RDSS 2.2.2020 Software Update

[Ted Craven]

(Update Nov 4 - RDSS 2.2 has been released. See the last post: http://paceandcap.com/forums/showpost.php?p=130226&postcount=7)

Looks like the promised RDSS update is on schedule for a release by the end of this coming week (end of October). A bunch of folks are helping me to stress test this and are coming up with some good small bits to tweak, but the major parts look solid (thanks everyone :jump:):

1. No non-responsive behaviour, no slow-down
2. TwinSpires data flowing again: Scratches, ProfitLine, Prime Power - and before the release: Tote (WPS pools) and Mutuel Results.
3. More stable in memory usage and 'crash-resistance'.
4. Numerous other long-standing bugs and To Do's.

For those testing, expect 1 or 2 more updates this week. For everyone else, I'll be sending an email announcing the update availability from the usual download place, plus some initial documentation. Also, watch this space!

This update - RDSS Version 2.2 - represents a major platform update to a new version of my long-standing development tools with new internet access and better memory management tools, plus a new Installer. Not everything will appear in this October update, but I am better prepared to deliver more frequent updates than recently. After this initial update, I have several further ones planned by the end of the year plus a general overhaul to Documentation. Hopefully also some videos, maybe some Zoom meetings (tutorials, AMAs).

It feels good to get this out there after so long - sorry for the inconveniences with cranky software behaviour these past months.

Ted

[kmspokes]

Thanks for the communication update Ted, looking forward to the software update, have been enjoying the software and all the input thru this site for the last 2 years. I have learned so much and continue learning from all the posts. Thanks for your dedicated service and knowledge.

[So Cal Al]

Sounds promising! Keep up the good work.........and I'm envious of your move to BC

[carlous21]

Looks like the promised RDSS update is on schedule for a release by the end of this coming week (end of October). A bunch of folks are helping me to stress test this and are coming up with some good small bits to tweak, but the major parts look solid (thanks everyone :jump:):

1. No non-responsive behaviour, no slow-down
2. TwinSpires data flowing again: Scratches, ProfitLine, Prime Power - and before the release: Tote (WPS pools) and Mutuel Results.
3. More stable in memory usage and 'crash-resistance'.
4. Numerous other long-standing bugs and To Do's.

For those testing, expect 1 or 2 more updates this week. For everyone else, I'll be sending an email announcing the update availability from the usual download place, plus some initial documentation. Also, watch this space!

This update - RDSS Version 2.2 - represents a major platform update to a new version of my long-standing development tools with new internet access and better memory management tools, plus a new Installer. Not everything will appear in this October update, but I am better prepared to deliver more frequent updates than recently. After this initial update, I have several further ones planned by the end of the year plus a general overhaul to Documentation. Hopefully also some videos, maybe some Zoom meetings (tutorials, AMAs).

It feels good to get this out there after so long - sorry for the inconveniences with cranky software behaviour these past months.

Ted
Ted and team Thank you for the update, Excellent work.

[Ted Craven]

I ran into a bit of a snag yesterday and today fixing a few things reported by the testers. Nothing serious, just time wasting (for me) and would drive all of you crazy if I didn't fix it first.

Hoping we're back on track tomorrow with the next update to the Beta Testing group - still shooting for the weekend for a general release to everyone.

Ted

[Ted Craven]

It looks like the Final Update for RDSS 2.2 won't make it this weekend :(. Feedback from the 2nd Round of testing has some maddening inconsistencies from live Tote data, Scratches and Mutuel Results/Prices.

My plan now is to stabilize the software and issue an update early next week (i.e. before Breeders' Cup) so that everyone can at least use it without the slowdowns of the past several months, plus have access to ProfitLine and Prime Power Ratings from TwinSpires if they want them.

You can use Tote and live Scratches if you want, or shut them off.

There's also a new Download Software Updates button in RDSS to get the latest updates when any are available without having to go the Paceandcap website to download it in your browser. (Makes it a lot easier to install updates).

I'm sorry I missed the October delivery date - I did my best. Some of the testers found stuff which did not appear in my testing or which I overlooked. Still working on those items, mostly Tote/Scratch related. I don't want to just frustrate people by sending out software with raised expectations, only to have it still too buggy.

