RRDB 2.0 Beta Release Thread

[blantonl]

Discussion about the new RRDB v 2.0 release here. Post your questions, bug reports, etc.

 

[Outerdog]

It's so very Web 2.0

 

[ka3jjz]

Any word about what is new with this new release? This is the first I've heard of it

Mike

 

[doctordialtone]

Any word about what is new with this new release? This is the first I've heard of it

If you read the other thread, it says," I ’m not going to tell you the new features, because I want you to try to intuitively find them. I’ll use your feedback to roll out a “what’s new” guide and guided tour wizard for the release when it goes live as the final production release. "

 

[ka3jjz]

I found this using the search. Please don't say 'intuitively find them' - if you really want folks to find this, then post it, otherwise don't. In my view, it borders on insulting

Announcing RRDB v2.0 Beta

Community, I'm pleased to announce the release of the RRDB v2.0 Beta for bug reports and general feedback from the community. I’m not going to tell you the new features, because I want you to try to intuitively find them. I’ll use your feedback to roll out a “what’s new” guide and guided tour...

forums.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[apx7000xe]

Not sure if the goal was to be super menu driven, but there's almost too many places for features to be hidden in where the old version just had a link or button to click, there's now more steps to do the same thing. For us users that's been around a while, its not hard to find but for new users down the road, the features this site has will be harder to find and will be less known about. For example the trunked systems is a big one. Kind of strange they're now hidden in a different menu and on a whole new page of their own besides being listed on the county page in the old database. Seems as the new version is overcomplicating something that was almost perfected.

 

[blantonl]

Not sure if the goal was to be super menu driven, but there's almost too many places for features to be hidden in where the old version just had a link or button to click, there's now more steps to do the same thing. For us users that's been around a while, its not hard to find but for new users down the road, the features this site has will be harder to find and will be less known about. For example the trunked systems is a big one. Kind of strange they're now hidden in a different menu and on a whole new page of their own besides being listed on the county page in the old database. Seems as the new version is overcomplicating something that was almost perfected.

This is good feedback.

What I'm planning on doing is implementing a guided walk-through wizard of the new features and functionality for new users when we go live.

The simple reality is that the RRDB is a very complex beast, consisting of storing a lot of different data attributes and entities. And, that's why we are in beta as well, to solicit feedback from you.

 

[blantonl]

In my view, it borders on insulting

My sincerest apologies for insulting you Mike.

 

[ka3jjz]

One or two things;

• The Glossary link doesn't point to the RR wiki - instead it points to the DBA handbook.
• Some thought should be given to making the CC and RAN information a bit cleaner. Right now I see no difference between the real DB and 2.0 in terms of appearance. Technically neither entity is a 'Tone' as the column says, which is misleading. Perhaps a popup or something like that could be used - like what happens when you view a trunk system that exists in many counties, you click the counties link and you get a mini form with the counties listed.
• The wiki link should be context sensitive. If you are viewing a specific page, the wiki link should also point to that page, if it exists. If it doesn't, then point to the front page.
• A couple of examples; if the view is on the Trunk Systems page, then the wiki link should also point to the wiki's Trunked System page. If the form is on the state, the wiki link should point to that state.
• Again, something the wiki has been doing for years, and the database does very little. The wiki issues a warning about whether a particular trunk system is monitorable by just some scanners, or perhaps not monitorable at all. For example, only a few Uniden scanners can properly trunk a NXDN system, and OpenSky or iDEN are totally unmonitorable. We actually have several templates that perform this function. I suspect the easiest way to do this is during the database load function, where the message can be placed in an info area, such as what is currently done with Phase 2 systems. This would have no effect on the various database download apps, but would be a help for newcomers.

Enough for now...Mike

 

[Outerdog]

The DB "Home" page is hyper-focused on trends and statistics and less on finding information. Perhaps the map should be on the Home page?

The Search bar on the home page is a mystery -- its utility is not very clear. For example, "Martinez, CA" comes up blank, but "Martinez" works...ZIP codes don't work...?

Fixed-width font does not improve readability in tables. Food for thought.

