DiyLightAnimation
Fun => The Porch => Topic started by: RJ on September 04, 2011,
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What can we do to make DLA a better place for the users?
Lets hear your ideas.
One I have been thinking about is maybe we should get a new chat room that can have both text only or voice both at the same time maybe with a whiteboard and even video? Would this be an interest? I know some people do not want to talk on a chat room and other of us love not having to type. Plus the voice work so much better when you have to help someone troubleshoot something.
RJ
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I'm quite pleased with what this forum already offers; a great community of people at different levels of knowledge in different areas helping each other out. I made a comment to my boss at work today indicating that on-line forums with hundreds of dedicated users of a product generally give better advice than what telephone support reps employed by the manufacturer.
The idea of not having to type is great since I'm not the fastest, but it's hard to use a Search tool to find an important nugget of information through archives of recorded voices. And text-to-speech software is still pretty lame when it comes to accuracy. Another problem with voice-to-voice communication that two people will have to schedule their chat sessions to solve a problem, or hope that someone who knows how to solve your problem happens to be in the voice chat room.
However, if monthly scheduled "webcasts" with a planned agenda and shared screen were offered, along with the ability to view archived webcasts with a decent text description to search by, that would be great.
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Hi RJ
The red menu bar at the top needs some work. The links should open up a new window and the text is hard to read (different color?)
The wiki software needs to be updated (I have a feeling what your reply will be LOL)
Cheers
Rick R.
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Can we get the text in the menu bar changed to Yellow? or White?
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However, if monthly scheduled "webcasts" with a planned agenda and shared screen were offered, along with the ability to view archived webcasts with a decent text description to search by, that would be great.
I like this idea but boy does it require some time a week for someone to do it and take away from CoOp, Family, Project, Hobby time. There is also a cost to this - GoToMeeting is a GREAT tool just expensive ... their are a few alternative but hit and miss on what works. My favorite DimDim was purchased but did work well. I am looking at a few apple alternative included in their suit of server products. Also https://www.yugma.com/ is one people recommend I haven't really looked into YET.
The wiki is GREAT just wish to get more people contributing to it. For me a simple thing ... For the PCB's you have setup a Wiki page with a PayPal button and ether let it calculate shipping or just do a flat $10. Personally if you make a few bucks off each order - I know you it will go right back into R&D. But would cut down on the PM you get and also help n00bs get the products. Little easier to say go here and buy then send a PM get a quote ...... This also can allow for someone else to help you out with this. It also can do inventory management and all that jazz ... yes it seams kind of store like but a WHOLE lot less of a PITA.
I also think if you posted a giant wish list of thing you would like to do where people could maybe see if they have the skills and step up and help out. I know I would.
Keep up the GREAT work!!!!!!!
Harrison
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And I would be one of those willing to step up and help. :)
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I do agree that the Wiki could use some work. I'm tempted to clarify some items and change the order of installation of some components on the Express assembly instructions page, but I feel that I'd be stepping on someone's toes.
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I do agree that the Wiki could use some work. I'm tempted to clarify some items and change the order of installation of some components on the Express assembly instructions page, but I feel that I'd be stepping on someone's toes.
Personally I feel the LE manual is pretty good. Other manuals need to be updated. MR16/DC, splitter, SS boards, etc
If anyone feels they can improve a manual. Send me a PM and I will setup a temp page for that board so they can work on it.
Cheers
Rick R.
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a chat room would be awsome as sometime a live answer is way better and faster than the forum
cheer
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a chat room would be awsome as sometime a live answer is way better and faster than the forum
cheer
There are a LOT more negatives tho - no historical for the next guy with the same question - also you need to have someone who knows the answer in there when you are. Where a forum shines ....
There is chat currently - http://diylightanimation.com/chat/flashchat.php
Harrison
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a chat room would be awsome as sometime a live answer is way better and faster than the forum
cheer
There are a LOT more negatives tho - no historical for the next guy with the same question - also you need to have someone who knows the answer in there when you are. Where a forum shines ....
