Version 5.0 Release Notes
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These release notes list all changes since the version 4.3.8 release.

To upgrade to this release, you only need to install it over your current version. There is no need to uninstall the previous version. Any previous versions will be upgraded automatically -- you do not need to install previous upgrades before this one, and all of your data and settings will be retained (except for the "demo" database file, which will be replaced with a new version). It will make some automatic changes to your database to bring it up to date, so there may be a slightly longer delay the first time you open it.


Upgrades License Expiration Note:
To use this version, your free-upgrades license must be current through 10 / 2009. To check your free-upgrades license expiration date, go to View / Product Authorizations and check the "Upgrades free through" date.


Networking Note:
Be sure that all workstations are upgraded at the same time (shut down all workstations, upgrade all of them, then restart them one by one starting with the master workstation).

Previous Versions Note: You will not be able to go back to using your database with your previous version of Campground Master once you start using this version, due to upgrades that are automatically made to the database. Be sure you make a backup of the database before installing the new version, in case you have any trouble.

Demo users note:
If you're still using the demo or trial of Campground Master, be aware that the sample database file, "Demo", will be overwritten when you install the upgrade. If you have changes to the demo you want to save, make sure you make a backup (Maintenance / Back Up Database) and/or use File / Save As to save it to a different filename.



·Online reservations 2-way Friend Communications interface functionality added. This allows true real-time integration with online reservations through the Reservation Friend / Hercules online booking engine by Friend Communications.  

·Added direct support for USB cash drawers (APG brand)  

·Non-reserved tab -- added an Option to set the default drop-down selection, and make All Not Reserved the initial default instead of Waiting List  

·Use new SMTP component to support SSL (e.g. for G-mail, Hotmail, Yahoo & MSN), automatic authentication detection, return receipt, and support for possible future enhancements  

·Added POP3-before-SMTP authentication support for sending E-mail (SMTP setup)  

·Added "Show Dates" checkbox to the Transactions dialog, to just show the transaction date (now separate from "Show Details"). The date will now be the 2nd column, instead of being shown after the Total column, and it will retain the state of the Show Dates checkbox (check it once and it will always show the dates).  

·Added return address positioning (e.g. for window envelopes) for invoices, confirmation letters, and purchase orders  

·Added "Reservations by Date Made" report function, under the Reservations menu  

·Added "View Recent Online Reservations" report function, under Reservations menu  

·POS option to print receipt when paid (in full) -- changed this to always print when payment entered, even if not payment in full  

·Advanced Customizations, Dialogs -- Added dialog element type "Action on list item double-clicked"  

·Advanced Customizations, Forms -- Added "Show errors within form" option on Forms, which will show Expression errors on forms even outside Edit Form / Save & Test  

·Changed the default access level for deleting current day transactions to Manager  

·Cash Drawer, Pole Display and Direct-to-Port printing -- Added COM ports up to 8 and LPT ports up to 4 (in case needed for USB com port emulators or add-on LPT cards)  

·Rearranged Online Setup menu under Maintenance / to incorporate Reservation Friend functions  

·Added (copies of) SMTP/conf E-mail text functions under park setup menu  

·Rates -- allow an Expression in the Item Description of transactions -- if it starts with "=", the remainder is treated as an expression.  

·Rates -- allow an Expression in the Quantity. Note that an expression here will completely override the normal rate multiplier of sites, periods, and other qty (e.g. for add-ons or meters). Thus the context functions need to be used if the qty should take those into account.  

·Fixed crash in Enter Payment dialog if a previous card is shown and they swipe a card without clicking "Re-do Swipe" first  

·Networking -- don't save database when "refreshing" based on update refresh delay, just refresh screen, and also don't trigger refresh if a dialog is open  

·Networking -- After a delayed refresh, restart the delay countdown rather than revert to refreshing after every change from the network.  

·Networking -- Added an option to "force" the database to be saved every X seconds even if network activity is constant (Network Setup / Timing)  

·Fixed On Site tab view so it shows Site Type even if there's no reservation there  

·Fixed the Rack to correctly show the range selected and "Show Range" is checked, especially when changing the dates afterwards.  

·These new access levels were added, and now require manager access by default:  
· Change the Reservation's 'Disable Auto-recalc' option  
· Change the Reservation's Auto-Charged-thru date manually  
· Change the Reservation's Paid-thru date manually  
· Change a Reservation from Checked In to Pending (undo check-in)  
· Change a Reservation from Checked Out to Checked In (undo check-out)  
· Change a Reservation from Canceled to Pending (undo Cancel)  
· Change a Reservation from Confirmed to Pending  
· Change a Reservation from Guaranteed to Pending  

·These new access levels were added, but still need only Reservation access by default:  
· Change the Reservation's First/Last Night before check-in  
· Change the Reservation's Last Night after check-in  
· Change a Reservation from Waiting List to any other status  
· Change a Reservation from Inquiry to any other status  
· Change a Reservation from Can't Book to any other status  
· Check in Reservations  
· Check out Reservations  

·New access level for "Default the 'Amount of check' to the amount due for Check payments", defaults to Manager. This allows changing the newer versions which show no default check amount for a check payment back to defaulting to the total due for the check amount.  

·Use the Rates "condition expression", if defined, for showing the proper rates in Select Rates, not just auto-rates.  

·Occupancy reports (& Availability, etc.) -- changed it back to the way it was before 4.3.7, to count inactive sites  

·Canceling a reservation -- Don't select a cancel reason by default, and don't allow saving without one (avoids canceling too easily by mistake)  

·Added space at the bottom of resizable dialogs so grid, etc. doesn't overlap the sizing bar  

·Fixed ETA handling on New Reservation, if it's set (or if it's changed) after the first attempt at saving the reservation  

·Fix the Show IP Address function to still work even if networking not enabled  

·Added "E-mail Database & Logs to Support" function (under Help)  

·Added "Campground Master User's Forum" link (under help)  

·Allow up to 100 networked workstations (previously 63)  

·New U.S. zip code & Canadian postal code databases  

·Changed Zipcodes.bin file to zipcodes.dat (avoid possible issues with virus checking causing the .bin file to not be readable)  

·Fixed map view so Transactions menu item is disabled for Clerks  

·Fixed all summary/statistical reports use the Pick List's "Report Heading" instead of "Selection Name" when grouping by a pick list (e.g. Transaction Category, Site type, Discount, Payment Method, etc.)  

·Fixed Site Setup / Adding Sites so if there's only one park, site type, or site class then it's automatically selected