On/Off/Forward/Backward

[ElectroMancer]

For functions such as the Relay Function/Solenoid Function, there are "states" that one could set them to: On, off, forward, and backwards. My problem is that I don't know what the difference between "On" and "Forward/Backward". Does the "On" state actually do anything?

[Zach-H · Accepted solution]

Yes, on actuallly does something.

On/Off is for simple boolean functionality, running or not. Something like a spike relay, turning a motor on in one direction, or a single soleniod.

Forward/Reverse would be for a double soleniod, or spinning a motor in different directions without controlling the speeed. As it controls a few options, not just on or off.

The detailed help doesn't state that very clearly,

But WPI has some good info on it here. Specifically the following:

Class for Spike style relay outputs. Relays are intended to be connected to spikes or similar relays. The relay channels controls a pair of pins that are either both off, one on, the other on, or both on. This translates into two spike outputs at 0v, one at 12v and one at 0v, one at 0v and the other at 12v, or two spike outputs at 12V. This allows off, full forward, or full reverse control of motors without variable speed. It also allows the two channels (forward and reverse) to be used independently for something that does not care about voltage polatiry (like a solenoid).

Hope that helps,

Zach