GE GPS Panther - Home Page

I know this page has popups and ads and until I can pay for a host site, I have no other way to distribute CommTest2. At some other time I will improve the page's face. CommTest2 however is free of ads.

Other Programs - Small, little things.

Recent Version:
GEGPSPanther.zip


So many changes and additions I cant keep up and its really chaotic.  I'm posting the most recent version.  I hope you are not overwhelmed by the new features.

Note:  The "Handle GE Popups" routine acts goofy under Windows Vista.  I did my best to correct the error.


Task List:

o  Check screen focus again, test test test, flip, test test test, menu, test, rpt w sett, cont, recon refirb.
ox Read logs without playback.
0x Convert to Linked list (partially created)
o  Implement more customization with speech sentences.
o  Recover no signal lock filename routines.

Things not added because I don't need it or no one requested it. 
o Output to Database file.
o Input from Live TCPIP network link
o Input from Live data Link

Error List:
o Crash:  Don't create a POI without satellite lock.
o Odd Behavior:  If Guide not loaded on startup the program will keep reporting the file not found.
o Error:  Projected position based on distance is inaccurate


Change Log:

1.4.0.1 (March 15, 2008)
	Revision made to File Write Routine.
	Reduced the number of threads by removing timer and consolidating thim into a single cycle routine allowing for more efficient processing.
		
1.4.0.0 (March 12, 2008)
	Rewrote the FileWrite routine and improved performance for a clean write.
	Text API Setting and Routine Created.
	
1.3.0.0 (January 27, 2008)
	Created a TimerMonitor Class to handle things like the PEPopup Monitor.  Neccessary because the timers where out of control zones.

1.2.0.1 (January 25, 2008)
	Added reset in drift monitor.
	Font changed on playback controls
	Added networklink checks to keep ge from loading at inapropriate places.

1.2.0.0 (January 13, 2008)
	Driftmonitor created. name will be changed.
	other modificationbs and corrections made.

1.1.9.1 (January 8, 2008)
	Attempting to handle error messages.
	Added Quality and HDP to status indicator
	Created a control to indicate no movement when movement is less than a certain amount of knots.
	Added window handleing code.

1.1.9.0 (December 29, 2007)
	Fastforward and forward to end enabled and created.
	Corrected playback issue.
	Created rotate on heading when playing back a log without supplied data.
	A second line color was added to logfile playback lines.

1.1.8.1 (December 16, 2007)
	...

1.1.8.0 (December 12, 2007)
	Created Linked list for Pointstorage.
	Changed the beeps of proximity alerts.
	
1.1.7.2 (November 24, 2007)
	Work done on Proximity Alert
	
1.1.7.2 (November 22, 2007)
	Work done on Proximity Alert
	Started screen position save routines.
	
1.1.7.1 (November 18, 2007)
	Work done on Proximity Alert
	
1.1.7.0 (November 16, 2007)
	Started building Proximity Alert

1.1.6.0 (November 16, 2007)
	Made compass smaller
	Modified the Transparency code
	Modified Restricted Updates to run while on.
	Did other things.

1.1.5.3 (November 14, 2007)
	Made compass smaller

1.1.5.2 (November 14, 2007)
	Enabled Compass Transparency 

1.1.5.1 (November 12, 2007)
	Refined Compass

1.1.5.0 (November 11, 2007)
	Refined Apps
	Built Compass

1.1.4.0 (November 6, 2007)
	Built the app routine. 
	Dist to closest waypoint app created.
	App menu created.
	Changed buttons for new mods.
		

1.1.3.0 (November 6, 2007)
	Upgraded the icons to 64 bit.
	Created the hidden main menu.
	Improved the size of the announce box.

1.1.2.1 (November 5, 2007)
	Commands in the "<command>" kml description no longer need a "c,".

1.1.2.0 (November 5, 2007)
	Tool panel will now be transparent with main panel.

1.1.1.0 (October 29, 2007)
	Attempted Modified Restricted Update to keep position updated.  A keeper Idea.
	Backwards Compatibility with the Command to free up the c,

1.1.0.2 (October 17, 2007)
	Searching for a decent set of colors.
	Changed the tool menu to allow larger buttons.
	keypress events handled with tool menu.

1.1.0.1 (October 17, 2007)
	Searching for a decent set of colors.

1.1.0.0 (October 15, 2007)
	Built Tool Panel for Touch screens.
	Group boxes will not be transparent anymore.
	Announce box moved to border of screen.
	
