Blinking Letters...

[louvelle]

What's up guys?!

I have another problem... It's about my loading message..

I've created a Label box and it's caption is "loading...".

Now, I can make the whole caption blink every second using the timer button. I wanted to try something and I can't do it but it is possible.

I want the letters to blink with each second passes by...

Example:

loading...
oading...
l ading...
lo ding...
loa ing...
load ng...
loadi g...
loadin ...
loading ..
loading. .
loading..
loading...

It is possible but all I could think of is create 9 label boxes.

Got any idea guys? I wanted to try something new that's why I'm doing this...

Thanks!

[Siddharth Rout]

You don't need many lables... just one label and one timer...

in the click event of the timer change the caption every second...

[louvelle]

You don't need many lables... just one label and one timer...

in the click event of the timer change the caption every second...

I'll try...

[Siddharth Rout]

here is a basic example without the timer and label...modify it as per your requirements...

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading"
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 To Len(Trim(strg))
    MsgBox Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

End Sub

[akhileshbc]

Code inside timer control:

If n=0 then
label1.caption="loading..."
elseif n=1 then
label1.caption=" oading..."
elseif n=2 then
label1.caption="l ading..."
elseif n=3 then
label1.caption="lo ding..."
elseif n=4 then
label1.caption="loa ing..."
elseif n=5 then
label1.caption="load ng..."
elseif n=6 then
label1.caption="loadi g..."
elseif n=7 then
label1.caption="loadin ..."
elseif n=8 then
label1.caption="loading .."
elseif n=9 then
label1.caption="loading. ."
elseif n=10 then
label1.caption="loading.. "
end if
if n=10 then 
n=0
else
n=n+1
end if

Declare the variable n in the general declaration of the form like this:

Dim n as integer

Write the below code inside the form's load event:

n=0

I haven't tested(VB6 not installed in my current computer).... just scrapped out from my imagination...

Will this help you????

-Best wishes
Akhilesh

[louvelle]

Like this?...

Dim i as integer
Dim x as integer

Private Sub Form_Load()
      Timer1.Enabled = False
      Timer1.Interval = 1000
      x = 9
      Label1.Caption = loading...
End Sub

Private Sub cmdStart()
      Timer1.Enabled = True
      Timer
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
      For i =0 to 9
        If x = 9 then
            Label1.Caption = " oading..."
        Elseif x = 8 then
            Label1.Caption = "l ading..."
        Elseif x = 7 then
            Label1.Caption = "lo ding..."
        Elseif x = 6 then
            Label1.Caption = "loa ing..."
        Elseif x = 5 then
            Label1.Caption = "load ng..."
        Elseif x = 4 then
            Label1.Caption = "loadi g..."
        Elseif x = 3 then
            Label1.Caption = "loadin ..."
        Elseif x = 2 then
            Label1.Caption = "loading .."
        Elseif x = 1 then
            Label1.Caption = "loading. ."
        Elseif x = 0 then
            Label1.Caption = "loading.. "
            Timer1.Enabled = False
        End if
        If x <> 0 then
           x = x - 1
        End if
      Next i
End Sub

Can you guys correct me if I'm wrong or do you have any better ideas?..

Thanks again...

[louvelle]

I don't have a vb here either..

[Siddharth Rout]

did you check the code that I gave

this

Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)

in a loop will give you desired results...

[louvelle]

here is a basic example without the timer and label...modify it as per your requirements...

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading"
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 To Len(Trim(strg))
    MsgBox Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

End Sub

I haven't tested this one yet but it sure is a lot shorter than my code.. Thanks..

I was busy typing the codes and show it you guys...

[louvelle]

I can replace the Message Box with a Label Box right?...

[Siddharth Rout]

since you don't have vb6, copy the code mentioned in post 4 and paste it in a module in VBA Excel... and then run it... it will give you a fair idea...

If you need trailing dots after "loading " then change

strg ="Loading..."

