Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Zanth on February 18, 2005, 09:42:14 PM
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I have no idea how this being handled. I have no idea if it even is. Special events are a disgrace. I am not qualified to discern
the cause agent(s), but I have an idea.
I will further say that lack of interest in events should be a leading indicator of something. This is all beyond my pay grade, I don't see any need to embarss people with stats, even a blind man knows when he has fallen off his chair.
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Originally posted by Zanth
I will further say that lack of interest in events should be a leading indicator of something.
That 90% of pilots enjoy special events 10% of the time. That ratio hasn,t changed much over the years.
That 10% of pilots that enjoy events 90% of the time don't understand that.
That ratio hasn't changed much either.
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if only even your ratio was met...
and it wasn't.
I never been much a member of the "becuase it has always been this way it will always be" camp. Actually I encourage them to seek careers outside of the company.
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Im curious the percentage of players that even peek at the forums to be aware of events. Many people seem to think the MA is THE GAME. To me the MA is like the waiting room...good events present far more realistic play.
I think awareness of the events would improve attendance. Something that pops up, as you log in, to catch the eye of the player, to make him say"Hey..is that part of this game? That looks cool!" Rather than relying on forums that many dont even know exist.
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Good idea Filth. It took me awhile to realize that events where held and that you actually had to sign up for some.
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Just left the FSO had a blast, nothing like a one life event to improve your skills.
Coral Sea coming up and cant wait.
don't see the disgrace though, the people that organize it put in alot of there time into it, and imo do a fantastic job.
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Yea from what I hear Coral Sea senario is gettin pretty big. I think they're having problems keeping squads together due to the participation.
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Originally posted by SuperDud
Yea from what I hear Coral Sea senario is gettin pretty big. I think they're having problems keeping squads together due to the participation.
Just a note to this SuperDud. It is going to be popular, but we only have 146 billets. There was a finite number of planes at Coral Sea.
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Zanth. I looked at the link and noticed its innominate's unofficial site. The SEA stats showed several logs with my name on them. But those are test logs and not an official event, which is why I wouldn't rely on the SEA stats on that page. Unless you know who started the logs that day, there is no way to tell which event is which.
Here is a better link: Official SEA Logs (http://www.webtreatz.com/tod/lognew.html) Don't get me wrong. I use inno's site too, just not for special events.
I'd have to agree with FiLtH. Special events are more challenging, and provide greater immersion than the MA. Its the immersion that separates the SEA and the MA. A typical special event pits aircraft against each other that actually met in battle, and finding the enemy is more difficult than simply flying towards his base.
But I would offer this as a suggestion. Write up what you would like to see happen in a special event and send it to me. SF (silverfox@hitechcreations.com) While I certainly can't promise it would be incorporated, I would include elements into ongoing discussions among the CMs. I can say that we are interested in improving special events. :)
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Originally posted by FiLtH
Something that pops up, as you log in, to catch the eye of the player, to make him say"Hey..is that part of this game? That looks cool!" Rather than relying on forums that many dont even know exist.
Guards!!! Shoot this man at dawn. No more #@! %$#@ popups pleeeeeeaaaaassssseee! Hate the damn things. That and the fact that, upon entry, you are always sent to a base that has or is being totaly nuked. Have to wait for the crap to load, then go to another base to get a clean calibration.
I think that those that don`t participate in events, myself included , have tryed them and thought they sucked or events is just not their bag. No amount of popups, hooraahing, etc is going to change that.
For the most part, it`s the same with the BBS. Those that have spent any considerable time in the game have came to the BBS and either became a part of it or choose not to participate. Those who come to the game and never investigate the game or it`s resources enough to even know of the BBS will not be "stayers" anyway.
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How about this Jackal...if you are the type that only flies MA and cares not about events, there could be a box to click "Do not show me events". That way you would never see it. But if you do want to be aware of these, then when a new event is in the schedule, it will show you the event details before launching you in game. Just a thought.
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Yea, that would work as far as not being annoying.
The thing is, you could hold a down home EVENT revival with tents and the whole smear, but your still not going to have converts from those not interested. In other words, it`s wasted effort that could be used on something else.
Like I said above, the ones that might possibly be interested allready knows about the BBS and the events anyway. Those that don`t take the time and effort to look into the game they are playing are "Two Weekers" at best. Some don`t last that long.
I think if you will reread Nopoops posts again and give it some thought you will find that he hit the nail on the head. It`s been this way with all combat flight sims going back to the early AW days.
