2 Seperate forms "running"

[Steve Russell]

I posted this before on the programmers and got only one reply which
did not work.

Working on marathon runners race timing results. I have created two
tables, #1 has racers demographics (age,sex,bib
number,class,address,etc) which is updated using a form (#1) when a
new application arrives and during race day. #2 table is updated
during the race with a form (#2) that has a "timing code" in the form.
At the beginning of the race a button in form #2 is "clicked" to start
the timer (minutes:seconds) and another button, when "clicked",
updates #2 table with the exact running time as a racer crosses the
finish line. Each time the finish line button is click it updates #2
table with a new record. At the end of the race there should be X
number of records (minutes:seconds) based on X number of runners. A
tearoff on each bib allows support staff to keep track of who crossed
the finish line first, second and so on. After the race is over, the
first bib number to cross the finish line is put in the second column
in table #2 with the first time the button is pressed. The second bib
number is put in with the second time and so on until all bib numbers
are associated with the order they crossed the line. A REPORT combines
the two tables and tells the winners name, bib number and time they
crossed the finish line. I have created both of these and it is
working great with no problems. My problem,,,, many people show up to
register moments before the race and we need to input their
demographics even after the race has started. I need to "run" the
timer and input demo's at the same time. Even while I'm putting names
in the #1 table and hitting the Enter key, I need to be able to press
another key when a person crosses the line. To do it now, I need to
stop inputing into form #1, "select" the timing form #2, click the
time button then go back and "select" #1 form to continue inputing
demo's. This becomes a major problem when dozens of people are getting
close to the finish line. What is needed is a button with a cord that
can be an external trigger. Two people could be inputing data and
timing the race at the same time. Currently we are using a DOS based
program (54k)(rs-232) that can do all of this but would like to use
Access. Again, need both forms to be running independently on one
computer,, could consider assigning 2 "f" keys to input but seems to
only update the selected form, not unselected form, I need both forms
available for updating at the same time.

 

[Steve Schapel]

Steve

Does this all have to be done on one computer? One possible solution
would be to use two computers networked together, so the demo entry and
the finish time entry can be done by two operators independently.

The other thing I noticed is that there appears to be no good reason why
the button to record finishing times needs to be on a second form. Why
not put this button on the same form as the demographics, maybe in the
form header, so you only have to momentarily interrupt the last-minute
demos entry to click the finishing timer?

 

[Steve Russell]

Steve,

Thanks for a reply. We are using a DOS based (56K) software written in
1988 and it works very well far too rigid. I was in a tent putting in
last minute applicants while another person was at the finish line. We
had over 170 runners and 80 walkups at the last minute and had to put
their names in during the race. While I was putting names in, my
partner would hit the button at the finish line (i can hear a beep),
30 people crossed the line before I got all the names in so multi
tasking is very important. One person can not stop typing in names to
click another button when a person is finishing. So, it is important
that two forms operating on one computer is needed. Thought about the
two computers networked, but for small events some people dont have
access to two computers. Want to keep it simple. I just need to be
typing in names into one table with demo's while a remote button
updates a second table (timing). I did try to have timing code and
demo's running on same form but when you update a new demo it updates
a time at the same time,,, had not thought about putting it in the
header,, may look at that. Thought about a macro that,,, "F5" updates
the timing code and "F7" updates the demo's. Using a second mouse as a
remote trigger, assign the third button on a mouse to be the "F5" key.
That way I can update demo's with my mouse and my partner updates
timer with his mouse,,,, (yes,, it is odd) Seems so simple for 56K DOS
program, why not Access?

Again, thanks
Steve Russell