Letterboxing Database

Just downloaded the letterboxing programme 'Letterbox Database Helper' that Colin Masters developed. However is there an easy way to get the catalogue onto this??

Apparantly Mike has an alternative programme & database but this isn't compatible with the Colin Masters one!

Do you have Mike Holidays App?

If so run my app and then goto the file menu / import and select Import letterbox system DB file browse to where Mike's app was installed normally c:\letter box and select the file called Stamps.sbf this will import the data.

If of course you don't have his app then ignore this.
Hope this helps

Colin

No, don't have either the programme or database that Mike has developed.

My brain hurts from reading Colin's reply Is there somewhere to read about these apps/databases that explains it in a way suitable for people with small brains

What do you want to know? There is plenty of info on Mike's database on the forum. I think he also send out free Demo's but I could be wrong.

Colin

If you had Mikes program you would understand what Colin was talking about. You pay a fee for the update to be emailed to you, then open the program and install the update. All done electronically. I don't use Mikes program, but use another one which is no longer available for sale, but this also runs along similar lines. You pay 40p for the update to be emailed to you and just with the click of a button it is installed.
If you buy Mike Hallidays program, I bnelieve it comes ready loaded with the catalogue boxes, then as before it is up to you if you want to buy the update.

Bu using Colins program, you don't need to have a seperate electronic map program installed i.e. Memory Map or Anquet or Track Logs. You can go to the walk planner, then once the boxes are on the map, just print and off you go.

Ok saw Colin had a web link and had a look and I see what's it's all about now I think , but am I right in thinking his is sort of an extension of the Mike one? Is there a website then for the Mike holidays thingy? Or a link with to where there is more info about it on here? How do you get it? thanks x

Hi
You can use it as an extension to Mike app and import the clues into mine.
See here for more info on Mikes program -

viewtopic.php?t=1344&highlight=mike+holiday

Or you can use it as a stand alone app, and enter the clues yourself up to you, Either by importing them from Excel, GPX file or enter them manually.

As Maureen has mentioned with Mike's you can buy the electronic clue catalogue and the updates, I think when I bought Mikes app / Clues it was around £60.

I basically just took the concept and rewrote it to use my needs, then people suggested other idea's / improvements which I have added in.

That's it really, as I always say "It is what it is"


Colin

Hmmm so here's my next attempt - Mikes is an electronic version of the clue book, Colin's makes clues GPS friendly. Am I close now?

As I have totally hijacked Ian's thead could I just double check on his behalf - I assume then the only ways to get the data into Colin's app is to use a database such as Mike's or to do it manually one by one?

My question to Colin is am I right to assume this app wouldn't work on android?

Ok all geeked out, need a lie down to rest brain.....

Hi bog_baby

I am more than happy to answer any questions regarding my app, I bought Mike's app quite a while ago but I don't really use it that often so am probably not best placed to answer questions about it.

Amongst other things my app does convert OS grid ref to WGS84 (GPS) coords, Also coverts to OSGB36 (not that anyone would use OSGB36 Coords) also has various other functions like -
Walk Planner
Overlay on to google maps
Export to GPX and Groundspeak GPX formats Etc

As mentioned previously the ways you can add data to the app are -

Import Stamps.SBF file (from Mike App)
Import from Excel
Import from GPX File
Add Data Manually

Sorry but no it will not work on android, it will work on windows 95 upwards, this includes 64 bit versions where they exist EG windows 7 64 bit. It should also run on Linux using Wine (Windows Emulator).

As I have already said I wrote it really to suite my own needs but to keep with the spirit of letterboxing I thought I would put it on the web so if anyone else can find a use for it then they are more than welcome to use it.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions



Colin

Hi

No probs with you pinching the thread Bog Baby!!


It appears with what Colin is saying that both apps (Mike's & Colin's) have both got features that are unique and useful. I'm currently transferring the catalogue, scanning the clues and then copying & pasting!!

Has anyone used both app's recently? And is it worth paying for Mike's if Colin's can do the job just as well??

As I see it the only advantage of buying Mikes program is that the updates come ready loaded to install in his program for the same monthly fee as the paper update. If you get the paper update by email, then its not a big problem to copy and paste it into Colins program yourself.

You could also justcopy and paste the update into an excel spreadsheet, then install that to Colins program.