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Please enlighten us Zanth. We are mere mortals and cannot comprehend thoughts of the gods.
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Jackal, Filth, I have always wanted a Events HTC mailing list. That would avoid the popups and people can take themselves on and off as they please.
I have no idea how this being handled. I have no idea if it even is. Special events are a disgrace. I am not qualified to discern
the cause agent(s), but I have an idea.
I will further say that lack of interest in events should be a leading indicator of something. This is all beyond my pay grade, I don't see any need to embarss people with stats, even a blind man knows when he has fallen off his chair.
Zanth. I am all ears, but not sure what you are talking about. Since I am heading events right now you can blame me, but I would like to know what your problem is.
For what it is worth last Friday night we had about 215 in the Friday Squad Ops. Unless I am mistaken, that is a record number of players for a weekly event.
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CO Head CM daddog
Squad Operations (http://events.hitechcreations.com/squadops/index.php)
332nd Flying Mongrels (http://www.332nd.org/)
332nd Roster (http://www.332nd.org/squadroster.htm)
Special Events (http://events.hitechcreations.com/)
Noses in the wind since 1997.
daddog@hitechcreations.com
(http://www.332nd.org/cdaddog.jpg)
Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.
John Adams, 180
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Originally posted by daddog
Jackal, Filth, I have always wanted a Events HTC mailing list. That would avoid the popups and people can take themselves on and off as they please.
Very good idea. Good luck.
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Zanth,
Special Events are not for everyone and where never meant to be. There are different events attempting to provide different levels of immerision and play. Snapshots are for walkons and attempt to add reality to 2 hours of play. They use a battle or try to recreate some note worthy event that happened during WWII. There are multiple frames so that being killed in the beginning gives you an oppurtunity to fight once again. Multiple lives are now being incorporated due to the new CM tools. But it is just that a 2 hour event, with a little more of reality then the MA
Squad Ops brings this to the next higher level where there is only one life and registration is required. The design of this event causes multiple squad cooperation and joint tactics. All squad COs get there chance at planning and executing offensive and defensive tactics. Yes it is a one life event but there are guns to man on the ground, in ships and on bombers if you so chose.
Then the top of the list is Scenarios. Registartion is needed to keep the sides and planes balanced. This event does attempt to recreate major battles that are well known by laying down the ground rules for the event but not inhibiting the opposing side COs from formulating their own means of accomplishing the mission. There are hours and hours of planning that goes into these events both by the designers, and the players.
With all that, there will be those that find something to complain about or no event to their liking
Constructive criticisim is always welcome. As a matter of fact player designed events are becoming more of the norm now then ever before. So if you see something and you feel it needs fixing try suggesting a logical and well thought out repair.
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Originally posted by SilverFox
Just a note to this SuperDud. It is going to be popular, but we only have 146 billets. There was a finite number of planes at Coral Sea.
LoL, yea I guess that sounded kinda bad huh:D Plenty for all, come one come all!
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had a great time @ FSO last night, though i cant quite figure our why i was the lone zero with 5 p-40's on me while my squaddies looked on in amazement from the same alt, same proximity same direction and speed.
is it my new cologne?
or am i just that good.
:p
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speaking of special events... KOTH USA was rescheduled to tonight, sat. 2/19 at 9pm eastern.
would like to see at least 40 show up.
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I have to appologize I had just finshed a very difficult Server 2003 deploy ( I think I am even going to get paid). Fatigue and beer led me to run my already big mouth hugher.
That said event participation isnt what it should be with a game that field nearly a thousand online players - and YOU ALL KNOW IT. But I appologize for being....well me :)
Events can be the best part oof this game, but you have to come see. There have been some bad events. Well actually there have been a lot. But if you dont participate, dont give feedback, that is what happens.
I would like see events at 400 and 500 players, there is no reason why not. If we build it they will come.
Hitech is building a mission place. You and I both know we better just look at what we got. Anyone remember Air Warrior auto scenarios? This is almost 10 years ago, but that leading edge sim already had a Tour of Duty. All i am saying is dont count on it. I know HItech can make a great setup, but I have ABSOLUTELY zero faith in you guys using it.
Soooooo how much software would you like to buy?
Lets tune up events, the real ones - screw the squad only part, and provide staff to moderate . I am probably nutz, I thought rap music would never make it.
