MyElecParts - Electronic component search and inventory - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2024, 06:09:51 pm
content: Hello,I am proud to announce that the first version of MyElecParts is available to download athttps://myelecparts.huweb page.It is freeware, easy-to-use electronic component inventory for hobbyists and makers with two useful online search function.You can organize your parts in freely definable parts categories. The most common categories are also available by default. It also offers hierarchical storage space management. You can keep track of where your parts are physically located.Each part category can be assigned characteristic parameters. It helps to add usual parameters for a part, but it also helps a lot to sort or filter a part with chosen parameters.MyElecParts has a full-featured built-in PDF viewer that displays attached documents quickly and easily. When you view the details of a part, its datasheet automatically opens, giving you instant access to all its details.Inventorying parts is a long and tedious process unless you have a great tool to make it easier. MyElecParts makes this process simple and quick. You can search for parts and get the results from online sources with basic information such as manufacturer, packaging, description and even available data sheets. But that's not all, the search also returns typical parameters for discrete semiconductors and for some integrated semiconductor products. After selecting the right match, it is only a step to create an inventory part, which is pre-populated with the collected parameters and the selected data sheets.The program also has a SMD marking code search function. It uses online sources, summarizes the results, groups them, extend it with pin number and package drawings to help to find the original part number.Enjoy.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2024, 06:17:10 pm
content: Hey thanks, I will take a look at this very closely.

author: amwales
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2024, 06:20:30 pm
content: Thankyou for sharing this

author: larrybud
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2024, 02:42:54 pm
content: Thanks. Can you import a list from Excel or CSV?

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2024, 03:46:56 pm
content: Currently there is no export / import functionality.Exporting date in a well defined format would be easy to add, but the importing is tricky as you either need to create your input in a well defined format, or a clever import mapping function needs to be implemented.Can you share few rows example about your input?

author: larrybud
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2024, 08:01:45 pm
content: Heck, you can have the whole file.I'm a developer and have written several imports from Excel. Since you're using .net use theDocumentFormat.OpenXml.Packaging;DocumentFormat.OpenXml.Spreadsheet;libraries to do your dirty work. You don't have to worry about date conversions.The way I do any conversion is to write a library in whatever format I want to use for my own app, then I can just write conversion routines for whatever source I want to convert from, into my own format.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2024, 09:04:28 pm
content: Before I decided to write my own inventory software I had similar spreadsheets. The difficulties here is not getting the data from the excel, but put it into the right fields.Lets see your example sheet:COLUMN in your XLS -> MyElecParts fieldUniqe ID -> Part NameType + Category + Class -> Part Category (You have three fields, I have full hierarchical categories, eg. IC + Logic Gate + TTL should be mapped to Digital IC -> Logic -> 7400. Creating new categories could work but it cases a mess and it results also loosing the predefined parameters of the existing categories. )Location -> Storage location (new locations should be added during the import)Package -> Package (not populated in your data)Package 2 -> it is the pin number, no direct mappingName -> DescriptionDescription -> It is a link to the datasheet or a page on the internet. I don't like to include such links, as they will sooner or later break. I rather download the datasheet and attach it to the part.As you can see there are difficulties to select the right part category and maybe similar issue would be with the package if would be populated, and also with the datasheet.List of your spreadsheet is not too long, I suggest to try the part meta search to store several parts from your list, just to get some experience with it, and you will see the power of meta search. It will collect more data than you currently have in your sheet. For example if you have a transistor it will collect description, manufacturer, package, data sheets and even characteristic parameters. It is more work at your side, but the result will be a more complete and usable database than with importing.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2024, 03:37:15 am
content: I haven't tried this yet, however, I too have an Excel spreadsheet of my components.It has many tabs for the different types of components, so maybe twelve or so tabs. Unfortunately not every tab is formatted the same due to the type of component.Having said all this, would it make sense to create an import feature that would read each row/column and place it into the associated field in your program?This way I, along with anyone else who has their inventory in a spreadsheet can change the columns to match your import feature and the spreadsheets will be imported much easier. Any cells that don't have associated information can be left blank or something such as '0' to avoid messing up the importing.In my case my capacitor tab has columns associated with capacitor specs that I care about whereas the voltage regulator tab has Vin, current, etc...

