def autoload(self, state=True):
        """
        Begins the process for autoloading this item when it becomes visible
        within the tree.
        
        :param      state | <bool>
        """
        if state and not self._timer:
            self._timer = QtCore.QTimer()
            self._timer.setInterval(500)
            self._timer.timeout.connect(self.testAutoload)
        if state and self._timer and not self._timer.isActive():
            self._timer.start()
        elif not state and self._timer and self._timer.isActive():
            self._timer.stop()
            del self._timer
            self._timer = None