:file ignore stupid crap players think
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That said event participation isnt what it should be with a game that field nearly a thousand online players
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't there SEVERAL thousand people who play AH? The rankings go up to 3,000 something, and that doesn't include the people who don't play every month. I personally can't wait to get back into scenarios again (this is my first month playing since May 2003). Then again, it's about time I found a squad again too...
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I meant what average game base can be brought to bear at a given time worldwide. I had/have no scientific measure than arena number I see + timezone crossover which I figure ( from air warrior days to 25/50%)
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Still not sure what you are saying. Encouraging everyone to participate in the TOD when it hits? Thickheaded here I guess.
Lets tune up events, the real ones - screw the squad only part, and provide staff to moderate . I am probably nutz, I thought rap music would never make it.
Do you think CM's will be involved with the running of the TOD? It is my understanding they will not in any way moderate or run the TOD. That is taken care of by the HTC staff. Tune up events? Again all ears. :)
I would like see events at 400 and 500 players, there is no reason why not. If we build it they will come.
So would I. Would you like to help us out? No I am not being flippant. If you have some ideas on how to get 400 or 500 players in an event I would like to know. If you don't want to become a CM and help that way then e-mail me and tell me your ideas. :)
Still looking for the meat of your post.
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Zanth your so full of BS its oozing out your pores.
The people that are into special events are already doing them. The ones that arn't either don't care, or don't know about em at all.
Until you've spent a year working, designing, planning, registering, and running a major scenario you have NO FRICKIN CLUE what your talking about.
Your a waste of hot air that means nothing.
You want to help, cool, daddog can put you to work. After you've been a CM for a year or 2 then come back here and tell me the CM corp doesn't have a clue. Until you've put in the time you have no idea what your talking about.
Ohhh and for the record. Fri night squad ops gets right about 200 online 3 nights a month.
Thats roughly 600 people a month in special events. Over 7000 in a year, thats not exactly small potatoes now is it. But its not what YOU wanted I take it?
OR is all this just sour grapes??
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Originally posted by Ghosth
Zanth your so full of BS its oozing out your pores.
Ya think? :D
http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143565 (http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143565)
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Jackl,
Read that thread thanks for the laugh on a dismal day:aok
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lol Not a prob.
We, here at The Encryer aims to please the reader. :D
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wow
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great avitar octavius.
:)
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Originally posted by Zanth
That said event participation isnt what it should be with a game that field nearly a thousand online players - and YOU ALL KNOW IT. But I appologize for being....well me
Events can be the best part oof this game, but you have to come see. There have been some bad events. Well actually there have been a lot. But if you dont participate, dont give feedback, that is what happens.
I would like see events at 400 and 500 players, there is no reason why not. If we build it they will come.
One thing you need to consider Zanth, all those people registered for AH are in very different time zones too. I've never seen more than 600 people online at any one time. The people running the event are time restricted by real life, as are every one of the people who want to register, and many times there are conflicts that cant be ironed out. There is no such thing as a perfect time, so there are always going to be folks who cant make it, thus your numbers are always going to be smaller than they could have been right off the bat. Add into that people who dont show because something came up at the last minute, they had an argument with their squad, they got sick..................
Originally posted by Jackal1
I think that those that don`t participate in events, myself included , have tryed them and thought they sucked or events is just not their bag. No amount of popups, hooraahing, etc is going to change that.
Jackal, you may believe this but I cant count the number of times I've been in the MA or CT and someone has come in to announce an event, plus it was in the MOTD (doesnt happen often but its there sometimes), plus people were talking about it on 200 and country channel.............I mean, enough to make me sick of hearing about it and yet it never fails 5 minutes after the event starts there's always this one lone voice that says "isnt there some kind of event tonight?" And then theres at least 15 minutes of other people that apparently cant read who banter it back and forth and cant decide if the event was tonight or tomorrow or when it starts or started..........until the rest of us get tired of it and tell them to "STFU, you missed it."
Just sayin, no matter how well they try to advertise it, there's always going to be some that would have gone that didnt get the message.
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Originally posted by StarOfAfrica2
Jackal, you may believe this but I cant count the number of times I've been in the MA or CT and someone has come in to announce an event, plus it was in the MOTD (doesnt happen often but its there sometimes), plus people were talking about it on 200 and country channel.............I mean, enough to make me sick of hearing about it and yet it never fails 5 minutes after the event starts there's always this one lone voice that says "isnt there some kind of event tonight?" And then theres at least 15 minutes of other people that apparently cant read who banter it back and forth and cant decide if the event was tonight or tomorrow or when it starts or started..........until the rest of us get tired of it and tell them to "STFU, you missed it."