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:04:56 am
content: In your case you have one part category per tab. So in theory one tab could be imported into one MyElecParts part category if the category matches. In MyElecParts there are 3 capacitor categories by default I assume you have only one. Maybe splitting your input per MyElecParts part categories and importing one category at once could work, but still need a mapping of which columns goes into which fields.I think many people use excel for this purpose, so an import feature would be great.Perhaps a well defined format of the excel file could work with one part category per tab and one column per MyElecParts fields/parameters. Anyone who wants to use this feature would have to move their data into the appropriate tabs and columns. This is how it can work. Unfortunately, importing any arbitrary format is not possible.

author: xvr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 11:24:34 am
content: QuoteMay be it is worth to choose one common format for import/export? It should be pure text and standard (for example: XML or JSON).This approach allows to import/export between MyElecParts and anything as 2 stage process. One stage directed (and implemented) by MyElecParts and another by end-user.2nd stage converters could be implemented by anyone and independently from development of MyElecParts.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 02:22:06 pm
content: QuoteYesterday I went to test your program on a Win7 machine, but it told me I needed to download something. I wasn't near Internet access, so I couldn't proceed to test your program.Having said this, I'm still flying blind on the suggestions I make.Maybe others have a more elaborate spreadsheet than I. Mine started basic, but noticed different components required different columns/categories (I know I'm repeating). As a result, it began growing with general columns being common throughout the tabs, but other tabs had more columns to cater to the component.Attached are a few pages from my file. To the far right is a column labeled 'Project Used On'. I use this as a way to remember just what the part is to spark a memory. Sometimes the part was used on a specific project, other times it may be inventory tossed out from a job.If you plan to move forward with an import feature, a "notes" column may benefit most as I'd use it for the column in my spreadsheet labeled 'Project Used On'. In many cases, I use this column as notes anyway, but it's important because it helps me visualize the actual part.I'll gladly help with an import feature such as suggesting column titles. If you make an import feature, then the user such as I, could make every tab have the same column titles. Any columns and/or cells that don't have information would either require something like N/A, blank, or whatever makes it easier to import into your program (unless you make your import feature recognize blank cells and will leave that area blank in your program without crashing it).Looking at my spreadsheet, you can see the general categories are:Component type, company, component, part number, value, mounting type, voltage rating, wattage, vin, vout, etc...To elaborate on what I stated above, for my 'Cables' tab, I don't have a 'Vin' category, but it's needed for something like a voltage regulator. This is why different tabs have different columns. Technically I could make every tab the same, but felt it would make each tab too large and waste space.To import correctly, I'd change my Excel sheet to make every tab have the same column titles. As you can see though, it's important to have a variety of column titles to cover all the types of components.Also, I have a 'MISC' tab that may be a bit more difficult to import and maybe worth just skipping. These are random parts that may be mechanical hardware or whatever.

author: NightMoth
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 03:30:54 pm
content: Thank you for sharing, great job!It will be great if in future releases you add "batch" and "vendor/price" related fields and ability to search by this fields.In my excel I'm also trying to keep a track from which vendor and for which price some particular part has beed purchased, was this batch ok, was the vendor/delivery ok etc. to decide where to buy it next time.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 04:04:48 pm
content: Any chance it could be made to use a sqlite source rather than MS SQL?

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 06:50:39 pm
content: QuoteYes, definitely. This option I consider to add. I put it on the wish list.I will also put the XLSX export/import with predefined format to the wish list.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 07:41:35 pm
content: I already have note column.The Part category (Component type in your table) can be the name of the tab in xlsx, and the following columns would be available for all parts:Name (e.g. LED 3 mm Orange)Manufacturer part name (e.g L-934NC)Description (e.g. Light emitting diode)Manufacturer (e.g. Kingbright -> it is not a free text, but selection from a list, new one needs to be created, but avoid duplication. e.g. AVX and AVX Corporation are the same.)Package (e.g. TO-220 -> it is also not a free text, but selection from a list, new one needs to be created, but avoid duplication. e.g TO218 = TO-218 = SOT-93)Marking (package marking if it is an SMD marking code or abbreviated part type e.g. C3042)Storage location (It can be hierarchical, e.g. HB01/Opto, new ones needs to be created)Stock (Quantity, number only)Condition ("Unknown", "New" or "Used", or "New and used")Note (free text for any purpose)Depending on the part category additional columns would be available. MyElecParts has predefined parameters for the existing part categories but it is also editable. E.g. For linear voltage regulator for example see the attached picture. For each part category parameter will be a column in the export/import file. Here several data types are supported, again easy to export but need correct input for the import.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 07:48:56 pm
content: QuoteNo, it is not supported.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 08:30:40 pm
content: Quote from: majki on December 10, 2024, 07:48:56 pmOK, thanks. Nevertheless, well done for doing this and making it available

