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dcm (58 posts)
Dec-10-01, 06:49 PM (EST) "TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" TsTools beta 2 is now available.We are very excited about this release, we have seen some excellent terraforming results from both contour and DEM generated data.You can download beta 2 from http://www.geocities.com/euro_nl2000/tstb2.zip - as before you will need to type in the link or right click and select save target as (left clicking on it directly will not work).If you have already ordered the full version you can get a registration key from us as soon as you have installed the new release and start terraforming straight away. see below for details.If you have not yet ordered the full version, you can order it right now from https://secure.reg.net/product.asp?ID=10294 for just US$29.95 - this price is guaranteed up until 31 december.
Beta 2 is now able to save the generated tile data when the installation is registered. To Register your copy see the address above. Once you have registered, email dcm@gmx.co.uk and send the install number which you can retrieve by clcking the register button from the TsTools startup splash screen. As soon as we receive your email and confirm your payment we will send the Registration key.Apart from a few cosmetic problems, the major difference between beta 2 and the final release 1 version (due in January) is the range of DEM data files which can be imported. The only format which has been fully tested is binary elevation data in a row major lat/lon format. We have also added at the last minute ASCII XYZ and ASCII GRD support, but these are not optimised and not yet tested. the GRD input seems to work fine, but the XYZ can take a very long time to import. Please feel free to test these out, but we cannot take any responsibility for any problems caused. These formats conform to the files described at (and the sample data available from) www.auslig.gov.au .We are working at the moment on the conversion routines for SDTS DEM quadrants as available from the USGS. If there are other data formats you would like to see, please email us with details.At the moment, apart from the terraforming processes, the only tile properties that you can amend within TsTools are the water levels and water draw flags.
Please read the documentation fully, there is a lot of important information about file locations and backups, as well as full descriptions of the functionality. TsTools is a very complex program and is is a good idea to be familiar with its workings before using it on your life's work. We have never had any problems with corrupted files or anything being ruined, but we cannot take responsibility for any problems which do arise.Above all, please enjoy this program - we have put many many hours of work into researching and building it - and we are continuing to improve it daily. We hope that you will enjoy it and that you will support us by registering your copy.Many ThanksDave Charles
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Table of Contents

Subject Author Message Date ID RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dansherman Dec-11-01 1 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 2 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dansherman Dec-11-01 3 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 7 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Dec-11-01 4 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... CSXALine Dec-11-01 5 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 8 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 6 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Dec-11-01 9 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 10 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Dec-11-01 11 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 12 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... cyberstorm Jan-12-02 27 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-13-02 31 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Dec-11-01 13 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... ATSF Jan-07-02 14 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-07-02 15 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-08-02 16 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... ATSF Jan-08-02 17 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... ATSF Jan-08-02 18 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... jschlen Jan-11-02 19 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Jan-11-02 20 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... Motley24Crue2 Jan-11-02 21 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Jan-11-02 22 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-11-02 23 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... jschlen Jan-11-02 24 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... LawrenceKellie Jan-11-02 25 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-13-02 29 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... libredr Jan-12-02 26 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... libredr Jan-13-02 28 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-13-02 32 RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - ... dcm Jan-13-02 30

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dansherman (29 posts)
Dec-11-01, 11:06 AM (EST) 1. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Dave,
Forgive me if I'm barking up the wrong tree here, but are you asking me (us) to pay you ~$30 to beta test your software? Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 11:38 AM (EST) 2. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" >Dave,
>Forgive me if I'm barking up
>the wrong tree here, but
>are you asking me (us)
>to pay you ~$30 to
>beta test your software? Well, I can see how it can look like that - but the $30 is for the full version which will be available next month. We have a team of beta testers and these betas are being tested fully and bugs being ironed out. What I can't do, however, is release a fully functional beta to anyone who hasn't already ordered the full version simply because the functionality in this beta is almost the complete functionality of the final release - and if you had it fully working for nothing there is absolutely no incentive to buy the final version just to iron out a few possible bugs and cosmetic issues. I have built many routes with the aid of this beta, so we have to put the restriction in somewhere. Even without registering, you can still easily place markers and update certain parts of the tile data - the restriction is only on writing new elevation points to the tile.The reason I'm asking for feedback on the beta release is so we can make sure that it works exactly as everyone wants it too. If you register your copy you can fully try it out for your own ways of working and have a complete say in what you would lke to see different in the final release which you have already bought and which you then can be assured will be supported and we make work the way you want it to.I hope thats understandable.Cheers,Dave C
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dansherman (29 posts)