Just sayin, no matter how well they try to advertise it, there's always going to be some that would have gone that didnt get the message.
Oh yea, I agree with you on that. That`s a given.
I`ve said before that coming into the MA an hour or thirty minutes before an event and announcing an event on 200 would give those that either can`t comprehend when an event is or either didin`t know in advance for the last minuters was the way to go.
Of course their is some who think maybe a thirty minute bombardment on channel 200, with caplocks on full throttle, repeating the message over and over and over is the way to go. :D
If you post the event in advance with details, then annouce it as a reminder in the MA, you have done all you can do.
There is always going to be some that don`t know if they are "washing or hanging out". :lol
Those folks could have a neon, flashing sign over their monitor and still wouldn`t "get it".
Ya know, I started and ran a DTRSC league for about 2 1/2 years. Usualy about once a month we would have some kind of big event race. We had no central forum as we do here. Each team , etc usualy had an individual forum, but no central board as we do here. In DTRSC you are only allowed 10 to a server so we had to run numerous servers. You had to run multiple heats, A,B and C mains , all with eliminations and all had to be coordinated.
There were folks from all around the world raced in these events. I`ve gotten up at 2:00 to 3:00 A.M. many times to run and participate in these events. We would rotate time zones so each country would get their shot at having the events at their favorite times and every one would get a taste of the least favoritie times.
These events were always, always booked full. How was this done? :D
By each team posting the event on their individual forum and most importantly by simple word of mouth.
My point is, if someone is genuinely interested in events, they are going to take the time to know the details of the event, especialy when and where. If they are not interested, they will not be there.
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Okay about numbers. I believe right now we have about 3124 or so players. So lets be generous and say 4000.
Would we like more people involved in special events of all types? Absolutely. However, as pointed out not all people fly at the same time or even same day. So to some extent 4000 can be a little misleading.
Numbers have recovered in the MA but still a good night you only see roughly 500 or so in there battling it out during peak hours. I haven't seen that arena max out yet recently.
Friday Night Squad Ops pulls about 200 people on friday night. Could there be more .. absolutely. But we need a better method of getting the word out for that event (which is actually the case of all events) to the people who don't read the boards. Alot of participation comes by word of mouth and trying things and getting hooked. We have had 3 new squads sign for that event and I believe it is more by word of mouth about trying something different than the MA but I could be wrong.
Another hurdle is that while that event is squad based .. it has no correlation to the squads in MA. You can fly say under the Nightmares squad in that event without even being in the squad in the MA. Right now I have members of the Cactus Air Force, NightHawks, GHOSTS, and some people who fly under a different country than my squad .. fly with us in Friday Night Squad Ops.
Basically it sort of lets other people try things out and if they like it they move on to forming their own squad for the event and remember all they have to do is give a C.O., X.O., and commit numbers to form a squad and then meet their requirements. The squad doesn't even have to be a real squad in MA .. just a SEA squad.
But in regards to other events also .. its a matter of getting the word out to the players. I personally don't think all 4000 know about the events. I also think that a good portion don't care about the events .. sort of the leading a horse to water but can't make him drink problem.
But yes, working to get more involved in all events is a good thing and I would like to see greater numbers. But we will always have a large portion that just aren't interested in events no matter what we do. But we will still try to get them interested and then addicted to them.
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I can understand reluctance to events. I have neve participated in an event. Organization creeps me out... much like a lynch mob creeps me out.
lazs
Public Relations Officer for the BK's
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Okay .. who let the secret out!
I told you guys to keep quiet about the next planned event .. "the first annual Lynching of Lazs." ;) j/k
Seriously I understand that attitude .. some like organization some don't. Some like the fact that you have 1 life some don't. And its a different flavor of play where accomplishing your objectives is paramount.
Its not for everyone.
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looks like Zanth replied with an apology, and was suggesting more advertisement to those that are not on the AH messageboards or know they are even here. Heck, most just download the game and it takes them 2 to 3 years to find anything else like the AH help site, the messageboards, the squad roster page, the other downloads available on and on it goes.
I am of the view that Zanth has a lot of time in on all different types of scenarios from helping design them, to running them, to being a side CO etc, etc, etc..........Zanth was always more into scenarios than he was into anything else.
think zanth just started out about it wrong in the beginning of this thread.
