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Delaying Scripts

Now let's investigate how to delay scripts, then continue again.

Assume we have three frequencies we use when operating SOTA, and when setting up our station we normally flick between them to see if any of them have activity.

The three frequencies we're interested in are 7.032, 10.114 and 14.044 MHz.

The Delay command​

delay(milliseconds: number): Promise<void>

Delays script execution for the number of milliseconds.

If you're not familiar with the Promise object and async/await, I suggest you review the Promise specification . In a nutshell, it's how we deal with asynchronous tasks. In a nutshell, any function which returns a promise should either use .then or await.

Updating the script​

Monitor frequencies
// set the first freq.
sendCat("FA7032000;", false);
//delay for 5 seconds.
await delay(5000)
//set the second freq.
sendCat("FA10114000;", false);
//delay for 5 seconds.
await delay(5000)
//set the third freq.
sendCat("FA14044000;", false);

Being in a Javascript environment, we of course have access to flow control structures, so let's simplify our script.

Monitor frequencies
const freqList = [7032000, 10114000, 14044000];

const setFreq = async (freq) => {
    //set the freq.
    sendCat(`FA${freq};`, false);
    //delay for 5 seconds.
    await delay(5000);
};

await setFreq(freqList[0]);
await setFreq(freqList[1]);
await setFreq(freqList[2]);

Installing the script​

Add a new task and run it. You should observe your QMX cycling through the set frequencies with a 5 second delay.

tip

Now that you've started working with Promises, you'll find yourself needing to debug your scripts. Helpfull tips are found in the debugging page.

Congratulations​

You can now delay script execution.