Dec-11-01, 12:39 PM (EST) 3. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Yep, there I go, barking up the wrong tree again. Guess I'm gonna have to move out of the forest. My apologies if I offended. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 04:25 PM (EST) 7. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" not at all offended - thanks for pointing out that i hadn't made things clear.CheersDave C Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Dec-11-01, 01:47 PM (EST) 4. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" In light of all the previous discussions over the past several days, this certainly looks more and more inviting.When you get it to importing STDS, I would be *extremely* interested and happy to purchase it.I will, however, download the beta to snoop around. Thanks for your great work.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
CSXALine (410 posts)
Dec-11-01, 02:25 PM (EST) 5. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I pre ordered but havent sent the check yet, i am s worried about how the program zooms in on the mapJason Webb
The Seaboard Coast Line/CSX A Line from Tampa Florida to Jacksonville, FL
http://sclcsxaline.cjb.net/
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dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 04:28 PM (EST) 8. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Share your concerns with me and we'll see if we can sort it out. Feel free to critiscise or suggest improvements - if we are going to sell this product, we want it to be what people want from it.Cheers,Dave C Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 04:23 PM (EST) 6. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" thanks for the interest - one or two little buggettes still to be ironed out, but we're getting there.Dave C. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Dec-11-01, 05:19 PM (EST) 9. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Have you ever put up insulation and gotten glass fiber slivers throughout your body? You know how they don't really do any damage (figuratively and generally speaking), but they are an irritance?Well one of those little irritances to me is when the only way to get to the help file or a user guide is that you have to install the entire program. I know installation routines can be done otherwise, because I have seen and used them.Many times I can learn more from reading the help file or the user guide, especially for an initial evaluation, than I can by jumping right in.So, suggestion. Can you make the user guide avaiable in the "zip" file, outside of the setup process? Or can you make the user guide available *also* by itself?Thanks.By the way, I *am* impressed with the software. If it performs as outlined in the user guide or as *imagined* after reading the user guide, it is quite a powerful possibility.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 06:04 PM (EST) 10. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" very good point, Lawrence. I shall make it so.Dave C. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Dec-11-01, 06:21 PM (EST) 11. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Thanks.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 06:31 PM (EST) 12. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" yr welcome.I have now uploaded the user guide for TsTools beta 2 to the following location. http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/User_files/3c1696a40efece0b.zip Eventually the guide will have screenshots etc in it - but its just too damn big to cart around like that at the moment. For screenshots, see the website: http://dcm.oceansfree.com/ .Dave C.
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cyberstorm (136 posts)
Jan-12-02, 01:02 PM (EST) 27. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Would look at your home page but got p****d off after the sixth pop-up window opened for casinos, money making etc, and even more attempted to open when I clicked the remove button. If you are wanting to sell this utility, and it looks a great one to me, get rid of the other junk, Im sure other people turn off a website after seeing this stuff too.Terry Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Jan-13-02, 11:46 AM (EST) 31. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Yes, I agree with you. The problem has been getting the resources together to invest in an advertising free website. The popups are not there to make us money, but simply the result of using a free hosting service.The good news is that we have now found a host where there will be no popups or banners and we are moving all of our files over this weekend. I'll include details in a new post later today.Cheers,Dave C. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Dec-11-01, 08:19 PM (EST) 13. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I've just spotted a little bug in beta 2. If you have saved a map and then reload the route, the program is looking in the wrong place for the saved map and won't pick it up. The map has incorrectly been saved to the directory from which you started TsTools, and TsTools is incorrectly looking in the routename/TILES directory under the TsTools program directory for it.I'll upload a fix for this soon. For the meantime you will need to copy the routename.tse file back to the TsTools/routename/TILES directory each time you want to load it again.Apologies for this - fix is on its way.CheersDC Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
ATSF (106 posts)
Jan-07-02, 03:47 PM (EST) 14. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I purchased and downloaded the beta2 (tstb2). Win Zip will not open the compressed folder - says its a non valid archive try downloading again. I did several times to no avail - same message. Tried to contact support at dcm@gmx.co.uk but mail is returned as this site will not accept mail from foreign.msn users.Any idea as to what the problem is. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Jan-07-02, 05:12 PM (EST) 15. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Hi,Sorry to hear about all of those problems. I haven't heard any reports of anyone having problems with the zip file - and I'll look into the block on email from msn - in the meantime, if you don't mind posting your email address here, I'll send you a copy of the latest version directly.Regards,Dave Charles
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dcm (58 posts)
Jan-08-02, 06:45 AM (EST) 16. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I've cut back on some of the anti-spam filtering on the email address, if you'd like to try to contact me again (davec@gmx.co.uk) we can try and sort this out outside of this forum.Regards,Dave Charles
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ATSF (106 posts)
Jan-08-02, 07:55 AM (EST) 17. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Ok my email address is RobertWirth@msn.com - I will send you an email. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
ATSF (106 posts)
Jan-08-02, 08:00 AM (EST) 18. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" The email got through as I received an auto answer back from your site. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
jschlen (3 posts)
Jan-11-02, 03:30 PM (EST) 19. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" HELP Needed with tstools.
