Draft - LS4 Instructions
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James S
Flashlight Enthusiast
I am excited /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I think some of the setup instructions need to be a bit more complicated because the actual use instructions are so wonderfully simple. click, click-hold, double-click, I can do all those things in my sleep /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
This is going to be a killer light Peter. Hope you make enough in the first run for all of us!
This is going to be a killer light Peter. Hope you make enough in the first run for all of us!
monanza
Flashlight Enthusiast
Excellent.
One thing that could use clarification is the double click to reverse direction and select lower brightness level (or equivalent).
Two possibilities for subsequent clicks:
1. Single click takes you another level down; double click to reverse direction again and go back up.
2. Single click takes you one level up; double click again to take it another level down.
Which will it be? Of course the user can find out by trying it.
Cheers... and again... Excellent!
One thing that could use clarification is the double click to reverse direction and select lower brightness level (or equivalent).
Two possibilities for subsequent clicks:
1. Single click takes you another level down; double click to reverse direction again and go back up.
2. Single click takes you one level up; double click again to take it another level down.
Which will it be? Of course the user can find out by trying it.
Cheers... and again... Excellent!
Rothrandir
Flashaholic
i don't get it...maybe pictures would help /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Likebright
Enlightened
Aaaaa,
Let me go over this again when I haven't just got off of work.
Whew. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Let me go over this again when I haven't just got off of work.
Whew. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
mporter
Newly Enlightened
Peter
I've written a few technical instruction manuals. It's very hard to do because the person writing the instructions usually knows too much. It's hard to have the naive perspective. The successful instructions I've written were done this way:
1. Give the instructions to a person who has never seen them before (we call them virgins) and watch them try to use them. Tape over your mouth so you can't provide hints or ad hoc help. Ask them to speak aloud their mental processes. Watch and listen. Better yet, videotape them. You will be amazed at how something that seems so clear to you can befuddle others.
2. Rewrite and repeat these steps with a new virgin. Keep repeating until you get it right.
Time spent on this can save later on technical support costs. It will also result in better customer acceptance of the product.
Be sure to graphically separate the basic from the advanced instructions. For example, make the paragraphs below in extra large type with larger bold headings. (The all caps used below just represent boldface.) I've also taken the liberty of rewriting the basic instructions as a quick example of how they could be made simpler.
HOW TO USE YOUR ARC LS4
CONSTANT ON
Press the button briefly (about 1/4 second) for constant light. To turn the light off, press the button briefly again.
MOMENTARY ON
Press the button for a longer period of time (more than about 1/4 second) for momentary light. To turn the light off, release the button.
TO CHANGE BRIGHTNESS LEVELS
With the light on (Constant On), briefly press the button twice. With each double press, the light will toggle back and forth between the brightness levels.
FOR TEMPORARY FULL POWER BOOST
While the light is on (Constant On), press and hold the button to activate the full power level. Releasing the button returns the light to the previous level.
The full power mode will only function for a short time. The LS4 will automatically return to the previous brightness level to protect the LED from overheating.
I've written a few technical instruction manuals. It's very hard to do because the person writing the instructions usually knows too much. It's hard to have the naive perspective. The successful instructions I've written were done this way:
1. Give the instructions to a person who has never seen them before (we call them virgins) and watch them try to use them. Tape over your mouth so you can't provide hints or ad hoc help. Ask them to speak aloud their mental processes. Watch and listen. Better yet, videotape them. You will be amazed at how something that seems so clear to you can befuddle others.
2. Rewrite and repeat these steps with a new virgin. Keep repeating until you get it right.
Time spent on this can save later on technical support costs. It will also result in better customer acceptance of the product.
Be sure to graphically separate the basic from the advanced instructions. For example, make the paragraphs below in extra large type with larger bold headings. (The all caps used below just represent boldface.) I've also taken the liberty of rewriting the basic instructions as a quick example of how they could be made simpler.
HOW TO USE YOUR ARC LS4
CONSTANT ON
Press the button briefly (about 1/4 second) for constant light. To turn the light off, press the button briefly again.
MOMENTARY ON
Press the button for a longer period of time (more than about 1/4 second) for momentary light. To turn the light off, release the button.
TO CHANGE BRIGHTNESS LEVELS
With the light on (Constant On), briefly press the button twice. With each double press, the light will toggle back and forth between the brightness levels.
FOR TEMPORARY FULL POWER BOOST
While the light is on (Constant On), press and hold the button to activate the full power level. Releasing the button returns the light to the previous level.
The full power mode will only function for a short time. The LS4 will automatically return to the previous brightness level to protect the LED from overheating.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
I have the webpage started even though I don't have an LS4 yet. I anticipate it to be one of the larger product review webpages on my site when I eventually do put it up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Only the "how to use" section is there right at the moment, and of course I'll need Peter's blessing before I actually publish what I have (and of course, I won't upload or link to it until I actually have an LS4). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Only the "how to use" section is there right at the moment, and of course I'll need Peter's blessing before I actually publish what I have (and of course, I won't upload or link to it until I actually have an LS4). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
PluckyPleco
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2003
- Messages
- 65
A flashlight haiku:
LS4 baby!
A full-on flashlight stiffy.
Christmas two months late.
LS4 baby!
A full-on flashlight stiffy.
Christmas two months late.
Darell
Flashaholic
I really like mporter's idea. Especially the tape part. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
No, really... I seriously think he's provided some excellent insight.
No, really... I seriously think he's provided some excellent insight.
Charles Bradshaw
Flashlight Enthusiast
I can understand the instructions. However, I have been following the LS4 topic, as most here have been. One thing is certain: each one of us who gets at least one LS4 or 5, will have to practice using it until proficient.
