Controls not being read inside while loop, that is inside an event case

[MikeMack747]

I've encountered a situation with an embedded while loop not functioning as expected once it is placed inside an event case. The Stop and Exit buttons seem disabled. I've tried adding those buttons to the same event case; "Start", but that had no effect.

[GerdW]

Hi Mike,

simple solution: don't place while loops inside event cases!

Event cases should be executed as fast as possible, and so avoid blocking other events...

[MikeMack747]

So, the while loop is there to allow an operation reading incoming data from an instrument under test.

The while loop is waiting for settling of the reading with a threshold level of standard deviation.

A timeout or user input of "Stop" are alternate ways out of this loop.

This method is not possible within an event case?  Why not?

[crossrulz · Accepted solution]

You have the "Lock panel until the event case completes" turned on.  Which means, you press the Start button and you cannot interact with the front panel until the case is done, including the inner loop.

Generally speaking, you should not have "long" things happen inside of an Event Structure, such as loops.  Use another loop or a state machine (the state machine is to include the Event Structure, not inside of the event case) to handle the reactions.

[MikeMack747]

How do I unlock the front panel?

[MikeMack747]

I found it, I went to "Edit Events Handled by this Case" and unchecked the "Lock panel" box.

Thank you Gerd!

[billko]

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@MikeMack747 wrote:

I found it, I went to "Edit Events Handled by this Case" and unchecked the "Lock panel" box.

Thank you Gerd!

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FYI - generally speaking, a well-written LV application doesn't care if the front panel is locked or not because nothing in the event structure will take so long that locking the front panel matters.

[MikeMack747]

I agree, this event should trigger and data producing, and a consuming loop operating in parallel to the event.

This is not my code, it came from my coworker who now shall lose a bet 🤑