Revit database link

[Aubit529]

When I try and run the Revit DB link it wants to create a a data source to SQL Server how do I get aroud this or how do I use this to work for me?

I’m not familiar with a SQL at all please Help..

[john.lipp]

Hi Aubit529

There is a posting on the Revit Clinic that I believe should address your question:
 - http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/06/revit-2011-and-db-link-for-64-bit.html

If all that is available is an SQL Server database link and you aren't able to create an Access MDB connection, I believe your issue is that you are running a 64-bit machine without a 64-bit Access driver.  The article linked above has information for this as you'll likely need the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable if you want to connect to a microsoft access database. 

If you wish to connect through SQL Server, you'll need to have it installed:http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2013/Help/00005-More_Inf0/0001-Subscrip1/0096-Autodesk96/0105...

SQL Server Express is available through the links below:

SQL SERVER 2005: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21844
SQL SERVER 2008: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=1695

Best regards



John Lipp
Support Specialist
Product Support
Autodesk, Inc.

[nmulder34]

I have been playing around with DB Link for the past 6 months, mostly into SQL Server. My end goal is to be able to have a simple front end for non-Revit users to be able to edit and manipulate data. I am new to the world of databases. I have been successful doing the exports, edits, and imports on my machine. However, before I get ahead of myself I need to know if  the SQL server and data source have to reside on the same machine as Revit in order for DB Link to work?

[Aubit529]

Hi there

I never had much success with the SQL, but I exported the DB to MS access and made a link to excel but from what I could gather from access/excel forums it is better to manipulate and run access itself for a front end.

There is another alternative; to write a macro in Revit to export multiple schedules at once and another macro in excel to import them in your required format.

AS far as SQL I would be of no use to your question.

Maybe someone else can help? 

[nmulder34]

I am interested in your alternative. Can you explain what you mean by "import them in another format". I am aware that Revit supports macros but what other "format" can be imported into it? 

Thanks.

[Aubit529]

Okay if that is the case, as far as I know you can do a schedule export into a .txt file except for the RDB add on.

What I did was to  run the RBD link into MS access and I used excel as a front end. I wrote a macro to do the layout and the look the “Format” of the spread sheet as I required. i.e Duct sizes into a certain category that uses a aspect ratio to define the category of the ducting from the database in MS access.

So I what I meant by format was a “MS excel-cell” format rather than a file extension “format” does that answer your question?    

I am still very novice on Revit macro but I may be able to help you with a excel macro.  

[msrdse]

I use a 64 bit system while the office package is 32 bit. Is this why I have trouble setting up a MS database? I'm new to databases..

[Aubit529]

Yes That was the  problem I had if you have a 32bit MS office the export doesn't work correctly.

[alexanderdominicnesbitt]

Hi N_nmulder,

I have just come across your post, it has been over a year now. How did you get on?

I am looking to do something similar to yourself to allow supply chain that don't have a copy of Revit to add their manufacturer information via a form on a website and have this feed into the SQL database which then links back to Revit.

I have attached a workflow of how I think this could potentially work (All theory at the moment).

It would be great to hear how you got on.

Thanks,

Alex

[nmulder34]

I did not get much further and currently isn't on the radar at the moment.

Your workflow is good and I think where the industry is headed. I ultimately decided it was a task beyond my abilities and that while free, DBLink may not the best solution b/c it isn't live. It is a one time static export. Any data changes outside of Revit must be imported back into Revit.

Check out Maximo for Revit (or research others)...I've heard it tossed around as a solution for a live link that allows you to edit data in the Revit database.