ODBC connection test screen (main Repeat Signage menu, then click on 'Help' and 'ODBC connection testing')
ODBC is a system that allows us to connect to different types of databases in a standard way. You can use ODBC with the Repeat Signage Data Connection Manager to connect to many different database systems, so you that can display your database information in Repeat Signage.
Repeat Signage is a 32-bit application and you will need to connect using 32-bit ODBC drivers.
That said, we have found that some ODBC database drivers return information in slightly different ways, such as when Repeat Signage requests a list of database tables and columns. So if you are having trouble connecting to your database via ODBC, you can use the buttons on this screen to diagnose the connection problem and to collect information for our Support Department so that we can adjust Repeat Signage to read your datasource.
Repeat
Using the test screen
Start by selecting your ODBC connection from the 'System/User ODBC data source (32-bit)' drop down list. Make sure you add a database username and password as well if the database you are connected to requires authorisation. Then use each button in turn:
'Basic communication test' button
This will just connect to the database. If the connection fails, you will get an error message such as:
ERROR NUMBER 5 ERROR [28000] User ID or Password invalid
The main failure reason is either not specifying a username and password, or putting the wrong ones in. Another common message is:
ERROR NUMBER 5 ERROR [08001] [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][DBNETLIB]SQL Server does not exist or access denied.
when the system cannot find the actual database. This could be because the database is on a network, and the network is down, or you are not connected. It could also be when the database is hosted on the Internet and your Internet connection is down.
When you get a successful connection, then you can use the next two test buttons.
'Get raw tables list' button
What this does is to connect to database and requests table information. The server will return a list. If there is a problem with the format of this list, you will receive a details message, including information on what has been received, which you can then send to Repeat Software support.
'Get raw columns list' button
What this does is to connect to database and requests table column/field information. The server will return a list. If there is a problem with the format of this list, you will receive a details message, including information on what has been received, which you can then send to Repeat Software support.
If you cannot connect to your database at all
If you are having difficulty connecting, then please try connecting from another application, such as Microsoft Excel. Use the 'Data' tab in Excel. Microsoft Excel using Microsoft Query to access ODBC and when you select a database, if it requires a username and password it will automatically prompt you. When installed, then use the Database option and select 'Connect to existing database' and change to ODBC and then follow the prompts.