ChangeIP.com Forums

Okay people - the first release of our HomingBeacon has been compiled and is ready for some beta testing. This client is very rough, but functions very well.

The client looks very basic - there really isn't much to it, although it functions exactly as we need it. There is a lot of code behind this client, this is why the interface is so basic. . . Everything is taken care of in code so that you don't have to worry about it.

The download link is: http://www.ChangeIP.com/HomingBeacon/setup.exe

Keep in mind that this is the first release. There may be errors during installation and use. Please report any bugs, problems, comments, etc on this forum so that we can all benefit from them.

We will be releasing a new build probably every few days until it is 100% stable.

Some background info regarding this client:

1. This client uses MSXML4 for both storing/reading the config files as well as calling URLs on the web for updates, detecting IPs, etc.

2. There is a list of IP detectors on our website that gets pulled down when you first run the HomingBeacon. This list of URLs is dynamic and will be updated when changes occur. Also, in a future version you will be able to submit URLs for use of detecting IP addresses.

3. When an IP address is detected a 'Second Opinion' feature is activated to verify that you really do have a different IP.

4. and more. . . That I just can't think of right now.

More information will be posted soon.

Thanks everyone for making ChangeIP.com one of the fastest growing DDNS services today, we couldn't do it without your enthusiasm for our products!

Sam

Almost forgot...

Quick instructions:

The userID field: Enter your ChangeIP.com username.

The password field: Enter your ChangeIP.com password. This password is encrypted using BlowFish in the config file. This password is also sent using SSL encryption to our update server.

The Set or Hostname field: Enter *1 for Set 1, *2 for Set 2, or a single hostname to just update a single host.

Turn the power on by clicking the radio button to on.

Everything else is automatic!

Where would you like feedback sent? I just downloaded and installed with several errors and still an error on run.

I'm really excited about this. I just tried updating today using my good ol' fav DynSite and it did not work...so I'm looking forward to this interface. What can I do to help with testing?

Lianna

Just posted a new version today... fixed some installation errors and reduced the size by 1/2 (down to 2.5MB).

Please post to this thread if you are using this client and if you run into any problems.

PLEASE - give us feedback about this client. We will do everything possible to make this the best Dynamic DNS client around. In the future this client will support most other DynDNS services as well.

Shortly we will post a list of future features and enhancements, and some very detailed information about the behind the scenes code.

Thanks!

Lianna, funny - you just posted that question at the exact moment I was posting the new version. Go ahead and download the new version and see if those errors clear up.

Let me know.

Thx,
Sam

PS. Suggestions, comments, etc about the HomingBeacon should be posted here for others to make use of.

Hey, Sam. Ok, I got throught the install, but only after the third try. It hangs during the "Removing backup files" portion, each time getting progressively further...Error thrown is Internal Error 2762. Running IE6/XP Home/Linksys BEFSR41 with DSL.

Not getting an error on run now, and it is super quick, and pulls the 'right' ip address from my router.

Amazing Race is about to start. You poor saps always get ditched for prime time, don't you??? LOLOLOLOL

Lianna
:p

Yes, I am aware of the InstallShield error that you are getting. This is only happening on Windows XP machines, and the install actually works after the error is dismissed I believe.

InstallShield tells us that there is a fix although it is not working. I will keep researching it and figure it out.

Can you tell me if you have Windows Installer 1.2 or 2.0 on your machine? Off hand I don't really know how you would tell though.

Thanks!

Sam

I have NO clue which version of installer and it baffles me to figure that one out without surfing for a bit....maybe later.

Hey, so I get how you find my IP address through the router! Looking at my log files, I see that a remote service (IP locator) is actually doing the looking. In that case, obviously, it will see the address of the router! Bravo, boys. So, what's it? A whole list of different locators that it could use then if one's down, you still get a good IP find? Not trying to bust your code, just looking to see how the thing works.

Some things I noticed:

1) Install automatically puts it in my startup. Uh, no, I would like to have that choice. I only use the DDNS for Netmeeting calls made to me, which are all planned. So I don't mind triggering the update on the occasion just before a meeting.

2) The Set/Host field did not save between sessions. Username and Pass did, but not host. I'd like that to "remember" the last entry made as a default.

3) Would love the ability to trigger an exe when the update has been done. Yep, netmeeting. No biggie, just a wish list thing.

4) License agreement in the install is nonexistent...yep, I know it's beta. Just wanted to make sure you guys had it o n the list.

Question?
Do I have to get the IP AND update or really, what's my part in getting my DDNS ip updated with the info from HomingBeacon?

Will play some more tomorrow...off to dream land tonight.
Lianna

AWESOME! I appreciate you taking the time to point these things out to me. Here is some info below.

1) Install automatically puts it in my startup. Uh, no, I would like to have that choice. I only use the DDNS for Netmeeting calls made to me, which are all planned. So I don't mind triggering the update on the occasion just before a meeting.

---> This we will work on as part of the installer. Actually for the beta we will remove this 100% just so that you aren't starting up a piece of software that hasn't been 100% tested. Thank you for pointing this out.

2) The Set/Host field did not save between sessions. Username and Pass did, but not host. I'd like that to "remember" the last entry made as a default.

---> The field(s) get saved after you tab out of them. I believe since the host/set field is the last field you enter it probably didn't get tabbed out of. We need to think of a way to auto tab out of that field, or have a save button (which we don't really want to have to do...)

3) Would love the ability to trigger an exe when the update has been done. Yep, netmeeting. No biggie, just a wish list thing.

---> This can be added pretty easily... Look for it shortly.

4) License agreement in the install is nonexistent...yep, I know it's beta. Just wanted to make sure you guys had it o n the list.

---> Yep - legal is working on this now.



The IP detectors list is actually stored in the config file. This file is located in the program folder. It's called HomingBeacon.config.xml I believe. You should be able to just view it formatted is Internet Explorer by double clicking on it. This list of URLs is refreshed periodically for updates. We even will have a function for you to suggest a URL, have it tested automatically for a few days, and then have it automatically published for everyone to use. Of course this will need to undergo some testing, but it's in the plans. Hey, think about this: Almost 90% of the mail servers you connect to (by telnetting to port 25) you will see that you can get your IP echoed back by typing a HELO or EHLO. ... many more detectors can now be added, not just web sites.

Time for bed for me too...

Later.

Yep, that worked. Tabbed out of the field and it saved just fine. What about using an 'onlostfocus' behavior? Or even simpler...drop the auto save and give it a "Save settings" button. Or even just a checkbox for me to choose, then you can do the save 'onclose' for the form?

Your app, I'm just thinking out loud.

Lianna

These are all good suggestions - this is excellent.

New version posted today... some fixes and enhancements. Still working on the installer and XP internal errors.

Another version posted today... This time the installer has been fixed so that no more XP Internal errors are occurring.

Sam

v1.7.12 -

Install on XP perfect, both Complete and Custom.

License agreement is about as explicit as it gets and install ends if not accepted, as it should.

No Startup entry during install, bravo.

Set/Host entry saves on tab out AND now when clicking to another editable field. If the cursor is still blinking in the set/host field when you QUIT, the configuration file is not updated to include the current entry. Clicking the links at bottom (Show Log Detail, Check IP Now, Force Update) do not cause set/host field to lose focus and therefore entry not saved. ...again, I'm just playing around here to see what will and won't work.

I'm liking it.


Lianna

There has been a new forum created for all continuing discussions about The HomingBeacon...

Please see 'The HomingBeacon' under the 'Dynamic DNS' forum heading...

Thanks!