I have the TStools beta2 and it seems to have great potential.
The global DEM data does work very well, BUT, as has been reported has WAY to large a resolution for our purposes. Dave C has said that "while un-optimzed the ascii grd with header does work."
I have searched and searched but can't figure out how to creat an ascii grd file. I do have Microdem and FME. Starting with an STDS.DEM.TAR.GZ file or a DTED file or ANY file for that matter, How do I creat an aschii grd file with header?
Note to Dave C.: I have tried using the ascii xyz method but all it does is give me a message that it is reading the file. I do see the lines incrimenting but it just goes on forever until I 3 finger salute the machine and get a program not responding message.
Thanks in advance to all for any help on this. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Jan-11-02, 04:06 PM (EST) 20. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" When you state that you have used the ascii xyz method, are you meaning exporting via MicroDem a DTED file to ASCII XYZ UTM coordinates (or lat./long.)?If so, and if you are seeing the numbers incrementing, then MicroDem is working. I can't remember exactly, but I do recall that some types of files (i.e., DTED) take a very long time to process. Just let it process. Like I said, if you can see the numbers in the progress indicator incrementing, then it is working.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
Motley24Crue2 (294 posts)
Jan-11-02, 05:45 PM (EST) 21. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" hey Lawrence i could be wrong with this but Wouldn't the Speed of a users computer hamper the time of Processing a file, i.e. if someone had a Pentium III 400mhz it would take them longer then someone who has a Pentium 4 1.2ghz Machineand i think Ram it self would play a roll in that
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LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Jan-11-02, 06:03 PM (EST) 22. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Of course it would. However, if you make an XYZ file from a 7.5' 30m DEM and then on the *same* computer create an XYZ file from a DTED (if this is the correct combination), the DTED will take lots longer.To make it even simpler, A 30m DEM will be 9 times faster in creating an XYZ file than a 10m DEM--and this is on the very same computer.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Jan-11-02, 06:48 PM (EST) 23. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Hi guys,a little confusion going on here i think between TsTools and MicroDem.The GRD and XYZ formats used in TsTools were specifically added for a user in Australia to a specification of data provided by an (the?) Australian Mapping service. I do not have the exact reference to hand at the moment but i'll post it tomorrow (European time). This does not necessarily conform to any format output by microdem.As stated in the release notes for beta 2, the XYZ import routine in TsTools is currently way way too slow - it does work - but it can take hours. We are optimising this, but SDTS has taken priority.The good news is that version 1.0 is almost ready for release and all of the routines for importing SDTS data and incorporating and merging with contour data and other file formats are now in place - things are looking good. We hope to release version 1.0 in about a week, and I shall be uploading the help file/user guide in the next day or so, so that you can get a feel for the new release. It really has come a long way from beta 2 in the last few weeks with a complete revamp of the terraforming routines and updates to a number of cosmetic features such as the selecting of tiles etc.I'd like to thank Lawrence Kellie again for much input into the latest build through his thorough bashing of the beta.Watch this space.Thanks and regards,Dave Charles Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
jschlen (3 posts)
Jan-11-02, 07:49 PM (EST) 24. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Thanks all for the quick response.
I was not clear enough. It was TStools reading an XYZ file that was incrementing. The XYZ had been generated from Microdem with an STDS file.
As for the progress report on TStools release one Dave, all I can say is that I wait with baited breath, as SDTS seems to be the best method for resolution (detail)at least with U.S. topography.
I am still curious as to what translator will create an ascii GRD file. If it is in Microdem or FME I have yet to figure out which output type to set .
BTW I am working on the SP Cascade route thru N. California.
