Confusion about JumpToSlide and cpCmndGotoFrame and which is best for my case

[AndOr26367]

Don't want to ressurect an old thread, but want to use it for reference with input from Rod and Lilybiri:

Solved: cpCmndGotoFrameAndResume and HTML5 - Adobe Community - 5778209

I have a timeline with 7 different nodes on it going to 7 separate slides covering the info based on year.

I created a Master slide with a button and "Return to Timeline" at the bottom for these 7 slides to take the use back to the timeline. I want them to bypass the intro text and voiceover obviously as they heard it the first time. From reviewing Micronav blog post by Lilybiri (although the SWF object won't show so I can't see example she references), I now understand it is one massive timeline not new for each slide. I get how this then would work with her method of 
1. creating a user variable v_startframe
2. Assigning v_startframe with rdinfoCurrentFrame (set at the beginning of each slide per Lilybiri's instructions) / Continue

3. Then assigning rdcmndGotoFrameAndResume with v_startframe for my Return to Timeline button (rather than her Replay button in example) . . . but I would need to add the 23 odd seconds (x30 fps) TO that variable as it is set at the beginning of each slide. I want the user to visit all of the 7 slides and return to the Timeline just where the Timline instructions fade out with voiceover. Hope that makes sense. I imagine it's something quite simple that is just not gelling in my head, but I'd appreciate the help getting me there. This will help me finish my course. Thank you. 

[RodWard · Accepted solution]

Yes it is technically possible to do what you want with the use of micro-navigation and variables.  But the simpler way to achiever the same result is just to have two menu slides, only one of which has the explanatory intro voiceover.

Both menu slides look identical but functionally they are different.

When your user starts the course, they will arrive at the first menu slide with the voiceover.  But after they click to jump to one of the content slides, they will only be returned to the second menu slide that has no voiceover.

[AndOr26367]

You know, Rod, I had not even thought of that as an option! Thank you for the suggestion. I will probably do that, although part of me wants to know how to do it, what, "the hard way?" or just to know how one would get to the spot 23 seconds further down the timeline. (I guess I want to get a firm understanding of how to work with the timeline and advanced actions for a use in the future). I will mark your answer as correct since it does solve my problem.

In the meantime, any other input is welcome if it offers ways on adding to the advanced action that collects the start point on slide entry. (Like using the increment variable?) I don't want to waste that work put in I guess, and lieave it unfinished. My brain is just struggling with how to combine these. I had no problem learning Macromedia Flash 30 years ago . . . timeline with frame labels, yea . . . I created animations so quickly, bouncing around to different points on the timline. Then HTML and even a little JS hacking over the years, I got that. Lectora - loved how it incorporated actions, js and HTML. My brain just gelled with it. Captivate just makes me feel dumb with some actions that Lectora made a breeze;  it seems so easy if they can create this complex software, why they don't add/tweak a few things to make it a little less so. Just my gripe for the day . . . thank you, Rod for the obvious solution . . . any others?

[RodWard]

None come to mind.  Over the years I have shied away from going after complex technical solutions when there were simpler ones available because I never know who will end up having to maintain the courseware after I leave at the end of the contract.  The solution might be a work of art, but how will anyone else understand it?  Sometimes even I don't remember how I got some things to work.

[AndOr26367]

That got a chuckle from me . . . I've had several of those moments myself over the years. Thank you for the thoughtful responses, Rod. I'm using your solution.