SchneiderIS
New
I find it absolutely astounding what is out there for dive software. After looking for several days I would have to say that I am disappointed so here is my wish list.
- Ability to run on PocketPC and synchronize with Desktop.
- Ability to view and print dive logs.
- Ability to record the equipment used on a dive and the ability to select from a list of equipment already used.
- Logging of equipment maintenance
- Record particulars about a dive company
- Record particulars about dive sites
- Ability to pick from the companies and sites in the dive log
- Allow for automatic dive table calculations
- Allow the user to enter mixed units, specify the unit being entered, and then convert them at time of dive table lookup. An example of frustration is when you are at the dive site and they work metric but you have imperial weights and keep your log in imperial.
- Allow for elevation/atmosphere selection and recognize the adjustments needed for the calculations. (I live at +3 and amazingly enough do dive it too).
- Allow for cold water adjustments in calculations and in entry that a dry suite diver would need.
- For the buddy, allow the storage of their name and number.
- Allow for a signature to be recorded (mostly this is for the PocketPC version)
- Multi-Level diving records
- Dive planning
- If recording a rating (such as visibility or dive operator quality) dont just give a number, relate the number to some language such as: good, poor, excellent, never dive again, etc...
- PSI start and end
- Dime time start and end
- Dont make all entries mandatory but make the ones that should be done have a different background color in the field.
- Checkboxes are good for selection of conditions and type of dive.
- Record safety stop time
- Have a button to do calculations so that if you want to do your own it wont override your entry.
- Have surface interval recommendations before next dive and the ability to enter an interval and tell you how long the next dive could be. I know this is planning but why not give some of this information at log time.
Nice to have features but not necessary:
- For the automatic dive tables, show highlights on the tables and use instructions, for the dive being performed.
It would also be great to get several divers to write a good dive guide to associate with the help system.
As for the platform I would recommend the .Net environment since it will cover many platforms going forward. This should include the Mac since Microsoft does write the Office platform for the Mac. If I am not mistaken the Office 2003 version is .Net and thus when Microsoft gets it caught up you should expect a framework for the Mac. The .Net platform will also allow for easier incorporation of the PocketPC, Linux, and other future platforms. It should also allow for multiple generations such as a descktop and web.
My background is also in development and databases. Though I may not have a lot of time available I am willing to help out. It would be a pleasure to work on a database design with everyone.
- Ability to run on PocketPC and synchronize with Desktop.
- Ability to view and print dive logs.
- Ability to record the equipment used on a dive and the ability to select from a list of equipment already used.
- Logging of equipment maintenance
- Record particulars about a dive company
- Record particulars about dive sites
- Ability to pick from the companies and sites in the dive log
- Allow for automatic dive table calculations
- Allow the user to enter mixed units, specify the unit being entered, and then convert them at time of dive table lookup. An example of frustration is when you are at the dive site and they work metric but you have imperial weights and keep your log in imperial.
- Allow for elevation/atmosphere selection and recognize the adjustments needed for the calculations. (I live at +3 and amazingly enough do dive it too).
- Allow for cold water adjustments in calculations and in entry that a dry suite diver would need.
- For the buddy, allow the storage of their name and number.
- Allow for a signature to be recorded (mostly this is for the PocketPC version)
- Multi-Level diving records
- Dive planning
- If recording a rating (such as visibility or dive operator quality) dont just give a number, relate the number to some language such as: good, poor, excellent, never dive again, etc...
- PSI start and end
- Dime time start and end
- Dont make all entries mandatory but make the ones that should be done have a different background color in the field.
- Checkboxes are good for selection of conditions and type of dive.
- Record safety stop time
- Have a button to do calculations so that if you want to do your own it wont override your entry.
- Have surface interval recommendations before next dive and the ability to enter an interval and tell you how long the next dive could be. I know this is planning but why not give some of this information at log time.
Nice to have features but not necessary:
- For the automatic dive tables, show highlights on the tables and use instructions, for the dive being performed.
It would also be great to get several divers to write a good dive guide to associate with the help system.
As for the platform I would recommend the .Net environment since it will cover many platforms going forward. This should include the Mac since Microsoft does write the Office platform for the Mac. If I am not mistaken the Office 2003 version is .Net and thus when Microsoft gets it caught up you should expect a framework for the Mac. The .Net platform will also allow for easier incorporation of the PocketPC, Linux, and other future platforms. It should also allow for multiple generations such as a descktop and web.
My background is also in development and databases. Though I may not have a lot of time available I am willing to help out. It would be a pleasure to work on a database design with everyone.