Sim File Fetcher 2.1 Released April 2011

The most important new feature in version 2.1 is improved download speed for large files.  Previously, the download speed would degrade after about 50MB.  The download progress message now shows download speed and estimated time remaining.

Two other exciting new features:
Build Library function for league admins that zips up all cars and tracks and creates the SFF server file.
Launch button that starts the sim and automatically connects to the race server.

 Learn more...

New Project:  Sim Racing League Database

After finding Google completely inadequate to the task of finding a sim racing league and being disappointed with lists at game manufacturer sites, I typed in simracingleagues.net and discovered that the domain was available! 

SimRacingLeagues.net is now in development.  The goal is to provide a database that sim racers can search to find a league that matches their interest.  If all goes well, sim league admins will be able to add and edit their league information by validating their email address.

Check it out and let me know what you think:  rob@bertsoftware.com

SetupDiffs 2.0 Released Nov 2010

SetupDiffs has been updated after two years in service.  The new release has some major improvements:

• Creates a notebook that organizes all testing sessions
• Saves every setup (SVM) file
• Compares lap times side-by-side for each run
• Asks for driver feedback when a run is complete
• Adds a bunch of new data:
  • Track temp
  • Fuel level
  • Combined tire average
  • Wedge calculations
  • Load, ride height, and deflection

 Learn more...

Bert Software by Rob Cobb

This web site is used to help me stay organized and keep you up-to-date on the various software projects for which I am responsible.  Most of the projects I work on involve C++ or PHP and often utilize HTML, XML and MySQL.

• Fantasy Football Tools: Several thousand people use Draft Predictor each year to make their fantasy drafts more enjoyable.  It's success as a draft day aid launched a suite of tools that currently includes Draft Planner (a cheat sheet generator), averaged rankings, averaged ADP data, and a new player tracking tool called My Teams.  This software is available exclusively through FantasyFootball.com, but you can preview the tools here.
   
• Web Site Development: Ziggielures.com and DarkHouseGearAndTackle.com are web sites my wife and I created that are a cost-effective way to build a modest e-commerce site.  We customized professionally designed web pages using PHP code and a MySQL database to create easy to maintain web sites.
   
• ARCA Sim Racing (ASR) Plugins:  The stock-car racing simulator by The Sim Factory accepts plugins which are extensions that allow programmers to receive scoring and telemetry data.  I have created two plugins:  Setup Differences records telemetry data and displays it alongside the changes that have been made to the car setup.  This eliminates the need to copy down tire temps and attempt to recall which setup changes you made.  GTRL Spotter is a vastly improved spotter/crew chief.  Learn more...
   
• Sim File Fetcher:  One of the tiresome duties required of Sim Racing league managers is keeping everyone updated with the latest cars and tracks.  This simple program interacts with your web site to download all of the files needed by racers who want to participate in your league.  Learn more...

Dog Behavior Consulting by Rob Cobb

One of the few things I enjoy more than writing software is working with dogs.  I have been successful helping owners live more peacefully with their pets by focusing on fulfilling the animal-dog.  Some say that I have a unique ability to communicate with dogs, but I think anyone can learn to do the same if they focus on their energy.

I am not professionally certified nor am I a dog "trainer".  I work on problem issues like barking, destructiveness, obsessions, fleeing, and dog-aggressiveness.  Every situation is different, but most problems can be resolved by addressing the problematic behavior through exercise, play, discipline, and rewards.  I find that suburban dogs are often in need of energy outlets and stronger pack leadership.

If you live northeast of Detroit and would like some help with your dog, feel free to contact me at rob@bertsoftware.com.  Here is a photo of my dog Max.