MAX-BID-TIMER :: Help
Contents
- 1 Getting Started
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 Can I get into trouble using Max-Bid-Timer as a sniping device?
- 4.2 Will my username and password be safe?
- 4.3 Can I place bids on more than one item?
- 4.4 How often should I check for updates?
- 4.5 Just how accurate is Max-Bid-Timer?
- 4.6 What is the .NET Framework and why do I need it?
- 4.7 What has happend to the old Max-Bid-Timer?
1 Getting Started
1.1 Overview
Max-Bid-Timer is a simple, though accurate Internet Auction bid timing tool, which may be used to place bids on Ebay at precisely specified times.The program utilizes Network Time Protocol and a host of NTP servers to ensure that your PC's system time is constantly kept in sync with the same Network Time used by Ebay!
To install Max-Bid-Timer, double click the Setup.exe icon to run the setup program. Then simply follow the on-screen instructions.
Max-Bid-Timer is compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP and Vista.
1.2 Setting Preferences
Max-Bid-Timer features several user configuration options that you should familiarize yourself with first, before using the Timer. To view and/or alter the default settings click Tools (on the main menu) and then Settings.To save any changes made to your settings click OK when you're done, otherwise click Cancel to close the dialogue without saving.
1.2.1 Auction Site
This specifies the Ebay website on which
to place your bids.
1.2.2 Timer always on top
Constantly displays timer above all other running applications.1.2.3 View item after bidding
Opens the item page in your default web-browser immediately after the bid has been placed. This allows you to check the final outcome of the auction.1.2.4 Clear Password field if stopped
Security feature that clears your password from the form when the Timer is stopped or your bid is placed.1.2.5 Sign In before bidding
This specifies the number of minutes before the specified Bid Time to make a secure connection with the Auction site. We recommend setting this to a minimum of 1 minute to ensure a successful Login. If you have a slow connection then it may be wise to give a little longer.1.3 Synchronizing System Time
Using the same Settings dialogue as mentioned above, clicking the Time Sync Tab near the top, will present you with the following form.
1.3.1 NTP Server
Use this dropdown to select a Time Server with which to synchronize your system clock. The default setup contains a list of free NTP services that at the time of release were working. It is now recommended that you use one of the 'Pool' servers closest to your global location.1.3.2 Auto Synchronize
Often home computers, especially older ones may not keep terribly good time. You can use this feature to automatically sychronize your system time periodically, by the number of minitues specified.1.3.3 Time Offset
This is a manual over-ride option which allows you to specify an offset to the reported network time. One potential use for this feature would be to deliberately set your time a few seconds ahead of Ebay, thereby placing a bid at the exact closing time will in effect have been placed the given offset number of seconds beforehand. The Time Offset may also be used to compensate for unusual Time Zone issues.1.4 Event Logging
The Event Log is a new feature built into version 2.11 which keeps track of all Max-Bid-Timer's activity. In the rare event of faliure
it is now possible to review this log to try and figure out just exaclty what went wrong.
1.4.1 Save Event Log to File
Checking this box allows you to record the current event log in a plain text file. This feature may be useful if you intend to use the automatic system shutdown option. Please note that Saving to File is a per-instance option. In other words this setting must be checked for each new instance of the program from which you wish to save the Event Log. By default Max-Bid-Timer does not save events to file.2 Placing a Bid
Placing a bid with Max-Bid-Timer is very easy, simply enter you site Username and Password in the boxes provided then proceed with the following steps.2.1 Locating the Item Number
When you've found an Item you wish to bid on, you will need to locate the Item or Lot number. This can usually be found in the upper right hand corner of the item display section of the page. This can also usually be found contained in the URL of the web-page itself or your browsers address bar. Once you have located the item number then simply copy & paste this into the Max-Bid-Timer Item number box. If this looks like a valid item number, the View Item hyperlink next to the input box should activate. Clicking this allows you to confirm that the correct item number has be given by opening the item description page in your default web Browser.2.2 Setting your Max Bid Amount
The idea of Max-Bid-Timer, as the name suggests, is to only bid the absolute maximum you are willing to pay for a given item. It works by placing that bid at the most opportune moment, usually just a few seconds before the Auction is due to close.For this reason, it is important to be sure about just how much you are willing to pay for something. For example you might think you would pay no more than say $10.00 for an item but would you pay $10.10 or even $10.50 given another chance? What is most important is that you do not bid any more than your absolute limit.
