6.3 Automating Procedures With Macros

The sat-nms software includes a powerful macro recording and playback feature which lets you automate complex equipment settings to one mouse click. This feature is built on the parameter message concept of the software. Recording a macro means recording the parameter messages you sent when you change setting at the user interface.

The software stores recorded macros as plain text files, using a simple format which is easy to understand. This and some additional commands in macros, called 'macro directives', make the macro facility to a powerful tool:

• Macros may be edited for reworking or to create simple ones from scratch.
• Macros may be nested. Calling macros from inside macros lets you structure your macros in 'subroutines'
• Macros may contain 'formal parameters' which are substituted while the macro is executed.
• The execution of macros may be bound to buttons in user configured screens.

The following pages describe how macros work and how you use the functions in the software managing macro recording and playback.