Demo User Quick Start Guide
Getting Started
There is a world of
information presented within the Program. The best way to learn is to pick ONE
topic and work "hands on" with the program until you understand that topic.
Then move on to the next topic. It is highly recommended that you learn the
material in the order presented below in the JCapper 101 for Demo Users Class Outline.
JCapper 101 Audio & Video
From installing the
program to creating UDMs - Shorten the learning curve: Watch the VIDEOS and
listen to the Podcasts.
http://www.JCapper.com/Podcasts/JCapper_Podcasts.html
READ the Help Docs
All of the Help Docs are
available online at:
http://www.JCapper.com/HelpDocs/JCapper_HelpIndex.html
FREE Back Data Courtesy of HDW
The following link will
get you a download that contains a full three day weekend of back data and
results files courtesy of HDW. This data sample includes every thoroughbred
race run in North America over the three day 2010
http://www.JCapper.com/Silver/SilverDemoDataFiles.exe
Back
Data Install Instructions:
Download/Save
the .exe file from the above link directly to your c:\JCapperBuild folder. The
file name for the back data download package is SilverDemoDataFiles.exe. When
the download is complete, double click the download package .exe file to run.
The extractor will copy HDW zip files containing data and results for the 103
race cards run over the three day 2010
Follow
the Class Outline below. As part of the Class Outline you will learn to use
JCapper’s HDW File Manager to initiate a file build process that creates comma
delimited text .JCP data files that JCapper can use to generate past
performances and other daily reports as well as comma delimited text .XRD
results files that JCapper can use to build databases.
JCapper 101 for Demo Users Class
Outline
You
can't use the Demo Version to generate same day race reports. Make the most
efficient use of your time and get the most out of your JCapper Demo. Learn the
material in the following order:
1. Get these Basics Out of the Way
1.
Install the Program: – Watch the How to Install JCapper Video. Then download
and install the Program.
2. Learn
how and where to find Help Documents for JCapper: - Watch the Help Documents in
JCapper Video.
3. Need
a Primer on Folders, Files, and Windows Explorer? – Watch the Windows Explorer
101 Video.
Processing Brisnet Files
4. Learn how to Download and Unzip Files -
Watch the following videos:
a. Downloading and Unzipping Files with the File
Downloader.
b. Unzipping Files with the File Unzipper.
Processing HDW Files
4. Learn to use the HDW File Manager to:
a. Download Files
from the HDW Site
b.
Initiate a File Build Process to create .JCP Data Files and .XRD Results Files
Watch the videos in the Working With HDW Data Section found on the JCapper 101 Audio Video
page at JCapper.com
Read the HDW File Manager Help Doc on the
Help Docs Page at JCapper.com
5. Learn
how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data files,
and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file – Read
the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
2. Learn to Build a Database
1. Watch
the Building a Database in JCapper Video. Learn to use the Database Builder to
create a database using your existing TSN or Bris data and results files as a
source.
2.
Listen to the Building A Database (Overview) Podcast.
3.
Listen to the Building A Database (Nuts and Bolts) Podcast.
4. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Download (Save) a handful of (10-12) past
performance Bris or TSN data files along with matching XRD results files. Unzip
these files onto your default data folder (c:\2008.) Or, if you already have a
collection of existing files – use those. Point the Database Builder at your
target folder and Build a Database.
3. Getting at Your Data (ALL Button Data Window
Queries)
1. Learn
how to use the Data Window to run basic Data Window queries. Watch the Using
the Data Window Video.
2.
Listen to the Understanding the Data Window (Overview) Podcast.
3.
Listen to the Understanding the Data Window (Nuts and Bolts) Podcast.
4. Read
the Understanding the JCapper Data Window Help Doc.
5. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Use the
Data Window and run queries using the ALL button.
4. Getting at Your Data (Data Window Exports)
1. Learn
about Data Window Exports: - Watch the Data Window Exports and Reports for
Trainers, Riders, and Owners Video.
2. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Run a Data
Window Export for Trainers and Riders using your Database as the source.
3.
Generate CXN Reports. Start discovering who is good and bad at what at the
circuits that your play.
4. Read the
Data Window Exports Help Doc.
5. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Run a
Jeff’s Track Profile Data Window Export using your Database as the source.
