OPC Client (Diagnostic & Recipe)

This TcOpcClient has been developed to assist in the test and development of our OPC Data Access 1.0 and 2.0 Servers. This text assumes that you are using Windows 95/98 or Windows 2000/NT 4.0 (Service Pack 4 recommended).

The TcOpcClient supports both local and remote OPC server connections. Remote connections are handled through the operating system's DCOM interface. Windows 95 users should note that Microsoft provides a special update patch that fixes problems with the original COM/OLE logic that shipped with the operating system. In addition, this patch provides the DCOM support necessary for remote server access that was not implemented in the operating system.

Client Preparation

Begin by creating a server connection. A server connection is used to connect to an OPC server. Once this connection is made, a group can be added to the connection with varying properties such as update rate, dead band, and time bias. Finally, items can be added to the individual groups. These items have properties such as an initial active state, data type and access path. Active items will automatically receive data change notifications and will display its current value and quality in the item view.