There is chat currently - http://diylightanimation.com/chat/flashchat.php
Harrison
chat did not want to open for me .. and i did not even know we had a chat room ...maybe a button on the main page would be good so peole know its there and how many are log in ...
cheer
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It not working for most people. It had a tendency to lockup and kick people out when we use to use it. Thats why I was thinking of getting a better one maybe. The button was remove for that reason. When I am working in the shop ont he bench it is hard to monitor a text chat so I like the voice chat (teamspeak) but not everyone does so I was looking at one to do both. That way you can talk or type. they do cost some real money so unless a lot of people would use it I think it does not make sense.
RJ
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I would like a way to favorite threads so I can find them later. I do most of my browsing via my non smart phones browser.
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When I click on the wiki to check on something, a new window or a new tab should open up. As it is the wiki opens and I lose my place in the forum without hitting back multiple times, depending on what all I looked at while I was browsing in the wiki. I am aware that I can right click on the link and do this, but I think it should automatically spawn a new window or tab - preferably a tab when just click on the link.
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When I click on the wiki to check on something, a new window or a new tab should open up.
In recent versions of browsers, clicking on your mouse's wheel does the same thing without the nuisance of pop-up menus and choosing "Open in new tab".
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If you use firefox, you can tell it in the options to open links in a new window or tab.....
Myk
When I click on the wiki to check on something, a new window or a new tab should open up. As it is the wiki opens and I lose my place in the forum without hitting back multiple times, depending on what all I looked at while I was browsing in the wiki. I am aware that I can right click on the link and do this, but I think it should automatically spawn a new window or tab - preferably a tab when just click on the link.
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If you use firefox, you can tell it in the options to open links in a new window or tab.....
Myk
When I click on the wiki to check on something, a new window or a new tab should open up. As it is the wiki opens and I lose my place in the forum without hitting back multiple times, depending on what all I looked at while I was browsing in the wiki. I am aware that I can right click on the link and do this, but I think it should automatically spawn a new window or tab - preferably a tab when just click on the link.
Sorry that works most other sites and links but not this one, maybe because the wiki is consider part of this site and not another site.
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What can we do to make DLA a better place for the users?
Lets hear your ideas.
Seems to be a growing trend of CoOps ending as soon as they get started. Lets see if we can avoid those situations if at all possible. I suppose it depends on what your definition of reasonable is...
Thats my opinion. Lets hear others. <yk..
Leon
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Seems to be a growing trend of CoOps ending as soon as they get started. Lets see if we can avoid those situations if at all possible. I suppose it depends on what your definition of reasonable is...
Thats my opinion. Lets hear others. <yk..
Leon
Hi Leon,
Sounds good, what are your suggestions?
The following is just my opinion with random thoughts or just me rambling :)
Here is the problem as I see it. It is very difficult to do a large coop (RJ & JJ, Bill are the exceptions(crazy??)) just for the shear amount of parts to purchase, sort, box, ship, etc. Along with the time need to get everything done while still have a home life and a full time job. Plus trying to get everyone their kits quick enought for assembly, testing so they can use it for whatever holiday they need it for. The other issue is the amount of users wanting RJ's next awesome/current device. So to help the volunteer coop manager a limit of kits is set to help keep things manageable.
So one solution that I see is on a new item or one that is very popular to have more than one coop manager setup to run a coop. That would mean a couple of things need to happen. First more approved volunteers are needed to run the coops and second hopefully the electronics suppliers can keep enough parts in the warehouse for us. If there is not enough parts available what good would running many coops do since the coops would just be on hold until the parts are made and shipped to us. I know one suggestion would be to run each coop for x many days with limited orders per member. So everyone has the chance to get in the coop which sounds good but at the same time we will have to limit folks to one item for x many days and after that they could add more later if possible. The question is how many days = x to keep everyone happy? How about we say one Aether put a member for 15 days and one hundred members order a kit in the first 10 days, how many folks would be happy with one Aether for their display?
Ideas, thoughts greatly appreciated
Cheers
Rick R.
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How do we get the COOPs done in a place like China, where labor costs are very low? That seems like the only way to improve on the current situation, and we'd probably instead have a whole slew of new problems instead.
