Introduction

KitBase is a database application designed for scale modellers and collectors. The database records kits in a structured way so that you can keep track of them. The main features are:

• Intelligent, interactive sorting and filtering of kits.
• Keep track of the kits that you own.
• Maintain a wish list of kits that you want.
• Record purchase, sale and trading details, including dates and cash values.
• Associate images and documents with kits (e.g. box art scans, photographs, PDF files, Word documents). These are stored alongside the database.
• Preview and print reports from different perspectives. (Printing is disabled in the Trial Version, only preview is available).
• Export printouts to PDF and Excel (disabled in the Trial Version).

Intro by the developer:

Installing KitBase

Starting KitBase

The first time KitBase starts it will check for an existing database in your My Documents folder. If you have a database already, KitBase will use it automatically.

If KitBase doesn't find a database, the KitBase Database Setup screen will be displayed.

Database Setup

Default Database Options

The default option is to create a brand new KitBase database in a folder called 'Suisoft KitBase' in your My Documents folder. This is recommended as you should be backing up your documents folder regularly, therefore KitBase files will be backed up as well.

By default, a new database will be created with some master lists already setup. For example, Kit Types such as Aeroplanes, Vehicles etc. will be set up. Manufacturers will also be set up, for example Airfix. If you want to set up your master lists from scratch, untick the 'Create Common Master Lists' box.

If you are happy with the default options, click the OK button to create your database.

Creating a KitBase database in a custom folder

If you want to create your KitBase database in a specific location, choose the 'Custom' option then click the 'Choose Location for New Database' button. Browse to the folder of your choosing and click Save. Note that you can create a new folder using the 'Create New Folder' icon at the top of the Browse window.

A file called "Kits Database" [.KitBase] will be created. When you start associating images and documents with your kits, a folder called "Kits Database.KitBase_KitFiles" will also be created in the same location.
The 'Create Common Master Lists' option still applies, as described above.

Using an existing KitBase database

If you have used KitBase before and created your database in a custom location, you will need to re-connect KitBase to the database. Choose the 'Existing' option then click the 'Browse to Existing Database'. Browse to the "Kits Database" [.KitBase] file that was created by your earlier installation and click OK.

Getting Started Entering Your Data

Owned Kits (Stash)

The first place you are likely to start is by cataloging your stash of kits. When KitBase first starts you will be shown the Kit List screen with 'Owned Kits' selected in the navigation bar on the left hand side.

Click the 'Add' button to enter the details of the kit.

You can also 'Edit' and 'Delete' kits from any of the lists (owned, wanted etc).

Wanted Kits (Wish List)

You can also enter a list of kits that you would like to obtain in the future. To do this, choose 'Wanted Kits' from the navigation bar on the left hand side of the Kit List screen.

If you obtain a kit that is in your wish list, you can edit the kit and change its status.

Choose 'Wanted Kits' from the navigation bar on the Kit List screen.
Select the kit in the list and click the 'Edit' button.
Change the Status to 'Owned' and fill in any sales details that you have and click 'Save'.

Selling a Kit

If you decide to sell a kit, you should 'Edit' the kit from the 'Owned Kits' list and change its status to 'Sold'.

Choose 'Owned Kits' from the navigation bar on the Kit List screen.
Select the kit in the list and click the 'Edit' button.
Change the Status to 'Sold' and fill in any sales details that you have and click 'Save'.

Note that you can directly 'Add' a kit into the 'Sold Kits' list if necessary. Usually a kit will be in the 'Owned' list and you will change its status.

Trading a Kit

If you decide to trade a kit, you should 'Edit' the kit from the 'Owned Kits' list and change its status to 'Traded'.

Choose 'Owned Kits' from the navigation bar on the Kit List screen.
Select the kit in the list and click the 'Edit' button.
Change the Status to 'Traded' and fill in any trading details that you have and click 'Save'.

Note that you can directly 'Add' a kit into the 'Traded Kits' list if necessary.

Gifting a Kit

If you decide to give away a kit, you should 'Edit' the kit from the 'Owned Kits' list and change its status to 'Gifted'.

Choose 'Owned Kits' from the navigation bar on the Kit List screen.
Select the kit in the list and click the 'Edit' button.
Change the Status to 'Gifted' and fill in any details that you have and click 'Save'.

Note that you can directly 'Add' a kit into the 'Gifted Kits' list if necessary.

Scrapping a Kit

If you decide to scrap a kit (for example if you have built it and it has fallen apart beyond repair), you should 'Edit' the kit from the 'Owned Kits' list and change its status to 'Scrapped'.

Note that you can directly 'Add' a kit into the 'Scrapped Kits' list if necessary.

KitBase Screens

Kit Record

View Customisation

KitBase comes with several built-in views, allowing you to display your data from different perspectives.

You can select a view via the 'Current View' list on the navigation bar on the left hand side of the Kit List screen. Views can be customised via the links under the 'Current View' list:

Note: Views cannot be customised in the Trial Version of KitBase.

Choosing Fields

The view customisation screen allows you to specify the fields that you want to see, along with their sort direction.

To add a field to the view, choose the field you require from the 'Available Fields' list on the left then click 'Add'.

To remove a field from the view, choose the field in the 'View these fields' box then click 'Remove'.

Tip: You can also move fields between the boxes by double clicking them.

To help you find the fields you need, the 'Available Fields' box can be sorted in two ways. By default the fields are in the same, familiar order as the 'Kit Record' screen. You can change this to an 'A to Z' sort by choosing the 'Alphabetical' option above the 'Available Fields' list. Choose 'Kit Screen Order' to change back.

