Calculating in Design view

Calculations can also be performed while the Design calculator area is in view. When there are a large number of Calculator blocks within a calculator, this offers a convenient way of viewing all the blocks' results without needing to scroll a window; the view is more compact than the Use calculator view. However, in this mode of operation, the parameters are not on view by default.

By double clicking on one of the icons representing a Calculator block, a new window is opened showing each of the block's parameters. This is similar in appearance to the panels in the Use calculator view, and identical in operation. The window can be closed by pressing the small cross at the top right of the window.

Using calculators in design view

For more information on the purpose and limits of a parameter, select the parameter using the mouse and press the F1 key.

In this Design calculator view, it is possible that the calculator may not be ready to be used. If the calculator is not ready to be used, the large Calculate button above the workspace will be greyed out and disable. Once the calculator is ready, the button will turn green automatically. To be ready for use, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:

There must be at least one Calculator block added to the calculator

Each calculator block must have at least one connection

There must be a single calculator block which can be identified as the first block. That is, it should have no connection arrows pointing towards it; only away from it.

Entering an input value

The input value to the calculator is entered in the edit box to the right of the large Calculate button, above the workspace. Enter a value into this box. This value will be used as the input for the first Calculator block's calculation. The unit for this entry is shown to the right of the text entry area.

Starting the calculations

Once valid entries have been made for the input and the calculator blocks' parameters, the calculation can be initiated in one of the following ways:

Pressing the large calculate button above the panels.

Pressing F5.

Pressing the Return key.

Viewing the results

Each calculator block has operational limits, and if one of these is exceeded, then an error message will appear. Assuming that all calculations were within limits, the result of each calculator block is displayed below the icon representing that block. Bear in mind that there is not necessarily a single result to a calculation. Depending upon how the calculator was designed, there can be several outputs.