bit level addressing

[MrPike]

Hi Archie, can you explain the bit level addressing newly added to AHMI 3.86?  How do i go about utilizing it?  This sounds like its what I been looking for, thanks. 

[Archie]

The Modbus and EthernetIPforCLX support bit level addressing on words by adding a period followed by bit number. For example in Modbus, you can use 40001.0 to control a BasicIndicator color.

The Modbus bit level is read only, which means you cannot change the bits with things like buttons.

[MrPike]

Hey Archie, this works great except I found that it doesnt seem to work with more than the first 2 bits( 40001.0 and 40001.1).  Anything higher like 40001.2 and up returns an invalid bit address message.  Is there a way to be able to use this for all 16 bits of a register?  Ive been trying to create a status panel using the basic indicator and need to utilize all 16 bits, thanks. 

[Archie]

What version are you using? Around version 3.85 there was a change to fix that problem

[MrPike]

Im using 3.86

[Archie]

Try 3.87.  The modbus drivers have been going through a lot of changes in the past few revisions

[MrPike]

I found that 3.87 does correct this.  Next thing, how can i make the basic indicator blink? thanks

[Archie]

The only way to make a BasicIndicator blink is by switching the bit on and off in the PLC program.

[MrPike]

OK, I am not connected to a PLC.  This is connected to a control panel for the device I am monitoring.  I understand this feature is built into the Modbus driver code and would'nt want to change that.  Could you share some code options If I were to use another method (ie. datasubscriber)to check the bit status to blink the indicator.  Thank you. 

BTW, awesome job on this feature, this was my biggest hurdle and I suspect alot of users will love it.  Thanks again.   

[Archie]

OK, I am not connected to a PLC.  This is connected to a control panel for the device I am monitoring.  I understand this feature is built into the Modbus driver code and would'nt want to change that.  Could you share some code options If I were to use another method (ie. datasubscriber)to check the bit status to blink the indicator.

There is a round about way to do this:

- Add a BasicIndicator, but do not put anything in the PLCAddress properties
- Add a Timer and set the Interval to 500
- Double click the timer to get back to the code

Code: [Select]

BasicIndicator1.SelectColor2 = NOT BasicIndicator1.Value
- Go back to the form design view
- Add a DataSubscriber and set the PLCAddressValue to your address
- Double click the DataSubscriber to get back to the code

Code: [Select]

if DataSubscriber1.Value then
  Timer1.Enabled=True
else
  Timer1.Enabled=False;
  BasicIndicator1.SelectColor2=False
end if