This seems to be a bug in tcpping. You should contact Richard van den Berg, as he’s the author of that script. (The 255 is the ttl value it’s leaking out for some reason)

Hi,
I set up a smokeping server and I am using tcpping extensively as it allows me to check response time with different QoS classes (i.e. on different TCP ports).
I noticed a problem between TCPPing and Smokeping : packet loss does not seem to be handled. For instance when the firewall of the target is set up to ignore packets (drop them without notice), tcpping output something like this :
tcpping -C -x 5 1.2.3.4
1.2.3.4 : 255 255 255 255 255

Smokeping therefore graph shows a response time of 255ms instead of showing packet loss.

Am I the only one to experience this?

Versions I am using
System : Debian Lenny
Smokeping : v. 2.3.6
tcptraceroute : 1.5beta7
tcpping : 1.7

For those interested in the water quality of the spring, Ethical Co-op had some tests done: Newlands Spring test results

Hi all, I was browsing on the web and I was really excited when I found there’s spring water near where I live. However I have a question about the pH balance of the water. Isn’t pH level < 7 indicates that it more acidic? And according to the articles I see on the web, they all indicate the ideal pH level of drinking water should be between 6.0-8.5

Furthermore the body functions best with a slightly alkaline ph level, so isn't therefore we should go for somethinig slightly higher than pH 7 instead of lower? Therefore I don't understand why everyone says this spring water with pH5.9 is good for the body.

I was never good with science, so I am trying to understand why everyone says this is a good water to drink

At the moment I’m no longer developing for the Windows platform. You can have a look at the javascript that controls everything, if you’re technically minded, but I don’t use it myself at the moment.

Nurm-
Thank you so much for your awesome work. I know that your browser (as far as I can tell) is several years old. I’m not sure if you’re still developing for the platform or not, but I’m running into window issues, not being transparent, and also the single click/double click “features” of the taskbar notifications. Looking forward to your response.
Thanks.

Forgot to link to spring’s details on FindaSpring.com: http://www.findaspring.com/newlands-spring-cape-town-south-africa/

Newlands spring – a little more on it. (submitted to link above)
The spring is owned by SAB and the Newlands brewery uses only spring water in production of our beers, and have been for well over 100 years. The water is excellent quality and we are able to use it without pre-treatment. It is indeed the reason the brewery exists where it does.

What can be collected at the end of springs way is the overflow from the spring. The berm around the spring can be seen over the vibracrete wall. It was recorded as already built in 1841 and protects the spring from damage.

The spring has a pH of rain water (5.6)a low alkalinity of 20 and low hardness, which would make it the envy of lager style brewers worldwide. It has very low levels of heavy metals (<tap water) and no contaminants. In short it is perfect water, much sought after by members of the public in the know. It has cultural or other significance from members of the Muslim community who collect it.

It is sad and ironic that our beers are rumoured to contain chemicals – nothing could be further from the truth, with the spring making up over 93% of our products.

If anyone is interested I have a short paper on the history and significance of the spring – you can email me on timandsandi@gmail.com

Thanks for the info Tim!

Deon sent me the book info: The book is, Law (B.) PAPENBOOM IN NEWLANDS, cradle of the brewing industry, 92 pp., b/w & colour illus., hardback, Cape Town, 2007. Newlands and the brewery etc. have a wonderful history.

This spring was also mentioned a few months ago on the spill.co.za blog: http://www.spill.co.za/tast-test/taste-test-mineral-water/2088/

The Newlands spring is abstracted by SAB, and all beer from the newlands brewery is made only from spring water, no municipal water.
The quality is excellent for brewing, it has a pH of 5.6 (same as rain water), low alkalinity, low mineral content, no contaminants. We do not have to treat the water in any way. It is text book quality brewing water, fortunately unpolluted by agriculuture and industry.

We also use a 2nd spring, Kommetjie spring, who’s source is on the vacant piece of land to the east of forries – next to the scout hall. The overflow can be seen flowing to and under the road opposite the BP. Same quality.

As a brewer I only drink the spring water, and the products made from it. Forget about the chemical stories, they are not true.