1.0.1.2 (August 31, 2007)
	Enabled fixed form size.

1.0.1.1 (August 31, 2007)
	Updates and bug fixes.

1.0.1.0 (August 30, 2007)
	Updated the readme file.
	Projection added with x key press.
	
1.0.0.0 (August 28, 2007)
	Rebuilt the project in an attempt leave behind accumulated problems.  No changes made.

0.6.4.0 (August 22, 2007)
	Cruise Code was remarked out.
	Trip computers created.
		
	Expanded the main panel to include dist and vel.

0.6.3.0 (August 21, 2007)
	Messenger Queue Manager created.
	Panther Classes library created.
	
0.6.2.0 (July 26, 2007)
	A span icon is place at farthest point when view is in restricted mode.

0.6.1.0 (July 19, 2007)
	Disable alerts when playing back log files.

0.6.0.0 (July 12, 2007)
	I have absolutely no calling for this function, but thought, from a programming point of view, it would be an entertaining feature.  Alert Icons and Waypoints can now call a program when passed over.
	Corrected more errors.
	Added icons to windows
	Improved the settings window.

0.5.9.1 (July 9, 2007)
	Corrected bugs and anomalies.

0.5.9.0 (July 6, 2007)
	Added "Find" to create poi at desired position.
	Made Guides 90 degree sensitive.

0.5.8.0 (July 5, 2007)
	Heading was added to POI icons

0.5.7.1 (July 4, 2007)
	Tracked and resolved error causing menu to not close after opening kml files.
	Introduced the built in "Settings" to GPSPanther.  The ini file will be phased out.
	Guide file loads the GPSPanther starts.

0.5.7.0 (Jun 29, 2007)
	Better playback of Magellan log files.
	
0.5.6.1 (Jun 29, 2007)
	Added Open Location to Menu tool bar.

0.5.6.0 (Jun 19, 2007)
	Created stationary icon.
	Improved Signal Strength display on main panel.

0.5.5.0 (May 24, 2007)
	Started tracking bug that allowed data to be dropped when playing back Magellan Log Files.

0.5.4.0 (Apr 12, 2007)
	Advanced version number because changes became significant.
	POIs are now stored in NMEA data when created.  Hopefully other NMEA readers will overlook the new sentence.  
	POIs that where created will now be displayed when playing back an NMEA file.
	The Announcement window will autosize.
	Ran a spell check on changes log.
	
0.5.3.1 (Apr 3, 2007)
	Created a way to edit the background icon text.
	Created a crude but effective method to handle ge message popups.
	Menus will open KML and KMZ's directly if GE is open.
	An announcement is made when data is read from a logfile.
	Added signal strength level meters.  Documentation supported 0 to 99 dBs, but I haven't received a number greater than 50, not even that.  So I assigned the meter to peek at 50dB.  Also, neither of my GPSRs reported data on more than 3 satellite signals.
	Improved data read processing.
	New variables: %deltat% %deltav% %accel%  (DeltaV and Acceleration are Unit less until the source of data is traced, possibly knots and meters)
	If the voice is muted, a window will show announcements.  Corrected a problem caused by my sound device falling offline.
	
0.5.3.0 (Mar 30, 2007)
	Updated the help screen.
	Filtered out unnecessary GEScreen updates.
	Created a way to modify GE's current position icon.
	Made changes to menu sounds system.

0.5.2.3 (Feb 3, 2007)
	Made internal changes
	Assembled with Vista
	Added Hibernate Hotkey """
	Added Sleep Hotkey "?"
	Added PortID on Status Page

0.5.2.0 (Jan 25, 2007)
	Added backwards navigation to the Custom Menus
	Added MS Sreets to the auto menu system.

0.5.1.2 (Jan 15, 2007)
	Changed the title to reflect the new name while running.

0.5.1.1 (Jan 02, 2007)
	Menu commands may be in upper or lower case.
	Changed the KMLRefresh back to they way it was before because performance was hurt.

0.5.1.0 (Jan 01, 2007)
	Zoom levels will now refresh the screen to current position.
	Swapped the zoom in and zoom out buttons.
	Added "+" and "-" to zoom in and out.
	New kml file is being deleted before replacing.  Hopefully this will help avoid load errors.
	Updated the help screen.
	Started implementing the "non-supported GE COM" event code.
	Added cursor movement to simi-mimic GE's cursor screen movement.
	Other corrections and changes made.

0.5.0.0 (Dec 29, 2006)
	Changed Product name from "CommTest2" to a more fitting "GE GPS Panther", which was a minor request.

