Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Program Set Up
Initially, it is necessary to set up the program.
1) Download the starter folder Planebase_folder.zip
2) Unzip and double click the file, acknowledging any messages. The
folder will be placed onto the c:\ drive named c:\planebase
3) Within this folder is a sub-folder named 'pb_prog'
4) Within the sub folder is a file named 'setup.exe' - double click this and
follow the prompts.
5) Run the planebase.exe file located in the c:\planebase folder
6) Select Downloads from the menu line. From the panel that appears,
download and unzip the following files into the c:\planebase folder.
Exec Database
Airliner Database
Military Database
GenAv Database
The Exec and Airliner import will be quicker than the others due to the size of
the databases. Compacting is important to maintain the speed of the program
and this is performed as part of this process. This can also be done via the
Tools > Compact Databases option.
Show Aircraft
This drop down box gives three options to restrict searches to All aircraft,
only those Needed or only those Seen. The default option is All aircraft.
Show Status
This drop down box gives options to restrict searches to Active aircraft,
Inactive aircraft, aircraft On order, Extant, Active and On Order or All
aircraft. The selection will be remembered.
History ID
This enables a search for all occurrences of a registration. All instances of the
registration found will be displayed with type and c/n in the list box. The centre
panel will display any aircraft currently registered as such.
Selecting an aircraft in the list box will display the current details of that aircraft
with the selected registration highlighted in red. If there are no aircraft
currently with that registration an information box will display details.
Wildcard searches may be performed by substituting a question mark for the
wildcard character.
Database selection
Most of the following options require a database and sort selection.
Prefix
Entering a registration prefix will list details of aircraft with registrations
currently carrying that prefix, subject to the selected Databases, 'Show
aircraft' and 'Show Status' selection. No dash is required unless extra
characters are required, i.e HB returns all Swiss whereas HB-V returns only
those. By using <> it is possible to exclude one prefix, i.e <>N excludes all
N reg aircraft.
Type
Aircraft types can be listed in three formats, sorted by Con No., Regn or Line
No. order, chosen via the drop down box. The input panel containing a drop
down list of aircraft types relevant to the selected database will be displayed.
Select one to list instances of that type, subject to the 'Show aircraft' and
'Show Status' selection and sorted by the chosen option.
Some aircraft sub types can be listed collectively. Available ones shown are
at the start of the lists under '.all'. There is also a ..wildcard. option that
prompts for text to search types for, i.e Learjet 3 displays all Learjet
31/35/36 etc. Similarly, a wildcard/prefix option can be used by separating
the two by a slash, i.e falcon/HB to list all HB- Falcons etc.
If the selected type does not have line numbers there is a warning message.
Operator
Depending on the selected database, up to four options are available for
searching by operator: Name, Code, Acft Type or Wildcard.
Code prompts for an ICAO 3 letter operator code, which then displays details
of aircraft in the selected database with that operator code sorted in
registration order subject to the selected Databases, 'Show aircraft' and 'Show
Status' selection.
Name displays the input panel with a drop down list of operators relevant to
the selected database to select from.
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Acft Type displays a panel with a drop down box for an operator to be
selected. A list of aircraft types is populated for individual selection.
Tick the series box to filter further by series. Enter
prefix digit(s), ie 3 to list 300 series aircraft. The
text may be any length.
The results may the further filtered by entering a
base airport code.
Wildcard enables entry of any text to be searched for within the operator field,
order subject to the selected Databases, 'Show aircraft' and 'Show Status'
selection.
Base Airport
Base airports can be searched in three ways, depending on the option
selected:
Name will bring up a drop down list of airport names, which, when selected
will list the aircraft based at that airport sorted by registration and subject to
the selected Databases, sort order, 'Show aircraft' and 'Status' selection.
Code will prompt for an airport code, which will then display details as above.
State will prompt for a US or Canada 2 letter state code which produces a
display of the results sorted by airport and registration and subject to the
selected Databases, sort order, 'Show aircraft' and 'Status' selection.
Country Aircraft based in a specified country can be listed by entering the
registration prefix of that country, no dash required. The results are sorted by
registration and subject to the selected Databases, sort order, 'Show aircraft'
and 'Status' selection.
Wildcard enables entry of text to be searched for within the Base/Airport field,
order subject to the selected Databases, 'Show aircraft' and 'Show Status'
selection.
