Echelon OpenLNS Commissioning Tool - Manual (Page 310)

294 Using Plug-ins
Using Plug-ins Overview
Plug-ins are applications that you can start from within OpenLNS CT to perform a specialized task,
often relating to a specific type of device or functional block. Device manufacturers may provide
plug-ins that you can use with OpenLNS CT to configure their devices. Any plug-in conforming to the
OpenLNS plug-in guidelines may be used with OpenLNS CT. You can view and download free
Echelon and third-party plug-ins at
www.echelon.com/plugins .
Plug-ins do not have to be specific to a device or a functional block type. System-wide plug-ins can
provide generic services that may be used with multiple device types. For example, the OpenLNS CT
Browser is a generic plug-in that can be used on any functional block to view and modify its network
variables and configuration properties.
Each plug-in can implement multiple commands. For example, a typical device plug-in implements a
Configure command for each functional block type used in the device. Each plug-in command may
be associated with a device type, functional block type, a subsystem, or an entire network.
Starting a Plug-in
You can start a plug-in from a plug-in command list or by using a default command.
A plug-in command lists provides all the available plug-ins for an object within your OpenLNS CT
drawing. Plug-in command lists are available for any device SmartShape, functional block
SmartShape, subsystem, OpenLNS CT system, or OpenLNS CT network. To start a plug-in for a
device or functional block SmartShape, subsystem, or network, do one of the following:
• For a device or functional block SmartShape, right-click the SmartShape, point to Plug-Ins, and
click the desired plug-in on the shortcut menu.
• For a subsystem, right-click an empty space in the drawing page, point to Plug-Ins, and click the
desired plug-in on the shortcut menu.
• For the network, click Add-ins, click OpenLNS CT, click Plug-Ins, and then click Network
Plug-Ins. The OpenLNS CT Plug-ins dialog opens. This dialog lists the plug-ins that have been
registered for the network. Select the desired plug-in and then click OK.