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 12:24:18 am
content: I tinkered with the program a bit.It looks great and I like how you implemented the datasheets and stuff into the program.Based on your feedback, my feedback, and some current thoughts. My first concern, as is with any software, is that it requires SQL or whatever to be downloaded/installed. Going forward, this can cause issues should the program become unavailable, or, in the future, it doesn't work on new Windows platforms. My other question is regarding what seems obvious, but is confusing. Looking at one example, under 'Storage locations' (maybe make the titles all uppercase) you have two location groups and three locations, but, when I go in there, I see 'hobby box 1' for two components (which explains the two location groups), but then I don't see anything that represents three locations.One concern about something like location is whether a batch rename exists. As an example, say I keep all my capacitors in 'Box 1' but in the future change it to another name. Can I do a batch rename from 'Box 1' to 'New Box'?The fact you made it so it can be customized is great too; and I like that you include a list of package sizes and vendors that can be added to as well. Only recently did I start adding package sizes (within reason) with my list. In my case, I just want to know if I have a specific part. Once I know it exists, then I dig through that associated box to see if it's what I want/need.When adding a part, I see red asterisks next to many fields. Although this is great, will this cause issues if/when you create a way to import from Excel?Finally, for fields, I haven't looked through all of them, but, as mentioned, I know which fields I have (and can probably add more). If you overthink and/or keep getting input from everyone, most likely you'll never finish the program.Having said this, a good set of fields will help, but not going overboard. In most cases, say for capacitors, I only care about whether it's through-hole or surface mount, value, and voltage (ignoring manufacture, part number, quantity, etc...). Maybe if I wanted to go overboard I'd want dimensions, but it's unnecessary. When it comes to voltage regulators, things change. I'd want to know the input voltage range, output voltage range, number of outputs, max output current, etc...So I'd get a list of fields and include them accordingly without going too crazy.From what I see, you created a great program without going overboard, but without making it lack important information.Can't wait to see the import feature.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 07:20:17 am
content: QuoteI put it on the wish list, but future future.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 07:59:00 am
content: QuoteEvery program can be obsolete in one point of time, but I think MS SQL and .NET will not disappear soon, so don't worry. In worst case you will be able to export all your data and import them into your future favorite program.QuoteThe third location is the "Unknown". You can have parts under this location. It could be exclude from the calculation, but I think it is also a valid one.QuoteRight click on the location name and Edit storage location: Here you can rename and also move the location under other location (just change the parent location here).Other option to batch move parts is to select the parts to be moved by the checkbox of each row, and click on top right "Move selected parts" button. There you can specify the new location of the selected parts.QuoteRed asterix for the required field but there are other constraints, for example the length of the fields or the part name is used to create directory for the attachment, so it can contain only a restricted set of characters. I have a validation function with rules defined for each fields, so I will be able to validate the imported part based on the same rules than the user edited parts.QuoteI want to keep it simple. I am not going to add any useless fields for the basic set of fields. Other programs might contains tons of fields are never really populated, eg. weight of the part or manufacturing status (active/disconnected), etc.Otherwise you can add any parameter for a particular part category by own. If you need for example input voltage, or number of outputs for an IC, you can add it by own for one part category. (Right click on the part category name and choose Manage part category parameters.)

