Applications Guide Tracer Graphical Programming - Trane

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Programming best practices
During the development of the Tracer Graphical Programming (TGP) editor,
we experimented with the editor by creating programs to control a
variety of equipment, including pumps, cooling towers, and air handlers.
In the process of creating these programs, we came to understand that
there were a number of guidelines that, if followed consistently, benefited
us in the following ways:
• We became better and more efficient programmers.
• Our programs were easier to troubleshoot.
• Other people found the programs easier to understand.
We have begun sharing these guidelines and refer to them as “TGP Best
Practices.” Keep these best practices nearby to help you as you start to
construct your first graphical programs. They will help you become a better
programmer, too.
Keep programs as simple as possible.
Some of the best practices are common sense in disguise. A critical step in
programming is to thoroughly define the job before beginning to write
programs. When the job is defined, do not make the programs any more
complicatedthantheyneedtobetogetthejobdone.Keepthemassimple
as possible.
Configure inputs and outputs prior to programming.
For any Tracer MP580/581 controller, use the software plug-in for the
Rover service tool to configure the known inputs, outputs, and variables
before writing any programs. Configuring the controller first makes the
process of programming more efficient by reducing the amount of time
you spend refreshing the controller configuration in the TGP editor.
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