free text alignment

[wb2nvy]

Please refer to attached screenshot. I want the numbers 1-18 at the top of the array to line up with the corresponding columns. I achieve this by entering spaces between the numbers until they line up. This works ok, until I close the front panel window and re-open it, then all my spacing is reduced to the way it was before I put the spaces between the numbers. Why are the spaces I entered deleted when the window is closed and reopened? How can I align the numbers and columns?

[GerdW]

Hi wb2nvy,

you either use a text label in the front panel and save the vi after entering text with (spaces) or you use a text control and set it's value after entering text to default (right click -> data operatins -> set current to default). Don't forget to save the vi anyway!

The main point is:
LabView will keep the values of controls/indicators as long as the vi is in memory. When you need those values also when reloading the vi you have to save them by setting them as default values...


Message Edited by GerdW on 02-25-2008 04:30 PM

[GerdW]

Hi wb2nvy,

just my 2 cents:
Do you think a 18×20 array is user friendly? (Even for a technician?)

[rpursley8]

You could use two more arrays (set with constant values to create your labels.  VI is in 8.5

[wb2nvy]

Thank you Gerd. Saving the vi after adding the spaces doesn't help. I guess I'll have to make a control. As far as an 18x20 array being user friendly, yes it is, considering how it's being used. This array represents a 20-socket test fixture and there are 18 tests done on all 18 sockets simultaneously. Tech, or engineer, needs to know at a glance which sockets are failing which tests, and this is an excellent way to show that. Any failure is a 1 and any passing is a 0 in the array.

[falkpl]

Yes the best way is to use 2 more arrays, one for the columns and one for the row headers, then make the background and borders of these transparent so you dont see the array or just translate the array to a table where there are headers and columns.  The arrays are not really for displaying data better for storing matrix data.

Paul

[falkpl]

Here is a 1 minute example of keeping the spacing.

[GerdW]

Hi wb2nvy,

when you present only 0/1 (pass/fail) to the user why not use a boolean array and LEDs for the user interface? Green LED=pass, red LED=fail.
More states can be shown using color boxes (pass/fail/unknown = green/red/grey)...

Btw. have you set the actual value to default before saving? The approach of using 2 more arrays to show row/column header is still nicer/more versatile...


Message Edited by GerdW on 02-26-2008 08:24 AM

[GerdW]

Hi wb2nvy,

you said "I guess I'll have to make a control."
So you used indicators to show header lines?
Why don't you wire a text constant to the terminals of those indicators? Those text constants will be saved with the vi!