6.
Generate a handful of Jeff’s Track Profile Reports for your favorite racing
venues. Start discovering “The Demands of the Track.”
5. UDMs
1. Learn
how to use the UDM Wizard to create UDMs: - Watch the A Simple Trainer UDM
Video.
2.
Listen to the Simple Basic UDMs Podcast.
3.
Listen to the other Podcasts devoted to creating UDMs.
4. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Pick any
one idea you might have (a handicapping premise) and use the UDM Wizard to
create a UDM based on that premise. Keep it simple. It’s all about learning to
use the tools… for the time being.
5. Pick
a second handicapping premise. Use the UDM Wizard to create a UDM based on it.
Again, keep things simple… for now.
6. Getting at Your Data (Running UDMs through the
Data Window)
1. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Run your
UDMs against your database with the Data Window’s UDM button.
2. Run
your UDMs through the Data Window broken out by many different factors. See for
yourself where your own UDMs are strong and where they are weak.
3. Work
hands on with the program with the Data Window and UDM Wizard open at the same
time. Run a UDM through the Data Window broken out by a single factor. Pick a
cutoff for that factor based on results you see in the Data Window. Pull up the
UDM in the UDM Wizard and set that factor cutoff and save it. Then run your UDM
back through the Data Window and notice the improvement in performance. Repeat…
repeat… repeat. This is called tuning
your UDMs.
7. Daily Reports
1. Learn
how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data files,
and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file – Read
the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
2. Learn
how to load JCapper.dat files into the program using the Card Loader: - Watch
the Loading race card Files into JCapper with the Card Loader Video.
3. Learn
how to Calculate Races and View Reports: - Watch the Calculating Races and
Viewing Reports Video.
4. Work
with the Program “hands on.” Use the Card Loader (or Screen Two of the File
Downloader) to load a JCapper.dat file into the Program. Then run a Calculate
Races and View Reports.
5.
Scroll through the Supported Factors Page at JCapper.com. Get a basic
understanding of the factors in the Program.
6. Learn
how to read the Reports and what to look for. Read the
Summary
Follow
the Class Outline. Learn the material in the exact order in which it is
presented. Doing that shortens the learning curve. Skipping steps will only get
you in trouble.
- End
JCapper 101 for Demo Users Class Outline –
Operating the Basic Program
Below is a Daily Quick Start guide to using JCapper each day to Unzip
Files, Load Race Cards, Process Scratches, Calculate Races, and View Reports.
The Daily Quick Start Guide presented here is intended as an overview of the
steps a JCapper user goes through each day in using JCapper to arrive at
potential UDM plays. Keep in mind as you
read this quick start guide that as a Demo user the only thing you can’t do is generate
same day race reports. That privilege is reserved for Registered Program
Owners only. The Demo Version ships with sample reports so that you can follow
along with the info presented in the Help Docs. If you want the ability to run
same day race reports you have to buy the program. That’s just the way it is.
Here is an outline of what a new user does on a daily basis to operate
the basic program to run and view daily reports.
Outline of New
User Program Operation for Daily Reports
1. Learn
how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data files,
and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file – Read
the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
2. Learn to use Screen One of the File Downloader to download and
automatically unzip files onto your Default Data Folder.
3. Learn to use the File Unzipper to find and unzip
files at will.
4. Learn to use the Card Loader to clear prior day
scratches and load today’s race card files into the program.
5. Learn to use the Manual Changes Module to process
scratches and surface/distance changes.
6. Learn to use the Main Module to run a Calc Races
routine. Demo Users are restricted to
running Calc Races on loaded JCapper.DAT files only.
7. Learn to use the Main Module to launch the Report
Viewer. Get a very clear understanding of exactly what you are looking at.
Learn exactly what to look for. Read the
File
Downloader
The File Downloader (added Jan, 2005) can be used to
download past performance and results files directly from the Bris and TSN
websites. The File Downloader has a second (hidden) screen, available via the
Folder Icon. This second screen provides advanced functionality for both
unzipping and loading past performance data files.
