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A big bite and a lot to chew for a first timer
This thread has 8 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Monday November 25, 2002 at 08:46
vts1134
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Well here's the story. I do 99.9% of our companies programing of proto based touch screens. I am very proffecient and do on average 3+ a week. I am pretty computer literate and like to think I can manage my way through alot of software programs, however I understand that the ccf is a VERY rookie league programming method. We have landed an account with a client who will be receiving 13-16 Elan VIA pannels throught his house controlling a heluva lot of equipment ($190,000+ worth of it). The thing is I haven't even looked at the software yet and I will be starting this job very soon.
Is there any one here who has any experience with VIA tools? I will be using thier latest version 3.0. This website, and Phillips training at CEDIA, is how I learned to be the ccf programer that I am today, and I am hoping that it can help me with VIA tools. Are they any key words, or steps that I should take? I remember when I started ccf it was alias, alias, alias. Is there another website that I should be asking questions, and looking for tips? Thanks in advance for any help. Just think once I learn this then we'll all get to start doing iPronto's :)
Post 2 made on Monday November 25, 2002 at 09:47
John Pechulis
Loyal Member
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7,127
ViaTools is pretty easy. Take some time to familiarize yourself with software and the menus. There are also tutorials available on Elan's website that will guide you through the software step by step.

As far as what you will exactly need (peripherals) for this job, it's best that you contact your rep to help you with such a large undertaking. No one should start such a large job with equipment they've never used before, without some help.

Hope this helps, here if you have any more ??s,

JJP
Post 3 made on Tuesday November 26, 2002 at 20:02
Nothingman
Lurking Member
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9
VTS, you sound like me a few years ago. I was an almost-exclusive Pronto/RC5000 programmer when I got tossed onto a job with 11 VIA panels without previous product experience. VIA Tools is a good program and easy to work with, but you can't treat it like a Pronto program. It's set up to do things in a certain order, and it's difficult to jump around inside of the program and do things like a lot of us do inside of ProntoEdit. It has its quirks, and the best way to learn it is to go to Lexington for a training class given by Elan themselves. Your employer should pony up for it, especially with the magnitude of the install you're about to undertake. Classes are held every month if I remember correctly, and they're 2-day deals...
Post 4 made on Tuesday November 26, 2002 at 22:03
GotGame
Super Member
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Nothingham,

Make sure you get one of these units to take home along with the Via Tools/learner. You should spend time poking and finding your way thru as much of the program as you can. Sign up right away for the course in Kentucky, so when you go, you will have some good questions to ask and some real world problems to resolve. I hope the salesperson on the job knows which pieces of source gear work best with the Elan system. IF not, point them out. You will have a lot to learn, especially with the serial interface and the video switcher. Take it all in and enjoy. Stay on top of it and I hope to see you back on the forum telling us about the raise you got.
I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other.
OP | Post 5 made on Tuesday November 26, 2002 at 22:16
vts1134
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well I don't have time for the class :( the job started on monday. But I'm sure I'll get it pretty quick, now about that raise hmmmm... I could start making 2 whole dolars an hour instead of 1.
Post 6 made on Wednesday November 27, 2002 at 12:43
GotGame
Super Member
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You will actually save time. Via tools is not a trial and error type of program like pronto edit. The class is actually only a few days, so you will be able to organize your project while in school and get most of it worked out ahead of time.
My guess is the job will span months of time. I'm I off base here?
The Plan "B" would be to hire one of the Elan guys to do the programming.
I may be schizophrenic, but at least I have each other.
Post 7 made on Wednesday November 27, 2002 at 13:26
Eric Johnson
Universal Remote Control Inc.
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May 2001
705
Personally, I think ViaTools is much easier and more intuitive than ProntoEdit. The best advice is worth repeating so I will:

Do things in the order of the tabs inside ViaTools. Do not jump back and forth.

Also, GO TO THE TRAINING. Anyone who says that they don't have time, will shortly be holding for tech support or beating their head against the proverbial wall. GO TO THE TRAINING.
Best Regards,
Eric
OP | Post 8 made on Saturday December 7, 2002 at 18:08
vts1134
Founding Member
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Well we are a good way into the job now and I have been working a little bit with the program and it seems alot easier than I thought. I have been working my way around pretty easy and doing things in order of the tabs. None of the equipment is fully hooked up though so I can't see if I really am doing things exactly right or not though. I'll keep ya posted and surly I'll be asking questions soon.
Post 9 made on Saturday December 7, 2002 at 20:47
DavidatAVX
Founding Member
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440
Eric - What exactly are you trying to say ???


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