DataBase

Wouldn't that be nice?   This topic comes up from time to time, but if you ever find one, please let us all know!

https://play.google.com/store/...ko.scanpet&hl=en

wonder if this would work

I'm pretty sure the object of the exercise is to have a database of the train items and just scan to put them into inventory.  Since this application looks up the code in an Excel database, the sticking point is filling that database with the thousands of train items in detail!

In the video it showed a add feature.

It does add I installed it and scanned a Railking Switch tower box and added it to the xls file now as we all know exels files can be the used to create databases or used as a database. from what it looks like though it scanned the Barcode but I had to add the MTH and the switch Tower in the barcode doesn't pull up a description.

There are plenty of barcode scanner apps that will build the list of box codes you can then export to excel, csv, etc... the trick would be to then look up the info for each code from Lionel, MTH, etc... Entering by hand stinks.  If you just want a list of box codes for insurance purposes, search for a barcode scanner app and you should be good to go.  I don't know how to build apps but have experience data mining websites.  If anyone knows where to get item number lists, the excel "database" to use with the above app would not be a big deal to create.  There would be other issues, such as keeping it up to date with new item releases. 

Assuming the barcode contains the catalog number, a webpage could be created for persons to upload their inventory file, items would then be looked up on the site via something like: http://www.lionel.com/search?query=6-18483 and http://mthtrains.com/30-50068
The relevant info scraped from the site and a file returned to you with everything filled in. 

Working on it.

More info?, XFERYARD

Yep, it's not the barcode scanner that's the issue, it's the thousands or train items that you'd want to have in the database to avoid typing all that time and time again!

It would be nice to have this, but suspect the database containing all the data from the upc is just not out there.  I did find a few apps that scan against Amazon, but I only got a few of my engines/ cars against it.  Mostly, would be stuff that was bought within the last year.    

By working on it, I am working on an app that will allow you to find information from a master catalog as well as maintain an inventory online / manage it from using Windows Desktop, Windows / Apple / Android device.

Providing a web interface is underway, but using the camera to read a barcode using a mobile device requires (for the most part) an actual app on that device. There are other ways to do it that use an exterior scanner, plug-ins etc, but to the use the camera (most convenient and no added cost to the user)  I have to write an app. I can create the Windows app , but need additional tools for Apple and Android.

Since the Catalog and Inventory are services that are provided for free (setting up a store will not be free) I have to get X number of sponsors to pay for Y number of gigabytes of storage / traffic and my day job slows me down a bit..

As soon as our Train Show wraps up this weekend I will get back to working entering data and addressing issues with the UI.

Look at AirTable (http://www.airtable.com).  For smallish databases (and they can be truly relational databases with linked tables), it's free.  Runs on Web browser  (Macs for sure, not sure about PCs) and on iPad/iPhone.  Barcode fields are available, and you use your iPhone to read the code.

How can we be missing the point so obviously?  The issue is NOT the database, it's the availability of the data for the database!!!

You'll never find an existing database that has data for all the equipment that you own already in it (at least, I won't).  You simply need a simple way to create a database of your own equipment; define what data you want in it, create the design, and populate it.   I've been occasionally working on this for some time.  Airtable looks like the easiest, most versatile, multi-platform way to do it.  Each modeller can make it do exactly as desired, which might not be what the next modeller wants.

You could make your main table link to tables from all manufacturers, depending on each individual piece of equipment.  But not all manufacturers will have that table for all time--most likely it will be a third-party who considers it proprietary.  The closest to having everything might be Collector DASH Model Trains (http://www.collector-modeltrains.com/dash/home/), and if you can work withing their framework, try it.

There are tons of database applications available, that isn't a sticking point, at least for me.  I suspect anyone with a computer can find a database solution.  I'd like to be able to enter the Lionel, MTH, Williams, or 3rd Rail stock number and have the rest of the data populated.  Then I can enter any deviation.  What I'm not all that keen on doing is entering the hundreds of detailed descriptions for every piece I own!

What you need is the big manufacturers to offer this data so that some poor soul doesn't have to enter it.  In other collectible markets, like comic books and dvds the manufactures provide this information, so there are several third party databases that make scanning your collection in a breeze.  I contacted MTH once about getting some kind of computer file with all their product info so I could create a databse, but they claimed to not have any such files.  I don't doubt it since they don't have big distributors like the other items (comics and dvds) but I gave it a shot, thinking they might be more modernized than Lionel.

IMO, that's total nonsense that the manufacturer's don't have the data!  The fact that they don't want to share it is another matter...

Up until a year ago or two, Lionel barcodes were easy to decipher.  12 digit code was always 023922xxxxxC, where xxxxx is the Lionel item number (no 6- needed) and the last digit (C, the check digit) can be determined by a formula.  But now with many of the newer 8xxxx series numbers, the xxxxx number on the barcode doesn't equal the 5 digit Lionel number, so just scanning the barcode you cant easily extract the Lionel item number anymore.

Any dealer can get the MTH barcode data file, by catalog.  You just need to combine all the catalogs into one data file.  Where to get the data for the other mfg.  I don't know.  Dealers should be asking the mfg's to provide.  Makes for better in store inventory management.  Otherwise you have lots of data entry to do as each item comes in.  That is one reason dealers have a hard time with accurate data on inventory.

Dan

The MTH by catalog would be great if you could get older catalog data as well.

You have to go in via the dealer website.  MTH has upc catalog files back to 2003 and non-upc files back to 2001.  Some of the 2001 files are incomplete.

Dan

Like I said in an earlier post, I have to get back to the data entry and development.. Here is a partial result of searching for Ringling. So there is some data in the database..

Crowd source the database in the app.  As someone, adds a new item or edits an item the data goes to central database and is pushed out to everyone.  A good base file from the manufacturers would be a great first step.  

Miken posted:

Crowd source the database in the app.  As someone, adds a new item or edits an item the data goes to central database and is pushed out to everyone.  A good base file from the manufacturers would be a great first step.  

When users add items to their personal inventory they can opt-in to share the item data (anonymously). In this way the master catalog grows larger and the user gets a free inventory system.