NumericUpDown

NumericUpDown (Numeric Increment/Decrement)

The NumericUpDown is a specialized control object used for operator entry of a numeric value within a specific range (Minimum/Maximum).

It allows the operator to enter the value in three ways:

  1. Clicking the Up/Down arrows next to the object.
  2. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
  3. Typing the number directly into the box.

This object is safer than a TextBox because it strictly enforces numeric input (rejecting letters or special characters) and forces the entered value to remain within the defined Minimum/Maximum range. It is more precise than an HScrollBar because it supports decimal values (e.g., 12.5).

For standard Properties, Advanced, and Events Panel settings not covered here, please refer to the Common Object Features page.

Common Use Cases
  • Setpoint Entry: Temperature (e.g., 80.5 °C), Pressure, or Speed settings.
  • Parameter Adjustment: Entering a recipe parameter (e.g., “Wait Time: 30 sec”).
  • Quantity Entry: Entering integer values, such as production counts.

Basic Configuration and Operation

1. Defining Format and Range (Advanced Panel) The object’s operational logic is defined in the Advanced panel.

  • Minimum / Maximum: The lowest and highest numeric limits that can be entered (e.g., 0.0 – 100.0).
  • DecimalPlaces: Determines whether the object operates as an integer (0) or supports decimals (1, 2, etc.).
  • Increment: The amount the value changes each time an arrow key is pressed (e.g., 0.5).

2. Binding Values (Properties Panel) The numeric value selected by the operator is linked to a SCADA tag via the Value property in the Properties panel.

Properties Panel – Key Properties

Value

  • Tag
    • Function: This is a two-way link connecting the object’s current numeric value to a tag.
    • Read: If the linked tag (e.g., PLC_Temperature_Set) is set to 75.5 by a script or the PLC, the value inside the box automatically updates to 75.5.
    • Write: If the operator types 80 into the box or uses the arrows to reach 80, the value 80 is written to the PLC_Temperature_Set tag.

Advanced Panel – Key Properties

  • Minimum
    • The lowest numeric value that can be entered.
  • Maximum
    • The highest numeric value that can be entered.
  • DecimalPlaces
    • Determines how many decimal digits the value will display.
    • 0: Integer entry (e.g., 10, 25, 150).
    • 1: One decimal place (e.g., 10.5, 25.0).
    • 2: Two decimal places (e.g., 10.55, 25.00).
  • Increment
    • Determines how much the value increases/decreases each time the operator presses the up/down arrows.
    • Example: If DecimalPlaces = 1 and Increment = 0.5, the value increases as 10.0, 10.5, 11.0…
  • ThousandsSeparator
    • If set to True, it displays a thousands separator (dot or comma) for large numbers (e.g., 10,000).

Common Usage Examples

Example 1: Temperature Setpoint

To adjust an oven’s temperature setting between 0.0 and 120.0 degrees with 0.5-degree precision.

  1. Add a NumericUpDown to the screen.
  2. Go to the object’s Advanced panel:
    • Minimum: 0
    • Maximum: 120
    • DecimalPlaces: 1 (For one decimal digit)
    • Increment: 0.5 (Increase by 0.5 per click)
  3. Go to the Properties panel:
    • Bind Value -> Tag to the Own_Temperature_Setpoint tag.

Result:

  • The operator can only enter values between 0.0 and 120.0.
  • If they attempt to enter a letter like “A”, the object prevents it.
  • If they attempt to enter 130, the object automatically reverts the value to the Maximum (120.0).
  • When the arrows are pressed, the value changes in steps: 80.0, 80.5, 81.0, etc.

Leave a Reply