Stations and Station Types
Overview
Configuring NovaStar 5 to receive or request data is the most important part of setting up the system. A well-configured system correctly organizes a large amount of meaningful, accurate data, and allows users to quickly find the information they need. The first step is to select Stations menu.
A station is any source that will generate data for the NovaStar 5 database and includes physical stations with sensors, and synthetic stations where data can be managed. Because each station is typically associated with a location where measurements are taken, stations are defined geographically within NovaStar 5 for mapping. Information required for each station serves to identify the station and describe its location and the telemetry protocols governing NovaStar 5's contact with the station. Telemetry methods understood by NovaStar 5 include one-way ALERT data broadcasts, communications with two-way radio systems, satellite, and internet data sources.
Station List
The Stations menu displays the Station List page. The Station List will be empty for a new system.
Station List (see also the full-size image)
The Station List page shows all the currently defined stations and can show details about each station. Clicking on any of the column heading buttons will reorder the stations in the Station List, numerically or alphabetically, by that detail. This allows the Station List to be quickly used to find, for example, all stations north of a latitude or all of those utilizing a data collection unit/data transmitter of a particular manufacture. The appearance of the Station List can be customized using the Choose detail... button to access the Station List Details page, see the Station List Details section.
Station List Details
The Station List Details view displays station details (properties). The Station ID is the unique numerical identifier for the station.
Station List Details (see also the full-size image)
The check boxes on Station List Details page control the items, organization, sort order, and limit the records displayed on the associated List page.
Select the details to display
- Check the box to the left of a detail to display. Details are displayed in the order shown.
- Check the Order by box for the detail to sort first. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the Then by box for the detail to sort second. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the second Then by box for the detail to sort third. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Move Up | Move the selected detail up one row. |
| Move Down | Move the selected detail down one row. |
| Select All | Select all details. |
| Reset | Reset to default details. |
| OK | Return to previous page with new details selected. |
| Cancel | Return to previous page with no changes. |
Select the limits for the display
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Station Type | Limit display to stations assigned to the selected station type(s). Click Station Type: button to change Station Type Pick Details and order.  Reset pick list to single select.  Decrease pick list length.  Increase pick list length.  Expand pick list to multiple select.  Collapse pick list to single select. |
| User Group | Limit display to stations assigned to the user group(s). Click User Group: button to change User Group Pick Details and order. |
| Out of Service | Limit display to stations with out of service state: all ignores out of service, false only displays stations in service, true only displays stations out of service. |
Station Pick Details
The check boxes on Station Pick Details page control the items, organization, sort order, and limit the records displayed on the pick list. Columns can be selecte in order to help select stations, or de-selected to simplify the displayed list.
Station Pick Details (see also the full-size image)
Select the limits for the display
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Station Type | Limit display to stations assigned to the selected station type(s). Click Station Type: button to change Station Type Pick Details and order. Reset pick list to single select. Decrease pick list length. Increase pick list length. Expand pick list to multiple select. Collapse pick list to single select. |
| Out of Service | Limit display to stations with out of service state: all ignores out of service, false only displays stations in service, true only displays stations out of service. |
| User Group | Limit display to stations assigned to the user group(s). Click User Group: button to change User Group Pick Details and order. |
Station Add
The Station Add page is used to create a new station by entering, at a minimum, a unique Station ID (numerical identifier) that is used by the data collection system. However, the Station Add page does not allow assigning points to the new station. To complete station set-up by assigning points to the new station, use the Apply button to create the new station and convert the input page to the Station Edit page, described in the next section. On the Station Edit page, use the Add button to build the Point list associated with the station.
The Station Edit page provides the same input fields as the Station Add page, and these are described in the Station Edit section.
Station Add (see also the full-size image)
Station Edit
Click on the Edit button associated with any station in the Station List table, or click Apply from the Station Add or Station Copy pages to create a new station. This displays the Station Edit page. Click the Poll button to go to the Station Poll page, see the Station Poll section.
Station Edit Identification (see also the full-size image)
Identification
The following station properties are used to identify thestation.
