======================================================================
Flight Logs
Read Me File
======================================================================
Version 0.7.4.1 - ALPHA Bug Release
25 January 2022
This is the ninth release of the Flight Logs Access database software.
It should still be considered ALPHA level software and not for use in
a production environment.
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release
includes a number of updates.
Installation Updates
This update is being released in response to several bugs that were
discovered after the 0.7.4 release.
The first update corrects the Access Trusted Location issue. If you
had installed the database and it wouldn't open. The error message
would have indicated that the database table was linked to the
previous database path.
The second update occurs during the boot process and the display
of the Main Menu. A black dialog box with a yellow triangle
icon is displayed, but no text is visible. This error was associated
with the custom icon option in preferences. This has also been
corrected.
Several other minor issues have also been corrected in this update.
There are no new features in this update.
======================================================================
Version 0.7.4 - ALPHA Release
30 October 2021
This is the eighth release of the Flight Logs Access database software.
It should still be considered ALPHA level software and not for use in
a production environment.
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release
includes a number of updates.
Installation Updates
The 0.7.3 release utilized a new Setup Program. This appears to work
as intended, making the installation of the Flight Logs software
easier on the user. It was utilized in this release as well.
Programmatic Updates
- NARTREK
This was by far the core of the development work in this release.
The software can track NARTREK levels Bronze, Silver and Gold, as
well as the NARTREK Mercury Cadet level. The software now records
when certification packages are sent and received from NARTREK. It
checks to make sure the individual is eligible for the NARTREK
level they are submitting as well as the primary objectives of
each level.
- Fleet Data
A number of items were added into the Fleet Records section. In
addition to the new Center of Pressure and number of engines in a
cluster data fields, an entirely new section on gliders was added.
The glider section includes a number of basic vehicle
specifications that can now be tracked.
- Flight Log Data
A new data field of Center of Gravity was added. This along with
the Center of Pressure in the Fleet Data now allows the software
to calculate and report on vehicle stability.
The payload section was reworked, removing the multiple check
boxes and replacing them with a single drop-down list. The list
can be updated through the Preferences section.
Another addition is the ability to correct for temperature when
using an altimeter.
- 3D Printing
As part of the Builder's Log and Maintenance Records, a new section
was added on 3D printing. This new section allows the user to track
their 3D prints used in their models.
As part of this effort, and expanded and detailed 3D printer
preferences section was added.
- Built from Plan and Scratch-built/Kit-bash
When a user selects "Built from Plan", "Scratch-built" or
"Kit-bash" in the manufacturer entry on the Fleet form, two new
screens will become available.
The "Built from Plan" screen allows you to record where you
obtained the plan, who designed the plan, and reference any
documents associated with the plan.
The "Scratch-built/Kit-bash" screen lets you identify how you
designed the model, any software that was used, and how you were
able to determine stability.
- Personnel
The Birthday data field was added into the demographic data.
In the organization tab, there is a button next to each member
number. When clicked, it takes you to the organization's membership
page. A similar arrangement is present for all three HPR
certification levels.
Known Issues
- Reports
There are a number of reports that utilize the old Payload data.
These reports were not updated in this release. They are expected
to be updated with the next update.
- E-mail
The email and attachments feature in the software appears to be
having issues when run under Windows 10, especially with the
latest update. We do not have any reports of issues in Windows 7,
8, or 8.1. This appears to be a Microsoft issue, and we will be
looking into trying to get a work-around for Windows 10 users.
- PDF Reports and Calculated fields
Some reports that have calculated fields are not displayed properly
when converted to Adobe Acrobat (pdf) files. This is expected to be
corrected in the next update.
What to Expect in the Next Release
Version 0.7.5 will be our next release. With a major focus on NARTREK
reporting during this release, additional program reports were not
updated/created for this. We do not expect any major programmatic
updates in 0.7.5 so we should be able to focus on the development of
new reports and updating the existing reports.
We intend to provide additional reports to help with the tracking your
fleet and your launches. We also should be adding additional reports to
make the Builder's Log and Maintenance Records more useful.
We will also be reviewing and updating the help file, and perhaps
expanding it a bit to make it more useful.
Tell Us What You Think
This software is being designed and built for you, the model rocketeer.