[Siddharth Rout]

I can replace the Message Box with a Label Box right?...

yes like I mentioned above in post 8

[akhileshbc]

My code is:

Dim n as integer

Private Sub Form_Load()
      Timer1.Enabled = False
      Timer1.Interval = 1000
End Sub

Private Sub cmdStart()
      Timer1.Enabled = True
      n=0
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
        If n=0 then
label1.caption="loading..."
elseif n=1 then
label1.caption=" oading..."
elseif n=2 then
label1.caption="l ading..."
elseif n=3 then
label1.caption="lo ding..."
elseif n=4 then
label1.caption="loa ing..."
elseif n=5 then
label1.caption="load ng..."
elseif n=6 then
label1.caption="loadi g..."
elseif n=7 then
label1.caption="loadin ..."
elseif n=8 then
label1.caption="loading .."
elseif n=9 then
label1.caption="loading. ."
elseif n=10 then
label1.caption="loading.. "
end if
if n=10 then 
n=0
else
n=n+1
end if
End Sub

That's what my idea is...
You can also use another timer to blink everything in the label, like this:

Private Sub Timer2_Timer()
If label1.visible=true then
label1.visible=false
elseIf label1.visible=false then
label1.visible=true
end if
End Sub

Set the timer2's interval property to 500 or something.....

That can give you some more different experience..

-Good luck

[louvelle]

My code is:

Dim n as integer

Private Sub Form_Load()
      Timer1.Enabled = False
      Timer1.Interval = 1000
End Sub

Private Sub cmdStart()
      Timer1.Enabled = True
      n=0
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
        If n=0 then
label1.caption="loading..."
elseif n=1 then
label1.caption=" oading..."
elseif n=2 then
label1.caption="l ading..."
elseif n=3 then
label1.caption="lo ding..."
elseif n=4 then
label1.caption="loa ing..."
elseif n=5 then
label1.caption="load ng..."
elseif n=6 then
label1.caption="loadi g..."
elseif n=7 then
label1.caption="loadin ..."
elseif n=8 then
label1.caption="loading .."
elseif n=9 then
label1.caption="loading. ."
elseif n=10 then
label1.caption="loading.. "
end if
if n=10 then 
n=0
else
n=n+1
end if
End Sub

That's what my idea is...
You can also use another timer to blink everything in the label, like this:

Private Sub Timer2_Timer()
If label1.visible=true then
label1.visible=false
elseIf label1.visible=false then
label1.visible=true
end if
End Sub

Set the timer2's interval property to 500 or something.....

That can give you some more different experience..

-Good luck

LOL.. I did make use of the visible properties of a Label Box to make it blink..

So you don't need a for loop right?.. Thanks...

[akhileshbc]

I can replace the Message Box with a Label Box right?...

What you mean by this..????

Are you saying that you want to display a window that shows some visuals like "Loading..... Please wait...", whenever you wish..???

[louvelle]

What you mean by this..????

Are you saying that you want to display a window that shows some visuals like "Loading..... Please wait...", whenever you wish..???

Yeah.. Something like that...

[louvelle]

I just used a command button for an example only..

[akhileshbc]

LOL.. I did make use of the visible properties of a Label Box to make it blink..

So you don't need a for loop right?.. Thanks...

yes, no loop needed for my code. I think my code is a bit lengthy..
There are many ways to solve a problem. Some of them may be simple and some may be complex... You can select what ever you wish..

One thing I want to ask you, what is LOL? Can you tell me the meaning or the full form of it...

-regards
Akhilesh

[akhileshbc]

Yeah.. Something like that...

Then you need some more coding...

[louvelle]

LOL means laughing out loud..

Ahaha.... (Like this)

LOL

[louvelle]

Then you need some more coding...

Yup.. I'll try the codes later... I'm at work..

[akhileshbc]

Dim n, t as integer

Private Sub Form_Load()
      Timer1.Enabled = True
      Timer1.Interval = 1000
      n=0
      t=1
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
If n < 6 then      'here the blinking loading is done for 5 times
        If n=0 then
label1.caption="loading..."
elseif n=1 then
label1.caption=" oading..."
elseif n=2 then
label1.caption="l ading..."
elseif n=3 then
label1.caption="lo ding..."
elseif n=4 then
label1.caption="loa ing..."
elseif n=5 then
label1.caption="load ng..."
elseif n=6 then
label1.caption="loadi g..."
elseif n=7 then
label1.caption="loadin ..."
elseif n=8 then
label1.caption="loading .."
elseif n=9 then
label1.caption="loading. ."
elseif n=10 then
label1.caption="loading.. "
end if
if n=10 then 
n=0
else
n=n+1
end if

t=t+1
else
timer1.enabled=false   'after the 5th time, timer is disabled and the loading form 
unload me     'is unloaded
end if
End Sub

This is the only thing you need to have inside a separate form...

