10
The cycle then repeats itself using the data in field 2, then 3, etc., until all of the fields that contain
data have been displayed. NOTE: Fields that do not contain any data are not included in this
cycle.
Continuous Mode
If this parameter is set to Continuous, the fields are processed in this fashion:
•
Messenger is blank.
•
The data in Field 1 appears on the Messenger in a set fashion (as determined by ON Dir and
ON Speed).
•
The data remains on the Messenger for a set duration (as determined by Time ON).
•
The data in Field 2 appears on the Messenger in a set fashion (as determined by ON Dir and
ON Speed).
•
The data remains on for a set duration (as determined by Time ON).
This process then repeats itself using the data in Field 3, then 4, etc., until all of the fields that
contain data have been displayed. NOTE: Fields that do not contain any data are not included
in this cycle. After all available data fields have been processed, the entire Message (beginning
with Data Field 1) is then repeated. A more detailed explanation is provided in Exercise IV:
Message Timing.
It will be easier to understand how a Message is structured by creating a sample Message. In the
following exercises, generic Messages will be created, each with different effects and
characteristics. These exercises will assume that the host computer is connected to a MGM02
8-Character Messenger Display.
EXERCISE I: Creating a Message
NOTE: For these exercises, the MGM02 16-character display will be used to represent a
typical Messenger. Keep in mind that the MGM01 can only display 8 characters at a time and
the MGM03 can display up to 24 characters at a time.
In this exercise, the operator will create a Message named “Caution Ahead”.
NOTE: When instructed to enter data in a Data Field, do NOT enter quotation marks.
1. Start the Messenger Programming Software.
2. Click on File, then Open. Select the TEST.MSG Message File created earlier. If this file does
not exist, create it by following the steps outlined in “Creating a Message File or Library File...”
in Section I.
3. Double-click on <new> in the TEST.MSG window. This will open the “Message Editor”
screen.
4. Enter the name “Caution Ahead” in the box adjacent to “ID:”.
NOTE: The data entered in the “ID:” field will not only serve as the name of the Message,
but will also be displayed on the Messenger Controller’s display screen. Although this name
may be from 1 to 24 characters in length (including spaces), the display screen on the
Messenger Controller will only display the first 8 characters.
5. Set the mode selection button to “On-Off”.
6. In Data Field 1, enter the words “CAUTION AHEAD”. The Messenger Editor screen should
look like this:
