Circuit Data On The Go-Home

Update to 5.66 coming for PSS

An update is coming soon for CDOTG for the new Pioneer Schools, mostly adjusted titles for the schedules and the translation initially for Spanish. Stay tuned!

Updates for SCE Schools

Unfortunately with the changes coming out with importing for the SCE schools, it has been hard to keep up with the importing adjustments. Major changes were made to importing last fall and now I understand some sheets are not importing. Since I do not work directly with these schools as a circuit overseer, it has been hard to keep up with what is going on with SCE. So as noted, no guarantees that any adjustments will be able to be made to keep up with these changes. I wish I could promise something, but really hard to do. But we wont give up just yet! And maybe some of the sheets in certain languages and branches may still work. Stay tuned!

Updates and helpful Info

We are still at it here at CDOTG! Been updating a few things for better results on importing and other features. This next update to 5.65 will handle a little glitch that would delete elder's personal email addresses after an import of pioneers if they were a pioneer. The personal email address would suddenly just disappear after an import not knowing why and that has been fixed in this update, import away! Remember, only two forms of importing exist for contacts the import for elders and then the Additional Info import that brings in other data like pioneers and MS's and their personal contact information and spouses etc. Unfortunately we still do not have a simple way to import Baptism and Birthdates. Maybe that will be available in the future especially if the branch hub changes at some point.

One other little detail: I was able to finally get the pictures to show in the HTML emails and you can too, but with some tricky stuff. (For Advanced Users) I used Mailchimp to do this. If you create a free account, and do a test template and enter picture, download the HTML and then set Safari to the Developer settings you can see the link for your picture and then use that link in the field in CDOTG. But to see this link in HTML you must set Safari to Developer Mode, by going to Safari, click Settings>Advanced and click the box at the bottom showing "Show Features for Web Developers" and this will allow you to see the HTML on any page of the internet. Dropbox links no longer work and not storing them on my server as before either. You may find another hosting service that will work with Google as well, but it seems Google doesnt let just any hosting serving send pictures through their servers! Nice to have the pictures working again!

Special Session with Pioneers and FM Ready for Download

We were excited to get the new program for the upcoming 2024 Pioneer Day! It is ready for download into the program. Here's a couple of reminders and helpful tips:

Be sure you create the pioneer day first with the proper information to start. Remember once the parts are created you cannot change the date on the program!
Be sure to "recycle" the lower right hand field by clicking the recycle button to get a new data file into your program, otherwise you will get a 'no file available yet' message
Then go to your participants and automatically create all the parts.
If you want to change the start time, simply go back to the Assembly form screen and change the "Assembly Start Time" to whatever you want to start the program at and it will update when you go back to the parts.
The Carousel only imports jwpub files at the present. Place them individually in your downloads folder not in separate folders and use that option, not the "Folder" option when selecting.
Only English and Spanish is available at present, other languages will be coming as soon as someone sends it to me!

Urgent! Update to new SCE Format!

The SCE instructors are aware that there is a major update to the forms the branch is sending with the contact data. The bad news is this will not import into the program as is. More bad news...it will be a while before I can get to the adjustments needed to be used by the program, probably at least a month, since I am in the moving process to a new circuit etc. THE GOOD NEWS is that the importing process looks simpler than previous now if we can use the .docx file instead of 2 files including a PDF to do the importing. Also the .docx file is sorted out nicely and cleanly by the program. So the Good News is that it looks doable. HOWEVER it will take some time to do and if the branch drops the docx file then all bets are off on getting this updated. The PDF file is almost unusable by CDOTG. So thats the latest. The program looks like it will get an update but it will take some time.

Update to 5.63!

There is a new update available now ready for download, this is our first in a long time and all users must update in order to continue using the program past December or the program will time out! But this new update addresses the new departments for Audio Video and gives better descriptions for the Assistants working under Audio Video. Translation is only available in Spanish at present. More languages coming in the future!

But we have enhanced the importing Persons feature from jw.org. It works for most lists but not guaranteed for everyone. Some of the PDFs generated may be different from each other significantly. Maybe one day we may have .csv files to import but for now...this will have to do! Use the Additional Persons tab for importing this data. Unfortunately due to the personal data being buried under some tabs on the website, it is still not possible to automatically import Baptism and Birthdates. But now you can at least add all persons found on the Persons portion of the website including those not serving in appointed capacities and you can import their phone and email which is helpful. The video will show you more about how to proceed with this importing! Have fun!

Also you will need to update the plug after the update as you will receive a prompt to do this!

No New Users

As noted below on this webpage, I am working my way out of CDOTG and will keep things going for users who are going off the road as I will be in a few years so it is good to have this transition in place. As a result, I am not signing on any new users for the program. You can still send a copy of your database to your subs especially if they use Filemaker Go and they can continue working in the database and its free. But we would prefer now to transition to more permanent software solutions. But thank you for asking!

Changes with "Persons" Location to "Congregation Persons"

Now that the location of congregation persons has moved on the branch website, some are asking about how to import their data now from the website. Currently we already have a way to import and complete contact information for brothers and sisters from the website from that location. However, you will notice that the birthdate and baptism date are somewhat layered down requiring a little more clicking to get that information.

In the future, we no doubt will be able to add the ability to add persons from that portion of jw.org but it may not be easily used to add baptism and birthdates, though we will be looking for that potential for importing.

In a future update we should be able to add to the import script the ability to add persons from that portion of the website. Stay tuned for more information!

Using CDOTG and KMS

We have added some improvements to CDOTG to handle the new way of arranging for the KMS's. Here's what will help you to take full advantage:

You can change the start times for the KMS programs based on local circumstances
You can now import all files into the carousel for the KMS. Be sure to change the folder name from "kms22_E_MWPDF" to simply "kms22_E" for the program to find the folder and then be sure all the jwpub files have been added to this same folder by copying them over to this folder in "Downloads" (Alternate to the above: Simply drag all files including jwpub files from their folders and put them directly in the "Downloads" folder. Then when importing into the Carousel, simply select "Individual" instead of "Folder" and continue and the files will be imported from your Downloads folder)
Remember that all talk files must be sent through your jwpub account and not a personal email account. If you have an ipad or some other device set up to send directly to jwpub addresses, then move your readied database to that device from there. You may not be able to send files by email directly from your computer through jwpub.

Update to Help Users who have out of date programs

We have released a new version on the website for users where you will be able to download a NEW database from our website and then drag in your current program to get it all updated. Some users who had not updated to 5.61 may have have run out of time to update causing the program to be inoperable. This is purposely put in the program to keep it from floating indefinitely on the internet. If you get a message that you are out of date in your updating and can no longer use the program, simply download the new database and go to Settings, then the Import icon and drag in your out of date database and it will update and import it!

support@cdotg.net no longer used

As noted below, the email address we are using for support is circuitdataonthego@gmail.com. The other address for support is no longer being used.

Notes on Update 5.60

JWPUB for SSWP - We are happy to roll out 5.60 which has a nice update to allow for the new jwpub files for SSWP. This should make it easier to get these programs ready. (Other updates may be needed later for the Kingdom Ministry School coming next year.)

PLUG-INS UPDATED - All plug ins have been updated to the latest version for MBS and DynaPDF

NEW EMAIL for SUPPORT - Another noteworthy adjustment is that I am discontinuing the email address, "Support@cdotg.net" for now. This is under a Google G-Suite account and now they will begin charging for this service. Nice to have that email address but not necessary. So all emails now in the program and for support will go to my original address at "circuitdataonthego@gmail.com". Please take note of it and all emails in the program are now being directed to this address. The other one is no longer functioning.

IMPORTING - I know many of you brothers are eagerly getting going in your new circuits and trying to get data into the program. A caveat to importing...it doesn't always work, and probably will never be perfect this side of Armageddon!! So if an an import does not work, you may actually have to type!! Yes we did that in the old days. However, a couple of suggestions and thoughts: The Shared Kingdom Hall sheet does not always work flawlessly but this simply gets the KH Addresses and CO's in there. If it doesn't work, enter the KH addresses manually and add the CO's you share KH's with manually under "Contacts" being sure you check the box for CO and put in their assignment. The csv for Congregations does not always work either and this one has been particularly problematic to import, but of all the imports, this imports the least.

On the contact importing, if you get an error message saying it does not recognize the PDF sheet but asks to try anyway...then try anyway! If some categories do not import in other importing of contacts, try smaller lists to import instead of the whole circuit or whole congregation.

Importing across all languages on the sites and varieties of categories, and varieties of branches is pretty extended and may not always work. However, if generally we see failures of importing in an area then we will try to correct it. What I am trying to make clear is that there is no way to accommodate every sort of anomaly in every branch and category of importing.Some may have to be entered manually. We hope this information helps you!

The Latest News

Hi Brothers!

My first official version of “Circuit Data On The Go!” was released almost 12 years ago, on November 29, 2010 with version 1.09 (As of this writing we are on version 5.59) It has been enjoyable to provide this database which has saved probably thousands of hours for the traveling overseers over the years. It has been a privilege to work closely with Circuit and District Overseers and SCE Instructors over the years. I have had a number of brothers who have worked tirelessly with me to perfect and fine tune the program. I am deeply grateful for their efforts as well.