When you wish to show that form for loading, simply use this:

Load frmLoading
frmLoading.show vbmodal, me

You can use this whenever you wish to have..
Just use the above two lines in anywhere in your code for displaying the "Loading Form"...

I think you understand my idea...

-Best wishes
Akhilesh

[louvelle]

here is a basic example without the timer and label...modify it as per your requirements...

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading"
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 To Len(Trim(strg))
    MsgBox Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

End Sub

I tried this:

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading"
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 to Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub

And it only shows "loadin "...

I tried your code and it works on the message box..
I cant' seem to understand what's wrong... Can you help me out again?

Thanks..

[louvelle]

Dim i As Integer

Private Sub Form_Load()
      Timer1.Enabled = False
      Timer1.Interval = 1000
End Sub

Private Sub Command1_Click()
      Timer1.Enabled = True
      i = 8
      Timer1_Timer
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
    If i = 8 Then
        Label1.Caption = " oading"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 7 Then
        Label1.Caption = "l ading"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 6 Then
      Label1.Caption = "lo ding"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 5 Then
        Label1.Caption = "loa ing"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 4 Then
        Label1.Caption = "load ng"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 3 Then
        Label1.Caption = "loadi g"
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 2 Then
        Label1.Caption = "loadin "
        i = i - 1
    ElseIf i = 1 Then
        Label1.Caption = "loading"
        i = i - 1
    Else
        Timer1.Enabled = False
        Label1.Caption = "loading"
    End If
End Sub

This code works perfectly fine but I'm interested with the short one...

[CDRIVE]

You can try this and see if it suits you. The Sleep API and Pause Sub can be put in a Module if you like. You may want to play with the Pause periods and Timer Intervals that I chose.

Option Explicit
Private Declare Sub Sleep Lib "kernel32" (ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long)

Private Sub Form_Load()
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Timer1.Enabled = False
   Timer1.Interval = 300
End Sub

Private Sub Command1_Click()
   Timer1.Enabled = True
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
   Dim i As Integer
   Dim MyWord
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Pause 0.05
   MyWord = Array("L", "o", "a", "d", "i", "n", "g", ".", ".", ".", ".", ".")
      For i = 0 To 11
         DoEvents
         Label1.Caption = Label1.Caption & MyWord(i)
         Pause 0.1
      Next
End Sub

' Credits: (Milk (Sleep+Pause Sub)). 
Public Sub Pause(ByVal Delay As Single)
   Delay = Timer + Delay
   If Delay > 86400 Then 'more than number of seconds in a day
      Delay = Delay - 86400
      Do
          DoEvents ' to process events.
          Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
      Loop Until Timer < 1
   End If
   Do
       DoEvents ' to process events.
       Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
   Loop While Delay > Timer
End Sub

[CDRIVE]

I discovered that you may want to add this to the code I posted or the program won't end when you close the Form.

Private Sub Form_Unload(Cancel As Integer)
   Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub

EDIT: Actually, this didn't cure the problem either but it's past 0100 hrs and gotta hit the sack. I'm sure the cure will be apparent over morning coffee.

[akhileshbc]

And it only shows "loadin "...
I cant' seem to understand what's wrong... Can you help me out again?

Try this...

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading..."
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 to Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub

[akhileshbc]

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading..."
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 to Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

Timer1.Enabled = False       'there is no need of timer
End Sub

There is no need of timer, the looping will give you the effect.

Oh!, I think you are using a timer to give a blinking effect to the whole label(using its visible property)...

-Best wishes
Akhilesh

[CDRIVE]

I discovered that you may want to add this to the code I posted or the program won't end when you close the Form.

Private Sub Form_Unload(Cancel As Integer)
   Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub

EDIT: Actually, this didn't cure the problem either but it's past 0100 hrs and gotta hit the sack. I'm sure the cure will be apparent over morning coffee.

I usually avoid using End without arguments but I guess arguments aren't really needed here. This lets the app End when closing the Form. It also works okay in QueryUnload event.

Private Sub Form_Unload(Cancel As Integer)
   End                                                    ' user clicked close.
End Sub

Edit: I don't like leaving questionable code behind so I've edited the whole thing and eliminated the End statement. While I'm sure there may be better ways to insure that the app ends when the form is closed, this code does seem to do the job.