The File Downloader can be reached in the following manner:
1. From the Main Module, click FILE DOWNLOADER – or -
2. From the Card Loader, click FILE DOWNLOADER
Screen One
Screen One of the File Downloader is a web browser
and is used to download files directly from Bris or TSN (be careful that you connect to the right page.) and save them to
your Default Data Folder. Remember, you have to unzip any files that your
download.
Screen Two
Screen two (it’s hidden at first) of the File
Downloader serves as both a File Unzipper and Card Loader. The interfaces of
both the File Unzipper and Card Loader are a little more user friendly than
screen two of the File Downloader. So I recommend you use those Modules for
unzipping and loading files. But know that you can use screen two of the File
Downloader to do both if you want to.
Resize Button
The File Downloader has the ability upon start up to
communicate with Windows and size itself according to the current screen
resolution. On some machines, most notably those with AMD K-6 chips instead of
Intel Pentium chips, Windows is unable to interface properly with the graphics
card and is therefore incapable of retrieving the correct screen resolution.
Clicking the Resize button will cause the File Downloader to size itself as if
it were running in an 800 x 600 screen resolution environment. If you are
unable to view the entire screen area of the File Downloader give the Resize
button a click.
Unzipping Data Files
The first question new users often ask is: Where do my data files go? When you first install JCapper your
Default Data Folder will be c:\2008. Until you go into System Settings and
change your Default Data Folder, this is where you should put your unzipped
downloaded data files.
JCapper has a pretty handy file unzip tool called the File Unzipper. There is a separate help
doc devoted entirely to using the File Unzipper for finding and unzipping files
at will. If you are a brand new JCapper user I recommend you open and read that
Help Doc once you are finished reading this Quick Start Guide. I also recommend
that you open the File Unzipper and refer to it as you follow along with the
text in the Help Doc.
JCapper also has the same complete unzip functionality on the second
(hidden) screen of the File Downloader.
But I recommend you wait a bit before moving on to screen two of the File
Downloader. Get yourself completely familiar with the File Unzipper first. Then
later, after you have become more familiar with JCapper, you can move on to
using Screen Two of the File Downloader to unzip files and Load Race Card
Files. By the way, File Downloader Screen Two is covered in detail in the
section of this Help Doc devoted to the File Downloader.
Of course you can also use third party unzip utilities such as WinZip
or the PkUnzip tool from BRIS to unzip your data
files before you load them in the Card Loader. If you do use a third party
unzip tool, just be sure that you extract your past performance data and
results files onto your c:\2008 Default Data Folder.
Past Performance Data Reports -
Learn
how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data files,
and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file – Read
the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
For the
sake of convenience, the Overview section of that help doc is presented here:
Overview
- The JCapper Past Performance Generator provides fast easy generation of past
performance reports. Simply point the module at a target folder, click File...
click Open Data File, and then use the dialog box to select the data file that
you want. As soon as you load a data file into the module, the Races Drop Down
will auto populate with a list of available races in the current data file.
From there, select the race that you want and the module will render a past
performance report for that race.
Fast, simple, and effective.
Load Race Cards
–
Click the Card Loader Button. You'll need to first copy
and unzip one or more Bris or TSN past performance data files (or JCapper.DAT files) onto your Default Data Folder. When you
first download the program your Default Data Folder will be c:\2008. Then, just
use the JCapper Card Loader to load the desired file(s) into JCapper. This is
an easy process. You can navigate through your system's folder and file
structure just like in Windows Explorer. There's even a button that
automatically searches, finds, and loads all data files in your default folder
for a given race date. You can also use the File Downloader (added in Jan,
2005) to download and unzip past performance and results files directly from
the Bris and TSN websites. The File Downloader's second screen, available via
the Folder Icon, also provides functionality for unzipping and loading past
performance data files.
When you open the Card Loader and click on the Folder Nav Tool it will
display the contents of your Default Data Folder. Any unzipped data files with
an extension matching the file type currently selected in the File Type Drop
Down will be displayed in the window. The easiest way for new users to load a data
file is to simply double click each individual file. There is a separate Help
Doc which explains full functionality of the Card Loader in detail. If you are
a new JCapper user, I recommend you read the Card Loader Help Doc once you have
finished reading this Quick Start Guide.