2.3 Starting the Timer
Before the Timer can be started, all the required input boxes must be completed. This includes the Bid Time entry field, near the bottom of the form.The time here should be entered in standard 24 hour clock format (HH:MM:SS)
Eg: 15:30:20 (3:30 PM & 20 seconds).
When all fields have be completed the Start button next to Bid Time should become active. Click this button will start the timer counting down in seconds until close to the time of bidding. By watching the Status bar, you will see that Max-Bid-Timer will securely sign you into the chosen Auction site a pre-set number of minutes before bidding. This enables your bid to be placedy at the precise momment you want it to be.
2.4 Stopping the Timer
Once the timer has been successfully started you will notice that the Start button will now display the caption Stop. This can be used to halt the process at any time during the countdown, if for any reason you wish to change your Max-Bid amount or decide to cancel the bid altogether. If the password security feature has been selected then you will be required to re-enter and verify your password once more, before the timer may be started again.2.5 Resetting the Timer
Clicking the Reset button when active, will simply clear all the fields on the main timer window. It is only really necessary to use the Reset feature after a bid has been placed in order to use the same instance of Max-Bid-Timer to place any further bids.3 Supported Ebay Auction Sites
Max-Bid-Timer currently supports the following International Ebay Sites:
| eBay USA | http://www.ebay.com | |
| eBay UK | http://www.ebay.co.uk | |
| eBay Australia | http://www.ebay.com.au | |
| eBay France | http://www.ebay.fr | |
| eBay Germany | http://www.ebay.de | |
| eBay Netherlands | http://www.ebay.nl | |
| eBay Italy | http://www.ebay.it |
4 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I get into trouble using Max-Bid-Timer as a sniping device?
A. No, the software handles the auction site in exactly the same way as your web-browser does. Max-Bid-Timer simply automates the bidding process for you.
To Read eBay's Policy on *sniping* [click here]
Q. Will my username and password be safe?
A. Yes, Max-Bid-Timer does not store any personal information whatsoever. Login details are submitted to the Auction using the same secure (SSL) form as you would with your browser.
Q. Can I place bids on more than one item?
A. Sure, simply open another instance of the application by re-clicking the Desktop or Start Menu shortcut (Registered version only). The number of Timers you may run at once is only really limited by your PC and Internet connection speed.
Q. How often should I check for updates?
A. We recommend that you always check for updates before using Max-Bid-Timer.
Q. Just how accurate is Max-Bid-Timer?
A. Our tests have shown that given favourable network conditions, this software can place bids with a timing accuracy of +/- 1 second. However, if you are using Max-Bid to place a last minute snipe bid, then it is recommended that you set the timer to at least 5 seconds before an item is due to close.
Q. What is the .NET Framework and why do I need it?
A. The Microsoft .NET Framework is a software component that can be added to the Microsoft Windows operating system. It provides common program requirements, and manages the execution of programs written specifically for the framework. Max-Bid-Timer II was written using the .NET Framework version 2 to help maximize security and improve the overall reliability of the program.
The .NET Framework is completely free and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa731542.aspx
Note that If you are using Windows XP + Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista then chances are you already have the .NET Framework installed. To find out if you have Click Here (Requires Internet Explorer)
Q. What has happend to the old Max-Bid-Timer?
A. The old Max-Bid-Timer v1.x has now been discontinued in favour of the new .NET version. However, if you purchased the original version then there is no need to register the latest release. You can unlock the trial version by simply entering your exisiting registration email and serial number.
5 Contact
If you are unable to find an answer to your particular question, then please post in the free support forum.
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