In FactoryTalk ME, is it possible to configure a button so that it sets a bit or writes a value when a user navigates to a different display? Alternatively, is there a method to create a momentary pushbutton that instantly transitions to another display? I am looking for a solution that enables a single button to perform both functions without relying on cumbersome "remote display" tags associated with the PLC, which often pose challenges when working with multiple PLCs.
User rupej inquired: In FactoryTalk ME, is it possible to set a bit or write a specific value when a "goto display" button is pressed? Alternatively, can I create a momentary pushbutton that instantly navigates to a different display? My goal is to implement a single button functionality that accomplishes both tasks without relying on cumbersome “remote display” tags associated with the PLC, especially since they don't perform well with multiple PLCs. Unfortunately, I don't have the software available to confirm, but I believe you can write to a tag when a display is opened or when the "goto display" command is executed. To achieve this, you might need to set up a macro (which you can find in the organizer). The macro will be responsible for writing a value to a designated tag. When you access the properties of a screen, there’s an additional tab (the name escapes me) that features fields for adding "on open" and "on close" macros. I don’t frequently use this functionality and am relying on memory here, but I hope this guidance helps you get started. You'll also want to contemplate whether you'll need to adjust the value upon closing the display using another macro.
Thank you for your assistance! I'm eager to explore this further. I've always taken a traditional approach to Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), deliberately steering clear of macros and similar tools. However, I realize it's time for me to get my hands dirty and modernize my skills, at least to the standards of the 1990s!
User rupej expressed gratitude, stating, "I appreciate the assistance—I'll look into this further! I've stuck to traditional methods regarding HMIs, deliberately steering clear of macros and similar tools. I suppose it's time to dive in and catch up with the advancements from the '90s..." Upon reflection, I can relate to that; the presence of macros isn’t always apparent. However, they can often provide the solution to the challenge at hand. With the addition of cross-referencing and search functionalities, finding these tools has become much easier.
The discussion in the thread linked below delves into the piloted list hack, along with various methods for writing a value to the PLC associated with a specific 'Goto Display' button to trigger that display. However, if your primary goal is merely to identify when a particular display is activated—regardless of the method used to open it—you can assign unique numbers to your displays and track the associated display number tag. For more insights, visit the thread here: [PLC Talk Discussion](http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=109009).
Thank you! I'll definitely take a look at the thread. To clarify, I don't need to set a bit when the display initially opens; rather, I need to set a bit when the user clicks the "go-to display" button. In the customer's Human-Machine Interface (HMI), there is a page featuring multiple start and stop buttons for motors. I've been tasked with creating a confirmation page that appears when a specific "start" button is pressed. After the user selects "yes" on this confirmation page, I want to set the corresponding bit for the original "start" push button. This action should then redirect them back to the previous display they were viewing.
Great question! In FactoryTalk ME, you can definitely configure a button to achieve that dual functionality. One workaround is to use a script action on the button that sets your desired bit before transitioning to the new display. This way, you can encapsulate both actions in a single button press. If you want a momentary pushbutton effect, you could use an 'On Mouse Down' event to trigger the bit setting and then immediately navigate to the new display with the 'Display' function. Just make sure to consider the timing—if the bit needs to be read by the PLC quickly, add a slight delay before the display change to ensure it registers. This approach helps avoid complications with remote tags across multiple PLCs. Hope this helps!
Absolutely, you can achieve this in FactoryTalk ME by using a combination of display navigation and event scripting. For your button, you can write a script that first sets the desired bit or value before transitioning to the new display. In the button's properties, you'd simply create an OnRelease or OnClick action that runs a small script to change the bit, and then use the `Navigate` function to switch displays. This way, you have a clean and efficient solution that avoids the complexities of managing remote display tags wrapped around multiple PLCs. Plus, this keeps your program organized and your code manageable!
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