Function Block List

Just below the Function Block Toolbar is a list of all the Function Blocks defined in the current setup. From this area each can be controlled and its activity monitored. A typical display of the function block list with three different blocks running can be seen in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Function Block List with three function blocks active.

Header and Filter Rows

At the top of the Function Block List is a row with column headers describing the information below them. Immediately below this is a filter row, denoted by a set of symbols. Click on this symbol in the Description, Type, Running or Status fields to enter a filter that will allow you to restrict which function blocks are shown based on the values in the relevant cells.

Columns

Table 1 contains a list of the columns found in the function block list and a description of each.

Table 1: Function Block List Columns

ColumnDescription

Key

A reference code starting with "tst" (for "test") that is used by Vehicle Spy to refer to the function block internally. Since the key is used in references within VSpy, you can change the name of a block without causing any commands to stop working.

Description

A customizable name or description for the function block. Double-click on a default name like "Function Block 1" to change the description to whatever you like.

Type

Start Type

The method that will be used to start the function block. This is set separately for each block on the Start Tab.

Running

Tells you at a glance whether the function block is running or stopped.

Starts the function block corresponding to the row where the button was pressed. This works with all function block types, and will also take Vehicle Spy online automatically when the button is clicked..

Stops any function block.

Manually triggers a Capture Type Function block that is waiting for a trigger.

Forces a capture function block to save its capture buffer.

Status

Shows the current status of the function block. The information here will depends on the function block type. Script types will often show which step of the script they are currently processing; capture and playback blocks typically show how many messages they have captured or transmitted, or if they are waiting to be triggered. If you change a function block while it is active, Vehicle Spy will stop the block and display a message here instruction you to restart the block when you are done with your edits.

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