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Table index | Field can not be modified; it is assigned automatically when a record is added. |
| Station ID | Numeric identifier must be unique for each station and can be up to 8 digits (1 - 99999999). For and ALERT station, the Number will range from 1 to 8191. Numbering a station zero is not allowed. Typically station numbers are divisible by ten, leaving 10 unit numbers available to be assigned to individual points at each station. For example, station 100 may have corresponding point numerical identifiers 100 through 109. See Point List, below. Reset button resets Remote and Point IDs to match new Station ID. |
| Name | Station name. Max: 100 characters. Reset button resets Point Names to match new Station Name (Click twice to assign point type). |
| Tag | Unique alpha-numeric identifier that describes the station and is used in reports, and data exports. Max: 100 characters. |
| Remote Tag | Unique alpha-numeric identifier to use in station polling. Max: 100 characters. |
| Description | Enter additional information describing station. Max: 1000 characters. |
| Type | Select station type assigned to station from the pick list. Click Station Type: button to change the Station Type Pick Details, see the Station Type Pick Detail section. View button displays the Station Type Edit page for the selected station type, see the Station Type Edit section. List button displays the Station Type List page, see the Station Type List section Reset button copies the station type Connect, Sampling, and Polling Parameters into the station parameters. |
Station types define Connect, Sampling, and Polling Parameters. If multiple stations use similar data collection/transmission equipment or multiple stations requiring similar station interrogation procedures, it will be convenient to define a station type that can be used to automatically define these parameters for station setup. Station types are discussed in the Station Type List section. To add a new station type to the system click List to display the Station Type List then click the Add button. Alternately click View to display the Station Type Edit page for the selected station type then click Copy. Return to the Station Edit page and select the new station type.
User groups
The User groups table shows the user groups currently assigned to the station.
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Clicking on any of the column heading buttons will reorder the user groups in the User groups List, numerically or alphabetically, by that detail.
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Click Details: button to change the User Group List details and display order, see the User Group List Details section.
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Click Assign/Remove groups button to open User Group Assignment window, see the User Group Assignment section. Changes made to user group assignments will update this page when the assignment window is closed.
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Click List button to show all user groups, see the User Group List section.
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Click Add button to add a user group, see the User Group Add section.
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Click Edit button to edit the user group, see User Group Edit section.
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Click Reset button to assign station user groups to points assigned to station.
Point List
When a station is added to the system, no points are assigned to the station. See the Points, Point Types, Calibrations, and Ratings section for complete information about configuring points and point types. Because NovaStar 5's data calibration and data checking capabilities are linked to point parameters, it may be helpful for new users to complete station setup, including the development of useful station types, if applicable, and then read the Points, Point Types, Calibrations, and Ratings section to understand how to define points before completing the Point list for each station.
When a station is copied, the point list is copied also. The new station point Ids, tags, and names are modified to match the new station identification. When a point is copied, the most recent point calibration and rating assignment are also copied. Data reports are not copied.
The Point list table shows the points currently assigned to the station and there selected details.
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Clicking on any of the column heading buttons will reorder the points in the Point List, numerically or alphabetically, by that detail.
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Click the Details: button to change the Station Point List details and display order, see the Point List Details section.
Data Label Description Add Click button to add a point record to the point, see the Point Add section. List Click button to show all points assigned to point over time, see the Point List section. Edit Click button to edit the point record, see the Point Edit section. Delete Click button to delete the point record, see the Point Delete section.
When a station is added to the system, no points are assigned to the station. When a station is copied, the point list is copied also. The new station point Ids, tags, and names are modified to match the new station identification. When a point is copied, the most recent point calibration and rating assignment are also copied. Data reports are not copied.
It is easier to copy an existing point record, rather than adding a new record.
- Click the Edit button to display the Point Edit page.
- Click Copy get a new record.
- Enter the identification for the new point.
- Change the point parameters. Click Apply to save changes.
To delete a point record,
- Click Edit to display the Point Edit page.
- Click Delete to display the Point Delete page, see the Point Delete section.
- Click Delete again to confirm.
The point, calibration, rating assignments, and data reports will be deleted. This may take some time if there is a lot of data on file. Deleting a point also removes it from maps, plot, reports, and other point related tables.
Location
Station Edit Location (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Select the location display format: Decimal degrees or Degrees:Minutes:Seconds. Seconds can have decimals. |
| Latitude | Station latitude is positive in the northern hemisphere, negative in the southern. |
| Longitude | Station longitude should be negative in the western hemisphere to be consistent with geographical information systems. |
| Elevation | Station elevation in feet or meters. |
| Out of service | Take a station out of service when true is selected. When a station is taken out of service the following conditions apply to that station:
|
Connect Parameters
Connect parameters define how NovaStar 5 communicates with a remote station to obtain data.
