Moderator: Helga Gray
WBS, Wed 29 Apr 98
TRANSCRIPT
Present were 19:
James
marylois
sparkysteve
BCPRESS
soobieme (Sue)
richardWPB
J*8lek (jim)
uncleearl
gaillevy
wildcatt (helga)
KB Barrett
Harold
bmtorchids
Jane
foxtail2
digorchids
nodosa
Peterlin
Evlyn
marylois
Helga Gray is with us this evening to answer your questions about the Wildcatt
orchid database program. Helga, you have the floor.
richard in West Palm Beach
HI, Helga -- Are you still thinking of adding photos of the species at a
later date?
uncleearl
So is Wildcatt basically the RHS registrations in searchable database form?
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
I want one!
KB Barrett
Yes, let's talk about Wildcatt!! How long did it take for you guys to get
the program up to speed? It seems to be a very fine product, everyone uses
it.
richard in West Palm Beach
Helga -- is there any chance the updates will drop a little in price?
Wildcatt (helga)
To the question about species--we hope to have pictures in the future--we
are looking for good samples.
KB Barrett
If we have digital pictures to share can we send them to you? What address?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
KB Barrett--Send to Wildcatt1@aol.com. Further details discussed offline.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
For the others who had questions please repeat--I was having trouble with
the system.
KB Barrett
Helga, what's the story on Wildcatt? How long from inception to final product?
How long to debug? How frequent the updates?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Inception to complete--a little less than a year. Improvements are always
ongoing. We update twice a year.
marylois
The two times a year upgrade is what makes the system so wonderful, IMO.
uncleearl
My question was: is Wildcatt basically the RHS registration database in
searchable form? And what's the cost?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Wildcatt contains the Sander's registration data in a versatile searchable
form. Genealogies, progenies, and more.
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
I have played with it before Helga---it's VERY easy!
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
I have a copy of Wildcatt. I use it frequently. Easy to work with and very
quick.
marylois
I know the Grays take suggestions to heart and incorporate where practicable
- so those of you with Wildcatt - keep notes.
JCY8S
Helga, is there a possibility of a Mac version coming out?
graphicgreg
Hey Helga, We love Wildcatt. The two Sanders we owned have already started
to mildew. Everybody uses Wildcatt here in SoFla. Diane Davis at the Orchid
Plantation actually gave up her trusty Mac system and bought a PC so she
could run Wildcatt
marylois
Now THAT's a first! Never saw a MAC devotee give it up before. *s*
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Thanks, graphicgreg -- Diane Davis has given us a high complement.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Mac Version--We tried for about a year. Apple makes it very difficult. It
is beyond our resources at this time.
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
And also it seems AOS lowered their prices because of Wildcatt
marylois
Prices of the RHS system aren't set by the AOS. But that's another puppy
- let's stick to Wildcatt tonight.
JCY8S
Greg - has anyone ever used Virtual PC on a Mac to run the program?
graphicgreg
Never heard of that, John....but I suppose you could, huh ?
graphicgreg
I also appreciate the way you guys have been going back in the awards database...how
far back do you intend to go ?
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Helga, the question you missed when offline was how much does it cost, will
the price come down with the upgrades (was that right, Richard??) and I
wonder how much the upgrades cost after the initial purchase. Sorry to get
the hard money questions started, but let's get them over quick.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Virtual PC--mixed results--Wildcatt runs best on Softwindows. There are
a few who use Virtual PC--some have said it doesn't work. Greg, We will
be back to the first issue in the Fall 98 update in the AQ data.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
The price of Wildcatt is $159.95 + $5.00 shipping and handling. The price
for updates is $29.95 + shipping and handling.
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
So if I was to buy Wildcatt today, would I also have to buy some past updates?
I suppose the question is how often do you run an 'edition'?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Kathy--If you buy Wildcatt today you will get all the Sander's data through
February 1998 and AQ through Winter 1997.
JCY8S
Helga do you have any idea why SoftWindows is better than Virtual PC?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
I do not have much experience with the Mac and am going by what some of
our Mac users have told us. If you will contact me at Wildcatt1@aol.com
I can give you the e-mail address of someone who has tried both Virtual
PC and Softwindows.
JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Thanks, Helga. I will contact you tomorrow as I am a dyed in the wool Mac
person!!! LOL
marylois
I'm wondering about pictures too - does it really add much to a study aid?