Let us know how we can improve this software package. Visit us at our
web site at
https://sites.google.com/view/austin-aerospace/
or through our SourceForge site at
https://sourceforge.net/projects/flight-log/
======================================================================
Version 0.7.3 - ALPHA Release
15 March 2021
This is the seventh release of the Flight Logs Access database software.
It should still be considered ALPHA level software and not for use in
a production environment.
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release
includes a number of updates.
Installation Updates
Previous releases were done as simple Zip files, requiring the user to
unzip the file and determine where the various files should be stored.
With this release we are trying out a new Setup Program. This should
make the installation of the Flight Logs software just a bit easier on
the user.
Programmatic Updates
- Data Preferences
In this release the "Set Trusted Location" option and "Compact and
Repair" option have been removed. The "Set Trusted Location"
feature is now included with the new Installation and Setup
software. Therefore it is no longer needed as part of the Preferences
section. The "Compact & Repair" option is included as part of the
database backup creation option.
- Manufacturer's & Vendor's Form
The two forms have been merged into a single form. Instead of having
to enter in a company twice, only one entry is required and you can
identify if a company is a manufacturer, a vendor, or both by
clicking on the checkboxes at the bottom of the form.
- Program Preferences
You can assign an icon for the program and all of the forms in the
software. This is done through the Program Preferences option.
- Map Options
There are several forms that allow you to pull up a map showing
the location (requires Internet access). In previous versions you
were restricted to Google Maps. You can now select between Google,
Bing, or OpenMaps. This is done through the Program Preferences
option.
- Reports
Version 0.7.3 and the upcoming Version 0.7.4 focus on the reports
available in the database. Here we have a number of updates in
this release.
- Reports Switchboard
The Reports Switchboard underwent a major change. Instead of a
series of buttons, there is now a listing of all of the reports
that are available. When a report is highlighted in the list, a
description of that report is displayed at the bottom of the
form.
- Custom Reports
At the bottom of Reports Switchboard is a new button labeled
"Custom Reports". This option is available on the Fleet, Flight
and Personnel tabs. When clicked it allows you to create your own
set of custom reports. A Custom Report Designer allows you to
select the elements of the report along with the order they
appear in the report. Once you have the report created you can
save it, along with a description of what the report displays, so
you can use it multiple times.
This is very much a work-in-progress. It is the reason for the delay
in this version being released. Please let us know any issues you
experience with this section of the software. We will continue to
work on improving this section and updating the available options
in future releases. For example, we are aware that the current release
does not perform the altitude or duration calculations, but only
provides the raw data.
- Preference Reports
A number of reports were added that will print out the preferences
available in the database.
- Error Reporting
The error reporting screen continues to be updated. In some situations it
will now provide additional information on how you may be able to correct
the error.
- Help File
The Help File continues to be updated as new sections are added to the
software.
What to Expect in the Next Release
Version 0.7.4 will be our next release. Again, the development of reports will
be the primary focus. It should feature several new NARTREK levels allowing
the user to create additional NARTREK submission packages.
We should be able to provide additional reports to help with the tracking your
fleet and your launches. We also should be adding additional reports to make
the Builder's Log and Maintenance Records more useful.
We will also be reviewing and updating the help file, and perhaps expanding it
a bit to make it more useful.
Tell Us What You Think
This software is being designed and built for you, the model rocketeer.
Let us know how we can improve this software package. Visit us at our
web site at
https://sites.google.com/view/austin-aerospace/
or through our SourceForge site at
https://sourceforge.net/projects/flight-log/
======================================================================
Version 0.7.2 - ALPHA Bug Release
12 December 2020
This is the sixth release of the Flight Logs Access database software.
It should still be considered ALPHA level software and not for use in
a production environment.
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release
includes a number of updates.
Programmatic Updates
Form Themes
In the last release we provided an option for a graphical or
non-graphical theme. This has now been expanded to allow a variety of
themes. In this version there are now five themes to choose from.
They include:
- Buffalo
A two-tone green theme inspired by Buffalo Airways.
- Business
The original non-graphical background from the previous release.
- Dark
A dark gray and black theme.
- eXperimental
A yellow and black theme that brings up visions of the X-15 line
of X planes flown by NASA.
- Industrial
The graphical background from the previous release.
