plus or minus 100
degrees had only three decimal places, which
misplaced aircraft at large scales in these far
east or west longitudes.  (This was actually fixed in the server script)

TCAS alerts

TCAS conflict alerts now appear in Alert
box.  Thanks to Blort for guidance on this rare message format.

Trap lockout of alert checks

Alert checks could previously get into a lockout
state under some circumstances of marginal
Internet connection.  This version may solve that problem.

Secondary sharing server

An additional option to upload data to the AirNav
RadarBox24 server is added.  Note that these
secondary sharing options consume resources and
enabling all the secondary sharing options with a
very short cycle time will most probably lock
PlanePlotter.  Only select options that are
required and use a share cycle time of 60 seconds if possible.

New OLE/COM methods

GetWanIp() is a new OLE/COM method.   It returns
the WAN IP address as seen from the PlanePlotter
server.  It returns a blank string if no Internet
connection exists.  Note that if the system is
working behind a router, it yields the WAN IP
address on the server side of the router.  If you
are behind a router belonging to your ISP (ie
given a LAN IP address for your network), then
the WAN IP address may not be useful.

RefreshOutlineColours() is a new OLE/COM
method.  It re-reads the outline colours from the
registry and re-draws the outline if an outline
is being displayed.  This allows external
processes to change the outline colours and for
the new colours to be displayed immediately,
rather than only after restarting PlanePlotter.

QNH button

The QNH button now reloads the QNH from the
server rather than from a local cache so it will track changes of QNH.

Regards
Bev
COAA
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Keef on February 21, 2014, 10:27:40 AM
Updated with no problems, as is the norm.

Thanks for posting the info here, I find the Yahoo! group more and more difficult to read every time they 'improve' the interface and I've pretty much given up trying to follow it.

I appreciate all the effort that goes in to PP, thanks chaps.



Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 11:06:02 AM
Than ks Keef....there are some nice updates in the version including TCAS alert.

Experience indicates these are few and far between , but if you spot one , let me know.
QNH should also now hold regardless of where you move your chart area to , so you don't have to reselct QNH if you  redraw/move your chart/outline
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Breitling on February 21, 2014, 11:14:49 AM
Same thoughts about Yahoo group.

Two instances updated without problems, testing now the new features.
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Triple7 on February 21, 2014, 11:28:34 AM
John,

Is there anything to 'set' to get the TCAS alerts - I looked in the usual places Options>>Alerts>>Alert Fields, Chart Options and didn't see anything. I appreciate they may never occur but if they do, I want to be sure I see them.

Thanks

Tim
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 11:37:30 AM
I didnt do the testing on this Tim , so I am seeking more info from Bev , but AFAIK there is nothing to select , the alert should come up in the pop up alert box .

Personally I would like to see the TCAS alert radiate as does the sqwk alert , but as soon as I know more I'll let you know.
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Anmer on February 21, 2014, 11:53:02 AM
Many years ago I posted on the PP Yahoo Group that we needed a better platform for PP support.

I still bear the bruises from the response.   :o
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 12:17:43 PM
Quote from: Triple7 on February 21, 2014, 11:28:34 AM
John,

Is there anything to 'set' to get the TCAS alerts - I looked in the usual places Options>>Alerts>>Alert Fields, Chart Options and didn't see anything. I appreciate they may never occur but if they do, I want to be sure I see them.

Thanks

Tim

Bev reports........


There are lots of formats but the Alert window should show whatever
there is of interest.  It could be the hex code of the conflicting
target or it could just be the squawk code and the estimated range and bearing.


These are extremely rare  so don't expect to see too many ...... and are by the way only seen on local traffic.

Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Triple7 on February 21, 2014, 12:39:31 PM
Thanks John,

I assume therefore, we need to have Hex code and Squawk selected in the Alert Fields box.

Tim
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 12:43:12 PM
Yes , I usually run with  hex , sqwk , c/s , reg and type but thats a personal preference
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: IanH on February 21, 2014, 07:00:33 PM
A bit quick on the e-mail telling me I am using an old version of PP. ie 6.4.1.4  ???
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 21, 2014, 07:11:18 PM
just sent out over 1000 of 'em , so you're not alone  8)
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: IanH on February 21, 2014, 08:44:00 PM
QuoteAn additional option to upload data to the AirNav
RadarBox24 server is added.

Clearly a much requested update  ;)

But possibly, in this day and age of litigation, have to be seen to be democratic? Otherwise a nice little earner for the B person!
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 22, 2014, 07:49:13 AM
Which "B" person is that Ian ????
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Bethsalem on February 22, 2014, 08:16:09 AM
Hint - flies a Boeing and keeps telling everyone that the long awaited bug fixes will be released soon....very soon.....okay every four years  :P
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 22, 2014, 08:35:34 AM
 :) :)
Actually its always been the case that anyone can secondary share to any network....its just that Bev thought it would make things easier if there were specific boxes  for each.
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: Anmer on February 22, 2014, 08:45:03 AM
The problem with "secondary sharing" via PP is that the sharer isn't always identifiable and can't gain access to free services like Flightradar24 Premium.
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 22, 2014, 10:56:49 AM
For anyone interested in VDL 2  Ver 6.4.1.5a   now accepts input of VDL2 from Multipsk
Title: Re: New Version Of PlanePlotter...out now !
Post by: satcom on February 22, 2014, 10:59:47 AM
Blort has kindly placed an image  of the TCAS alert in the files section of
the group

PlanePlotterTCASPopUpMessage.pdf PP TCAS Alert Pop Up pdf

As Bev mentioned , these are rare events , but worth looking out for.

Many thanks to Blort for the image and his continued  support