Topics

1

General Software Discussion / In Python 2.7. how do I Read in Specific Text From a File and Assign to Variable

« on: June 02, 2022, 10:44 PM »

Hello,

How do I read in text as string instead of an integer?

Code: Python [Select]

1. start = content.find("SimVars.0")
2. latstart = content.find("Latitude=")
3. latend = content.find("Latitude=",latstart+1)
4. longstart = content.find("Longitude=",start)
5. longend = content.find(",",longstart)

These lines are supposed to read in data as text, but all the values I get are these numbers (respectively)...

5628
5639
-1
5664
8795

The raw data from text file...

[SimVars.0]
Latitude=N21° 20' 47.36"
Longitude=W157° 27' 23.20"

What is wrong? 

Thanks.
Calvin

2

General Software Discussion / IS THERE AN ADJUSTABLE "DARK SCREEN" FOR WINDOWS?

« on: November 27, 2019, 04:55 AM »

Hello,

I do not know if this is the best place to post, but I have to start somewhere. @Mods - please move it to a better home if necessary.

Like the subject says, I am looking for a utility that I can attach on top of or lay on top of Windows 10 "windows."

I normally run a dark themed computer environment both on the screen and in my room due to a strong light sensitivity. I have about 85% of my computer visuals darkened, but the last 15% has been stubborn. As a result I am seeking a filter which will darken those blinding assaults which melt my eyes. LOL

I have some apps which require a natural color environment, so using the native Magnifier to globally reverse screen color values is not an option. I have tried.

Thoughts, ideas, links?

Thanks.   

3

Post New Requests Here / (ON HOLD) Idea: "FAIPS" - Find All In Page Search

« on: October 12, 2019, 12:28 PM »

Hi,

First off, I'm not even sure this utility request would be qualified as a "Coding Snack," but hey, what do I know? So, here's hoping!

There are numerous "Find In Page Search" (FIPS) utilities available. My need is for a FIPS which will find all character strings, but instead of searching for a single string the "Find All In Page Search" (FAIPS) would need to find all items from a list on the page. Here are some specifics...

• The purpose is for research. Essentially, the researcher would populate an "Always On Top," floating and resize-able "word list" box to take to candidate websites and execute the search which would locate any/all hits.
• A "No Hits On Page" pop-up message box if no words from the list are found.
• The word list would need to have at least 100 user-entered words to search, but for the prototype we can use 10 words to test the function. The candidate resources are very long.
• All hits would need to have persistent background highlights.
• Highlight color would be user-configurable. Different websites use different colors.
• "Select All" button to highlight all hits for all words in the word list.
• If a word in the list were selected each hit for that word would be the only hit(s) highlighted.
• "Find First" button to locate the first hit on the website.
• "Find Next" button to locate the next hit.

The effect would be like doing a word search once instead of a 100 different "Find In Page" word searches. I have no idea how feasible it would be to make this work and I would understand why no one would want to tackle it, but I thought I would ask anyway.

I will be trying to make this work myself, but the outcome is dubious. I used to be a fair programmer, but nowadays, eh not so much. I have looked into AHK and have submitted a request for help, but there are some pretty sharp folks on DC too!

I am thinking the first thing I need to do is to make a working copy of the webpage itself. It is the only way I can think of to write additional HTML which I believe the highlighting would need. I also suspect there would have to be a recursive function for each word searched from the list which seems like each successive search would have to re-write the HTML before going to the next word in the list. If there is an easier way I am not aware of it. Anyway, any assistance would be appreciated.

Please let me know if I can be of any help clarifying, etc.

4

Post New Requests Here / Idea: Global Word Counter (GWC)

« on: October 08, 2019, 02:01 PM »

Hello,

I am a writer who works on many projects in parallel (books, novels, white papers, etc.). As a writer it is important to have a way to keep one's motivation and progress front and center. I have found numerous word counters and writing analytics on the Internet, but they only work online. Some have to have the text copy/pasted to use. The other present limitation is my writing app has word counters, but only for the current project. When I write I have several projects open and "bounce" from one window to another as my writing juices direct. I know this is unconventional, but it is how I work best. So, I need an app which can be...

Here are the needs in order of priority...

Version 1 (essential features)

• Small and concise as possible, but with no text or labels smaller than 14 point font. I have vision challenges.
• Used offline on my Windows 10 laptop. It would be something like a keylogger, but would not record any keystrokes only the fact a key was pressed and increment a counter.
• Keystroke count incrementer.
• User-configurable keystrokes per word entry box.
• Word counter with reset.
• Word goal entry box with a "Words to Go" readout.
• Pause feature to prevent counting typing out an email, grocery lists, etc.

   

Version 2 (if a developer wishes to enhance the GWC further in no particular order, but all features would be nice).

• A meter bar or "speedometer" to see progress visually.
• A user-configurable minute timer with visual and audible alert to remind the writer to take a break from looking at the screen.
• Optional "Always on Top" switch.

Gratefully,
Calvin

5

General Software Discussion / Microsoft Train Simulator Variables

« on: June 07, 2019, 11:10 PM »

I am toying around with giving the old Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) new life by manipulating some functions with an AutoHotKey script. Does anyone know of a list of these MSTS vars and where I can find it?

Thanks.

6

General Software Discussion / Best Advice for New Python Programmers

« on: January 23, 2019, 01:41 AM »

Hi,

Like the subject says, I am beginning to learn Python. I tried some years ago but got pretty sick and now that I seem to be doing much better I want to try again. I used to be a pretty good COBOL/DB2?CICS and VB4 programmer (read: dinosaur), so I can kind of grasp most of what's going on, but I've forgotten a bunch (probably more than I could relearn). Anyway, if anyone has any specific advice about Python or programming, in general, please share it with me. I know I have to get my own "bloody nose," but I don't want to reinvent the wheel if I can help it.

FYI - I am searching the Internet and other forums for tips, tricks and cautions too, but I like DC. I always have.

Thanks for reading,
Calvin

7

General Software Discussion / FindZipFilenameAndFolder.zip & FindZipFilenameAndFolder Folder Finder

« on: January 23, 2019, 01:28 AM »

No that is not the latest lousy cryptogram. It is kind of a description of what I am looking for.

Here's the deal... I have amassed a huge number (1+TBs) of archive files (zip, rar, 7z, etc.) which I expanded into folders, but failed to properly delete the temporary folders of the same names. Each time I upgraded my offline storage and computers I always said to myself I'd clean up the mess later. Well, I didn't and it's some years since 1996. Yeah, I know a bunch of them won't even work these days, but that is beside the point.

Can anyone direct me to a special duplicate file/folder finder which will ignore the extension? One which will find the folder name which matches the archive name? Once I can make sure I have the archive file then I can delete the expanded folder. I'm anticipating it will reduce my volume by 60-80 percent (best guess) which will also greatly reduce my disk maintenance and defrag time.

Any ideas?

Thanks for reading.
Calvin

 

8

General Software Discussion / Q: Best Prog Lang for Building a Text-Based Flight Simulator?

« on: October 12, 2017, 09:30 PM »

Hi,

Been awhile since I have been in the coding environment.  Due to my vision getting worse I am interested in taking my hobby of flight simulation from the GUI to the Command Line.

The program will involve physics, time and an internal 3D "space."  Essentially, the screen would present a list of information, the "pilot" would make a selection then process the choices and present the new information back on the screen.  While this would probably not serve inexperienced sim flyers, it would be usable for experienced pilots both real and simulated.  With the addition of text-to-speech and speech-to-text, I can see someone who knows aviation might enjoy "flying" while driving over a long distance.  I know I would.  Obviously, this might allow sight-challenged people to enjoy some aspects of flight simulation.

Frankly, this is going to be lots of work to start with and will only become more involved as more realism, features and (hopefully) interactive Air Traffic Control.  This is why I would be very appreciative of any comments for the coding language.  Questions are most welcome.

Thanks,
Calvin

9

General Software Discussion / Looking for White-on-Black or Transparent Menu-Less Text Displayer

« on: September 09, 2015, 08:21 PM »

I have created a number of checklists for flight simulator.  But, having another Notepad window open to read the text line (checklist item) is quite distracting and the white background of the window makes things difficult to see for night flights.

In a perfect world, it would have the ability to show red, white, etc. text anywhere I moved it over the flight simulator window with an "Always-on-Top" capability.  It would have the ability to shrink to show only one line at a time and possibly with the ability to program a joystick button to move the cursor down one line at a time.

Okay, so this isn't a perfect world, so I will settle for a menu-less, border-less text editor with the capability to make the background black and the text white or green (sort of like Q10).  It would have the ability to shrink it vertically to only see one line at a time.

Another possibility would be an app that can display text one line at a time.  Kind of like the way a spread sheet can hold text.  Feel free to ask for any clarification or better explanation.  I just want to see one line of text at a time and only the text with or without a border.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time.

10

Developer's Corner / XML If-Els

« on: August 21, 2015, 09:32 PM »

Hi,

I have been working on this problem in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 for a couple of days and decided I should probably seek some help.

In the below code I am testing if the TOTAL WEIGHT > 136000 and TOTAL WEIGHT < 140001 then if both statements are true I want to assign the value 139 to the variable "v1."  The problem is the output is "0."  So, what is wrong with the below syntax?  I can't see the problem, but I am not all that good at XML.

<!-- Sets V1 for Flaps 15  -->
      <Element>
         <Select>
            <Value>
               if{ (A:TOTAL WEIGHT,pounds) 136000 &gt;
                  1   if{ (A:TOTAL WEIGHT,pounds) 140001 &lt;
                        1   139 (&gt;L:v1,knots)
                      }
                }
            </Value>
         </Select>
      </Element>

11

Living Room / The REALITY of Virtual Flight and Other Simulators (Not Just For Simmers)

« on: August 11, 2014, 03:26 PM »

Hi Folks,

It's been awhile since I have added anything to the discussions, so I thought I might stir the pot with this tidbit...

"If one considers a flight simulation in terms of cybernetics, the experience migrates from the virtual (non-real) world to the realm of the real, albeit a miniature model. The fact is within the real RAM of the computer a real atmosphere is modeled above a real modeled world. On this world is modeled replicas of almost every entity on the planet. The aforementioned, 'atmosphere' has real properties. Gravity, inertia, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and density are just a few of the real physical attributes of this model. Within this real model are vehicles. Cars, airport tugs, buses, firetrucks, boats, ships, planes and jets are driven and piloted by invisible real robots commonly called, "A.I."  Lastly, we as real model pilots operate our Pipers, Cessnas, Airbuses, Lockheeds, etc. within this real, modeled world. Like the real-life world, we as pilots of these modeled aircraft are constrained to operate our aerial vehicles according to the properties of the modeled real world; otherwise we will suffer the real modeled consequences. So, the next time you "fly," try to picture the tiny real aircraft that is being propelled through the tiny modeled world within the reality inside your computer."
 ~ CJW

So, is it live or is it Memorex?  

Seriously, does this perception have merit?

12

General Software Discussion / Loss-Proof Text Editor

« on: June 13, 2014, 03:04 AM »

In the last 5-6 years I have read the "Note-Taking Roundup" twice from beginning to end twice.  Unfortunately, my memory won't let me recall those trips and my reading now is a challenge.  I'm not lazy, but with short-term memory loss it becomes quite a chore.  Anyway, I can use some help.

I am looking for a freeware/payware note-taker/text editor that will keep every keystroke regardless if the is a power failure or a BSOD (I'm using an old Vista 64 Toshiba laptop).  I have had numerous instances of temporary freeze which can last up to a minute or so.  This is very detrimental to writing creativity and flow as well as keeping my thoughts straight.  If anyone has a candidate, it would be greatly appreciated.

I was using Evernote which performed well as far as keeping my work safe.  Unfortunately, it has begun to freeze more and more and for longer periods.  I'd be happy with Notepad if it could auto-save every keystroke.

Thanks.

13

Living Room / Survivorship Bias...an Insidious Enemy

« on: March 01, 2014, 09:19 AM »

Hi,

I recently was asked to read an article on "Survivorship Bias."  It is fairly long and it may take some people a bit to wrap their brains around the concept, but it is provocative and sound.  If one considers how pervasive this paradigm really is at every echelon of human existence, one has to wonder why thinking people have allowed Survivorship Bias to go so long unchecked and unchallenged?  While a search of the Internet would lead one to think Survivorship Bias is confined to the financial realm of investing, the author of the article allows us to see it painted with a broader swash.  This is good, IMO.

WARNING: Not to be too melodramatic, it is not so much the concept which will give you brain strain, but the inevitable and involuntary response to apply it will create quite a mental tussle (at least it has for me).  Assimilating the concept will require nothing less than a paradigm-shift in your thinking.  Personally, it has been almost eight weeks since I was challenged to read the article.  I have been trying to digest the ramifications from the first day and I still get a headache if I try to think it through to its logical end (haven't made it yet).  Further, in imagining what a world would look like if Survivorship Bias had been identified and precluded from society, I am led down a corridor which becomes quite complex.

At the end of the day... my two-month long mental sparring with Survivorship Bias leaves me with some questions which continually provoke me...

