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Create & edit a configuration ​

Build a hierarchy of groups and EPICS channels using the configuration editor. You need the PV names and the intended alarm policy for your facility.

Start from the example ​

From the repository root:

sh
bin/Linux-x86_64/qtalh -c examples/minimal.alhConfig

Add -style fusion to use the tabbed Properties layout shown below.

Use Save As to save your own file. To start an empty document instead, run qtalh -c.

Add and name the hierarchy ​

  1. Select a parent group.
  2. Use the Insert menu to add a group or channel.
  3. In Properties, set the channel's actual EPICS PV name. Use an alias for a readable display label.
  4. Repeat for the remaining channels and subgroups.

There must be one root. Group names must not repeat an ancestor or use the reserved name NULL. See the configuration reference for parent lookup and nesting rules.

Edit properties and guidance ​

Select a node and open Properties. Apply validates and applies the fields while leaving the dialog open. Cancel restores the currently applied values; Close (styled mode) or Dismiss (Motif mode) closes the window. Selection dialogs follow your selected node.

In styled mode, Properties organizes the fields into General, Force PV, Commands, and Guidance tabs. General contains identity, masks, count filtering, beep severity, PV settings, and alias. Apply, Cancel, and Close stay below the tabs. When the selected node changes, the dialog preserves the selected tab and scroll position; unfinished edits are protected from background refreshes.

Fusion channel Properties with the General tab selected

This screenshot uses the synthetic channel from the repository gallery.

Add operator guidance explaining what to check when the alarm occurs. Inline $GUIDANCE text appears inside QtALH; a configured URL or file opens externally. Related $COMMAND actions should use commands and paths appropriate to the runtime host.

Operators can hover over G to read guidance and P to preview related commands in either appearance.

Undo uses Alt+Backspace, and redo uses Ctrl+Y. The editor also supports cut/copy/paste and copying between editor windows.

Validate and activate ​

Save the file, then check it without connecting to any IOC:

sh
bin/Linux-x86_64/qtalh --validate /path/to/facility.alhConfig

Expected result: a successful exit and the channel/group counts. This verifies syntax, includes, and supported expressions; it does not check PV availability or write permissions.

Use File → Activate ALH to open an independent runtime copy of the current edits. An unnamed document must first be saved to establish a filename. Runtime mask changes do not edit the source document; a later runtime reload reads the named disk configuration.

Saving changes the textual representation

Save expands includes, canonicalizes masks, places channels before child groups, and discards comments and original formatting. Keep the original source configuration if those details matter to your editing workflow.

Continue with masks and automatic forcing or logging setup.