Configuring Command Window Faceplates

UCOS command window faceplates require zero effort and time to configure.

Command windows (also known as faceplates) are one method of monitoring and controlling devices at run-time. They allow the operator to monitor the real-time values of all tags associated with a device and to send commands to a device (subject to security measures).

Configuring command window faceplates in UCOS is effortless. They are generated automatically by UCOS for each transmitter, controller, and user-defined device inserted into the project. Compare that to the hours or even days it takes to generate just one command window in many competing control systems.

In most cases, the default configuration is acceptable. You can, however, customize command windows for user-defined devices.

The command window shown above illustrates several elements added through customization. Customized command windows allow you to include tag data for the device with which the command window is associated, as well as tag data from other devices. Two types of tag elements are available for customization: tag sets and trends.

• Tag sets are collections of tags and tag values displayed in a command window. Tag sets can show tags and tag values for analog or digital tags. If you select digital tags, you can choose to show the tags at all times or only when the tags are HIGH.
• Trends (plot or bar type) allow tags to be trended during run-time. Command window trends show real-time data only. If you need to display archived data, use the included UCOS Trend Viewer.

In addition to the tag set and trend window, you can determine how to display commands and set points at run-time. You can choose to place the commands and set points on the command window as buttons, at either the right or left edge of the command window. You can also choose to display commands and set points in a menu or as both buttons and a menu.

For more command window examples and information, see the OWS Command Windows page.