[Elecraft] Versioning systems for older manual recovery

[kevinr]

Hi Dale,
    While writing software, which requires multiple modules to compile, 
it is common to use a versioning system such as Subversion.  After the 
inevitable bug fixes and patches for updates the code is often changed 
so much it is not much like the original code.  The versioning 
application allows one to go back in time and be able to recompile the 
code as it was at that date.
     In the publication software business there are also versioning 
systems.  One checks out the document from the application's database 
and works on it, correcting or making additions.  Once the individual 
writer is done he checks the document back into the database which 
performs an update on the document's tree.  Each version of the document 
is available from the database so another author can compare the most 
recent document with the way it was written at any time in the past.
    I am unsure whether Elecraft would allow access to the database of 
the documents in question.  But some versioning software does allow for 
checking out older documents without giving any permissions to check in 
any edits.  This may be an option for what you want.  That way you could 
get an idea of what date the rig in question was manufactured by its 
serial number and find the associated manual for it.  I am sure that 
would help you repair any of the Elecraft rigs.
     73,
          Kevin.  KD5ONS

On 3/28/2012 6:02 AM, Dale Putnam wrote:
The one issue that I see with on line manuals, after noting that they 
are easy to update, cost less to maintain,reflect current changes in 
production, are easy to access from anywhere, and the multitude of 
benefits, the one issue remains.The technician repairing a unit, that 
was built... XXXX.. with XxXx updates performed at a later date... has 
little, if any,record, of those changes. Yes the unit could be brought 
up to current standards, if the current standards are reachable, and 
attainable, with the owners resources. However, there are many times 
when what was.... before it broke,... is exactly what theowner wants to 
work.   I've struggled with this with many manufactures and models of 
radio. If you pick up a K2, for example, which one is it? What version 
is it? What does it have for protection in the finals? Some how, the 
mods, the updates and changes, need to be able to be carried forward 
with each radio. The other side of this is that given a radio from... 
say the early K1 times... and only on line manuals... that are current 
to today... comparing what is in the manual, and what is in the radio.. 
may be a bit frustrating.   Having said all that.. understand that this 
is NOT derogatory, nor pointing at any specific line of equipment, and 
it is withthe understanding that some of us, don't have the specifics 
memories applicable, like... say for example, Don, W3FPR, does.   Yes, I 
know I am not supposed to point out issues, without a good suggested 
correction.. but this one gets past me.. any ideas?

--...   ...--
Dale - WC7S in Wy