0.4.4.2 (Dec 26, 2006)
	Automemu from directory will only assign a kml file as a guide if the word "guide" is in the filename.

0.4.4.1 (Dec 20, 2006)
	Increased size of menu items.
	Now trapping errors that may have occurred with no menu number wave files loaded.
		(Menu item number wave files are store in the settings directory with a subdirectory titled NumbersMale  (eg "...\CommTestMenus\NumbersMale\1.wav")  You will need to create the sound file yourself.  Create a file for each menu number (1 to 20).

0.4.4.0 (Dec 18, 2006)
	Modified communications port interface.  The port is no longer processing data when received.  Instead the port is polled every tenth of a second.  I suppose there is a possibility for the data to be, on average, 5 one hundredths of a second late, but that is the trade off made for the a Program that doesn't lock every time I try to close the serial port.  I am sure why the serial port was freezing the program when processing a command like "comm1.close()" but I think it had to do with the system threads colliding.  Multi threading is under the hood stuff and I don't understand it.
	Checking max menu size to make sure its in bounds.
	Program fails to publish because of invalid key.

0.4.3.1 (September 20, 2006)
	Added code to turn off GoogleEarth Network Link. Press O for on and O for off.

0.4.3.1 (September 20, 2006)
	CommTest2 will now work with GPSGate without crashing.

0.4.2.0 (September 14, 2006)
	Comm Port can now autoselect

0.4.1.0 (September 11, 2006)
	Started working on isolating the classes to be independent.
	Improved visibility of Menu Buttons.

0.4.0.0 (August 20, 2006)
	Overhauled the kml refresh routines

0.3.9.1 (August 15, 2006)
	Color coding to auto menus added to identify the item type. 

0.3.9.0 (August 12, 2006)
	Added scale size to the current position icon.
	Increased the size of the settings screen.
	Added a second current position icon setting that stays orientated to Google Earth's north.

0.3.8.2 (August 9, 2006)
	Worked on eliminating the serial port lock up that would occur when disconnecting.  I haven't isolated this bug.  The serial port seems to hang when closing with a heavy system CPU load.
	
0.3.8.1 (August 9, 2006)
	Implementing another method of the Two Kml Files problem after noticing a situation where the previous method would fail. 

0.3.8.0 (August 8, 2006) 
	Improved KML formatting.
	Put code to deter opening two kml files at the same time, namely the link and the track.
	Improved accuracy of generated track.
	Stopped generating the "LookAt" fields for completed tracks and POI's.

0.3.7.0 (August 4, 2006) 
	A Window Transparency has been added.  When on the window border and background will disappear.  The hotkey is "T".
	An Auto Window Transparency has been added to the Settings screen.  When on the window border and background will disappear when connected then reappear when disconnected.

0.3.6.2 (August 2, 2006) 
	Added license info.

0.3.6.1 (August 1, 2006) 
	Added license info.

0.3.6.0 (July 27, 2006) 
	Ability to change the Current position icon, Start stop icon, and Information Icon, added.
	The current position icon can be configured to point in the direction of travel.
	New Variable: %signalloss% (Signal Loss Indicator)
	
0.3.5.2 (July 24, 2006) 
	Corrected an error that didn't allow the Sat Signal Loss timer to be set.

0.3.5.1 (July 24, 2006) 
	Improved screen release and window release handling.
	Updated the help page text.

0.3.5.0 (July 23, 2006) 
	Satellite Signal Loss announcement created.
	Fixed writing NMEA logs to clear buffered data.
	Corrected some of the code.

0.3.4.0 (July 22, 2006) 
	The amount of time the position will be predicted is now configurable.
	The directions distance factor alert is now configurable.  When the next directions alert is within this distance from the current position then the alert is announced.  The factor changes this distance.  The distance is also a factor of current velocity.
	When it is obvious that incomplete or invalid data has been received.  The main screen's background will change into a Khaki color.
	
	Cosmetic changes:
	Made the buttons bigger.
	Moved the fast forward playback button to the front panel and displaying only when in playback mode.
	Added hover tool tips to a few of the, less intuitive, settings variables.
	Renamed Control Screen to Status Panel.
	Tab Ordered the settings screen, main screen, status panel.

0.3.3.2 (July 19, 2006) 
	Added the menu bar to the settings panel.
	Made other changes.

0.3.3.1 (July 19, 2006) 
	Corrected regional error that developed when new code was added.

