Strategy Controller

The Strategy Controller is used to automate functions in SpecView such as:

•	Automatic Recipe Downloading

•	Automatic Log Report Generation

•	Turning a Variable On/Off when an event occurs

•	Setting Variables to new values

•	Timing events such as Down Time

•	Counting events

•	Implementing cascade control

•	Performing multiple adjustments from a single click such as incrementing several set points at once

SetupMenu_Strategy

Using the Strategy Controller involves two steps:

1.	Defining an Event

2.	Defining one or more Actions to go with the Event

This may also be thought of as an 'IF - THEN' statement.

NOTE: There is no ELSE function in the Strategy Controller, but there is an Enable on Boolean feature which can be used.

If an event is defined such as:

'Zone1.Process Value > 200 è Turn On Outputs.Relay3'

SpecView will do nothing when the value falls below 200. A second event such as:

'Zone1.Process Value <= 200 è Turn Off Outputs.Relay3'

must be defined.

EVENTS are tested continuously and in no particular order (see below)

ACTIONS are executed in the order that they are shown in the list

There is a step-by-step example which explains the function of each item available in the Strategy Controller. It is strongly recommended to follow through this example, even if it is not relevant to the application, to become familiar with the concepts of the Strategy Controller.

Both the Events and Actions of the Strategy Controller can be logged to the Event Log.

NOTE: ALL variables (either User Variables or Instrument Variables) MUST be out on an open GDW for the Strategy Controller to be able to use their values.

Programming the Strategy Controller

Strategy Controller Hints and Tips

Step-by-step example showing how to use the Strategy Controller to generate an automatic log report for a duration of a process.

Event Type

Value (Variable) Based Event Setup

Time Based Event Setup

Strategy Controller Actions

Examples of Value Based Events

Turn on a digital output on a New Alarm

Cascade Control

Totalizer

Examples of Time Based Events

In the User Guide there is also an example of using the Strategy Controller to generate a daily log report at midnight covering the previous 24 hours.

As of SpecView version 3.1.253, it is possible to add notes to Events.

This aids in describing Events and Actions for other users of SpecView who will be programming projects using Strategy Controller.