SPAM ALERT!!!!

(reported to mods)

The way I did it was to use a group to keep it all tidy (but it will always be enabled).

Then I used a variable "Flasher" to determine which global state the flash was in.

Set at 1 originally, every 0.25 seconds it will be multiplied by -1, meaning that it will toggle between 1 and -1.

Then I used private variables to determine whether a sprite was in a flashing state (-1), a stable state (1), or an invisible state (0).

So it all looked like this:

GROUP [ FLASHING]

Every 0.25

--Flasher=Flasher*-1

Flasher=1:

--Sprite1.state=0

Hide Sprite1

--Sprite1.state=1

Show Sprite1

--Sprite1.state=-1

Show Sprite1

Flasher=-1:

--Sprite1.state=0

Hide Sprite1

--Sprite1.state=1

Show Sprite1

--Sprite1.state=-1

Hide Sprite1

All of the conditions are indented under the every 0.25 seconds condition, so they are not constantly showing and hiding, which would be too processor heavy.

As you can see, setting both state actions for a sprite to hide means that you never see it, setting them both to show means that it's just visible, and setting one to show and the other to hide will cause it to flash.

Perfect for keeping everything in sync.

Krush.

Hi guys.

As I said earlier, I was using 0.001 for both parameters to end the flash and then hide or show it, but it wasn't working 100%.

I'm pretty sure, if my memory serves correct, that MMF2 would override the flash command when using show or hide, and I guess I expected the same logic to apply with Construct.

It looks like the problem I was having, which was flagged up by your posts, was that by using a value greater than zero for the parameters meant that the following command to show or hide it didn't work because the flash hadn't actually finished it's duration.

Using zero meant that it effectively switched it off and the following command would work as expected.

I've spent some time today writing custom flash routines, and all works well, but it's sod's law that I find out flash would work with zero parameters AFTER I'd rewritten it.

Never mind.

Some parts of my game require the flashing to be in sync with other objects, and with my custom flashing, all sprites stay in sync regardless of when they are switched on or off.

But it's good to know that I can use flash for other parts of the game that don't need to be synced.

I still think that using show or hide should override the flash properties, instead of ignoring it if the flash duration hasn't expired.

It's no biggy if we have to use 2 commands instead of 1, but it just seems logical.

Thanks again guys.

Krush.

Hi guys.

I've just run into this problem with flashing sprites.

I have certain sprites that are constantly flashing slowly (set up by a single flash command), but sometimes I need to hide the sprites, sometimes show them without flashing, and sometimes flashing again.

For some reason, after you have made a sprite flash, you cannot hide it afterwards, whether the flash is still going or not.

Also, you cannot stop it flashing and show it normally once you've started it.

I imagined that using the "visible" command would override the flashing and show the sprite, but no.

I can fix this part of the bug by using the flash command with 0.001 values for both parameters, but that's not the point.

I can set up my own flashing timer easily enough, so I don't have to rely on the flash command, but I thought I'd flag this bug up for others to try.

Given the rarity of new builds these days, I'm going to have to create my own timing on flashing so that it doesn't hold up this project for weeks (or months) waiting for the bug to be squashed.

Would appreciate it if others could confirm that it's a bug so that it may be squashed in future builds.

Cheers,

Krush.

....so I am not asking for the next update....

I'd like to know if there's a new build on the way.

It's been a while, and it would be nice to know that the project was still ongoing.

Krush.

Yeah, I'm not convinced either.

It just seems too good to be true.

We'll see.

Krush.

This forum is becoming a bit odd!

Thanks for the input guys.

I finally decided to go with the iPod Touch 32gb.

<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c6/IPod_Touch_Late_2009.png">

It does everything I want from a media player, and more, so I'm very happy with it.

I was right about the "invasionware" that might have to be installed with it, but anyone who's ever installed Quicktime will know how much Apple are desperate for your money, and want to know about everything you do with their software/hardware.

iTunes installed after 3 attempts (poor programming from Apple, take a look at the amount of complaints about installing iTunes), and I now have it working fine, although I never let it or any of it's sister programs connect to the Internet.