Logs
It is possible to search logs for a date, an airport, date & airport, a date range
or airport and date range. Select options as required and enter text.
You can choose between displaying just those that were needed or everything
logged. Also a current DB only option restricts the search to aircraft types
held in the currently selected database and whilst in registration mode a
Frames Only option is available.
The resulting display shows the reg/type/cn and truncated operator. The
operator may be expanded by selecting the < that appears in the bottom
centre of the grid. Reg/frames needed are displayed in the usual format.
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Text Search
This option will search the databases for registrations found within a section of
text that has been copied onto the clipboard and displays details of any
aircraft found.
There are two options. Mini will display the results on the main grid.
Detailed opens up a new panel where additional details and extra filters are
available.
Upon selecting Text Search a panel appears. The selected text is displayed
in the right side panel. Selecting from this box displays that line of text in full.
The Search by box gives four options depending on where the registration
starts within the text, First Column, Second Column or the ability to select
the start position from a Grid. FR24 will search an area of text selected from
the Flightradar 24 airports display (copy top left time to bottom right status
onto clipboard ctrl+C). FR24 (I.E) will search text copied from Internet
Explorer, FR24 (Other) will search text from other browsers.
There is an option box allowing searches only by active aircraft. The default is
on. Beneath this is a Need box for displaying needed and unknown aircraft
only. The default for this is Off.
A Dash is optional, as is an N before a US registration. Results are sorted by
aircraft type and are printable. Items not found will also be listed at the top of
the list box, these may consist of non-reg text or registrations not found.
Additionally, the Detailed panel allows for filtering by registration prefix.
Current operators are displayed and a Check Photos option will indicate
whether the current reg/cn mix is logged in the Photos database.
Information line
This displays a reminder of the options selected in the 'Show Aircraft' and
'Show Status' boxes.
Database Names
The drop down box allows selection of the various available databases. The
Military database option will disable some program options and rearrange
parts of the layout.
Add Photo
This option will only be displayed if Photolog Enable is selected in the
Options menu. Select this option to add the currently displayed aircraft in the
Photolog database. A right side panel will open with basic details.
Log it
Selecting this option transfers
details of the currently displayed
aircraft into the Log It frame.
The date can be selected via
three list boxes. The current
operator is displayed and
previous ones may be selected
via the drop down or amended
by typing into the box.
All registrations for the selected
aircraft are listed in a drop down
box to enable logging of P.Is.
Enter an airport code into the
Loc box. A list of regularly used
airports can be compiled using
the Add Airport option or
deleted using the Delete Airport
option.
If the ICAO is not known the airport may be selected by selecting Airport List
and choosing from the drop down box. If the code is held in the database it
will be transferred to the log details panel.
If no code is known it is possible to create one. Select Add/Del Location.
The current list of locations is listed for information. Select .Add Location
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from the list. Enter a unique code and a location name. This will be stored in
the database. The list of additional locations can be accessed via Other
Locations and selecting one will add the code to the log panel. An entry may
be deleted using the .Delete Location option.
Notes may be added to the log by populating the Notes box. They may be
later viewed via the Show Logged panel. Entries with notes are marked with
a chevron in the right hand column.
Once all boxes are populated, clicking Log It places the record into the
relevant seen file (if needed) and also the main log file.
Pending
Should the searched registration not be found there is an option to save the
details to a Pending file. Enter basic details into the panel.
The Pending entries may be viewed, edited or added to by selecting the
Pending button. Selecting Process Pendings will check the databases for
recently added details and if found, will log the details in the main databases.
Autolog
The Autolog option allows
logging of multiple entries by
entering a registration into the
text box. If it is found the
details will be populated and
the aircraft is listed in the main
panel.
In case of multiple records for
one registration a list will
appear for selecting the
required aircraft.
Previous identities can be
included in the search by
ticking the box, although this
slows the process down.
Store the selection using the
Log It button and the next
registration can then be
entered.
Clear the aircraft text using the
Clear button. The Location
text is not affected
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MultiLog
It is possible to bulk log a list of registrations via this option.
Select Add Regs and enter registrations one by one. A blank entry
ends the process. Entries may be appended to a pasted list by
using this option.
Bulk Load
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List Selection
Clicking in the left column will select an entry. All may be selected or
deselected by clicking the v on the top line. Selected lines may be deleted or
printed to a text file via the buttons beneath the grid.