Scratches and Changes –
Use Scratch Bot, Scratch Parser, or the Manual Changes Module to
quickly and easily process any scratches or changes. There are separate Help
Docs which explain all functionality of these three modules in detail. You’ll
be reading these shortly. Again, that’s outside the scope of this Quick Start
Guide.
Calc Races in the Demo Version –
The Demo Version does not allow Demo Users
to run Calc Races routines to generate same day race reports. That privilege is reserved
for Registered Program Owners only. I used to operate on the honor system and
offer people one free 30 day demo. Unfortunately a handful of people abused
this privilege and spoiled what was a very nice offer for everybody else. They
bombarded me with one free demo request after another and never paid for the
program. They used fake names and got free/anonymous email accounts from places
like Yahoo and Hotmail faster than I could track IP Addresses. So in the end,
even though I hated the idea, I adopted the current system. I hope you can
understand why.
Demo users do have the ability to run Calc
Races routines to generate previous day race reports. Doing this is really easy.
Just use the Card Loader to load JCapper.DAT files
instead of Bris or TSN past performance data files.
Q. What is a JCapper.DAT file?
A. JCapper.DAT files are created by the
Database Builder during a Build Database Routine. They include both past
performance and results data.
Q. How do I get JCapper.DAT files?
A. Two ways:
1. Use the Database Builder to Build a Database. Refer to the Building JCapper Databases Help Doc for
coverage on this subject in complete detail.
2. Use the sample JCapper.DAT files included
with the Install Package. The install package includes three JCapper.DAT files. You can find these files in your
C:\JCapperBuild folder. All three files will have the .DAT file extension. You
can load them in the Card Loader by pointing the Card Loader at your
C:\JCapperBuild folder or manually copying the sample JCapper.DAT
files to your Default Data Folder.
Q. How do I use the Card Loader to load JCapper.DAT
files?
A. Change the File Type Drop Down from the default .DRF file extension
to the .DAT file extension. All .DAT files in the pointed to folder will then
become visible in the Card Loader display. And of course to switch back to .DRF
files simply select .DRF from the file type drop down.
Q. How do I run a Calc Races routine to generate previous day race
reports?
A. After loading JCapper.DAT files in the
Card Loader then click the Calculate Races button. A Calc Races routine will
run and you will be able to view an HTML Report in the Report Viewer based on
your loaded .DAT files.
Reports –
The Demo Version comes with sample Reports so that you can follow the
info presented in the Quick Start Guide and Help Docs. You’ll find them in your
c:\JCapperBuild folder. The filenames for the HTML Reports are: Report_1.html
and Report_2.html. The filenames for the Text Reports are: AtAPrice.txt and
AtAPrice2.txt. If you manually copy them to your Default Data Folder (c:\2008
until you go into System Definitions and change it) you will be able to view
both sets of reports in the Report Viewer.
Click the Report Viewer
button. The
JCapper Report Viewer lets the user toggle back and forth between the HTML
Report and the Text Report. The print button on the Report Viewer sends the
Text Report to a printer. The Print Button on the HTML Report itself sends the
HTML Report to a printer.
HTML Report One - (Filename: Report_1.html) The JCapper HTML Report shows the
significant factors with numbers and rankings for every horse in an easy to
follow format. All potential UDM plays are highlighted for easy identification.
There are hyperlinks so that the user can freely navigate from track to track
and race to race. HTML Report One contains information
for every race found in all loaded race card files and is created whenever a
standard Calc Races routine is run using the Calculate Races button.
HTML Report Two - (Filename: Report_2.html) This JCapper HTML Report is exactly
the same as HTML Report One except that it contains information for a single
track only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single
track only.
Text Report One - (Filename: AtAPrice.txt) The JCapper Text Report shows all UDM
Plays for the day neatly organized in one place. Here you'll find a header for
each race that contains the Track, Race Number, Surface and Distance, and the
class descriptor and RaceVolatility
for the race. All potential positive expectation UDM plays in each race are
laid out for you. Here you'll find post position, name of horse, name of rider,
name of trainer, the name of the UDM that the horse qualifies for, morning line
odds, and finally, the BettingInstructions
from the UDM definition are shown in brackets. Seeing this report leaves very
little doubt as to what horse(s) should be played or at what odds. It's right there in a very easy to follow
format. Text Report One contains information for all horses that qualify as
potential UDM plays in every race found in all loaded race card files and is
created whenever a standard Calc Races routine is run using the Calculate Races
button.
