MACROS AND VISUAL BASIC
LSM 710 and LSM 780
Carl Zeiss
Macros
Systems
2 M60-1-0025
e
02/2010
5
MACROS AND VISUAL BASIC
5.1
Macros
The macro function permits the recording, running and editing of command sequences and their
allocation to buttons in the
Macro
menu. Macros can be set up in two different ways: The Visual Macro
Editor or alternatively they can be programmed in Visual Basic directly.
•
In the
Menu
bar (see Fig. 1), click on
Macro
.
−
This displays the
Macro
menu (see Fig. 2).
•
The Macro list is bipartite:
Macro
– editing and recording of
macros; assign macros to list
•
Visual Macro Edito
r – edit automatic workflows with pre-
defined modules
Selecting
Macro
opens a dialogue for editing and recording Macros based on VBA programming in the
Macro Control
window (see Fig. 3). VBA programming is described in Section 5.2 of the printed manual.
Using the
Visual
Button (optional) allows to create automated work flows using the arrangement of
symbols which depict the single steps within a work flow. See
Visual Macro Editor
, page 22 for further
details.
5.1.1
Macro Language
"Visual Basic for Applications", called VBA in the following, is used as the Macro language. This language
is well known and widely used as Macro language in the "Microsoft Word for Windows" and "Microsoft
Excel for Windows" products. Experience with "Microsoft Visual Basic" would also be beneficial for
macro-programming ZEN.
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the “Microsoft Visual Basic Editor”, is available for editing
and debugging of macros. The IDE includes an "online help" with a detailed description of the VBA
language.
Macros are stored in project files. One project file can include several macros.
The VBA functionality described in this paragraph refers to VBA as implemented in the
Carl Zeiss LSM software 4.2. With the introduction of ZEN, the range of functions is and
will be extended, while VBA can still be used with the functions described below. The
extension of functionality applies mostly to display and access of image data. If you
need assistance or further information please contact your local Carl Zeiss LSM
specialist
:
Fig. 1
Menu bar
Fig. 2
Macro menu