2.2.
Using the on-line help
FORMAT has a context sensitive on-line help system activated by the Fl key. You can
press the Fl key at any time while using the controller to obtain an information window
summarising what actions are possible from the current position.
The on-line help system is not intended to be a replacement for this handbook, but
provides a useful reminder for keystrokes and menu options.
If you find you are unsure of what to do next, your first action should be to call for the
on-line help. In most cases this will give you sufficient information to let you carry on.
2.3.
Function keys
Function keys are keys which cause the controller to immediately action a task.
FORMAT has two kinds of function keys, namely "global" and "local":
2.3.1 Global function keys
These are keys which serve one fixed purpose and are operational all the time. An
example is the F10 key which shuts the chamber down. This can be thought of as an
emergency stop button. It is active all the time, whatever the controller is doing. Global
function keys are shown at the bottom of the screen (see Figure 1).
2.3.2 Local function keys
These are keys whose function may change from one task to another. They are shown
at the bottom of the window that the user is currently interacting with.
2.4. Using the data entry windows
When the controller needs information from you, it presents a data entry window.
FORMAT has data entry windows for a multitude of different situations (e.g. asking
you for a steady state condition or alarm setpoints), so they vary in appearance. Common
to all of them, however, is a standard method of data entry and navigating the fields in
the window.
2.4.1 Moving between fields
The "enter" or "right arrow" keys are used to move the input cursor to the next field of
a data entry window. The key to move the input cursor to the previous field is the "left
arrow". Keying past the last field causes a "wrap round" effect which moves the input
cursor to the first field.
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