Understanding Database Dynamos

iFIX can process information from one or more Database Dynamo objects, also known as loadable blocks. Each Database Dynamo is an optional block that adds functionality to the process database. By using Database Dynamos, you can create new blocks tailored to your needs. For example, you might create a Dynamo that provides a custom PID or other control algorithm.

You can create a Database Dynamo by using the Database Dynamo Toolkit. After you create one, iFIX treats your Database Dynamo like any other block in the process database. This feature enables iFIX to process alarms from the Dynamo, along with the other alarms in the system. Database Dynamos also enable you to:

• Access the Dynamo's fields from any iFIX application.
• Use Database Manager to create, configure, and manage the operation of the Dynamos in the process database.

GE also makes the following Database Dynamos available in the iFIX product:

Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe)

Use the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe) to add the Database Dynamos in the above table to iFIX. After iFIX is restarted, you will then be able to add blocks of these types in the iFIX Database Manager.

To add a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default, this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\GE\iFIX.
2. In the Available Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to add and click Add (or optionally, click Add All). This moves the specified Database Dynamos to the Configured Database Dynamos list.
3. On the File menu, click Save.
4. Restart iFIX. After iFIX restarts, you will then be able to add the blocks in the above table within the iFIX Database Manager.

IMPORTANT: Use caution in removing Database Dynamos (loadable blocks). If you use the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility (BTKCFG.exe) to remove a loadable block but do not remove the block from the iFIX database, an error message appears in the Alarm History that a block type is missing and the blocks are not loaded.

To remove a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default, this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\GE\iFIX.
2. In the Configured Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to remove and click Remove (or optionally, click Remove All). This moves the specified Database Dynamos to the Available Database Dynamos list.
3. On the File menu, click Save.
4. Restart iFIX.

To change a slot number of a Database Dynamo:

1. Double-click the Btkcfg.exe file to launch the Database Dynamo Configuration Utility. By default, this file is located in the iFIX install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\GE\iFIX.
2. In the Configured Database Dynamos list, select the Dynamo that you want to change the slot number for.
3. In the Slot Number field, enter a new number. You can enter any number between 50 to 149 that is not in use. For more information on slot numbers, refer to the Understanding Slot Numbers section.
4. On the File menu, click Save.
5. Restart iFIX.

 

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