Wow, what a light ! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif
I admit, when I read the instructions, I felt a strong "MUST HAVE" inside. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif
About the manual:
I think it would be good to have a kind of symbol language for the menus and settings (in addition to the full explanation) like so:
"." means short click
"_" means hold button pressed, the longer the line, the longer hold the button
"ON" means light is on
"OFF" means light is off
Examples for usage:
Switch Brightness Level: "ON + .."
Change Brightness Level: "OFF + ...._" then "." (Up) or ".." (Down) then "______"
Activate Menu mode: "OFF + ....."
Cycle through menu: "."
etc. Maybe this is easier to follow than reading a textual explanation. This would also fit an a small sheet to be carried with the light.
As stated in earlier posts, a graph showing the path of action through the modes would be great.
I admit, when I read the instructions, I felt a strong "MUST HAVE" inside. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif
About the manual:
I think it would be good to have a kind of symbol language for the menus and settings (in addition to the full explanation) like so:
"." means short click
"_" means hold button pressed, the longer the line, the longer hold the button
"ON" means light is on
"OFF" means light is off
Examples for usage:
Switch Brightness Level: "ON + .."
Change Brightness Level: "OFF + ...._" then "." (Up) or ".." (Down) then "______"
Activate Menu mode: "OFF + ....."
Cycle through menu: "."
etc. Maybe this is easier to follow than reading a textual explanation. This would also fit an a small sheet to be carried with the light.
As stated in earlier posts, a graph showing the path of action through the modes would be great.
Second mporter and it really sounds as if he knows what he´s talking about. And Peter - please do that flow chart thinggie - this was the first thing which came to my mind after reading the initial post - and it seems lots of people are feeling the same.
Klaus
Klaus
Frenchyled
Flashaholic*
Wonderful light /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Peter, can you send me the LS4 with its manual because I want to practice with your flowchart /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Peter, can you send me the LS4 with its manual because I want to practice with your flowchart /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Is this a new Windows operating system? Windows LS4?
I assume Arc will have a toll free 24 hour help line?
It will be a bit of a challenge to master...but give me time...I`ll find some kid to figure it out /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ken
I assume Arc will have a toll free 24 hour help line?
It will be a bit of a challenge to master...but give me time...I`ll find some kid to figure it out /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ken
Note: The warranty does not set a time limit.
The company that makes the chips...what will they do for you if you find the lights failing due to their chips? Could become a warranty nightmare.
Myself, I might consider selling them with a 1 year warranty and lower price for the first year or so, just in case.
Ken
The company that makes the chips...what will they do for you if you find the lights failing due to their chips? Could become a warranty nightmare.
Myself, I might consider selling them with a 1 year warranty and lower price for the first year or so, just in case.
Ken
Lighthouse
Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2002
- Messages
- 254
Peter,
First of all thank you for making things that go "light" in the dark. LOL
LS4 instructions, having skimmed through the responses to this date, I've forwarded via email a list of things to consider, some of which may not be appropriate for an open forum.
I concur with many of the previous suggestions and comments, great going folks. A review by many eyes will catch things that are not at all obvious to the documents author, a writers blindspot if you will.
Lighthouse
First of all thank you for making things that go "light" in the dark. LOL
LS4 instructions, having skimmed through the responses to this date, I've forwarded via email a list of things to consider, some of which may not be appropriate for an open forum.
I concur with many of the previous suggestions and comments, great going folks. A review by many eyes will catch things that are not at all obvious to the documents author, a writers blindspot if you will.
Lighthouse
Peter -- sounds perfect. I wouldn't change a thing personally. With this many options there will, no doubt, be complications with any setup. People will quickly find which functions they like best and in time people will easiliy become accustomed to the series of button presses needed.
js
Flashlight Enthusiast
Peter,
Overall, these are great instructions, with or without a flow chart and related tables.
However, I was unsure about one thing: changing the Primary and Secondary brightness levels.
First of all, I understand that to do this (set brightness levels) versus enter the setup menu, a user holds the final fifth click for a second or two, versus a straight five clicks to enter setup menu.
OK. Once that is done, the user will be setting the level (Primary or Secondary) that the light was last operated at.
A single click moves up a notch in brightness, while a double click moves down a notch. As was already asked, does this wrap around or dead end?
Final question: IS THE LIGHT SHINING AT THIS POINT? I'm assuming it must be in order for the user to know what he is choosing, but you don't specifically say this, and at the start of things, the light was OFF.
Overall, these are great instructions, with or without a flow chart and related tables.
However, I was unsure about one thing: changing the Primary and Secondary brightness levels.
First of all, I understand that to do this (set brightness levels) versus enter the setup menu, a user holds the final fifth click for a second or two, versus a straight five clicks to enter setup menu.
OK. Once that is done, the user will be setting the level (Primary or Secondary) that the light was last operated at.
A single click moves up a notch in brightness, while a double click moves down a notch. As was already asked, does this wrap around or dead end?
Final question: IS THE LIGHT SHINING AT THIS POINT? I'm assuming it must be in order for the user to know what he is choosing, but you don't specifically say this, and at the start of things, the light was OFF.
georget98
Enlightened
[ QUOTE ]
The availability of the Full Power mode means that maximum brightness is always easily accessible when needed. As a result, the Primary brightness can be set to a more efficient level without ->loosing<- the ability to provide maximum power quickly.
[/ QUOTE ]
Probably an extra tap of the "O" key, but it should be losing.
How long does the battery last in locator flash mode?
The availability of the Full Power mode means that maximum brightness is always easily accessible when needed. As a result, the Primary brightness can be set to a more efficient level without ->loosing<- the ability to provide maximum power quickly.
[/ QUOTE ]
Probably an extra tap of the "O" key, but it should be losing.
How long does the battery last in locator flash mode?
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