I'm pretty happy with COOPs the way they are current done. I think most of complaints come from people who don't visit often or who are unable to check the board regularly. I mean all you have to do is go to the current coops forums and click on the 'notify' button ... and you'll get an email when a new COOP is started.
My third thought is that it would be nice to have some kind of informal/unofficial COOP capability ... like a way to coordinate and combine small orders from Ray to save on shipping and/or buy in more economical quantities/lots. The basic model would be to host a $100-$200 order and agree to ship the other COOP participants their items within a week using prepaid USPS boxes, like the $4.95 or $10.75 boxes only. Perhaps what is in it for the mini-COOP manager is free shipping on their items, where all others would share their items cost + shipping, pro-rated per item.
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Another thought?
I am not even sure if its possible since I am not in the loop. But when a coop is getting setup how about a announcement of it and the date it will start. Instead of the coop just showing up in the coops board.
Example Announcement would be: Freestyle Coop starting July 11, 2007 at 7pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
* Note: I purposely used a previous date *
Rick R.
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses and much respect to you both. I'll try to be brief so as not to hijack RJ's thread.
Sounds good, what are your suggestions?
(deer in the headlights)... :-\
I think most of complaints come from people who don't visit often or who are unable to check the board regularly. I mean all you have to do is go to the current coops forums and click on the 'notify' button ... and you'll get an email when a new COOP is started.
What I was refering to are the CoOps that have only run a few hours. Not many I know but they have happened. The most recent was due to parts shortage.
I am not even sure if its possible since I am not in the loop. But when a coop is getting setup how about a announcement of it and the date it will start. Instead of the coop just showing up in the coops board.
This sounds good and I have seen Keith do that I believe.
Thanks
Leon
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Sorry, I misunderstood.
I think any time there are limited quantities ... there will be disappointment.
It's kind of inherent in these COOPS.
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses and much respect to you both.
I agree
I'll try to be brief so as not to hijack RJ's thread.
but Too Late! ;D
Guys you are talking about a very difficult thing that has been talked about over and over. The problem is until you are on the receiving end of the complaints and are the one doing the work, not to upset anyone but, "its easy and this is all you need to do".
Lets go over a few of the point and recommendations.
1 - We should pre announce the coops so everyone knows when they will be.
Ok, sounds great, what time will we launch our coops knowing some will close in hours? If we do it at say 8 pm E.S.T then most west coasters are still at work and by the time they get home their is none for them. Then the mad pm's begin to me about doing that. 12 hours later the overseas people begin to pm me to tell me how unfair I am for doing it when they are sleeping in the middle of the night. If we do it as the last coop manager did in the middle of the night for E.S.T. then we have the complaints I got this time about doing it late at night.
I have tried each and every way and almost not one time have I not upset some group. I have a couple of pm's from people complaining about the current Express coop. That was announced months ago and ran for a week.
I once got a pm from a person upset telling me he had tried to get into an express coop for almost a year and a half and missed everyone of them. That it was not fair the way I ran them and he should be allowed to put in a reservation to reserve some. When I explianed their had been at least 8 coops in that time he said he knew but always missed out. Then I asked him how often he checked the forum? Once every three to four months!
Is that our fault or his? It is clear he is not a very serious member so should he be given special consideration over those who are here almost daily?
2 - We should not allow coops to close in such short amount of time.
Ok lets think this one out. Since I have no control over demand and have limited resources of people doing the work, and have no say in the numbers of parts the warehouses stock, this leads to a big issue. If we do this I must tell coop managers that they can not decide how much work they are willing to do and if they open a coop it must run some period of time no matter how much work it piles on them. I think we can kiss a bunch of the coops managers goodbye. I know Dad would not do anymore coops if I told him that. We have had Express coops that I think would of hit 1000 units in the past if we went by that rule. Who can handle this for free in their spare time?
Then the other issue comes to be part supplies. We had approx 100 LEDS available for the Aether II coop. The lead time is 10 weeks on them. If we let as many as they want order not one person would receive an Aether II in time to use it this year. Before you start saying well ship the 100 out then make the others wait. Think of this, who gets the 100, the first to order? Oh wait they would have mainly been the west coasters since it was late when it was posted, here comes the mad pm's at RJ again from east coasters and overseas people.