0.3.3.0 (July 19, 2006) 
	Changed the way log files are saved.  When satellite lock is not made, data will cont to be logged.
	Fixed a problem with bad data when too many items were in a NMEA sentences.
	Setting transmit bit off before shutting down com port.  Should decrease, hopefully eliminate, com port program lock ups.
	Outputting NMEA data even if no satellite info, especially time info, has been received.  New file will be based on pc time and not sat time.  Times may not match.
	Numerous internal changes to write file system and other portions of code.
	Files are not created if no data is received.
	Settings to change Communication (Serial) ports are available.
	Zoom level below 1 will step at .2 and zoom will not drop below .2.

0.3.2.0 (July 17, 2006) 
	Option to create a custom outfile implemented.
	You can now choose a path color.  
	Automenu will recognize .prc files.  These are mobipocket files, an ebook file format that Geocache descriptions come in.  Goto http://www.mobipocket.com for more info.
	Option for one second look ahead implemented.  The current position placemark can be placed ahead of the current read position to help predict real position.  Haven't decided how far to look ahead yet, GE read is every two seconds.
	Another more variables, %currentmps% (meters per second), %datetime% (last message date and time received), %latitude% (Latitude as GE sees it), %longitude% (Longitude as GE sees it)
	Zoom can be stepped up and down with the "," and "." keys.
	More code to hold activation.
	Moved position of Connect and Menu button.
	Changed connect read data blink time.
	Relaxed the method of appending to a file.  This is internal.

0.3.1.0 (July 13, 2006) 
	Quick key POI's with the backspace key.  Press enter for a POI name and the POI will be named an incremental number.  The description of the POI is also the status so you can edit what's there.  You can also load POIs as a guide file and announcements will be made when you are near.

0.3.0.0 (July 12, 2006) 
	The network link will now clear when disconnected allowing GE to return to normal.

0.2.9.1 (July 11, 2006) 
	Added quick key option "w" window release to the help screen.
	Added second speech tab to settings to accommodate more.
	Added Escape Key quick key setting to announce status.

0.2.9.0 (July 7, 2006) 
	The settings screen is now tabbed to allow more options.
	Configurable speech sentences are available.
	A "Nautical" measurement system is available.
	Main screen will not take focus if settings are open.
	A new quick key option is available.  "W" is window release.  Similar to screen release but allows the GE display to continue on.  When window release is on the program will not take focus away from other windows.  This allows you to work on other programs while tracking with maps.  Quick keys will only be available when CommTest2 has focus though.
	Moved the serial bytes to read field lo line up under the points in memory field.

0.2.8.2 (July 6, 2006) 
	Created Program Icon.
	Menu window will now appear on top of other windows.
	Added more serial port error checking.  Better handling  unexpected disconnects.
	Changed the text to several error messages to be more descriptive.

0.2.8.1 (July 4, 2006) 
	Program will continue running if more that 10 items are in an auto directory.
	Now clearing text from unused menu labels and buttons.
	
0.2.8.0 (July 4, 2006) 
	Created Auto Menus from directories.  The menu entries is "D" then on the next line the directory path.  The menu path will be created and items will be assigned as follows:  "html" "htm" "mht" "lnk" "exe" "bat" "kmz" files will be executed, "kml" files will be loaded as guide or leg list, subdirectories will be treated as new auto menus.  
	Menus are now longer so that long labels don't get truncated.

0.2.7.1 (July 3, 2006) 
	Replaced say text "couldn't execute file." with "Couldn't execute file."
	Corrected an error that would cause the program to crash if you tried to change the "Open Google Earth" parameter while connected to a serial NMEA device.
	The Settings window will now show on top of the other windows.
	Menu "Label" items are now more visible.

0.2.7.0 (July 1, 2006) 
	A sound file can be added to the settings.  Sounds will play on menu open and when directions are available.

0.2.6.2 (June 27, 2006) 
	The control panel will now display velocity in kilometers per hour instead knots when metric display is selected. 
	Cruise alerts will now announce velocity in either kilometers per hour or miles per hour instead of knots.
	Cruise mute changes is now saved to settings and cruise mute is now displayed in the help screen
	Corrected the help screen.  Camera lock is L, not C.  C is for Cruse Mute.

0.2.6.1 (June 26, 2006) 
	Changed text on KML Path button during setup.
	Fixed an error that allowed Commtest2 to try to open GE, even though the options where turned off.
	The camera view is now relative to the altitude given by the GPSR coords when path on ground is off.

