On-the-fly registry lookup during upload

Ken Wang

Inspired by Daniel Campton in a forum post, I have added a new function into the aircraft photo update page (both member section and public quick upload).

When you type in a part of aircraft registry (4 characters or more), a list of possible aircraft will be displayed for you to choose from. Matching start from the very beginning of registry number. For example, enter "N123" will bring up first 10 registry start with "N123", but "1234" will only bring up registry with start with 1234, it will NOT bring up N1234 or N01234.

This function is still considered experimental as I haven't done much test yet. As always feedback is welcome.

MichaelMartin

It better not bring up N01234 - N's can't begin with the number 0! But, of course you knew that! :)

JohnLittle

Hi Ken,

That is a really cool add in feature. When I do mass uploads (probably like most everyone else here), this will save me time.

Also at my advanced "age" I occasionaly foget to get the number right.... :?

It Should reduce some errors on my part.

Thanks for continuing to come up with great ideas to make it easier on me.

Ken Wang

It better not bring up N01234 - N's can't begin with the number 0! But, of course you knew that! :)

No it won't. It will only show registry numbers currently in our database.

FloridaMetal

How did I inspire it?

DougRobertson

:?: Is this new feature somehow different than the Autocomplete Memory Function that I use in uploading data on multiple photos of the same aircraft with my Windows XP PC?

Ken Wang

How did I inspire it?

From "US military registry number" thread:

I was posting these pictures at another well known aviation photo site online where I can enter in the number and it usually brings up info for military.

Ken Wang

:?: Is this new feature somehow different than the Autocomplete Memory Function that I use in uploading data on multiple photos of the same aircraft with my Windows XP PC?

The autocomplete function only show what ever you have typed in. It would not show any aircraft information like manufacturer and model. It would not show an aircraft registry that you never typed in.

On the other hand, the new function searches our aircraft database on the fly and return possible matches (up to 10). This would be very useful when the registry is not very clear, i.e., missing one character or two. By checking the manufacturer and model, you will have much better chance to identify corrent one.

FloridaMetal

So in other words even if there is no profile for lets say 93-1047 it will still pull up if someone has posted a picture?

Ken Wang

So in other words even if there is no profile for lets say 93-1047 it will still pull up if someone has posted a picture?

No. The lookup function only search again Aircraft Profile database.

When a user post a picture, there's no aircraft model info even the registry number is correct.

DougRobertson

Thank you, Ken. This is a great new feature-it has to be tried to fully appreciate the feature. Just posted 41 photos quickly and the confirmation showing below the N number entry is terrific. One still has to confirm the FAA data base on occasion, however. There are FAA errors or omissions to be found, and resolved. Your site just keeps getting better and better.

TimothyAanerud

Ken,

I like the new auto-complete feature. But I have one tweak to suggest.

I don't know javascript that well, but looking into the ajax/ajax-lookup.js script there is a function called function keypressHandler (evt). Could this function be modified so when the KEYTAB is pressed the registration field goes out of focus (or switched to the next input field? (Short Description)

Looking at the function a bit more, it looks like if something is selected in the auto-complete menu the tab key (or enter Key) will exit the field, but If I'm typing away at the registration number and press the tab key; I'd like to go to the next field without reaching for my mouse to select the next field.

Ken Wang

Looking at the function a bit more, it looks like if something is selected in the auto-complete menu the tab key (or enter Key) will exit the field, but If I'm typing away at the registration number and press the tab key; I'd like to go to the next field without reaching for my mouse to select the next field.

That has been fixed.

Now no matter you pick a registry number from drop down list or not, press TAB or ENTER will bring you to next input field.

Keep in mind ONLY on this field the ENTER key will act the same as TAB. On any other field, press ENTER will submit the form, and bring up some error message if you haven't filled all necessary fields yet. So using TAB key is highly recommended.