The search function is your friend

[WhopperPlate]

believe it or not: there’s a 99% chance someone has already answered your question

[pompeiisneaks]

Especially with the google search integration I added, it's outstanding.

~Phil

[dorrisant]

Especially with the google search integration I added, it's outstanding.

~Phil

Thank you Phil... This button is king!

[WhopperPlate]

Seriously folks… whereas the generosity of ampgarage members is default extremely high, let’s not potentially exhaust our valuable resources with low effort inquiries. Use the search function .

[Stephen1966]

I'll second that...

Hey Phil, how about pinning this topic? Perhaps with a more semantically unambiguous: 'How to Find Information'?

[pompeiisneaks]

I think a new thread in general would be better than the 'dumble discussion' area if you want to post one and I'll pin it

~Phil

[Stephen1966]

I think a new thread in general would be better than the 'dumble discussion' area if you want to post one and I'll pin it

~Phil

Agreed. But I don't know how to create a new thread outside the already defined areas, so where should I do this?

PM it to you?

[WhopperPlate]

I think a new thread in general would be better than the 'dumble discussion' area if you want to post one and I'll pin it

~Phil

Seems like the Dumble forum is where it’s needed the most …

[martin manning]

Some forums have a separate sub-forum for FAQ and rules.

[WhopperPlate]

Some forums have a separate sub-forum for FAQ and rules.

Martin is correct , there is definitely already sub forum with this rule mentioned, but it’s not a flat out bulletin. We all know most people overlook the fine details within user agreements.

An FAQ sub forum is a good idea .

[Stephen1966]

Okay, I have a better idea... rather than drawing this up behind the scenes I am posting a draft here instead and that way everyone can see it and offer suggestions if I am missing something.

I will take any suggestions you offer and edit this one post as needed. No need to drag it out over several pages.

===========================================

WELCOME TO THE AMP GARAGE

If you are new to the forum you may find the sheer wealth of information presented in these pages daunting but luckily there are several tools to help you locate almost any specific piece of information, easily, and effectively.

Before you post a question on the forum, you are strongly encouraged to conduct a search of your own first. The members in this community are generous, both with their time and their expertise but you are less likely to get a response - or the response you would like - if it is clear you haven't first tried to find the information for yourself.

Finding information on this forum

There are several ways to find information on this forum.

First, you can just open one of the sub forums from the 'Board index' and scroll through the hundreds of subjects presented across hundreds of pages until you find the subject you are interested in. A nice way to spend a rainy day (or three) but not the best use of your time if you want answers quickly.

At the top right of the page you will find two search boxes.

Search boxes.jpg

Both are effective and will bring up dozens, if not hundreds, of hits to a query with the most relevant solutions towards the top of the lists.

Google Search is especially handy if you want quick, relevant results but the top search box has a gear icon which, when you click it, takes you to the advanced search page where you will find clear directions on how to use a variety search terms for more specific results in both search engines.

Some hints to help you on your way

• Always try finding the information yourself, first.

• Try to be both explicit and unambiguous in your search query. If your search query is too broad or generic, the results will reflect this.

• When typing your search term, double-check your spelling. Or, try alternative spellings if the first doesn't work.

• Think outside the box - if your first search term (e.g. 'rectifier') doesn't provide satisfactory results, try a different, more particular search term (e.g. 'full wave bridge').

• Be aware that you may not initially find an explicit answer to your question, but instead an answer within the context of a conversation - or set of conversations. A very great number of issues have already been dealt with in these pages. "Seek and you shall find."

• Avoid such pointless questions as: 'What am I wearing?' [Answer: Your face!] Real answer: 'We don't know, and we don't care.'

• Remember to stay civil. Trolls are not welcome on this forum and you will be given short shrift if your views are in any way abusive or derogatory. Beginners with genuine questions however, are always welcomed.

Posting a New Topic

There is no bar on what projects you can post about, as long as they are relevant. Nonetheless, if you are experiencing a problem with a project and you have searched, and still haven't found the information you are looking for, go to the appropriate sub forum and post a 'New Topic'. If words are not your strong point, or you are a non-native English speaker, the following tips are especially useful to note.

• Use a relevant subject line and try to be as detailed and clear with the question or description of the issue as possible.

• Have all the information peculiar to your issue ready to go.

• Provide a brief summary of the context/background of your issue.

• Provide voltage information. This can guide members to solutions you may not previously have considered.

• Provide pictures. Photographs often reveal salient details which can assist the members in identifying a problem.

• Provide schematics and/or layouts where necessary. It is much easier to see a problem when the blueprint of a design is provided for reference.

• Include links to recordings. Words are the poor cousins of sound, and the adjectives we use can differ exponentially from the actual sounds we hear. If you don't have access to recording equipment, just try to be as detailed in your description as you can and be prepared to provide more information.

All and every small piece of information you can provide can only assist the members in identifying your technical problems. The more information you provide, the easier it will be, and the less time it will take to find a solution or set of solutions to your problem. There are no guarantees that a solution will be found but you can always try.



=================================================================

A FAQ sub-forum? Yeah! Good idea. I was writing the above when your replies came in. Not sure if Phil can use it, but it seems a start. Please let me know if you think I have missed anything.

[pompeiisneaks]

I'm fine doing that too, not hard. That looks pretty good to me. Any other input before I create the new subforum?

~Phil

[dorrisant]

I'm fine doing that too, not hard. That looks pretty good to me. Any other input before I create the new subforum?

~Phil

Maybe something about how to post if you have an issue that you need help with. Be prepared to post voltages, pics, etc..

[Stephen1966]

I'm fine doing that too, not hard. That looks pretty good to me. Any other input before I create the new subforum?

~Phil

Maybe something about how to post if you have an issue that you need help with. Be prepared to post voltages, pics, etc..

Good point. Always useful information to have at hand. I've edited the post above - what do you think?

[GAStan]

I'm new here but have been using forums since Deja News was a thing...Hopefully I'll have something worthwhile to contribute.

Looks good Stephan. One suggestion, maybe mention the users here are from all over the globe and consequently many speak English as a second (third?) language. This makes photos, schematics and audio clips even more useful in getting good responses.