Data-Linking

Data-Linking is a mechanism in UNIVERSE where parameters of a Command inside a Command Stack are dynamically filled with external data.

Linking data to parameter

Create a Label that holds the data that should be linked to the parameter. The Label itself can also be linked to another source like a Modifier chain or a Device Node. Drag a connection from the output of the Label onto the Button that you want to link to. As soon as you release the connection UNIVERSE shows the Command Stack and highlights all the parameter fields can the data can be linked to. When you click the parameter you want to link to you need to select the Link Mode and now the content of the Label will be linked to the parameter field.

To remove a Data-Link simply select the connection and press the Del key or go to the Command Stack and press the Link indicator at the end of the linked parameter field and select "Remove Linking"

Link Modes

There are different Link Modes available that are different in the behaviour regarding the execution of the Command Stack. THe two modes can be converted into each other by clicking the Link indicator at the end of the parameter field.

Data only

This Link Mode sets the content of the parameter field to the data provided. The Command Stack is not executed when the data is set. To send the new parameter the execution of the Stack needs to be started manually or by a Trigger. This is helpful when you want to prevent the Stack from being executed unintentionally. The indicator for a "Data only" Link is green.

Data and Execution

This Link Mode not only sets the data to the parameter field but also triggers the execution of the Command Stack. This means that as soon as new data is available from the Data-Link it will trigger the execution. This might affect the performance of your system depending on frequency of new data in the Data-Link and the size of the Command Stack. Since it is also possible to create multiple Data-Links for one Button setting all of them to "Data and Execution" might cause some unwanted behaviour. The indicator for a "Data and Execution" Link is blue.

Nice to know

If you want to send data automatically but also want to ensure that the frequency is not becoming to high you can use the Data only Link Mode and add a TIMER Trigger in Tick Mode with Repeat function active to the Trigger Stack.