Continuing on this coop, Their is a limit we try to keep new coop managers to of $5000 dollars. We do this to protect the members and the new coop managers. This is for the gun ho manager that has never done one and does not truly understand the work involved. They will jump at running a coop like the 600 unit express ones dad do, but often not understanding the work, they get into trouble fast. If you look at other sites that have had failed coops this is a common theme. Some of our Halloween members can talk about this in clear detail with some of the issues they have had because of sites that just allow anyone to run a coop of any size. The 100 unit coop was a little over this already.
Take note that we have never had a failed coop, This alone should speak for itself.
3 - We should have qty limits on the coops to make sure as many users as can get them.
Ok I like this and have done it on items that have been out on coops a number of times. But when you look at the first coop where no one has any yet and think of needing 5 Aethers to do your show, but you can only get two on the coop. Yes we end up with more people getting them. But they all can not use them in the show this year as none have enough. So maybe a few people have enough to do their shows makes more sense than a bunch having not enough to do anything with.
4 - We should let people run off site coops for things.
Not going to happen, Why would they want to run them off site? To avoid our coop rules? why would we make rules to protect the members and then allow people to start off site coops that do not abide by them and allow people to point our members there from our forum? If they want to avoid the rules it means that one of the following is likely.
1 - They are not within the rules for being a coop manager which means they are fairly new to the site and not been an active member. So the risk to the member for someone to take their money goes way up. It also means the admins on DLA also not have information on the person running it.
2 - They do not want to be limited to only making a coop fee on the coop, if this is the case this is not really a coop but someone running a business that is being disguised as a coop.
3 - They do not want to be a part of DLA just want to use it as a advertising media. Since I am not interesting in advertising income and do not want advertising on DLA then why would I support this?
The fact is the only and I do mean ONLY people that should have any complaints about any coop that has run at DLA is the coop managers who work hard to save the others a lot of money. Then as for just one example, have to deal with a user sending them a pm complaining that had he sent it in a different box his shipping would have been about $2 less. This of course would have required much more time and effort on the poor Coop Manager who by the way just saved the same member who is complaining approximately $80 then if there had been no coop. That is the people that I should see complaining but they never do, They ignore the few, for the good of the many, and line up to do another coop to help out.
The coop managers are the "Man in the Arena" in this case and the true heros of this site. They have saved our members many 100s of thousands of dollars over the years.
I do not think we do a bad job with the coops and think if that was the case I would not have been asked by a non lighting forum for input on how to run coops on their site successfully.
Remember DLA is not about coops, They are just a side that we do to benefit the members.
This is not meant to be a nasty post but because of my writing style it will be talken that way by some, it is just cold hard facts since these comments come up every time there is a coop that people did not get want they wanted.
RJ
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I do not think it is right for a coop manager to go out of his way to do coop's for members just because they are good guys and have a few kick dirt at them. I have only been with DLA for about 1 1/2 years. I can honestly say "I HAVE NEVER MISSED A COOP" that I wanted to be in. I have been in coops for the Aeon, Aether 1, Pixel net hubs etc, several Expresses, two ssr4's and more. I check the site morning noon and night (minimum). I even put the tap a talk on my android phone so when I am at the lake for a camping trip, I can still keep an eye on things. The Aether 2 coop that just ran. I did not need or want any but a friend of mine wanted some. We knew it would go fast and I told him I would call him morning noon or night if I saw it start. Just after 10pm central time I saw it running. I called him and woke him up. He run right to the computer and placed his order.
I guess if you want it bad enough you will find a way. My way is just staying on top of the forum. Shoot have a friend call you. If I was to miss one I would not PM and complain because I completely understand how the coops work.
Last year was my first year and it was 144 channels and 20K plus lights. I had people lined up in front of the house watching my show. It is an awesome feeling to have completed such a thing. I could have never done it without help from DLA. I owe it all to the RJ, coop managers and members. I have seen bigger shows and smaller shows then mine. I was very pleased the way mine turned out.
I thank you from my heart for the great job you do for us.
