NEW! DRC version 4.09 update

NEW! DRC version 4.09 update is now available. Free update for DRC 4.00 users (In app download).

The release has several small UI enhancements to make entering data easier. Several bug fixes are also included in the release.  Also the is a new  specimen list feature where you can add specimens to a list to group together.  See Revision history for more details. 

https://digitalrockhound.blogspot.com/p/revision-history_02.html

Why did I do this?  I actually use my software to manage my personal collections and I am constantly finding new features I want to add.

BTW, I will trade accept specimen trade for a copy of DRC.  

$50 trade value will get you a full copy of DRC 4.0.

NEW! DRC version 4.07 update

NEW! DRC version 4.07 update with lots of changes (see site for details). Free update for DRC 4.00 users (In app download).

So, it has been 5 months and 50 code commits since my last DRC release.  I made an incremental improvement to specimen labels (I still have bigger plans to improve it), changes to make social media posting easier, reviewed code for memory leaks (using a process I learned at my day job), and another round of UI changes.

Why did I do this?  I actually use my software to manage my personal collections and I am constantly finding new features I want to add.

My next project is upgrading my web site /presence over the next three months.   I am starting to record short How to videos showing how I use the app.  Stay tuned for more!

BTW, I will trade accept specimen trade for a copy of DRC.  

$50 trade value will get you a full copy of DRC 4.0.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.19 is Available

 I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.19

 Enhancement:
   -  DRC installer no longer requires a DVD
   -  Changed Updater to automatically download to DRC folder again.
   
 The Full installer and Updater has several improvements
  - No DVD required.
  - Street level GIS files have been removed.  There files were first added back in 1997 when DRC was an MS Access app.  Some might remember this version.  It had its merits, plus reporting was easy with MS Access reports.  I still miss that feature(sigh...) The streets GIS files were rendered moot a decade ago by Google Maps.
 - DRC Updater.exe is smaller.  Finally solved a 'free' hosting solution for files.  Its amazing in 20+ years of the Internet, it has become increasing difficult to host a file over 200MB. Every one wants to extract a fee for hosting.  Since DRC is a barely for profit operation, I choose not to spend any profits on site fees.

I'm not going to post a link for DRC installer or DRC Updater.  If someone cannot download DRC updater please email me at Gary.Kindel@gmail.com. Please include DRC in the message status/header.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.18 is Available

 I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.18

 Bug Fix:
   -  Specimen / Fossil not added to labelqueue if ID_text is not a number
   - Specimen - Cannot remove MineID
 
 Enhancement:
   - Mineral specimen: Allow Specimen_ID to be changed.  This is initially an auto-number.

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.16 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.   Download 

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.17 is Available

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.17

 Bug Fix:
   Missing file DRCSearch.dll in update installer and full installer (from DVD)
   You get a error window when attempting to search your collection.

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.16 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.   Download DRC_Update.exe

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.16 is Available

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.16

 Bug Fix:

• DRC updates in DRC.exe is working again!
• Added Run as Administrator for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.00 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.16 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.   Download DRC_Update.exe

BTW, DRC will not run on Windows Touch Tables using WinRT.  WinRT is a variation of Windows 8 but is not backwards compatible with Windows 7.

For Windows 8 / Windows 8.1

After you download DRC_Update.exe to your Windows 8 / Windows 8.1 workstation, you map have Windows SmartScreen appear and warn you about the file.

Click more info

Click run anyway

You will also get a Windows prompt, that DRC_UPDATE.exe is attempting to update your system, click Yes to allow it.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.14 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.14

 Bug Fix:

• Corrected camera detection when single and multiple video feed devices are connected
• Corrected linkedTable list removing incorrect entry.

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.7 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.   Download DRC_Update.exe

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.13 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.13

 Enhancement:

• Added support to use multple video capture devices, allow you to select which device you want to use.  This allows a webcam and a digital microscope to be connected at the same time.

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.7 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.   Download DRC_Update.exe

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.009 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.9

 Small update two small fixes.

   Bug  Fixes

• Fixed bug in the Storage Manager assigning specimen to a storage location by dragging and dropping
• Added cataloged column to the stored specimen and find specimen grids

  New Feature:

• Added image capture button to mineral specimen screen (immediately beneath the front cover image) that will capture image from an active camera or digital microscope. 
• Should support most USB cameras
• Tested with Celestron 44302-B handheld microscope.  

