On September 20, 2011 at 12:55, mrtristan said...
Maybe for most people but I should mention I'm a genius so I'll learn it in two days.
Well, Configuration and Essentials is a 5 day class so I doubt you could learn it in 2 days, even if you are a genius. I'm sure you were being a little cheeky in your response but programming Crestron in SIMPL and VTPro aren't the only things you need to learn. You also need to learn how to use Toolbox to its fullest potential and depending on your IR learner you may also need to learn how DEAL works. You will need to learn how Engraver works as well because SIMPL/VTPro don't do that for you automagically, like SB or D3. My best advice is to sign up for Configuration and Essentials. Sign up for Resi system design and take all the online courses you can before you go.
Just puzzled as to why - being a Prodigy dealer who hasn't installed a ton of product - they would offer me the full line. I thought Prodigy going into distribution only would mean that I would have to contact the distributor for tech support, thus easing the load off Crestron's tech support crew. I can imagine their work load increasing if they have made this offer all other Prodigy direct dealers.
I would imagine that all other direct Prodigy dealers would get the same treatment. They considered you good enough to cut your teeth on Prodigy as a direct dealer so I see no reason to push you back to distro only. Welcome to the club. Get to know a CAIP and the pricing from a CAIP. You will need his/her services. If you are curious you may contact me via PM but I am not trying to schill myself here. There are other people here and local to you that are CAIPs. Always good to find someone you like.
I don't know if this is opening a can of worms or would help increase our knowledge of programming. Perhaps Simpl has a steep learning curve but at least now I can mess around with it after a few courses then decide for myself if it's something I can handle.
As a former trainer I can tell you that you will be able to program a system once you leave Essentials, assuming you have a decent aptitude for programming and pay attention. DO NOT try to get ahead of the instructor, even if you think the pace is slow. You will only confuse yourself and get lost trying to correct your mistakes. Ask questions but try not to get off in the weeds. You have a lot to learn before the end of that week. You can also do 'homework' in your hotel room and come to class a few minutes early to test your homework. I still remember sitting through my first class and how much of a mind bending experience it was.
What I like is when I signed into Crestron this morning, all of a sudden I'm able to view online courses that were not available to me in the past.
Take those online courses. Education is key to success with Crestron. In the software F1 will give you your help files. READ the help files, most of your questions can be answered in the help file. As has been mentioned, you can contact Tech Sales for system design or system design review. If you are working with a CAIP that person may be able to help you out with system design (some do, some don't) and even some tech support. Crestron has a TON of resources at your fingertips via the website, help files, the Crestron Yahoo group, RC, IP, ESI and a dozen other forums. Welcome to the club. Don't screw anything up. :-)
