From: patric...@windstream.net
To: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 07:53:16 -0500
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
Everyone has a personal opinion regarding manuals. That is fine except
where you think your personal preference trumps my needs. I too would like
a complete and up to date manual and PDF or similar is fine as I have a
printer. I would accept a hypertext version even though it precludes
traditional printed copies. After all if I don't have a computer to read
the manual on I won't be running a Flex radio. I want a manual not a license
to participate in a scavenger hunt trying to find a tidbit here or there.
I'm not trying to dictate to anyone what they do with information, how they
get it or how they store/access it but a complete manual with TOC,
chapters, etc. is not a bad thing, traditional or hypertext.
I have managed software developments and I know that the developers prefer
slinging code over documenting. More functionality is nice but if the users
can't employ it, then so what. Here I sit with one of the niftiest products
in the world, the true cat's meow of ham radios and I have to participate in
an ongoing scavenger hunt for what should be in the basic documentation. I'm
happy for the individuals who have the time to devote to find out how to use
this technological marvel and I do appreciate it when they share their
knowledge but if a proper manual were available mere mortals could employ
any features available without need to sit at the feet of the "priesthood."
I realize we are beating a dead horse and units of output will not be in
proportion to units of input. Ask for what you will but "The Team" is off
chasing the new shiny ball and what was the new shiny ball is now a step
child. History will repeat itself. Corporate philosophy/culture, even in a
young company, is a powerful influence and the most likely outcome as
regards the manual for the new shiny ball is a repeat of the situation we
have now. Functionality will easily win out over documentation in the
contest for attention. Sales are effected much more strongly by nifty
features than by the quality of the documentation. Wait a year and history
will repeat itself. There will be posts bemoaning the lack of sufficient
documentation to employ the whoopee capabilities of the 6K series.
I would be absolutely thrilled to be proven wrong but don't suspect to
receive even mild titillation.
Regarding the idea that the concept of centralized and complete
documentation is obsolete... BOVINE EXCREMENT!!! If you think the
maintainers and operators of the nation's warfighting capability are reduced
to web searches and burning incense at the shrine of self appointed gurus
you are out of touch with reality. Many manuals are electronic now but
still complete. You don't maintain a joint strike fighter, or even a
predator drone by looking around the internet to find bits of data to put
in your iPad. RANT: MODE=OFF
Patrick AF5CK
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Tynan
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 7:06 PM
To: John Kramer ; Gedas
Cc: flexradio@flex-radio.biz
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
John:
I'm sure that Goodreader and Apple must be better at storing things than
Windows with Outlook Express and/or Windows Live Mail. I lost all of the
many files I had stored. I don't even know what the last OSCAR number issued
was, and I am in charge of issuing OSCAR numbers.
73,
Bill Tynan, W3XO
--------------------------------------------------
From: "John Kramer" <jkra...@iafrica.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 4:48 PM
To: "Gedas" <w8...@mchsi.com>
Cc: <flexradio@flex-radio.biz>
Subject: Re: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
With the introduction of the Apple iPad tablet, I now have ALL my
manuals/service manuals etc all on my tablet.
There is an app called "Goodreader" for the iPad. Make files in Goodreader
for the various manufacturers, and
download your manuals off the internet and into your iPad. Generally
speaking, my iPad is always with me
wherever I go, so ALL my manuals including VHF/UHF HT, mobile, HF,
amplifiers, ATU, noise cancelling units
etc etc are all on there, and easy and quick to get to. I also have lots
of other ham apps on the tablet, so it is really
convenient to have everything on there and take it with me.
All new manuals that arrive in the boxes, stay untouched and go into my
filing cabinet, and remain in new
condition - something that buyers appreciate if I sell the item one day
73
John, ZS5J
On 26 May 2013, at 11:21 PM, "Gedas" <w8...@mchsi.com> wrote:
George gets a Gold star IMO ! Exactly my thoughts. There are tons of
things I wish I knew more about my radio to make it even more enjoyable.
Many times I am forced to go hunting for tips & tidbits using forums,
online groups, & over-the-air nets in the hopes of getting an answer. The
process can take days or even weeks ! And even then the info found is
usually not directly from Flex so who knows if it is right. What's wrong
with putting it in hard writing once in a while ? An updated manual is
not asking for too much IMO, esp considering the price of the product. I
make an effort to look around for answers, but like many, I am forced to
give up after some time and just forget about it. I love my Flex but not
having a good reference document is the greatest shortcoming of my radio.
Gedas, W8BYA
Gallery at http://gedas.cc
Light travels faster than sound..
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
----- Original Message ----- From: "N1naz" <n1...@comcast.net>
To: <flexradio@flex-radio.biz>
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2013 1:45 PM
Subject: [Flexradio] Owners Manual
Case in point, if you open up Power SDR, then Setup, then DSP. Under
the Options tab is Leak What does Leak do?? There is no explanation
in the docs that explain in detail what it does! What do I have to spend
time searching through update docs and forums to find out?
This was obviously added after the docs where published, what would it
have taken to add this to the docs and republish?
Yes after playing around with it for a few hours and listening you may
figure it out, but wouldnt it have been a time saver to know before you
adjusted this what it actually did!
There are other cases like this.
Im just saying that the Flex radios are the best thing out there right
now (IMO), Why fall short with the docs?
George N1NAZ
_______________________________________________
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
http://www.flexradio.com/
_______________________________________________
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
http://www.flexradio.com/
_______________________________________________
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
http://www.flexradio.com/
_______________________________________________
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage:
http://www.flexradio.com/
_______________________________________________
FlexRadio Systems Mailing List
FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz
http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz
Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/
Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flexradio.com/
