how do you design numeric indicators?

[Jmc006]

Is there a way do design your own numeric indicators?  I see all sorts of them looking throughtout the LV examples so I think it is possible.  For example, I have a 4-20 output slider controlling a valve, but I would like a picture of a valve that represents the actual position as its moving.  It could be simple, but something that moved with the slider would be nice.  Can somebody explain this to me?

[tbob]

You can put any control or indicator on the front panel, select it, then click Edit - Customize Control.  This brings up a new front panel with the control/indicator on it.  On this front panel, click on the little wrench looking icon at the top left and it will change into tweezers.  Experiment with it and you can see how the indicator is built with different objects.  You can place your own objects here, customize it like you wish, click on the tweezer to change to wrench, and then save the control as whatever.ctl.  Now you can call the new ctl from any front panel by using the Select a Control palette item.

[Jmc006]

Thanks - so if it's a indicator you have to change it to a control to edit it, then change it back to an indicator to use it?

[Jmc006]

Even if i change my indicator to a control it will not let me edit it - customize control is greyed out...

[Jmc006]

Ok i figured how to get in the edit mode but I can't figure out how to erase objects.  I want to make a valve that will move up and down, so i know I will have to make those parts, but how do I erase the parts that are already there (this case the thermometer).  It looks like you can replace items, but there must be a way to erase them for instance the measurement bar that runs up the side of the thermometer...?

[Mr._Jim]

Jmc,

I might be missing what you're describing, but if you're already customizing one control, you can't customize any others until you close the first one.  That's why the "customize" context menu option is greyed out.

Jim

[Mr._Jim]

To modify the scale tick marks, (the "measurement bar?") you can right click the control in "edit mode" where the wrench is visible and select Scale ->Style in the context menu.  If you select the blank box, the tick marks should disappear.  However, in "customize" mode (tweezers), I'm pretty sure that the scale tick marks will show up so you're aware of where they'll be when they're visible.

If you need to hide different components, I've used decorative items in the past such as rectangles the same color as the background to hide stuff.  That seems kind of a hack-ish way of doing it, so there might be a better way.  I haven't had to customize controls to that level very often.

I hope that helps...

Jim

[tbob]

I think that there are certain things you can't delete, like the indicator box, because they are tied to the Labview program.  You can cover it up with a rectangle as Mr. Jim suggested, or you can put your own valve picture over it.  I haven't done much of this, so experiment and have fun.

[Jmc006]

Thanks for the info.  I am having a little sucess but still want to figure out how to change moving objects in the indicators. If anyone come across some literature on this issue please pass it along, I can't seem to find much.  Also, any examples of controls/indicators you have created if your willing to share.

Thanks again.

[Elizabeth_S]

Hi Jmc006,

I'm assuming that you would like to replace the red portion of the themometer with an image.  If this is the case, please right-click on the red portion while you are in edit mode.  Then select Import from File at Same Size.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions about this issue.