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Forums >> General Discussion >> Wishlist >> Link to External Files in FamilyParameter Formulas
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Joined: Mon, Oct 9, 2006
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This might be something a few versions out, but her eis what I would like to see right now. I would like to see the option to set the formula for a parameter to reference an external file. With that, there needs to be some sort of programming/scripting/mark-up language associated.
In my case, I just wrote a 23 deep nested IF statement to reference wire gauges. I ended up writing it in a text editor so that I could see all of it before condensing it and pasting it into the formula. With an external file, I could write a set of formulas with function names such as the gauge reference above, and use it in multiple families... something to the effect of:
=(link:shared_formulas.txt, function:wire_gauge)
This kind of functionality could also be used to make list arrays to add drop-down boxes to parameters. Say I wanted a material list to drop down and I don't want all materials to be chosen from... I could make a list array that has a specific number of materials in it and just choose from a menu instead of having to navigate the materials pallette.
As an aside, it would also be nice if text parameters could be used to specify numeric parameters. This would mesh well with the externally linked file, because then, with my gauge example, for instance, I could do a drop down of gauges and have that specify the thickness in the material to the model. Another use would be the ability to make, essentially, nested types. If I am doing a door that has 5 frame types and 5 infill types, I don't want to have 25 family types. I would rather have drop-downs within the family to specify opetions.
That is my rant for now. Being that Revit is built on a database, this should be an easy function to add. Databases work with scripts and list arrays all the time.
Post edited on 2006-10-18 15:48:58
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this is a really old post, but check out lookup tables and .csv files. it will do the trick.
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I thought lookup tables were only available in AtuoCAD's dynamic blocks. Is there a similar function in Revit? If so I havent found it but would love one. Nick
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yes namely the are for things like pipe elbows and fitting, etc. However, there is a way to utilize them outside of those uses, i have used them to calculate a multitude of things. I have been unable to see if there are lookup tables for revit arch i would assume so but i am unaware of there usefullness there. (to check if you have one) look in the revit.ini file (C:\Program Files\Revit MEP 2008\Program - revit.ini file standard location if you didnt know) near the top you should see something along the lines of (LookupTableLocation=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RME 2008\LookupTables). If revit arch does not support this i am sorry and i will see if i can do something about it. i do know that you can access excel from revit via the api also, some minor programing is involved but its not to intensive, esp. with the sdk for revit. hth
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It does not appear that RA has it. Either that or I dont know how to access it. Its not in my .ini file but generally I have found that certain options like this only appear in the .ini file after they have been accessed within the program.... I guess its something to look into. I use(d) lookup tables in ADT/ ACA to produce product numbers where a 12" wide cabinet = 1, 15" = 2, etc in the product number. I can do the same thing in Revit but it requires nesting a bunch of if statements... It works just more time consuming and harder to edit. Nick
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i see what your trying to do, and trust me the look up tables may just take to much valuable time, it may be easier to dimension and write an if then statement about the restrictions you wish to. if you want to give the look up tables a go. i have attached a pipe fitting and the look up table for it. you could always try and add that code, again it may throw everything out of sorts, so make a copy of the ini file before you try anything. hth
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32248_Pipe_Long_Radius_Elbow_-_Flanged.rfa
32248_Pipe_Long_Radius_Elbow_-_Flanged.csv