There are options to retain the currently entered Date and Location for
subsequent use.
Show Logged
This option displays a panel of all main log entries for the currently selected
aircraft. The panel toggles on and off. Clicking the location provides a
decode if known. Clicking the registration highlights it on the registration
history panel. The operator can be expanded using the lower < button.
A > in the N column indicates that additional notes have been added to a
particular entry. Clicking in the N column displays these notes if there are
any entered. Otherwise, they may be added or edited and later stored using
the Update Notes button.
Entries may be deleted via the Delete Log Entry option. To allow for
individual deleting, this will NOT delete records in the type_log database (for
this use Tools > Delete)
Menu Line
File
Change Default DB
The default database is the one displayed at program start. This gives the
option to change it by entering a database code as listed.
Import/Export Databases
Allows for the transfer of the user databases to the relevant directories to and
from a USB stick. Select the drive letter and the files to transfer. The remote
device directory must be the root.
A copy of the files on the current device is an option.
Exit
Ends the program
Options
Automatic Back Up
With this option selected, during the Updates > Import Exec Logs process,
the Log, Type, MyDB and Photo databases are copied to the
C:\planebase\pb backup files folder and dated.
Colours
The background and text colours for the main areas of the display (form,
panels, lists and text boxes) can be set using this option. Click the small
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boxes to select new colours. The format of the text boxes can also be
changed via the drop down boxes.
Confirm Exit
Requires a confirmation to exit the program..
Dash Auto Insert
This option toggles the automatic insertion of a dash - into entered
registrations.
Fill Blanks
Selecting this option fills blanks in the grid display with dashes (----).
Grid Lines
Toggles the list grid lines OFF or ON. The Default is ON.
IATA Airport Codes
Where there is an option, the IATA airport codes will be displayed, rather than
the ICAO.
Include Mil/GA in searches
Large databases slow down searches, so this option allows them to be
excluded.
Info Beep
There will be an alert Beep with all error and information messages and
prompts. Additionally, an alert beep will sound when a process completes,
with this option selected.
Keyboard
This option allows for the displaying of a key board for mouse use when an
input is required in the input panel. A # button on the panel toggles the
keyboard on or off. The selection is retained.
List Bold
Toggles the list font bold ON or OFF. Default is OFF.
List Font Size
This enables a small, normal or large list font to be selected. Smaller or
larger fonts may affect the amount of text visible in individual list boxes.
Photolog Enabled
Enables the Photolog photo logging feature. When enabled, an Add Photo
button will be visible next to the Log It button. If a photo is stored for an
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Tools
Compact Databases
When data is imported into the databases their size increases and slows the
operation of the program. Use this option to compact the databases to
maintain the speed of the program.
Back Up Log Databases
This option copies the current full_log, type_log, Mydb, Photo and locn
databases into the Planebase backup folder with a date suffix.
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Flights already in the database are displayed. More details may be viewed by
selecting from the grid. A flight may be edited by selecting Edit Flight while it
is displayed in the lower panel. Select Store Flight once editing is complete.
A new flight may be added by selecting Add Flight. Fill the details and select
Store Flight once complete.
After entering text into the Registration box a PlanebaseNG search will occur
for that registration. If more than one instance is found a list will appear for
selecting the required aircraft. The type, C/N and operator boxes will be
populated. Select from the operator drop down or overtype if required. The
search excludes Military and GA unless those boxes are ticked.
History ID
Current ID
Prefix Search
Text Search
Log Search
Previous Record
Next Record
Mail Set Up
Enter details for the required
mail account. If possible, port
25 and no security should be
used., otherwise the mail
password will need to be
entered each time the mail
option is selected.
Port 465 is usually used with
the SSL security option.
Having the same source and
destination addresses may be
an issue with some ISPs
Once the details are entered and stored a test mail may be sent.
* This setup is separate from that in Pblink and different settings may be used
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This option allows the creation of a new multi type filter. A copy of
PB_mydb.mdb should be present in the Planebase directory. A list of
current filters is displayed. Selecting one will display its contents. To delete
a filter select Delete Filter.
To add a new filter select New Filter. Each filter can only contain types from
a particular database. Select a db from the drop down box and the list will be
populated with available types.