Ron
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Im very new to DLA and have seen some pretty amazing stuff from RJ and members. The most amazing thing I have seen is his awesome never-ending desire to give. I can only imagine the crap that coop managers go through to get us our parts. I've seen in the past where the sour apples just kinda weed themselves out over time. Hopefully if you read this and are wanting to send RJ a message that is less than nice, maybe don't send it at all. I'm sure he has enough pains to deal with!
Donny
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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For those of us that didn't find out about the coop until it was too late (I had already gone to bed), if the led was the only part in short supply, could a led with an amber instead of white led be substituted? Since I would probably only use the RGB leds anyway. Not sure how the amber or white leds would be used anyway unless you wanted white light without using the rgb leds. I too had planned on using them in my display this year and would have appreciated an email before the coop started so I would have had a equal shot as the east coast people. I can only hope another coop happens before Christmas. This is not a rant and I appreciate everything this site and especially what RJ and the coop managers do.
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Funny, The east coast people thought it started too late for them and it was slanted to the west coasters since it was earlier there?
RJ
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how about they just start at 00:00 GMT, then everyone can deal with their own time zone
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I have only been with DLA for about 1 1/2 years. I can honestly say "I HAVE NEVER MISSED A COOP" that I wanted to be in. I have been in coops for the Aeon, Aether 1, Pixel net hubs etc, several Expresses, two ssr4's and more. I check the site morning noon and night (minimum).
Ron
[rant]
I agree 100% with Ron. I have never missed a coop that I wanted to be in. None of the coops are total surprises. We always have an idea when a coop is gonna happen. If you are a serious DLAer, you can have alerts emailed to you for every topic on the forum.
It's not the end of the world if you don't get 3 Aether 2's for your show. You didn't have them last year. If you really need floods, there are other options available. They may not be comparable to the Aether 2, but they are floods
I really can't understand why anyone would be upset or pissed off because they missed a coop. I can understand being disappointed.
With the number of members we now have, it is impossible to please everyone.
Don't get upset with the coop manager or RJ. Make your own breaks
[/rant]
John
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Ok guys....
I think some of you may have gotten the wrong impression. I'm not complaining. I have tremendous respect for our CoOp managers, the work that they and their familys do and appreciate it with all my heart. I'm not involved in any CoOps currently nor do I have any desire for any any time soon. (Although I have been known to be enticed >.d9 by our fearless leader from time to time. Thankyou RJ!!)
Just from a "fly on the wall" perspective, and was bringing it up as a matter of discussion because I've noticed it happening more often. Thats all. I have all the notifications, alerts, alalrms, bells, whistles and everything else and do consider myself to be a "serious DLAer". Thankyou very much. Thats not the point.
RJ, you asked what I'd like to see at DLA, not what I'd like to see that was simple or possible. ;D
And now back to out regularly scheduled programming.
<fp. <res.
Leon
PS - After carefully reading your post again RJ I have a new found respect for all who manage the CoOps and yes I do realize that DLA is not just about CoOps. Your response was detailed, carefully thought out and explains a lot. Thankyou for taking the time to explain. My intention was only to invoke discussion and to help DLA. Thanks again.
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Time to change subjects. I reloaded my browser today and got kicked off all the forums what I did notice was ahuge trend. They all have adds untill you log in. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THIS HERE!
Thank you for reading
Shaun
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Leon,
I know you do, it was not about anything you said or really any one person at all. It is just topic that has grown old and tired with me over the years. It is a little like showing up late to a free concert in the park and complianing that you had to sit on the grass cause there were not enough chairs avaliable.
There is no solution that will satisfy everyone so I look for the ones that make the coop managers happy while limiting the unhappy members.
You are right I did ask for what you want to see so it really is not off topic.
RJ
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I would like to see a moderator group for coop managers. What I would like to see this include
is the following;
- Limits for post/PMs removed
- Topics in the forums for advice for new coop managers and perhaps one for an area we can volunteer and talk about future coops. For instance im not sure whats in the plans for the near future, but im ready to run another coop! if there is any time left.
This stuff may be useless I'm not sure, I suppose it would all depend on how it was used.
another thought perhaps would be to run coops for others items such as vampire plugs or FM transmitters.