• Has there ever been a human society which was able to rise above the trap of Survivorship Bias?
• What would that culture have looked like?
• How would have technology advanced if it had been born and nurtured in an environment free of Survivorship Bias?
• How did Survivorship Bias become so globally accepted given the effects are so harmful?
• Is it even possible to completely un-learn Survivorship Bias?

Again, the read itself is long (you may want to print it out).  Anyway, here is what I suggest...
<> Find yourself a good hour(s) of uninterrupted time to read the article and absorb its contents. 
<> Grab yourself a friendly cup of hot tea or other familiar (favorite) beverage. 
<> Take your laptop, iPad, etc. to your comfy spot and get ready for your mind to be bent in a way never before conceived. 
<> Please report back when you've had a chance to let it sift through your considerations and have mentally applied it to your everyday life.  I am very curious to learn if my experience of the effects are common or unique.

One final thought.  After one reads the article please come back here and consider the following... 
DC is a community of coders, et.al., who have had to struggle through a variety of challenges of unruly design and syntax (read: failures).  In consideration of Survivorship Bias, one has to wonder how many unrealized "successes" never saw the light of day because the programmers were led away from the opportunity by the Pied Piper's notes?

Fair winds.

[Disclaimer - It is obvious I am zealous on the subject, so it behooves me to advise the reader I have no relationship with the author and I receive no compensation.]

14

General Software Discussion / Are Tables Required Or Not?

« on: February 26, 2014, 09:26 AM »

After reading SuperBoyAC's excellent treatise on "information collectors" I thought I would examine if I was using the most efficient tool for my purposes (nothing special).  In my examination of one of the products I found a complete lack of support of tables unless I copy/pasted.  Given the developer is a most gracious person and quite competent in coding, I decided to remove myself from the exalted throne and ask myself *if* my long-held persuasion that tables were/are indispensable for collecting/organizing/presenting/storing data.

My question is... if tables are not used how does one handle the data normally contained in tables?  


FWIW - The software I am considering has everything else I need except tables.  This is the only caveat I have to overcome.

[edit]
My primary purpose for using tables is to arrange data in numerous grids of related and structured information in order to evaluate different related entities.  I do this so various items can be compared as to determine the "best" choice.  Once I have made a decision the table serves as a referential repository.  It is not uncommon for me to edit the tables numerous times a month.  You might call my grids, "Living Tables."  I hardly ever store data in any other form.  As an example, I use a table to create characters for my fiction.  Each row is a character with the columns being criteria of the character's person (eye color, hair color, build, temperament, etc).  This allows for great checking and cross-referencing of the necessary conflicting attitudes and temperaments which allows those wonderful dramatic tensions.
[/edit]

15

Living Room / PB&J with Potato Chips... One of Nature's Most Perfect Foods[

« on: December 16, 2013, 02:07 AM »

Don't read the following unless you're bored.]

Not sure how my mental sojourn went from NANY considerations to this, but I guess have fun with it. 

I love to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with tater chips.  Naturally, this cuisine *must* be complimented with a glass of ice cold milk!  Although I like strawberry jelly, IMO, peach preserves (preferably homemade).  I should point out I can enjoy the crunchy peanut butter, but the luxurious elegance of the silky smooth butters can't be beat!


So, what constitutes your favorite food groups when you want to chill out and enjoy a delicious treat?

16

General Software Discussion / Looking For Realtime Graphical Folder Size Monitor w/ User-Configurable Updates

« on: November 10, 2013, 09:15 AM »

I have a very slow laptop and installing s/w is a major ordeal.  It literally takes a whole day sometimes.  I cannot afford any upgrades at this time.  Therefore I am looking for a folder size monitor that will graphically display the size of a folder which will have a user-definable update interval and can be switched to be kept on top of other windows, if necessary.

Can this be coded in AHK (I might try to build it myself *if* it is simple)?

Are there already s/w (hopefully freeware) that will do what I want?  I tried doing a search, but was overwhelmed and got really confused and frustrated (happens more often lately).

Thanks in advance.

17

Clipboard Help+Spell / Lost the Time-Delayed Paste in Clipboard Help+Spell CHS

« on: July 02, 2012, 10:10 AM »

Quite by accident I stumbled across a feature in using CHS years(?) ago that would allow me to select an item from the CHS list and would paste it after a time delay.  Unfortunately, I have forgotten how and where in the software where I can restore this functionality.  I have scoured the CHS options over the weekend and have had no success in finding the "switch."  Can someone please point me to the place where I can turn this back on ? 