  This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

  

  You can download the using DRC 3.0 if you have version 3.0.7 or higher, otherwise, you must download it manually.

  Download DRC_Update.exe

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.007 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.7

 Small update two small fixes.

       Bug  Fixes
Fixed bug adding images when Mineral Collection file is empty.
Fixed bug in MineMaps building path to map files.

 This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

 Automatic downloads are broken thanks to DropBox who has disabled by public links because of too much traffic.   Looking around, I can't find another file share provider that will allow direct downloads without displaying a webpage first.  If I have to adapt to this method, I will probably go with Google Drive

You will need to download the update here.
Please note, this update is useless unless you have the Full version of DRC 2.0/3.0

Download DRC_Update.exe
(This update file must copied into your DRC install folder. example path: C:\Program Files\DRC\.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.005 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.5

  This update is large in size and features.

When the DRC update is run, it will download .net 4.00 and crystal reports 2011 as needed if these libraries are not found on your computer. On a decent broadband connection you can expect the update to take 20-30 minutes to download install.  The good news is that .net 4.00 and crystal reports update will only be ever installed once.


Requirements:
      Microsoft .net 4.0 Framework
      Crystal Reports 2011.


       Enhancements

               Redesigned Data Explorer, Mine Explorer and Map builder
                       Supports online maps from Open Street map, Bing and Google    
                   
               Improved Fossil database
                       Added ability to add fossil images
                       Added Fossil labels
                       Enhanced Fossil support in Collection Manager
               Upgraded to Crystal Reports 2011
               Upgraded Application to use Microsoft .net 4.00 sp1                                    
               Added Support for Office 2003+ Word and Excel
               Stabilized error handling specifically in the following areas:
                       When Starting up application and linking to data
                       In the Map control for Mine Explorer and map builder
                       Code used to manage upgrades


        Bug  Fixes
               Incorrect DRC version number being displayed
               Incorrect Distance label on Nearby mines
               Folders being created in root of drive C:\
               Unhandled errors occurring at log
               Unhandled errors ocurring when using map builder
               Unhandled errors ocurring when using Mine Explorer
               Unhandled errors when upgrading
               User Preference, CD drive letter does not save.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.04 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.

Build 3.0.4
Enhancements
Added Export to Word to reports  (mines, mineral collection, mineral labels)      - requires MS office installed
Added Export to Word to Grids (search screens, periodic Table, and data lists) - requires MS office installed
Disable Excel and word buttons and grayscaling icons when MS Office is not installed.
Added RockType and Formation search parameters to Mine Search


BugFixes
Specimen report - Species List Report error
Specimen Search - Associated species not included in main species search
Properly handling error exporting to Excel or Word when MS Office not installed.
Fixed null error when no CD or DVD present on computer or netbook.
Upgrade installer now removes old DRC 2.0 updater DLL that was installed in Windows\System32 folder.
Corrected upgrade install to prevent constant install of images.

 This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

To download this update, please follow these steps:

1) Open DRC 2.0.

2) Click on Help menu and select Download Latest Update.

     Please note, there is an error that will prevent Check for Updates from properly identifying DRC 3.0 update for DRC 2.0.

3) When prompt, click yes to Exit and apply the update.

4) Optional - If no prompt occurs to exit after downloading, exit DRC and browse to your install location for DRC   (ex. C:\Program Files\DRC\)

locate the DRC_Update.exe.  It will have a file version of 3.0.4.  Double-click on  DRC_Update.exe to run the update.

Or Download DRC_Update.exe
(This update file must copied into your DRC install folder. example path: C:\Program Files\DRC\.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.03 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.

Build 3.0.3

• Enhancements:
• Added Rock type to mine search.
• Bug fixes
• Blogger Tool: FontSize not handled properly.
• Added missing tooltip messages on buttons
• Corrected Version numbering again.

 This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

To download this update, please follow these steps:

1) Open DRC 2.0.

2) Click on Help menu and select Download Latest Update.

     Please note, there is an error that will prevent Check for Updates from properly identifying DRC 3.0 update for DRC 2.0.

