decimal to hex converter in niagara 4 tridium

GLB Media Editorial Teams

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18-01-2025

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Niagara 4, Tridium's powerful building automation system, doesn't offer a built-in decimal-to-hexadecimal conversion function in a single, readily available block. However, achieving this conversion is straightforward using the scripting capabilities within Niagara's workspace. This guide details several methods to accomplish this, catering to different levels of scripting proficiency.

Method 1: Using the Integer.toHexString() Method (Java Scripting)

This is the most efficient and direct method, leveraging Java's built-in functionality within Niagara's scripting environment. This approach is ideal for those comfortable with basic Java syntax.

import java.lang.*;

public class DecimalToHex {

    public static String convertDecimalToHex(int decimalValue) {
        return Integer.toHexString(decimalValue).toUpperCase(); // toUpperCase() ensures consistent output
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int decimal = 255; // Example decimal value
        String hexValue = convertDecimalToHex(decimal);
        System.out.println("Decimal: " + decimal + ", Hexadecimal: " + hexValue);
    }
}

Explanation:

1. import java.lang.*;: This line imports the java.lang package, which contains essential Java classes, including Integer.
2. Integer.toHexString(decimalValue): This is the core of the conversion. The toHexString() method converts an integer (your decimal value) into its hexadecimal representation as a String.
3. .toUpperCase(): This ensures the hexadecimal output is consistently in uppercase, improving readability and consistency. This is a stylistic choice; you can omit it if lowercase is preferred.
4. main method: This demonstrates the function's usage. You'd adapt this to integrate with your Niagara application's specific data points and displays.

Integration into Niagara: You'd create a new script within Niagara, paste this code, and then call the convertDecimalToHex() function, passing your decimal value as an argument. The function's return value (the hexadecimal string) can then be used to update a point, display on a screen, or integrated into other Niagara logic.

Method 2: Manual Conversion using Modular Arithmetic (More Complex, Educational)

For a deeper understanding of the conversion process, you can implement it manually using modular arithmetic and string manipulation. This method is more complex but provides valuable insight into the underlying algorithm.

public class DecimalToHexManual {

    public static String convertDecimalToHexManual(int decimalValue) {
        String hexChars = "0123456789ABCDEF";
        String hexValue = "";

        if (decimalValue == 0) return "0"; // Handle the special case of 0

        while (decimalValue > 0) {
            int remainder = decimalValue % 16;
            hexValue = hexChars.charAt(remainder) + hexValue; // Prepend the hex character
            decimalValue /= 16;
        }

        return hexValue;
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int decimal = 255; // Example decimal value
        String hexValue = convertDecimalToHexManual(decimal);
        System.out.println("Decimal: " + decimal + ", Hexadecimal: " + hexValue);
    }
}

This method iteratively divides the decimal number by 16, appending the hexadecimal representation of the remainder to the result string until the quotient becomes zero.

Choosing the Right Method

For most users, Method 1 using Integer.toHexString() is recommended due to its simplicity and efficiency. Method 2 is useful for learning purposes or situations where you need very fine-grained control over the conversion process. Remember to adapt the code to your specific Niagara application context, replacing placeholder values with your actual data points and UI elements. Always test thoroughly within your Niagara environment.