I mean, clones from same grex have such variability - and there's always
the AQ for pictures. The beauty of a database system is quick access of
data, IMO.
uncleearl
Pictures? Does Wildcatt show a pic of the registration plant/flower?
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
I wonder if pictures would be worth the extra time for a display?????
soobie me (Sue in NC)
I like to see pictures to go with the names, but maybe cause im new to orchids
marylois
Exactly - pix slow things down regardless of system...really like the facts,
nothing but the facts, m'am. *G*
graphicgreg
Being a photographer...ahem, I think that the pictures are a moot point
at this time. Within another 5 years all of the judging centers will have
web sites with pictures of recent awards anyway.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Pictures are nice, but the problem is getting copyright permissions. There
is an enormous task involved here. The speed is not such a big issue.
J*8lek (Jim Y. in NYC)
Maybe if you include the pictures as an addendum to the database. Say you've
got a cross and you want to check out what the species in it's background
look like.
marylois
Jim - that's a fine idea!
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
Speed, not to mention the space that pictures take up...I vote for staying
with what we have...if I may be so bold.
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
I agree with Lois and Harold
gaillevy ( Boca Raton, Fl)
Sparky is being agreeable, make a note!
graphicgreg
Pictures are not Wildcatt's strength. If I want to see what species are
in the background of BLC Waikiki Gold what do I need pictures for ? If I
don't know what the species look like than I'm probably not ready to use
that feature. And the last thing I think of Wildcatt as is an awards database
although I appreciate that feature when the information is available.
uncleearl
Just my opinion, but if you do decide on pictures, I think it should be
a separate product: there's enough stuff on my HD as it is!
marylois
Timeliness is one great feature!
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
What do you use it as Greg?
graphicgreg
Kathy, I use it for a little puttering around I do with hybridizing; to
see just what species make up a certain hybrid so I can better understand
the genetic contribution of each, to see who made a certain hybrid and when.
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Greg, that's what I'd want it for too, to check on the background of a hybrid.
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
Kathy, I use it for various things. Checking spelling to make new tags.
Being a new guy I am checking to see about new names on some of my older
crosses... Plus.. PLus.. Plus
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Uncleearl--Pictures would be on a CD--not loaded on the hard drive.
uncleearl
Good idea. My problem with pictures is that it doesn't necessarily mean
anything, given the diversity within a species, the fact that varieties
&/or clone names aren't given in the registration, etc.
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
Another nice feature is, Helga will send you an E-mail to let you know when
the update is available. It is not necessary to keep checking...Thanks Helga.
JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Helga - can you give us a short rundown as to what a person can do with
Wildcatt?
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
Helga, that's another question---as time goes on and Wildcatt gets larger
and my hard drive doesnt what happens then?????
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Sparkysteve--Diane Davis bought a PC...But Wildcatt only takes about 50
meg on a hard drive--most hard drives now are two gigabites or more for
not much money.
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Sparky, you'd be updating your computer frequently anyway. At least the
Boyfriend does here...ALOT!
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
For those Wildcatt users here--What features do you use most?
graphicgreg
Hey Helga...I love the pie charts ! ! !
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
Hi, Helga. Ed Wright in San Antonio here. I like Wildcatt because your records
of my hybrids are better than my records of my hybrids!
marylois
I use it to check spellings - to pick up the name of a cross or find the
parents of a named plant mostly. A close second is checking to see what
species are in the background in what proportion. Question: When one prints
out the species combinations, is there a way to get a smaller pie graph.
Full size eats up the color cartridges in a hurry.
Native Heart
I like the pies too, Greg. And it really helps when writing those papers
for AOS judging.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Hi, Ed. I consider that a great compliment!
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Yeah, if I got my own, I'd get off Rod Venger's back! He provides the pie
charts etc for people. Just don't overwork him.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Lois-- No way to change the size of the pie right now. Good suggestion though.
We'll add it to our list.
JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Helga - Can you print out a list of all the hybrids registered by a particular
person?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
John--Yes you can get all the hybrid registered by a particular person in
the breeder part of the program--and cross reference the list to the awards.
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
John, Wildcatt gives a list of crosses by hybridizer IF the hybridizer registers
them under one name. Many (most?) hybridizers are careless - they register
by name, nickname, initials, almost any way. No system can sort random input.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
I apologize if I missed questions. I'm getting info overload right now.