18

Living Room / Does anyone actually use 3D Mailbox (or know anyone who does)?

« on: March 24, 2012, 12:37 PM »

I'll admit that I am an aviation buff that can spend hours just sitting in my car at the airport with my aviation radio scanner.  I love airplanes and have as far as my memory will allow.  A few years ago the same company that produced "Visitorville" created "3d Mailbox" some years ago and added a "Level 2 - LAX Airport" that models Los Angeles International airport with activity .  I have read every review I could find, but not one review ever gave me the impression it was actually being used by the reviewer.  I felt like the positive "reviews" were written by those pro-product bloggers I call, "blogworms."  Also, AFAICT this client has never been a topic on DonationCoder.  A search of the forums returned zero results.

While I am sure any cerebral-endowed power user will have no lack of disdain for the attempt of modeling an email client with a video game motif, I ask you to humor me.  I am really just trying to discern if the whole thing is a reality or not.

I am curious if anyone uses, has used or knows someone personally who has used 3D Mailbox?

Thank you.

19

General Software Discussion / Auto-Ping?

« on: March 08, 2012, 03:10 PM »

My search did not yield any useful result, so I apologize if I missed something.  I am not sure if "Auto-Ping" is the right name, but what I am looking for is a way to monitor whether a web site is "up" or "down."

If there is nothing available I will post a request in "Coding Snacks."  Thanks.

20

Living Room / www.Tubetorial.com

« on: December 20, 2011, 07:13 PM »

I recently discovered Tubetorial. 

I did a check on DC with a search and not a single hit, so I thought I would give you the heads-up.  I haven't used it, but the idea looks promising for getting folks started with Internet commerce AFAICT. 

21

Living Room / A Friend of Mine Needs Help

« on: December 20, 2011, 06:49 PM »

Hi,

A friend of mine on another forum is having some problems with his Win7 and Microsoft Flight Simulator.  Below are two posts he made and a third of what I offered.  If you can give me somewhere to go to help this fellow, I would really appreciate it and you can build your ARK (Act of Random Kindness) too! 

His First Post

At a point in the not-too-distant past, I loaded FSX and the FSE client onto my windows 7 PC. I tested whether they would both load and if I was able to find the client in FSX. They did.

Then I realized that my yoke had gone south and I shut the FSX/FSE down and haven't used it since.

Yesterday I received a replacement yoke from an exceptionally cool FSE member, free of charge. (He even paid the shipping which I wanted to pay) Life should be perfect. !!

NOT! When I brought up FSX it had none of the pre-sets I had put in when I installed it. When I brought up FSE client it failed. I suspected corruption and deleted it to re-install. The re-install failed because it cannot find Simconnect of some version.

Now I am not crazy or stupid. Well maybe a little of each but all the way in either one. What I don't understand is how something that tested working two or three months ago could just plain not be there anymore. So if any of you are extremely clever, and I suspect you are, or if any of you have experienced this yourself please offer advice. First, where do I get Simconnect it was obviously there before.

His Second Post

So what the heck is Global Assembly Cache?? That's where its telling me to install the Microsoft.FlightSimulator.SimConnect version (big version number)

I was able to find the DLL but have no idea about loading in the GAC.

I just re-installed FSX completely and still get this error. I know you guys are smart, which one knows this??

Maybe I just have to delete it again and let it install in the x86 program files where it wants to. Then it should be able to find this file.

My Response

One of the tips I read in some off-topic comment some years ago stated that *every* change in FS9/FSX *should* be immediately followed by a reboot of the computer. When you bring Windows back up, the very first thing is to open the flightsim and the first flight should be in the default aircraft at the default airport (Meigs or Seattle International, respectively). You don't have to fly a whole flight, just get it started down the runway. Hit the "Esc" button and go do what you wanted to do with the airplane you wanted. AFAICT this only has to be done once for each add-on install.

The gist of the post was FS9 and more so with FSX, was so integrated with the OS that numerous low-level settings needed to be "set," or something like that. The problem was other Windows software did it too and if FS9/FSX wasn't run first the other software would "set" those switches(?) not allowing the flightsims to run optimally and could produce some anomalies.

I have no idea whether this is the real reason or if it has anything to do with your weirdness, Sarge. I can say that when I remember to follow this procedure, I have never had an issue. As a rule now, if I add anything to Windows, I reboot. Fortunately, I have not had any problem if I load something beside FS9/FSX after a non-MSFS install, but I always use the reboot-then-fly-the-defaults method whenever I change something in FS9/FSX.