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Being a ww2 air buff, events are my main interest. The MA doesnt really do it for me. Ya its fun, but it pales to event play. Flying in formations, attacking a key target..getting through their defenses, in historical plane matchups (in which case are usually even matchups) and the immersion of the planning, and forming up are why Im here.
I know alot of guys come on here, squeaking in a few hours a week to blow off steam, and have little time for anything else. Guys with family for instance. Those guys would probably enjoy a scenario, but really cant commit to it.
As was said above, many live in different zones which makes playing an event at 3am not very feasible.
Others seem to think, the only part of the game is the MA. Capturing bases, and feeling some sense of pride in doing it everyday. These guys have passion for the game, but just never got sucked into the events part of it. Its like they got a new complete Snap-on shop toolbox for Christmas, but never opened the drawers, because they are content with the shiny box.
In all that mass of players, there lies a few, that have the interest and the time, but just arent aware. I remember when I played AW before I got into events, I thought it was a private thing people were doing, and maybe someday Id be invited to it. After I realized that it was part of the game, and anyone could join, my next reservation was that Id feel stupid if I screwed it up somehow for the guys I was with. Finally I took the chance, and after a couple events, I was hooked.
Ya, there are better events than others, usually the hard work put in by the designer decides that. But dont let 1 or 2 bad events, or the fact you died early in a 1 life event stop you from trying it again. One of those times you will come out of it alive, with kills, and a feeling that as much as you like the MA, nothing compares to good event play!
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Originally posted by TequilaChaser
Heck, most just download the game and it takes them 2 to 3 years to find anything else like the AH help site, the messageboards, the squad roster page, the other downloads available on and on it goes.
Heck, I have been playing for a few months and just found out I can click on the clipboard and get a map of the airfield. And I just stumbled across that bit of information in a thread.
Relative to this thread however, and in particular to the FNG's views. The FNG probably has a vague awareness of what a "Special Event is.
The FNG has never been to one, and doesn't know what is required.
The FNG is not crazy about delving into the unknown.
The FNG , knowing that he doesn't know, doesn't want to show that he is a FNG by appearing in a special event as a FNG not knowing just what is expected of him.
The FNG is also not bored with the main arena, dies ALOT, and still feels he is a sitting duck in the general populace and sees the Special Events as a place the experienced players go.
:eek:
As for how the experienced i.e. good players, feel about playing Special Events....they need to make their own reasons known on why/whynot that they attend or don't.
Just my own two cents worth......
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TC..Im in the percentage of players who wasnt up of PC stuff when I started. Im still not very good with alot of it. Alot of the reason is Im lazy. Unless Im really into something. Even though Im into AH, theres alot I dont know because I havent taken the time to look for it and read up on it. Im a "pictures worth a 1000 words" guy. I dont want to read alot of dry stuff, telling me to insert peg A into slot B. I want to see the picture. My guess is theres others like me too. It would be great if someone made an AH for Dummies page :)
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Originally posted by FiLtH
It would be great if someone made an AH for Dummies page :)
That is quite true. You learn a bit from this thread or that thread. You go to this web page or that web page.
You (generic you) probably downloaded the instruction sheet which gave you the basic key commands.
Then you get "Are you covering the map room?" "Uhhh....I don't know what that is or what it looks like."
Bomb the vehicle hanger. Which building is that. Bombs that don't hit, rockets that don't hit. Ack on the nose of a strafing fighter, no hits? WTF! You can't even RTFM because there ain't one, all inclusive manual. I'm not even talking about ACM and what not.
Yeah, and Aces High for dummies sounds like a good idea!
Boy, did that get off topic ....:rolleyes:
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Originally posted by Lye-El
You can't even RTFM because there ain't one, all inclusive manual. I'm not even talking about ACM and what not.
there is a helpfile so to speak generic manual, you have to download it here:
http://www.hitechcreations.com/frameset1.html?download.html (http://www.hitechcreations.com/frameset1.html?download.html)
scroll down and click on the AH2HELP File ( right click and click save target as if clicking on it doesnot open a download window)
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Thanks TC, but I done did that. It leaves alot to be desired IMHO. :confused:
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Originally posted by Lye-El
Thanks TC, but I done did that. It leaves alot to be desired IMHO. :confused:
Try this one
http://www.netaces.org/