I will still email all current RDSS users and update this space when it's ready.

Ted

[Ted Craven]

I have released RDSS 2.2. You can download it via the usual download location: click on the RDSS Icon upper-right of the website, or here: http://www.rdss2.com/how-to-obtain

Here are the Release Notes for the new RDSS 2.2: http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13336

I am in the process of also sending emails to all current and recent RDSS Subscribers.

Thanks everyone for your patience!

Ted

[elocutionist]

Ted,
I just downloaded the new version. On the entries screen, the race conditions/wagers is blank.

Phil

[winning]

Hi Ted, I just downloaded 2.2, it says evaluation period to 12/1/2020, and I update the registration twice, my 2.1 version says 8/15/2021. How do I make the registration date to be 8/15/2021 for RDSS 2.2? Thank-you. Brian

[So Cal Al]

Working as smooth as a baby's butt. Thanks, Ted

[Ted Craven]

Ted,
I just downloaded the new version. On the entries screen, the race conditions/wagers is blank.

Phil


Phil, possibly it's an artifact of viewing a race first downloaded and assembled in RDSS2.1? Is this true of ALL races on the day you're looking at, or all races in your database collection?

Either can you try downloading a fresh race in RDSS2.2, OR - re-download/reassemble the card with race with the blank Race Conditions (Uncheck Don't Duplicate Task in the Data Centre of you do this).

Ted

[Ted Craven]

Hi Ted, I just downloaded 2.2, it says evaluation period to 12/1/2020, and I update the registration twice, my 2.1 version says 8/15/2021. How do I make the registration date to be 8/15/2021 for RDSS 2.2? Thank-you. Brian

Brian, I tried registering RDSS on one of my own computers using YOUR TrackMaster UID/PWD. The first time, it gave me 30 days (12/4/2020) and the second time it gave me your correct date: 8/15/2021.

Are you sure you performed the click Update Registration TWO TIMES?

The same question applies to anyone else whose Registration is not updating to the proper Renewal Date after TWO tries. (As mentioned in the Release Notes, I'll get this fixed soon in a coming update.)

Ted

[Ted Craven]

Working as smooth as a baby's butt. Thanks, Ted


I LOVE your enthusiasm Al! Can you check your Renewal Date, that it's correct. If not, can you do the Update Registration thingy TWO TIMES.

If any problems, please let me know. (I thought we tested this extensively during the pre-release testing phase ... :confused:).

Ted

[carl153]

working great. thanks Ted.

[Mrbill]

Ted - I uploaded the update onto my laptop and tower computers. I was using the tower today to play Churchill and everything seemed fine. I went to go take a look at the BC files and have the following error message came up:


When I click ok it goes to the exit screen. I've restarted it a couple of times but I get the same message.

[Ted Craven]

Ted - I uploaded the update onto my laptop and tower computers. I was using the tower today to play Churchill and everything seemed fine. I went to go take a look at the BC files and have the following error message came up:

When I click ok it goes to the exit screen. I've restarted it a couple of times but I get the same message.

Bill, are you sure this is from the NEW RDSS2.2 and not the old RDSS2.1?

I specifically tested this update on ALL the BC races from Friday and Saturday without any errors I could find.

Ted

[Mrbill]

Ted;

I paid close attention and re-installed the update. It has the right date (today) at the top. I went and looked at a race, then closed the program. When I re-opened it, it re-opens the previous version for some reason.

Bill

[So Cal Al]

I got the correct expiry date. I tried clicking 2 times and it did not work, then I clicked 2 times in succession....and it worked Al

[Mrbill]

Ted - I found the problem. The icon on my top app screen points to the old version which is what I hit without thinking about it. When I start by typing in RDSS, another screen opens up with the newest version. I'll have to get rid of that in top apps. Sorry for giving you a scare. I have to say that I'm impressed how well the update is working.

Bill

[winning]

Hi Ted, It works now I hit the registration update 4 times and the correct date shows now, Thank-you, Brian

[Ted Craven]

Glad you got it working Brian!

