Data Binding Editor

1. Fernhill SCADA
2. Help
3. Properties Window
4. Data Binding Editor

Introduction

A Data Binding is an IEC 61131-3 Expression that links the visual appearance of something to a changing data source.

The IEC 61131-3 Expression can be a simple tag reference, for example:

%"Folder.Analog Data Point Tag"

The IEC 61131-3 Expression can also be a more complex expression, for example:

( %"Folder.Temperature Celsius" * 9.0 / 5.0 ) + 32.0

Features that Use Data Bindings

These features use data bindings:

Editing Data Bindings

To edit a Data Binding:

1. Use one of these methods to select an item:
   • In the Graphics Editor use one of the Selection Methods to select an item on the canvas.
   • In the Toolbar Editor click a button to select it.
2. In the Properties Window select a property from the Data Bindings group, for example DataBindColor.
3. Click the Browse button to open the Data Binding Code Editor.
4. Edit the Data Binding Code.
5. Press OK to confirm the changes.

Note: If there are syntax errors in the Data Binding Code, the editor will not accept the changes when you press the OK button. Either correct the errors, or press the Cancel button to cancel the changes.

Autocomplete

When the Data Binding Editor is open, press Ctrl+Spacebar to open the autocomplete list to provide suggestions depending on the context:

The autocomplete list shows:

• Built-in functions and variables
• User defined functions and variables declared in the Global Bindings.

To select an item from the autocomplete list, do one of the following:

• Start typing the first few characters of the item to select it.
• Press the up arrow key, or down arrow key, or page-up key, or page-down key to select the item.
• Use the scroll bar to bring the item into view and then click the item to select it.

To insert the autocomplete reference into the code, do one of the following:

• Press Return.
• Double-click the item.

Inserting a Tag Reference

You can insert tag references directly into the code editor using the Insert Tag Reference... command:

Choosing the Insert Tag Reference... command opens the tag browser allowing you to select a tag reference directly:

Finding and Locating Errors

Syntax errors in Data Binding Code are highlighted in the editor using a dashed red underline:

Note: If you move the cursor near the error, a tooltip will be displayed providing an explanation of the error.

Finding more Subtle Errors

The Data Binding Code Editor will not accept code with obvious syntax errors. It is still possible to enter code with more subtle semantic errors. To find and locate additional errors:

1. Switch to the Code Errors tab of the Status Monitor Window:
   

   Note: The above message indicates an invalid parameter for the ROUNDSD Function.

2. Click the link to the error. The Configuration Tool will select the item on the canvas and highlight the property with the error in the Properties Window:
   

   Note: The property with the error is shown with red text.

3. Click the Browse button to open the data bindings text editor:
   

   Note: If you move the cursor near the error, a tooltip will be displayed providing an explanation of the error.

Further Information

Graphic Editor

For information on using the graphic page editor.

Toolbar Editor

For information on using the operator toolbar editor.

Properties Window

For information about editing properties of items using the Properties Window.

Glossary

For the meaning of terms used in Fernhill SCADA.

Fernhill SCADA Version 4.1 (20231126.1). Copyright © 2012-2023 Fernhill Software Ltd: All rights reserved.