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Helga, where do I order one?
harold6820 (Farmers Branch, TX)
Good girl Kathy, you will not regret it.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
May I ask a really stupid question? What are Boolean operations? I took
logic but what does it mean in Wildcatt? TOooooo tooo lazy to read little
booklet! *G*
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Hi Jane--For example, David Grove used the Boolean Operation features to
extract hybrids of all the *true* Vanda species.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
Hi, Helga, HOW does he do that? is it a request written with ands in between
the features sought or something?
JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
Ed what about a boolean search using all possible variations that you can
think of?
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
John, a Boolean like that would take more time than I have at my age.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
I agree with Ed. It would take more time at my age too.
JCY8S (John in Arcadia, CA)
I guess THAT answers the question for my age also!!!
digorchids (Doug from Houston, TX area)
Unless one has a very, very fast computer...
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
The real value of Wildcatt is when you can whip in to the smoke box and
nail down a cross while you're in the middle of potting. If I had time,
the Sander books are OK. I want it quick.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Boolean operations allow you to combine saved lists in various ways. If
you find the progeny of one species and the progeny of a second species,
you can combine them into one list.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
ok, if I read the booklet will I be able to figure it out?????
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Boolean operations also can find all the names that two progeny lists have
in common--i.e.--all the hybrids that have two particular species in their
background.
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
If anybody has a little booklet that will explain Boolean operations, I'd
like to get a copy.
marylois
Amen! copy for me too!
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Helga, so for example, in this month's Orchid Digest is an article on the
progeny of Bc. Horace, the editors ran a few charts of hybridizers that
used Horace in their crosses. They'd get that info from Wildcatt? Did you
see the article?
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
Ed---I'm totally lost about it too!
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
If you want to use Boolean operations, and can't figure it out from the
booklet--give me a call--(515) 232-4721 and I'll take you through a few
examples.
digorchids (Doug from Houston, TX area)
Wildcatt, please make sure you post how, where, etc. in transcript on how
to order.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
Kathy--I don't know if the editors used Wildcatt--but you could.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
Hi Paula, thanks Helga, maybe I will do that. You have always been helpful.
NO I HAVE NOT GOT MY NEW ORCHID DIGEST YET! Where is it???? Lois, when were
they mailed? We have a different mail man every other day. [OD distributed end of April...mlg]
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
To order Wildcatt, E-mail, or write us at Wildcatt
Database Co. 5624 Valley Rd. Ames IA 50014 Phone (515) 232-4720 Fax (515)
233-8445
paulav (Paula in Boca Raton, Florida)
Helga, what is the latest release of Wildcatt now available?
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
The latest version of Wildcatt is the Spring 98 update--Current through
February 1998.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
When I first got Wildcat, I ordered through Donna Burch in St. Petersburg,
she got a bunch of them, I got a little booklet with that or with my first
update. I know that Wildcat beats the heck out of the 'other one' for speed
in accessing progeny/parents info when judging.
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
I think the booklet people are refering to is the Users Manual. However,
It does seem we need to work on explaining the boolean operations. We will
work on it. Pay attention to our newsletters.
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Are you making a list, Helga? So far its check the size of pie charst, explain
boolean better and send Kathy a free sample...
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
If you have a computer, you should have Wildcatt, it really is the simplest
method of looking up data on orchid hybrids. Could not do without it. With
200mhz I can change indexes in about 5 seconds. How fast will it be with
the new 400 mhz?????
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
It's really amazing that the Sander list records are as functional as we
find them in such modern programs. The originals were on the backs of envelopes,
invoices and wrapping paper.
uncleearl
Hey, guys. Try this: Boolean
explained!
Wildcatt (helga) (Helga at Wildcatt)
I enjoyed this chat very much. If you have other questions send me an e-mail
(wildcatt1@aol.com). We'll work on your list, Kathy. Bye all!
KB Barrett (Kathy in N. Calif.)
Especially that last item, Helga! Wink!
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
Thanks, Earl---I bookmarked it
nodosa (Ed in SAT)
Thank you, Helga. Please come back.
sparkysteve (of Boca Raton Florida)
Thanks Helga---I enjoyed it
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
WOW, thanks UN CLEAR AL!!!! *VBG*. That is fabulous, I bookmarked it and will
read it sometime soon real soon. Seriously, thanks for looking I really
did bookmark it.
Native Heart (Jane in RAINY Ft. Laud.)
Nite, Helga, thanks...this went WAY WAY too fast!!!
- 30 -