author: Krotow
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 09:09:23 am
content: I'm tempted to try this software. However I use Linux as my daily driver and MS SQL Server onboard is no go. Sorry.What was wrong with using some cross-platform DB engine? That same PostgreSQL is supported in .NET.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 10:00:01 am
content: If ODBC was used as the database connector it wouldn't matter so much what's behind it. I use it to connect sqlite to Altium for external database, for instance.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 11:34:26 am
content: There is MS SQL for Linux. I also tested it on Debian and it works with MyElecParts with Wine:See also the Installation tab on the home page.MS SQL local db was choosen as it easy to install on Windows (no input required from the user), no additional setup of connect string or anything is needed, and the result will be data base files under the Data directory. So all data (image assets, or attachments ad database) are in one place under the Data directory. You can easily backup everything with saving just the Data directory in Windows.If you would use any other database engine you need to care about configuring the right connect string and backup of the Data dir and also content of the database by own, which is for the average user is a difficulty.I use Entitiy Framework 6 which in theory can support PostgreeSQL with additional provider (https://www.npgsql.org/ef6/index.html), but it requires additional dependencies, configuration and testing. I am not sure that all needed features is implemented in this provider.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 11:41:40 am
content: There is no ODBC provider for the Entity Framework, so it is not an option here.And I will not drop the Entity Framework ...

author: xvr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 11:58:41 am
content: But there is SQlite EF provider -https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ef/core/providers/sqlite/?tabs=dotnet-core-cli

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2024, 12:14:09 pm
content: It is EF6 and not EF Core, but anyway, you are right there is SQLite provider, but as I learned herehttps://entityframework-extensions.net/sqlite-provider,it does not support creating database from code:QuoteI use code first approach, so it is a no go for SQLite provider for me.It seems the PostgreeSQL provider does not support creating database from code either:https://www.npgsql.org/ef6/index.htmlQuoteSo it is a no go with code first approach.Anyway, it would be better to focus on what this program provides you just for free instead of listing what it is not. It just works fine with the local DB, and thats it.

author: larrybud
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 02:46:40 pm
content: You could always store the data in XML or JSON, or maybe give an option to the user. I would think a personal database wouldn't be that large that a text based db would matter. How many parts do people doing this as a hobby have, a few thousand, max?BTW, no good deed goes unpunished. You'll get a million enhancement suggestions. lol

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 03:15:04 pm
content: QuoteGood way of putting it.I saw the responses from others and hope the designer wouldn't get frustrated and give up providing this to us.The program is more elaborate than I could have imagined, so I think it's great. My concerns with any software, especially unique software, is whether 3rd party software it depends on will always be available and compatible.Besides that suggestion and some feedback based on experiences I've had trying to keep a database, I'd keep it as is.I hope the designer doesn't get bombarded with suggestions to avoid frustration.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2024, 04:34:28 pm
content: I would rather not use xml/json for serious database, but I will provide an export to json in a future release. If someone is afraid that the technology used will disappear soon, he/she can at least export the data.If someone is not happy with this technology, no one will force them to use it. There are many similar programs. Choose according to their own preferences and if none of them suits their needs, just create one, as I didQuoteI think a bit early to think about it, but you will have always the option to run it in a virtual machine with the old OS and dependencies.

author: igendel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2024, 10:09:39 pm
content: For what it's worth, this looks just right for my needs as a hobbyist/freelancer. I just downloaded it and added a few parts for testing; I'll add more in the coming days and report anything interesting. Thanks!

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 01:23:31 pm
content: When do you expect to get the Excel import feature done?

author: igendel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 04:19:36 pm
content: Quote from: igendel on December 21, 2024, 10:09:39 pmDid I speak too soon and jinxed it?I added a manufacturer, added two ICs by them, and then tried to add a logo. At first I copied the logo from the website to the clipboard, but got an error when pasting to the logo box (something about illegal characters). Then I saved the logo to my PC and uploaded it from there; it appeared in the box, but won't save - with the mysterious error message like "cannot save". I tried to delete the manufacturer - got an error message too, but the name was actually changed to "unknown" in the list. Now this row can't be deleted (trashcan logo grayed out), and when I try to edit it, there's only the name and description boxes, no logo boxes, and whatever I write and click save it pops a warning that it can't be saved - although these little changes do appear when I close and re-open the listEdit: Closing and restarting the program seems to have fixed this for now. I'll look again later.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 05:42:58 pm
content: I cannot promise exact date, as not yet started.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 06:01:50 pm
content: If you delete a manufacturer your parts with that manufacturer will be updated to the "Unknown" manufacturer. "Unknown" is a default record, you cannot delete it, but you are able to rename it e.g. to N/A if you wish. There is no logo for the Unknown manufacturer.Please attach the downloaded logo and I will check what was the problem with it. Next time you can also press F12 to reveal the log window and copy log records to the clipboard and paste it into a text file to save more information about the problem.I usually use drag and drop to add images from a browser.Here is an old screen recording about it:https://www.hobbielektronika.hu/forum/getfile.php?id=404387(form 0:55)

