Multiple Picture Instances and Run Mode
At run-time in the iFIX WorkSpace, you can open multiple instances of a single picture. This action is common for iFIX picture displays in multiple monitor configurations. After opening the picture, you can replace it even if another instance is already open in the WorkSpace, or choose to close all open instances of the picture.
The following table lists the automation interfaces available for working with multiple picture instances.
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iFIX Automation Interface |
Description |
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Opens the specified picture. Can be configured to open multiple instances of a specified picture. |
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Opens a picture with the specified tag group file. Can be configured to open multiple instances of a picture with different tag group files. |
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Closes a picture and replaces it with another picture. If the picture you select is already open in the WorkSpace, another instance of that picture opens. |
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Closes the specified picture. If there are multiple instances of a picture open, all instances of that picture are closed. If a different alias is assigned to each instance, you can close one instance using an alias. |
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Opens a Quick Trend Picture for the selected object(s) with a set of pens based on the first eight (8) valid tags. Can be configured to open multiple instances of a Quick Trend Picture. |
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Opens a Tag Control Panel Picture that displays up to 20 of the valid tags associated with the currently selected object. Can be configured to open multiple instances of a Tag Control Panel Picture. |
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Specifies the type of Tag Status picture to open. Can be configured to open multiple instances of a Tag Status Picture. |
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Opens the Tag Status Picture for first found tag for the selected object(s). Can be configured to open multiple instances of a Tag Status Picture. |
Additionally, the following experts allow you to work with multiple picture instances:
Important Information About Run Mode
In run mode, you can modify the VBA scripting in a new instance of a picture. However, modifications to scripts in an individual instance of a picture will not be saved. Saving changes to scripts in run mode is not allowed. To make changes to a script in the main picture, switch to configure mode and edit the script in the main picture (not the instance). Alternatively, you can edit the VBA script in the main picture (not the instances) in run mode using the steps below.
To edit a VBA
script of a picture with multiple instances open in run mode:
- In Classic view, in the iFIX WorkSpace, from the WorkSpace menu, select Visual Basic Editor.
-Or-
In Ribbon view, on the Home tab, in the WorksSpace group, click the Visual Basic Editor.
- In the Project tree display, browse to the project you want to edit the script of. Be sure to select the project with the asterisk (*) next to it. For multiple instances, the asterisk indicates which instance is one you can save changes to. Changes to projects with the same name, but without the asterisk, will not be maintained when you switch back to configure mode.
- In the Project tree, in your selected project, right-click the object you want to edit and select View Code. The code will appear in the main editing window.
- On the Run menu, select Design Mode.
- Make your VBA script changes.
- On the Run menu, select Exit Design Mode.
- Close the VBA Editor.
Now, when you go back to configure mode, you will be able to save your changes.
