RC India

Hey everyone!

I had a great idea recently.

There are numerous forums, blogs and websites where one can learn anything about RC. However, there are the following problems.

1)   The data is mostly scattered, unstructured, grammatically incorrect and redundant on forums.
2)   Personal blogs cover only a limited range of topics that lack structure and have a lot of linguistic errors and unnecessary personal opinions.
3)   Similarly, websites offering tutorials cover only a certain category/ range of RC models.

What if there was a ‘Wikipedia’ like website only for RC which would cover every RC related topic?

1)   All the topics would be properly structured and detailed (but compact).
2)   A proper hierarchy would be maintained for easy navigation and searching.
3)   Everything would be easy to read and comprehend. The page structure would be similar to a ‘Wikipedia’ page.
4)   Members would be able to start topics that are not already in the database. (Based on moderator approval)
5)   Members would be able to append and edit existing topics. (Based on moderator approval)
6)   A group of moderators will be assigned to every major category. Their job will be to determine the correctness of the data being submitted and to enforce website guidelines.

Such a website can encompass everything from basic aerodynamics theory, RC components and devices to specific build logs, construction procedures and product comparisons.

Initially I thought about doing the whole thing by myself. But soon I realized that it would be practically impossible considering the enormity of the project and my limited free time. The website would be completely non-profit and ad-free. I can cover the domain name registration and web hosting cost. I just need help with building the database.

If every member could pitch in with at-least 2 topics, it would be an enormous overall contribution.  I’m expecting a lot more from the experts here (Gusty sir, Sandy sir, VC sir, Iyer sir… the gang).

This project is huge but certainly doable if all of us build it together. It would be a great source of knowledge for the whole international RC community. I was thinking about calling the website RC-GYAN.com. We could also consider RCpedia, RC-guide and such.

Please bump if you think this is a good idea. Without help I’d have to scrap it.     

Don't worry swapnil. Very soon we are going to get something of this sort only. A complete guide book for beginners. Just wait for some days.

 :hatsoff:

Utkarsh, I think you missed a few points from my post.

'Guide Books' cost money. I'm not looking to make money with this.

The website I'm proposing shall encompass everything related to RC, not just stuff for beginners (there's google for that).

This would be an ever increasing database as info about new stuff will be added regularly.

All we need to do is create a wiki...

We can get the RCI wiki going again.

Yeah that can also be done...

That's what I'm talking about!


Totally! But I was thinking about something that isn't limited to RCI.

I was saying why create a wikipedia like website when we have wikipedia itself...

We don't have to limit the scope of the Wiki. Our contribution is all that is needed.

Well, firstly, Wikipedia won't allow the needed amount of control over content. We need something that focuses solely on RC and nothing else. Owning a Wiki would allow us to optimize the pages and see that correct and accurate data is posted.


Okay. But, we need a website where each page would be checked by moderators before being posted. We can't rely on the author to get everything correct (language, page format, data accuracy).

Also the proposed wiki would have a proper structure and hierarchy. There won't be random topics or tutorials.

I guess we could do without membership or user-editing. That would make the job a lot simpler. People can just submit text+image documents.

If you allow, I can also host the wiki on my vps :)

Oh, I was looking for someone with a VPS! It would be great if you could help in that regard.
I was thinking about getting a VPS myself. We could certainly host it on your VPS initially.

I'd be happy to do that. My unlimited bandwidth is going waste... Just using 70-100 GB a month :D

Awesome! You took a huge load of my head mate!  :thanks:  :hatsoff:

@vijai:

Creating each page takes a lot of time and effort. I needed a place to test the website structure, looks, new pages etc. It would be great if you'd allow that before we launch the complete website. How soon can we start?

Just what I could do for the community ;)
If you gonna buy domain from godaddy use this (http://in.godaddy.com/deals2/default.aspx?gclid=CjkKEQjwnqucBRDZvf_rk-fEj7wBEiQA8HDLEtjeKqAHRiDhF13751t7NbGH0HsvLEFQLnzp2iiLgaTw_wcB&isc=gofhin50&currencytype=INR&cvosrc=ppc.google.go+daddy&matchtype=p&ef_id=U2xXawAAAcEB324w%3a20140602024017%3as) link. Domain for ₹109. No affiliate link :P
Why not today if you are free? I'm on holidays :P

I've heard some bad stuff about 'godaddy'. What other domain registrars would you recommend? I'd also need advice regarding domain name registration and wiki softwares.


I'll try. I got a really hectic study+tinkering schedule! I'll keep you updated with the progress. 

Godaddy domain administration is great. Only their hosting sucks... Have 6 domains with them and not a single problem till now. They even offer offsite DNS which means, you can use their DNS for domains which arent registered with them too :D I have 2 of such websites on Off-site dns.
For wiki engine, Its mediawiki - what wikipedia uses ;)

Okay, I'll get the domain name registered then.  :thumbsup:

rcpedia.com not available... try rcpedia.in . Before that whats the response of other people? We must need people to write wiki O.o

I was thinking about 'RC-GYAN.in'. But it sounds too 'desi'. We need something that would sound familiar to the international RC community. 'RCpedia.in' should be available. I also thought about 'SPARC', 'RCHUB', 'RC-CENTRAL', 'RCGURU', 'RCGUIDE'...