3) When prompt, click yes to Exit and apply the update.

4) Optional - If no prompt occurs to exit after downloading, exit DRC and browse to your install location for DRC   (ex. C:\Program Files\DRC\)

locate the DRC_Update.exe.  It will have a file version of 3.0.1.  Double-click on  DRC_Update.exe to run the update.

Or Download DRC_Update.exe
(This update file must copied into your DRC install folder. example path: C:\Program Files\DRC\.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.002 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.

Bug Fixes:

•  Fixed upgrades from DRC 2.0.  Error linking to missing tables: GoogleAccounts, lstDepositTypes, lstLayerColors, tblCleavage, tblHabits, tblFractures.
• Fixed Bug where Upgrade to DRC 2.0 did not run at.

 This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

To download this update, please follow these steps:

1) Open DRC 2.0.

2) Click on Help menu and select Download Latest Update.

     Please note, there is an error that will prevent Check for Updates from properly identifying DRC 3.0 update for DRC 2.0.

3) When prompt, click yes to Exit and apply the update.

4) Optional - If no prompt occurs to exit after downloading, exit DRC and browse to your install location for DRC   (ex. C:\Program Files\DRC\)

locate the DRC_Update.exe.  It will have a file version of 3.0.1.  Double-click on  DRC_Update.exe to run the update.

Or Download DRC_Update.exe
(This update file must copied into your DRC install folder. example path: C:\Program Files\DRC\.

DRC 3.0 Update - Build 3.001 is Available

Hi Everyone:

  I just released the latest update to Digital Rockhound's Companion Version 3.0.

Bug Fixes:

  - Fixed Bug in DRC updater prevented Check for Updates menu option detecting the latested 3.0.1 patch as a new update for DRC 2.0.30 clients

 This update also rolls out DRC 3.0 to anyone using DRC version 2.0 as a free update.

To download this update, please follow these steps:

1) Open DRC 2.0.

2) Click on Help menu and select Download Latest Update.

     Please note, there is an error that will prevent Check for Updates from properly identifying DRC 3.0 update for DRC 2.0.

3) When prompt, click yes to Exit and apply the update.

4) Optional - If no prompt occurs to exit after downloading, exit DRC and browse to your install location for DRC   (ex. C:\Program Files\DRC\)

locate the DRC_Update.exe.  It will have a file version of 3.0.1.  Double-click on  DRC_Update.exe to run the update.

Or Download DRC_Update.exe
(This update file must copied into your DRC install folder. example path: C:\Program Files\DRC\.

Digital Rockhound's Companion 3.0 Update

I finally have some DRC 3.0 news to share. I have finally solved the problems I found running DRC 3.0 on 64 bit version of Windows 7.

From a Software Developer's perspective whats new:

• The entire application rewritten in C# .net 3.5 framework.  - No more VB6
• Replaced GIS control with open source SharpMap control.
• Using all standard Windows controls from Microsoft Visual Studio - No third party controls.
• Using Iconic.ZIP library for file compression tasks. dotnetzip.codeplex.com
• Switched reports to crystal reports.  (Boo! I know I know but I could not find a better alternative and it came with  Microsoft Visual Studio.

For a User perspective:

• Same data
• Similar User Interface (UI).
• Better stability.
• Better Windows OS support for Vista and Windows 7.
• You can actually add new mines!  
• Added Google Books to Book Search
• Enhanced Show mine on map feature with thematic mapping for minerals and commodities.

DRC 3.0 Specs:

• Pentium 4 or faster CPU
• Supports single and multiple core CPUs
• 1 GB of RAM
• 2 GB of free hard drive space 
• DVD drive
• Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
•  Supports: 32/64bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Supports storing photos to Google+ (former PicasaWeb)

Supports posting blog entries to Google's Blogger  

Why upgrade from DRC 2.0 to DRC 3.0?  Its free!

• It will be a free upgrade from DRC 2.0
• It can be applied automatcially using DRC 2.0 check for Updates feature.
• DRC 2.0 will be retired after DRC 3.0 has been released.
• All new enhancements and bug fixes will go to DRC 3.0.
• Its just better!

