First Test of New Forum Software

[PALM MOD]

3 hours ago, iDesign said:

Ok, let's try a 20MB Image for fun (again, not recommended to make this a habit, due to server load)...

** UPDATE: The 20MB upload got an error message. Which means that there is likely a limit to upload size that's somewhere between 10 & 20MB. That should be plenty big for the vast majority of people.

----

In summary, if someone has trouble uploading an image have them check file size...

- If the image is under 10MB, then file size is NOT the problem (it's some other technical issue)

- If the image is larger than 10MB, suggest they reduce file size of the image at this URL (or similar): https://imagecompressor.com/

Hope that helps!

Stacey, thanks for the experimentation. For those interested, let me try to explain the following.

It is a little confusing when you just say "size." There is a physical size (dimensions in pixels) - also known as image size, and a file size (in megabytes or kilobytes). There is a limit to file size that I can adjust. And for the sake of expense, we can only accept so much - more storage space means more money.

It is image size/dimensions that is tricky. For example a 10 MegaPixel Camera may actually produce pics of 10.2 MP (3872 x 2592) - and it is this length and width physical size in pixels (3872 x 2592) that is the problem. These sizes used to be semi-standard. And when uploaded, the Forum software has to convert a pic to a physical and file size that is able to display correctly on all the different screens and devices, and within the parameters of the forum software. 

But with all the new and different cell phones with different image sizes, file formats, settings, resolutions, and ever larger file sizes - the conversion software (created by third party companies) can sometimes choke and reject an image - and it seems to happen more often in portrait mode. It is constantly being improved, but sometimes it lags behind the newer cameras. The way you set your camera to save your pics can sometimes help when/if you ever have problems. Some cameras can be adjusted to save in smaller and more manageable sizes.

[PALM MOD]

3 hours ago, Chester B said:

I’m having an issue every time I try and log in on my phone. On a computer everything is fine.

When I log in I get the following error message. If I click IPS logo on the top of the screen when this error pops up it will take me into forum and I will be signed in. 
 

Thanks for the info. Until and unless I get another similar report, I have to assume this is unique with your phone. I would be curious as to what phone, and what browser is being used, and if your software version is current. Have you tried rebooting? Logging out and back in? Or does your browser/phone allow you to clear cache?

Are you accessing via a bookmark/favorite or typing in URL? Please let me know any additional info?

[iDesign]

41 minutes ago, PALM MOD said:

Stacey, thanks for the experimentation. For those interested, let me try to explain the following...

Interesting (for geeks like me anyway). Here's more details on my image tests for documentation purposes...

ACCEPTED IMAGE:
- Original was 10.5 MB | 7724px x 5148px (very large)
- Server reduced it to 184 KB | 1024px x 683px (a much more reasonable size)

REJECTED IMAGE:
- Original was 21.3 MB | 10,751px x 4287px (enormous!)
- Server gave that one a big NOPE (as it should)

No action needed... was just testing the image uploading capabilities in case it was helpful.

[Merlyn]

28 minutes ago, iDesign said:

Interesting (for geeks like me anyway). Here's more details on my image tests for documentation purposes...

ACCEPTED IMAGE:
- Original was 10.5 MB | 7724px x 5148px (very large)
- Server reduced it to 184 KB | 1024px x 683px (a much more reasonable size)

REJECTED IMAGE:
- Original was 21.3 MB | 10,751px x 4287px (enormous!)
- Server gave that one a big NOPE (as it should)

No action needed... was just testing the image uploading capabilities in case it was helpful.

Since I'm a geek too, I clicked on the 10MB image that you uploaded, then clicked again to open up full size.  It saves as a 1620x1080x24b photo in the "full size."  This is useful for me, since I routinely resize to 2000 pixels maximum.  So if I resize a photo to 1620 x 450 (for example) then the server should be able to save it natively at that size and not need to resample or mess with my compression ratio.  It might recompress to a certain loss rate anyway, if that's fixed in the forum software.  I typically use 90-95% quality as a good balance between file size and image quality on JPEG.  So here's a test, originally 1620x1160.  If my guess is correct it'll get resized to not exceed the 1080 height and end up at 1508x1080:

And here it is rescaled to 1508x1080...theoretically it'll not need to be rescaled by the server:

[Merlyn]

1 minute ago, Merlyn said:

So here's a test, originally 1620x1160.  If my guess is correct it'll get resized to not exceed the 1080 height and end up at 1508x1080:

And here it is rescaled to 1508x1080...theoretically it'll not need to be rescaled by the server:

And I was correct in my guess.  The one that was slightly oversized got rescaled from 1620x1160 down to 1508x1080.  The one I uploaded at 1508x1080 was saved at the same size on the server. 

However, the server did recompress them at a much lower overall quality.  I used GIMP to export the 1508x1080 original file again, it looks like the default compression rate/quality is set to about 66% in the forum software.  Realistically, anything below 80-85% doesn't save much file size and significantly reduces the picture quality.  But over thousands of photos the bandwidth savings between 66% = 389kB and 80% = 506kB is noticeable.