- SpaceXploration
A two-tone blue theme inspired by the instrument panel on the
SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The user can go into the "Program Preferences" -> "Program and
Data" -> "Program Options" tab and select the theme from the
drop-down list.
Another new theme option is selecting the background on the main
menu. To add a new background go into the "Program Preferences" ->
"Program and Data" -> "Program Options" tab. Near the bottom is a
entry marked "Background". Enter the path to the picture you want
to use. The program will stretch the picture to fill the entire
background. For best results use a graphic that is close in size
to the resolution of your monitor.
Flight Log Form Updates
There are three updates to the Flight Log form, and two are located
on the Flight Review tab. This includes the NARTREK level for the
flight and the Update Flight Status option.
When you have a flight you wish to use for NARTREK qualification,
select it from the drop-down list. The software will check to make
sure the flight meets the requirements for that level. If it
doesn't it will let you know what is wrong. Currently only the
Bronze level is active.
There is also a button that allows you to update the status of the
rocket. In addition to updating the status, you can also select to
open the Maintenance Log from this screen (more on the Maintenance
Log later).
The other update is a change to the MESS Reporting form. The MESS
Committee no longer accepts MESS reports via e-mail but instead
allow you to complete the report through a form on their website.
As a result the option to email the completed report is no longer
available.
You can still complete a MESS Report on the database if you desire.
This would be for your own records so you could track any CATOs that
have occurred in your fleet. You can still submit a Manufacturer's
Report via email.
Fleet Form
There are three new items in the Fleet Form and all of these updates
are located on the Rocket Information tab.
In the General Construction group, there are two new buttons. The
button on the left is labeled "Builders Log" while the button on the
right is labeled "Maintenance Log". The rocket's current status will
determine which button is activated.
- Builder's Log
This button is activated when the rocket's status is listed as
"Planning" or "Under Construction". The Builder's Log allows you to
track the building of your model. You can track how much time you
spend on the construction and if anyone provides help.
You can track any kits or parts you purchase for the build, how much
they cost, and if you have to order the parts. You can also add
attachments (such as pictures as you go along) or instructions/diagrams
that you used.
- Maintenance Entry
This button is activated when the rocket's status is listed as
something other than "Planning" or "Under Construction". The Maintenance
Entry allows you to track the maintenance of your model. You can track
how much time you spend on maintenance as well as update the status of
the model.
You can track any parts you need to purchase for the repair, how much it
costs, and if you have to order the parts.
Maintenance Log
This is a new form. When selected it will display a list of all
maintenance that is waiting to be performed as well as completed
maintenance tasks on all rockets in the fleet. You can adjust the column
widths and hide or show the columns you need. You can make changes
directly into the log and update the status of the rocket, all from within
the Maintenance log.
Personnel Form
The list of organizations that a member can belong to has been moved
from under the member's demographic information and onto a separate tab.
That tab is labeled "Organizations". No other changes to this form.
Reports
There is a new tab on the Reports Switchboard labeled "NARTREK". This
is how you will access and print out the NARTREK package. Currently only
the Bronze level is active.
Help File
The Help File has been updated and expanded to include information not
just on the new items in the software, it includes a new "Resources"
section. This section provides information on a number of rocketry and
aerospace education resources.
Changes "Under the Hood"
For those of you who are developers looking at how the software is
being written, a limited number of changes were made outside of the
new forms. Some of the major changes include:
- Including code to allow compiling the code for both the 32-bit and
64-bit versions of Office (this was previously included in the 0.7.1
bug release).
- Expanded the Themes section to allow easier integration of themes
throughout the software
What to Expect in the Next Release
Based on our original timeline, version 0.7.0 was to be the last
scheduled release before the software entered BETA testing in
version 8.0. However, two things happened between then and now.
First, we became aware of an issue when a user tried to install a
32-bit version of Flight Logs on a computer running the 64-bit version
of Microsoft Office. Version 0.7.1 was released to correct that issue.
Moving forward we will be releasing both a 32-bit and 64-bit
compiled version of the software. The Developers Edition will include
both the 32-bit and 64-bit coding so that they can compile either
version of the program.
Second, we received a number of suggestions on ways to improve the
software. Several of those have been included in this release.
