Just wanted to write a quick message giving the status of PointBlank, I've been getting heaps of emails from people asking about it.

Right now I am REALLY happy with how its currently turning out. I couldnt say that a week ago. I HATED how it was turning out from a visual layout a few weeks ago. It just wasnt working well, it seemed cluttered and kind of frustrating to use. Trying to solve that problem, I got even more frustrated and about 3 weeks ago took a break from working on it then came back fresh about a week ago.

I did some research into other application gui layouts, got some new ideas and I completely started over from the top down organizing the gui better. I am happy to say it works MUCH better... it looks clean and logical.

I still have the underlying functionality and calculations engine and it was pretty simple to tie it into the gui to get a "first look" of it actually functioning.

There is still quite a bit more to do in terms of new features that I need to add but I'm really pleased with how its coming together. I think it will be worth the wait once its ready for release.

Thanks for all the kind words and emails of encouragement, I'm not dead and the project is still being worked on. Hopefully I'll post some screen shots of it soon.


-DallanC

Dallan, you are an absolute bloody champion. Ya blood's worth bottlin'.

Thanks mate.

Cheers, Vince

Dallan- Thanks a lot. Your hard work is appreciated.

DallanC,

I'm just asking (not intending to push) is there a time frame for the new release?
also check your PM's - another question for you.

Cant wait to see the new Point Blank

Dimitri

PaulS wrote:

DallanC, I'm just asking (not intending to push) is there a time frame for the new release? also check your PM's - another question for you.

Not giving out a date at this time. I do have a date in mind I want to be done by but it all depends on work atm.

I was put on a project that I originally estimate it would take a 20 programmer team with a 5 million $ budget and 2 years development ... they scaled back their design somewhat and gave me a 4 programmer team, $500,000 budget and 8 months. Its moderately comical what they want and I am savagely fighting to not let it consume my life (I actually skipped putting in for several hunt drawings because I knew I would not have enough time to go on them).

I really gotta find a new job, something that either pays a ton more or gives me alot more free time so I can go do things... like even shoot a gun. I havent fired a gun since Thanksgiving and even my total count of rounds fired last year was under 100... counting the box of 17HMR's I fired.

So sad...

I am working on PB v2.0 tons more lately but there is alot to do to get it to the point *I* want it to be at. Its on the right track for sure. I will give more updates as progress continues

EDIT: Graphical Trajectory + comparisons is done as is wind drift. Table data for a computation is also done. The entire program is resizable from smaller than 640x480 to as big as your screen is.

I completely broke the metric graphical output and need to re-write it, I am currently working on the Energy graph (yea its new) and next will be the lead estimation graph (also new).

After all of that I need to start on the new Load Management system plus a converter to convert the old data into a new format. Finally will come printing support and I have a snazzy new system thought up for that.


-DallanC

Quote::

EDIT: Graphical Trajectory + comparisons is done as is wind drift. Table data for a computation is also done. The entire program is resizable from smaller than 640x480 to as big as your screen is.

Stop!!!! Your teasing me!!!!

Quote::

After all of that I need to start on the new Load Management system plus a converter to convert the old data into a new format.

I have my part ready.

Quote::

Finally will come printing support and I have a snazzy new system thought up for that.

There ya go teasing me again!!!

Ok, I won't ask again - I have been on projects of my own and sometimes the dates mean as much as the criptic debugging messages. I am looking forward to the new version, as I am sure a lot more people are.
I swear that I am going to learn to use visual C++ 7.0 but I have some serious learning to do with it. I definitely am going to have to take some classes to make it all work for me - Ah the good old days of DOS programming. :^)

One more thing I'd really like to add is it being able to connect to HuntingNut.com, specifically the reloading database and be able to chart out / import loads from it...


-DallanC

Quote::

One more thing I'd really like to add is it being able to connect to HuntingNut.com, specifically the reloading database and be able to chart out / import loads from it.

Yep, you are teasing us all !!!!!

Dallan,

From what you've said its not "Point Blank v 2.0" Its a whole new program its a heck of alot more added useful features,

Sounds great!

Dimitri

popgun wrote:

Quote:: One more thing I'd really like to add is it being able to connect to HuntingNut.com, specifically the reloading database and be able to chart out / import loads from it. Yep, you are teasing us all !!!!!

Yep.............

The new load database system is coming along nicely. I have it loading / saving out the load data into a standard windows INI file that is easily editable by any external text editor (if need be for the bored / curious... there shouldnt be any reason to but people requested it).

Loads are represented in a windows "tree" view. Root nodes are by bullet diameters such as ".243" or ".280 / 7mm", you expand the diameter node to see all of the loads that are then listed as subnodes.

TODO: I need to put in the "target data" info as sub nodes to the load info node.

You can select any load from the tree and click a button to assign it to a "chart" where data can be tweaked / computed / compared. I currently support 3 charts to compare against ... do people want more? 3 fit nicely but more might get slightly more crowded.

Anyway back to the loads, I will have an INI file describing the calibers for example:

Quote::

[cal1] Diameter=.17 Name="17 caliber" [cal2] Diameter=.22 Name="22 caliber" [cal3] Diameter=.224 Name="24 caliber"

I need to make a comprehensive list of all possible calibers from the smallest up to probably .50 cal. Maybe we can make a new thread here and build the list to make sure we dont miss anything.


-DallanC

DallanC wrote:

I need to make a comprehensive list of all possible calibers from the smallest up to probably .50 cal. Maybe we can make a new thread here and build the list to make sure we dont miss anything. -DallanC

Mate, this sounds like a good idea, although you may find that the list will be long and no doubt contain some pretty obscure calibers.

I'll start the list with:

.223 REM
.243 WIN
30.30 WIN

Cheers, Vince

I posted last night a new thread with quite a few

Dimitri