Station Edit Connect Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Poll Line | Sets the data collection line number used to establish a connection. Data collection line numbers are assigned to serial ports or modems, see the Serial Port List section. For web page station type protocols, the poll line number set the source number in the data report flags. |
| Receive Lines | Enter up to 5 port line numbers to limit point data storage to these lines only. Data collection systems with many ALERT receive data connections may receive data from different stations with the same Remote ID. These fields will insure that data is stored in the proper station point. If nothing is entered, then there is no port line limitation. |
| Path | Information necessary to connect to the remote station. Its content depends on the type of telemetry used. For a telephone dial-up it is the telephone number. For a radio connection it may be the list of repeaters to go through. For internet data sources the path is the URL of the internet server and page. For 50386 networked stations, the path is the IP address of the station. The Path is not needed for ALERT telemetry; nor is it required for the 50386 two-way radio telemetry. If a station path is not defined, the station type path will be used. |
| Timeout | Station polling response timeout. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Attempts | Maximum number of polling attempts before the effort is discontinued. |
| Remote login | Login name required to poll or control the remote station. |
| Password | Password require for remote station login. The password text is hidden unless the Show password box is checked. |
Sampling Parameters
Sampling parameters tell the NovaStar 5 data polling software how to parse returned data reports, limit the amount of data that can be downloaded, and adjust for station time differences.
Station Edit Sampling Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Interval | Time interval for data sampling at the station, not the polling interval. This parameter is used to parse multiple samples returned by a station poll. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Time limit | Limits the period of time the station polling software will request. This will prevents the station polling from getting stuck requesting large amounts of historic data. For HydroLynx 5400 station types the time limit is subtracted from the last time the station was polled to compute the starting time for the poll request. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Time offset | Time interval added to the station report times before the data is filed in the NovaStar 5 database. This field is used to correct any time zone or time difference between the remote station time and base station time. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
Polling parameters
Polling parameters determine when and how often the station is polled to retrieve sensor data.
Station Edit Polling Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Last Polled | Date and time of the last successful station poll. Update this field to prevent the polling program from requesting older data. The next time the station is polled, data will be requested starting one second after the last time polled. Click the button to assign the current time. |
| Interval | Polling interval for a station. To disable polling set the frequency to zero (0). Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Base time | First time in the day for the polling interval. Enter the time as HH:MM using a 24-hour clock. |
| Order | Relative order number for polling multiple stations. When multiple stations are polled at the same time, the station with the lowest polling order will be polled first. The order numbers are relative, and therefore they do not have to be sequential. If two or more stations have the same order number, the station polled first will be the one with the lowest associated table row number. One is the first order number. |
| Sync Time | If true is selected then the station clock will be synchronized with the base station clock by the automatic time synchronization program. This program is run as a NovaStar 5 scheduled task, see the Scheduler List section. If true is selected for HydroLynx 5400 station types, then data reports filed from the station are adjusted by the time offset for daylight savings time. |
Station Copy
The Station Edit page allows adding a station with many of the same parameters as an existing defined station using the Copy button. Press the Copy button on the Station Edit page to reach the Station Copy page. Copying an existing station is most convenient when the new station will share many parameters with the existing station that is used as a copy template. Location parameters for the new station will typically be different from those copied from the template station, but many of the other input fields may be the same. Like the Station Add page, the Station Copy page does not allow assigning points to the station using the Point list. Once a unique numerical station number has been assigned to the copied station, clicking the Apply button will create the copied station and access the Station Edit page, described in the Station Edit section, which provides the capabilities required to Add points to the Point list for the station.
Station Delete
To delete a station from the Station List, click Edit on that station's row in the table and then click Delete from the Station Edit screen to view the Station Delete page. The Station Delete page prompts you to click the Delete button again to confirm that the station should be deleted. When a station is deleted, NovaStar 5 determines if any points are assigned to the station, and warns you that deleting the station will delete all points assigned to the station, including all calibrations, all rating assignments, and all data reports associated with the station/point hierarchy. If you click Delete again, the station, point(s), calibration(s), rating assignments(s), and data will be deleted.
Station Type List
A station type is a collection of parameters that are common to a piece of broadcasting equipment (or another data source) of a specific type of manufacture. Predefined station types make it easier to define new stations, particularly if several of your stations use similar data collection/transmission equipment or require similar procedures for station interrogation. The station type defines the Connect, Sampling, and Polling parameters for that equipment so that when you are creating new stations you will only need to manually enter the Identification and Location information and the point assignments for each station. Selecting the correct station type will automatically enter the Connect parameters, Sampling parameters, and Polling parameters that are defined for that station type.