People will join in once they realize the potential (and awesomeness  ;D) of the website. We can get contributors from overseas too. I'll be doing most of the initial work. That would take some time, though.

yeah... It sounds too desi. Rcpedia.in is a good alternative. Other than that, rcguru and rcguide are the other candidates in the said order.

Edit: RCguru seems to be a premium domain :|

RCpedia.in it is then; till someone comes up with a better idea.

Installing mediawiki on a temporary subdomain. Lets work on it for the meanwhile and move it out to the real domain when registered.

Good idea!

Installed wiki and its live temporarily at here (http://rcpedia.orpheusdroid.com)

Awesome!

Here's the logo.

Could you get me 135x135 image? This is too big and dont fit

Here it is. But it's too small.  :headscratch:
I've attached a 4x version as well.

These logos were created with 'RC-GYAN' in mind. I think RCpedia should have a thick book with a transmitter photo on it. What do you think?

Thats perfect size. was it taken from google? A transparent bg would have been nice...
Yeah... book and transmitter looks like a nice idea. If you are doing it, initially do the canvas with 500x500 then reduce it to the actual size while exporting. Also make the bg transparent and in png format.

No, it wasn't taken from google. It was made using photoshop and lots of image parts. The new logo will take some time. I'll upload it when it's done. Here's the logo in .png without background.

Good initiative!

Thanks! Hope people join in.

rcpedia.com was registered by rcgroups.com
Can we use rcpedia.org ? which is available.

swapnil, that isnt transparent. It has a black bg. You could attain transparent bg only in .png format. jpeg doesnt allow transparent bg. BTW, opening registration in few minutes. People who feel to contribute can register...
rcpedia.org seems to be superior to .in due to the reach it may have...

I uploaded .png files. RCI must have automatically converted them to .jpg format. PM me your mail id and I'll send you the PNGs.


Dang it! Can't we come up with something new and cool?

How about RCPORTAL or RCHUB or RC-BUG?

Mail id is vijain7000@gmail.com
The registrations are open on rcpedia.orpheusdroid.com (http://rcpedia.orpheusdroid.com) and editing would be allowed soon for registered users. Swapnil, can you update the OP with all the info? At least that may attract few people who are interested to contribute

We'll need to create a tree structure, page format etc before posting anything. That'll take time.

@swapnil: I totally agree with you that books require investment.
Also, I'm with the suggestion of updating/adding the content of RCI wikipedia(with admin/moderator permissions). Adding more topics, for an advanced level, do's and dont's, proper guide including build log, calculations for different type of models. Where to start in RC etc. could be of great help to newcomers and beginners.
If you are going with a new one other than RCI, this is also a good effort. And of course, the logo is also a perfect one. Most important thing is that all the posts and content in that should be purely authentic/verified with senior Aeromodellers. With their help and advices I'm sure it would be a great start.

 :hatsoff:

Thanks Utkarsh!  :)

It would be a tremendous help if you'd join in.

Your most welcome.
Surely I would join.

We can accumulate data regarding a single topic from various online sources and then compile it according to predetermined guidelines. It doesn't have to completely come from personal knowledge or experience.

Initially we need to work out a rough overall structure, categories, page layout etc. This is going to take some time. I guess we'll need at least 10 months to release a 'beginner to intermediate' level website.

I was thinking about starting with basic electronic components in the following order:

1) Servos
2) Motors
3) Speed Controllers
4) Batteries
5) Radio systems

I'm currently working on servos.

@ utkarshg13 and vijai

Please choose a single topic each. Data can be submitted as a single word file or a zip file that has separate text and image files. Use google!  :)
Please send your files to this address: rcgyan.org@gmail.com

I hope other forum members join in too.

Sorry, yesterday I was playing with the mediawiki db and flunked it.... Will do a reinstall soon :)
Swapnil: No... I'm a newbie... I dont know any of the topic in detail. So I wont take the responsibility of writing the wiki now ;)

I'm sorry too! I've been really busy with academics and other projects. Just half finished with the page on servos.

I'll be leaving for Pachmarhi today for the summer vacs. So no work for another week!  :(

Anyone can prepare a page using info from various websites and assembling it in a compact and easy to understand manner. You don't need to know anything about or have experience with RC systems.
The beauty of the concept is that, in case you post wrong or outdated info, someone else can correct it!

Text is always free. Pictures from online sources need to be non-copyrighted or in the public domain. Most pictures are free anyway. We can always ask for permission to use some private pictures. I don't think there should be much problem using data from online sources considering that we are a non profit organization with dynamic ownership.

Time isn't a big factor either. You can take as much time as you need to collect and assemble the data on a topic.

Hope you join in! :)