LunarCaster DJ

[PapaBearPW]

Hi,

 

I'm the developer of LunarCaster DJ. A Free internet radio broadcaster for shoutcast/icecast servers. The program is still in beta testing but, I (and a few other testers) have done a number of shows with it already without problem. I'm posting here in the hopes of getting a few more people to try it out and maybe provide some feedback either here or on my own forum.

 

It is a windows only program and has been tested extensively on my own systems (XP and VISTA).

 

http://lunarcaster.com

 

Again, it's free. No hidden costs or ads or other such nonsense. I will also be adding a number of small scripts for internet radio sites in the near future (also free).

 

If I have posted this in the wrong place, my appologies.

 

Edit: Version 1.2a1 is now available for download from the download section at lunarcaster.com or just click here: http://www.lunarcaster.com/index.php/downloads/3-lunarcaster

Edited September 6, 2012 by PapaBearPW

[saint]

Nice Work Papa Bear and welcome to Broadcasting world

 

Making the software Linux compatible would be most awsome too ;)

[PapaBearPW]

Hi saint,

 

Thanks. I have a LOT of improvements planned for LCDJ and making a Linux compatible version is one of them. I'm still a bit of a Linux noob but I've read that Mono is the way to go in order to get it cross-platform. I guess Mono is something like .NET for Linux? Right now it requires .NET 4.0 and Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5 SP2. So, I first need to change the database completely since MSSQL will not work on Linux (as far as I know).

 

I also have planned to integrate NSV to allow for video streaming. Unless someone knows of something better to use for shoutcast video encoding (since NSV Tools is no longer being developed to my knowledge).

[techmonkey]

Hi Papabear,

 

You're right, mono is the set of libraries needed for .net on Linux. Alternatively, you can use Wine which provides some true windows components on Linux (Although anything beyond .NET2 is patchy under Wine at the moment) and I have to say, that radio automation under Linux is very poor at the moment in my experience unless you look at a web based solution like Airtime (http://www.sourcefabric.org/en/airtime/)

 

However, I'm more curious as to your choice of database, why Compact edition? I'd have thought that going with SQL 2008 Express would have been a logical choice (or even 2005 Express) due to enhanced functionality, low footprint, flexibility and scalability (eg CE is limited to 256 concurrent connections, doesn't run as a service etc....)

 

I know I'm biased as I prefer mySQL as it's so much easier in PHP than MSSQL!

[djgary72]

Hi Papabear

 

LunarCaster Looks Promising although i know Nothing about MSSQL if it could be ported to Linux with a MySQL database option that would suit a lot of People..... as It would open up more possibilties for Website programming.

 

For now tho i'm sticking with RadioDJ.

 

Nice to see someone thinking about the Linux users for once!

[PapaBearPW]

@techmonkey - My choice of MSSQL CE came about while trying to embed a database into the program. The idea being that there would be no need for users to install any database software at all for it to work. In theory, this should be possible with CE but not with express nor mysql (or so I have read, could be wrong). Though I have been unsuccessful at getting it to work without users installing MSSQL CE on their own systems. I hadn't seen a need for more than 256 concurrent connections. In fact, I never really figured there would be more than 1 with this program, and 0 need for it to run as a service...again, just not something I ever gave much thought to.

 

I will probably look more into EffiProz which promisses to be an embedable cross-platform database.

 

@garybaldy - Thanks and yes, mysql would be an option if I am unsuccessful with embedding a cross-platform database. I suppose, in the end I could offer users a choice of database. I would need to look into how much code changing would need to be done for that.

 

I have seen that RadioDJ mentioned a number of times around here and elsewhere and will probably take a look at it myself. LCDJ isn't so much intended to compete with any other software out there as it is about simply giving people another option. If someone doesn't like RadioDJ, maybe they would like LCDJ and vice versa. ;)

 

Thanks for the replys guys.

[techmonkey]

Oh I can understand why the embedded option is simpler for end users, but most people who have used RA software before will be used to installing a database (and the non-embedded version of SQL is easy enough to automate the setup with a script) but at the end of the day, I'm not a software developer, I'm a web developer who happens to support SQL based software in his day job.

 

The connection limitation would surely apply if you had a particularly sucessful website, multiple people viewing say the song history table if you had that availible. (or if some web-dev writes a badly coded bit of script!)

 

I don't have any expierince in coding with EffiProz, doesn't look particularly friendly for web developers unless you're using ASP.

