Microplate Barcode Labeler User Guide - Agilent Technologies

Chapter 6: Running a print job
VCode User Guide
121
Creating a counter
Introduction
This topic defines the counters data type, and explains when you might
use it and how it relates to a schema. It also describes how to create a
counter.
Counters defined
A counter is an optional data type that is used for a field when creating a
schema. For every label that is printed, the counter increases in value by
the same amount.
Example:
0001, 0002, 0003, 0004...
You can also add constant text before or after the counter.
Example:
Jan6-0001, Jan6-0002, Jan6-0003, Jan6-0004...
Before you start
This procedure assumes that PlateTag is already open.
Creating counters
!! IMPORTANT !! Use 10 or fewer digits in the Initial counter
field. If there are more than ten digits, the number will be returned
as all zeroes.
To create a counter:
1. In PlateTag, click the Schemas tab at the bottom of the page.
2. Click the Counters tab.
3. Click Add new counter.
A row for a new counter will appear in the white space.
4. Double-click in the white space in the column for the parameter you
are defining.
The column can now be edited.
5. Define the following parameters:
Parameter
Variable name
Prefix
Suffix
Base
Description
A name for the counter that is easy to remember.
Text preceding the number.
Text following the number.
The number base of the counting system. The
options are base 10 and base 36, which counts from
0–9 and then A–Z.