The file is set-up for regular stationary (8.5” x 11”). However, if you direct your printer to load paper from the manual feed slot and feed it an Avery label sheet, item 05444, the copy should all align to the labels. It will print on two of the 2x4 labels plus some copy on the blank space between the labels. (That blank area is also useable.)
The resulting labels fit nicely into the space on the backside of the meters and also on the space just above the optical media drive. This provides a handy reference source discreetly available. Some trimming of the label with the False Take and MetaDate edit information is required to fit it into the space available on the right but it can be accomplished.
Later, when printing to a metal foil, it would make sense to re-format so that the label on the backside of the meters is a continuous piece. For the time being, it makes sense to have it fit an available label size. I can make the document available in the original “InDesign” format, the new Adobe Pagemaker.
Obviously, when condensing a 49-page manual to a postage stamp, some ruthless editing is required. I had to work on the assumption that the user had some minimal familiarity with the recorder, from an orientation session or from the manual, and needed only a reference as a memory assist. I also needed to confine the information to the operations most likely to be needed by a new user or encountered infrequently by an experienced user. So, connecting to Tarcan and use of the Blue-Browse, Blue-Record functions had to go. (Maybe that’s another reference sheet.)
More than one road leads to Rome but, because space is so limited, I was able to show only one route for any operation. The slate mike can be routed to a variety of destinations; I indicated only the left channel and all armed channels. That much information should get an operator through the day successfully but users should always be aware that the guide is less than complete.
At this stage, I regard the guide as a first draft and I offer it to all of you for suggestions and corrections. Remember though, if you want to add anything, something else must come out. And, please do check me for accuracy and suitability of response.
Printing on the Avery labels is a nice trial format. The labels are available in packages of 100 sheets for about $6 and are intended to be removable. I can’t know how removable they might be after long use but they should be OK for a few weeks of trial. Eventually, after some content editing, it would be nice to print onto Fotofoil or some other metallic material.
I have very limited graphic abilities so I used an arrow symbol from a font as a representation of the Main Function Switch. Eventually it might be nice to have a more accurate graphic to represent the switch.
The guide is copyright but I extend permission to download, print and employ it for personal use. This is a beta file, by the way. Use at your own risk.
License is also granted to Aaton to use this guide with the understanding that they would make it available to all Aaton users for free or, if printed at considerable expense, at cost.