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7.1 Generator

Learn the basic concept of Generators and implement a 10-second countdown timer

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Written by BRICKS TOOLS
Updated over a week ago

Welcome to BRICKS.
This tutorial covers the first step in working with Generators: understanding basic Generator concepts. By completing this chapter, you will easily master the fundamental use of Generators in the BRICKS Cloud Intelligent Display.

  • Before You Begin

Before starting, let’s briefly explain the Generator.
In this lesson’s example, the Generator is responsible for the countdown function. The Property Bank variable serves as the bridge linking the Brick (displayed on screen) with the countdown function. With the countdown enabled, the on-screen information comes alive.

Other functionalities—such as file reading and downloading, keyboard input, and camera access—can also be implemented on screen through Generators.
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How Generator works

🕐 Estimated time to complete this tutorial: 3–5 minutes

  • Step 1: Create a Bridge Between Display and Function – Variables

    First, create a number-type variable in the Property Bank, which will later be linked to the Generator and the text Brick.

    Create a new number property bank

Step 2: Create a Countdown Generator

From the Generator section on the left panel, click [ ＋ ], and in the Template menu, select [ Tick ] to create a new Generator.

Create new Tick Generator

  • Step 3: Configure the Generator Properties

    Select the Generator you created in the previous step. On the right panel, configure its properties:

    • Init: Whether to start running upon initialization. Set to [ Yes ] so the countdown begins immediately.

    • Interval: The countdown interval. For example, set to 1 second to decrement once per second, or customize as needed.

    • Countdown Start Value: The starting value of the countdown (e.g., set to 10 to start from 10).

    • Countdown Interval: The decrement value for each interval (e.g., set to 1 to decrease by 1 each second).

    • Countdown: The output variable to which the countdown result will be linked. Select the numeric variable created in Step 1.

      Setting Generator property

  • Step 4: Link the Text Brick to the Numeric Variable

    Set the Text property of the Brick that will display the countdown to link with the numeric variable created in Step 1 (e.g., Counter).

    Now, run a preview to see if the text Brick starts at 10 and decreases by 1 every second.

    Link Text to Property bank

  • Congratulations! You have now learned the basic concepts of Generators.

    The next lesson will introduce Peripheral Function Control.

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