Often, new users of DSSLog Pilot's Logbook already have much of their data in spreadsheets or other logbook software, and wish to import their data into DSSLog rather than re-keying the entries. Although DSSLog doesn't have a generic import mechanism, you can still import your data with a little "data cleanup" first. The import built into DSSLog was designed to import files from our PalmOS add-on, DSSLog for PalmOS; all you will need to do is make your data files look just like the Palm data files!
First, you MUST enter all of your pilot information, aircraft models and all tail numbers in DSSLog BEFORE you attempt to import your data. Your import will fail if the Pilot name and tail numbers are missing from DSSLog.
Now, you must create a CSV text file in the DSSLog/Palm format. Here are the rules:
1. It must be named DSLImp*.CSV, where "*" can be anything you want; for example, DSLImport_Darren1.CSV.
2. The header line in the sample below must be the first line in the file, exactly as shown. This lists the fields and their order in the rest of the file. You should copy the line and paste it into your file without altering it.
3. Text fields should be double-quoted strings if they include embedded commas.
4. The Pilot name appears on every line, and must be typed EXACTLY the same as it was entered in DSSLog, character for character.
5. The TotalTime field must be non-empty; the Landings field must be at least "1".
6. The "Leg" field must be a number >= 1. Each flight of the same pilot, same tail number on the same date must have a unique Leg number (1 for the first flight, 2 for the second flight, etc.)
Sample file:
Pilot,Date,TailNum,Leg,Volume,PageNo,AptDepart,AptArrive,Route,Approach,Cost,TotalTime,PIC,SIC,CFI,Dual,Night,ActInst,SimInst,CrossCountry,Approaches,Landings,NightLandings,User1,User2,User3,User4,User5,Note "Darren DeLoach",6/29/2001,"N7353E",1,1,1,"F00","AKO","","VOR 17","","3.2","3.2","","","","","","","3.2","","1.0","","","","","","","Light rain on approach"
Make sure you open your file in Notepad and verify your file looks exactly like the sample above.
When you are ready to import, copy your DSSLOG.MDB database file to a temporary path as a backup, then move your CSV file into your DSSLog program directory, and start the DSSLog program. You will be asked if you want to import the file as the program starts up, and you're data will be ready to view when the import has completed!