author: igendel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 07:50:27 pm
content: Quote from: majki on December 22, 2024, 06:01:50 pmThanks. Now (out of spite I guess) the logo update - selecting the same file from the PC - worked without any issue...I suspect that it had something to do with me trying to perform some actions before the records/UI were updated.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2025, 09:55:57 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.10 releasedhttps://myelecparts.hu/The main focus was the improvement of the part meta search feature. Support for 16 new part categories were added (ADC, DAC, Digital potentiometer, linear and switched voltage regulators, voltage reference, SMPS controller, MOSFET driver, optocoulper, digital interface IC, RTC, Sensor, various memory ICs). There was also made significant progress in other areas of the meta search. In addition, the following things have been added:• 6 new part categories added• 17 new packages added (Opto, SOJ)• 22 new manufacturers added• Bug fixes• Small improvements

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2025, 02:55:02 pm
content: I appreciate your updates, but remain a bit confused over the dashboard.Under parts, it lists: part categories 74, part types 1, attachments 3, and total parts 10. When I click it, I see BC182.Part of this is obvious. you have 74 different part categories (resistor, diode, transistor, etc...), 3 attachments exist (datasheets I assume), 10 parts in the database, but what is the meaning of 'part type'?When doing a part search in 'part meta search', I can't do a wild card. From what I understand, you've already added ten parts to the database, but, I can't seem to locate them easily enough in the 'parts' section so I can delete them. I attempted to do a wildcard so I can see which ones they are and manually delete them individually, but seems a wild card search didn't work.Maybe it would help if you took a snapshot of the dashboard and commented everything as a tutorial for myself and others. The database itself is easy enough to learn, but maybe a snap shot of the dashboard explaining the meaning of each item would help.As for the wild card search, my guess is the ten parts you have are scattered throughout different categories making it harder for me to delete them. I'd like to start with an empty database since then ten parts already in there aren't in my inventory, but also, I think being able to list every part could be beneficial.As an example: if my inventory is 100 parts, but the database shows 101, I can do a wild card, see every part, and look for something that I may have entered incorrectly. Maybe I accidentally began entering a diode and saved it by accident, so a wild card list would show blank sections for that diode allowing it to stand out and delete it.I'll admit though, I haven't tinkered with this much as I'm waiting for the Excel export feature. Although I could manually enter every part individually, at the moment I don't have time so it will be a project in the future, or once the import feature comes out.Thanks again for all the work you're putting into this.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2025, 11:19:22 pm
content: The Dashboard shows simple statistics, I though it is easy to understand. Maybe the used labels are not the best. Sorry I am not a native English speaker. After first start the Dashboards shows:- 74 different part categories (resistor, diode, transistor, etc...)- 1 part type (it is the number of different parts, Here it is the single part type BC182)- 3 attachments (can be any PDF or image file attached to a part type, for the BC182 there are 2 PDFs and one image attached)- 10 Total parts (Maybe the name is confusing but it is the total number of the parts (all pieces from all part types), here 10 pcs. of the BC182)Part meta search in not search in your own database but it search a part in online sources, then you can select one match from the result list and create an inventory part from that result. It is very useful part of the software to enter your parts manually as it help to fill data fields and attach datasheets.To show all your parts go to the Parts page, click on Root and you will see all of them. You can then filter the list- by clicking on a part category- right click on the Name column and enter a search text (no wild card supported, sorry)- Right top filter button (Detailed filter)I added only one part, the BC182 and not 10, but the stock level is 10 from it. You can delete this single part and will get an empty part list.

author: iMo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2025, 04:09:18 pm
content: Nice app.. I've been planning to organize my junkbox content for a long time already..Let me ask you following:1. how to backup the Data easily (win10/7)?2. do the backuped Data will be compatible with your future enhancements/versions (such the "import of the backup" will work always fine, free of charge)?

