Sunday, June 29, 2014

DartMan v2.2.0.6 released!

DartMan has been updated with the following changes:

Updates


  • DartMan now checks for any existing DartMan UPnP port mappings (on any IP Address) that match the ports configured for use in DartMan, and if they exist, it deletes them so it can use them for itself. This covers scenarios where your PC IP address changes for any reason.
  • Added a notification sound which is played when a player comes online.

Bug Fixes


  • Fixed a bug which caused longer games (with more data) to not save to the database in certain scenarios. DartMan will not allow an exit until database saving is complete.
DartMan will update automatically when it is restarted.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DartMan v2.2.0.5 released!

DartMan version 2.2.0.5 has been released! This update contains the following changes:

Updates

  • Games are now tagged as WebCam games when a webcam has been used

Bug Fixes



  • Fixed a bug which showed the local player's username instead of the remote player in the game requests received list.
  • Fixed a bug that caused a timeout on the connection between 2 players if a game request was not responded to in a timely fashion
  • Fixed a bug from version 2.2.0.4 that meant after sending a request to a player, and either playing the game or cancelling the request, you couldn't send a game request to the same player unless you highlighted another player first. So if there was only one other player online, you needed to restart DartMan to play another game against this player.
  • Fixed a bug which caused longer games (with more data) to not save to the database in certain scenarios.
DartMan will auto update the next time it is started. Please provide feedback/suggestions in the comments below, or via the Contact page on the website.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

DartMan 2.2.0.3 released

DartMan 2.2.0.3 has been released. This version includes the following changes:

  • Improved the automatic network configuration, which should mean most people can get online without any manual configuration.
    • If DartMan does not go online automatically, you may need to enable UPnP on your router. See here for further help on this topic
  • Fixed some unhandled exceptions which were causing crashes
DartMan will automatically update when it is started next. Please report any bugs/feedback/suggestions in the comments, or via the Contact page on the website.

Monday, June 16, 2014

DartMan v2.2.0.0 Released - Online and UI Revamp!

DartMan has been updated, with a user interface overhaul, and a complete redo of the online elements. The User Interface has been reorganised into tabs, for easier navigation, and to allow expansion and addition of other games to be scored at later dates. Here is a breakdown of the tabs, and the elements within them:

  • Game Setup tab

    • Local x01 tab

      • Set up a game of x01 against human or computer opposition

    • Online tab

      • View who's online
      • View/Accept/Reject online game requests received
      • View/Cancel online game requests sent
      • Send a new online game request
      • Chat with other players in the lobby
      • View server messages about new games starting, or existing games finishing

  • Options tab

    • Connect Tab

      • Login to DartMan for online functionality and saving of scores/statistics

    • Sounds Tab

      • Configure sound settings

    • Game Options tab

      • Configure game options such as Shortcut Keys and Computer Throw delay

    • Network and Video tab

      • Configure Network Connectivity ports
        • Communication Port
        • Video Port
      • Configure and Test Camera for online play

  • x01 Game

    • This tab displays the current game of x01, whether online or offline.

  • Remote Player

    • This tab is only visible during an online game which has WebCam required checked. This tab will be selected when it is the other player's turn, so you can see their throw.


The game screen will be familiar to existing users, and so will most elements. The main difference is relating to the online elements, and configuring your PC to be able to use the online functionality. The most important thing in this regard is configuring online ports.


Setting Up Online Play

In order to play online, DartMan needs to be able to communicate with it's server, and also with other players who are connected. In order to do this, network ports need to be opened on your PC. There are a couple of steps you need to make after starting DartMan to ensure it will work online:
  • When you start DartMan, if you are prompted to allow or block the program's access to the internet or with a Firewall alert, click Allow.
    • Restart DartMan if you were prompted with the above message.
  • Go to the Options tab
  • Click Network and Video
    • Select an IP Address from the list (usually it should begin with "192.")
    • Click Auto Configure Ports
If you get a notification "UPnP configuration is applied. Please test connectivity to verify.":
Restart DartMan. Once restarted you should receive a notification that you are connected to the DartMan server, and then you are online.

If you get a notification "UPnP is not enabled for configuration on your PC and/or Router. Please enable UPnP and try again.":
You need to enable UPnP on your router and/or computer. In this case, check your router manual to enable UPnP (or search google for instructions specific to your router).
For instructions on enabling UPnP on your computer, click here.

Once you configure/enable UPnP, restart DartMan and then try to Auto Configure the ports again. If this still doesn't work, visit http://portforward.com for instructions on manually forwarding the DartMan ports to your PC. If you cannot get this to work, you can use the Contact Us page on our website and we will assist you getting going.

Once you are connected to the DartMan server, the next thing you should configure is your webcam:
  • Go to the Options tab
  • Click Network and Video
    • Select a webcam from the list, and click Test Camera
    • Adjust your webcam to a position you are happy with, and then click Stop Camera
    • Don't forget to click Apply Changes in the bottom right to save your camera selection!
That should be it! Go into Game Setup and click Online and say hello to anyone who's online, send them a game request and get playing!

Note: Check the WebCam check box if you want this game to be a webcam game, otherwise no web cam will be required to play.

When you are in an online game, there is chat available between you and your opposing player. If the chat isn't visible, it is because you have a low screen resolution. You can still view the chat window by clicking the View menu, then choosing Show Chat.

DartMan will automatically update when you start it next.

Please provide any feedback, bug reports, suggestions in the comments, or via the Contact Us page on our website.