Editing the parameters of a block

The block parameter editor also contains commands for duplicating and deleting the currently selected block. See Duplicating a block and Deleting a block or wire for detailed information.

For the input and output blocks, you can globally replace the devices or device groups that are used. See Replacing devices and device groups for detailed information.

When "Missing" is shown on an input or output block on the canvas, this means that the defined device or device group cannot be found in the Cumulocity IoT inventory. You should then either go to the Cumulocity IoT inventory and make sure that this device is registered or that the device group exists, or you should select a different, existing device or device group in the block parameter editor (see below).

The labels of some blocks on the canvas show the value of the most important parameter. For example, the Expression block shows the defined expression, and the Time Delay block shows the defined delay in seconds.

1. On the canvas of the model editor, click the block that you want to edit using the left mouse button.

The block parameter editor appears, providing input fields for all parameters that can be specified for that block.

2. For some blocks (such as an input block or output block for a device), the block parameter editor shows a Block Type drop-down list box. Select the type of block that is appropriate for your requirements.

Note: The following applies when you change the block type for a block that is already wired to one or more other blocks: if the new block type has different port names (for example, if the port name changes from Value to Value 1), the existing wires to/from the changed ports are removed. This is done because a changed port name would make the existing wiring invalid.

3. For the input and output blocks, you can select a different device (for input or output) or device group (for input only) from a drop-down list box.

By default, 10 devices and 10 device groups can be shown, sorted alphabetically. You can configure the maximum number of shown devices and device groups as described in Configuring the number of shown devices and device groups. With a large inventory, you will have to search for any devices or device groups that are not shown initially. To do so, enter the name or part of the name in the text box that is shown with this drop-down list box - just type over the shown name.

The search is case-sensitive. The characters that you type in may be contained at any position within the name. The content of the drop-down list box is updated with each character that you type. When the required entry is shown, click it to select it.

4. For some blocks (such as the Range Lookup block), the block parameter editor shows text boxes for specifying key-value pairs. If you need to specify more key-value pairs, click Add row. The key-value pair in the first row is processed first. You can drag a row to a different position using the

control that is shown next to that row, and you can delete a row that you do not need any more by clicking

next to that row. Empty rows are automatically removed when you leave the block parameter editor.

Detailed reference information for each block (and block type) is available from the documentation pane. See also Viewing the documentation for a block.

Your input is kept in memory when you leave the block parameter editor (for example, when you click on another block or the canvas).

Note: Keep in mind that your changes are only written to the inventory when you save the model. See also Saving a model.