Version 0.7.3 is schedule to be our next release. It will feature
several NARTREK levels where the user will have the ability to create
a complete NARTREK level submission package. For us this will involve
creating some new reports (which will need to match the current reports
in use by the NARTREK crew) and will likely involve some additional
"under the hood" programming to get this to work. However, if this works
well, we may look to expand this option in future releases.
We will also be adding additional reports based on some of the new
forms that are now part of the software. As always we will be
reviewing and updating the help file, and perhaps expanding it a
bit once again. You hold the key to unlocking that door!
======================================================================
Version 0.7.1 - ALPHA Bug Release
21 November 2020
This version of the database is being released to correct an installation
issue on users that have a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office.
There are three versions of the software being released at this time.
- Flight Logs V0.7.1 with 64-bit Runtime
This release should be used if:
a. You have a 64-bit version of Microsoft Office installed
b. You do not have Access 2010 or greater installed
c. You have never installed the Access 2010 runtime.
This version will only work on 64 bit versions of Microsoft Office.
Download and install this version only if you have a 64-bit version
of Microsoft Office installed.
- Flight Logs V0.7.1 Runtime Required
This release should be used if you have Access 2010 64-bit or greater
installed or you have previously installed the Access 2010 64-bit
runtime.
- Flight Logs V0.7.1 Developer Edition
This version should be downloaded and installed if you want the original
development files for the program. It also includes all of the individual
HTML files and graphics for the HTMLHelp file. See the ReadMe file for
additional information concerning the coding changes for the 64-bit
version.
------------------- ------------------- -----------------
The Version 0.7.1 release is a bug release only and only for users with
the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office. It only contains the coding
changes to allow Flight Logs to work with the 64-bit versions of Office.
For this reason there is no 0.7.1 release for the 32-bit version of
Flight Logs.
======================================================================
Version 0.7.0 - ALPHA Release
15 September 2020
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation.
There are four versions of the software being released at this time.
- Flight Logs V0.7 with 32-bit Runtime
This release should be used if you do not have Access 2010 or greater
installed or you have never installed the Access 2010 runtime. This
version will work on 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows. If you are
not sure what version you should use, download and install this version.
- Flight Logs V0.7 with 64-bit Runtime
This release should be used if you do not have Access 2010 or greater
installed or you have never installed the Access 2010 runtime. This
version will only work on 64 bit versions of Windows. Download and
install this version only if you have a 64-bit version of Windows.
- Flight Logs V0.7 Runtime Required
This release should be used if you have Access 2010 or greater installed
or you have previously installed the Access 2010 runtime.
- Flight Logs V0.7 Developer Edition
This version should be downloaded and installed if you want the original
development files for the program. It also includes all of the individual
HTML files and graphics for the HTMLHelp file.
------------------- ------------------- -----------------
The Version 0.7 release incorporates a number of major updates, including:
Programmatic Updates
- Form Background Preferences
In the last release we added a graphic background to all of the forms.
Depending on the computer, users may have experienced a slow down or
flashing of the forms. To alleviate this issue, the user can now go
into the "Program Preferences" -> "Program and Data" -> "Program
Options" tab and select between a graphical background and a plain
background.
- Flight Log Form
The user can now add a stage number when adding engines to the motor
section of the flight log.
The option for "hybrid motor" has been added to motor type
preferences.
The type of launch system used has been added in the Launch
Assignment section.
When in the Flight Review section, a button is now available that
will allow you to change the flight status of the rocket. This
alleviates the user from having to go to the appropriate Fleet
record to update the status.
An option is now available to mark this flight
- Personnel Form
A check box is now available to allow you to mark a member as
"Active".
- MESS Report
The MESS report format was updated to match the new report on the
MESS web site.
Users also have option to go directly to the online MESS reporting
form to enter the CATO information and submit the report directly
to the MESS committee. When users select this option, the data is
not retained within the local Flight Logs database.
The user can now preview the MESS Manufacturer Report without having
to open their email. This can be done during the initial report or
through the MESS historical reporting form.
- Preferences
The Program Preferences form has been expanded. On the new "Program
Options" tab the user can now enter their name and organization and
have it displayed on the home page of the program. The option to
show the "Startup Screen" is now on this tab as well.
A new "Data Maintenance" tab has been added. On this tab users can
create a backup of their database data. They can also repair and
compact the database to improve performance.