With all this being said, I want to say a BIG Thank You!
Thanks to every single person on here that has helped troubleshoot, gave advice, ran a coop, wives that tolerated coop's, RJ and his families support and ever single member that makes this place what it is.
Thank you! <res.
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Another thought?
I am not even sure if its possible since I am not in the loop. But when a coop is getting setup how about a announcement of it and the date it will start. Instead of the coop just showing up in the coops board.
Example Announcement would be: Freestyle Coop starting July 11, 2007 at 7pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time)
* Note: I purposely used a previous date *
Rick R.
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It is also part of being successful. There are nearly 3000 members....we all can’t be one coop together. It’s a testament to the innovation and the ease of use of the Lynx and other products. They do more for less money than anything I have found.
It’s kind of like kids at a big toy box, not everyone gets a toy every time....but when you do its fun.
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I have read all of the above posts with interest and have several comments. I have only been a member of the DLA site since January of this year. Over the last three years, I have been on many different sites for Christmas light animation. I have to say that this is the only site that I have any interest in at this time. I love the discussions and all of the dedicated work done by RJ, the others in “senior†roles, and the coop managers. I also want to mention the great responsiveness of people to questions and problems. It has been a long time since I have seen a group of people work together so well. This is the most useful site of its kind and I hope that the basic setup (rules/structure) never goes away and continues to expand and improve. With that said, I would like to respond to RJ’s initial post and some of the other posts that have come since.
First, I need to say that I love RJ’s question that started this thread: “What can we do to make DLA a better place for the users?â€. As I have said, I think that this is already a great place. There are always ways to improve. The following are not in any particular order.
I like the idea of a chat room of some kind. I was sorry to see the original one go. Of course, the money to get it is a problem. And, of course, someone has to moderate it and that is a major problem. If nothing else, it would be great to have more of the big moderated “webcasts†every once in a while. Maybe those could be recorded and placed on line so that others could hear them later - or not.
I do think that the wiki page needs work. For some reason, I find it hard to figure out all of the pieces to each puzzle. There is some over all information available, but it is hard to piece it all together. I do have some specific ideas on this one.
Also, in my humble opinion, I think that the manuals need to be a little more detailed. As an example, one complete manual for each piece of equipment that discusses everything from start to finish (what it does, how to build the hardware, how to program the hardware, how to set the settings (if applicable), how to set it up, how to test it, how to use it, how it fits into the rest of the system, etc.). This would really help the newer, non-technical people with the construction and use of each item. Right now, the information is somewhere on the site, but not in one location. I have wanted to help with something like this, but like Gary above, I was concerned about “stepping on someone’s toesâ€.
I like the idea of the wiki opening in a new tab. It only takes a very minor change to the html code to do that.
Concerning the coops: I just, by accident, got in on the Aether 2 coop. I am not sure that I can think of a good solution to this one. I agree with RJ that you can’t let the coops get to big or no one will want to run them. I think that all of the reasoning has already been discussed. In general, I think the current coop setup is well done.
I am concerned to read in some of the posts that members are sending RJ, the coop managers, and others, PMs because they are mad for one reason or another. All of the hardware, software, and information on this site is being provided by volunteers. No one has the right to complain (make positive suggestions - yes). This is supposed to be a group of people who get together because of a mutual interest, and work together for everyone’s benefit. And since this blinky flashy is centered around Christmas, we need to remember what this is all about and why we are doing it.
One possible partial solution to the coop concern, and possibly one other concern, is to let members sign up for certain e-mail alerts. The alerts could be for major areas of interest such as new coops, firmware changes, etc. I know this would be an added burden on the management side of things, but it might help.
I am really looking forward to our get together in Florida next year.
I am willing to volunteer to help out in the endeavors. About the only thing that I can’t help with is the board design or firmware development. Everything else, manual writing, picture taking, running a coop, working on the wiki, beta testing and any general help needed to help relieve some of the burden.
Sorry that this got so long.
Jim Wright
PS - Edit: One thing that I forgot last night. I think that it would be great to have the complete manuals in PDF format. It would make it much simpler to download and keep them on my local hard drive. Jim
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Not sure how I managed to triple post... removed the 2 duplicate.
