Setup Custom Variable value or indicator
 		Previous Topic  Next Topic 


Overview


The ability to display stored Custom Variable information within the RTV can be very useful.  This will allow the RTV to Display a stored value or color right on a shop floor monitor.  Using expressions to trigger what is displayed on the RTV allows for a truly customizable experience.  For instance, if the machine is running with a low feed rate and do not want that to record as a reduced cycle it is possible to display a Custom Variable that will indicate what the feed rate is for that machine as well as a custom color associated with it. There are many different scenarios.  Use the the steps below to setup and use this feature. 


See end of how to for further detail regarding example expressions and how to clear out the contents.  To see more information on how to add this to the RTV Grid view click here.


How to setup and display a custom variable value or indicator.


  1. First, you will need to set a Custom Variable and name it.  You can do this by selecting the DataXchange tab then click on the Variable button in the toolbar and select PCSDB Custom from the drop down.


  1. Create a custom variable.  In this example the Custom Variable name is color


  1. Then create a custom command and name it red


  1. Now add the custom command and assign it to a machine Under the Custom Command assignment drop down. 





  1. Next you will need to create the expression that will write to the Custom Variable.  In this example this expression will trigger by the ODI screen and turn the color on the RTV Grid Red.


  1. Next assign the expression to the equipment.


  1. Create a grid RTV view and select the custom variable that you created.


  1. Now, when a user on the ODI screen selects red it will trigger the RTV to display a grid that is filled in red.  


In the example above, to display a Custom Variable value instead of a color use the send variable value: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_value] {VARIABLENAME} instead of the indicator variable.  It is still possible to use leading "=="  in the expression to set the value to be displayed.  For instance, it is possible to display the the feed rate override value when using this expression. More examples listed below.


Expression Name: Need Material Now – Message

Expression: ([Listener.data] = material_now)

Result: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_value] {message}==Need Material Now


Expression Name: Need Material Now – Color

Expression: ([Listener.data] = material_now)   Note: this is the same expression as above

Result: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_indicator] {message}==Red


You can create another set of expressions for needing material soon.


Expression Name: Need Material Soon – Message

Expression: ([Listener.data] = material_soon)

Result: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_value] {message}==Need Material Soon


Expression Name: Need Material Soon – Color

Expression: ([Listener.data] = material_soon)   Note: this is the same expression as above

Result: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_indicator] {message}==Yellow


Here’s a sample expression to clear the message and the color with one button.


Expression Name: Clear Message - Message

Expression:  ([Listener.data] = clear_message)

Target: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_indicator] {message}


Expression Name: Clear Message – Indicator

Expression: ([Listener.data] = clear_message)

Target: [PCSDB.send_custom_variable_indicator] {message}