Big problem with Alnet software - RESOLVED - Thanks Alnet!

[darwal 0]

1st time they ask. here iit is:

 

server:

Dell OptiPlex GX520

cpu: p4 due 3.00 Ghz

1 gb ram

500 gb hd sata x 2

graphics intel 82945G

windows xp profesional version 2002 with sp2

 

 

client:

Dell dimension 9200

cpu: intel core 2 6400 @ 2.13 Ghz

3 gb ram

500 gb x 3 hd

Nvidia geforce 7900 GS

windows vista ultimate

 

both are updated with latest drivers and patches.

 

If you need anything else tell me.

[darwal 0]

Rafal, Marcin,

 

Any news about the problems? Do you need anything else or want me to make any test on my side?

 

Darwal

[Marcin 0]

Hi Ricky,

We've just tested the conExt cards on our newest software, and everything worked in the alarm input settings menu.

There's just one little bug: You only have 16 cameras to choose from in this menu, but it will be fixed quickly.

 

The only thing that worries me a little bit is that You're using DELL computers. We've encountered numerous problems with them ,large manufacturers often interfere with BIOS and drivers wich may cause problems.

 

One more thing, do You use the scheduler to set off the events of Your alarm inputs?

[rory 0]

I agree with Marcin on the Dells, same would apply to other DVR cards and other brand named PCs. I mean you can get some decent Dells, but typically most clients are not paying for the PC needed to run a DVR. For example, a decent PC in parts could cost approx $700 (plus you have to build it), while similar specs in a name branded PC would run easily around $1500-2000+ US, and IMO it will still not be as good as you are Dependant on their Bios and other hardware and drivers, in most cases.

 

For example, if you were using a GeoVision card (even more heavily reliable on specific hardware requirements) and had issues, first thing I might say would be .. dude you got a Dell??

[darwal 0]

Marcin and Roy,

 

My concerd now if with the client version. On the server the alarms problem is not an issue (never was) and even with a Dell computer the server works OK.

 

What I will do is I will install the VDR client on several computers (non Dell) and tell you the results.

 

Thanks

 

Ricky

[darwal 0]

Marcin,

 

I have tried to download the lastest version of vdrc from your web site but the download page dosent work.

 

By the way thanks for the tag in the web with the version number. I have had to download (in the past) many times the same version because there was no way to know the final version till you install it.

 

Tell me when the ftp is working again

 

Thanks

 

Ricky

[Marcin 0]

Sorry Ricky,

Our server is temporarily down, I'll let you know when we'll repair it.

[darwal 0]

No problem, I ´ll wait.

 

Mean while Marcin, could you post me the hardware spec where you have tested the systems without problems? I am going also to make some tests on systems that meet your exact requirements. Give me cpu, chipset, graphics card (where no pink screen occur), etc. for both server and client.

 

I will test server with latest version 3 and crypto dongle and client also with latest V3 multi connect professional (once the your ftp server is running).

 

Thanks

 

Ricky

[Marcin 0]

We usually run the tests on this configuration:

server:

CPU: Pentium Quad Core 4x2,4GHz

Mainboard: ASUS Commando ( INTEL P965 chipset )

RAM: 2Gb

HDD: ( various capacities ) SATA

GRAPHICS: ATi Radeon x300 ( and upwards )

Windows Xp pro SP 2 or VISTA

 

we also run tests on a more basic PC:

 

CPU: Pentium D 3.0

Mainboard: Gigabyte GA 945 GM

RAM: 1Gb

HDD: 500Gb SATA

GRAPHICS: onboard Intel

Win XP Pro, SP 2

 

for the client it's important that You use Intel chipset and avoid Celeron CPU's

 

We usually recomend our clients in general to use: Gigabyte mainboards with Intel chipsets ( 945 & 965 ) and Ati Graphic cards

[darwal 0]

Vista on server? Is that possible already? I thought only XP was the recommend OS.

[Marcin 0]

Yes XP, is still the best solution...

I wrote about Vista because we had to test it. But in our preinstalled systems we still go for XP. I personally do not find Vista stable enough, and we still keep on finding new bugs in it.

[darwal 0]

Hi Marcin,

 

After several attempts I could finally download the latest vdrc version (3,0,0,128) from your ftp server and test it on two portables, a sony vaio and a toshiba satellite.

 

On both systems I got the same results. Alarms inputs from dido card are not responding on the client.

 

Remember that this is an issue on the client.

 

Let me put you an example:

 

Let’s say that a volumetric detector is triggered. When the server receive this alarm event from the dido card it will respond properly (input button goes red and "after activation" actions are performed correctly) BUT this same red button doesn’t go red on the client and "after activation events are not performed on the client. And what is even more incredible, the event comes OK on the client´s alarm window (the pop up one). So the event somehow arrives to the client but only on some parts of the program.

 

Of course the user’s privileges are correctly and "visible inputs" is configured to watch the alarm.

 

I can continue testing on other types of hardware but it is hard for me to believe that this behaviour can change when different computers are used. If I use old versions of vdrc this problem disappear in all computers and never have a problem.

 

I have everything set up for you to enter the client to see what I mean.

 

Please send me by pm your email so we can continue this test and explain to you in more detail.

 

Thanks

 

Ricky

[Marcin 0]

Ricky,

I've just come across one thing. If You're connected to multiple servers, only the inputs from the first one on the list will light up the buttons in the client. I've sent this problem to the main programmer so we can define what's causing it.

[darwal 0]

Marcin,

 

I see you are getting close of what I mean. Great!! But sorry, this issue happens even with just one conexion.

 

Do you what to see it on my computer?

 

Ricky

[Marcin 0]

I still cannot write PM's on this forum, try emailing me.

 

mm alnetsystems com

 

I took out the @ and dots

[darwal 0]

Thanks for the email Marcin,

 

I will send you by pm my ip, user and pass to my server and client.

 

The way I see it is that you (I mean your programmers) are loosing control of the software. One year ago the client was working perfect. Then you release client version 3 and problems arrived.

 

First I was the alarm window that you just solved a few days ago. But let me tell you that this popup check box is not a proper solution for the problem. I explain why. Suppose you are a restricted user that has no rights over “visible inputsâ€

[darwal 0]

Hi Collin and Rory,

 

Yesterday with latest VDR-S version 3,0,0,130, and latest VDR-C version 3,0,0,130 the alarms problems was finally solved.

 

Thanks Rafal for his help.

 

I have a trip abroad today but on Monday I will post the solution in detail as a final post for this thread.

 

Thanks to all.

 

Ricky

[rory 0]

Sound great, glad you finally got it sorted out.

[darwal 0]

Hi there,

 

Sorry for posting this message one day late.

 

I am going to summarize the situation.

 

From my point of view Alnet made big program changes form version 2 to version 3. Those changes had also big consequences and numerous new bugs began to show. One of them was the famous alarms windows that I talked here fist.

 

They solved this particular problem 8 months later adding a “auto pop upâ€

[CollinR 0]

Excellent News!

 

Okay this issue is resolved, new issue new thread.

 

As it is obvious Alnet is making strides in support this thread is locked. Rather then let this become a catch all for Alnet I thought I would drop this one now. Future threads come as needed.

 

Thank you much to Alnet Customer service, specifically Marcin and Rafel!