Button Array

A Button Array is a very powerful tool which allows the operator to change the flow of the main run-time loop in real time by being able to select the active button (or function) at any given moment. This allows the operator to choose on the fly which event or series of events are executed, be able to change the delay values used in timing routines, change a variable used elsewhere in ModCom, choose different commands to transmit to a DAQ Module, etc. A Button Array can also call another Button Array, allowing complex nesting of operator controllable execution paths.

Once a Button Array is placed on the screen it can be selected by clicking on it with the left mouse button. To move the object, place the cursor over it, hold down the left mouse button and drag the object to the desired position. Resize handles are provided to allow adjustment of the overall size by dragging on them with the mouse in a similar fashion.

To set the properties of a Button Array, right-click on the object or select "Properties" in the <Edit> menu while the Button Array is selected. This will bring up a configuration dialog box containing a list of the individual buttons which make up the Button Array and a group of edit buttons next to it. The following is a summery of the user defined attributes and edit buttons within the configuration dialog box.

Configuration Dialog Box:

Object ID Label: Type in a label that will be used for identification by other objects within ModCom when sending instructions to the Button Array.

Execute if selection is changed: Check this box to have the Button Array automatically execute its function each time the user changes the active button during run-time. If this box is checked, the Button Array will also execute the active button function each time the run loop is started. Note, when starting the run loop, a Button Array will default to the button selection which was active the last time the run loop was stopped. When loading a project from disk, a Button Array will default to the button selection which was active the last time the project was saved.

Button List: List of individual buttons which make up the Button Array. The top most button in the list represents the left most button of the array. Use the modify buttons at the right to edit this list.

Frame Size: Selects the overall size of the Button Array including the font size used for the text characters in the title.

Add Button: Click on this to add a button to the Button Array. This will bring up another dialog box which can be used to set the properties of that particular button. See "Button Properties Dialog Box" below for more details.

Edit Button: To use this option, a button must first be selected from the button list at the left. Click on this to edit the selected button. This will bring up another dialog box which can be used to set the properties of that particular button. See "Button Properties Dialog Box" below for more details.

Delete Button: To use this option, a button must first be selected from the button list at the left. Click on this to delete the selected button from the Button Array.

Move Up: To use this option, a button must first be selected from the button list at the left. Click on this to move the selected button one place up which equates to one place to the left on the Button Array layout.

Move Down: To use this option, a button must first be selected from the button list at the left. Click on this to move the selected button one place down which equates to one place to the right on the Button Array layout.

Button Properties Dialog Box:

Title: Type in the text which will appear on this particular button.

Color: Selects the font color used for the characters in the title.

Drop-Down Menu: Choose the function which will be performed when the Button Array is executed and this particular button is active or "pressed down". In the space to the right, type in the appropriate command string or object ID label associated with this function. Depending on the function chosen, extra options may appear below. Refer to the function's definition for details. Note, the edit fields in this section of the dialog box supports variables.