PlaneBaseNG Aircraft Database Program

[mezoo]

Does anybody use this program ?

From looking at the web site it seems to be somewhat similar to AD Lite.

Link : http://www.planebase.biz/

[Anmer]

Not much info on the website and I'm never too keen on downloading Zip files to read about a product.

[mezoo]

Same here -  thats why I was hoping some brave soul had tried it. 

[davek]

Hi, I know its been a while since this question was asked, but I have used Planebase since the start and have stuck with it and find it a really useful spotting software, with PBlink which updates the Basestation hexcodes.

Regards Dave

[mezoo]

Thank you for replying davek.

could you tell us a bit more about the program
eg.
- where does the updated data come from ?
- is there a subscription for the updates ?

- how do you use it (software, etc.) ?
- can you compare it to AD and ADLIte from GAS ?

I admit it looks interesting.

mezoo

[LX-LGN]

I contacted the site/creator and I downloaded it.

Yes it does take a little fiddling to get it sorted but I am very impressed.

The databases do take a little time to download, but well worth it. There is a members only forum that announces updates and requests for adding data.

It is like a logging software and tbh I was a little dubious but once installed I had a play and can honestly say it is very good.

The support is excellent, I received the d/l instructions and I replied back with an issue (I never read instructions properly). Kev was patient and helped and the replies I received were within about 20 minutes (Good customer service).

The next day I received my invitation to the Members only forum/group so I have now joined and I am looking forward to interacting.

[G4UMW]

I've been using the program almost since it came out. It's free, updated regularly (once or twice a week, depending on the database) and the authors provide excellent customer service. I use it to log my sightings and also use the PBLink program which updates my BaseStation SQB file from the PlaneBase databases. The program offers a comprehensive range of functions; I have to admit that I don't use it to anything like its full potential.

I should point out that I have no connection with PlaneBase other than being a very satisfied user.

[IanH]

I've tried this but the logging facility doesn't suit me since it can't be my only log (too much seen that isn't in there). Hence it would have to duplicate my existing log and involves extra effort. Also there would be a lot of catching up to do!

Not tried connecting to BaseStation - is it worth running it just for that?

Does the log facility mark the database to indicate what has been seen?

Might have to try it again based on the answers.

[G4UMW]

It depends what your other log is. The authors have routines which allow the import of other log formats into PlaneBase. There are routines built in to the program to highlight any discrepancies between frames/registrations logged and the database contents.

PBLink connects the PlaneBase database(s) to your SQB file. Unknown hex codes are populated from the database and, if logged as seen  the SQB will be annotated accordingly. The big advantage is that as all the information is already on your PC, an internet connection is not required when out and about.

You can contact the program authors for more information at planebase@gmail.com.

[IanH]

It depends what your other log is.

A mySQL database linked to Excel.

But 90% won't be in the PlaneBaseNG database since my spotting started in 1963  And a lot of duplication of registrations (particularly Germany) to cause confusion and long since cancelled airframes.

But perhaps it might work as a log of what I've seen in recent years if I can import.

Never enough time to try out everything 

Edit: just read the intro document again - reminded me that it didn't work in the way my befuddled brain expected. So it will need retraining to get the best out of this 

[Andrewmer]

PlaneBaseNG has recently been upgraded and is now PlaneBase2. I have been a user since its inception and find it much easier to use than the previous database I used for logging. For users of most other commercial databases, your data can be imported to save you re-logging everything - and PlaneBase2 is free.

Anmer - the download guide is a PDF file (not a zip) despite looking like it is.

IanH - Did you ask for your missing registrations to be added? There is a team of 20+ editors who are ready to add and update entries although generally the airliners, propliners, bizjets, bizprops and military have full histories already present. I do find some GA entries have some of their older information missing but, with currently 650,179 entries, it is a big task to complete. It is made easier by users sending any omissions they find in to the editors. Most of the missing information I have sent in has been available on the next weekly update.

Membership has been growing steadily and stands at 635 users of which 561 are currently on the PB user group as of tonight.

Andrewmer
Part of the PB2 team

[sbsrgra1]

I use Planebase as well. The great thing about it , other than it being free, is that is is constantly being developed.

There are a number of ways of logging sightings including the option to include PI's when entering logs.
Where a registration has been used more than once then the user is given the opportunity to choose the relevant aircraft.  So for example if I log that I have seen SP-LNA I will be asked to state if I saw an Embraer 195 or an IL-14 (I wish!)

Bye

[IanH]

Not SP-LNA but certainly Avia 14 SP-LNN back in October 1965. 

Sounds like it might have some of my old stuff in there after all.

Probably need to take another look and find some time to investigate.

[antonov124]

hi i use this old thread to ask for an invite or sponsoring for the new planebase ng 3

greetings

[Mariner]

Good Day All,

Have been using Planebase for over a year now and find it very good. My main records remain with Aerodata, use the two. Fully retired so have ample time to complete entries into each database.

Always use BSA from Aerodata when out and about along with AD Lite. Personally had no luck with PBLink!!!

Planebase request a contribution once a year for their expenses which I think is fair. The amount is up to the individual. Personally I pass £50 and of course the usual £100 per year for Aerodata.

Well satisfied with both databases. A hobby is to be interesting and pass time...so monitoring two databases is interesting and passes time so it does what it says on the tin.

Take care all.

Tony Sheffield