You could code a ntp client in mxj. -> http://support.ntp.org/bin/view/Support/JavaSntpClient

p

That looks way above my head!

Andy

I don't know much about Java, but maybe the attached files will work for you (put the folder somewhere in the search path). It surprisingly does for me (Max 6.1 under MacOSX.9.1)!

I didn't spend time changing the format returned by the Java class, but it's easy to do within Max. Don't forget you need an internet connection if you want to use this technique.

Good luck,

p

Thanks so much Patrick, this is perfect!

Do you know if it will also work on Windows too?

Andy

I suppose it should work (that's what's nice with Java) but I can't test it.

Off the top of my head: why don't you simply loadbang a [time] object and compare the output with some fixed value? If [time]'s output is past your best-by date, then send a ';max quit' message. Bob's your uncle.

I really don't see a need Java for this. But don't let that stop you.

Hi Peter.

A time object? Do you mean date? Andy was afraid his users would change the OS' system date (don't tell me you don't know this old trick :-), that's why I proposed ntp. Or did I miss something?

Hi again Patrick, thanks again for your help with this!

The NTP object works perfectly, just one question though, it seems to work in patchers and collectives but not when its part of a standalone - any idea why?

Andy

If you want to build a standalone with some Java, you need to include a couple of files in your standalone, Max won't do it for you. If you're on a Mac, ctrl-click your standalone and open the package. Then go to Contents/Resources and there copy the following files from your /Cycling '74/java folder:max.java.config.txt ; the lib folder (keep only the max.jar file); the classes folder (all the stuff there is probably useless in your case) where you'll also have to copy NtpMessage.class and sntpMaxClient.class It should look like the inluded screenshot.

Thanks again Patrick, really appreciate it,

I wonder if anyone knows how to do the same for Windows.....................

Andy

https://cycling74.com/docs/max6/dynamic/c74_docs.html#standalone_platform_win

Sorry for the confusion earlier, yes, of course, I meant [date].

Yes, I know that users can change the date/time setting on a computer, but this has become much more of a pain-in-the-arse for users than it was thirty years go. Nowadays it means turning off automatic time check (which most people rely on for any number of things, not least among them the automatic handling of the change between Summer and Winter Time). What I was suggesting was a simple method that will discourage about, oh, 99.44% of users from using the patch after the best-by date.

An NTP-based solution may catch the other 0.56% of users. But it also requires a network connection and a compatible Java install (do not get me started on the problems of Java incompatibilities).

Choose your poison.

Diablodale implemented a time limit in his dp.kinect external. Not sure how it works but you could ask him.

What message would you send a standalone so that it only runs one time?

e.g sfplay~ --> fadeout --> bang message to cripple standalone

Hi Guys.

I managed to get the system working using the NTP idea.

The only thing that I can't figure out is the fact that the external (NTP) will not work when built into a standalone, but will work in a collective - any ideas?

Thanks,

Andy