Just to clarify for anyone confused about clicking the Update Registration Info button to get the correct Renewal Date - what I meant by 'click the button TWO TIMES' was: left-click it ONCE as usual -> which produces a message that the Renewal Date is updated to some near date (not the correct one) ... THEN do the same thing again a SECOND time which produces another message which (hopefully) gives the correct Renewal Date.

What I didn't mean was: double-click the button. Just single-click it like you've always done. Then do it a second time. (Although, I can see how that might be misinterpreted!)

Hope that helps, though any problems, just write me or report them here.

Ted

[tazzerbobo]

Great job Ted. Did the download (after reading YOUR instructions) and all went well. No more delays. In fact I went to refresh my coffee and when I came back all races were assembled. (Not like the old version).

One question did you remove the RX+ tab? I am making the assumption that you did.

Again great job.

[Ted Craven]

Great job Ted. Did the download (after reading YOUR instructions) and all went well. No more delays. In fact I went to refresh my coffee and when I came back all races were assembled. (Not like the old version).

One question did you remove the RX+ tab? I am making the assumption that you did.

Again great job.

Glad to hear it went well Don!

You remind me of a good item to add to the Release Notes: I consolidated the Rx and the Rx+ screens. In effect, what now shows on the Rx screen is the same as what formerly showed on the Rx+ screen. The ONLY difference was the BPP Prime Power rating, which now shows on the remaining Rx screen.

Good luck!

Ted

[Ted Craven]

Just a reminder about the new Config settings to switch ON/OFF the Tote and (separately) the TwinSpires Ratings (ProfitLine, Prime Power), Scratches and Mutuels:

-By default, these are set to OFF (don't get stuff from TwinSpires). If you want ProfitLine/PrimePower ratings, Scratches and Mutuels, check that box. If you want live Tote data for current races (or closing data for today's closed races) check that other box. Or mix and match.

-Some people don't really want live tote info and leaving this OFF will speed up RDSS a bit and avoid a bit of screen scrambling (until I get that issue fixed).

-If TwinSpires changes their code again, we can now switch whatever aspect doesn't work to OFF until I can fix it and issue an update - without the annoying slow-downs previously experienced. (And the notice about any updates will now show prominently on the RDSS Desktop for you to download within RDSS :jump:).

Ted

[Ted Craven]

I forgot a 'Known Bug' in the current RDSS2.2.2020.22, which I added to the Release Notes (http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=13336) documentation:5. When using the Tote system, the MTP (Minutes to Post) count appears to be calibrated to Eastern Time (ET). Thus RDSS users in the ET zone will see correct MTP, while users in Central Time will see MTP+60, Mountain Time MTP+120 and pacific Time MTP+180. An unfortunate glitch/artifact of the new way TwinSpires reports its post-time data. This shows up on the Card Summary screen as well as other screens where MTP is displayed. I will get this corrected ASAP (by having RDSS read your computer clock Time Zone settings and adjusting MTP - and Race Post Times - accordingly)..

(And I don't know what it looks like in the UK, South Africa, Europe and Australia - sorry guys and gals :eek:).
Ted

[The Pook]

Ted,

I downloaded the exe install file through safari and copied to my Parallels desktop. And also downloaded directly through Chrome within Parallels. Both ways I get the following error when trying to install.

Online this is explained as an incomplete file. I notice the 2.2 exe file is 18mb. The latest 2.1 exe file was around 28mb.

Any thoughts,
Mike

[Ted Craven]

Mike, the new Install file is smaller than the old one: 18,321 Kb (I cut out a bunch of deadwood).

Using the Microsoft Checksum utility at this location (https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=11533) to test integrity of downloaded files, I ran a Checksum on the file I posted for download (RdssInstall.2.2.2020.22.exe).

The Checksum value is: 738fa00c1046db96bb6cd741b227bed8 rdssinstall.22.2020.22.exe (corrected)

You could download and run the same Checksum utility to verify that you got a complete file - just read the readme.txt file. If that checks out identical, then you got the full file and the problem lies elsewhere.

