Global Bindings Editor

1. Fernhill SCADA
2. Help
3. Properties Window
4. Global Bindings Editor

Introduction

Global Bindings is a collection of IEC 61131-3 declarations. You can declare Global Bindings in these tools:

• The Graphic Editor
• The Operator Toolbar Editor

Global Bindings in the Graphic Editor

In the Graphic Editor, you can define the following in Global Bindings:

• Common functions to use in Data Bindings or Operator Actions.
• Global variables to reference in Data Bindings or Operator Actions.
• A Main Program Unit that is executed at the binding refresh rate.

Global Variables are used to pass parameters to a Graphic Page:

• In an Embedded Graphic, Global Variables are the parameters passed from the containing graphic page to the embedded graphic page. For more information see Embedded Graphic Bindings.
• The function DialogAddGraphicPage adds a Graphic page to a dialog. The GlobalVariables parameter of the function set the Global Variables of the Graphic page.

Global Bindings in the Operator Toolbar Editor

In the Toolbar Editor, you can define functions to use in toolbar buttons.

Editing Global Bindings

To edit global bindings:

1. Select the Global Properties Tool in the toolbar.
2. In the Properties Window select the GlobalBindings field.
3. Click the Browse button to open the global bindings text editor.
4. Edit the global bindings text.
5. Press OK to confirm the changes.

Note: If there are syntax errors in the Global Bindings 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 Global Bindings Editor is open, press Ctrl+Spacebar to open the autocomplete list to provide suggestions depending on the context:

Depending on the context, the autocomplete list shows a list of types, variables and functions.

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.

Finding and Locating Errors

Errors in Global Bindings 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 Global Binding 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 shows an error in the global bindings of the 'Graphic' tag.

2. Click the link to the error. The Configuration Tool will select the property in the Properties Window which contains the error:
   

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

3. Click the Browse button to open the global 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.