lookout newbie, need to learn ASAP

[kenm987]

Hello all,

I'm new to Lookout, and SCADA and process control as well   I have already gone through the tutorial and read the developers manual.  The tutorial was very basic.  I want to learn how to use lookout to do more complex controls such as those in the Lookout examples.  

As far as I can tell, there are no Lookout training classes by NI.  It seems Labview is getting all the attention.  I did find a self-paced Lookout training class but I have no idea how good or bad that is.  I need recommendations and suggestions for getting up to speed fast.

So far, it looks like most of the control will be handled by PLCs, so it looks like the HMI won't be too difficult.  I want it to "look" sophisticated though, with pumps turning on with spinners, pumps, valves, pipes changing colors, tanks filling & emptying, etc.

Many thanks,

Ken

[Mike@DTSI]

Ken,

 Download some more code samples from the DevZone.  Experiment with the ideas, the examples dont get too hard.

 I learned most Lookout functions within a month, have been using it for about 8 years now.  Its a good piece of software, needs some tweaks here and there, but still competitive.

Control does not have to be in the PLC.  It depends on the needs of the system.  Some work better with "local control" on the PLC, some will work with Lookout control.  Every situation is different.  Always have a backup plan for the control though, safety issues should be controlled at the location, hardware wise.

Good luck,

Mike

[Ryan.S]

Lookout consists of different kinds of "objects". Different object has different function. Create objects and make connections between them is the basic idea.

You first need to understand some basic concepts of lookout, including the "object", parameter of object, datamember of object, different kind of connections, etc.

And then, the examples installed with Lookout can help you to understand how to use different objects. In the Example\Object folder, each example is mainly for one or two objects. With the help of manuals or help, it will not be difficult to go through them.

I don't know if the self-paced training you found is good or not, but you are right that the HMI is not difficult. You can create as complicated application as possible by Lookout, but Lookout itself is not difficult to learn.

[kenm987]

Thanks guys!  (and thanks Ryan for help on clearing the password!).  The Examples/Objects folder is exactly what I need for the next step in my learning.  After I understand these relatively simple examples, then perhaps I can move on to the complex examples in Examples/Applications. 

Thanks again!

-Ken