R&RCo Tutorial and FAQ
Posted
#98186
(In Topic #5219)
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I would like to discuss if it is both possible ( I guess thats for Bob, Jeff and the Mods) and desirable (I guess thats the guys I consider my cyber mates, even though we have never met,: Matt,Geoff, Max, Pete et al) to revamp the tutorial to make it easier to access
A number of you have been very kind about the tutorial but because it is one long thread it is quite difficult to find a particular topic……I suspect I may have annoyed Max from time to time with this
Secondly it reflects my own interests/knowledge so there is very sketchy treatment of function buttons, lights, sound and signals. Some of these topics have been dealt with in a more depth and in a much clearer fashion in the general thread (some of Matt and Pete's explanations, for instance, are way better than mine). The problem is that thread is enormous and even more difficult to drill into
Would it be possible to start a second sub forum headed "RR & Co Tutorial and FAQs" ? I would then repost (there may be a quicker method) each of my original messages…..splitting some of them into more definable sections……each with clearly defined titles " LAYING THE TRACK" "SETTING UP A BLOCK" "STOP MARKERS" etc
While doing so I would take the opportunity to correct the many typos and add additional clarification paras where needed. Once each section was posted the group could critique and we could finalise a fairly clear and definitive version
There are so many different ways of dealing with issues in RR&Co there would still be a very active general thread (I would be lost without it) but it would eliminate some repetition and newcomers would, I think, find it easier to read beforebposting a query
What do you think guys?
Posted
Guest user
Basically as its one big thread your tutorial one what you would have to do is create a new topic in the section then copy and paste the relevant data into the new thread its possible to move entire threads but not individual posts or parts of posts so it will be copy and paste or retype.
Brian
Posted
Full Member
I am willing to write a share of the threads/chapters if you want but would rather send them to you for vetting and publication.
Go for it boss it will be a cracking guide with screen shot walkthroughs etc. just task me.
Regards
Pete.
ECOS2 with RR&Co Traincontroller and a load of other electronics so i can sit back and watch the trains go by.
Pete.
ECOS2 with RR&Co Traincontroller and a load of other electronics so i can sit back and watch the trains go by.
Posted
Full Member
If he agrees I am quite happy to copy and paste to make individual posts
Kind Regards
Posted
Guest user
Brian
Posted
Full Member
I'm in John, we can post threads as chapters and all chip in if necessary based on our experiences if you want. I just hope you can cut and paste the tute into the relevant threads or are you planning a major overall of that as well.
I am willing to write a share of the threads/chapters if you want but would rather send them to you for vetting and publication.
Go for it boss it will be a cracking guide with screen shot walkthroughs etc. just task me.
Thanks Pete for the encouraging words:thumbs
If Bob agrees I would love to have your help……..my screen shots and paintshop circles are pretty amateurish……I had visualised this as a collective effort,
My idea was to copy each post in the Tute and paste it or parts of it as a new thread within the new subforum. I would edit out some of my topical/facetious references, maybe clean up the narrative a bit and then post it. You guys could then critique it and add improved visuals……and finally we would finish with one definitive version…….a bit loosey goosey but some mosus operandi will emerge
Thanks again for your support……….we will wait to here from the Boss :cheers
Posted
Legacy Member
Posted
Full Member
[user=449]brianpr1[/user] wrote:
Hi John,
I hesitate to jump in here because I'm working hard to get track laid and wired before spending more time on TC, so I'm way behind everyone else, but…. I like the idea of a list of FAQs either attached to the tutorial or stand alone, especially if it's arranged in topics, sub topics etc. and I assume we could all chip in with our own FAQs (and answers) rather than leave all the work to you.