Thanks for the response RJ. I would like to talk about this later in chat if youre available and have some time. Hope all is well.
Great post Jim! BTW, you do have to ability to sign up for email alerts and be notified every time a new CoOp starts. :)
Leon
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How do you sign up for e-mail alerts for new coops? I don't seem to find that setting.
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How do you sign up for e-mail alerts for new coops? I don't seem to find that setting.
go to current coop's aat the bottom of the page it says notify select that thats it emails will be sent to your on file email
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Thank you Jim well written,
Like Jim I also think the info should be more compact, please don't :-\get me wrong. Both the forum and Wiki are great. As the equipment and members grow I think it will become harder to navigate. I've try ed to contribute to the betterment of the site but what are the rules.
Jess
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I didn't know about the notify email feature either. I will now be notified by all coops. Does this mean I will get notified of new subjects or all posts in all coops? I guess if it is all posts then my phone would have went crazy during the aether II coop which would have woke me up for sure.
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I didn't know about the notify email feature either. I will now be notified by all coops. Does this mean I will get notified of new subjects or all posts in all coops? I guess if it is all posts then my phone would have went crazy during the aether II coop which would have woke me up for sure.
Just new topics (i.e.: Aether II coop, EtherDongle Coop, etc) to the coop forum not each post in the new topics.
Rick R.
btw: I will have to wear my reading glasses for now on. Seems I sometimes post without them and people get upset with me :)
example: 100amp supply and LED lights.
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I do think that the wiki page needs work. For some reason, I find it hard to figure out all of the pieces to each puzzle. There is some over all information available, but it is hard to piece it all together. I do have some specific ideas on this one.
Also, in my humble opinion, I think that the manuals need to be a little more detailed. As an example, one complete manual for each piece of equipment that discusses everything from start to finish (what it does, how to build the hardware, how to program the hardware, how to set the settings (if applicable), how to set it up, how to test it, how to use it, how it fits into the rest of the system, etc.). This would really help the newer, non-technical people with the construction and use of each item. Right now, the information is somewhere on the site, but not in one location. I have wanted to help with something like this, but like Gary above, I was concerned about “stepping on someone’s toesâ€.
Jim Wright
PS - Edit: One thing that I forgot last night. I think that it would be great to have the complete manuals in PDF format. It would make it much simpler to download and keep them on my local hard drive. Jim
Hi Jim
Please PM me or we can start a new topic about the wiki. I am interested in your thoughts about it or anybody thoughts.
I know about the want for a pdf format (P.S. Has anybody notice the left side menu where it says Printable Version?). We started off with a Word/pdf manual and they got stale really quick and while they provide the info needed to assemble a board they were NO where near as nice as the current manuals (i.e.: LE manual) That being said most if not all of the manuals could use some updating. If you see a minor problem or a small update please just make the change. If you think you can totally improve it than PM me and I will create a temporary work area for you to play with.
Just another thing about printed manuals. They are fine while working on the current manual/board but if RJ makes any changes than the are useless to you.
Cheers
Rick R.
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Depending on the coop manager's preference, I wouldn't mind helping out with the sorting of parts to make his life easier. It'd be nice if the manager would post their city/state if they're interested in help.
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On a different tack - I think that it would be nice to have a new section dedicated to either full sequences or snippets (macro effects) of sequences. We have all the new wonderful technology like pixels but sequencing them seems to me to be quite different than do so with straight one colored strings and by extension super-strings (RGB). How to effectively deal with these nodes is a daunting task and it might be useful to see what 'macros' (for want of a better word) others have developed.
These section could even be subsections of the program sections like lsp and vixen lor
The sections make more sense here since the actual seq program sites care little about pixels (except for LSP -where many of us hangout)
Just a thought.
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WARNING – long post – may or may not be worth reading ::)
First of all, I must confess that some of this is OCD type behaviour, but I thought I would share how I collate all of the information from the wiki and the forum for my purposes. By sharing how I do it, this may help with suggesting some improvements, but I do not expect that this will be the way everyone will do it or want to do it.
