I have made a plugin based on an idea and some source code by Ivan.

It's an plugin that let's a LED plugged to the COM Port blink when a conversation - window is opened (eg when somebody writes you).

Now you probably think 'Why this?!?'.
The anser is simple - if you are running a fullscreen game or application where you can't see the toast window or hear the sound you still see the LED blinking.

Comments are welcome.

Main functions:
- Compatible with MSN (german & english version) and ICQ Lite
- LED plugged to Com Port is flashing for about 10 seconds if a conversation window is opened
- Num Lock flashes too, so you don't have to make that led cable for the Com Port if you don't want to
  (also useful for people who don't have a com port...many notebook users don't have one...)
- The name of the person messaging you is spoken using Text To Speech (SAPI 5.1)
- all settings are automatically saved and loaded at startup
- realtime visual effects
- Text To Speech can be deactivated individually


Link: SmashD MSN LED Plugin v0.2.5

Okay, let me get this straight. This is like a open convo notifier? If so then I hope it works good..



Can't wait till you release a English version of it..I need a  good one besides spng

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Originally posted by Sean
This is like a open convo notifier?

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Msn Flash - Make a led blink every time you get a msn

Something like this was discussed before.  From what I read, and how I understood it, its not an open convo thing, what it does is when you would normally have something flashing in the taskbar it will flash the LED too so that you will be able to see it if you are running a full screen program.

**Cookie you are always fast on the trigger aren't you**

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Originally posted by jmccarroll
Something like this was discussed before.  From what I read, and how I understood it, its not an open convo thing, what it does is when you would normally have something flashing in the taskbar it will flash the LED too so that you will be able to see it if you are running a full screen program.

**Cookie you are always fast on the trigger aren't you**

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I like your ideas SmashD
My led is on top of my monitor so it doesnt bother me while its flashing.

I was thinking of making the led blink at different speeds according to how many people messaged you. So if you have one message waitng the led will blink slowly. If you have 2 messages waiting it will blink faster and so on.

keep up the good work

Thanks Ivan... The original idea is related to you, maybe you wanna help me making this plugin better?

How to determine how many windows are open?
Especially if someone (like me ) has an 'tabbed conversation' plugin running?

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Originally posted by SmashD
Thanks Ivan... The original idea is related to you, maybe you wanna help me making this plugin better?

How to determine how many windows are open?
Especially if someone (like me ) has an 'tabbed conversation' plugin running?

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Id have to buy a LED thingy for the com port...or make myown ERR

Why can't you let Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock blink?

You can make combinations and that kind of thing and everybody had these LED's

My suggestion would be: instead of numlock and/or capslock flashing, use scrolllock only, as this will almost never interfair with the user's typing; it is the safest one to use....

mm..O well Im thinking of just making my own led set. That will kickass

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Why can't you let Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock blink?
You can make combinations and that kind of thing and everybody had these LED's

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Originally posted by CookieRevised
My suggestion would be: instead of numlock and/or capslock flashing, use scrolllock only, as this will almost never interfair with the user's typing; it is the safest one to use....

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Hey there!

I have updated my web page - Version 0.1.5 is now available.
Changes:

Fixed a bug that causes the led to flash only one time...
Implemented ICQ Lite! Support (don't slap me for that... )

It would be awesome if this could be made for a USB LED lamp! I know people that have bought USB lamps and I have made one myelf, so I know people that would use it.

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Originally posted by rompom7
It would be awesome if this could be made for a USB LED lamp! I know people that have bought USB lamps and I have made one myelf, so I know people that would use it.

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250 LEDs wow that would be cool! like it's x-mas everytime a convo is opened.

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Originally posted by SmashD
Maybe a few hardware modifications (to the usb led) would be necessary, so the usb led gets the power also from a data line, but this time at the usb port.

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Originally posted by Huuf
maybe a relais would do the trick with it you could use the data power from the usb to switch the relais to close the circuit

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code:

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_______________
|  4  3  2  1  |
|__|__|__|__|__|



4 GND           0 V             Black
3 D+            Data +          Green
2 D-            Data -          White
1 Vbus          +5 V            Red

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Did some research on usb and it seems you just can't open and close it like a com port it seems that there is a extra chip needed for doing so

you could do
[com port]                   [usb port]
       |                                 |
       |                                 |
put here the relais  --------
and switch the
+ from the usb cable
      |
      |
   Usb device



so you would need
1 USB cable A--> B (for PC --> the print)
1 USB female A-connecter (for on the print so the USB device can be putted in here)
1 USB female B-connector (for on the print so the PC can be connected)
1 Print (just in a 1 by 1 frame arround 6x6 maybe 10x10)
1 RS232 cable
1 Relais

this all together should switch any usb device

Very nice description / solution!

And one biiig opportunity: no software changes, because you can use the actual used ones (Pin 3 & 4).


USB: thanks for reasearch... I've found some info too.
The idea of USB is easy installation and hot-plug of devices. Therefore there are no ports but the devices have an ID. So the driver does all the redirectment (using COM or LTP you had to define the port number).