[PapaBearPW]

I understand what you mean. All my webdev work requiring a database uses mysql. So, I am fairly familiar with it. When I began to develop this program, I never considered that anyone would want to use it in any other way then how I and some other DJ's were using their broadcast software. Namely from our home PCs, connecting to a remote shoutcast server. In that setup, there would be only one connection to the database (me). I will keep that in mind though. Who knows, since mysql also runs on windows and linux machines, it may very well be what I end up going with.

[Zimdjsounds]

nice work PapaBear ...IF You are still looking for testers please let me know

[PapaBearPW]

Thanks. Sure, all are welcome. Download Link

[Zimdjsounds]

Thanks PapaBear ...downloaded ...will feedback

[djgary72]

On testing after it had installed and then .NET4 Full we then get "Lunarcaster has stopped working"

 

Problem signature:
 Problem Event Name:    CLR20r3
 Problem Signature 01:    lunarcaster.exe
 Problem Signature 02:    1.1.0.5
 Problem Signature 03:    4f396c01
 Problem Signature 04:    System.Data.SqlServerCe
 Problem Signature 05:    3.5.1.0
 Problem Signature 06:    486140a5
 Problem Signature 07:    459
 Problem Signature 08:    7c
 Problem Signature 09:    System.Data.SqlServerCe.SqlCe
 OS Version:    6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
 Locale ID:    2057
 Additional Information 1:    0a9e
 Additional Information 2:    0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
 Additional Information 3:    0a9e
 Additional Information 4:    0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789

Read our privacy statement online:
 http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=104288&clcid=0x0409

If the online privacy statement is not available, please read our privacy statement offline:
 C:\Windows\system32\en-US\erofflps.txt

 

Running windows 7 Enterprise with latest service packs.

 

So we're left slightly confused.

[PapaBearPW]

Hi garybaldy,

 

That looks like you're missing the required database.

Here is a link to what is needed.

Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5 SP2: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5783

 

It must be 3.5 SP2. At least for the current version.

[techmonkey]

Hmm.... so a seperate server component is still required then (at the moment)

 

I know it's dead easy to write an ini file for installation of Full SQL / SQL Express to automate the deployment, but as for CE I don't think it's possible to use anything other than the defaults and where the data directory is located.

[djgary72]

Ok so had a quick play with it after downloading the Database.

 

Have to say the Fact it only loads files from an .m3u file isn't a great start for me. I couldn't find anyway of Importing song folders. Which is a common feature on other pieces of automation software.

 

So i didn't get that far with it before i realised it wouldn't work for me. I just hope in future versions it can be improved on and then maybe i will give it another look.

[PapaBearPW]

Yes, currently LCDJ still needs:

• Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5 SP2: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5783
  
• Microsoft .NET Framework 4: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17851
  

I think I mentioned this in the 3rd post of this thread. I selected MSSQL CE while trying to make the program work with an embedded database, but it never quite worked out as intended and an install of CE is still required.

[PapaBearPW]

I couldn't find anyway of Importing song folders. Which is a common feature on other pieces of automation software.

 

On the Playlist Tab, there is an option to import song folders. I would show you a screenshot of where exactly, but I'm still at work right now and have no access to LCDJ from here. I believe the icon is an open folder and gives you the option to add files or add a folder. Individual files can also be added to the playlist via drag-drop.

 

I really need to do up some videos on this stuff ... lol

 

Edit: Ok, so here's a pic. To add a music folder click on the arrow on the right side of the folder icon with the small green circle with the plus sign in it. Then click on Add Folder.

Edited June 17, 2012 by PapaBearPW
Edit to add pic

[djgary72]

Ok so i'e had a longer play around this time. got the music imported.

 

Had a bit of a nightmare getting it to recognise the Virtual audio cables the program needed restarting b4 i could get any audio.

 

Little bit confused as to where the now playing info gets sent from.

 

Still with a bit of work i guess it could be a good little program.

[GKIye]

First of all ... Congrats for your wonderful job !

 

but ... "I'm not a tech guy" ... just an user

but ... as user I have a huge experience in the use of both software and hardware (I'm into radio since 1978)

I visited your website and I miss one important thing ... some screenshots

 

I know and understand that many people gonna download the software and gonna make a setup

Others, as I do, do like to see first of all ... how it looks and what kind of features are included

People like Me do understand better the working of the software by seeing the software / screenshot(s)

 

Anyway, thumbs up for your input and great job !

