How to Create a Configuration File with PiCtory (Compact)

If you want to use the configuration values of your Compact in other programs, you need a configuration that contains the basic settings of your RevPi Compact.
You can create the configuration file with PiCtory.
In this chapter we will explain the user interface of PiCtory and create a configuration file.

Requirements:

  • A web browser, e.g. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
  • RevPi Core is located in your network.
  • You know the IP address of your RevPi Compact.

Let’s go!

  • Open your web browser.
  • Enter the IP address of your RevPi Compact in the address bar of your browser.

The login window appears.

pictory-anmelden
  • Log in with the username “admin”.
  • Enter your password. It can be found on the sticker on the side of your RevPi Core.
  • Click on „Login“

The status page opens.

  • Click “Apps” tab
  • Click the start button behind the entry “PiCtory” to start PiCtory..

PiCtory opens.

Let’s take a look around first!
So that you know what you can do in the individual work areas that you see in front of you, we will explain this to you in the following section. Afterwards we will continue working on our configuration file.

Configuration Board

The Configuration Board is your workspace. You can configure all devices you have activated here.

There are a few rules for putting together the devices, which you have to observe:

  • RevPi Compact forms the basis of every project.
  • Additionally you can use virtual devices.

Device Catalog

In the device catalog you can find all adapters from the RevPi product family. If you have to write your own drivers for special hardware, you can also add them as adapters in the device catalog. For this you have to create a RAP file (RevPi Adapter Profile file).

Please note that RevPi Compact has no PiBridge connection. Therefore, you can only use the virtual adapters with RevPi Compact from the device catalog.

Device Data

In this window, you can set basic settings for your adapters (e.g. device name).

Value Editor
In the Value Editor, you can specify which input and output ports you want to use. You can also name the individual connections..

Set up
The adapter icons on the Configuration Board are too large? The data sheet window disturbs you while working and the size of the configuration board is too small? No problem, everything can be adjusted!
Changing icon size of the adapterss on the Configuration Board
  • Click on the selection window “Display Size”.
  • Set the desired icon size in which the adapters are to be displayed.

Show and hide windows
  • Click on the black button to hide a window.
  • You can restore the window by clicking the same button again.

Change window size

  • Place the cursor on the frame of the window you want to resize.

The arrow shown below appears.

  • Hold down the right mouse button and adjust the window to your desired size.

 

Let’s move on!

  • Select RevPi Compact from the device catalog.
  • Drag and drop it onto the Configuration Board.
  • Optionally select a virtual device from the device catalog .
  • Drag and drop it into the empty column on the Configuration Board.

  • Click on the RevPi Compact.

Below the Configuration Board, 2 workspaces will now open. Here you can configure your adapters.

  • Set the basic settings for your adapters in the area “Device Data”.

The following values should help you to recognize your adapter easily.

  • Adapter name
  • Device tag (BMK)
  • Comments

If you do not enter values, the values stored in the RAP file are used.

    • Define your inputs and outputs. The values you select here do not determine the number of physical inputs and outputs. These values determine whether the inputs and outputs are addressed via a Boolean variable or a 16-bit variable. Choose the higher value for the Boolean variable and the lower value for the 16-bit variable.

  • Set the values for your adapter device in the value editor.

Example:

Let’s assume you wanted to connect a sensor to the first analog input of RevPi Compact and the file should be used later in logi.CAD3.

  • So that we can recognize this setting in logi.CAD3, we give the input Input_Pin_1 the name “Sensor1”.
  • In order to use this variable in logi.CAD3, we set a check mark at “Export”.

  • Click on „File>Save“ to save the file.

  • Specify the project name.
  • Click on “OK”.

  • Click on “Tools>Reset Driver”. This activates the changes for the adapter.

The following window opens:

  • Click on „Ok“.
  • Click on „File>Export“.

A window opens. You can specify the format of the file and the filename.
You can choose from 2 file formats:

– Export 01 creates a file that is suitable for use in logiCAD3.
– Export 02 creates an offset list, which you can use as basic information for your own C-program.
– Export 03 creates a symbol list, which can be used in the Soft-PLC IBHsoftec.
– Export 04 creates an offset list that you can use in Codesys.
– Export 05 creates an export for LogicLab.

    • Select the file format you want to continue working with..
    • Select “Download” to save the export file as json file or
    • Select “Show Only” to view the export file.

 

      • Specify a file name..
      • Click on „Ok“.

Congratulations! You have just created your first configuration file!