So my conclusion is that I should upload with the maximum at 1620 x 1080, and when I'm cropping and scaling I can just pick the maximum in either horizontal or vertical pixels.  So a 1300x1080 won't need to be rescaled by the server, but a 1300x1081 will be rescaled.

[PALM MOD]

28 minutes ago, Merlyn said:

Realistically, anything below 80-85% doesn't save much file size and significantly reduces the picture quality.  But over thousands of photos the bandwidth savings between 66% = 389kB and 80% = 506kB is noticeable.

Yes Merlyn - I didn't discuss the bandwidth issues. As you probably know, with hundred people at a time pulling up topics with hundreds of photos, the file size makes a big difference in the ability to squeeze the data through the pipes.

And for those using mobile devices in less than optimum locations when bandwidth is reduced, it can make the difference between a pleasant viewing experience and an impossible one.

Like all things in life, compromises, moderation, and finding that sweet spot is often times the best solution.

[Silas_Sancona]

All looks good from this end..  Am trying a larger image size though ( approx: 2256 pxls. )

[Chester B]

2 hours ago, PALM MOD said:

Thanks for the info. Until and unless I get another similar report, I have to assume this is unique with your phone. I would be curious as to what phone, and what browser is being used, and if your software version is current. Have you tried rebooting? Logging out and back in? Or does your browser/phone allow you to clear cache?

Are you accessing via a bookmark/favorite or typing in URL? Please let me know any additional info?

IPhone 11 - Safari browser.

I ended up closing all windows and rebooting phone.  It now appears to be working normally.  Thanks.

[PALM MOD]

1 hour ago, Chester B said:

I ended up closing all windows and rebooting phone.  It now appears to be working normally.  Thanks.

Thanks for update. As I thought, appears as if it was a local issue.

[MelvinB]

On 8/21/2022 at 8:33 PM, PALM MOD said:

 

Sorry everyone. Wish I knew before I went to bed. An example of what can go wrong if one box out of 100+ is checked wrong. Hopefully it will stay closed now if you hit the "x" - maybe returning next day - but again supposed to stay closed for another 24 hours.

Perfect! Thanks.

[Merlyn]

One oddity I noticed today is that some threads open up in widescreen format and others open up only covering about half of my monitor.  Since I do 99% of my PalmTalk browsing on a PC or a tablet in landscape mode, the change to a narrow thread profile is kind of annoying.  The extra browsing space seems to be taken up at the top of the page with "Top Posters in this Topic" and "Popular Posts" and "Posted Images" but then this leaves a huge wide blank column on the right for the rest of the page.  Setting the default zoom level for PalmTalk doesn't fix the big blank column, as it is fixed in width.

As an example, here's two side-by-side screens of this thread (full widescreen) and the Show Your Bismarckia thread on the right:

[PALM MOD]

30 minutes ago, Merlyn said:

One oddity I noticed today is that some threads open up in widescreen format and others open up only covering about half of my monitor.  Since I do 99% of my PalmTalk browsing on a PC or a tablet in landscape mode, the change to a narrow thread profile is kind of annoying.  The extra browsing space seems to be taken up at the top of the page with "Top Posters in this Topic" and "Popular Posts" and "Posted Images" but then this leaves a huge wide blank column on the right for the rest of the page.  Setting the default zoom level for PalmTalk doesn't fix the big blank column, as it is fixed in width.

As an example, here's two side-by-side screens of this thread (full widescreen) and the Show Your Bismarckia thread on the right:

Thanks for the feedback Merlyn. It appears as if only some of the topics have the sidebar filled with the "Popular Posts" etc. I will have to look into that when I get a little more time. In the meantime, can you please let me know if you find something that differentiates those topics that produce that sidebar, and those that don't.

[Kim]

The issue with the sidebar is limited to threads with 3 or more pages of posts.

[Merlyn]

5 minutes ago, Kim said:

The issue with the sidebar is limited to threads with 3 or more pages of posts.

Yep, I think you've got it!  One page or two page threads look normal, but 3 or more page threads pop up the "most popular" and other extra thread info.  That's probably another one of those configuration check boxes... 

[Mandrew968]

20220824_142112.heic

Testing uploading a photo...

[Kim]

On 8/24/2022 at 12:23 PM, Mandrew968 said:

20220824_142112.heic 2.17 MB · 1 download

Testing uploading a photo...

I had this issue with files from my iPhone in HEIC (high efficiency image file) format. I changed to JPG format and it uploaded normally. The whole heic thing was new to me, but I guess it is a  way of compressing images without them losing any detail, or something like that. Maybe the system has a way to switch on normal uploads for this format?

[Hilo Jason]

Dean - Thanks for all of your work keeping Palm Talk up and running and smooth.  

One question, I can't find the "unread content" button on the mobile version (I'm using an iPhone).  It's on my desktop version, like usual.  Just not mobile.

 

[D. Morrowii]

22 minutes ago, Hilo Jason said:

Dean - Thanks for all of your work keeping Palm Talk up and running and smooth.  