Just to add a note to you modellers out there. Two words: Cab Forwards. PULLLLLEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEEE. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
LawrenceKellie (1057 posts)
Jan-11-02, 07:53 PM (EST) 25. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I was beginning to wonder, Dave, what had happened. I was going to wait another week or so and then write--letting the time of holidays get clearly behind us.You are very welcome. Thank YOU for letting me assist.Lawrence Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
dcm (58 posts)
Jan-13-02, 11:41 AM (EST) 29. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Hi Lawrence,I'm still here. I was wondering whether you were away actually - i sent you some replies around the middle of december, but haven't seen anything back. Let me know if you didn't get them.CheersDave Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
libredr (46 posts)
Jan-12-02, 07:47 AM (EST) 26. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" Hi !I have downloaded tstools beta and I have some problems. I have tried to terraform 2 tiles of a region in the Alpes in Europe, using a XYZ file generated with microdem, with a DTED-0 file. After having read the XYZ file corrctly, tstools seems to hang when "Setting Parameters Value". I have an Athlon 1.4G and 512Mo RAM. After one hour, the window is still here. Is that normal ? Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
libredr (46 posts)
Jan-13-02, 10:01 AM (EST) 28. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" LAST EDITED ON Jan-13-02 AT 10:14 AM (EST)LAST EDITED ON Jan-13-02 AT 10:13 AM (EST)I have also 3 remarks :1- The software was not really hanging (see my previous post), I could quit the program, even if there was still this window "Setting Parameters Value". So it is impossible to test your program. If I pay for it, will it correctly update the tiles on my system ?
One possibility would be to propose a limitation on the number of tiles : for example only one tile at once would be created. Another idea would be to offer a working tool, but only for one region of the earth. For example, you could limit its fonctionality to a region with mountains or rivers in the USA, and give the corresponding DEM or xyz file with your beta software (DEMS and DETD-0). Isn't it a good idea ?2- It would be nice to have a tool giving the number of lines in a xyz file, to have an idea of the time that reading it will take. A progress bar could be useful as well.3- Please change your ISP. To download Tstools, I had six pop-ups which made my computer crash... I would be a customer I would never return to that site...Here are some suggestions... Are there some discount for people giving some good ideas ;) ?? Anyway, this seems very promising, but we need to test if it really works.
A last thing : I am living in UK. I have seen your email address was based in UK. Is there any possibility to pay in pound instead of dollars ?
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dcm (58 posts)
Jan-13-02, 11:52 AM (EST) 32. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" >1- The software was not really
>hanging (see my previous post),
>I could quit the program,
>even if there was still
>this window "Setting Parameters Value".
>So it is impossible to
>test your program. If I
>pay for it, will it
>correctly update the tiles on
>my system ? see my reply above on this one. for now, the xyz import is not a good option.>One possibility would be to propose
>a limitation on the number
>of tiles : for example
>only one tile at once
>would be created. Another idea
>would be to offer a
>working tool, but only for
>one region of the earth.
>For example, you could limit
>its fonctionality to a region
>with mountains or rivers in
>the USA, and give the
>corresponding DEM or xyz file
>with your beta software (DEMS
>and DETD-0). Isn't it a
>good idea ?
>this is a good idea and we'll give it some serious thought.>2- It would be nice to
>have a tool giving the
>number of lines in a
>xyz file, to have an
>idea of the time that
>reading it will take. A
>progress bar could be useful
>as well.
>again - see my other recent posting above - we haven't put a lot of work into the xyz format since sdts has taken a priority. we'll develop it further if there is still a need for it after we release the sdts import.
>3- Please change your ISP. To
>download Tstools, I had six
>pop-ups which made my computer
>crash... I would be a
>customer I would never return
>to that site...
>also sorted - see another of my recent replies above. we'll release details of the new website later today.>Here are some suggestions... Are there
>some discount for people giving
>some good ideas ;) ??
>Anyway, this seems very promising,
>but we need to test
>if it really works.
>A last thing : I am
>living in UK. I have
>seen your email address was
>based in UK. Is there
>any possibility to pay in
>pound instead of dollars ?
>contact me privately at davec@gmx.co.uk and we can discuss other payment options.RegardsDave C
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dcm (58 posts)
Jan-13-02, 11:44 AM (EST) 30. "RE: TsTools Beta 2 Now Available - Fully functional for registered users" I can't confirm whether the microdem xyz format is the same as that which the TsTools xyz import was defined for. As I mentioned in the first post in this thread the xyz format is that as defined at auslig.gov.au ... BUT ... as mentioned a couple of mails back, the xyz import is very very slow and i would not recommend using it at the moment. I hadn't actually realised that there was an xyz output from microdem - if anyone can point me at the definition for the microdem xyz output, i will get it incorporated and sorted out. Having said all that, the SDTS import routines are now done and this may negate the need for xyz import altogether. These will be included in the version 1 release in a couple of weeks time - i'll be posting a new thread on this later.CheersDave C. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

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