- Reports
As was noted in the last release, Version 0.7.0 was going to focus
on adding a number of reports. The database now offers 28 reports
on various aspects of the data. A number of these reports are
available through the Reports Switchboard.
Also available through the Reports Switchboard is the option to
export the data in a number of different formats, including various
Excel, HTML, PDF, XML, RTF and more.
- Error Reporting
The program now features a new error reporting screen. It provides
additional information on the error and where it occurred in the
program. There is also a link to our online Issue Reporting System
through SourceForge.net.
- Help File
A significant amount of time was spent updating and expanding the
Help File. It now includes information on all of the forms and
reports in the program. Additionally it provides pages that explain
the formulas used by the program to calculate altitude and to convert
measurements from metric to imperial values.
Another new feature is a search function for the help file. This will
let you do keyword or phrase searches of all of the help topics.
Changes "Under the Hood"
- A number of subroutines were moved into a single module:
* Change Record Source coding moved into modDataTools.
* modTableLinks coding moved into modDataTools.
* modSetTrustedLocation coding moved into modDataTools.
* Module modErrorReporting removed. Replaced with custom error
form frmError.
- Added table lkupNARTREK.
- Checked tab order on all forms.
- Almost all macro functions have been replaced with VBA coding.
- Form data is now based on query instead of a direct link to the
associated table.
- When "New" is selected on any form, the cursor now goes to the first
field (on the first tab, if applicable).
- User preferences are now stored in the Windows Registry. All the
registry entries will appear under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and
VBA Program Settings\Flight Logs\User
- The table stblAbout now only stores the GPL license text.
- All reports, forms and modules now have error trapping code
What to Expect in the Next Release
This was to be the last scheduled release before the software entered
BETA testing in version 8.0. However, if you noticed the new entry on
the Flight Log form labeled "NARTREK" you probably have a good idea
of what the next release will focus on.
Version 0.7.5 will be our next release. It will feature several NARTREK levels where the user will have the ability to create a complete NARTREK level submission package. For us this will involve creating some new
reports (which will need to match the current reports in use by the NARTREK crew) and will likely involve some additional "under the hood" programming
to get this to work. However, if this works well, we may look to expand
this option in future releases.
We will also be reviewing and updating the help file, and perhaps
expanding it a bit to make it more useful.
Tell Us What You Think
This software is being designed and built for you, the model rocketeer.
Let us know how we can improve this software package. Visit us at our
web site at
https://sites.google.com/view/austin-aerospace/
or through our SourceForge site at
https://sourceforge.net/projects/flight-log/
======================================================================
Version 0.6.0 - ALPHA Release
15 May 2020
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release includes
a number of major updates.
Programmatic Updates
- Help File
The beginnings of an HTML Help file is now available from the Main
Menu. The help file contains the primary skeleton for future help
file development.
Some of the graphics are from earlier versions of the software and
are acting as placeholders. They will be replaced with more up to
date screenshots as the program gets closer to the Version 1.0
release.
- Trusted Location
Under Data Preferences is a Trusted Location section. When the button
is clicked it will set the current program location as a Trusted
Location. Once performed the Warning Message should disappear unless
the program is moved to a new location.
- New Static Table
The static table "stblAbout" was moved to the program front end. Each
new program version will be updated with the current program info.
- New Linked Table
There is a new linked table named "lkupDamage" that stores lookup
information on the Damage Assessment. The items here were originally
"hard coded" into the software. That has been changed to allow users
to add or delete various assessment descriptions.
- Coding Updates
Work continues 'under the hood' to clean and document the code.
Developers' Version
- Table Documentation Utility
Developers version now includes a utility to print out each table
and the fields they contained. It is a barebones version of each
table setup. Simple run the report "rptTablesAndFields" to see
this data.
This utility is only contained in the Developer's Version and
accessible from the Access Navigation Pane.
- Help Files
The Help File is a Microsoft Compiled HTMLHelp File, consisting of a
number of web (HTML) pages and graphics. All of the individual HTML
files are included in the Developers Version
Flight Log Updates
- MESS Reporting
When the MESS Report is activated, a number of options are now
available along with the Preview option.
- The Printer icon signifies that the MESS report can be printed
directly without previewing it first.