With that said, there are other programs for Circuit Overseers and SCE instructors. Some are very well developed programs and the best part is they are free! Unfortunately, though we have tried to get better pricing, initial costs of FileMaker Pro for new users is upwards of $500 and upgrades cost about $200 every 2 years. This newer program looks like a very good alternative to using FileMaker to run “Circuit Data On The Go!”

The future - I am planning on continuing updates on the program for the known future. I have no plans on discontinuing updates and necessary development to keep the program up and running. However, it seems prudent to refer any new users of circuit overseer database software to other software programs for reasons of better support and no cost to users. We appreciate and fully support brothers who work to make our work easier in the traveling work. You can write one developer here at this email for more information on his program.

We thank you brothers for all the kind words and support over the years. We know Jehovah will bless our efforts to get our work done in the quickest and simplest way in order to look after our families and serve the sheep in our care!

Getting Ready for Special Session with Pioneers!

The new outlines and program is out for the Special Session with Pioneers for 2023. Here are a few things that will help you get up and running in no time!

Download both folders from jw.org they will be named "S-312-tk23_E_JWPUBEPUB" and "S-312-tk23_E_MWPDF" and should be located and kept in your Downloads folder on your computer
Change the file name and move the files to this folder as shown in this video here
Be sure to follow the video closely and then go to your program and create the SSWP program and be sure to refresh the lower button on the right on the 'Assembly' form that you are working on. (Sometimes the file in that window/field does not automatically refresh)
The go to the program and download the program parts as you usually would in your assembly programs.
Then go to the Carousel with your files still in the Downloads folder as shown in the video earlier and then select to import into the Carousel from the 'Folder'
Note! The branch is now including epub files and these will not currently download into the Carousel. However, if you want to send them, drag the files needed to the brothers parts manually to send along with the assignment. This should only take a few extra seconds! And then you are done!
Also, if you want to change the start time for your program, simply put in a new time on the Main Form before going to the parts where it says, "Assembly Start Time" and put in a new time like, "1:00 PM" and the program will automatically calculate the new start times for the parts! Neat!

Current Topics

Creating App Passwords for Google

Google will discontinue allowing Less Secure Apps to connect through Google. This is expected and will conclude on May 30, 2022

What it Means for you - You will need to create an app Password from Google and put this into your Program. It is easy to do and we have created a tutorial to show you how! You must do this by May 30th to continue using HTML Emails. This is a far better way of setting up your program to send HTML emails anyway!

For more information click these links and then watch the video!

Turn on App Passwords

Turn on 2 Step Verification

Creating and Using an App Password to Generate HTML Emails

Click to watch the Video

Exporting Data for non-CDOTG Users

Brothers might ask about getting data exported from CDOTG to send to an incoming non-CDOTG user, such as in a csv file. Well, we really don't have any provisions for that. Not that it cannot be done, just that time does not allow to handle all possible ways persons might need the data. Feel free to explore the "Export Records" from the Menu to find ways to transfer data. Most data for elders is now included on the website and can be accessed there for the incoming CO. Many brothers prefer to simply hand type their data into spread sheets and apparently enjoy this approach to record keeping. This information can usually be found on the branch website.

Updates regarding moving circuits

This version addresses lots of new improvements 'under the hood' with improved functions for moving and a helpful new tutorial to get you set up if you are moving or accepting congregations in a dissolution of circuits.

Topics Covered in Video Tutorial (Location in minutes/seconds)

0:00 Saving your Database
1:09 Preparing the Database for Sending
3:29 Preparing your database for your circuit
4:48 How to Transfer you Settings, email text etc.
6:17 Now let's import those settings
7:40 Working with partial circuit moving
9:13 Importing Filemaker Databases using Filemaker's tools - Contacts
10:43 Importing Kingdom Halls
11:42 Importing Congregations

For New Users and ones not having used HTML before

There were some glitches in the supplied data in the program, where when you went to send the HTML for the first time, you might have gotten a really strange HTML email sent with my information on it. I have FINALLY figured out where this came from. When the new database was created, an erroneous import put data where is should not have been. It is simple to fix. Go to where you would enter your data for the Return Response for the Assembly or Workshop participant and clear the data in it and add you own. Once you do, your emails will work fine. I will eliminate that from any new databases, but you will need to add this data yourself into the database. (See below)

Version 5.0!

Get a brief overview of what "Circuit Data On The Go 5.0!" does! (Tip: The video sounds better in at least 5.0 Surround Sound!)

Circuit Data On The Go!