custom event handler for a timer event?

[pixielex]

I understand how to create custom events in order to pass parameters to a function being called by an event listener. I can get this to work fine if the event is being dispatched within my own code. However, I don't get how to do this if the event is a built-in event being dispatched by a Flash object.

Specifically, I need to call a function and pass it parameters when a timer ends. I don't know how to change the information being sent by the Timer because it is a native Flash class rather than something I'm writing. Can someone please clarify how to do this?

[xwielder]

If you're referring to something like:

mcAlphaInTween.addEventListener (TweenEvent.MOTION_FINISH, thisFunction, thisPassedVar);

function thisFunction (event:TweenEvent, thisPassedVar):void
{
    // blah blah blah
}

Then no, you cannot do this.

[pixielex]

So there's no way to customize that event to pass a parameter through it? I mean, if it's an event I'm dispatching, I just create a custom event class and it's fine. I find it hard to believe that there's no equivalent way to deal with events dispatched within native Flash objects....?

[pixielex]

Anyone?

[lordofduct]

What kind of parameter do you want to pass through it?

Is it a parameter that is part of the object running the event? If so just use:

function thisFunction (e:ThisEvent):void {
e.currentTarget.property... blah blah;
}

This would work for say you have a TimerEvent attached to some group of timers... then you could set the delay with:
e.currentTarget.delay = 5000;

so if this function hit under the TimerEvent.TIMER_COMPLETE event then the timer that completed would have its delay reset.

Now if you want to extend the event so that there are new events to call on top of the preexisting ones... then just create a new class that inherits (extends in AS3) the event class you are playing with. It is a new custom event that has all the abilities of the event you inherited from plus any new functions and properties you add to it.

[darth]

in AS2 with setTimeout and setInterval you could send parameters, but not with Timer AS3?
The only way is to make variable(s) of the class where the functions are running from and store-fetch like that?

[creynders]

Originally Posted by darth

in AS2 with setTimeout and setInterval you could send parameters, but not with Timer AS3?
The only way is to make variable(s) of the class where the functions are running from and store-fetch like that?

You still have setTimeout and setInterval in AS3. They are no longer global functions though. They're a part of the flash.utils package.

[darth]

Ok thanks! So this means no function parameters with Timer. Case closed?

[b0jangles]

Originally Posted by darth

Ok thanks! So this means no function parameters with Timer. Case closed?

You can pass parameters to a callback function with Timer. You just have to make your own Class that extends Timer. You can see how to do it here:

http://gersic.com/blog.php?id=49

Tom

[matlevy]

To do this you will need to create an instance of the Timer class and add an event listener that maps to a function taking the event as a parameter of a TimerEvent (or super class).

As an example :

var foo : Timer = new Timer(1000,1);
foo.addEventListener(TimerEvent.TIMER, myFunction);

function myFunction(e:TimerEvent):void
{
  Alert.show('Hello');
}

For more information on the Timer class read here. You can also find details in the flash documentation. The class and package path is under flash.utils.Timer