Configuration workspace tour

Click Configuration to view the workspace - a visual program editor where you drag interlocking blocks to build a configuration. This page offers a lot of flexibility to customize your system and your observations.

Toolbox

The Toolbox is the menu from which you can drag the many different types of blocks used to configure your system. You can configure the workspace even if components are not connected, however, you won't be able to complete the configuration until all gas analyzers and chambers are attached to the multiplexer. Click an item in the toolbox to expand it, and drag items from the toolbox to the Configuration workspace.

Options

The Configuration Options present tools to Upload a configuration from your computer, Download the current configuration to your computer, Reset the configuration to default settings, or Verify your current configuration. Verifying your configuration provides feedback in three different states. Click Verify to view details about what may be missing or incorrect in your configuration.

The configuration is complete and valid–all systems go.
There may be something missing from your configuration but the sampling sequence will still run.
The configuration is invalid. The configuration will not be remembered by the multiplexer if you navigate away from the Configuration page and the sampling sequence will not run. However, you can Save the configuration to your computer

Root-level blocks

Two block cannot be removed: the Multiplexer and the Sampling Sequence.

Multiplexer

Multiplexer is the root block under which the physical components (gas analyzer, extension manifold, chamber, etc.) are added. This block may not be deleted and is not nested under any other blocks.

  • Fits into: As the root block, Multiplexer block does not fit into any other blocks.

  • Accepts: Gas Analyzer blocks, Port blocks, Extension Manifold blocks, Thermistor Input Module blocks, and Purge Pump blocks.

  • Requires: At least one Port block must be added, at least one Chamber or Custom chamber block, at least one Gas Analyzer block.

See Multiplexer and component blocks.

Sampling Sequence

Sampling Sequence is the root block under which the events of your sampling sequence are laid out. This block may not be deleted and is not nested under any other blocks.

  • Fits into: As the root block, the Sampling Sequence block does not fit into any other blocks.

  • Accepts: Observation blocks, Delay blocks, and Disable Sampling Pump blocks.

  • Requires: One or more Observation block, Delay block, and Disable Sampling Pump blocks, and for the Multiplexer block to be configured.

See Sampling sequence blocks.

Interactions

In the Configuration workspace, you can arrange and manage blocks in your configuration. The workspace allows you to perform many basic actions:

  • Click to add: Click items in the Toolbox to add them to the Configuration workspace.
  • Drag and drop: If a block is compatible with another block, it will snap into place below it. If it is not compatible it will not snap but can be dropped to the workspace for later use.
  • Cut: To cut a block, select it and press Ctrl + X or Cmd + X.
  • Copy: To copy a block, select it and press Ctrl + C or Cmd + C.
  • Paste: To paste a block, select it and press Ctrl + V or Cmd + V.
  • Undo: To undo the previous action press Ctrl + Z or Cmd + Z.
  • Redo: To redo the prior action Ctrl + Y or Cmd + Y.
  • Pan: To pan around the workspace, click and drag on the open space, use the scroll button on your mouse, or use the scroll bars in the workspace pane.
  • Zoom: To zoom in and out, hold Ctrl or Cmd and scroll the mouse wheel or you can use the and buttons above the trash.
  • Center: To center your view, click the button above the trash. This button centers the view and returns the zoom to 100%.

You can also right-click a block for the following options:

  • Duplicate: This works like copy and paste, but in one action. To duplicate a block, select it and press Ctrl + Shift + D or Cmd + Shift + D, or right-click the block and select Duplicate.
  • Add or Remove Comment: Adding a comment will flag a block with a blue question mark (?) indicating that there are comments. Comments are added to a pop-up bubble for your records. Removing a comment removes the comment.
  • Inline or External Inputs: Changes the arrangement of the block options from vertical to horizontal.
  • Collapse or Expand: Click the (-) or (+) buttons in the upper left-hand corner of a block to change between collapsed and expanded view. This can also be done by selecting the block and pressing Ctrl + Shift + E or Cmd + Shift + E, or by right-clicking the block and selecting Collapse Block/Expand Block. This is useful for hiding blocks you are not currently configuring.
  • Delete Block: To delete a block, drag it to the trash (lower right hand corner), select it and press Delete or Backspace, or right-click it and select Delete Block.
  • Help: Opens the help options.