|
ePanel Builder FAQ's and Tutorials
The new ePanel builder requires Macromedia Flash Player 8 to function properly.
If you have not already installed the Flash Player. Click Here to Install the Flash Player now |
General Questions:
Q. I tried to go into the Panel Builder for the first time and can't see anything, what's wrong?
Q. Where are the panel zoom controls?
Q. What is that clicking sound.....and how do I get rid of it?
Q. Where did my projects go? I just renewed my subscription but I can no longer see my projects.
Panel Builder Questions:
Q. How do I start a new project?
Q. How do I load and edit a previously saved project?
Q. What do all the buttons in the Panel Builder do?
Q. How do I use the X / Y Coordinates?
Q. How do I add a new panel template to my project?
Q. How do I move the panel around the Panel Builder?
Q. How do I add instruments to my project?
Q. How do I move instruments around my panel project?
Q. How do I add, edit or delete Guides?
Q. How do I align instruments to each other?
Q. How do I evenly space instruments from each other?
Q. How do I view and download alternate / hi-res images of instruments?
Q. How do I delete instruments from my project?
Q. How do I add, edit or delete Placards?
Q. How do I download, print, or email my panel images?
Q. How do I download, print or email my project equipment list?
Q. How do I contact the ePanel Builder? |
|
Q. I tried to go into the Panel Builder for the first time and can't see anything, what's wrong?
The new ePanel Builder is built on Flash technology and you probably don't have the required Flash Player installed to view and use the Panel Builder. Although it should have detected this and installed it automatically, there are some firewall products and popup blockers may block this installation. To solve this problem simply use the following instructions to manually install the Flash Player:
- Click the link below.
- If you do not want the Yahoo toolbar installed, UNCHECK IT before you click on Install Now.
- Click Install Now and follow the instructions on the screen.
Click Here to Install the Flash Player
|
|
Q. Where are the panel zoom controls?
Although I fully intended to have panel zoom functions implemented in this version, due to a bug found in the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player required to use the Panel Builder I am unable to offer it at this time.
The way the zoom functions would have worked would be to magnify the images (panel and instruments) to make everything bigger. Although the magnification part worked fine, when you zoomed back out the images were not retuning to their exact original size so the placement of the instrument images did not appear to remain in the correct locations on the panel. I'm sure you can see the problem with this... So for the time being there are no zoom functions.....but as soon as there is a fix for this the zoom function will be added it to the Builder... |
|
Q. What is that clicking sound.....and how do I get rid of it?
The clicking sound you hear while accessing the ePanel Builder with Internet Explorer is a Windows feature which makes a sound when a page is loaded and is a product of the advertisements loading on the page.
This feature can be turned off in "Sounds and Audio Devices" or "Sounds and Multimedia" in your Control Panel:
Under Sound Events at the bottom of the Properties window scroll down to "Windows Explorer - Complete Navigation" and "Windows Explorer - Start Navigation" and remove the sounds associated with these events. |
|
Q. Where did my projects go? I just renewed my subscription but I can no longer see my projects.
If your membership expires your projects will revert to a hidden status but ARE NOT DELETED... Once you renew your subscription you will have access to all your projects again... * After you renew your subscription you may need to log off, close your browser and then go back to the ePanel Builder to see your projects... |
|
|
Q. How do I start a new project?
* It is HIGHLY recommended that you preface your project name with either your n-number or your last name so that it is easy for us to find should you choose to take advantage of our collaboration services...
- Click on "Panel Builder" on the navigation bar
- On the next screen click on "Start a new project"
- On the next screen simply type in the name of your new project and then click on "Create New Project"
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
|
Q. How do I load and edit a previously saved project?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
This can be done in two different ways...
- Click on "Panel Builder" on the navigation bar
- Click on "Load a previously saved project"
- Find the project you wish to load and click on the project name under "Load Project"
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
- Click on "My Projects" on the navigation bar
- Find the project you wish to load and click "Edit Project" in the appropriate column
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. What do all the buttons in the Panel Builder do?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
There are 25 buttons on the Panel Builder that perform the following functions (from left to right):
- Browse panels
- Browse instruments
- Delete selected instrument
- View instrument images
- Instrument view / cutout view
- Create a placard
- Edit / delete placard
- Add a horizontal or vertical ruler
- Align to left most instrument
- Align to right most instrument
- Align to top most instrument
- Align to bottom most instrument
- Change the spacing tools dimension
- Evenly space from left most instrument
- Evenly space from right most instrument
- Evenly space from top most instrument
- Evenly space from bottom most instrument
- Save project
- Refresh this project
- My projects
- Project download options
- Project equipment list
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I use the X (→) / Y (↓) Coordinates?
Simply put; The X ? Coordinates tell you exactly where your cursor is in relation to the Panel Builder canvas.
The X or → Coordinate starts at the left edge of the Panel Builder.....which is also the left edge of your instrument panel template.
The Y or ↓ Coordinate starts on the top edge of the Panel Builder.....NOT THE TOP OF THE PANEL. The panels are offset down 4" to allow for instruments / equipment to be placed on top of the panel.
