Photobooth feature request/question

[snapshot]

Hello,

This is concerning the photobooth mode. I use the PSremote version, though it isn't really exclusive to that specific version.

Currently, I am using Photoboof, which I'm sure you are familiar with. I like the PSremote software, and I like the customization abilities available on the print outs, so I'm thinking about switching to using the photobooth mode of PSremote, but I have a few questions. Since my booth was originally built with photoboof in mind, i kind of need a program that works kind of the same way.

First, I was wondering if there was any way to launch the viewer on a second monitor. The way my photo booth is set up, my laptop runs the program so that I can check the status and do other things while the viewer is put onto a second monitor that people inside the booth see. This is the most important thing for me.

I know that currently you can set it to either print or not, but being able to choose the number of prints you want would be great. One of the options I offer is to print two copies of each photo booth session, so that feature would be great.

Also, since I would be coming from Photoboof, currently my shooting sequence is triggered by a serial port button (though connected using a serial port to usb adapter). Any thoughts of adding support for that?

Finally, has any thought been given to potentially being able to save print configurations. I would love to be able to set up four or five layouts and name them layout1, 2, 3, 4, or whatever. Then when I set up at an event, I just start the program, select a pre-made layout and i'm ready to go.


These are just a few observations, and you may or may not agree with them, but I just wanted to throw those out there to see what people think.

Thanks for your time

[Chris Breeze]

When PSRemote is running in full screen photo booth mode it only displays the photo booth screen and you can't access other settings in the program at the same time. On a dual monitor setup you can of course run PSRemote on one monitor and run other programs on the other monitor.

Most printer drivers allow you to set the number of copies printed and so you should be able to select this via the printer setup dialog.

Any button that can send an F4 key press to PSRemote can be used. The Griffin PowerMate is nicely made in turned aluminium and comes with software that makes it easy to trigger the photo booth sequence by sending F4 to PSRemote.

There isn't a quick and easy way to switch between different layouts because they depend on the printer page settings (for the size of the print), the settings PSRemote's photo booth setup dialog and the images in the photo booth image folder. You could use the Windows regedit utility to save different PSRemote settings to .reg files and then double click on these to load them before running PSRemote. The settings are stored under the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\BreezeSystems\PSRemote\ 102

[rolland_elliott]

the griffin power mate is a piece of junk. Search the web for various reviews and the unit is simply not responsive. It will work fine for hours and then all of a sudden not work at all. Not recommended at all. I have around 10 of them and they all have this issue.

[Chris Breeze]

Interesting. I haven't had any problems with mine so far, but it only gets light usage. Do you have any suggestions for suitable alternatives?

[jay1]

I have the same problem-Chris do you know anyone who can write a program???

[Chris Breeze]

I could do this if you're willing to pay for my time and can provide a suitable switch for testing purposes. Please email [email protected] if you're interested.

[snapshot]

Thanks for the response Chris.

For the record, I've heard nothing about bad things about the powermate as well, which is why I really don't want to use it.

I've sent you an email about your previous post.


As for your response to my initial post, I have a few additional comments.

First, while I was able to get the viewer to be on my second monitor, it is not exactly an optimal experience. Since my second monitor is inside the booth, I can't see it. So if I need to make some setting adjustments, once I close the viewer, I can't even get to psremote to make changes. I just think that eventually somewhere down the line it would be a terrific upgrade to be able to launch the viewer on a separate monitor from the one the program is running on.

As for the printer options, I completely forgot about just setting it up in the printer driver. Even so, that would be another nice feature to just be able to select the number of prints inside psremote.

As for using regedit, I would need a little more step by step procedure to make that work. Going into the registry is somewhat intimidating for me because I would hate to completely screw something up.

Thanks again.

[dogncatboy]

Any button that can send an F4 key press to PSRemote can be used. The Griffin PowerMate is nicely made in turned aluminium and comes with software that makes it easy to trigger the photo booth sequence by sending F4 to PSRemote.

Is it possible to remap this F4 key press to a mouse button press? Anyone with a box full of ball-type micecould use them to make pressure switches. This would also help if using a touch screen. The CRT touch screens a getting cheap on ebay, I picked up a 17" brand new for under $200!

[rpvincent]

I highly recommend this product:

http://www.stealthswitch.com/

It's rugged and can be painted red (if desired).

[Chris Breeze]

I've been working on a utility which allows up to four buttons to be connected to a serial port and send F2 (take B&W sequence), F3 (take color sequence) or F4 (take sequence using current B&W/color setting) key presses to PSRemote. Most PCs don't have serial ports these days but you can use a USB to serial adaptor. The software utility is working fine and I just need to buy some hardware (switch, DB9 socket etc.), take some photos of the setup and write the documentation.

[photo_ells]

I would recommend using a HID system for the button (or buttons as it is going to be). I have just got the nano one of these http://www.u-hid.com it can control up to 8 switches (so it's future proof) and it is tiny! It connects directly to the PC via a USB.
It's really easy to connect to any arcade type switch via the harness and a little bit of soldering (or crimping) and really easy to programme with the controller software that's available from its website.

You can get it from http://www.ultimarc.com, they are really helpful and also sell the pushbutton switches (make sure you order LEDs at the same time if your going for illuminated buttons!)

Right time to get the booth built!