saving dialog default values with requirements

[paulj]

We frequently use a configuration file to log machine-dependent parameters (e.g., serial port configurations). This works great but the code I use is not universal and takes some time to implement and a lot of time to customize. I am writing a set of VIs to streamline the process. The challenge is, though, that I want this to work with a variable number of parameters and I want to be able to read the values into a dialog in which the controls are configured so that the user can only enter valid values for that specific control.

I am attaching a library that starts to do what I want, but it definitely isn't there! Since I can't change the limits of individual controls in the array, this won't work if the data typ
es or limits vary within the parameter list.

A quick search of the Developer Zone didn't yield an answer that does quite what I want. Does anyone know of a good way to do this?

[mikeporter]

When you come across a problem that needs fixing, there are always three possible courses of action:

1. Dig in and fix it.
2. Decide that it's more trouble than its worth and abandon the idea.
3. Wait for a bit for the technology to get better knowing that in the long run the wait will save you time.

From what you are describing you might be in a situation where #3 is a good approach.

I have built a lot of configuration editors and as you have pointed out there is a limit as to how much commonality you can introduce. What you really need is the ability to dynamically call front-panel components--like you can call VIs using VI Server. Unfortunately LV can't do that--yet...

I have seen a demonstration of something called sub-panels (new for V7) that
will revolutionize the process of creating this type of application. It just might be worth it to wait a bit.

Mike...