# Hold a value for a specified length of time

One method of using Enter key handshaking is to hold the value at the data source for a specified period of time. For this method, assign a tag to the Enter connection and specify the Enter key hold time. Enter key control delay is optional.

## To set up Enter key handshaking to hold the value at the Value connection for a certain length of time

1. In the Timing tab, specify a time for the Enter key hold time, and, optionally, the Enter key control delay.
2. In the Connections tab, assign a tag to the Enter connection. A digital tag is recommended.

## How this type of handshaking works

- When the user presses the Enter key, the value is sent to the Value connection.
- If there is a time specified for the Enter key control delay, the delay timer begins timing. When the time is up, the Enter connection is set to 1. If no time is specified for the Enter key control delay, the Enter connection is set to 1 as soon as the user presses the Enter key.

  As long as the Enter connection is set to 1, the user cannot send new values to the Value connection.

- When the Enter connection is set to 1, the Enter key hold time timer begins timing. When the time expires, the Enter connection is reset to 0 and new values can be sent to the Value connection.

## See also

How Enter key handshaking works at run time

Hold a value until it is acknowledged

Causes of run-time errors for Enter key handshaking