Select up to 15 types and they are displayed in the right side box. Enter a
name for the filter and select create filter. The filter will be added to the list,
prefixed by _.
Exit to the main screen, select Type and the filters will be located below the
.all filters in the list.
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This option allows for the creation of lists that enable searching of the
databases for needed aircraft and the creation of printable lists (Searching is
done via the search > needs lists option). There are three types of lists :
Airport Needs Lists
This option gives the ability to create a list of airports in ICAO or full
name format. When run in search mode a list of needed aircraft
based at those airports is created.
Operator Needs Lists
This option gives the ability to create a list of operators in ICAO, IATA
or full name format. When run in search mode a list of needed
aircraft for those operators is created.
Operator + Type Needs Lists
This option gives the ability to create a list of operators and their particular
types in ICAO, IATA or full name format. When run in search mode a list of
needed aircraft for those operators is created.
Selecting 'tools > Needs List (create/edit)' brings up a panel for
creating, editing or deleting needs lists.
select between 'Operator + Type', 'Operator' or 'Airport'.
The Currently stored files will be listed (if any). Selecting one displays a
list of its contents.
To Delete a list select it then click 'Delete List' and confirm.
To Edit a list select it and click 'Edit List'. The text file will open in
'notepad' for editing and saving.
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Photolog
This provides a method of managing your photographs. On first opening the
screen will load your currently stored photos. Subject to the number, this may
take a little while. A count is displayed.
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If the entry is linked to a URL a + shows in the left column. Click it to view
the photo. Select the < button to view other hidden columns.
Editing
Select a grid cell to edit the text (except P and X columns). To delete an
entry select the X column (far right).
Searching
Search Reg Enter a single registration
Prefix - A registration prefix can be searched, length optional
Type - Enter the first characters, i.e A3 will display all Airbuses, A32
will display A320 and A321 etc
All All entries are listed via this button
Locations select from the list
Operators Select from the list
Add Photo
A panel is displayed. Select whether it is necessary to include the Mil/GA
databases as this slows the search. Enter the registration and tab out of the
box. The registration will be searched and if found details will be added. If
multiple entries are found a selection box is displayed.
Complete the other fields as required. Select the URL button and navigate to
the photo or enter it manually. Select Store to add the photo to the database
or Clear to exit the panel.
Options - There are options to back up the database and turn off alerts.
Remove Seen History Details
Seen History details are added during the log import. Should an entry
have been deleted from other databases, the Seen History display can be
emptied via this option.
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EditLogs
This provides a method of viewing and editing the contents of your logs.
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Grid Display
The display consists of the contents of the selected database. These may
not include certain fields such as an aircraft type. The database code for
each entry is displayed. Should logs have been transferred over but the
entry not reconciled the Rx column will display an n. In full_log mode,
the Nd field will display an F for frame or R for registration.
Editing Entries
Select the relevant entry from the grid. The details will display in the lower
boxes. They may then be edited, then the changes stored by selecting
Update.
The displayed entry may be deleted from the selected log by choosing
Delete.
** Bear in mind that any edits/deletions made in the Full_log will either
need to be repeated in the individual Type_log table or the type tables
rebuilt to reflect the changes in the program.
Individual Search
An individual Registration / Serial can be searched via the text box once a
database has been selected and all occurrences of it in the selected
database will be displayed..
Bulk Processes Menu
The date of all displayed entries can be replaced by using the Bulk
Replace Date option.
A Bulk Delete can be performed using the parameters set. This will
delete all entries at a selected location on a selected date etc. The
option will not run if any selection is ALL.
Actions menu
Compare Logs
All details held in the Type_log database should have a corresponding
entry in the Full_log database. However, when the information has been
transferred over from certain other databases, this is often not the case.
This option compares the information held in the databases and produces
a report of any records without a corresponding entry in the Full_log
database. As well as being due to missing entries, this may be due to
conflicting index numbers.
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Search
Amarg List
This option creates a listing of aircraft held at Amarg in type and serial order
Boeing Customer Codes
Enter a code as two or three digits, ie '36' for all British Airways aircraft or
'236' for all series 200 aircraft. Subject to the Show Aircraft and Status
options, results are displayed in type, series and c/no order and are printable.
Base Country
Enter a country prefix to list aircraft based in that country
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Code
Enter a tail code to list aircraft carrying that code
Continent
Aircraft registered in a specified continent can be listed in registration order.
