PClient Simulation

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PClient Simulation
hmtoggle_plus1What is the PClient Simulation?

The PClient is the application that reads and runs the saved  project.

The PClient Simulation was developed to make it easy to test small changes in a project without having to transfer the project to the device. It allows to run a version of the PClient directly on the Windows PC with the currently active project from the tool.

The PClient Simulation shares a lot of it's code with the version installed on the devices but since the simulation is run on a very different hardware and operating system it can not run 100% the same as on the device. Please keep this in mind and don't forget to test everything on the final hardware. Especially file operations that contain absolute paths or relative paths outside the project directory will not work on a Windows PC (e.g. changing images in JavaScript with the setProperty() functions).

Additionally it is possible to start a simulation mode on the PClient running on the device. In this mode, it is possible for applications like the Variable Simulation to connect to a PClient running on the device. See Simulation Settings for details about how to enable that mode.
hmtoggle_plus1Starting the PClient Simulation

It is possible to start a simulation of the currently active project using PClient:

•via Simulation Toolbar

•via Simulation Menu

Before the simulation is started, it should be checked if the simulation settings are correct. To do that open the Simulation Menu on Simulation Settings:

Simulation Settings in the Simulation Menu

Important Notes:

•The PClient simulation will always use the last saved version of the active project. So make sure that the project you want to simulate contains no unsaved changes.

•Starting PClient Simulation on PC is not possible if the connection settings are not set to "Local PC"

•Starting PClient the first time may take several seconds. Please be patient until it shows up. All following starts will be significantly faster.

•Select the project you want to simulate from the project tree.

•Make sure that the PClient checkbox is set.

•After that just hit the (Re)Start button.

Simulation Toolbar => Start PClient Simulation

•Select the project you want to simulate from the project tree.

•Open the Simulation menu and click on Start PClient Simulation.

Simulation Settings => Start PClient Simulation

 

Note: If the connection mode of the PClient was configured to connect via ethernet to a running PClient on a device, the local PClient simulation cannot be started (checkmark in the simulation toolbar is disabled).
hmtoggle_plus1The running PClient Simulation

The running PClient should behave like the "real" PClient on the device with the exception of some hardware and operating system depending functions that can not be simulated properly (yet). This includes for example that all hardware variables will not work with the simulated PClient when running on local PC.

The running PClient can be operated via keyboard or mouse.

All painted elements will react to mouse clicks like they would on touches on the real hardware. Input objects and Softkeys can be clicked and the assigned actions will be executed.

Additionally the keys directly on the housing will react like the real hardware keys: The softkeys on the sides, ESC, 3-Arrow and Home key on the housing can be clicked.

PClient with marked click areas

Above: A running PClient simulation on the device with the click areas on the housing marked with red rectangles and the associated keyboard keys.

The following keys simulate the hardware keys:

Hardware Key

Key on PC Keyboard

Softkeys

The F-Keys (F1 to FX, depending on device type, starting from Top-Left)

ESC

Esc

3 Arrow Key

Tab

Home Key

Home Key

Encoder Press

Enter

Encoder Turn

Up/Down or mouse wheel

 

The output of the PClient console will be printed into the Output Window of the program to make simulation debugging easier.

The output will be in a separate tab in the Output Window.

 

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hmtoggle_plus1Stopping the PClient simulation

Simply close the window like any other window or hit ALT+F4.