I can't believe that Colin doesn't make a charge for his download. There must have been hours and hours of work involved in making it. I know I have been a pain to him suggesting bigger markers, and a few other things, but he has managed to comply with those requests and makes nothing from it.

Well done and thanks Colin.

PS March update just received. Not a lot on it so you could have a practise at copying and pasting.

I've input all the updates into (Colin's) database for last 12 months already, and am in process of going thru last years catalogue!!

Got the new update for this month plus seen note that details already posted on forum - but not the clues - can i just ask a question regarding the catalogue, why do they say its available on disc because when you enquire about it you get sent details of Mike's database & programme which there's a charge for both of (based on last years) of £50.

Bit misleading when it states 'also available on disc'
You would expect that a disc only version would be available for a reasonable price similar to that of the paper version wouldn't you??

Thanks everyonex
Ooooh that is a tad misleading, I just read on Nicks thread about the catalogue being available on disc and assumed it would be about the same price.......surely to print the books there must be an electronic copy so it would be quite easy to make discs wouldn't it????

There is the other alternative.... write your own database... it really isn't that hard

I would be very surprised if the cat was not in electronic format when sent to the printers. But I think if they were to sell it as A PDF or word Doc then it would be easy for one person to buy and then send on to others without them having to pay for it.


Colin

bog_baby wrote:Thanks everyonex
Ooooh that is a tad misleading, I just read on Nicks thread about the catalogue being available on disc and assumed it would be about the same price.......surely to print the books there must be an electronic copy so it would be quite easy to make discs wouldn't it????

Yep & then send them to our "mates" via an email then they send it to their mates via email. Oh! I have a plan why not send the Cat to every one. Sorted. Oh not a plan after all> .
I suggest one thinks before hitting "submit" Note to self... think before hitting submit...

Nik - KOTM wrote:There is the other alternative.... write your own database... it really isn't that hard

Very True, or you could use a spreadsheet.

1100 input already - after downloading Colin's programme last Sunday that ain't too bad I suppose.

Once they're scanned into PC only takes a couple of minutes - if that - per box to input.

I really like the fact you can see where the boxes are and plan and print a walk using the programme.

Gemma wrote:

bog_baby wrote:Thanks everyonex
Ooooh that is a tad misleading, I just read on Nicks thread about the catalogue being available on disc and assumed it would be about the same price.......surely to print the books there must be an electronic copy so it would be quite easy to make discs wouldn't it????

Yep & then send them to our "mates" via an email then they send it to their mates via email. Oh! I have a plan why not send the Cat to every one. Sorted. Oh not a plan after all> .
I suggest one thinks before hitting "submit" Note to self... think before hitting submit...

One doesn't have any friends so really not an issue

ah poor bog baby!!

Sure you've lots of friends on here!!

8 pages of boxes loaded tonight!! Gone a bit boss eyed now so time to stop!!!

Hello All. Nik is right - it's easy to create your own database with out forking out a whole load of cash... I've developed my own, all you do is input the Grid Ref of where you want to go, and it displays all LetterBoxes in that area, it also displays all Geocaches and other points of interest. Nearest pub, parking, toilets, pretty much anything. Generates a one-pager with all the details you need and off you go.....
I would offer to other folk, but don't want to charge people and don't want to just give it away either.....
Bog_Baby don't forget I'm your bestest friend!

If you can write a spreadsheet program using whats on offer a microsoft database is easier to construct, the only limitation is 255 characters and then the whole thing just falls into place
might think about demonstrating how to create on for you lot on here if I get the time....

IMHO

To develop a proper database it is actually quite complicated, you have to factor in such things as data types, field lengths, Primary key, indexes, data normalization, Joins etc etc. True it is easy to develop a very basic database, but to do it in such a way that is works well it it a lot more difficult.

Also I do always chuckle when people refer to spreadsheets as databases, I hear it all the time at work, but of course a spreadsheet is a spreadsheet hence the name and not a database. I am not knocking people who develop spreadsheets that hold data and call them databases put the fact of the matter is that it is still a spreadsheet.

Colin

Yes do it Nik!! need all the help I can get being one of those people that doesn't really know the difference between a spread sheet and database ......I do know what a spread sheet is though if that helps....