Text Report Two - (Filename: AtAPrice2.txt) This JCapper Text Report is exactly the
same as Text Report One except that it contains information for a single track
only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single track
only.
CSV File One – The JCapper Calc Races routine
also creates a comma delimited CSV file designed for use in third party
spreadsheet products such as Microsoft Excel. The filename is Plays.CSV and can be found on the Default Data Folder. The
information found in this file is similar to that found in the Text Report
file. The major advantage of using the CSV Report file over a Text Report is
that races can be sorted in post time order. The user also has the ability to
rename the file and permanently save it. Advanced users have used this file as a
starting point and have added custom fields to their own XLS for the specific
purpose of tracking betting results from live play.
CSV File Two – This CSV file is exactly
the same as CSV File One except that it contains information for a single track
only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single track
only.
Daily Export Files – The JCapper Calc Races
routine also creates the following comma delimited text files:
1. ForBill.TXT- This file contains information about each horse and includes
rankings, numeric values, and gaps for hundreds of JCapper factors. Some
advanced users use this file as a data source for their own custom handicapping
programs.
2. ForBill2.TXT – This file is exactly the same as ForBill.TXT except that it contains
information for a single track only and is created when a Calc Races routine is
run for a single track only.
3. ForJeff.TXT – This file contains all the information found in the ForBill.TXT
file. In addition, those horses that are found by the Profile Marker to fit
active UDM Definitions are “marked” with mark
characters. Again, some advanced users use this file as a data source for
their own custom handicapping programs.
4. ForJeff2.TXT - This file is exactly the same as ForJeff.TXT except that it contains
information for a single track only and is created when a Calc Races routine is
run for a single track only.
Data Window Exports (and Reports)
Jeff’s Track Profile Export
and Report Generator – After building a database, use the Data Window to run a Jeff’s Track
Profile Export. This will enable you to generate Track Profile Reports. These
reports are essential for understanding the demands of the track. The
information and format found on the Jeff’s Track Profile Report is what I used
to meticulously maintain (using a spreadsheet) until I grew tired of doing it
by hand and decided to make it part of JCapper. Data Window Exports are covered
in detail in the Data Window Exports Help Doc.
CXN Exports and Reports - After building a database, use the Data Window to run CXN Exports. This
will enable you to generate comprehensive CXN Reports for Trainers, Riders, and
Owners. These reports can be essential for getting an understanding of this
game along with who is good (and bad) at what. Want some inspiration (and solid
starting points) for trainer UDMs? The Overlooked Trainers Report is a great
place to start. Data Window Exports are covered in detail in the Data Window
Exports Help Doc.
Note about Artificial Surfaces in JCapper -
In JCapper I have decided for
the time being not to use a separate surface to describe PolyTrack.
Users have the ability to write UDMs and make ImpactValue
table entries to require and avoid specific tracks. At the time of this writing
the following tracks are running races on artificial surfaces:
APX-DMR-GGX-HOL-KEE-PID-SAX-OSA-TPX-WOX. Users wanting to enforce decisions to
either require or avoid artificial surfaces can do so by using these (and
future) track codes in combination with a surface designation of D* or D.
The Live Play Module in the Demo Version –
The Live Play Module is disabled in the Demo Version. It is disabled
for the same reason same day race reports are disabled. You have to buy the
program to use it. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore the Live Play
Module. Read the Live Play Module Help Doc. Get a basic understanding of the
numbers presented (it’s all about value) in the Module and what they mean. Run
your own UDMs through the Data Window broken out by some of the numbers on the
Live Play Module. If you take the time to create viable UDMs, and are
interested in carrying an edge into the long run, you will undoubtedly want to
take the time to see your own UDM cutoffs for factors such as Expected Value
BettorsToteProb, Expected Value UPRZScoreProb, OR3, and MLOR3.
You’ve come to the end of
the Demo User Quick Start Guide.
At this point, after working with the program hands on, you should be
getting a feel for whether or not JCapper might be right for you. If you want
to continue I recommend working with the program hands on in the following
manner:
–
END DEMO USER QUICK START GUIDE for Demo
Users –