Some equipment can be operated using buttons to send a signal to change the mode or status of the equipment. The buttons in your application may work in one of two ways:

•      Some buttons work in pairs, with one button setting equipment to one value, and the other button in the pair performing the opposite action. For example, one button might turn equipment on, while a second button might turn equipment off.

•      Other buttons have multiple actions assigned to them. The same button might toggle to perform two distinct actions. For example, one click might start a motor, and a second click of the same button might stop a motor. Usually a button assigned a toggle action will display two different labels according to what action will occur on the next occasion the button is clicked (e.g. a button might display "Run" when the equipment is stopped, indicating that when it is next clicked, the equipment will run, and vice versa).

•      Finally, some buttons have only one action when clicked; for example, clicking a button might switch a piece of equipment to auto mode.

Another commonly used method of outputting data to equipment is the Set Value Hotbox. In operation, a Set Value Hotbox works the same as a command button; clicking a Set Value Hotbox sends a signal to equipment. The Set Value Hotboxes in your application may work in one of two ways:

•      Some Set Value Hotboxes have multiple actions assigned to them. The same Set Value Hotbox might toggle to perform two distinct actions. For example, one click might start a motor, and a second click of the same Set Value Hotbox might stop a motor.

•      Other Set Value Hotboxes have only one action when clicked; for example, clicking a Set Value Hotbox might switch a piece of equipment to auto mode.

Further information on Set Value Hotboxes, Page Change Hotboxes, and their purpose can be found in Hotboxes.

Numbers can be transmitted to equipment using numeric entry fields like the one shown to the left. To operate a numeric entry field, enter a valid value, and press the Enter key to send the value to the equipment.

Note: Numeric entry fields are assigned minimum and maximum value limits. If you attempt to enter a value that is lower than the minimum limit, higher than the maximum limit, or includes text or invalid characters, you will receive an error message, and the equipment will be set to its last known valid value.

Another method of outputting data to your equipment is using sliders. Sliders are movable arrows affixed to scales that can be manipulated up or down, or left and right to increase and decrease the value of analog equipment. To operate a slider:

1.  Click and hold the slider arrow.

2.  Drag the slider arrow along the scale. A yellow tooltip displays the value you are setting.

3.  Release the slider arrow when you have positioned it according to the value you wish to output. A confirmation dialog opens and displays the value you are about to set.

4.  Click the OK button to set the value. If the value is incorrect, click Cancel.