Hosting DRC Updates from a new site

I'm not sure if anyone will be interested in how I am providing updates for DRC but I wanted to share my experience. Today, I have switched the hosting site for my DRC updates from https://skydrive.live.com to www.dropbox.com.  You will not notice any change in the automatic update process.

I really like Skydrive.  Microsoft gives you 25 GB of disk space for free and you can share files. However, Microsoft continues to make it difficult to share direct file links.  You can only share link to the folder where a file is located and then load the folder URL in a browser and then you can parse out the file link from the rendered page.  This is a complicated process but it works.  Until this week...  This week, Microsoft eliminated the use of Silverlight from Skydrive and is now using HTML 5.0.  Kudos to Microsoft for using the open standard solution but they changed the page template again!  I'm done.  I will continue to share the latest version of DRC update on Skydrive but I am now hosting this updates from DropBox.

On other news, the new version of DRC is almost ready.  DRC 3.0 is about 92% complete and I should have it available in September.  DRC 3.0 will be a free update available to all DRC 2.0 users.  I'll post more details about DRC 3.0 soon.

Gary Kindel

DRC 2.0 Update - Build 2.030 is Available

Hi everyone:

I just released an update to Digital Rockhound's companion version 2.0.

   DRC   
     Bug:
     Mouse cursor: hourglass disappearing before form is opened.

     * Mine Search
        - Added Deposit Type search parameter
        - Change Commodity search parameter to be a dropdown list
        - Changed Commodity Modifier search parameter to be a dropdown list
    
   Added PrintList button to:
       - Book List
       - Location List
       - Fossil List
       - Mine Search
       - Mineral List
       - Mineral Search
       - Periodic Table Search
       - Mineral Collection Search
      -  Mineral Collection List
      -  Digital Map Layer List
      -  Place Name Search
      -  Storage Location List
 
   Data Update:
     Mineralogical Record
       - Updated index and cover images up to Q1 2010.


Existing customers can automatically download this update using DRC 2.0

Link to the update is here:





Full revision history


This update is free to all current users of DRC 2.0.
I have sent email notification to all current users, however if you feel you should get this update and did not receive an email please contact me Gary Kindel.

Gary Kindel

DRC 2.0 Update - Build 2.029 is Available

Hi everyone:

I just released an update to Digital Rockhound's companion version 2.0.


  Enhancements
    DRC
     * Improved Mineral Search
         - Added dropdown list for Cleavage values
         - Added dropdown list for Fracture values
         - Added dropdown list for crystal habit values
         - Added Country/State/County parameters to search to produce list of mineral species found at selected region.
     * Replaced existing webbrowser control based on  IE with newer control supported by the .net Framework.
         - Google cutting IE 6.0 support March 1, 2010.
     * ImageImport Tool
         - Added button to delete all selected images from temporary cache       
     * Digital Map Layers
        - Replaced mapping control with newer control written in C# .netframework 2.0
    * DRC to Blogger interface
       - Added View Data to list export.  Allows you to remove rows before export.
       - Changed button icons and added tooltip text
       - Added multiple select list of existing tags so user can add tags when creating a blog post        

   Bug Fixes
    * DRC to Blogger interface 
        - Fixed bug prevented blog entries from being updated after being cached locally.
        - Fixed bug that could cause google login to be very slow.
    DRC
      - Corrected messages in status bar to properly reflect actions while searching.
      * ImageImport Tool
        - Fixed File delete from temporary image cache



Existing customers can automatically download this update using DRC 2.0

Link to the update is here:





Full revision history


This update is free to all current users of DRC 2.0.
I have sent email notification to all current users, however if you feel you should get this update and did not receive an email please contact me Gary Kindel.

Gary Kindel

DRC 2.0 Update - Build 2.028 is Available

Hi everyone:

I just released an update to Digital Rockhound's companion version 2.0.
Two minor enhancements.

• Replaced Data Combo box on Collecting Locations and Mineral Collection screens so the auto-complete feature works smoother.
• Rearranged Collecting Locations screen to make it more visually appealing.

Existing customers can automatically download this update using DRC 2.0

Link to the update is here:





Full revision history


This update is free to all current users of DRC 2.0.
I have sent email notification to all current users, however if you feel you should get this update and did not receive an email please contact me Gary Kindel.

Gary Kindel