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2025, 08:49:56 pm
content: QuoteNow that you explained it, I think it's less confusing. It may help to take a snapshot of the dashboard and place text next to each section explaining their meanings and it can be in its own directory named: MyElecParts User ManualYou can make it part of the installation; or place it in the 'help' section within the program.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2025, 09:32:12 am
content: QuoteEverything is stored under the Data directory:Data/Database <- database files for the MS SQL LocalDBData/Manufacturer <- manufacturer logosData/Package <- package image and drawingsData/Part <- Attachments for the partsYou just need to save the Data directory for the full backup.QuoteYes, I will do migration at version update, so any old version of the backed date can be used with the newer versions.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2025, 09:03:36 pm
content: Hello,I've tinkered a bit more with this program and still think it's great, but still only tinkering as my main goal is waiting for the Excel import feature rather than entering all the parts I've already typed in Excel.Anyway, I have some feedback.First I've noticed the Windows taskbar doesn't open (I have mine set to auto hide) when the program has the window maximized. Not a major problem, but obviously can't switch windows easily enough.You have 'Name' for what I assume is the part number. This is slightly confusing for a beginner as "Name" implies the component name such as: resistor, capacitor, etc... Maybe change this to 'Part Number'.Unless I'm doing something wrong, it looks like wildcard isn't supported. Not sure if this could be useful, but if I want to find a "2222", it would be nice to do a wildcard search for *2222*. In some cases, I may have a RNC resistor part that is one letter off such as tape and reel, so while the part number is the same, the one digit different would prevent me from finding the part. Having a wild card would allow me to search all RNC (RNC*).The text seems a bit light. When I added a part, it was a struggle trying to see the parameters; and even some of the headers are faint. Making these darker, or a different color to differentiate between things may help.Finally, is it easy to implement a recycle bin for deleted parts? I created a part and deleted it, but realized, if I accidentally deleted the wrong one, I'd have to try remember which one it was. Having either a recycle bin to retrieve deleted parts from and/or a history of deleted parts (maybe a history of both added and deleted) would be useful.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2025, 07:11:52 pm
content: Thanks for the feedback.1. Windows taskbar doesn't openIt is a common problem for WPF applications with own window header, I found lot of complaint about it, but no simple solution. Anyway I will fix it in the next release, I implemented a complex workaround. It works on W7, W10, multi monitor setup and different DPI settings .... We will see.2. 'Name'I renamed it to Part type, as I already use Part type on the Meta search and Marking code search pages. Now all will use the same.3. WildcardYou cannot use wildcard, but if you type 2222 the search will result any part type contains 2222, it is like the *2222*. See the attachment.4. The text seems a bit lightI will address this maybe later with adding color schemes.5. Delete partThere is a confirmation dialog with the part type highlighted in in.I will add the recycle bin and the history to the wish list. We will see.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 01:00:11 am
content: You don't feel 'Part Number' would be a better choice rather than 'Part Type'?'Part Type' I feel implies 'resistor', 'capacitor', etc... whereas 'Part Number' would be '2N2222A', etc...Coming up with a color scheme may be nice, but if it's too much trouble, I would just change the dimmer text so it's brighter. At first I thought my laptop screen needed to be re-angled due to glares, however, I learned reading the text wasn't easy.As for the recycle bin and/or history, you're correct, a warning about deleting the part is shown, but I feel if someone does it too quickly, they may accidentally delete something they didn't mean to.As an example: maybe someone wants to delete a 2N2222, and, without paying attention, delete a 2N2222A. When they look at the transistors, they still see a 2N2222 and wonder what they deleted since the 2N2222 is still showing in the inventory.With a history of added/deleted parts, one can look and see what they deleted and either restore it from the bin, or, if a bin is too difficult to create, see the log of which part(s) got deleted and manually reenter it.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2025, 08:40:48 am
content: "Part number" - it is strange if I translate it to my native language, but I see you generaly use it, I will update it everywhere."dimmer text" - I will change a colors a bit to make the light grays to darker a bit.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2025, 11:41:10 pm
content: I haven't heard any updates and wondering if you've made any improvements or how long before you issue a new version?One suggestion I had for making sure users never lose their data should they be unable to install it on future operating systems is being able to export the database to Excel.Since you plan to make an import feature, thought maybe export would be useful too.Maybe have it export with all the major categories such as MOSFETs and stuff all fall under transistors, or just group everything and have the user separate them however they desire.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2025, 09:13:50 am
content: Hello,The next version is comming soon. I am currently working on the export feature.It will create xlsx in a format which can be imported in a later version.The export is almost done, you can find an example xlsx of an empty database (except the example BC182) attached.One tab per part categorySimilar catagories are groupped by tab colors, e.g. Tabs of transistors (BJT, MOSFET, etc.) have the same tab colorClick on the column header will give you some hints about the columnClick on the Part number column header will give you also info about the part categoryColor style addedFreeze pane addedAuto filter enabledDuring the export you will be able to select which part categories to export and which colums to include into the export file.The attachment files are not yet handled, only the name of the attachment files added to the table.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2025, 10:14:33 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.20 releasedhttps://myelecparts.hu/• Parts export into XLSX and JSON format• Meta search: Add support for Microcontrollers and passive components• Meta search: Fix Datasheet4U search• Bugfix for auto hide taskbar• 3 new part categories added (Microcontrollers)• Extend part category parameters• 3 new packages added (Quartz)• 9 new manufacturers added• Bug fixes

