Download times and DIM

cedarwolf

Howdy, folks. Just a quick question: Is it possible to get a subroutine in the DIM that allows you to set what time you want the downloads and installs to happen? I've got "free" time from 2:00am - 6:00 am, and I'd like to be able to set the DIM so that it starts at, say, 2:15 am, does its downloady instally thing, and shuts off while I've still got bandwidth left.

Thanks for all the help.

Taoz

If you're using Windows I have some scheduler code from the old DAZ Downloader, it can easily be modified to start and stop DIM at specific times, using virtual mouse clicks.

cedarwolf

You have my attention, Taozen, and I'd be thankful for your help. I know nothing about code and putting code into existing programs, however.

Taoz

Well it's not about putting code into DIM, but writing a stand-alone scheduler for it. I'll give it a go, there are probably others who can use such one too... :)

cedarwolf

Thanks, Taozen. Looking forward to working with it. Again, my thanks.

Taoz

OK, here's the first version, it should be free of fatal bugs affecting the functionality but there may be some minor cosmetic ones. There will be at least one version more with update check and other stuff added, and bug fixes if necessary. You'll need .NET Framework 3.5 to run it.

http://taosoft.dk/software/freeware/dims-daz/updates/dims-daz-a0500.zip

Some of the code I wanted to use showed up to work only in XP, not in Win 7 or 8, so it's been a bit different than expected, using the mouse cursor to activate the DIM buttons rather than hooking directly into them. Not the best solution I guess but on the other hand it can be used for starting/stopping functions in other programs also, that way. Will se if I can make the other code work in a later version.

Here's how to use it:

1. Start DIM and select the files you want to download.
2. Start the Scheduler and set the positions for the mouse clicks: first click the "Set Start Click" button, then move the mouse pointer so it hovers over the center of the DIM "Start Queue" button, then press the "X" key. Do NOT click any mouse buttons while you do this, just move the pointer. Do the same with the "Set Stop Click" button, but point at the "Clear Queue" button instead. You should see the mouse coordinates to the right of the buttons if you've done it right.
3. Click the "Activate / Deactivate Scheduler" toggle button. Set the start and stop times for the download, and then click the "Start / Stop" toggle button to start the countdown.

You can test that the mouse clicks hits the buttons correctly by checking the "Test Mouse Clicks" box and simulate a download. The mouse pointer will move to the chosen coordinates but it won't click. Remember to uncheck the box before doing the actual download.

Make sure that no other programs may pop up and cover the DIM buttons while the scheduler is running, otherwise it won't work. I'll recommend maximizing DIM, this will place the buttons in a position where the risk for something else popping up and covering them is small, as well as preventing DIM from accidently being moved so the mouse clicks no longer coordinate with the buttons. The scheduler can be minimized while its running, it will work correctly anyway.

Let me know if there are any problems...

cedarwolf

Most excellent! I'll grab it and give it a run tomorrow. I'll report back on any problems I run into.

Thanks!