New Thread!

[JimmyD]

Post your PC or Mac (sic) related questions or comments here!

JimmyD "also (sic)"

[NEMMRRC]

Thanks for adding the new section to the forum and thanks to Vettelover7 for making the suggestion.

Jaime

[Vettelover7]

Thanks for adding the new section to the forum and thanks to Vettelover7 for making the suggestion.
Jaime

Humility is not one of my strong suits!
What prompted my original suggestion was an interest to know what databases folks may be using to inventory and value their rolling stock. I have used the db in Shipit! and Yard Office.What, if any software have you used and what were it's strengths and drawbacks? Has anyone used the db in the JMRI package?

[mabloodhound]

Chip, you should start a new topic here instead of posting in the 'new thread' topic. Easier to find and stands out too.

Nice of Jimmy to create this.

[GregoryDeMayo]

.....What prompted my original suggestion was an interest to know what databases folks may be using to inventory and value their rolling stock. I have used the db in Shipit! and Yard Office.What, if any software have you used and what were it's strengths and drawbacks? Has anyone used the db in the JMRI package?

Vette:

Let me start out by saying that any program that a person chooses to keep track of their stuff is a correct choice for that person. It all depends on their familiarity with the programs and how comfortable they are creating applications they need in those programs.

I used to develop dBASE applications in DOS and Windows a few years back. They are great for organizing stuff and getting reports for the data entered, but when I wanted to keep track of my hobby purchases, I did it on a spreadsheet (Lotus123).

The spreadsheet format for this type of task is more flexible and doesn't require the programming that a database application does when changes are required. Changes take less time on a spreadsheet than changes made to a database, database entry screen and report forms.

The spreadsheet can contain sections for locos, rolling stock, structures, scenery material, track and roadbed material, electrical and benchwork material and any miscellaneous categories that are needed. Within each section, order/purchase dates, retail cost, amount paid, product ID numbers and other information that you want, can be included.

If you or anyone else want a sample, drop a note to demayoind@aol.com and I'll send a sample in a "pdf" file.

[jimmillho]

I put all of my train stuff on a Lotus 123 spread sheet many years ago. It crashed one day and I could not fix it, so I tried to find a new version of Lotus. Well it turned out they were gone. I had Word Perfect Suite and found that Quattro Pro would convert Lotus files to Quattro Pro format and that is what I am using today. It is essentially the same as Lotus 123.

Now I find that Word Perfect is no longer available, so If I have any problems, I will have to go to Excell. This is what happens to any software programs that you finally figure out how to use. If it ain't part of Microsoft, it will disappear from the shelves.

Jim

[bparrish]

Vet

I have my locomotives in JMRI only for the purpose of setting up decoders. I have an extensive roster of non DCC loco's that border on antiquities that my dad had in the 40's. I'll never modify those to DCC for a lot of reasons.......... brass drive wheels are only one issue.

So I keep other data in Excel............ that is rolling stock and locomotives. Granted the loco data is redundant but Excel allows you to put in any data in any field and label the columns (fields) as you choose. I tend to use Excel as a data base as Access is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO big I can't figure it out. It has way more capabilities than I will ever need.

Further....... Excel will allow you to put in photos of the various cars and loco's on an Insert utility. Store the photos somewhere in your machine as a jpeg and Excel will pull them over very easily. You can set the photo size in the spread sheet after placing it in the cell. Photo size in you larger library is not an issue. Photo rosters are cool for a lot of reasons............. eg: marking standards performed and the date........ insurance statements...... estate issues.......... and just keeping notes of manufacturer, date built and maintenance schedules.

Let me know if I can help further.

see ya
Bob

[Rail and Tie]

Hi guys, I started a new thread as Database over here
http://www.kitforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=6795

Just thought to keep things organized

[rebel]

I put all of my train stuff on a Lotus 123 spread sheet many years ago. It crashed one day and I could not fix it, so I tried to find a new version of Lotus. Well it turned out they were gone. I had Word Perfect Suite and found that Quattro Pro would convert Lotus files to Quattro Pro format and that is what I am using today. It is essentially the same as Lotus 123.

Now I find that Word Perfect is no longer available, so If I have any problems, I will have to go to Excell. This is what happens to any software programs that you finally figure out how to use. If it ain't part of Microsoft, it will disappear from the shelves.

Jim

This is called reason for hard copy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, I found Lotus 123 on e-bay, even one on 7"disks, I don't even remember 7" disks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[krzyvolfan]

oHHH I thought this was about using Thread in Model Railroading... maybe even it would be including an excellent discussion on the reasons to use New Thread as opposed to old or used Thread.... My bad...