As I live in Australia, I need to make sure that I have the 240 volt modifications right, and because of shipping costs and delivery times, I try to source as many of the parts from the most economical supplier (e.g. price breaks and free shipping over a certain quantity).
To do this, I have an Excel spreadsheet that collates all of the BOM parts for the Lynx Hardware I am building to make a ‘Master Parts List†and “Hardware Parts Listâ€: giving each part a Project Number for cross reference in the spreadsheet. I noticed that the hardware sometimes uses the same part, so by collating the BOMS, I am able to meet some (if not most) price breaks and identify alternative suppliers (out of stock or lower price). Also, I am able to store these by Project Number (if you look at the pictures, you will see the OCD coming in here) to use as I need. So far by doing this, I have saved hundreds of dollars. In essence, it is an easy way for me to track what I need to order. There is a lot more in this spreadsheet in terms of working out the best supplier, number used / needed of each part etc, but as this spreadsheet is particular to 240 volt modifications, I thought it prudent not to put the whole spreadsheet up for viewing.
When it comes to ordering parts, I simply use the BOM managers to place my order, copying the information from the spreadsheet. As I said, it works for me, but may not be every ones cup of tea to do it this way. Also, as I find I am not ordering everything from Mouser, I have to copy and paste the Mouser BOM out anyway. I see advantages and disadvantages to having the BOM for the hardware in its current format, however for my purposes; I find I am creating my own BOM.
When it comes to the build manual, the wiki is great in terms of the content, however I have grabbed a copy and added the BOM that matches the build (with each part having its Project Number added). Also, after researching the forums and wiki, I add in the 240 volt modifications and particularly note the 240 volt substitutions or comments I have read on forums. I have completed my second build of a Lynx Express using only the printed version and it worked first go (woohoo with a double fist pump).
Please note that I am very aware that RJ has made this hardware with particular parts to ensure safe and reliable operation of his hardware, and that substitution of parts due to end of life, out of stock or voltage modifications needs careful consideration. I do not make any substitutions without this in mind, so please keep this in mind when viewing the attachments (aimed at 240v usage).
So to wrap it up, I suppose the common theme I found in what I am doing is the generation of a Lynx "Master Part Number" so that I can keep myself on track. After re-reading the blurb I have just typed, I suppose I should make a suggestion in order to stay on topic. When new hardware is released (or modifications made), perhaps a Master Part Ref table is maintained on the Wiki (with room for voltage modification / substitution notes) and the BOMs contain this Master Part Ref.
e.g. Lynx PN-050 :: Pulse :: BV020-5382.0 :: Transformers 230v 0.5 VA 6V@83mA :: This part is substituted for Lynx PN-0?? to enable 240v operation in the Lynx DMX Splitter v2
Russell
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Very nice manual!
Myk
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<res.
Awesome manual.
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I do like that manual as well although the jury is still out. Is it just me or is it the same as the one RJ wrote??? only in a slightly different format. I'll have to study it some more. :-\
Leon
EDIT - Oh I get it,,, the BOM. ;)
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Hi Leon - you were right to point out it is 99% RJ's manual and I want it understood that all I have done is add my '2 cents' worth to it so I had a personal copy that made it easy for me to print and use (I have word templates for many others for this very purpose). By no means am I suggesting that it is in some way better or my own new re-write (hence why the acknowledgement in the document history on the cover). 8)
Russell
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I am really looking forward to our get together in Florida next year.
A little off topic, but unless I missed something I believe this was moved to the Academy in Texas. Just want to make sure you don't miss out.
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I do like that manual as well although the jury is still out. Is it just me or is it the same as the one RJ wrote??? only in a slightly different format. I'll have to study it some more. :-\
Leon
EDIT - Oh I get it,,, the BOM. ;)
the BOM and I also like that it is a pdf - can be viewed on my tablet that I use for assembly at the bench, and I think it has a better layout for printing..... just my 2 cents
Myk
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Hi RJ
Many thanks for updating the forum. I see the menu bar at the time is now white letters and the wiki link opens a new window.
Thanks again for making the updates
Cheers
Rick R.