Masked Numeric Entry of Floating number

[Dimitri Krut]

Using Samba SM-70

Need to have users enter a single precision floating, masked to enter no more then three digits before decimal and one after. MF type system variable does not permit for masking. Any way to make sure the user will enter masked numbers?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Joe Tauser]

One of the less-than-desirable features of Vision controllers is the inability to format floating point numbers on the screen.  So unfortunately the direct answer to your question is no.

I very rarely use floating point types in a PLC application; I prefer virtual decimals in MIs and MLs (1.00 amps = 100).  You get much more control of your numeric presentation this way and all the function blocks support integers.

What does your application really require?

Joe T.

[Dimitri Krut]

My application needs for the user to enter the desired current in power supply. Typically it will be 90 to 110Amps. It is desirable to enter with the precision of 0.1 Amp.

One possibility I am considering is using MI w/o decimals and then using up/down buttons to adjust to the tenths decimal value. Still not sure how to handle that.

Thanks!

 

[Flex727]

Normal integer Numeric input handles this easily - no need for floating point. The resulting (MI) number input will be 10x the desired value, but you can handle that in ladder with the proper math (or the proper values in the linearization function block).

[Dimitri Krut]

I got it working with MI. Thanks for the ideas.