The main function of the → / ↓ Coordinates is in locating your instruments in relation to a point which you can specify on your panel template using the horizontal and vertical guides... See How do I add, edit or delete Guides? |
|
Q. How do I add a new panel template to my project?
- From the Panel Builder click on the "browse panels" button
- Locate the manufacturer of the panel template you wish to load
- Click on the arrow next to the manufacturer to list the panel templates
- Click on the panel you wish to load and you will see a preview of the panel in the window
- Click on "Load Panel" to add it to your project
- Click "Close"
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I move the panel around the Panel Builder?
Once you have a panel loaded into the Panel Builder there are a couple ways to move it around.
- Use the scroll bars below and to the right of the panel.
- Click on the white space above, below or next to the slider on the scroll bars
- Use the slider on the scroll bars.
- Click on the slider on the scroll bars and move them up, down and side to side to move the panel
- Use the Wheel on your mouse if you have one to move the panel up and down.
- Click on the panel somewhere and rotate the wheel on your mouse to move the panel up and down.
Please note... The arrows at the ends of the scroll bars are disabled. This was necessary to allow movement of instruments and instruments groups with the arrow keys on the keyboard. We thought precise movement of instruments was more important than the panel...
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I add instruments to my project?
Once you have loaded your project and panel template click on the button labeled "Browse Instruments". The Instrument Browser will appear and default to "Browse by Manufacturer". From here you can select "Browse by Equipment Type" if you wish.
- At left you can either scroll to find a manufacturer or you can click on the list, type the first letter of the manufacturer and it will take you to that letter to aid in finding the manufacturer.
- Once you click on a manufacturer, the instruments from that manufacturer are loaded in the Instrument Preview Pane at the bottom of the builder. You can now click "Close" to exit the Instrument Browser.
- Using your mouse click once on the instrument you wish to add to the project. Doing so will populate the instrument information pane at left with details pertaining to the instrument; Manufacturer with link, description, part number and other details. Clicking on the manufacturers name will take you to their web site.
- Click a second time on the instrument and it will be added to the project at the very top left portion of the builder.
* If you click a second time and the instrument does not appear, make sure you have not scrolled down below the point the instruments are loaded in the builder.
- Now you can click on the instrument in the builder and drag it where you like.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I move instruments around my panel project?
This can be done in multiple ways.
Move one instrument at a time using your mouse:
- Left mouse click on the instrument you wish to move.....it will be highlighted.
- While holding your mouse button down simply drag the instrument where you want it on your panel template.
Move one instrument at a time using your keyboard:
- Left mouse click on the instrument you wish to move.....it will be highlighted.
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to precisely position the instrument on the panel.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
Move multiple instruments at once using your mouse:
- Position your cursor above and to the left of the instruments you wish to move.
- Left mouse click and drag your mouse across the instruments ending up to the right of and below the instruments you wish to move.....they will all be highlighted.
- Now click and hold your left mouse button on the group and drag them to where you want it on your panel template.
Move multiple instruments at once using your keyboard:
- Position your cursor above and to the left of the instruments you wish to move.
- Left mouse click and drag your mouse across the instruments ending up to the right of and below the instruments you wish to move.....they will all be highlighted.
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to precisely position the instruments on your panel.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I add, edit or delete Guides?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
The guides are intended to help you with the placement of instruments. For example if you know you have to keep your radios 1" away from the left and bottom edges of your panel you can place guides in these locations and place your instruments next to the guides. Placement of the guides is done by imputing a distance in relation to the panel builder itself.....you can hover your mouse over a location in the builder take not of the X / Y Coordinates of your mouse, and then either use that number for placement of your guide, or add some distance to that number for placement if your guide. The following will help you do exactly this...
- While in the builder take not of the X / Y Coordinates display in yellow on the tool bar. You will use these coordinates to place your guides.
- Click on the "Add a horizontal or vertical guide" button on the tool bar.
- Select "Horizontal" for the guide directions
- Hover the tip of your mouse right over the line depicting the bottom of your panel, take note of that number and remove 1 inch from that number. For this example the dimensions is 16.8 so I will end up with 15.8.
- Type this dimension in the box labeled "Inches". For this example the dimension is 15.8.
- Click "Create Guide"
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
Now do the same thing to create your vertical guide:
- Click on the "Add a horizontal or vertical guide" button on the tool bar.
- Select "Vertical" for the guide directions
- Hover the tip of your mouse right over the line depicting the left edge of your panel, take note of that number and this time add 1 inch from that number. For this example the dimensions is 4.8 so we will end up with 5.8.
- Type this dimension in the box labeled "Inches". For this example the dimension is 5.8.
- Click "Create Guide"
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
Now you will move and delete a guide:
- Hover your mouse over a guide until you see your pointer change from an arrow to a pointing finger and then click on the guide.
- From the dialog box that appears you can either change the location of the guide or simply delete the guide.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I align instruments to each other?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
- First you have to select the instruments you wish to align.
- Position your cursor above and to the left of the instruments you wish to align.
