You can use non-standard keyboards (as well as multiple keyboards) to control CitectSCADA. You can also define key names.
Using non-standard keyboards
You can use many types of keyboards with your runtime system. The most common keyboards are IBM compatible keyboards; this type of keyboard is used as a default. Many industrial keyboards do not conform with this standard; if you use a non-standard keyboard, you need to define each of the keyboards in the database.
Using multiple keyboards
Sometimes you might need to use keyboards of different types; for example, an IBM compatible keyboard in your control room and a sealed-membrane keyboard on the plant floor. If you use more than one type of keyboard, you need to define every key for each keyboard and assign each keyboard type to the respective computer.
You need to set the keyboard type for each
computer, with the [Keyboard]Type
parameter.
Note: If you define commands that use mouse buttons, test that a double-click command cannot be mistaken for a single-click command. A double-click is an extension of a single click; a single click message will be received before a double-click message.
Defining key names
You can refer to a keyboard key by a meaningful name, rather than by the key itself. For example, you can refer to the F1 key as the "Help" key and the F2 key as the "Login" key. When you use the key in a command, you can use the name you have defined.
You can assign a key name to any key on the keyboard (including the alphanumeric keys A - Z, a -z, and 0 - 9). However, after a key is defined as a command key it can only be used as a command key. If you do assign a definition to an alphanumeric key (for example the character A), that key can not be used as a data key. Each time it is pressed, the definition for the key is recognized and not the keyboard character itself. Keyboard key definitions are usually only used with non-alphanumeric characters (for example the function keys).
See Also