Configuring button object properties

After a button object is created, you can customize its appearance and assign an action to the button.

  1. In the power pad canvas, double-click a button object.

  2. In the General tab, complete the following fields:

    Field Description
    Label Type the button name that displays in the power pad.
    Bitmap Button Select to include an optional bitmap image on the button. Click Browse to select the bitmap image.

    If you are creating buttons which are mapped to BlueZone menu bar functions, you can choose to auto-load the corresponding standard BlueZone toolbar icon on the Power Pad button.
    Refer to Adding toolbar icons to button objects for more information.

    Accelerator Select an optional accelerator key.

    An accelerator key is a single key or key combination invokes the action assigned to this button.

    ToolTip Type optional information that is displayed as a Windows tooltip when the cursor is positioned over the button. This feature is useful when you want to describe the function of the button in more detail, or when you are using bitmap images on the buttons instead of a label.
    XPos Defines the position of the button, in pixels, from the left side of the power pad. You can also reposition the button in the power pad, and this value is updated.
    YPos Defines the position of the button, in pixels, from the top of the power pad. You can also reposition the button in the power pad, and this value is updated.
    Width Defines the width of the button. You can also resize the button in the power pad, and this value is updated.
    Height Defines the height of the button. You can also resize the button in the power pad, and this value is updated.
  3. In the Font tab, complete the following fields:

    Field Description
    Selection Displays the currently selected font, font style, and font size. Click Change to edit these settings.
    Sample Displays a sample of the current font settings.
  4. In the Action tab, complete the following fields. Some of the labels in this tab change depending on the Emulation Type and Action Type selected.

    Field Description
    Emulation Type Select an emulator type.
    Action Type
    • emulator type Function: The host functions that are specific to the particular type of host that you are connected to.

    • emulator type Character: The special characters like the cent sign and some others.
    • Menu Hotkey: These are all the menu functions that are available from the BlueZone menu bar. This feature also supports the ability to auto-load the corresponding BlueZone toolbar image.
    • Power Key: These are the 24 available Host PF Keys and the 24 available Command keys.
    • PC Data Key: These are special data keys like degree sign and the Euro currency symbol.
    • APL Characters: (3270 Only) These are all the special 3270 APL characters that are available.
    • Play Macro: A list of available macro files is displayed if any.
    • Play Script: A list of available script files is displayed if any.
    • Send Keys: Used to send specific text characters or API Keys.

      See exception rules below.

    • Run Program: Used to call a specific program to run. Toggle Power Keys: Used to toggle back and forth between two or more power pads.
    • Toggle Power Keys: Used to toggle back and forth between two or more power pads.

      To use this feature, you must have at least two power pads defined. This feature allows you to create a button on the first power pad that toggles on and off a second power pad. Be sure not to configure the first power pad to toggle itself. It is possible to create a button on the second power pad to toggle the first power pad.

      Also, this feature can be useful if users have a large number of power pads. You can create a master power pad that has individual buttons that toggle each power pad.

    Available Item list The name of this window changes depending on the selected Action Type. The list of host functions are based on the selected Emulation Type.
    Action Displays the result of the selected Action Type. You can also type any additional text here.
  5. Click OK.

Action type exceptions

When an action type is selected, the first item in the Available Items list is displayed in the Action field. To select a different item, highlight the option in the Available Items list.

There are two exceptions to this rule: the Send Keys and Run Program action types.

Send Keys
If you select Send Keys in the Action Type list, the Action field is blank. To enter an item in the Action field, double-click an option in the API Keys list. Each time you double-click an item, it is added in order in the Action field. The Send Keys action type supports the sending of multiple text characters and API Keys. You can also type additional text characters that you want to send with the action; for example, you can type logon username, and add the <Enter> API key.
Run Program
If you select Run Program in the Action Type list, the Available Item list disappears, and the Action field is blank. In the Action field, type the path to the program that you want to run, or Browse to locate the program.