It's hard to find friends when you smell like a bog

Also I do always chuckle when people refer to spreadsheets as databases, I hear it all the time at work, but of course a spreadsheet is a spreadsheet hence the name and not a database. I am not knocking people who develop spreadsheets that hold data and call them databases put the fact of the matter is that it is still a spreadsheet.

What is the difference?

P.S. I do know but other folk may not!

and while you're there, what's the difference between a grass snake and an adder? (I know, it's just that some other folk may not.....)

foxy wrote:and while you're there, what's the difference between a grass snake and an adder? (I know, it's just that some other folk may not.....)

I know I know>>>>One has venom & one does not. Do I get a prize!!!

See here for info on DB's and spreadsheets

http://www.qcisolutions.com/dbinfo1.htm

or here

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1435148,00.asp

If you want to analize data use excel, if you can to store lots of data use a database, Just google them the web is full of info on the differences.

Colin

Gemma wrote:

foxy wrote:and while you're there, what's the difference between a grass snake and an adder? (I know, it's just that some other folk may not.....)

I know I know>>>>One has venom & one does not. Do I get a prize!!!

We're getting there. Slowly but surely........

Database Spreadsheet. Adder Grass Snake. You say TOMATOE I say TOMATO "Lets call the whole thing off?"

I am self taught in databases and spreadsheets, but there plenty of books out there on how to do it. The trick for learning both is to go through the books one page at a time and not to skip pages no matter how boring it is.

The trick is to decide upon your layout on a bit of paper before you turn your computer on and the adapt your program for it.
The big problem with spreadsheets is the macroprograms you might want to run in it. A lot of antispyware and virus programs don't like it, and the other problem with macros is that you need to work out every step of the routine before instigating it, otherwise you have to delete it and start again.

If you have difficulties in trying to get it going you can always ask... might as well make my diploma in computer applications do something for others

Data base Done!!!!

Now just gotta keep it up to date!!

Nik is right, the main thing with any development is planning, I spent many years as a database developer and the key things are design / planning and wherever possible making things modular so it is easy to add additional functions at a later date.

Colin

Nik - KOTM wrote:I am self taught in databases and spreadsheets, but there plenty of books out there on how to do it. The trick for learning both is to go through the books one page at a time and not to skip pages no matter how boring it is.

The trick is to decide upon your layout on a bit of paper before you turn your computer on and the adapt your program for it.
The big problem with spreadsheets is the macroprograms you might want to run in it. A lot of antispyware and virus programs don't like it, and the other problem with macros is that you need to work out every step of the routine before instigating it, otherwise you have to delete it and start again.

If you have difficulties in trying to get it going you can always ask... might as well make my diploma in computer applications do something for others

I can't recall any macro I have run, causing a problem to antispyware or antivirus, I guess I have been lucky.That said I have also developed an number of Database applications again not had any "run" errors.

Gemma wrote:

Nik - KOTM wrote:I am self taught in databases and spreadsheets, but there plenty of books out there on how to do it. The trick for learning both is to go through the books one page at a time and not to skip pages no matter how boring it is.

The trick is to decide upon your layout on a bit of paper before you turn your computer on and the adapt your program for it.
The big problem with spreadsheets is the macroprograms you might want to run in it. A lot of antispyware and virus programs don't like it, and the other problem with macros is that you need to work out every step of the routine before instigating it, otherwise you have to delete it and start again.

If you have difficulties in trying to get it going you can always ask... might as well make my diploma in computer applications do something for others

I can't recall any macro I have run, causing a problem to antispyware or antivirus, I guess I have been lucky.That said I have also developed an number of Database applications again not had any "run" errors.

Back in the Day there were a lot of Marco Virus's written using Word / Excel Macro's. Microsoft introduced a lot more security ref running macro's in both word and excel. I think now by default in Excel 2010 they are disabled by default unless you change the security level. Of course if you are using excel then it is not a database.

I think the best bet is following:

Free: Colin Masters Letterboxing Program www.Colin-masters.net. This is the best program I believe out there for letterboxing and excellent when working with GPS Garmin devices.

Then buy the letterboxing database from Colin Richards (updates also from him, but you need to pay Malcom Alldridge for the updates).
Load the database into Colin Masters program and you are fit to go.

Works great. Satelitte views, OS 1:25 view etc..

Phil