Form with tabs but separate sources...can it happen?

[Lou-Lou-Bell]

Hello,
Somewhat new to Access, I am creating a database in which to store my data collected in my research. I have 8 tables that are linked by a SampleID number. I have created a form which has tabs, the first tab contains the information required for entry on table 1; however, I am now stumped as to how I am going to add the controls from table 2 onto the second tab.

I know how to make additional tabs and I have created a separate form for table 2 with the form wizard, cut and pasted the fields into the second tab on my first form BUT I have no idea how to establish the source for those controls back to the second table. To make matters worse (of course not to be too dramatic here) I can see the other table in my Field List of related tables but alas...no idea how to connect them.

I have two books on the use of Access but neither of them talk about this.

Much appreciated,

Lou

 

[Lou-Lou-Bell]

I noticed at the bottom of the screen after I posted some suggested posts...I read one on solving this by creating subforms. I'll read up on that until I hear from someone.

Thanks again!

 

[Minty]

Sub forms is the way to go - use the Master and Child control to link them up. In your case the SampleID.

 

[Simon_MT]

A Tab is a method to show more information. If your research information is extensive you can break up the info onto different tabs or if there is information that should be grouped together for better organisation use tabs. For subForms there need to be a direct relationship between information on the Parent and the SubForm. You can have structure:

Subform > Query > Table(s) or direct to the table.

I have Current Stock and History separated on tabs and SubForms to qualify the data into each category.

Continuous Forms allows the use of Alternating Back Colours. You can also explore GridLines to separate rows of data and Anchoring to expand a field and Subform to fill the available screen space.

Tabs and SubForms are a god-send.

Simon

 

[Lou-Lou-Bell]

Thank you! Yes, I started with subforms and did link them using the SampleID.

One more quick question, do I have to have the SampleID re-entered on each tab (which represents each table) or will filling it in on the first tab populate it in all the linked tables? Thanks so much!

PS I think I will love this forum. Sometimes you just need to chat with someone about it!

 

[Minty]

The sample ID will need to be on every sub form, but only once on the parent form. The tabs are part of the parent form.
Think of the Tabs as extended Form space rather than separate spaces, a bit like running on two monitors that extend your desktop.

 

[Simon_MT]

SampleID or any other ID relating to the parent need to on each SubForm as it creates the relationship.

Another example is flattening many records to one record and look-down into the detail rather than looking at data from the detail perspective and looking-up.

Ultimately how do you want to express the information?
What information would be useful or provide a better insight into your research project.

Simon

 

[Lou-Lou-Bell]

Thank you for your responses! I have one parent form with 8 tabs (subforms) that link to 8 separate tables. Eventually, I will be adding two more tables of lab data which require no entry, they are all going to be linked by the sampleID. The ultimate goal is to be able to query out whatever variables I want to look at relationships between. For example, maybe I want to look at a specific water quality variable and how it relates to satisfaction with the water. I would query those variables that represent the water quality and the survey response. I hope (fingers crossed) that it will be able to do that once I am finished...

 

[Lou-Lou-Bell]

Everything seems to have worked out fine. I had a few kinks to work out but the database and forms are made and look great! Just some trial entries to do.

Thanks Minty and Simon MT for your help. Much appreciated.

Not quite sure how to end the thread but my problem is solved!

Lou-Lou-Bell