[RichP]

I have started to create a database of TI-99 equipment for reference purposes.  It is very much in the 'beta stage', but it can be found at http://ti99db.99er.net .  It is a mysql database, and I purchased software to set it up and create the HTML pages.  So, the look and feel of it is based on the default template.  The icons, buttons, etc, will all probably change.  

This all started when I started when I decided to organize my TI collection past what I already had on notepaper.  I photographed and cataloged everything and created a database for my own use.  I exported all of that to a CSV file, and imported it to the database here on 99er.net just to get started.  There were problems getting the photos to import, so I will have to add them individually.  I've also noticed that while the photos I took in my basement are ok for my use, they look kind of lousy, so I want to take better ones of my stuff.  I had also deleted fields that worked for my use (quantity, location in storage, condition), and need to add others that would make more sense if this is to become a comprehensive reference for everyone to use (for instance- I noticed that my 'notes' field in the cartridge table should probably be changed to 'description').

So, I am looking for suggestions on how to organize this, other fields to add, etc.  Right now, I've created sections (tables) for Cartridges and Hardware, and I plan to add at least a 'Software' section for cassette and disk software.  I am also looking for people who are interested in being assistant database editors and would want to add new entries, add/edit descriptions, upload photos, etc.  

I want this to be a fully searchable reference with the ability to export the results to CSV.  If it's possible (and I think it is), I would also like to eventually add the ability for users to create their own account and add items from the database to their profile so as to create a personal inventory.  Also, if there seems to be interest, I would like to eventually move the whole thing over to its own domain name.

If you have suggestions and/or would like to help out with editing, PM or email me.

Thanks,
Rich

[ksarul]

Hi Rich! You might want to add a section for literature too--that way all of the books and magazines that had TI content can also be catalogued. You could look at my TI bibliography as a starting point for that part.

[ksarul]

Hi Rich! You might want to add a section for literature too--that way all of the books and magazines that had TI content can also be catalogued. You could look at my TI bibliography as a starting point for that part.

Having looked through the database, it is a good start. In the hardware section, you definitely need some pictures, especially of the cards with unknown functions (or with insufficient data to describe them correctly, like the Myarc PEB card). That way folks like me can fill in the rest of the missing data, as I have most of the different hardware types in existence. I suspect I should be in there as one of your alternate dBAs too. . .I have a lot of data that I can add.

[RichP]

Thanks for offering to help Jim!  I created an account for you and emailed the login info.  

Good suggestion on literature- I added a new section for it, but haven't entered anything yet.  Your bibliography is a great place to start- I had forgotten that I had it on here... yikes.  

Rich

[RichP]

-I have started to remove double item entries.  Since this started out as a database of my personal collection, I'd had an entry for each individual item.  Along the same lines, I also deleted the cartridge and label color fields - variations can be mentioned in the notes section of that particular entry.
-Added a creative commons license to the site allowing for non-commercial/credited use.

[ksarul]

-I have started to remove double item entries.  Since this started out as a database of my personal collection, I'd had an entry for each individual item.  Along the same lines, I also deleted the cartridge and label color fields - variations can be mentioned in the notes section of that particular entry.
-Added a creative commons license to the site allowing for non-commercial/credited use.

I'm not sure it is a good idea to remove the cartridge and label color fields, Rich--I have cartridges with as many as 10 distinct variants, some of which are exceedingly rare. I also have taken pictures of a lot of the educational ones I have--mostly from Scott Foresman, but there are quite a number of others too. If you have a copy of Bill Gaskill's Cartridge Collection Kit, I made the pictures so he could include them there back in 2003 or so. . .

[RichP]

Just a quick update--As you can see above, I added a literature section as suggested by Ksarul.-I have started to remove double item entries.  Since this started out as a database of my personal collection, I'd had an entry for each individual item.  Along the same lines, I also deleted the cartridge and label color fields - variations can be mentioned in the notes section of that particular entry.
-Added a creative commons license to the site allowing for non-commercial/credited use.

I'm not sure it is a good idea to remove the cartridge and label color fields, Rich--I have cartridges with as many as 10 distinct variants, some of which are exceedingly rare. I also have taken pictures of a lot of the educational ones I have--mostly from Scott Foresman, but there are quite a number of others too. If you have a copy of Bill Gaskill's Cartridge Collection Kit, I made the pictures so he could include them there back in 2003 or so. . .

[ksarul]

Just a quick update--As you can see above, I added a literature section as suggested by Ksarul.-I have started to remove double item entries.  Since this started out as a database of my personal collection, I'd had an entry for each individual item.  Along the same lines, I also deleted the cartridge and label color fields - variations can be mentioned in the notes section of that particular entry.
-Added a creative commons license to the site allowing for non-commercial/credited use.

I'm not sure it is a good idea to remove the cartridge and label color fields, Rich--I have cartridges with as many as 10 distinct variants, some of which are exceedingly rare. I also have taken pictures of a lot of the educational ones I have--mostly from Scott Foresman, but there are quite a number of others too. If you have a copy of Bill Gaskill's Cartridge Collection Kit, I made the pictures so he could include them there back in 2003 or so. . .

I'd keep each color/label variant together with an option to put a picture of the label in for each variant. That way the viewer will be able to identify their version of the cartridge almost immediately.


I also realized one of the fields I used pretty regularly for literature items is missing: Language. I have stuff in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish--and I know there are documents in Danish as well. Once magazines (or their articles) get added, it might be a good idea to add a page reference field to help folks identify where to find them.

[Tony Knerr]

I have info about some items I can add to the database. Should I post it here, or is there a way to add it directly?

Thanks,

Tony
 

[RichP]

I have info about some items I can add to the database. Should I post it here, or is there a way to add it directly?

Thanks,

Tony