CR1000 Manual - Campbell Scientific

Section 7. Installation
7.7.1 Writing and Editing Programs
7.7.1.1 Short Cut Editor and Program Generator
Short Cut is easy-to-use, menu-driven software that presents the user with lists of
predefined measurement, processing, and control algorithms from which to
choose. The user makes choices, and Short Cut writes the CRBasic code required
to perform the tasks. Short Cut creates a wiring diagram to simplify connection of
sensors and external devices. Quickstart Tutorial (p. 33) works through a
measurement example using Short Cut.
For many complex applications, Short Cut is still a good place to start. When as
much information as possible is entered, Short Cut will create a program template
from which to work, already formatted with most of the proper structure,
measurement routines, and variables. The program can then be edited further
using CRBasic Program Editor.
7.7.1.2 CRBasic Editor
CR1000 application programs are written in a variation of BASIC (Beginner's
All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) computer language, CRBasic (Campbell
Recorder BASIC). CRBasic Editor is a text editor that facilitates creation and
modification of the ASCII text file that constitutes the CR1000 application
program. CRBasic Editor is a component of LoggerNet (p. 570), RTDAQ, and
PC400 datalogger-support software (p. 77) packages.
Fundamental elements of CRBasic include:
• Variables - named packets of CR1000 memory into which are stored values
that normally vary during program execution. Values are typically the result
of measurements and processing. Variables are given an alphanumeric name
and can be dimensioned into arrays of related data.
• Constants - discrete packets of CR1000 memory into which are stored
specific values that do not vary during program executions. Constants are
given alphanumeric names and assigned values at the beginning declarations
of a CRBasic program.
Note Keywords and predefined constants are reserved for internal CR1000 use. If
a user-programmed variable happens to be a keyword or predefined constant, a
runtime or compile error will occur. To correct the error, simply change the
variable name by adding or deleting one or more letters, numbers, or the
underscore (_) from the variable name, then recompile and resend the program.
CRBasic Editor Help provides a list of keywords and pre-defined constants.
• Common instructions - Instructions (called "commands" in BASIC) and
operators used in most BASIC languages, including program control
statements, and logic and mathematical operators.
• Special instructions - Instructions (called "commands" in BASIC) unique to
CRBasic, including measurement instructions that access measurement
channels, and processing instructions that compress many common
calculations used in CR1000 dataloggers.
These four elements must be properly placed within the program structure.
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