====Using the Modular Output System====

If you'd like to use the [[mos:welcome|Modular Output System]] in your own projects, the system is relatively easy to use.

===Include the Library===

<code python>

import ardi.util.outputengine as outie

</code>

===Create and Start an Instance===

<code python>
oe = outie.OutputEngine("My Source Name")
oe.Start()
</code>

This creates an instance of the Output Engine. You pass a name that identifies your application.

Note that calling 'start' may block for a few moments, depending on the output configuration. This varies, as some output types are //outgoing// (they only **send** data) while some are //incoming// (they host a service for other systems to query).

===Writing Key/Value Pairs===

If you want to write numeric, status or other key-value data, you use the [[WriteValue|WriteValue]] function of the OutputEngine object.

<code python>
oe.WriteValue('TemperatureA',25.6)
</code>

To record an event, use [[WriteLog|WriteLog]].

<code python>
oe.WriteLog('Stoppage')
</code>

===Closing===

When finished, you should call 'Stop'.

<code python>
oe.Stop()
</code>

This will stop any HTTP, Modbus/TCP, OPC-UA or other services that were brought up by the Modular Output System.