Station Type List (see also the full-size image)
Station Type List is a subordinate command available under the Stations heading in the command menu available to registered users. When you click on the Station Type List command, the Station Type List page is displayed. NovaStar 5 provides pre-defined station types on the Station Type List page. If your equipment appears on the list, click on the Edit button for that station type to view or edit the defining attributes for that station type on the Station Type Edit page, described in the Station Type Edit section below. Confirm that the parameters are correct for your system before using that station type for station configuration.
The Station Type List page shows all the currently defined station types and can show details about each station type. Clicking on either column heading button will reorder the station types in the Station Type List by name or number. You can customize the appearance of the Station Type List using the Choose details... button to access the Station Type List Details page, see the Station Type List Details section.
If your equipment does not appear on the Station Type List, use the Add button to define a new station type using the Station Type Add page. Or, click the Edit button associated with an existing station type to use that station type as a copy template for creating a new station type. The Copy button provided on the template station type's Station Type Edit page accesses the Station Type Copy page and allows you to create a new station type.
Station Type List Details
The check boxes on Station Type List Details page control the items, organization, sort order, and limit the records displayed on the associated List page.
Station Type List Details (see also the full-size image)
Select the details to display
- Check the box to the left of a detail to display. Details are displayed in the order shown.
- Check the Order by box for the detail to sort first. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the Then by box for the detail to sort second. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the second Then by box for the detail to sort third. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Move Up | Move the selected detail up one row. |
| Move Down | Move the selected detail down one row. |
| Select All | Select all details. |
| Reset | Reset to default details. |
| OK | Return to previous page with new details selected. |
| Cancel | Return to previous page with no changes. |
Select the limits for the display
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| User Group | Limit display to stations assigned to the user group(s). Click User Group: button to change User Group Pick Details and order. Reset pick list to single select. Decrease pick list length. Increase pick list length. Expand pick list to multiple select. Collapse pick list to single select. |
Station Type Pick Detail
The check boxes on Station Type Pick Details page control the items, organization, sort order, and limit the records displayed on the pick list.
Station Type Pick Details (see also the full-size image)
Select the details to display
- Check the box to the left of a detail to display. Details are displayed in the order shown.
- Check the Order by box for the detail to sort first. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the Then by box for the detail to sort second. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
- Check the second Then by box for the detail to sort third. Check Reverse for a descending sort.
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Move Up | Move the selected detail up one row. |
| Move Down | Move the selected detail down one row. |
| Select All | Select all details. |
| Reset | Reset to default details. |
| OK | Return to previous page with new details selected. |
| Cancel | Return to previous page with no changes. |
Select the limits for the display
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| User Group | Limit display to stations assigned to the user group(s). Click User Group: button to change User Group Pick Details and order. Reset pick list to single select. Decrease pick list length. Increase pick list length. Expand pick list to multiple select. Collapse pick list to single select. |
Station Type Add/Copy
The Station Type Add page and the Station Type Copy page allow users to create a new station type. They function in the same way. The Station Type Copy page is most convenient when the new station type will share several parameters with the template station type. To access the Station Type Copy page, click on the Edit button in the template station type's row in the Station Type List table. You will reach the Station Type Edit page. Click on the Copy button to reach the Station Type Copy page.
The Station Type Add/Copy page(s) prompt you to enter a new station type name in the highlighted field, and provide input boxes to define other station type parameters as required.
The Station Type Edit page provides the same input fields as the Station Type Add and the Station Type Copy pages, and these are described in the Station Type Edit section.
Station Type Edit
When you click on the Edit button associated with any station type defined in the Station Type List page, you reach the Station Type Edit page. The Station Type Edit page allows users to Edit the station type parameters defined for an existing station type, or to add a station type with many of the same parameters as a template station type using the Copy button.
Station Type Edit Identification (see also the full-size image)
Identification
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Table index | Field can not be modified; it is assigned automatically when a record is added. |
| Name | Station name. Give the station type you are creating a name you will recognize when you are setting up stations, for example, HydroLynx 5096, Handar 585, High Sierra 3206. Max: 100 characters. |
| Description | Station name. Give the station type you are creating a name you will recognize when you are setting up stations, for example, HydroLynx 5096, Handar 585, High Sierra 3206. Max: 100 characters. |
User Groups
The User groups table shows the user groups currently assigned to the station type.
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Clicking on any of the column heading buttons will reorder the user groups in the User groups List, numerically or alphabetically, by that detail.
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Click Details: button to change the User Group List details and display order,' see the User Group List Details section.
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Click Assign/Remove groups button to open User Group Assignment window, see the User Group Assignment section. Changes made to user group assignments will update this page when the assignment window is closed.
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Click List button to show all user groups, see the User Group List section.
