Push Button

A Push Button is a Screen Object which provides a form of operator input during run-time. The operator activates the Push Button by clicking on it with the left mouse button while the main run-time loop is executing. The button can be set up to transmit a command to a DAQ Module, run or halt a Script, increment decrement or reset a Counter, start or stop a Timer, run or halt a Button Array, etc. A Push Button can execute two separate functions, one function when the button is pressed down, the other when the button is released. This enables the operator, for instance, to turn on a device when the button is pressed, then turn it back off when the button is released. Much like the operation of a momentary pushbutton electrical switch.

Once a Push Button 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 Push Button, right-click on the object or select "Properties" in the <Edit> menu while the Push Button is selected. The following is a summery of the user defined attributes in the Properties dialog box.

Properties Dialog Box:

Title: Type in the text that will appear on the Push Button.

Size: Selects the font size used for the text characters in the Push Button. Making changes to this attribute will also change the overall size of the Push Button respectively.

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

Drop-Down Menu: Choose the function which will be performed when the Push Button is pressed down with the left mouse button during run-time. In the box at 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.

Remain depressed until function has completed: Check this box to have the Push Button remain depressed while it is waiting for this function to be completed. This provides two important benefits, first it allows the operator to see and verify that the function has executed, second it prevents the operator from unintentionally restarting the same function before it has completed.

Drop-Down Menu: Choose the function which will be performed when the Push Button is released by the left mouse button during run-time. In the box at 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.

Remain depressed until function completed: Check this box to have the Push Button remain depressed while it is waiting for this function to be completed. This provides two important benefits, first it allows the operator to see and verify that the function has executed, second it prevents the operator from unintentionally restarting the same function before it has completed.