Why is the manual wrong?

[ZoeReef]

I got stumped. I couldn't get my program to run. So i posted this thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=853711

kbecker solved my problem. He said I needed to remove the symbols from the body of the program.

It should not read: If Temp > 78.0 Then CHL$ ON
But instead: If Temp > 78.0 Then CHL ON

So, I removed all the symbols in the body of the program and it worked just fine.

Now here's my issue. I just downloaded the current online manual, and if you look, it says that you SHOULD include the symbols (take a look at page 36 of Pro manual as an example). OK, what gives?

Here's a suggestion. Bring in some hobbyist, give him the hardware and this manual and watch him try to figure it out. Don't say anything and see if he gets it.

 

[clsanchez77]

I just setup an AquaController Jr. and did not directly type any of the programming in, the setup program had a scroll through list that had all the deice names for the device list. SO for me the symbols came up automatically and it was not an issue.

Chris

 

[cwegescheide]

Actually I agree with both of you..


I just setup an ACIII a couple months ago. Nice piece of equipment but their manual sucks major league.. Very frustrating when features that they say work in the manual DON'T like downloading data by serial port. After I spent 40$ at radio shack Curt told me "Oh that doesn't work" Gee thanks...

All in all after you figure out everything THE HARD WAY its pretty slick. Yes when you program in your code directly on the aquacontroller it will automatically scroll thru all your defined devices. Its pretty easy. Finally figured out how to get the thing online and I will say after you do it once your like DUH!!! That was easy..

I'd almost prefer they don't give you a manual

 

[clp]

I agree that the manual does have some rough edges, and we are working to correct the inaccuracies or areas that cause confusion. The serial references have been removed from on-line manuals, and will be out of all the printed manuals shortly.
The timer name symbols are actually correct from the perspective of the LCD display. I'll make sure that the new manuals and AquaNotes files have a note in bold that state that the fourth timer name symbol should not be included in the timer program. Better yet, I think I'll modify AquaNotes so that it doesn't care whether that 4th character is there or not.
Let me know other areas that caused you confusion, and we'll update the manuals.

Curt

 

[ZoeReef]

Thanks Curt. I appreciate your responsiveness.

 

[ZoeReef]

Curt, by way of smiling suggestion, when you rework the manual, try putting the equipment and a manual infront of someone who knows nothing, and watch them try to make it work. The biggest problem I have in life is assuming that because I well understand an issue, others do as well. This simple test will help you assess the success of your manual

 

[Aquaduck]

I have a suggestion. All Aquacontrollers should be shipped with a default program that contains the following:

If Temp < 60.0 Then HTR OFF ; Heater OFF temp probe malfunction
If Temp < 60.0 Then ALM ON ; Alarm ON temp probe malfunction
If Temp > 85.0 Then ALM ON ; Alarm ON stuck heater

Just to be safe.

 

[cwegescheide]

And since I have established myself as an idiot I'd be happy to test your new enhancements/devices!!!