strategy for array of tests on front panel

[adamrussell]

I'm building a test program that has a lot of tests. The basic strategy
that I'm trying is to have an array of tests on the front panel which would
have an on/off button, result, spec, and pass/fail indicator showing. The
array would also have all other information needed for that test hidden.
This array gets indexed into a for loop that does all the tests. So the
elements of the array are used in a lot of sub-vi's. The problem is how do
I handle changes to the format of the element during the programming
process? I keep finding things I need to add to the element that I didnt
think of before. When I first started the project my idea was to make a
custom variable of that element so that when I made a change
it would update
all at once. The problem with that is the array in the main vi loses the
information it's storing when its elements update from the custom control.
Then I'd have to retype everything back in. So I quit using a custom
control and now when I make a change to the format of the element I need to
copy the array/element onto all subvi's that use it. Comments?

[Gorka Larrea]

I think a proper structure for that (see that i say "a" not "the") is a state machine structure, a while loop with a case structure inside, where you put different tests. You can pass your array using a shift register, and depending the state you select, you'll have different outputs in the same array.
Hope this can point you in the right direction, if you need more info or an example, just ask for it.

[Doug (CapeFl)]

Gorka, I always enjoy reading your answers - you have great insight into Labview's logic, etc. - Doug,CapeFl

[Gorka Larrea]

Glad to hear that, knowing people apreciates your "help" makes it more satisfactory.

[Doug (CapeFl)]

Isn't humorous how simple projects can turn into monsters? I will suggest an answer to the question/problem of "loosing information stored upon updating your elements in the array".
As long as you are in development mode, you may find it helpful to spend a few minutes and build a VI (Write/Read to/from files VIs) that records the information/data for quick uploading after you update your code. Another option (if you only need the last set of values) is setting the last values to Default (use property nodes). I don't believe shift registers will fully handle your situation. Just some ideas to jog you along - Good Luck - Doug