RTRfm Windows 7 and Vista Sidebar Gadget
Mikey 28 comments
Update 27th September 2010: At some stage RTR decided to change the path to their live stream. I've now fixed the gadget so it works and also improved the interface. Tested on Windows 7 32bit but it'll be fine on 64bit and Vista 32 or 64.
It started out as a desire to listen to RTRfm (the best radio station ever!) without having to launch a separate application or stream it in a web browser, and ended with me finally taking the time to write my first Gadget.
It was surprisingly easy, and my XHTML and CSS knowledge even came into play. The entire project (just code and graphics) only took about 4 hours on and off, and much of that time was spent learning and trouble shooting.
Anyway, download the RTRfm Gadget and install. Once installed it should automatically appear in your sidebar.
Please note: This Gadget will let you stream RTRfm live over the Internet. This means you will be consuming bandwidth. Be wary of your consumption.
Requirements:
- Microsoft Windows 7 and Vista (32 or 64 bit)
- Sidebar activated (the gadget can be undocked if desired)
- Internet Connection
Feedback and suggestions for improvement welcome. Feel free to send me a message if you need assistance.
How to install: To install this gadget, just double click it after you have downloaded it. The gadget will then appear in your sidebar. Too easy.
Troubleshooting: Can't get it to install? Try this:
1) Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets and create a new folder called RTRfm_v2.gadget
2) Open the RTRfm gadget you downloaded with a decompression tool like Winzip or Winrar
3) Copy the files that are inside the gadget into the new folder you created at stage 1 above (there should be gadget.xml, rtr.html, settings.html and a resources folder)
3) Right click the sidebar and select add gadgets and you will see the RTRfm gadget there
Support: Still having issues? Send me a message or leave a comment below and I will do my best to assist.
Haha thanks Muzza. Truth be told I code more than I do graphics these days anyway.
Rodney
Sunday 9th December 2007 | 01:29 PMVery cool: I'm inspired. I think I'll try to make a JJJ one (if it doesn't already exist) - great idea! :-)
Rodney
Sunday 9th December 2007 | 07:33 PMHi Mike,
I can confirm it works in Vista 64bit as well.
Thanks Rodney! I have updated my article to reflect the fact.
Davo
Saturday 7th June 2008 | 11:17 AMThanks a lot it works a treat. Using it now.
Dave
Saturday 21st June 2008 | 10:02 AMCheers for doing this. Did they ask you to make the gadget? Time to blow my bandwidth!
idiot
Friday 11th July 2008 | 02:47 PMsome instructions on how to install this would be nice
...in response to this comment by idiot. Hi Idiot,
Just double click it. I honestly didn't think that needed explaining :-) I have posted an update just in case someone else has the same question.
Enjoy.
Mike.
Nikki
Friday 11th July 2008 | 04:00 PM...in response to this comment by idiot. Ha! Even I could have figured that one :-P
PM Vander
Friday 11th July 2008 | 04:12 PMHey wow thanks! I love RTR. So you guys must not be in Perth?
Thanks PM Vander. Yes I am in Perth actually. But RTR's radio reception in our office was crap LOL. That was another reason for making this gadget. Hope you like it. Watch your bandwidth!
Mikey.
Yolanda
Friday 11th July 2008 | 06:13 PM...in response to this comment by idiot. You goose...
idiot
Monday 14th July 2008 | 09:04 AMdouble clicking it doesn't work
so what, do i double click it and then install it in a windows directory?
do i double click it and then it should automatically appear on the sidebar?
maybe i need to manually install it because i have an idiot computer
Hi Idiot,
When you double click any Vista gadget you have downloaded it will automatically appear in the sidebar. Microsoft made it that easy on purpose.
If you can't see it, and assuming there is nothing broken on your system, I would hazard a guess that the gadget is appearing in a second pane of gadgets. If you have more gadgets in your sidebar than it can physically fit, you will see a small set of arrows appear in the sidebar (usually at the top of the sidebar) which indicates you have more gadgets installed and you can access them by clicking the right arrow.
But if that's not the case, try this instead:
1) Right click the side bar and select 'Add gadgets'
2) When the gadgets selection window appears, drag the RTRfm gadget into the sidebar (or on to your desktop if you prefer)
Hope that helps.
dill
Friday 29th August 2008 | 05:03 PM...in response to this comment by Mikey. so here's what happens when I download and double click the RTRFM Gadget. Its a .zip - so it opens in winrar - my unzipper of choice. there's a list of various files and a directory named resources, which well... look like resources. no installer or anything obvious. the xml file opens in an editor. dragged a few things into sidebar, gadget gallery, with no obvious effect. there must be a simply oversight here, or maybe I am like, Idiot, well, doing something different to what you expect a user to do. PS I have downloaded a bunch of Gadgets successfully
Hi Dill,
The file extension is .gadget, not .zip
I use Winrar as well but what you describe doesn't happen to me. I suspect your Winrar is is treating it like a zip for whatever reason. Try this:
Simply copy the RTRfm.gadget file into this directory (note to use your own username in the path):
C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets
Now right click on the sidebar to add a gadget and you will see the RTRgm gadget listed.
I have added this tip to the article now as well. Let me know if you get stuck.
James
Friday 7th November 2008 | 08:32 AMFor your info its a .zip file check it carefully and you will know. i actually downloaded it and it came up .zip file and yes there is various files inside. we know how to install a gadget but this one hmm i don't think so! so pls help us here.
thank you
...in response to this comment by James. Hi James,
It's a gadget file - trust me. Look at the extension. It's .gadget not .zip. But yes you can open it with Winzip and possibly other decompression utilities.
If double clicking it lets you browse the file structure instead of installing the gadget like it should, follow these instructions here: https://rustylime.com/show_article.php?id=1042#comm19649
Good luck.
Kim OJ
Friday 7th November 2008 | 04:58 PMCame down as a gadget for me and installed with a simple double click.
Oliver
Sunday 30th November 2008 | 12:10 AMActually, .gadget is a form of a .zip file, so you're both right.
I had lots of issues with some gadgets as well and in my case the problem was one of language compatibility. If you have a non-English Vista version or the gadget is based on another language, you might try this:
http://boards.live.com/Windows%20Live%20Gallery%20Forumboards/thread.aspx?threadid=531500
Hopes it helps
Grtz,
Oliver
Zoe
Sunday 30th November 2008 | 07:07 PMCan you make one that works on my Mac?
matt
Monday 27th September 2010 | 12:47 PMHi this is great. I'm using windows 7...the gadget installs and appears on the desktop but does not play/work.. should this work in win 7?
Thanks
...in response to this comment by matt. You might be right. I haven't checked in years but RTR might have changed the path to their live stream. I will look into it and upload an updated version.
...in response to this comment by matt. All sorted now. Turns out I was right in saying that RTRfm had changed the path to the stream. I've fixed the gadget now and took the liberty of improving the interface while I was at it.
The links in the article will let you download version 2 now. Tested and working just fine.
Muzza
Saturday 8th December 2007 | 06:39 PMMikey...you sly dog! Great job. Can we call you a coder yet? :)