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2025, 06:39:06 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.21 releasedhttps://myelecparts.hu/This is only a bugfix release due to the changed format of meta search sites:• Meta search: Fix Alltransistor datasheet download• Meta search: Fix Datasheet4U datasheet parsing

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 05:23:24 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.22 releasedhttps://myelecparts.hu/This is only a bugfix release due to update of the source site:• Meta search: Fix Datasheet4U datasheet source

author: temperance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 07:19:14 pm
content: I just tried it. There are things I really like such as the ability to create your own part categories coupled with the ability to assign a set of parameters to each part category. (I haven't tried how many parameters one can assign.)

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2025, 05:35:17 pm
content: I missed this feature from other similar programs, so I added it to mine. The number of parameters are not limited, but in reality you will not define more than 20, i guess.

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2025, 02:24:32 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.30 releasedhttps://myelecparts.hu/The main focus was the improvement of the part meta search. Unfortunately the Datasheet Catalog site was closed permanently, so it was removed, but I added 4 new sources. The found datasheet can be saved, copied to clipboard to be able to attach to existing part, or preview in a dialog. In addition, the following things have been added:• Meta search: Datasheet Catalog source removed• Meta search: Fix Datasheet4U datasheet download one again• Meta search: All Datasheet, Datasheet HK, DigChip és QDatasheet sources added• Meta search: QDatasheet not supported on Win7, it is disabled by default there• Meta search: Open datasheet preview in dialog instead of browser• Meta search: Save and copy to clipboard datasheet added• Part details: Search datasheet with meta search button added• Pdf viewer: Save PDF button added• Marking code search: Search datasheet with meta search instead of browser• Marking code search: SManuals source now supports special characters too• Marking code search: SManuals can download code placement images as well• Marking code search: SManuals not supported on Win7, it is disabled by default there• 12 new manufacturers added• Small bug fixes

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2025, 03:05:02 pm
content: Are you still working on importing from Excel to populate the program?

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 06:54:33 am
content: It is about 70% ready, but I put it on hold to work on other topics, I will continue ...

author: majki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2025, 08:46:24 pm
content: MyElecParts v1.40https://myelecparts.hu/The main focus is on importing parts from XLSX or JSON formats. It can import in the format exported by the export function. It is worth exporting an empty XLSX file and copying other Excel tables content into it. During import, it is possible to import attachments from a file or download data sheets from an URLs.The meta search engine has been expanded with two new sources:LCSC helps find data sheets for Asian components, while Tube Data is an excellent source of data sheets for tube enthusiasts.• Parts: Parts import from XLSX and JSON format• Parts: Delete all parts of a part category context menu added• Meta search: LCSC source added• Meta search: Tube Data source added• Meta search: Fix Datasheet Archive datasheet download• Small bugfixes