BUT the USB Lamp has no ID.
So I must have functions to control the USB Hub and Sub-Hubs to find out where the lamp is plugged.
And that is nearly impossible for me.

Conclusion:
There are 2 easy ways to make an USB LED flashing:

1. way Do that relais thingy. It's easy to make and you do not have to change wires at the USB LED.
   
2. way Use an USB2COM Adapter. But that's a little bit expensive for sch an project... ~20€
   [/list]
   
   And the winner is......... RELAIS
   
   Just a few additions... You do not need a fully configurated RS232 Cable...
   If you have on unused - good, use this. But don't buy one if you don't have one.
   Just connect pin 3 & 4 from the serial port with the Relais input (Relais should have power range from 1 to approx 15V, because the power raises if alot Amperes used...read so, don't know if it's true for all of you, because the power and available Amps are depending on the mainboard you have).
   Everything should work just fine then. (Relais has to be fast enough of course).
   
   Very nice idea huuf. I had the same but tried to make it by software... But that's rather impossible.

I did electronics, and I know what to look for, i'm think i'm getting all components on monday (or maybe tomorrow) and i'll see what I can do, i'll make photo's and i'll work it out and post my outcome here.

I didn't exspect that someone would take this idea and actually make it. Very nice!!! Can't await the sum of all this!


New function added:

If someone messages you, the name of that person is spoken. (Text To Speech SAPI 5.1)

Well, thank you for discussing my idea. So are there no ideas other than using that COM port idea along side USB?

What about if I mod my USB lamp so positive or negative is on one of the Data lines?

I don't know how to control the hub and sub-hubs to identify the USB-Port where the lamp is plugged in.
I've searched about 3 hours to find a solution but didn't find any.
If anyone has an explanation or even source code to make USB support please message me...

It should work -with a few additions- with you relais. If you can control 8 lines you even could make a 'walking light'... like knight rider or something...

ain't it possible to actually show the name of the one that contacts you?? or would that make it to complicated?

If someone xould give me the link or source how to implement an overlay function like the one that is used in fraps for example - it would be possible...

BTW, i am trying this right now, but with source code it would be alot easier for sure.

I found some source and starting to implement this right now... Hope it works... =)


EDIT:

I feel very sorry...but I have to say that I don't have a solution to the DirectX Overlay thingy... so no name can be displayed.
If anyone knows a solution please leave a message!

Excelent idea and work!

But, in my "gaming" partition, I don't have Messenger Plus! installed. Anyway, congratulations.

Greetings,

You don't need Messenger Plus! for this to run... It is a stand-alone program... =)



New Version 0.2.5 released:

- removed some bugs
- all settings are automatically saved and loaded at startup
- realtime visual effects added
- Text To Speech can be deactivated individually


Link: SmashD MSN LED Plugin v0.2.5

Sorry for double-posting but i cannot edit my previous post for some reason...
Just wanted to say that the download link is fixed.

I can't open the web site!

quote:

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Originally posted by SmashD
You don't need Messenger Plus! for this to run... It is a stand-alone program... =)



New Version 0.2.5 released:

- removed some bugs
- all settings are automatically saved and loaded at startup
- realtime visual effects added
- Text To Speech can be deactivated individually


Link: SmashD MSN LED Plugin v0.2.5

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The website is running fine. Please try again.
(it is hosted at tripod so it can be offline sometimes for some reason...)

I still can't open the site.
Maybe because I'm in China.
Can you paste the installation file here? Or give me some mirror site please.

Thanks a lot!

I cant install this progam

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I cant install this progam

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hmmmmmmmm... odd idea

I got it!
Thank SmashD!
It work excellent!

Thanks secondcai!
Very bad that you cannot reach the website from China.

BTW, could someone please rate this thread/plugin?
Just for me and the users so everybody knows what you think about it.

Furhtermore it would be very useful if someone posts his opinion, some suggestions, or just things he/she doesn't like...

If you have functionality improvement suggestions just say it - I will try to implement them.

Thanks

errm sorry to bring such a old topic up... just wondering if anyone has a copy of this plugin... would want to try this... the other two topic on this doesn't work well... heh sorry again for bring this old topic up

Hi PaPalemon!

This plugin will be hosted again on my website www.smashd.de
But there are a few problems I have to take care of these days. Visit www.smashd.de if you want to know the details and/or maybe want to help.

Ya I could realy use this as well!

i would like it,
but - i dont have any LED's on my keyboard( wirless one) only one for battery power in the keyboard its self.

how much would it cost (and how would i do it) to make an LED set for my PC so that i could use it?

PS: does it work for WLM?

quote:

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Originally posted by SmashD
Hi PaPalemon!

This plugin will be hosted again on my website www.smashd.de
But there are a few problems I have to take care of these days. Visit www.smashd.de if you want to know the details and/or maybe want to help.

