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Triumph TR6 - Interactiv Technical Manuals

Hello I am a Technical Editor in the Automotive repair manual industry. My company has begun preliminary research into producing an interactive workshop manual for Little British Cars.

I am currently working on a proof-of-conecpt article for demonstration purposes. I am the owner of a 1969 TR-6 and have elected to produce a Disc Caliper servicing article for testing purposes.

IF this project is given the go ahead, we will in time generate work procedures for all of the major Marques that are in the United States (TR, MG and Healey).

I have sent emails out to national and regional TR, MG and Healy clubs to ask for feedback. I thought I'd also post here:

What format would you prefer to see the information?

Would a brief video of the procedure be of assistance?

Would a complicated procedure be better explained through use of an animation with voice-over?

And of naturally, would you be willing to purchase a subscription fee to access the data? Assuming it was fully developed and covered all areas of maintenace, repair and oveharul for your vehicle.

As I stated previously, this is in preliminary research and a long ways off from completion. If ever. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Chris

Ideally it would be multiple format. The manual text in .pdf format so it could be printed and taken to the garage, the video/animation with voice over would be nice for the trickier tasks. As far as language goes, it could be English from either side of the pond.

As far as subscription, it would be a matter of the cost of the subscription. If priced right, it would be worth subscribing. Most of the current subscription services are high enough to where typically only repair shops can justify the cost, but I don't see the market for this as being shops but individuals instead. Unfortunately that is probably the trickiest part, pricing it to where it is profitable, yet still appeals to the individual.
SteveP

Chris;
I agree with Steve wholeheartedly.

I have seen the CD rom manual for Lotus. This required you to load and register it to your computer.
Once loaded, you read off the Cd rom. Very neat.
It uses text(very detailed), and video for some procedures, with voice audio of the procedure. Nicely indexed per model year range, and systems diagnostics and repair. I understand it goes usually goes for about $1200.00, Definitely aimed at dealers.
Personally, I would not pay for a subscription. This only because I've been working on LBC's for 16years, and auto's in general for over 30 years, and have acquired many repair manuals.Much information is available via your local library computer system these days, although not much for classics that I am aware of.
Many of the younger generation, who grew up with computers would probably think in the subscription direction first. Although, admittedly, I might think in that direction if I were to acquire a car I had no prior experience with, such as the Lotus, and had no manuals for.As the younger generation becomes more involved in this hobby, the demand for CD Rom manuals or access to them will increase.
Text format for all procedures, so it could be printed would be important. Video with voice audio, and still photos to accompany would be of great help. As you know, sometimes a fairly simple procedure requires a great deal of written explanation.Photos help here. Go to the thread on valve adjustments, and you'll see what I mean. Some details, like proper position of rotor at #1 TDC after a rebuild is not given in many British repair manuals. All American manuals had diagrams at the beginning of the tuneup chapter for each model for this detail. I would suggest it be based on teardown and rebuild by knowledgeable and experienced mechanics, or at least have it reviewed by such to draw on their experience to ensure accuracy, and possibly point out any pitfalls to watch for.
Best wishes on your endeavor, it is the information scource of the future, which we have already begun.

Pete Haburt

Thank you for the feed back.

The comments that I have recieved here match those I have recieved from other individuals around the country. We do contract work for a major aftermarket repair manual (Mitchell) and know full well the cost that a fully developed information library can cost.

I believe that the overall cost to the consumer can be minimized due to a few key factors:

1) The scope of the project would be limited to the Sports Cars from the various marques. Keeping the ammount of information low
2) These cars are long out of production and most likely won't be made ever agian. Therefore the cost of continuous development and support (beyond technical development and article evolution based on customer feed back) is kept to a minimum.


I'd like to use animation and voice overs for the more complicated procedures. I am also of the opinion that the incorporation of "Tibal Knowledge" from mechanics who have been working on these oil dripping monsters is essential and will add value to the product. My mechanic has been working on TRs, Healeys and Jags for nearly 20 years. He is near retirement and many of the other shops have begun to close down. I feel that making the tehcnical informaton and the expertise of him and others like him is necessary for our hobby in the future.

Well... thank you again for your feedback. Hopefully this project will be given the go-ahead.
Chris

This thread was discussed between 25/02/2002 and 28/02/2002

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