Canvas 4.3.0 Release
Canvas 4.3.0 introduces new features, objects, scripts, and a redesigned user interface.
The changes and improvements to Canvas make project creation and maintenance easier for new and experienced users.
Notable Additions
- Data Bridge
Utilize your Xpanel as a data bridge between two devices. If one device cannot communicate directly with another, the Xpanel will serve as a middleman to bridge data communication.
- Object View
Canvas 4.3.0 added the Object View pane. This pane displays all objects on the currently opened page.
- Toggle Button
Canvas 4.3.0 introduces a new button: the Toggle Button. This button toggles a tag value between the active and inactive states.
- ComboBox
Another new feature in Canvas 4.3.0 is the ComboBox. The ComboBox object allows you to set and choose a variety of options. The selected option is tracked using an index value, which can be bound to a tag.
- Radio Button Group
An alternative to the ComboBox is the Radio Button Group. This object inserts the different options with a radio button next to them. The index value can be tracked with a tag to see what option is selected.
- Standard and Advanced Views and Information Icon
The Properties pane includes a standard and advanced view. Standard view displays minimal, but important, object properties. Advanced view displays all object properties.
The Properties pane also includes an information icon. When enabled, clicking on a property displays more information about its use.
- New Scripts
Canvas 4.3.0 introduces new scripts to be used in the Script Editor. These scripts are compatible with JavaScript ES5–the scripting language used in the Script Editor.- system.display.brightness()
Returns a double value between 0 and 1 representing the Xpanel’s brightness level. - system.display.dimDelay()
Returns an int value, in minutes, representing the Xpanel’s dim delay time. - system.display.isDimmerEnabled()
Returns a boolean value if the dimmer setting on the Xpanel is enabled. - system.display.setBrightness(float brightness)
Sets the brightness level of the Xpanel’s screen. - system.display.setDimDelay(int minutes)
Sets the number of minutes before the Xpanel’s screen dims. - system.display.setDimEnabled(boolean enabled)
Enables or disables the Xpanel’s screen from dimming. - system.ftp.download(Object config, Storage type, String sourcePath, String targetPath)
Returns a boolean value if downloading the config from the FTP server was successful. - system.ftp.upload(Object config, Storage type, String sourcePath, String targetPath)
Returns a boolean value if uploading the config to the FTP server was successful. - system.staticBeep(boolean enable)
Plays a beeping sound from the built-in Xpanel buzzer. - tag.writeBatch(Array tagNames, Array tagValues)
Writes values to multiple tags at the same time.
- system.display.brightness()
- New Protocols, Driver Support, and Tag Importing
Canvas 4.3.0 introduces new protocols, drivers, and other vendor tag importing. These features allow for a wider range of communication with your favorite devices.- BACnet/IP (Ethernet client)
Canvas 4.3.0 now supports BACnet/IP, enabling seamless integration with a broader range of building automation and control devices. This addition makes Canvas more versatile and valuable for users managing smart building systems and complex device networks.
- Siemens LOGO! Support
It is now possible to connect and communicate with Siemens LOGO! 0BA2 PLC series with the S7 protocol. Canvas also supports the “F” and “C” memory areas.
- Tag Importing
The powerful tag importing feature just got a lot more versatile. Canvas 4.3.0 now supports tag importing for Siemens devices using .db and .sdf files. Additionally, EDS files from EtherNet/IP (ODVA) clients are also supported with the tag import feature.
- BACnet/IP (Ethernet client)
Redesigned Features
- Properties View
The object properties view has been redesigned to include a standard and advanced view. These options help reduce clutter for new users and organize advanced features for experienced users. - Anchors
The size and rotational object anchors have been redesigned to simplify functionality. To toggle between the size and rotation anchors, click the object. - Project Tree
The redesigned Project Tree pane includes options for opening the various Canvas editors. This lets you quickly access and edit existing functions such as alarms, recipes, scripts, etc. - Command Editor
The Command Editor has experienced a massive overhaul. The new design is much more intuitive and easier to navigate. Each command includes a description of its use and a scripting example.
Changelog
Please check out the changelog to see all the named changes.
Installing & Updating
If you want to install or update to Canvas 4.3.0, please visit the download Canvas page.
Questions?
We'd love to hear your thoughts! If you have any questions about the release, please contact us at support@cimoninc.com.