Alarms

Q: How do I allow the operator to go to the alarm page from any page in the system using the keyboard?

A: Define a Global keyboard commandConsist of a key sequence that an operator enters on the keyboard, and an instruction (or series of instructions) that executes when the key sequence is entered. Keyboard commands can be assigned to an object or page, or they can be project-wide. (for example, the F3 key) to display the page with the PageAlarm function, or use a page templateA base drawing or time-saving pattern used to shape a graphics page. Each template contains base information for the page, such as borders and common control buttons. provides templates for all common page types. that has an Alarm Page button. Global keyboard commands are defined in System Keyboard Commands.

Q: How do I call a function when an alarm trips?

A: Define alarms as an alarm category, and call the function in the Alarm Action field.

Q: How do I send alarms to a dBASE file?

A: Specify the dBASE file in the Log Device field on the Alarm Category form.

Q: How do I display alarms?

A: Use the PageAlarm function to display the standard alarm page. Alternatively, for more control, draw your own alarm page and use the AlarmDsp function.

Q: How do I create a standard alarm page?

A: When you configure the project, create a default alarm page (with the Graphic Builder) based on the alarm template. Save the page with the name "Alarm". Alarms will automatically display on this page.

Q: How do I display the alarm summary?

A: Use the PageSummary function to display the standard alarm summary pageDisplays alarm summary information in the following format: alarm name, time on, time off, delta time, comment.. Alternatively, for more control, draw your own alarm summary page and use the AlarmDsp function.

Q: How do I get alarms into a report?

A: You can do either of the following:

• Read the alarm log (.DBF) files (logged for the alarm category).
• Use alarm functions such as AlarmFirstCatRec. (You can only use these functions if the alarms serverMonitors all alarms and displays an alarm on the appropriate control client(s) when an alarm condition becomes active. and Reports server are on the same computer.)

Q: How do I disable groups of alarms from the I/O Device?

A: Program the I/O Device to set a bit when it wants to disable alarms. Use an event to monitor this bit (Trigger is Bit = 1), and call the AlarmDisable function as the Action (when the bit is set).

Q: How do I display alarm summaries?

A: When you configure the project, create a default alarm summary page (with the Graphic Builder) based on the alarm template. Save the page with the name "Summary". Alarms will display on this page.

Q: How do I acknowledge alarms?

A: Display the standard alarm page and click the left mouse button over the alarm, or use the AlarmAckRec function.

Q: How do I set up alarm redundancy?

A: Use the Computer Setup Wizard (run in Custom mode) to set up a second Alarm Server. No project reconfiguration is necessary.

Q: How do I attach comments to alarms at runtime?

A: Define a Page Keyboard command that calls the AlarmComment function.

Q: How do I sound a bell when alarm occurs?

A: Define the alarm in an Alarm Category and call the Beep function in the Alarm Action field.

Q: How do I display the last alarm on every page?

A: Define a continuous animation on each page (or template) - a standard feature of alarm templates.

Q: How do I advise operators that alarms are active?

A: If you are using standard templates, the clock animates. Alternatively, for more control, call the AlarmActive function.

Q: How do I change the analogue alarms limits at runtime?

A: Define a Page Keyboard command that calls the AlarmSetThreshold function.