1.4 Converters: Better Than Raw

All CloudDot converters are written in a programming language called Python. We don't expect everyone to know Python, and we are committed to providing good examples for those who need a little help. Don't worry, Python doesn't bite. Since we're new to this whole converter thing, let's check out the library. At the bottom of the page, click the big link that says "show/hide". As if by magic, the Converter Library will appear. Find the example called "UE9 Internal Temp to Fahrenheit", and click on it. It will expand to look like this:

All converters come in the form of a function. A function takes an input, the reading's raw value, performs some operations, and returns an output, a converted value. This example applies the formula for converting Kelvin to Fahrenheit on the reading. Add it to your converters by clicking the "Add to My Converters" button. The newly added converter will look like this:

The converter will have been added to your converters up at the top of the page. Let's make sure the converter actually works. Type 291.287 into the "Test input" field and click the "test" link. A table will appear below with an output of 64.717. Now, head back to channels page.

Expand the Internal Temperature channel, and click the text "None (raw)". A drop-down menu will appear. Select the "UE9 Internal Temp to Fahrenheit" converter and click save. Now it will look like this:

Notice how the units field disappeared? Converter units override units you set for that channel. But now collect a sample on that channel. The new reading that appears will be in Fahrenheit and have the units to match. Something to know: All samples on a channel cost one dot, regardless of wether they have a converter or not. Or, in another way of saying it, converters are free with every reading.

At this point, we've set up our channel to collect converted temperature readings from our UE9. Not bad for a days work, eh? Well, let's go for some extra credit and check out some of the scripting capabilities. Click the "Scripts" link up at the top left of the page, and let's get started.