One question, I can't find the "unread content" button on the mobile version (I'm using an iPhone).  It's on my desktop version, like usual.  Just not mobile.

 

I was looking for that too! Found it under the “activity” drop down menu. 

[Hilo Jason]

2 hours ago, D. Morrowii said:

I was looking for that too! Found it under the “activity” drop down menu. 

Thank you!! 

[PALM MOD]

On 8/24/2022 at 9:01 AM, Kim said:

The issue with the sidebar is limited to threads with 3 or more pages of posts.

Thanks Kim - saved me some time trying to figure that one out. Can't think of any reason that is useful. I will check to see if that is a configurable option.

[PALM MOD]

7 hours ago, Kim said:

I had this issue with files from my iPhone in HEIC (high efficiency image file) format. I changed to JPG format and it uploaded normally. The whole heic thing was new to me, but I guess it is a  way of compressing images without them losing any detail, or something like that. Maybe the system has a way to switch on normal uploads for this format?

Thanks again Kim - you get the Admin Helper of the Week Award.  

Yes - HEIC is a compressed format just like .jpg - supposedly better if you listen to Apple. There may be a setting somewhere to allow it. If not, there should be. Or coming soon.

[Las Palmas Norte]

I like it that when selecting a posing, it takes me to where I last visited instead of scrolling thru everything I've previously viewed.

[PALM MOD]

On 8/24/2022 at 9:08 AM, Merlyn said:

Yep, I think you've got it!  One page or two page threads look normal, but 3 or more page threads pop up the "most popular" and other extra thread info.  That's probably another one of those configuration check boxes... 

Merlyn - Update:

I just got rid of all those "Top Posters in This Topic" etc. I didn't find them useful, and they just cluttered up the pages - especially on smaller screens.

[Merlyn]

@PALM MODthanks!  That makes the bigger threads a lot easier to view!

[JohnAndSancho]

First off I am by no means complaining.  Dean @PALM MODyou've done an amazing job and I am incredibly grateful for both your efforts and this forum. I've learned soooooo much and also spent way too much money on what started as adding color to an apartment, that turned into a hobby, that's turned into a way of life under very suboptimal conditions. 

 

But is the search option functional yet, or am I stupid and not seeing it? I understand there's a good 15+ years of posts to organize. Just wanted to ask before I become "that guy" starting new posts asking questions that have been answered. 

[PALM MOD]

12 minutes ago, JohnAndSancho said:

First off I am by no means complaining.  Dean @PALM MODyou've done an amazing job and I am incredibly grateful for both your efforts and this forum. I've learned soooooo much and also spent way too much money on what started as adding color to an apartment, that turned into a hobby, that's turned into a way of life under very suboptimal conditions. 

 

But is the search option functional yet, or am I stupid and not seeing it? I understand there's a good 15+ years of posts to organize. Just wanted to ask before I become "that guy" starting new posts asking questions that have been answered. 

Never a dumb or unwelcome question (OK - almost never)

Still a little magnifying glass icon to the right on a desktop - not sure where on mobile.

And under the activity tab is also the Search Function.

 

[Foxpalms]

2 minutes ago, PALM MOD said:

Never a dumb or unwelcome question (OK - almost never)

Still a little magnifying glass icon to the right on a desktop - not sure where on mobile.

And under the activity tab is also the Search Function.

For me it's completely white on mobile but if I press where it used to be even though I can't see it (the magnifying glass) it brings up the search bar.

[JohnAndSancho]

3 minutes ago, PALM MOD said:

Never a dumb or unwelcome question (OK - almost never)

Still a little magnifying glass icon to the right on a desktop - not sure where on mobile.

And under the activity tab is also the Search Function.

Works in desktop mode. Doesn't show up on my phone but it's there under the activity tab. I can live with that. I blame T-Mobile lol 

[JohnAndSancho]

I have no magnifying glass unless I go to desktop or open activity tab but apparently I have a free SiriusXM trial waiting

[PALM MOD]

30 minutes ago, JohnAndSancho said:

I have no magnifying glass unless I go to desktop or open activity tab but apparently I have a free SiriusXM trial waiting

Magnifying glass should now be appearing on the right in the green header bar on Mobile.

[JohnAndSancho]

11 hours ago, PALM MOD said:

Magnifying glass should now be appearing on the right in the green header bar on Mobile.

Muchas Gracias 

[WaianaeCrider]

I have found it's easier to insert a photo now w/a click instead of dragging it into place.

[Merlyn]

One thing that I noticed today is that the font color of the forum navigation text is really light grey.  The current thread text is almost invisible.  If you are a little off-axis on an LCD screen then the contrast is really awful and the light grey text vanishes.

[PALM MOD]

9 hours ago, Merlyn said:

One thing that I noticed today is that the font color of the forum navigation text is really light grey.  The current thread text is almost invisible.  If you are a little off-axis on an LCD screen then the contrast is really awful and the light grey text vanishes.

Thanks Merlyn - We have another upgrade to perform still. But we had to go in steps, and will be performed in about 2 months. I will take notes of all these minor things and address all at the same time during next upgrade - unless something is critical.