You must specify the name of the view via the 'View Name' box.

Other Buttons:

Once you have selected the required fields, click 'Save' and the view will be automatically displayed in the Kit List.

Master Lists

Kit Manufacturers

Kit Manufacturers are the makers of the models, rather than the subject.
For example, an Airfix model of a Supermarine Spitfire will have the Kit Manufacturer of 'Airfix'.

Kit Media

Kit Media is used to indicate the material that the kit is made from, for example Resin.

Kit Types

Kit Types are a high level category, for example Helicopters, Aeroplanes etc.

Locations

Locations is used to indicate where the model is stored or displayed.
For example: 'Back Bedroom', 'Display Cabinet' etc.

Nations

The Nations list is intended to represent the subject nation, for example a Hasegawa model of Supermarine Spitfire will have a nation of 'United Kingdom' (the real manufacturer), rather than Japan (the home of Hasegawa, the model manufacturer).

Real Manufacturers

Real Manufacturers are the makers of the subject of the model.
For example, an Airfix model of a Supermarine Spitfire will have the Real Manufacturer of 'Supermarine'.

Scales

In the earlier versions of KitBase, scales had to be entered as a ratio (e.g. 1/72).
To allow for non-ratio scales (e.g. 25mm) the field is now free text.

Traders

Traders are the people or organisations that you can obtain kits from or sell/trade/give kits to.

Options

The options screen is accessed via the 'Tools / Options' menu.

Colours Tab

The colours tab allows customisation of the colour scheme used on the Kit List and Master List screens. Simply click one of the coloured boxes and choose a colour from the standard Windows colour selection box. A preview of the colour scheme is shown on the right hand side.

Once you are happy with the new colours, press OK and they will be saved
Press cancel to abort any changes you have made.

To reset the colours back to their defaults, press the Default button.

KitBase Reports

There are several reports built into KitBase. They are accessible through the Reports menu. Each Kit Status has a separate set of reports. See below for a description of each report.

All reports have filters at the top of the screen and are automatically previewed. Note that 'Date From' and 'Date To' filters will only be displayed for reports ordered by a date, such as the 'Sold Kits by Disposal Date' report.

Choose a report from the Report menu. Hover over the icons on the toolbar to see their names. The functions of the icons are as follows:

Tip: To return to the Kit List screen or another screen use the 'Window' menu.

Wanted Kit Reports

Reports for Kits at 'Wanted' status are available through the Reports / Wanted menu.

Owned Kit Reports

Reports for Kits at 'Owned' status are available through the Reports / Owned menu.

Sold Kit Reports

Reports for Kits at 'Sold' status are available through the Reports / Sold menu.

Traded Kit Reports

Reports for Kits at 'Traded' status are available through the Reports / Traded menu.

Gifted and Scrapped Reports

Presently, there are no reports for 'Gifted' and 'Scrapped' status Kits.

Backup and Maintenance

Backing Up

It is extremely important to perform regular backups of your KitBase database and associated files. By default, the database and files will be stored in My Documents. You need to make a copy of the "Kits Database" (.KitBase) file and the "Kits Database.KitBase_KitFiles" folder to removal media, for example a USB Memory stick.

You can navigate to the folder where your database lives via the 'File / Show Database Location' menu option.

Maintenance (Compact and Repair)

Over time as records are modified and deleted, the KitBase database file will become fragmented and less efficient in much the same way as your file system in Windows. The majority of databases work in this manner so that they are not reorganised every time a record is updated or deleted resulting in a very slow experience.

The Compact and Repair option (in the File menu) is provided to clean up the database and should be used periodically to keep the database size as low as possible

The Compact and Repair option can also be used to fix a corrupted database, for example after a PC crash or unexpected power loss. It is vital to back up your database and files, as the repair may not work if the database is too damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Data and Settings

Q: Where are KitBase data files stored?

When KitBase is first run, you will be able to choose a location for your KitBase database. The default will be in "My Documents\Suisoft KitBase\Kits Database.KitBase".

A folder containing files associated with kits will also be created in the same location after you create your first kit record. The name of the folder will be "Kits Database.KitBase_KitFiles". A folder will be created for each kit, named according to the system-assigned RecNo (record number) of the kit.

You can navigate to the folder where your database lives via the 'File / Show Database Location' menu option.

Q: Where are KitBase settings stored?

Settings are stored in the standard Windows location. They are specific to the PC User.

Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\-user name-\Local Settings\Application Data\Suisoft\
Windows Vista / Windows 7: C:\Users\-user name-\AppData\Local\Suisoft\

Note that the files may be hidden by Windows.

Q: How do I start again with a fresh database or switch databases?

Presently KitBase doesn't support multiple databases as it is expected that users will only need a single database.

If you have been experimenting or would like to start from scratch, the easiest method is to close down KitBase and rename or move the folder containing your database. When KitBase is started up again the Database Setup screen will be displayed, allowing you to create or choose a new database.

Note that you can navigate to the folder where your database lives via the 'File / Show Database Location' menu option.
You will need to close KitBase before renaming or deleting the database or files folder.

Troubleshooting

Report Problems

The report filters are disabled

This may happen when switching in and out of 'Print Layout' due to a quirk with the Microsoft Report Viewer control. To re-enable the report filters, click the 'Refresh' button on the report viewer toolbar.

Support/Contact Information