Function Blocks Types

Vehicle Spy supports three types of Function Blocks:

• Script Type: Lets you write a program consisting of a set of command steps that control the operation of Vehicle Spy. You can use messages and signals as part of the script; for example, you could write a script to transmit a set of messages in response to receipt of an Engine RPM message. These are often called function block scripts.

• Capture Type: Captures messages and signals and logs them to a file, based on parameters you select. The recorded file can be used for playback, simulation or analysis. This function block type is also known as a capture block.

• Playback Type: Allows a data file to be played back through hardware. This is a quick way to set up a simulation for a node or vehicle. This type of function block is also called a playback block.

The type of block is selected at the time it is added by clicking the button at the far left of the toolbar. There you will see a small submenu appear, as shown in Figure 1, showing the three types. After you select the type of function block you want to create, it will be added to the Function Block List.

The type of function block chosen determines what is found in the setup area that comprises most of the function block window.

Figure 1: Add Function Block submenu.