Help File Location, Contents, Additions and Corrections

[gmau]

Thread created for the Help File.

It's purpose is for the development of the tips.html (Help File).

If you need help with the usage of OpenCPN, please use other threads.

The file is on a web site at gmau.

Please submit your request for contents, additions and corrections.

[gmau]

The first pass was to add graphics and expand on contents.

The current file has been updated with GRIB.

Gordon

[Wester]

I notice Track and Color have the wrong Graphics

Leif

[dacust]

gmau, great work. Here are a few notes.

Where can I find charts?
dacust .com: "Links to a wide selection of ENC's and raster charts for..."

Zoom in and Zoom out
I would avoid using the word "scale" here since there is a "Scale in/Scale out". I would just remove the word "scale" and the parenthesis : "These change the size on your screen of the chart...". But that's a little awkward. how about just: "These allow you to zoom in and out on the chart currently being displayed."

Scale in/Scale out
Probably need (earlier in the document) a screen shot with the various areas labeled. At lower left are two sets of segmented bars. The on-screen distance scale and the chart bars. At least, change the verbiage to say "on the lower status bar lower" instead of "lower left".

Me, I would name it the "Chart Selection Bar".

Also a note that if it is an ENC that you have not viewed before, the preview will be blank.

Show GPX Icons
"Turns on GPX IN and OUT icons on the Tool Bar"

Load your Charts.

Where you say this: "When you have a chart directory highlighted, chose "Add Selection". ", need note that OpenCPN will search that directory and ALL subdirectories.



So, screen shot with labels for "Tool Bar", "Chart Selection Bar", "Chart Title" section, etc. Make sure we all agree on the names of those. Then make sure the help file always refers to them by those names.

-dan

[gmau]

Originally Posted by Wester

I notice Track and Color have the wrong Graphics

Leif

I fixed the two you mentioned. Check it out to see if it came out alright.

Thanks for your input.

Gordon

[gmau]

Originally Posted by dacust

gmau, great work. Here are a few notes.

So, screen shot with labels for "Tool Bar", "Chart Selection Bar", "Chart Title" section, etc. Make sure we all agree on the names of those. Then make sure the help file always refers to them by those names.

-dan

Let's try going with the following definitions. They are open for discussion and changes.

Tool Bar is the bar with all the icons.

Chart Selection Bar is the top bar when Status Bar is activated.

Chart Title is the box to the right right of the Tool Bar.

I'm going to try the following:

Italic - text to be deleted, changed or moved.

Red highlighted are text to be added.

I think I got all the changes that were requested.
Let me know if any more changes or additions are needed.

Gordon

[Wester]

Originally Posted by gmau

I fixed the two you mentioned. Check it out to see if it came out alright.

Thanks for your input.

Gordon

Hi Gordon

Looks 50% better but color still have wrong graphics


Leif

[gmau]

Should be 100%.

I was having trouble with file names in the site's web builder.

Thanks again for catching the errors.

Gordon

[gmau]

Should be 100%.

I was having trouble with file names in the site's web builder.

Thanks again for catching the errors.

Gordon

[Wester]

Originally Posted by gmau

Should be 100%.

I was having trouble with file names in the site's web builder.

Thanks again for catching the errors.

Gordon

Hi Gordon

Now it's 100% great work

Leif

[robster]

Hi Gordon,
I've just discovered OpenCPN and have been reading the help file. Is there any thought being given to making it more accessible to someone who hasn't used nav software before? I am taking the Coast Guard Aux class right now so am a true newbie. It would be great if there were advice, too.

For example, a section on raster vs vector charts, whether to use one, the other, or both, and where to download them. For USA-based boaters, a tutorial on getting NOAA charts would be great.

Minor details for correction:
In "Getting Started with OpenCPN" the text beginning with "First we need to look at the bottom of the screen," is highlighted in red and is hard to read (at least on my laptop). It would look better as normal text.

The line "On the bottom is the Status Bar(s). Activated from 'Tool Box-Etc.-Show Status Bar'." Should read "Activated from Tool Box - Settings - Navigational Data - Show Status Bar."

Explain the acronym GPX.

Grammar correction: "These allows you to zoom in and out on the chart currently being displayed for more detail. " Sould read "these allow you..."

"The AIS function makes it is easy to interrogate targets.
It will calculate and display CPA and TCPA." What are CPA and TCPA?

Can you explain how charts and currents work? I haven't gotten that far yet...
Thank you,

Rob
What a great start! Looking forward to reading and learning more. Th

[dacust]

robster,

Glad to have you here.

The red background means it is added text. Italics means it is to be deleted. So, you are looking at a document in the process of being edited and enhanced. gmau will fix the errors you pointed out, I'm sure. Thanks.

As for what charts to use, a start might be to look at my page on Chart Errors. It doesn't specifically tell you what charts to use, but explains some of the differences in their reliability. It discusses paper vs electronic and raster vs vector.

-dan

[gmau]

I'm going to remove the red highlighted text in two days. Getting hard to read.

Let me know if anyone has objections.

Gordon

[dacust]

Gordon,

"Do I need GPS?" - needs to be left justified.

Links to a wide selection of ENC's for U.S.inland waters and other countries visit: dacust.com: "Links to a wide selection of ENC's and raster charts for..."

I wasn't clear on what I meant there, it should read something like:

For links to a wide selection of ENC and raster charts for U.S. waters and other countries visit: dacust.com

-dan

[gmau]

I just did the two changes.

In a day or so, all the red marks will be updated.

Thanks Gordon