The responsive design is nice for mobile. Breadcrumbs are helpful.

 

[sonm10]

Not sure if the goal was to be super menu driven, but there's almost too many places for features to be hidden in where the old version just had a link or button to click, there's now more steps to do the same thing. For us users that's been around a while, its not hard to find but for new users down the road, the features this site has will be harder to find and will be less known about. For example the trunked systems is a big one. Kind of strange they're now hidden in a different menu and on a whole new page of their own besides being listed on the county page in the old database. Seems as the new version is overcomplicating something that was almost perfected.

Agreed. Since a lot of public safety are on trunking systems now, Trunked Systems should be on the main page.

 

[blantonl]

One or two things;

• The Glossary link doesn't point to the RR wiki - instead it points to the DBA handbook.
• Some thought should be given to making the CC and RAN information a bit cleaner. Right now I see no difference between the real DB and 2.0 in terms of appearance. Technically neither entity is a 'Tone' as the column says, which is misleading. Perhaps a popup or something like that could be used - like what happens when you view a trunk system that exists in many counties, you click the counties link and you get a mini form with the counties listed.
• The wiki link should be context sensitive. If you are viewing a specific page, the wiki link should also point to that page, if it exists. If it doesn't, then point to the front page.
• A couple of examples; if the view is on the Trunk Systems page, then the wiki link should also point to the wiki's Trunked System page. If the form is on the state, the wiki link should point to that state.
• Again, something the wiki has been doing for years, and the database does very little. The wiki issues a warning about whether a particular trunk system is monitorable by just some scanners, or perhaps not monitorable at all. For example, only a few Uniden scanners can properly trunk a NXDN system, and OpenSky or iDEN are totally unmonitorable. We actually have several templates that perform this function. I suspect the easiest way to do this is during the database load function, where the message can be placed in an info area, such as what is currently done with Phase 2 systems. This would have no effect on the various database download apps, but would be a help for newcomers.

Enough for now...Mike

I've fixed the Glossary link. The Wiki links are in context. If you are referring to the Wiki link at the very top of the pages, that is general naviation to differnet components of RadioReference.com. Context Wiki Links are available in the drop down menus when/where available.

 

[ka3jjz]

The wiki link at the state level is not working properly. It just goes to the front page, rather than the state wiki page. For example,

RRDB | Maryland Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Maryland (MD)

www.radioreference.com

Click on the wiki link in the pulldown and it goes to the main page instead of...

Maryland (US) - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[nd5y]

On the top left there is a Scanner Master ad that covers the left end of the 2nd line of the horizontal menu bar.

 

[n0xvz]

On the top left there is a Scanner Master ad that covers the left end of the 2nd line of the horizontal menu bar.

That's a "feature"...

 

[Thunderknight]

The "Search Database" menu option on the left. It pops up and in the search field says "City, Name, System, Frequency, Talkgroup", but searching on a frequency does NOT show in the result. If I search on the frequency query page, it does work. Same for a TG number, no result.
If the intent of "Search Database" is not for frequency or TG queries, that text should be changed.
If I click the "Trunked System Query" page link on the RESULTS page, it gives me the same page as a frequency query.

 

[wx5uif]

Not a show stopper or anything, but a typo in frequencies. in the Reports -> Conventional page.

 

[Reconrider]

RRDB | United States

RadioReference Database Browse - United States

www.radioreference.com

This page needs to be more filled out with the older page stuff.
Like: FRN search; frequency search; Search FCC License By State and majorly... Search for FCC Entity

 

[sonm10]

RRDB | United States

RadioReference Database Browse - United States

www.radioreference.com

This page needs to be more filled out with the older page stuff.
Like: FRN search; frequency search; Search FCC License By State and majorly... Search for FCC Entity

Here you go, but yes, needs FCC Entity added
RRDB | FCC Data | Query (radioreference.com)

 

[Reconrider]

Here you go, but yes, needs FCC Entity added
RRDB | FCC Data | Query (radioreference.com)

Oh nice find. Now the only thing this new layout needs is a favorites drop down so we can quick bookmark stuff via website instead of my FF bookmark bar