0.2.6.0 (June 25, 2006) 
	Creating new menus is now easier. If a menu is not found a blank text file, with proper names, is created and a template window is opened. Cut, paste, edit and save. 
	Stopped checking for a new version every time CommTest2 is started. Now settings files will stay the same on future upgrade. 

0.2.5.1 (June 22, 2006) 
	Saving filenames with identifiers. ie - a kml file created from a log file will have log in the title. 
	The name of the kml is displayed on the main title bar. Google earth shouldn't open if the settings check box is unchecked.
	
0.2.5.0  (June 21, 2006)
	Added a display in English or Metric system toggle.
	Altitude is displayed in feet if English is enabled.
	Renamed the Settings OK button to Save.
	The settings and help button will now toggle the settings and help screen.  Changes will not be enable if you toggle the settings button closed.  You have to click Save or Apply for that.
	Disabled Speed Alerts.  Cruise Alert and Speed alert have been concealed because I haven't finished them.  Press C to hear what's there.

0.2.4.1  (June 21, 2006)
	Rewrote the NMEA clear routine.

0.2.4.0  (June 19, 2006)
	A Few more routines to handle invalid data, including reading the NMEA valid data field.
	Added a customize camera view settings to the settings panel.  I realize different displays require different adjustments, esp small and odd shaped screens. 
	Now processing GLL sentences.

0.2.3.1  (June 16, 2006)
	Improved the way CommTest2 holds focus. Focus is released when sub windows are active and when screen release is on.  Focus is held so that menus and hot key buttons remain accessible.
	Created a few routines to handle invalid data.  
	Created a few routines handle incomplete data sets.

0.2.3.0  (June 9, 2006)
	Did some work on correcting bugs, some still exist though.
	The "Car" Icon is now attached to the end of the path, whether the path is on the ground or in the air.
	The first time the CommTest2 runs, a configure screen will prompt for settings and write to directory names.
	A refresh network link hotkey was added '\'.  Refresh will reload the network link, incase of error or deletion.

0.2.2.1  (June 8, 2006)
	The tracks will now show stop and start times. And so will the Magellan log files, if they were played back. 
	Magellan log files will split automatically if CommTest2 detects a break a 90 minute break between points. 
	The car icon will be placed with its associated altitude. 
	String translations should be regional friendly now.  All variables are implicitly defined and nmea text is translated into us-en format.

1.0.0.2  (June 6, 2006)
	Changed the way numerical text is interpreted to consider different regions.
	Added readme file and change log file to install.

1.0.0.1
	Will now read Magellan Log Files like NMEA files.  Note: some heading info is not provided and velocity is estimated.
	Improved the KML Line write routine to use less processor time.

1.0.0.0
	Created

Icons:
Icons.zip

CommTest2build2000.zip - A very solid version. If you need to restore to a previose version because of an error then download "build 2000".

Sample Data:

Here is a sample Magellan Log File to work on if your stuck indoors and have nothing better to do. The path is clipped from a geocaching adventure in Batron Rouge. The cable was broken so I missed a few turns and had to backtrack more often the I should. Live NMEA or a recorded file would produce much better results because CommTest2 would read data every second. Also, other information is provided, like heading and velocity. I'd love to record some good NMEA data. Like throwing a notebook and gpsr into a Rally Racer and sitting back and watching it go. The only question is, whos notebook?

TKLG001clip.log

Photos Message Board Bugs or Comments

Features:
Read NMEA data from com port or text file. Altitude and Screen position based on travel speed, (allows you to look ahead) Controls designed to be used while driving. Quick keys and voice audio allows you to navigate menus while you navigate your car. (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) Customizable Menu system allows you make configure and call other apps.

Here is a set of instructions to get things stated: Installation:
After installation find the install folder and copy "CommTestMenus" to a familure place. These files contain menu templates and sample templates. "CommTestMenus" will be your settings directory, so remember where you put the folderStart the program, Click Control, With the control panel, click the file menu then click settings. Assign the field "Settings Directory" to the path of CommTestMenus. e.g. "C:\Documents and Settings\Ronald\My Documents\Personal Settings\CommTestMenus"To load a test NMEA file, click the NMEA Text File rado button then the button with the period.Make whatever adjustments you need.

Running the program:
Click Connect.The button with the H will bring up a hot key help screen. Memorize then close.Buttons 1, 2, and 3 will adjust the zoom level.S - Screen Release on lets you navigate between other windows freely.M - Will mute the voice.The munu programs can be navigated with the cursor keys and enter key.Load a KML path made by directions in GoogleEarth to get turn by turn audio.

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