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Click Add button to add a user group, see the User Group Add section.
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Click Edit button to edit the user group, see User Group Edit section.
Connect Parameters
For two-way communications, Connect parameters define how NovaStar 5 communicates with a remote station to obtain data.
Station Type Edit Connect Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Poll Line | Sets the data collection line number used to establish a connection. Data collection line numbers are assigned to serial ports or modems, see the Serial Port List section. For web page station type protocols, the poll line number set the source number in the data report flags. |
| Path | Information necessary to connect to the remote station. Its content depends on the type of telemetry used. For a telephone dial-up it is the telephone number. For a radio connection it may be the list of repeaters to go through. (This is needed for the Sierra Misco 850 and Campbell CR10 radio repeater systems.) For internet data sources the path is the URL of the internet server and page. For 50386 networked stations, the path is the IP address of the station. If the path contains the string alert2 then station points assigned this type will show ALERT 2 data collection parameters on the point edit page. The Path is not needed for ALERT telemetry; nor is it required for the 50386 two-way radio telemetry. |
| Baud Rate | 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400. |
| Parity | None, Odd, Even, Mark or Space. |
| Data bits | 5, 6, 7 or 8. |
| Stop bits | 1 or 2. |
| RTS toggle | Select true if the RTS signal is used to enable transmissions but must be off to receive data. This feature is required by microwave modems. |
| Timeout | Station polling response timeout. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Attempts | Maximum number of polling attempts before the effort is discontinued. |
| Remote login | Login name required to poll or control the remote station. |
| Password | Password require for remote station login. The password text is hidden unless you check the Show password box. |
Sampling Parameters
Sampling parameters tell the NovaStar 5 data polling software how to parse returned data reports, limit the amount of data that can be downloaded, and adjust for station time differences.
Station Edit Type Sampling Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Interval | Time interval for data sampling at the station, not the polling interval. This parameter is used to parse multiple samples returned by a station poll. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Time limit | Limits the period of time the station polling software will request. This will prevents the station polling from getting stuck requesting large amounts of historic data. For HydroLynx 5400 station types the time limit is subtracted from the last time the station was polled to compute the starting time for the poll request. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
| Time offset | Time interval added to the station report times before the data is filed in the NovaStar 5 database. This field is used to correct any time zone or time difference between the remote station time and base station time. Click the button to alternate between interval selection from a pick list or from time interval fields. |
Polling parameters
Polling parameters define the NovaStar 5 commands to poll and control a station.
Station Type Edit Polling Parameters (see also the full-size image)
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Poll command | NovaStar 5 command used to poll this station type. |
| Control command | NovaStar 5 command used to send control commands to this station type. |
| Sync Time | If true is selected then the station clock will be synchronized with the base station clock by the automatic time synchronization program. This program is run as a NovaStar 5 scheduled task, see the Scheduler List section. If true is selected for HydroLynx 5400 station types, then data reports filed from the station are adjusted by the time offset for daylight savings time. |
Station Type Delete
To delete a station type from the Station Type List, click Edit on that station type's row in the table and then click Delete from the Station Type Edit screen to view the Station Type Delete page. The Station Type Delete page prompts you to click the Delete button again to confirm that the station type should be deleted. You cannot delete a station type that is assigned to a station.
Station Poll
The Station Poll page configures polling for a remote station for a selected time period. The data returned by the poll command is filed in the NovaStar 5 database. The poll command results are shown in the command display window.
Station Poll (see also the full-size image)
Select Station
| Data Label& | Description |
|---|---|
| Station | Select station to poll from the pick list. Click button to change Station Pick Details and order, see the Station Pick Details section. View button displays the Station Edit page for the selected station, see the Station Edit section. |
Select Poll Time Period
| Data Label | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Time | Select the starting time for the station poll. Click Reset Time to set time to last poll time for station. Note: the starting time must be before the ending time. |
| Ending Time | Select the ending time for the station poll. Select Current to set the ending time to the current time. |
| Poll Station | |
| Quiet | false prints the command activity in the display window; true only prints the command start and stop messages. Use true for the fastest command. |
| Poll type | Select the type of data polling:
|
| Diagnostic level | Increase the level to print additional information during the station poll. |
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
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Run command; display activity in command display window. |
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Stop command. |
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Clear display window. |
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Reset display window size to default. |
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Decrease pick list length. Decrease display window height. |
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Increase pick list length. Increase display window height. |
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Decrease display window width. |
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Increase display window width. |
Click the Run command button to poll the station for the selected time period; activity is shown in the display window.
Station Poll Execution (see also the full-size image)