A plug-in is a (software) functional device extension within an ETS project. It has to be installed before it can be used, it has an ETS independent versioning system. A device with such plug-in may bring in this way its own parameter dialog and/or own download procedure. The device plug-ins are software developed by the device's manufacturer, and support for those can be only given by them.
In order to find out whether a plug-in is required and/or already installed, the column 'Plug-in' should be activated in 'Catalogs' (1), i.e. right-click any available column header, then check the 'Plug-in' checkbox within the context menu.
Depending on the plug-in status, the new column may contain the following information:
- Uses plug-in: a plug-in is required but not installed (yet)
- Installed
Plug-in types
User Interface plug-in
1. Parameter Dialog plug-in
This is a subtype of the User Interface plug-ins. These plug-ins replace the standard device parameter dialog of ETS, this (replacement) dialog is displayed as a separate and modal window.
Modal: ETS remains 'blocked' as long this parameter dialog is open.
2. Context menu plug-in
This is another subtype of the User Interface plug-ins. An additional, device-specific entry is available in the context menu.
Download plug-in
These plug-ins replace the standard device configuration procedure of ETS.
Data-Handler plug-in
These plug-ins automatically edit/manage device data during import/export of projects and when devices get copied.