Newsgroups: alt.drumcorps
Subject: Re: Drill Writing Programs???
From: cputnam@vax1.umkc.edu
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1992 07:52:30 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri - Kansas City

In article <1992Nov11.204816.27017@watson.ibm.com>, owens@cyclops.cambridge.ibm.com () writes:
> In article <1992Nov10.195233.1@vax1.umkc.edu>, cputnam@vax1.umkc.edu writes:

> I've played a little with Pyware's program for the PC.  (I think they 
> just ported thier original program for apples to the Mac to PCs)  A 
> friend has used it extensively and loves it.  It seems very 
> couter-intuitive about some things to me though.
> 
> I've heard the Cavies use it...  Anyone know for sure?  (Any ex-Cavies
> get computer generated drill charts last year?)

I have a Pyware drill program for the Apple.  I believe it is version 11.0. 
The program is OK, but it could be improved upon greatly, I think.  So, I would
still like to hear of any other programs out there for the IBM.  BTW, how much
does this cost, for the IBM?  And what about the other disks you mention below
(the ones to integrate music and stuff)?
 
> Nice things:  
> 
>  *  allows you to preview an animation of sets or a whole show

This is the most important feature of a program, IMO.  This is what really
gives the edge to a program instead of by hand.  You can actually SEE the drill
in motion.

>  *  will print out per-performer lists of field coordinates
>  *  will draw perfect circles, curves, etc quicker than with pencil & paper
>  *  will fit performers perfectly to a circle or curve very quickly
>  *  can easily produce sub-sets between two written sets
>  *  members can be represented by letters indicating instrument, etc
>  *  pretty helpful customer support (according to my friend)
>  *  you can get 2 other programs to maintain your music and membership lists
>       that are integrated (according to the advertisements... I haven't
>       seen them)
> 
> 
> Not-so-nice things:
> 
>  *  it crashes pretty frequently :)

Do you know if they are trying to fix this problem (with another version)?

>  *  as you use it little bits of stray crap and phantom members
>       accumulate on the screen (doesn't give you a warm-and-fuzzy
>       about the quality of the programming :) )

This doesn't mean Phantom Regiment members (just in case).

>  *  doesn't think of the show in terms of "sets"... only counts 
>       Once you draw a set it's up to you to remember that it's on count
>       196 of the show if you want to go back to it or print it etc.  My
>       friend who uses it has lots of little pieces of paper sitting near
>       his computer that have lists like... "16,32,64,72,88,120...".
>       "Ok kids, take it from set 357!" sounds pretty funny too.

YEah, when I was working with my Pyware program, I had a little notebook with
all of my numbers and stuff jotted down.  Gets confusing after a bit, trying to
remember what number means what.  Especially if you have two shows going on.

>  *  the animation is cruder than it needs to be

The BIGGEST problem with my program.  Animation on it SUCKS!!!!  That's why I
was hoping to find an IBM program.  One that might take advantage of VGA and
Super-VGA monitors.

>  *  there are some very awkward and couter-intuitive steps you must go
>       through when drawing sets/adding members/finishing sets (I can't
>       describe it... you'd have to see it)
>  *  it doesn't remember you're prefered settings of options... making you
>       have to reset maybe dozens of setting every time you create, edit,
>       or print a set or show
>  *  it uses it's own screen management style which takes some getting used
>       to (if it aint better than the standard... please don't change it :) )
>  *  the print-outs can be hard to read (numbers obscuring each other)
>  *  the print-outs are not entirely accurate... if you tell it to print a 
>       dot for every 8-to-5 pace... they are not equally spaced. 
> 
> 
> All-in-all you'd have to try it yourself.  My own drill writing program
> will be much better when completed :)

Well, hurry up and finish it!  I need a copy!!

BTW, do you know if this IBM version has a winterguard setting?  With
basketball markings?  I'd really like to find one that does.  Maybe even with
just the half-court line and 10 to 15 step size.

Know of any other programs out there?

Chris
'93 Star?????
Baritones
'Cause they don't let trombones into DCI (yet)!  :(