TagExplorer

TagExplorer is used to access individual variables inside controller memory of one or several LARA-100 devices. Variables are accessed by name, and the corresponding address and data-type information are extracted based on the appropriate compiler generated file.

TagExplorer can be used to instantaneously access variables from two independent LARA-100 devices. Each device is represented by a separate table within the TagExplorer layout.

Within individual table, a user can choose which variables to access. The dropdown list in the Variable Name column enables selection of the desired variable. Data regarding each selected variable is shown in a separate row.

For each selected variable, several properties are shown, including address, data type, etc. Variable type is typically loaded authomatically using compiler-produced variables description files (typically an .OUT file, but some .XML-derived formats are also supported). However, the user is free to change the type if he/she desires. If the .OUT file is not available, we also support loading of .MAP files. These files associate variable names with addresses, but lack proper type information. In this case the user is responsible for choosing an appropriate type for each variable.

The user can initiate read operation for each variable by pressing the Read Tag button. The value obtained by reading is shown in the Read Value column. If the user wishes to change value of some variable, he/she should write the desired value in the Write Value column and press Write Tag button

Each time a user initiate write operation, a read operation will be issues automatically. Thus, the user need only inspect the Read Value field in order to see if the write operation has been successfull or not. Clearly, the user will often want to change values of certain variables frequently. This is true, for example, for some controller parameters during fine-tuning of the closed-loop performance. In this case the need to click the Write Tag button each time would be cumbersome. In such cases, the user is advised to check the Automatic Write? check-box which ensures that a write request will be issued automatically (followed by a read request) as soon as the Write Value field is changed.