Author: "Mike Nellis" <mnellis@...> Time: Tue Mar 27, 2001 10:02 pm PST Link
Version 2.0 of the Experimental Panel Builder is up and running. The response to Version 1.0 was almost overwhelming and we received many requests for additional panels and instruments. We've tried to accommodate as many as possible but if we've missed something please let us know by clicking on the "Request New Panels" or "Request New Instruments" link.
After we published version 1.0 fellow RV List member, RV-8 Builder (soon to be RV-7 builder) and web master extraordinaire, Jared Boone (Portland, OR) offered us some suggestions on how we could make things work a little better. I had some discussions with Jared via email and even tossed back a brewski or two with him on a recent visit to Portland. Jared took time out of his busy work schedule (guess what he does for a living) and helped turn out the version of code that you see here. Truly remarkable and Bill and I owe him a lot of thanks.
So what's new?
First, you can now save your work. Yes, that's right. After creating a panel, all you have to do is log out or go to another web page. The next time you log in you're panel will still be right there were you left off. Neat.
Space saving organization. Drop downmenu's allow you to select the panel you're interested and the category of instruments your interested in working on. This saves space and makes creating panels easier.
Duplicate items. Now you can drag asmany items onto the panel as you like. Just keep dragging them up there. You want lots of circuit breaker and switches. Just keep dragging them up.
If you don't like an instrument then just drag it off the panel and it goes away. Don't like any of your work and want to start over? Just hit the reset button.
Because of all the code changes, the time it takes for the initial page to load has been greatly reduced because it doesn't have to load all the images at once.
After the last version was published we received a ton or requests for additional panels and equipment. This is where Bill Vondane came to the rescue.
Bill jumped into action and developed no less than 20, yes 20, new panels and added many more instruments. After Jared modified the code to make the new changes possible, Bill had to add all thenew data, and modify things to get it published. Bill also created the user interface and "Tips" page to help makes things a little clearer.
Bill and Jared have graciously donated LOTS of time and effort to bring this tool to it's present state. Remember, these guys both have planes to build and busy jobs and families to take care of.
Enjoy the updated version and let us know what you think.
Alas, there is a downside. Forall those Microsoft haters out there, this new version is even LESS Netscape friendly than the pervious version. At this time, due to the methods used to create some of the features, ONLY Internet Explore 5.5 can be used to access the new features. Jared is working on making it compatible with earlier versions of Internet Explorer so until that time, the earlier version1.0 is still available to use.
We're talking about developing some techniques that will allow ALL browsers to work but that's still a ways off as time and energy permits.
Check it out. http://sonexlinks.com/panelbuilder/ (http://sonexlinks.com/panelbuilder/) or link to it from my page http://bmnellis.com (http://bmnellis.com) or Bills page http://vondane.com/rv8a (http://vondane.com/rv8a)
Guess what? It's still free! What a country.
Mike Nellis
Stinson 108-2 N9666K
RV-6 N699BM (reserved)
Plainfield, IL (LOT)
http://bmnellis.com (http://bmnellis.com)
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