[R-390] Y2K Reprinting

[Tim Shoppa]

Andy wrote:
>> [PDF's]
> It is pretty geeky, but it is published and open.

There are numerous tools (both commercial and free) for making
PDF's. They are indeed very geeky.

> Note that some of the more fancy features remain proprietary, but I doubt if 
> we really need to rotate 3D models in real-time for a boatanchor manual 
> (hmm - I wonder if I could make an image where all the gears turn properly . 
> . . have to look into that).

For that you might want to use a successor to PDF, which is even more
geeky, called "SVG" (for Scalable Vector Graphics).

At one time, a few years ago, I was convinced that PDF's were evil and
would be the downfall of all documents. But I have since changed my mind.

One thing that is evil and should be avoided: turning a vector (CAD-type)
drawing into a bitmap and then back into a PDF. A good drawing should
allow you to zoom in and you never ever see pixels other than the ones
that represent the resolution of your computer screen. The existing Y2K
manuals have done a very very good job of redrawing the schematics
and drawings where possible into very nice vector documents that can
be zoomed in on with perfect clarity. I believe that Pete Wokoun, KH6GRT,
redrew many of these wonderful schematics with a CAD-type tool and then they
got exported and incorporated into the final PDF's.

I cannot possibly emphasize how wonderful KH6GRT's drawings are.
They are a priceless resource. I do not have the tools nor the skillsets
to maintain them myself, but whoever is going to re-do the Y2K manual
should definitely have KH6GRT's source files (in whatever CAD
tool format he used) to make sure that nothing is lost in moving ahead.

Tim.