Select the required option from the drop down box. The results are subject to
the Database, Show Aircraft and Status options.
Due to the large numbers involved a count may be displayed while the list is
being populated. This option is not available in the Military database
Country
Enter a registration prefix for the required country to list aircraft registered in
that country. Use PP for all Brazil, XA for all Mexico etc.
Country Base List
Enter a registration prefix for the required country to create a text or Excel list
of locations and registrations of aircraft based at those locations in that
country, subject to the panel options. An asterisk denotes a required frame,
an apostrophe denotes a registration only.
Country Opr List
Enter a registration prefix for the required country to create a text or Excel list
of operators and registrations of aircraft operated by them, subject to the
panel options. An asterisk denotes a required frame, an apostrophe denotes
a registration only.
Fixed Callsign
A single fixed callsign can be searched and if found, details of the aircraft are
shown on the main display. This option is only available within the Biz Jets
database.
Full Database
ONE full database can be listed, sorted by the selected options. Due to the
size of the databases, this operation can take some time.
Hex Code (Single)
Enter a Hex code, this option searches all available databases and displays
the resulting aircraft in the main panel and the list panel.
Hex Code (Country)
Search by HEX prefix or country registration prefix. The option panel provides
search options.
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History Prefix
Displays all current & previously registered aircraft in the CURRENT database
with a certain prefix, so use this, for example, to see all biz jets that have been
registered LX- and their fates. The default fate shown is the 'current' reg. If
you want to display the subsequent reg instead, tick the box in the input
panel.
A frame that has had the same registration more than once will display for
each occurrence.
Information Field
The information field can be searched for any text string entered, subject to
the databases selected.
Needs Lists Search
Needs lists that have been created via the Tools > Need Lists Edit option are
searched via this option. Choose the type of list from the drop down box. The
lower list is populated with available lists.
For Airports and Operators selecting from this list will bring up the option
panel to select databases to include in the search.
Operator + Type will bring up two options. If selected, Abbreviated List
displays the results in multiple columns instead of a single column. Include
not needed info displays all aircraft for a particular operator whether seen or
not. A needed indicator is included.
The Abbreviated list option produces a horizontal list, whereas the default is
vertical.
Include the fleet number in the list by checking the box
A drop down box gives an option to print to text or to Word. Also an option to
include on order aircraft is included. The resulting printout shows a ~
against these.
Run the search by selecting from the file list. The results are displayed in the
data grid and also in text or Word format.
Registered Month
This will display aircraft registered in the selected month in the selected
database(s). Military and Russian aircraft are excluded.
Reserved List
A list of current reservations is produced from the chosen database.
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Series
Brings up the option box to enter an aircraft type. This is a wildcard option
which will display all types containing that text, i.e 200 brings up -200, 2000 etc.
Suffix
As for the prefix option but lists instances of the registration suffix, subject to
the Database, Show Aircraft and Status options.
Total Seen
Current DB - The total number of seen frames in the current database will be
displayed alongside total registrations logged in that database
Location enter an airport code and a total of those logged as needed at that
location will be displayed
Type Count
After selecting this option, any choice from the Type lists will display a count
of franes seen for that type. The option should be deselected to resume
normal type searches and is not stored.
Print Options
The contents of the main grid can be printed in several formats which are
selected using the Destination drop down box:
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Downloads
Brings up the downloads panel (pictured under Set Up at the start of the
document) where the following options are available:
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Download Databases
The latest populated Executive, Airliners, Military and GenAv databases
are downloaded by selecting from the list. Unzip and double click the
resulting ..exe file.
Confirm extract, do not change the path. The file will be unzipped and
relocated into the c:\planebase folder.
The files may be downloaded individually or in bulk via the All Databases
option.
Import Logs
This option is for the import of details held in the log databases. This must
be run each time an updated database is downloaded to view the logged
details and speed the consequent operation of the program.
The user databases will be backed up and compacted as part of the Exec
import.
Other Files
A selection of other files available for download are listed. Unzip and run
the files as described above.
Clear
This option will clear the current details and displayed lists.
Help
File Check
Checks that the folder and databases required for the program are present
and reports any omissions. Missing folders will be created. A display of
database dates is included.
Other
Other options are supplied that should only be selected on advice from the
PlanebaseNG team.
Version/Disclaimer
Displays the current version number and date.
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