'  http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?p=3331149#post3331149
Option Explicit
Private Declare Sub Sleep Lib "kernel32" (ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long)
Dim i As Integer


Private Sub Command1_Click()
   Timer1.Enabled = Not Timer1.Enabled = True
End Sub

Private Sub Form_Load()
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Timer1.Enabled = False
   Timer1.Interval = 300
End Sub

Private Sub Form_QueryUnload(Cancel As Integer, UnloadMode As Integer)
   If Timer1.Enabled <> False Then    ' Used to insure that app closes if user
      Timer1.Interval = 0             ' closes the form while the Timer sub
      Timer1.Enabled = False          ' is still executing.
      i = 11
   Else
      Exit Sub
   End If
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
   Dim MyWord
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Pause 0.05
   MyWord = Array("L", "o", "a", "d", "i", "n", "g", ".", ".", ".", ".", ".")
      For i = 0 To 11
         DoEvents
         Label1.Caption = Label1.Caption & MyWord(i)
         Pause 0.1
      Next
End Sub
' Credits: (Milk (Sleep+Pause Sub)). (Wayne Spangler (Pause Sub))
Public Sub Pause(ByVal Delay As Single)
   Delay = Timer + Delay
   If Delay > 86400 Then 'more than number of seconds in a day
      Delay = Delay - 86400
      Do
          DoEvents ' to process events.
          Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
      Loop Until Timer < 1
   End If
   Do
       DoEvents ' to process events.
       Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
   Loop While Delay > Timer
End Sub

[louvelle]

Try this...

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading..."
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 to Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
Next i

Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub

Already done that.. That's what it only shows this..
"loading.. "

[louvelle]

You can try this and see if it suits you. The Sleep API and Pause Sub can be put in a Module if you like. You may want to play with the Pause periods and Timer Intervals that I chose.

Option Explicit
Private Declare Sub Sleep Lib "kernel32" (ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long)

Private Sub Form_Load()
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Timer1.Enabled = False
   Timer1.Interval = 300
End Sub

Private Sub Command1_Click()
   Timer1.Enabled = True
End Sub

Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
   Dim i As Integer
   Dim MyWord
   Label1.Caption = vbNullString
   Pause 0.05
   MyWord = Array("L", "o", "a", "d", "i", "n", "g", ".", ".", ".", ".", ".")
      For i = 0 To 11
         DoEvents
         Label1.Caption = Label1.Caption & MyWord(i)
         Pause 0.1
      Next
End Sub

' Credits: (Milk (Sleep+Pause Sub)). 
Public Sub Pause(ByVal Delay As Single)
   Delay = Timer + Delay
   If Delay > 86400 Then 'more than number of seconds in a day
      Delay = Delay - 86400
      Do
          DoEvents ' to process events.
          Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
      Loop Until Timer < 1
   End If
   Do
       DoEvents ' to process events.
       Sleep 1 ' to not eat cpu
   Loop While Delay > Timer
End Sub

I think it's too long.. and too complicated... I'd rather use mine than this one but..

..thanks for the post

[CDRIVE]

I think it's too long.. and too complicated... I'd rather use mine than this one but..

..thanks for the post

You can remove the Pause Sub and use only the Sleep API. In that case you would change all Pause statements to Sleep. I avoid using the Sleep API for all but extremely short periods because no other code will execute during the Sleep periods.

As far as this code being too long and complicated is concerned...?? When you started this thread you were using at least 7 Labels! I think it may be time for you to upgrade your Altair to a machine with a hard drive.

[akhileshbc]

Private Declare Sub Sleep Lib "kernel32" (ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long)
Private Sub Command1_Click()
aaa
End Sub

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading..."
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 To Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
         Sleep 500
DoEvents
Next i

End Sub

This can solve your problem.... I had tested it and its working nice.(But there is a problem with the dots...)

-Best wishes
Akhilesh

[akhileshbc]

Private Declare Sub Sleep Lib "kernel32" (ByVal dwMilliseconds As Long)
Private Sub Command1_Click()
For i = 1 To 3
aaa
Next i
End Sub

Sub aaa()

strg = "loading..."
tempstr = " "

For i = 1 To Len(Trim(strg))
         Label1.Caption = Replace(strg, Mid(strg, i, 1), tempstr)
         Sleep 500
DoEvents
Next i

End Sub

This will show you the effect three times ...