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Post by Peltigera on Jan 10, 2015 11:00:20 GMT -5
I use three serial number fields: body, lens and shutter. I also have a field for the outcome of a film test.
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Post by John Farrell on Jan 10, 2015 13:51:36 GMT -5
That looks good, Truls. The beauty of the Open Office approach is that each of us could set up a database with the information we consider important.
How did you attach the photograph?
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SidW
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Post by SidW on Jan 10, 2015 20:18:08 GMT -5
The most difficult part of the design of any database, is deciding what fields you wish to incorporate. (Open Office also needs some thought as to the order in which fields are presented on the form - it isn't easy to change once set up) ... This is absolutely true. I hope everyone made a note of that. Do a test database with not too many records, just enough to make sure searching works, and your fields are what you want, without putting too much work into entering data so you waste a lot of time if your work is in vain and you want to try some other solution. Once a database has grown, it's usually too late for second thoughts. Regarding choice of program, make sure you can export to and from as wide a range of other programs as possible. It's heartbreaking when a program ceases working after an OS upgrade, and you can't get at all that data you've entered. The very least you need is exporting to a standard spreadsheet. I've been using Lotus software for many years. Their spreadsheet is the original I believe. I have several databases in Lotus Approach, enormous things now and still growing. They started off decades ago as Paradox databases, that flowed straight into Approach when Paradox suddenly disappeared. Paradox databases used dBase format, the great name for databases till they just disappeared one day, too long ago to remember now. IBM bought Lotus soon after 2000, dropped it, then produced an XP update because apparently many businesses were still stuck with it. I'm using an update from 2005 that's still working with Win8.1. When the fatal day comes, I'll have to keep an old computer alive with a suitable OS to gain a few more years, then export to a spreadsheet before it's too late. If I'm still around.
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hansz
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Hans
Posts: 697
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Post by hansz on Jan 11, 2015 4:31:44 GMT -5
On holoceen.nl I use a combination of MySQL, PHP and HTML. Only metadata are stored in the MySQL DB, already 1,3MB, and growing. Pictures, docs etc., are stored in separate directories; pointers to the data can be provided. Don't use Binary large Objects in your DB - it will explode... My non-SQL data is already larger than 10GB...
Hans (38 years BigBlue history - not bad for retirement financials:-)
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truls
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Post by truls on Jan 11, 2015 5:16:13 GMT -5
That looks good, Truls. The beauty of the Open Office approach is that each of us could set up a database with the information we consider important. How did you attach the photograph? When setting up the table I used datatype "Image" as Field Type, then you can double-click in the dataentry screen to attach an image of Choice. Here:
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truls
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Post by truls on Jan 11, 2015 5:23:57 GMT -5
SidW: I believe in open Source as a solution for important Things, as data can be both exported and imported without restrictions, where proprietary software could Lock you in. I agree With Your approach otherwise. I think it also is important that the solution is simple, a non technical user should be able to use such a collector database.
peltigera: I have noted Your request, and will include Your data Fields.
I will primarily make this database for myself, including all Your suggestions. Then it could be a general database for many collectors. Maybe it could be downloadable from this site, or as a Libreoffice template?
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Post by genazzano on Jan 11, 2015 5:26:03 GMT -5
I have been working on my site on Fotki. If anyone wants to see the work in progress, go to Fotki and look up Genazzano. Let me know how it shows up. I am very curious how this site appears.
David
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Post by philbirch on Jan 11, 2015 6:41:27 GMT -5
Truls, a downloadable database would be great. One which we could all download is a fantastic idea.
I was struggling to create one myself. The fields I used were: Manufacturer, Model, year, Body serial, Lens serial, shutter make, film tested y/n, accessories included and notes. a total of nine fields. Lenses and accessories would need another database.
I've linked photos through excel but I can't make them show directly within a cell. I find that working with MS Office is like fighting a battle.
Phil
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truls
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Posts: 568
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Post by truls on Jan 12, 2015 8:03:36 GMT -5
Truls, a downloadable database would be great. One which we could all download is a fantastic idea. I was struggling to create one myself. The fields I used were: Manufacturer, Model, year, Body serial, Lens serial, shutter make, film tested y/n, accessories included and notes. a total of nine fields. Lenses and accessories would need another database. I've linked photos through excel but I can't make them show directly within a cell. I find that working with MS Office is like fighting a battle. Phil Your data Fields are now included. I will wait some time, and watch for other collectors wishes to include. Then I will assemble the database, create a data entry screen, available for download or testing. I could need some ideas regarding useful reports. What kind of output are wanted?
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Post by philbirch on Jan 13, 2015 4:34:20 GMT -5
Thanks Truls. I dont understand database speak about 'reports' and 'output' though.
Does this mean I must use Open Office in order for it to work?
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truls
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Posts: 568
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Post by truls on Jan 15, 2015 12:09:36 GMT -5
Thanks Truls. I dont understand database speak about 'reports' and 'output' though. Does this mean I must use Open Office in order for it to work? Reports can be as simple as how many Pentax cameras in the Collection, or how much is paid for all Nikons, etc. Yes, Libreoffice have to be installed. The best option is to use a portable Version. It is a special Version not changing anything on the computer, everything resides in one folder. It can be downloaded from Portableapps.
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Post by hannes on Oct 31, 2015 17:30:32 GMT -5
What happened with this project? Any progress?
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