I even have some processes killed with my firewall the instant they try to start, like the infamous "Bonjour" for instance.

In fact, none of the Apple processes or services that start on Windows boot-up are required when you're not connecting your iPod to the computer, and any that are required when you do connect it will start then.

It just proves how much "bloatware" there is in the package, and it's the reason Apple haven't had my custom for an iMac, iPad, etc, over the years.

I like to be in control of what my computer is doing, and what connects to the Internet.

I guess there is a big market out there for people who want it all done for them, regardless of how much information they're giving away.

Anyway, iPod and Sound System are both doing well, hehe.

I also wanted to get a new sound system with an iPod dock, so I could play the music off my iPod through it, as well as having it charge through it.

I got this one from Asda for just under �130, it's a Sony, and it's got an unbelievable sound.

<img src="http://asda.scene7.com/is/image/Asda/592016?hei=400&wid=370&resmode=sharp&op_usm=1.1,0.5,0,0">

Now I've just got to sort hundreds of albums out, making sure that everything has correct tags and album covers, etc.

I'm using the freeware program MP3tag for this, which allows you to download correct track names and album covers etc, so there really is very little need for iTunes, other than for actually moving them to the iPod.

Thanks again for the info guys.

Cheers,

Krush.

Also, sorry Krush, but common sense says this should have been in open topic.

I agree Newt.

I was just trying to get as big an audience for the thread as possible, and a bit of leeway could have been given for a day or two at least.

Sometimes, even on-topic posts don't get a response for many days, so I feared that my thread wouldn't even get seen in another section of the site.

And I also agree about Apple.

The iPod is the ONLY thing I want of theirs (you can keep your Mac, MacBook, Ipad, etc), but if my fears are founded where adding MP3s to it are concerned, then I won't be buying one anyway.

Krush.

Sheesh.

How come common sense doesn't figure in anything these days?

This thread could have been moved in a couple of days, or even destroyed if need be.

In a forum where the Devs rarely turn up these days, and the traffic here seems a fraction of what it was, does it really matter?

There are forums that I've been a member of for years that I wouldn't have posted this type of request on, simply because they're too anal in their approach to rules, and I only posted here because it's always been a relaxed atmosphere for most things.

I won't make that mistake again.

I know you're a new mod, and maybe feel you have something to prove, but really.

Krush.

Mods, please leave this here in the short-term, as I'd like to get as many answers to my questions in the short term.

I have a very good touch-phone, so I don't need (or want) an iPhone.

I also have a pretty decent MP3 player, but I'm looking at buying an iPod and a really good docking station to go with it.

I've done a fair amount of research on which docking station I want, so that's ok, but I have some questions about the iPod itself.

My MP3 collection is made up of mostly MP3s ripped from my own CD collection, with a few sourced from other places (ahem).

What I want to know is, how easy is it to put MP3s onto the iPod.

I know Apple are control freaks, and like to have almost total control over you , so I'm wondering whether I have to install any "invasionware" to get my MP3s onto an iPod, and are there any problems with MP3s that have no digital rights (I stripped that off my MP3s when I ripped my CDs).

Am I right to be cautious?

I don't want to spend a few hundred pound only to find I have to rip all my CDs again.

I wouldn't be responsible for my actions.

Also, how decent are the features on the iPod?

Any info from anyone that has one, or links to relevant info that I've somehow missed would be much appreciated.

Again, if the Mods could please leave this here for a day or two so I can get some feedback.

Thanks guys,

Krush.

This sounds familiar, but I haven't come across it much, thankfully.

I'm wondering how much Construct is being developed currently.

David has only posted about 28 times this year, and Rich has only posted twice!

Ashley still seems to be around, but I don't know what sort of priority Construct has with the Devs at the moment.

There's always a chance of this happening with indie programming.

I just hope that Construct hasn't "served it's purpose", and that they decide they no longer have time for developing it.

On the other hand it could just be the nice weather.

I hope they do sort this problem out if and when they get back to it.

I just hope it doesn't start happening to me in the meantime.

Krush.