KeyLAB2 has a feature which can be exploited when designing test sheets which allows the minimum and maximum values along a graph to be used. Further, the specific intervals at which labels are placed can also be specified. Excel itself offers similar functionality but KeyLAB allows a cell within a workbook to provide these values, allowing graphs to respond sensitively to the data presented to them.
Note: the KeyLAB scaling routines are applied when a sheet is populated with test data. Therefore, the graph axises do not appear correct when in sheet design mode. We recommend running real data through a test sheet which includes the KeyLAB graph scaling settings after the feature has been used.
To specify the minimum, maximum or internal scaling settings follow the steps below:
1. Setup your sheet to handle the source data in the usual fashion. Insert a chart via Excel, specifying the appropriate series.
2. Select 'Graphing | Scaling...'
3. Ensure the 'Graph' drop down is set to the chart/series specified in step 1.
4. Ensure the radio button to the right of the drop down is set to the X axis (if required).
5. Set the 'Scaling Mode' radio to "Fixed".
6. Have done so, the 'Fixed References' section of the window will be enabled. Click on the text to the right of the 'Minimum' label and specify the cell which will dictate this value. Note the contents of this cell can either contain a specific value (producing a similar effect to Excel graphs) or vary according to the data, as with a KeyLAB reference cell, for example.
7. Repeat step 6 for the 'Maximum' and 'Interval' parameters.
8. Repeat step 4 onwards for the Y axis (if required)
9. Save the sheet and test with real test data.
Remember the sheet needs to be run for the routine to apply; the chart may not appear to be affected by these settings when in design mode.