The other thing I would find helpful is a sort of parallel listing, but starting at the other end of a topic. Taking a specific example, you mention Action Indicators for triggering, amongst other things, signals. I think it would be useful to have a topic "Ways to operate signals" which could go into different ways of using the software, including Action Indicators and VCs, to set up signal aspects, signal and turnout interlocking, route protection etc. and this way of doing it could apply to other topics. You already have this sort of approach in the tutorial in the sections on running around the train and a couple of other areas and there are lots of other "how to" topics to cover.
They are both very good points Brian…………….I am trying to get my head around the most effective way of identifying topics without cluttering up the system with sub forums
FAQs I guess these could be one single thread in the tutorial
How to Topics………. the weakness of the tutorial (and perhaps its strength) is its rather singleminded approach in achieving a loco run around and complete neglect of other facets of operation…………..perhaps when editing the tutorial the first part shouls focus on the fundamentals……..blocks schedules etc then a series of how tos of which the run around would be just one
Lots to think about
Regards
Posted
Full Member
I have added the extra section as asked for but have had to improvise on the text. Just let me know if you want to change it.
Thats perfect………….thank you so much Bob
Kind Regards
Posted
Guest user
Think about it all first it could save you all a great deal of wasted time
Brian
Posted
Full Member
I take your point about editing and moving controls…….the last thing I want to do is be constantly pestering the moderators.
I have been struggling to work out the best way of doing this. I thought I could start by posting my initial revised version in the Tutorial/FAQ sub forum (which should be a sticky). Then I could copy and post this in the general RR&Co Forum and the guys could quote and edit it there and then when we had a consensus I could replace my initial post in the FAQ sub forum
Would this work? Its a bit cumbersome and creates some duplication but enables us to involve everyone. I could save some duplication by posting in the FAQ and only posting an editable (in the sense of quotes/replies) version if requested to do so.
Once we get the original tutorial set up in this fashion we can then work out how to deal with new topics
I do appreciate your advice and input in guiding us through this
Posted
Inactive Member
Max
Port Elderley
Port Elderley
Posted
Full Member
But it helped make my point……..some of the stuff had been written about already but it too long to find so had to be repeated which was frustrating for both of us
Kind Regards
Posted
Inactive Member
You have my complete support in this very worthy endeavour. If I can help in any small way I'll be jumping in. :cool wink
Max
Port Elderley
Port Elderley
Posted
Full Member
You have my complete support in this very worthy endeavour. If I can help in any small way I'll be jumping in. :cool wink
Thanks Max I have you down for sound and shunting so far
To all:
I have posted the first segment of the tutorial……just the intro and download which I have cleaned up and updated………comments appreciated
Now I am on a roll I may try track laying tonight………..only 12 more posts and I have hit 500………..long way to go to catch most of you though :cheers
Regards
Posted
Full Member
Comments would be much appreciated
Its only the second section so I have kept it pretty simple…….I still only talk about two tabs on point properties for instance
There will be a separate section on connecting the digital system and now with a separate heading it should be easy to find…….Max and I should have fun writing that
but I havent talked about how the points are connected to a point decoder…………..should I? I would prefer not to because its covered in the DCC forum
Any other points(sorry)?…………..I am happy to substitute better (which wont be difficult) graphics
Kind Regards
Posted
Full Member
but I havent talked about how the points are connected to a point decoder…………..should I? I would prefer not to because its covered in the DCC forum
Any other points(sorry)?…………..I am happy to substitute better (which wont be difficult) graphics
Kind Regards
Good point John, most people are going to have a variety of systems and we must assume that new peeps have a DCC layout already and they are taking the first steps in computer control.
If they do not have a DCC setup, i don't think it would too rude to politely direct them elsewhere on the forum oherwise there is the risk of muddying the waters again if we discuss DCC setting up in RR&Co.
Mods and members do you have a problem with this comment? Does it sound elitist? its not meant too:hmm
Regards
Pete.
ECOS2 with RR&Co Traincontroller and a load of other electronics so i can sit back and watch the trains go by.
Pete.
ECOS2 with RR&Co Traincontroller and a load of other electronics so i can sit back and watch the trains go by.
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