Dashboard Datatype?

[whytheheckme]

Hi everyone,

I searched, so please don't flame

Anyway, so I've decided to finally make a custom dashboard. I've spent the night figuring out how these clusters are packed (we're using Java this year). I understand the structure for the sample code, and I can find the cluster in the block diagram from the sample LabVIEW dashboard program (on the left, Low Level robot I/O values). I can see how those structures match up to the provided dashboard Java code cluster structures.

Wonderful.

So, how do I create a custom structure in LabVIEW? I'm not even entirely sure what's going on here (I've never used LabVIEW for anything more than real-time signal capture not related to FIRST.) This "box" (I'll call it that until someone can describe to me in more detail what it does) has all of these clusters inside. Where is this "box" getting its data from? How do I make a "box" with my own structure? Is there any way I can not use a mouse to do this? (that one was rhetorical).

Anyway, if anyone can help me understand what's going on here, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Jacob

[Alan Anderson]

If I understand what you're referring to, that "box" is a cluster constant. You can place one on the block diagram, and then place other constants (string, numeric, boolean, etc.) inside it in the desired order to create a cluster of your own design.

[whytheheckme]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

If I understand what you're referring to, that "box" is a cluster constant. You can place one on the block diagram, and then place other constants (string, numeric, boolean, etc.) inside it in the desired order to create a cluster of your own design.

Thanks for the fast response, Alan.

So I can simply place my own in place of the one thats there, and it will work? How does LabVIEW know where to get the data to fill those constants? Do I need to call the cluster constant something specific? Where can I find these constant pieces?

EDIT: OH!!! I think I get it. That block on the side is the 'Type' input to the String deflattener. HAH! *excited*

Thanks again,
Jacob

[whytheheckme]

One more question, the types of boxes that the default dashboard program uses (Slot 1, Slot 4, Slot 8).. How can I create those? I can only seem to create simple LEDs etc, without those fancy segmented boxes?

[Alan Anderson]

I think what you're calling "fancy segmented controls" are just colored rounded box Decorations, Grouped with regular controls on top of them. While you're editing the default dashboard front panel, select one of them and use the rightmost icon on the tool bar to Ungroup them. There's a Tools Palette under the View menu that you can use to set decorations' colors.

[kamocat]

By the way, creating a custom control typedef may make things slightly easier when you update the custom datatype on the dashboard.
While you won't be able to use it on your Robot project (Java vs LabVIEW), you will be able to use it as a block diagram constant and the front panel indicator. If it's a strict typedef, you will be able to edit the user data datatype AND how it is displayed by just modifying this file.
(you will still have to open it up and build it as an exe for seamless integration with the driver station)

Here's an example typedef:

(apologies about the page stretching)