Thanks for any help!
CT

22

Living Room / Stage Play

« on: December 01, 2011, 03:09 PM »

In lieu of doing a NANY app this year, I am writing a stage play ("A Sweet Christmas Tragedy") which will be performed Dec. 24th.  Nothing big (script is only about 150-180 pages), just an offering to the retirement community where my Mom lives.  A good many of them have nowhere else to go on Christmas, so we thought we would bring something to them.  If anyone is interested in reading the script, PM me and I will send a link when it is completed.  I am using CELTX to write the scripts, storyboards, etc.

Anyone else a playwright?

23

Living Room / PHP... is the name self-realizing?

« on: July 22, 2011, 03:18 PM »

PHP, which stands for "PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor"

I recently read these words and it struck me odd.  If the "P" in "PHP" stands for "PHP" what does the "P," "H" and "P" stand for in the first "P" in "PHP?"

Reminds me of an ontological paradox, like the iconic "watch" in the movie, "Somewhere in Time."  

Just musing...

24

Living Room / AWOL

« on: July 22, 2011, 02:16 PM »

Dear Friends,

Except for some brief participation in the fund drive,  I've been gone a long time.  I didn't even know that NANY 2012 has already started!  I missed DC and the folks that added so much to my Internet experience.  It is said you never really value something until you lose it.  While I always knew DC was valuable, I never knew how valuable until I came back.  I want to say "Thank you!" to Mouser and company for making DonationCoder such a nice place to be and come back to.  

One very special member I would like to thank is timns for his Auspex text-replacer app.  My typing ability has never been good and now misfires are much more common.  With Auspex I don't have to worry about my typing because I can get timns' program to fix them as I type!  

For my friends who want to know where I've been, I wrote an open letter.  Keep in mind this is only for my friends.  If you don't know who I am or don't care, don't waste your time reading it since you will be bored to tears.

It's good to be back,
CT

25

Developer's Corner / Aviation Business Project using a Flight Simulator

« on: July 21, 2011, 06:33 PM »

Hello DCers,

I would like to create a virtual aviation business environment using a flight simulator, like Flightgear, X-Plane, FSX, FS9, etc. Most likely it will be the FS9/FSX route.

For the purpose of this discussion, Ill use the following abbreviations...

-- N009BH = The callsign of a specific aircraft.
-- FSApp = Flight Simulator Application
-- FCA = Stands for "FS Control Application which is the client software the pilot will interface with.
-- FSUIPC = Flight Simulator User Interface Personal Computer - A module by Pete Dowson integrated with flight simulator variables which allow for reading and writing of those variables.
-- AFL = Aircraft Fuel Level
-- TEH = Total Engine Hours

What I would *like* to do is...

@ Pilot manually opens the FSApp, loads the aircraft and the FCA.
@ Pilot enters or selects from a drop-down, an aircraft, such as "N009BH" into the "Aircraft" field and presses the "Get Aircraft Data" button on the FCA.
@ The FCA connects to a specific URL where a table of data is stored.
@ The "N009BH" row is located on the table and the "AFL" and "TEH" fields are located and retrieved to the FCA.
@ FCA disconnects from the URL
@ FCA seeds the FSApp with new values via the FSUIPC.
@ Pilot flies......
@ At end of the flight, the pilot clicks the "Send Aircraft Data" button on the FCA.
@ The FCA reads the FSApp values from the FSUIPC and connects back to the URL.
@ The "N009BH" row is located on the table again and the new "AFL" and "TEH" values are overwritten.
@ FCA disconnects from the URL.

Actually there is a lot more values I need to work with, i.e., "Battery_Level," "Engine_Component_Failure_Coefficient, etc. for the aircraft and various fields for the Pilot Logbook. If I can get just the simple(?) AFL and TEH above working correctly, I'm sure I can make the rest hum.

I realize there must be some steps I missed, but I just wanted to give a reasonable idea of what was happening.

Now...

How would you suggest I go about doing this project? To my mind's eye it seems fairly simple, but the four things I don't know are...

1. How to have the client get to the URL?
2. How to make the table (or should I just parse a text file)?
3. How to access table values and read/write?
4. How to make it reasonably secure (UID and PWD)?

I'm doing some experimenting with the Joomla CMS, but I don't think I can automate locating the URL with the FCA. Also, I realize that FCA, FSApp, FSUIPC, etc. abbreviations may drive you bats, but since I am anticipating this project (and this thread) may take some time, I thought having some shorthand would be good.

~CT