[PapaBearPW]

@GKIye - Thanks. You are absolutely right! I will try to put some Screenshots together and get them posted this weekend. Thanks for the suggestion. I also have planned to make some video tutorials. I just need some quiet time at home in order to put those together. Videos with my 4 year old screaming in the background wouldn't come out too well I think. lol

[johny c]

Great simple and easy to use program. Do you plan to add scheduled events for station ids, trailers eg. Great that it can loads .m3u files. Im not a big fan of using sql.

[PapaBearPW]

Hi johny,

 

Thanks. I can add that to my list of planned upgrades. Thanks for the suggestion!

[PapaBearPW]

I visited your website and I miss one important thing ... some screenshots

 

Took a little longer than planned but, I do have a link on my site with some screenshots.

http://lunarcaster.com/index.php/screenshots

[GKIye]

Well ... You did a great job for sure ... Very nice !

Took a little longer than planned but, I do have a link on my site with some screenshots.

http://lunarcaster.com/index.php/screenshots

 

Following some ideas, reviews about your project

(Important : See, read and understand them as a positive input)

 

I understand the details as following :

- It gives Me the idea that only playlists (.m3u) can be played at the queue list

- I wonder if it is possible to create different folders (directories) where the user can add "genres"

for examples a folder : pop, 80s, 90s etc etc

- If different folders should be possible, a random play of all tracks (and genres) can be achieved

LCDJ gonna be able at that time to create a real random "own" playlist of different songs and genres

- Is it possible to launch a specific TOTH, promos etc at a specific time ?

The current screenshots learn Me now that it ain't possible

 

I guess similar questions can be asked by fellow members ...

 

Anyway, the job you did looks to Me important and it gives the users a view on the operational use of it

Feel free to add your details, answers etc to this post

 

The more you tell, the more We know and the better We can explain your project to other members

Keep up the good work !

[PapaBearPW]

Well ... You did a great job for sure ... Very nice !

 

Thanks! I will try to go through what you have written here, one item at a time.

 

Following some ideas, reviews about your project

(Important : See, read and understand them as a positive input)

 

I understand the details as following :

 

Constructive criticisim is always welcome. I know LCDJ isn't perfect (and likely never will be). So, no worries. The more feedback I get, the more I can do to improve LCDJ in future versions.

 

- It gives Me the idea that only playlists (.m3u) can be played at the queue list

 

Not exactly. You can drag-n-drop or double-click songs from the Playlist, Search or History Tabs to add them to the Queue. You can also dran-n-drop files directly from a music folder or desktop location into the Queue or drop them into the playlist Tab to add them to an existing playlist. Or drop song files from anywhere directly into one of the players. The m3u playlist files simply provide a mechanisim for storing a certain play queue or playlist for later retrieval without requiring excessive database calls.

 

- I wonder if it is possible to create different folders (directories) where the user can add "genres"

for examples a folder : pop, 80s, 90s etc etc

 

What can be done right now is to create various playlists in lieu of directories. What I mean by that is, you create a playlist in the Playlist Tab for Pop music (for example). Save that playlist as pop.m3u, then clear the playlist and create another for 80s music and save it as 80s.m3u etc. If you save these playlist files in the LunarCaster DJ\playlists folder, after a re-start of LCDJ, they will show up in the pull-down menu in the Playlist Tab. In this way, you can switch between your various playlist (genres) fairly easily.

 

- If different folders should be possible, a random play of all tracks (and genres) can be achieved

LCDJ gonna be able at that time to create a real random "own" playlist of different songs and genres

 

If you create a playlist as mentioned above that includes all of your music (I have one like that called full.m3u), you can either load that playlist into the queue and use the "shuffle" button to create a random queue of it. Then click play on one of the players while in AutoPlay mode.

 

Or you can open the full.m3u in the Playlist Tab and leave the queue empty and just click play on one of the players. As long as you are in AutoPlay mode, doing this will cause LCDJ to pull random songs from the loaded playlist into the decks.

 

- Is it possible to launch a specific TOTH, promos etc at a specific time ?

The current screenshots learn Me now that it ain't possible

 

No. Currently I have nothing in place for scheduling any kind of events in LCDJ. But, it is certainly something I will be looking into for a future release. Honestly, I have no idea what TOTH is though.

 

I guess similar questions can be asked by fellow members ...

 

Anyway, the job you did looks to Me important and it gives the users a view on the operational use of it

Feel free to add your details, answers etc to this post

 

The more you tell, the more We know and the better We can explain your project to other members

Keep up the good work !

 

Thanks again. I would be happy to answer any further questions or comments/requests.