- The PDF icon allows you to export the MESS Report directly as an
Adobe Acrobat document. A file dialog box will appear allowing
you to select the location you wish to save the file. You can
change the name of the file as well.
- The Mail icon automatically exports the MESS Report as an Adobe
Acrobat file and attaches it to your default e-mail software. It
inputs the email address of motorcato.org. The Subject Line is
set to "MESS Report" and the body of the email indicates the date
the CATO occurred. The email is not sent, however, in case you
wish to make any corrections/additions/deletions.
- Individual Flight Report
Preview of the Individual Flight Report is now available. PDF and
Direct Printing are not yet available and the buttons are currently
disabled.
Fleet Records Updates
- Individual Rocket Report
Preview of the Individual Rocket Report is now available. PDF and
Direct Printing are not yet available and the buttons are currently
disabled
Users Updates
- Email address link is now active. Clicking on the link will activate
your default e-mail client.
Reports Updates
- Switchboard active
The Reports Switchboard is now active with a number of reports
available. They include:
- Flight Reports Tab
No reports available at this time.
- Fleet Reports Tab
- Complete Fleet Inventory
This report provides a detailed description of every rocket in
the fleet that has been entered.
- Fleet Statistics
This report provides basic statistics on the fleet.
- Fleet By Alpha
This is a complete listing of the fleet in alphabetical order.
- Fleet by Status
This is a complete listing of the fleet based on current flight
status.
- Fleet by Type
This is a complete listing of the fleet based on they type of
rocket.
- Fleet by Owner
This is a complete listing of the fleet based on who owns the
rocket.
- Fleet by Manufacturer
This is a complete listing of the fleet based on the manufacturer
of the model.
- User Reports Tab
- All Users, Complete
This is a complete listing of all of the users of the system.
- Users by HPR Cert Level
This lists the users based on the High Power Rocketry certification
level.
- Reports Available in Multiple Formats
Currently a number of reports are available in Adobe Acrobat format.
Look for the "PDF" button next to the Printer icon.
The grid icon indicates the report is generated on screen, without
formatting for a paper printout.
The notepad icon allows you to export the report in a number of
different formats, including:
+ Excel 97-2003 Workbork (xls)
+ Excel 5.0/95 Workbook (xls)
+ HTML (htm)
+ PDF (pdf)
+ Rich Text Format (rtf)
+ Plain Text (txt)
+ Snapshot format (snp)
+ XPS format (xps)
+ XML format (xml)
Some reports may export in different formats better than others.
Preferences Updates
- Data
There is now an option to set the installed path of the Flight
Log database as a Trusted Location. Once set the security warning
will no longer be visible.
- Manufacturer Information
You can now add the e-mail address for the manufacturer. Clicking
on the link will open up your e-mail client.
Web address link is now active. Clicking on the link will activate
your default browser and bring up that web site.
- Launch Site
Web address link is now active. Clicking on the link will activate
your default browser and bring up that web site.
- Engine Preferences
A new preference has been added to allow the user to add various
styles of engines
- Damage Assessment Preferences
A new preference has been added to allow the user to add various
types of damage assessment options to the database.
Help Update - New
The basic skeleton of a help file is now available. It will be expanded
in future releases.
About Update
Help now lists the name(s) of developers
Quit Update
No changes in this release
======================================================================
Version 0.5.5 - ALPHA Release
15 February 2019
This version of the database is being release while work continues on
several programming areas and user documentation. This release includes
a number of major updates.
Programmatic Updates
- Data tables separated from program
The data tables are not a separate file from the program. This will
allow the program to be updated without loss of stored data. Data
tables are now linked to the program.
- Majority of macros converted to VBA
Most of the form macros have been converted to Visual Basic for
Applications
- Basic error reporting implemented
All procedures now have basic error reporting implemented. Error
message includes error description and error number. Also includes
link to Tickets reporting system on SourceForge.
Flight Log Updates
- Flight Log populates new flight record based on fleet data
When the user enters the name of a rocket in a new flight log,
several items are pre-populated based on the rocket configuration.
This includes:
- Check box for first flight
- Check box for cluster configuration
- Number of stages
- Recovery system
These can be changed/adjusted to match actual flight configuration.
