MMC Nodes: IDX Slots

Right-clicking on the IDX Slots node in an IDX Service results in the following functions:

Add New Slot

Adds a new IDX slot to the currently selected service. A new window with a drop-down list of Slot Types will be presented. IDX supports four types of data:

·      IDX_BIT

Use this type to represent conditional values TRUE or FALSE. The field is a bit field so valid entries are 0 to indicate FALSE and any other value to indicate TRUE.

·      IDX_DWORD

Use this type to represent signed integers up to 32-bits in size.

·      IDX_FLOAT

Use this type to represent floating point numbers. These are numbers that include decimal points.

·      IDX_STR

Use this type to represent character strings.

The following slot properties need to be defined when adding a slot:

·      SlotName

Defines a unique slot name. Typically, a good convention is to set this name to correspond with the name of the tag from which the slot data is being read, but this is not a requirement.

·      Description

A description of the current slot

·      Eng. Units

The type of data units used by this slot, such as mm (millimeters) or m^2 (meters squared).

·      Initial Value

Sets the slot starting value. This value must conform to the slot data type.

·      History

Specifies the width of the hysteresis band. Slot values occurring outside of this band will be logged by the IDX service.

·      EU_Minimum *

Specifies the minimum allowable slot value.

·      EU_Maximum *

Specifies the maximum allowable slot value.

* Only applicable to IDX_FLOAT slots

Import Slots

Imports slots from a previously exported configuration file (any IDX version).

Export Slots

Exports the slots from the current service into a corresponding IDX configuration file.

Reconfigure

Forces the reloading of the current service’s configuration information. This is akin to a refresh, and should be toggled when configuration changes are made while the IDX service is running.

All Tasks

·    Get Unused DB slots

Lists all DB slots that do not have DM actions assigned to them. These slots are considered unused since their configuration is not complete due to the lack of assigned actions, and are therefore redundant. Only DMs that require actions in order to operate are checked by this function. To correct this problem, ensure all slots have DM actions assigned, when applicable.

·    Get Overused DB slots

Lists the DB slots that have more than one DM read-type action assigned to them. This occurs when the same DB slot associated with two or more DMs is configured to have a DM read action in two or more of those DMs. Any overused slots are compiled in a list that indicates the different DM’s which are overusing that slot and what DM action each DM is using to interact with that slot.

Multiple DMs reading from the same slot may not always be a problem desired. However, undesirable overusage configuration errors may be detected. To correct this problem, ensure each DM’s slot has a single, unique action.

·    Get Overwritten DB slots

Lists the DB slots that have more than one DM write-type action assigned to them. This occurs when the same DB slot associated with two or more DMs is configured to have a DM write action in two or more of those DMs. Any overused slots are compiled in a list that indicates the different DM’s which are overusing that slot and what DM action each DM is using to interact with that slot.

Multiple DMs writing to the same slot may not always be a problem and may even be desired but is not recommended. However, undesirable overusage configuration errors may be detected. To correct this problem, ensure each DM’s slot has a single, unique action.

IDX Slot List

The IDX Slot list is viewed by left-click selection of the IDX Slots node. This displays all the currently configured slots in the right-hand pane.

·    Filtering Viewable Slots

Slots can be filtered so as to only display slots beginning with a certain name or slots of a specific type, description, units, etc. These filters are implemented just below the column field headings. Enter any matchable string in the area marked with ‘Enter text here’.

·    All tasks

o     Edit Slot Properties

Allows for the editing of a slot’s existing properties.

o     Delete Slot

Removes the slot from the configuration

o     View Associated Actions

Generates a list of all the actions associated with this slot. Additional configuration information as to the owning DM is viewable.