I am not a Mac or Parallels expert at all, though some here do use that environment. I will reach out to them and point them to this post.

So far, looks like several dozen RDSS users have downloaded and installed the new version, but I can't tell which ones are running in Parallels. No similar complaints to yours so far :confused:

That's all I got so far. Let me know if I can do anything else.

Ted


P.S. FWIW, I will try to build this checksum test for download file integrity into future updates.

[winning]

Hi Ted, The Race Conditions/Wagers shows blank screen with no info. Thank-you, Brian

[Ted Craven]

Hi Ted, The Race Conditions/Wagers shows blank screen with no info. Thank-you, Brian

Brian, this was reported previously in this Thread. Here was my answer, below. (No word from Phil on whether that fixed things).

Please let me know.

Ted
Ted,
I just downloaded the new version. On the entries screen, the race conditions/wagers is blank.

Phil

Phil, possibly it's an artifact of viewing a race first downloaded and assembled in RDSS2.1? Is this true of ALL races on the day you're looking at, or all races in your database collection?

Either can you try downloading a fresh race in RDSS2.2, OR - re-download/reassemble the card with race with the blank Race Conditions (Uncheck Don't Duplicate Task in the Data Centre if you do this).

Ted

[wagercapper]

Had no problems downloading or installing RDSS22 on an iMac running Mojave in Parallels 14.:)

[Ted Craven]

Had no problems downloading or installing RDSS22 on an iMac running Mojave in Parallels 14.:)


Thanks Paul! For the benefit of other Mac/Parallels users (Pook):
https://www.parallels.com/blogs/parallels-desktop-14-and-macos-mojave/


Also FWIW, these comments may apply to some: "No problems [installing] except it wouldn't register no matter how many times I clicked that button. Problem was solved by logging out & back in again. If someone has a problem downloading, AND is using a VPN, I would suggest TURNING IT OFF. (I've run into this issue recently). All set here!"


Ted

[Ted Craven]

Ted,

I downloaded the exe install file through safari and copied to my Parallels desktop. And also downloaded directly through Chrome within Parallels. Both ways I get the following error when trying to install.

Online this is explained as an incomplete file. I notice the 2.2 exe file is 18mb. The latest 2.1 exe file was around 28mb.

Any thoughts,
Mike

Mike, just for the public record, re your Mac/Parallels issue - I believe we tracked down the problem to be that you are running Windows XP in your Mac/Parallels environment and my new Installer tool no longer supports that older version of Windows. FWIW, I'm not sure RDSS does either - I have not tested RSDS2.2 on Windows XP (nor do I intend to).

Ted

[OhNoItsDoug]

I registered twice, and at first it did not work. So I exited RDSS and reopened. Registered twice again and it worked. Everything so far seems great.
-Doug

[Ted Craven]

I registered twice, and at first it did not work. So I exited RDSS and reopened. Registered twice again and it worked. Everything so far seems great.
-Doug

That's great Doug! That's SO annoying about having to Register twice :mad:. I was afraid it would have taken me another several days to debug that and wanted to get RDSS2.2 out in time for Breeders' Cup. I am working on that issue starting next week, after the dust settles.

The Update notice will magically appear someday on your RDSS Desktop :)

Ted

[Swifty0x0]

Hi Ted,

I installed version 2.2 earlier today, and did eventually get the correct expiration date.

Later in the evening I tried to download KEE for Saturday and got this message...
Task: Download Past Performances
Download of: KEE 2020/11/07 cancelled. Check UID/PWD or please try again!

I have the correct UID/PWD in the registration info (it's the same as I used for initial registration which worked).

I also logged into TrackMaster through the browser with the same UID/PWD and that worked. So, I'm sure it's correct.

I also verified my credit card info is up to date. It is.

I tried to Download AQU, in case KEE had an issue, but got the same message.

Tried downloading several times, always the same message. This was during 11:00PM to 11:30PM Friday 11/6/2020, in case TrackMaster has an issue.

Don't know what else to try at this point.

[Swifty0x0]

I reinstalled version 2.1, uses same UID/PWD and was able to download the KEE card, but version 2.2 still won't.

