DVC Tracker by Caskbill

[TCARON]

Anyone still using this program? I am and have been since Bill developed it. I would hate to be without it with the four contracts we have.
is there any other program like it out there?

thanks!

tom c

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Sheesh.... been a while since I’ve heard that name. A once very knowledgeable DVCer.
Makes me sad.

 

[TCARON]

Yes. His wife was great keeping the program alive for a while. I am still amazed at the usefulness and complexity of the program.

 

[ammo]

I loved that program. He and his wife were definitely a blessing. Haven't used it in awhile due to swapping out computers over the years and losing it along the way. I'd love to know of something similar. My multi-tab spreadsheet is effective but labor-intensive!

 

[njmeisje]

I loved it. I ran into a problem where I changed laptops and could not download it again. Rest well Bill, we remember you so fondly. You were a fine gentle man and a creative man. Well missed.

 

[TCARON]

Yes! Disney cancelled my latest reservation because I borrowed more than 50% of a contract. I had to back it off in Caskbill and re-input with the new reservation and it was a breeze.

 

[Bellecruiser]

I remember Peg Caskbill kept it up for a few years after Bill passed, but then was unable to do so. It is sad. I also used it for awhile.

 

[Annieland]

Anyone still using this program? I am and have been since Bill developed it. I would hate to be without it with the four contracts we have.
is there any other program like it out there?

thanks!

tom c

I'm still using it, sorta... and am trying to update the point charts. Do you know if it runs on Windows 10? I last moved my database from a Windows 7 to Windows 8 machine, and am now trying to install it on a new Windows 10 Surface Pro and am running into errors.

Even though I just registered it on the Windows 8 machine a few months ago (THAT was an ordeal) I already forgot if I used an installer package or just was able to open the transferred app to get the new registration going.

Long shot, but anyone have any ideas or an original installer somewhere?

 

[Annieland]

Ok, nevermind! Got it working on my new Surface 7 Pro! My ubergeek son helped me find the missing visual basic 6 files it needed (which were actually sitting on the Windows 8 machine I was transferring it from). I'm a Mac person but actually keep a Windows machine just to run a few ancient programs like this one.

My testing of updating the points charts worked! Do we have maybe, 3 people who might want updated charts?? If so, I will do it! I want to put in my latest Riviera trip! God Bless you, Bill!

 

[Evita_W]

I would love to find a program like this since this doesn't seem to exist anymore.

 

[Annieland]

Well, to update if anyone is interested... with DVC adding 2 more travel periods I can't get it to work with most resorts. I could update Aulani just fine, and probably the other resorts that haven't changed, but I'm totally stuck on the majority which have gone up to 7 periods, as Bill had the original program coded for 5.

I'm so bummed. I've pitched to my master coder son to collaborate on designing a new modern app based on Bill's work (with his family's permission, and giving him/them much of the credit of course), but he's yet to take it on. Darn kids.

I don't know why I'm still so attached to this app, seeing as I only have one contract, and never even got a chance to upgrade it to premium, but it just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling like Disney itself I guess .

 

[Evita_W]

Ok, it sounds like this might be something to get DH to write a replacement program for. He tells me that he can probably make it work on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Here are few things he wants to know:
Can someone provide an overall description of the app?

What key features does this app have that people would want to see?

What were the premium features vs standard features?

What additional features would people want?


I think his goal would be to try to make the program free and perhaps open source so people can contribute to it so that it can keep going no matter what happens in the future.

 

[Annieland]

Ok, it sounds like this might be something to get DH to write a replacement program for. He tells me that he can probably make it work on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Here are few things he wants to know:
Can someone provide an overall description of the app?

What key features does this app have that people would want to see?

What were the premium features vs standard features?

What additional features would people want?


I think his goal would be to try to make the program free and perhaps open source so people can contribute to it so that it can keep going no matter what happens in the future.

Oh babe, if you've never used this program, and want to make something very similar, you're going to have a ton of research to do. I've used it since 2007 and I'm still buried in just the point chart code right now. Bill was hardcore with this thing, and it was able to manage multiple contracts and do all sorts of wild transactions, stuff I never even had to use. And now, post-Covid, with all the new rules, that's a challenge on its own.

In discussing it with DH&DS here, they recommend a cloud-based API so it could be used in any browser, which makes sense to me.

Better news is, I found a workaround for the 2 additional travel periods by just adding a "second resort" but if your travel dates cross the boundaries it won't be accurate or could have unpredictable results . So I probably will just use them myself for now, unless someone is well-versed in the program and wants to give them a run.

 

[Evita_W]

Oh babe, if you've never used this program, and want to make something very similar, you're going to have a ton of research to do. I've used it since 2007 and I'm still buried in just the point chart code right now. Bill was hardcore with this thing, and it was able to manage multiple contracts and do all sorts of wild transactions, stuff I never even had to use. And now, post-Covid, with all the new rules, that's a challenge on its own.

In discussing it with DH&DS here, they recommend a cloud-based API so it could be used in any browser, which makes sense to me.

Better news is, I found a workaround for the 2 additional travel periods by just adding a "second resort" but if your travel dates cross the boundaries it won't be accurate or could have unpredictable results . So I probably will just use them myself for now, unless someone is well-versed in the program and wants to give them a run.

Yeah, web based is beyond his abilities and as for trying to do it all, I think that's why he asked what were key features that people want to narrow down the most important parts.

 

[Caskbill daughter]

Anyone still using this program? I am and have been since Bill developed it. I would hate to be without it with the four contracts we have.
is there any other program like it out there?

thanks!

tom c

Hello Tom, I am caskbill daughter. Thank you for the kind words and still honoring his work on the program. Its nice to see people are still able to use it.

 

[Evita_W]

Hello Tom, I am caskbill daughter. Thank you for the kind words and still honoring his work on the program. Its nice to see people are still able to use it.

Any chance you might be able to officially update it and rerelease?

While DH might be able to come up with something, it sounds like your dad's program was hands down the best and I know I would pay for a good program to track points.

 

[Caskbill daughter]

Any chance you might be able to officially update it and rerelease?

While DH might be able to come up with something, it sounds like your dad's program was hands down the best and I know I would pay for a good program to track points.

Unfortunately no, I am not a programmer. I believe my mom sold the rights to the program along time ago.

 

[Evita_W]

Unfortunately no, I am not a programmer. I believe my mom sold the rights to the program along time ago.

I see, I wish I knew who she sold them to, while DH thinks he can come up with something, he would much rather just pay for a more feature rich program, which it sounds like this was.

 

[Bellecruiser]

Hello Tom, I am caskbill daughter. Thank you for the kind words and still honoring his work on the program. Its nice to see people are still able to use it.

So you should be so proud of your parent’s contribution to the DVC community! They were so wonderful and giving. Loved them!

 

[Annieland]

Wow sold the rights?? That's amazing (and very good to know)!! Good for her! I've updated my point charts for some resorts, but kinda messed up some others, so I won't offer them to anyone, especially not if there's another copyright holder. I just wish I had bought the premium upgrade when it was still available.