Anchor, Converting and editing programmes, Menu bar, User-specific operating view
Menu bar
Screen lock
It is now possible to activate a screen lock using the button with the lock symbol in the menu bar. The active lock is signalled by a red border around the main area. The lock can be cancelled by clicking on the lock symbol again.
This allows you to clean the control panel, for example, without running the risk of accidentally cancelling the programme.
Manual
Click on the button with the book symbol to open the horstFX manual.
User roll
The currently active user role is displayed. The user role can be changed by clicking on the person symbol. This is not possible in the programme.
Operating modes
The current operating mode is also displayed in the menu bar: T1, T2, Automatic. The currently set mode is highlighted in colour.
Error
The lightning symbol indicates whether error messages currently exist. Red = error.
Speed slider
The speed can be adjusted during the programme using the slider.
User-specific operating view
The user-specific operating view is a very simplified version of the normal programming view. The content of the loaded programme can neither be viewed nor edited here, only the programme can be executed. It is intended exclusively for use by the Operator user role and can only be used in this role.
The programme to be used in the user-spec. view can be set in the Settings & info > horstFX settings > User-spec. view menu. Additional speed settings are also possible there.
Use
The user-specific operating view is called up via the Load programme button in the main menu. However, this is only possible under the following conditions:
- A programme must be stored in the User-specific view settings menu.
- The Automatic operating mode must be selected.
- The user role Operator must be logged in.
If one of these conditions is not met, the normal programming view or a corresponding pop-up window is displayed instead.
In this view, the stored standard programme can be started/continued, stopped and paused. Depending on the selected setting, the speed controller can be changed and increased up to a specified maximum speed or not. Assigned macro buttons can also be executed (see Functions & Macros).
The respective programme status is also visualised by a traffic light:
- Green: Programme is running
- Yellow: Programme paused
- Red: Error present
Programmes
Editing and converting programmes
Existing programmes can simply be loaded, then adapted and saved.
Graphic programmes can be converted to textual programmes when loading the programme. This cannot be undone.
The Load as textual programme checkbox is located next to the Load button.
Anchor
Setting an anchor allows a programme to be played up to or from the set anchor.
Functions, macros & variables
Functions
A function consists of several command s. Functions are used to group recurring command s and combine them in a programme block. This keeps the programme tree clearer and makes it easier to create a programme if the same command s are to be executed frequently.
Create
Functions can be created in any programme. By tapping the Functions button next to the Add command button, a a graphical or textual function can be created. Before programming the function, it can be defined as global or local: global functions can also be used in other programmes, local functions cannot. Transfer parameters and return values can also be added.
Once the function definition has been accepted, you can start editing the new graphical function straight away. The first programme block Define function is the first programme block in every function. This is permanently set in the programme tree and cannot be deleted or moved. If the Return value option is activated, a Return value programme block is also added at the end of the programme tree (see Return value command).
Macros and macro buttons
Macro buttons are a quick access to execute selected functions directly. The macro buttons can be found in the normal programming view and in the User-specific operating view menu. There are six macro buttons, each of which can be assigned a function. Both local and global functions can be used for this. The assignment always only applies to the current programme.
Variables, persistent variables
Variables are used to temporarily store certain values that are required at a later point in the programme.
A variable can be created by tapping the Variables button and then +New variable. Possible data types are numeric, text, target position, object.
A variable can also be persisted. This means that it is saved in a separate file and is retained throughout the course of a programme and when horstFX is closed. This functionality is therefore suitable for recording process data.