[Swifty0x0]

Traced the problem to the databases. Version 2.2 will not download a card to a database on my D: drive (version 2.1 did not have this problem), and gives me the cancelled message.

When I make a database on the C: drive it will download.

I had moved them to the D: drive for disk storage.

(Adding up my download budget to test, lol.)

[gfnut]

I am getting this when I open the races.

[Ted Craven]

Traced the problem to the databases. Version 2.2 will not download a card to a database on my D: drive (version 2.1 did not have this problem), and gives me the cancelled message.

When I make a database on the C: drive it will download.

I had moved them to the D: drive for disk storage.

(Adding up my download budget to test, lol.)

Great detective work Swifty! Yes, there were some internal changes re synchronizing where RDSS looks for the database and the related Cache (since everyone would be looking for their existing database NOT in the RDSS2 folder).

One other person also complained of exactly that problem late last night, so thanks for helping me help him.

I'll get that fixed ASAP.

Ted

[Ted Craven]

I am getting this when I open the races.


Tom, what race? EVERY race, or just the one? Try these, in descending order:

1. re-assemble the race (right-click it on Card Summary)

2. re-download, re-convert - UNCHECK the Don't Duplicate box (FORCE re-convert)

3. Use the Data Mgmt Tools on RDSS Desktop to Switch to a clean database (e.g. the new empty one that installs with RDSS2.2, if you're not already using that one). Then re-convert to that clean database.

Let me know.

Ted

[Ted Craven]

Just a reminder - if you mistakenly open the OLD RDSS2.1, you'll get this error eventually if you try to download anything. You'll also get other error messages before that too, but those are a sign you're not in RDSS2.2.

http://paceandcap.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49433&stc=1&d=1604531956

I recommend deleting the RDSS2.1 Desktop Icon to prevent inadvertent use of it. If you want to reinstate RDSS2.1 to working order (such as it was), see the RDSS2.2 Release Notes Addendum about that: http://paceandcap.com/forums/showpost.php?p=130234&postcount=3

Ted

[gfnut]

I tried to switch to new data base and get this

[Ted Craven]

I tried to switch to new data base and get this
Tom, you and I are dealing with this by email. No need to duplicate here. When we get the original problem solved - if you tell me what solved it - I will post it here for others' benefit.


Ted

[Ted Craven]

Tom, everyone - just for the public record - you and I connected by Zoom and got you going again. I think the problem related to you uninstalling the OLD RDSS2.1 and RDSS2.2 not being able to find your old database it was looking for.

I'll try to tune up the code to cover those outlying possibilities and give friendlier error messages. As discussed, get with me again if you find the same original problem with partial Entries screen data.

Nice to talk, good luck today!

Ted

[gfnut]

Thanks Ted for the help. Everything seems to be working. Had a good day with Authentic. I have a few shares in him with MyRaceHorse.

[Blueken555]

Morning Ted,

I downloaded todays cards and all the cards with the exception of GPW had the PL and Bris numbers. I redownloaded the Gulfstream(CRC) card and re-assembled it but those numbers still did not populate. I will try again later but thought I would let you know.

Best
Ken

[Ted Craven]

Morning Ted,

I downloaded todays cards and all the cards with the exception of GPW had the PL and Bris numbers. I redownloaded the Gulfstream(CRC) card and re-assembled it but those numbers still did not populate. I will try again later but thought I would let you know.

Best
Ken


Agreed Ken and thanks. I don't see GPW listed yet on the TwinSpires site of available tracks today: https://www.twinspires.com/bet/todays-races/time

Thus, RDSS doesn't see it either.

Checking the Gulfstream park website, I notice the button to check today's Entries produces errors, thus Tote Hubs and sources which might receive that info would not have gotten it yet.

Let's see if it populates later.

Ted

[rmath]

GPW cancelled today.
Hurricane and flooding
Rmath

[Ted Craven]

GPW cancelled today.
Hurricane and flooding
Rmath


Thanks Dick.