- Left mouse click and drag your mouse across the instruments ending up to the right of and below the instruments you wish to align.....they will all be highlighted.
- Then click on one of the alignment buttons on the tool bar. which one you use depends on the instrument you wish to align to. In the tutorial below we'll be aligning to the top most instrument.
- Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
|
|
Q. How do I evenly space instruments from each other?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
- First you need to select the dimension you wish to use for spacing the instruments.
- Find the Spacing Dimension drop down box on the tool bar and select 0.50".
- Now position your cursor above and to the left of the instruments you wish to evenly space from each other.
- Left mouse click and drag your mouse across the instruments ending up to the right of and below the instruments you wish to space.....they will all be highlighted.
- Then click on one of the spacing buttons on the tool bar. which one you use depends on the instrument you wish to space from. In the tutorial below we'll be spacing from the left most instrument.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
Here is one more tutorial that shows all the steps involved in aligning and spacing a standard "Six Pack" of instruments... There are multiple steps in this process:
- Alight the top three instruments to the "top most instrument"
- Evenly space the top three instruments using 0.50" as the spacing dimension, and the left most instrument as the "space from" instrument.
- Next align the left two instruments to each other, remember to use the top one as the "align to" instrument.
- Then space the left to instruments using the same dimension and the top instrument as the "space from" instrument.
- Now align the bottom row of instruments using the left instrument as the "align to" instrument
- Finally, evenly space the bottom row using the left most instrument as the "space from" instrument.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
** PLEASE NOTE... The spacing tools evenly space instruments from EDGE TO EDGE... NOT center to center... Meaning that if you space two instruments 1" apart, there will be 1" between the facing edges of the instruments... |
|
Q. How do I view and download alternate / hi-res images of instruments?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
There are two ways you can do this...
- From the Builder itself, click on the instrument you wish to download hi-res images of.....it will be highlighted.
- Find and click on the "View instrument images" button on the tool bar.
- Follow the instructions on the following page.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
- From the Builder itself, click on the "Project Equipment List" button on the tool bar
- Find the instrument you wish to see alternate / hi-res images of and click on the link under the "Equipment" column
- Follow the instructions on the following page.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I delete instruments from my project?
- Click on the instrument you wish to delete.....it will be highlighted.
- Click on the "Delete selected instrument" button on the tool bar.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I add, edit or delete Placards?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
* In this version of the Panel Builder, Placards are simply placeholders of where you might put placards. Although you do type something in to create the placard, the text does not appear on the placard, you will only see a dark gray bar. We hope to expand on this in the future, but were unable to in this version.
To add a placard to your project:
- Find and click on the "Create a placard" button on the builder tool bar
- Type in some text for your placard. * The placard size is based on the number of characters typed, however the text will not show on the placard.
- Click on "Add Placard" to add the placard to the panel.
- Once you have created the placard if you hover over it with the mouse you will see the placard text.
- Now you can drag the placard where you wish on the panel.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
To Edit or Delete a placard:
- Click on the placard you wish to edit or delete.
- Find and click on the Edit / delete placard button on the tool bar.
- You may either edit the text and click "Update Placard" or simply click on "Remove Placard" to delete it from your panel.
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I download, print, or email my panel images?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
This can be accomplished from two different starting places...
- From any page on the site click on "My Projects" on the navigation bar
- On the next screen find the project you wish to generate images for and click on "Panel Options" in the appropriate column
- If on the next screen you may see "You have not generated your panel images yet, click here to generate them now", go ahead and do that now
- You should now see "Your panel images are up-to-date"... Now you can download, print or email your panel images or equipment list by simply following the instructions on the screen...
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
- From inside the Panel Builder itself...the FIRST thing you should do is SAVE YOUR PROJECT
- Next, click on the button labeled "My Projects" over on the right had side, third from the right
- On the next screen find the project you wish to generate images for and click on "Panel Options" in the appropriate column
- If on the next screen you may see "You have not generated your panel images yet, click here to generate them now", go ahead and do that now
- You should now see "Your panel images are up-to-date"... Now you can download, print or email your panel images or equipment list by simply following the instructions on the screen...
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
Q. How do I download, print or email my project equipment list?
This feature is only available to those members with a current subscription...
This can be accomplished from two different starting places...
- From any page on the site click on "My Projects" on the navigation bar
- On the next screen find the project you wish to generate images for and click on "Project Equipment" in the appropriate column
- On the next screen simply follow the instruction for getting your equipment list...
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject...
- From inside the Panel Builder itself...the FIRST thing you should do is SAVE YOUR PROJECT
- Next, click on the button labeled "Projects Equipment List " over on the right had side, third from the right
- On the next screen simply follow the instruction for getting your equipment list...
Click here to view a mini-tutorial on this subject... |
|
|
Q. How do I contact the ePanel Builder?
Bill VonDane
ePanel Builder
1792 Reilly Grove
Colorado Springs, CO 80951
bill@epanelbuilder.com
719-266-2388 |
|
|
Although the ePanel Builder works on most platforms and browsers.....We recommend Mozilla Firefox!!
|