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quote:

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Originally posted by DJKAL
i would like it,
but - i dont have any LED's on my keyboard( wirless one) only one for battery power in the keyboard its self.

how much would it cost (and how would i do it) to make an LED set for my PC so that i could use it?

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quote:

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Originally posted by DJKAL
PS: does it work for WLM?

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thanks SNAKE
i'll look onto the website soon

quote:

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Originally posted by DJKAL
thanks SNAKE
i'll look onto the website soon

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Originally posted by traxor
Num Lock, Caps Lock & Scroll Lock lights, that's what this plugin worked for.

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dont either but if you clickCAPS lock it shows up in the taskbar

nope - no caps lock
i only have a low battery LED.

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Originally posted by traxor

quote:

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Originally posted by DJKAL
thanks SNAKE
i'll look onto the website soon

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YOu probably do have them on your keyboard...

Num Lock, Caps Lock & Scroll Lock lights, that's what this plugin worked for.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ddunk

quote:

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Originally posted by traxor

quote:

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Originally posted by DJKAL
thanks SNAKE
i'll look onto the website soon

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YOu probably do have them on your keyboard...

Num Lock, Caps Lock & Scroll Lock lights, that's what this plugin worked for.

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Actually, not this one. There's another plugin that notifies you using your Num/Scroll/Caps Lock lights but this one uses an external LED that you have to create yourself using a COM cable.

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Originally posted by lou_habs
I can set you up with a website hosting for free. I'll just need you to modify the dns server and transfer over the stuff. Free, always. It'll be a personal favour for a fellow developer. Pm me if you're interested.

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Originally posted by SmashD
First thing I have to know:
What's the window caption when talking to somebody?
If you could provide me with that info in english and/or german (windows caption of course...not answering hehe) it would be cool.

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I know polling windows captions is not the smooth way...but hey, that program is about 2.5 years old. And it worked.
Checked the process - it's at 0% most of the time. I don't check the caption every millisecond btw. THAT would be really odd.

If you could provide me with the needed info how to actually capture that window open event, I'll do a special version as a real plugin maybe.

ANy way to get my hands on this program would be greatly aprecated.

Please be patient just a few days. Hopefully I then have the needed money to set my website back online.

I cant wait to see the new version.
I have made mine into a plugin a while ago it still works the same way but there is not need to run a extra program. Recently i added text2speech however i want it only to be active while my status is away. I havent figured out how to do this.

How does yout text2speech work exactly?

As you may know I have to let my webhost set up some server settings so my CMS runs well.
Due to needed security and other changes to the servers my webhost is not able to change settings for any of his customers, so I'll have to wait another ~5 days.
Hopefully this sentence was understandable

it would be cool if someone could make a plugin that would just flash a caps lock button on a keyboard. i have no idea how to.

so thnx in advance.


super-schaf

How about this?

Hi!

I have tried to install the program, but setup says, that some of my system flies aren't up to date. Setup offers me to update the files, then I have to reboot. But after reboot, the same messenge appears again. Could you please help me, because I often receive messenges while gaming and don't notice.

This is the message, that appears (in german)

quote:

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Originally posted by tobisan
Hi!

I have tried to install the program, but setup says, that some of my system flies aren't up to date. Setup offers me to update the files, then I have to reboot. But after reboot, the same messenge appears again. Could you please help me, because I often receive messenges while gaming and don't notice.

This is the message, that appears (in german)

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thanks a lot for the fast answer and the new setup! now it works.

Are we able to set it up so it blinks when we aren't in the game?  Or so the lights like, scroll.  Kind of like the Windows XP loading bar.

quote:

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Originally posted by Curtis
Are we able to set it up so it blinks when we aren't in the game?  Or so the lights like, scroll.  Kind of like the Windows XP loading bar.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Curtis
Are we able to set it up so it blinks when we aren't in the game?  Or so the lights like, scroll.  Kind of like the Windows XP loading bar.

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I have just realized that this plugin also works with skype! so it is EVEN GREATER than I thounght before!

If anymore is having problems with making the LED cable I have made a tutorial here.

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Originally posted by Snake
If anymore is having problems with making the LED cable I have made a tutorial here.

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All errors fixed. Sory about that.

i have some kind of trouble here, i already installed it without any problems (i downloaded it from the link posted just the page before this one), but when i get to execute it the screen attached appears....

i have no clue of what it says, anyway i did find that file on google n stuff...and i put it on c:\windows\system32 (or at least thats what the web that had the file said thats where it was supposed to be)...

but...same error appears...

i really, really, REALLY, need this plugin....in fact...i came to the forum searching 4 plugins like this =D...

some help would be really nice

Bye

Download the file from here and put it into C:\WINDOWS\system\ may have to restart the computer. I had do this for it to work.

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Originally posted by Snake
Download the file from here and put it into C:\WINDOWS\system\ may have to restart the computer. I had do this for it to work.

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Hmmm.... I don't exactly no myn does the same once adn a wile but we will have to wait for the creator to fix that one in the code.