- Measurement units calculate new value when changed
When the user enters a value (such as a weight of 1 kilogram) and
then changes the measurement unit (for example to pounds) the
program now calculates the new value (in this case, 2.2 pounds).
This applies to weights, lengths, speed and temperature.
- Altitude tracking options & calculations
When an altitude tracking option is selected, the appropriate data
entry boxes are enabled. Once the entries are made, clicking on
the "Calc." button will calculate the altitude. For two station
tracking with elevation and azimuth readings, altitude is
calculated using both vertical mid-point and geodesic methods.
Closure percentage rate is also provided.
- Flight duration time is calculated
Up to two timers can enter duration information. Data entry options
is based on number of timers selected. When 'Calc." is clicked, time
is then averaged and displayed.
- Egg condition report is based on payload selection
If single or dual egg loft is selected in the Flight Configuration
tab, then the egg condition drop-down boxes in the Flight Review
tab become active. Otherwise they remain disabled.
- CATO option
In the motor configuration section, a check box has been added
to document if any of the motors suffer from a catastrophic
failure.
- MESS Reporting Form
When the CATO box described above is checked, a button labeled
"MESS Report" will appear in the bottom left corner of the Flight
Log. Clicking on the button will bring up additional information
to complete a MESS reporting form. The report can be previewed by
clicking on the "Preview" button.
- MESS Report
This can be accessed by clicking on the "Preview" button
described above. It pulls data from across the database to
complete the form. It is designed to match the MESS report
that is on the MESS web page. In its current form the report
can only be viewed and printed.
Fleet Records
- Measurement units calculate new value when changed
This is the same updated as noted above in Flight Logs update.
- Kit number added
A new data field of "Kit Number" was added to the Fleet Record.
Preferences Update
- Data preferences
A new form for data preferences has been added.
- Unit of Measure preferences
This allows the user to select the preferences for the unit of
measure in the Fleet and Flight forms. Each unit of measure
can be updated individually, or the user can select Metric or
Imperial defaults. Once the user has the defaults desired,
click on update to save those preferences. Updates do not
change any previously entered data, only new data being
entered.
- Linked table utility
This utility allows the user to locate the data files in the
location of their choice, including network locations. The
utility features a simple file dialog box that allows the user
to select the location of the data files. Data table links are
then updated.
Known issues
- When the software is operated on a Windows system that does not have
Access installed, a warning is displayed about trusted software. No
Trust certificate is available. A work-around is planned.
- Mess Reporting is not complete. Ability to export as a pdf and to
attach to an email is being planned.
- Data export is not yet available but is planned.
- Launch site and manufacturer web site hyperlinks not yet active.
- Program icon (blue notebook) does not populate across all forms and
reports.
- No Help File or User Manual is available. Development will begin in
Version 0.6.
- Limited reports are available. Report development will take place in
Version 0.7.
======================================================================
Version 0.5.0 - ALPHA Release
31 January 2019
This is the first release of the Flight Logs Access database software.
It should be considered ALPHA level software and not for use in a
production environment.
A Version 0.5 release indicates that all of the program forms now appear
consistent. The presentation of the data on the forms is generally
locked in unless subsequent challenges require a change. Data fields are
locked and no new data fields will be added to this major version
release unless required to allow the software to work properly.
With this release, work on Version 0.6 will commence. Additional
programmingcode will be created as needed for the software to function
properly.Data integrity checking processes are being started.
Updates
- None. Initial ALPHA Release
Known issues
- When the software is operated on a Windows system that does not have
Access installed, a warning is displayed about trusted software. No
Trust certificate is available.
- Certain hyperlinks to web pages may not be directly accessible from
within the program.
- Units of measurement (grams, ounces, meters, feet, etc) only show the
unit of measurement, but no calculation is done to convert from one
unit to another.
- No calculations are performed on duration or altitude inputs.
- All data fields remain visible and active regards of selections made
by user. For example, if the number of timers is 1, both timer inputs
remain active. This also applies to discrepancies on rocket
configurations between Fleet Records and Flight Logs.
- No Help File or User Manual is available. Development will begin in
Version 0.6.
- Limited reports are available. Report development will take place in
Version 0.7.
Any additional information not available at the time this ReadMe file was
created can be found at the Project Development web site.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/flight-cards/