[elocutionist]

Ted, When a horse is scratched either manually or by the program,it is still in the readouts. In order to remove it I have to re-assemble. I separate contenders and any paceline changes either the night before or in the morning before scratches. Of course when I re-assemble all that work goes away. Is there anything you can do about it. The old program didn't do that.

Thanks,
Phil

[Ted Craven]

Ted, When a horse is scratched either manually or by the program,it is still in the readouts. In order to remove it I have to re-assemble. I separate contenders and any paceline changes either the night before or in the morning before scratches. Of course when I re-assemble all that work goes away. Is there anything you can do about it. The old program didn't do that.

Thanks,
Phil

Phil, can you cite me a race to check this (today is fine) where the following does NOT work:

a) for a previously assembled/handicapped race, after scratches become available, on the Entries screen click the Refresh TS Ratings & Scratches button. Scratched horses are removed from all readouts.

b) (worst case) - click the Scratch checkbox left-side of the Entries screen for horses you know to be scratched

While we're at it - are you saying that sometimes when you have an assembled race (night before or today before scratches published), when you open the race and Refresh the Scratches using the button - the correct Scratches FAIL to be marked in RDSS? (Compared to Scratches showing at TS: (https://www.twinspires.com/bet/program/todays-races). AND - any scratched horses don't get removed from Analysis screens?

I am having an email discussion right now with a couple of folks on this re PRX Scratches today. Any other races to demo this problem?

Bottom line - can you help me see what you're seeing? Help me to duplicate your exact steps (taking into account the answers above).

Thanks in advance!

Ted

[elocutionist]

Ted, Today at Parx race 7,8 and 10. When I opened today the scratches appeared on the entries screen, but still in the readouts. I just now refreshed the TS ratings and scratches and the scratched horses are removed from the readout. Thanks for the help. In regards to the issue I had with the race conditions, it was only with races I downloaded prior the new version. Again, thanks for all your help.

Phil

[Ted Craven]

Ted, Today at Parx race 7,8 and 10. When I opened today the scratches appeared on the entries screen, but still in the readouts. I just now refreshed the TS ratings and scratches and the scratched horses are removed from the readout. Thanks for the help. In regards to the issue I had with the race conditions, it was only with races I downloaded prior the new version. Again, thanks for all your help.

Phil

OK Phil. If I understand you correctly:

- if you worked a card the night before (or say, early in the morning, anyway before scratches)

- if today (say after first scratches are known) you open a race (not re-assemble, just left-click to open a race you previously worked), then in doing so, Scratches do appear marked on the Entries screen HOWEVER lines for scratched horses are not deleted from Analysis screens

- those lines for scratched horses DO get deleted from Analysis screens when you click the Refresh TS Rating/Scratches button (or when you brute-force re-assemble, which we want to avoid)

Did I get that right?

If so, I'll check the routine that applies any fresh Scratches when opening a previously assembled race.

Thanks for clarifying this Phil.

Ted

[elocutionist]

Ted, that is exactly what happened.
Phil

[Ted Craven]

Ted, that is exactly what happened.
Phil

I'm on it Phil. Thanks!

Ted

[Ted Craven]

Re scratches not properly updating after race first assembled - I solved this (programmer error :o). Ready for next update, hopefully next week or sooner.

In the meanwhile, please check scratches at Equibase or your ADW and manually mark horses scratched.

Ted

[Ted Craven]

I updated the 'Known Bugs' section of the RDSS2.2 Release Notes (http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?p=130221), adding the following:

8. If your database is located in another location other than the current or a previous RDSS\Data\ folder (for example C Drive root, or D drive root, or random folder such as C:\Documents, D:\MyStuff etc) - RDSS will not download new PPs from TrackMaster regardless of correct UID/PWD or account in good standing.

Temporary Solution: copy your database file from wherever else it is stored to your c:\RDSS22\Data folder. Open RDSS2.2, use the Data Mgmt Tools button on the RDSS Desktop to Switch databases to the copy you just relocated in your RDSS2.2\Data folder. After successfully switching to this new location of your database and then resuming successful downloads from TrackMaster, you can delete the database in its old location (e.g. Drive D:\) This will be fixed ASAP (then you can resume keeping your RDSS database wherever you like.)