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On this page, we have made a summary of frequently asked questions (FAQs). These are continually updated so it’s worthwhile for you to refer back to this page on a regular basis.
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| Questions |
Editor |
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| Runtime |
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Communication |
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| OPC |
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| Client / Server |
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| Answers |
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| Editor |
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Why can’t controls be batched?
Controls behave in accordance with the applicable Windows package standards. Therefore, the highest batched control is the one that is currently active and thus accessible to the user. Although it was still possible in the old VSI control versions to be able to batch several objects on top of each other and to integrate a certain logic into these object batches in this way, it is no longer possible using current controls – and it is no longer necessary. The controls have already integrated a range of configuration possibilities that you are able to use for your applications. You can batch controls, for e.g., to be able to activate or deactivate them using ‘visible’ but the controls will function independently of each other. Only one control is active at any given moment.
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How do I activate the VIScontrol online manual properly?
Since version 4, VIScontrol has been equipped with a form of electronic documentation. These are subject to continual further development and since version 5 also contain instructions to additional products such as the SMSPage module and/or a scaling programme.
You can access the electronic handbook via the help function (Help) in the main menu of the VSIcontrol Editor or one of the dialogue boxes. The manual will be loaded in the language that you select (German or English) in the main menu. With the ‘Find’ function, you can search for almost any word that is used in the handbook. Also, if you should want to use the handbook in a paper format, you can easily print out any particular book from the directory of contents.
Using the ‘Help’ function in the formula-editor, you are able to access a description of the formula editor itself. If, however, you require more detailed information on a particular formula procedure, place the cursor over the requested procedure and press the function key, F1.
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Can I enter controls together with my old screen icons?
There are limits to the possible combinations of controls with old objects. Because of these limits, for example, controls are always placed above the old objects. Because of this, an old window always opens under the controls that it is actually supposed to cover.
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How do I change my current configuration to a higher resolution?
Older configurations have often been designed at a lower level of display resolution (640x480, 800x600). In order to be able to convert these into a 1024x768 resolution, it isn’t sufficient only to change screens and buttons to the relevant size, they also have to be newly placed onto the individual display screens. This is a very longsome task.
For such cases, there is our VCScaling tool. This will carry out exactly these tasks for you. Using this programme, projects such as these can be completed more quickly. For further information, please contact our user support / sales desk.
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How can I find out where a variable is being used universally?
To this end, use the “Extend Marked” function. First of all, mark the applicable variable. Then choose the “Extend Marked” function in the menu. In options, then choose “Variables --> Screen Object” and “Variables -- > Formulae”. In Modules, choose “ALL”. On pressing “Mark”, according to size of project, the whole process may take a little time, since all objects have to be browsed through.
To effectively carry out this procedure, choose the menu item “Export” and choose “Marked Objects”. Afterwards you will have created your export file, in which it is possible to determine wherever your variables are needed.
Before further work, don’t forget to perform the “Unmark all” procedure in the systems configuration, so you can be sure of not deleting data in error or exporting the wrong files.
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How can I label controls with several lines?
In the “Label” attribute, a <br> is interpreted as a word wrap. “Hello<br>World” will be typed out as:
Hello
World
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With Windows XP and Service Pack 2, why doesn’t the system recognise my Dongle any more?
A more advanced version of dongle software is required for use with Service Pack 2 for Windows. Install either VIScontrol Version 6.5 R1 or higher, or download the dongle software Hinstall_4.96.zip at
http://www.viscomvisual.com/support/download/support/Hinstall_4.96.zip
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| Runtime |
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Which operating systems support VIScontrol?
As a rule, VIScontrol always supports the current, stable operating systems.
VIScontrol Version 4.2 DOS: DOS 5.0
VIScontrol Version 5.2: NT4 to SP4, Windows 2000
VIScontrol Version 6.0: NT4 to SP4, Windows 2000, Windows XP
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On starting runtime, I keep getting the error message: “Missing Dongle, cannot communicate. Maybe you didn’t run ‘hinstall /i’...”? What does this mean?
VIScontrol is protected from misuse via a protection mechanism. A so-called dongle, on the parallel post or the USB interface of your computer ensures the proper functioning of the VIScontrol.
The driver for these dongles is normally installed automatically by VIScontrol during installation. It may sometimes be the case that the driver does not function correctly due to the particular configuration of the operating system. If you then want to start VIScontrol, the error message “…..” will appear. This will disappear if you start installation manually. If this occurs, you can carry out the following:
Open the command line of your operating system.
Initialise “hinstall.exe” with the parameter “/I” via the full file path (mostly: ”C:\Viscontrol\v60\hinstall.exe /i“)
This procedure may take your operating system some time to complete. On completion, you will receive a short confirmation
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Why aren’t my trend curves being recorded?
- To be able to record a trend curve, the trend has to be initially started using StartTrend and an interval unequal to zero. The write instruction for a data point is the SetTrendTrigger function(). This has to be called up periodically. In the Examples, an example of a trend is available (“HTREND.EXP”), which demonstrates the correct configuration of a trend curve.
- Ensure that there is sufficient saving space available on your hard disk.
- There are no recorded curves available for the trend example in your display. Control the date and time of the extract.
- The trend files that are available were copied from a CD and are in “Read only” format. Change the qualitative characteristics of the trend curves.
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When I want to start runtime, I get the error message: “Fatal Error: DataBackup does not match Configuration”.
VIScontrol saves all values that you have configured in a file with “Backup Yes”. This file is stored in a project directory and has the default name of “DATA.DBK” (you may change the name of this file, of course). If this file is corrupted, VIScontrol will react by alerting you with this error message. The file can be damaged in many different ways; if the operating system crashes, if the computer is not shut down correctly (e.g. due to power failure when in use) or if VIScontrol crashes.
If this happens, then simply delete the file. VIScontrol will then automatically generate a new one. Your saved values are then, of course, lost.
Often, the safest thing to do is to regularly save data in a data file or a separate text file.
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What does the “Quick” option mean in the formula editor?
Quick intervenes in the automatic procedure of the formulas in VIScontrol. It is used consciously where individual procedures have to be run sequentially and may not be interrupted by any other events. An instance of regular usage is in the initialising of VIScontrol at StartUp.
You can find detailed information about the mode of operation for the formula variables in the online handbook under formula calculation.
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On starting runtime, I get the error message “Could not find the software protection key (dongle). You can
either run for 15 minutes, run without communication or quit.” What does this mean?
- VIScontrol is protected against misuse through a safety mechanism. A so-called dongle on the parallel post or the USB interface of your computer ensures the proper functioning of the VIScontrol.
The driver for these dongles is normally installed by VIScontrol automatically during installation. It may sometimes be the case that the driver does not function correctly due to the particular configuration of the operating system. If you then want to start VIScontrol, the error message “…..” will appear. This will disappear if you start installation manually. If this occurs, then you can carry out the following: Open the command line of your operating system. Initialise “hinstall.exe” with the parameter “/I” via the full file path (mostly: ”C:\Viscontrol\v60\hinstall.exe /i“). This procedure may take your operating system some time to complete. On completion, you will receive a short confirmation.
- You start runtime directly on start up of the computer. In cases such as these, it may occur that the dongle software was yet activated by the operating system. Delay runtime with the help programme Sleep.exe. You can locate instructions and the programme in
http://www.viscomvisual.com/support/download/support/sleep.zip
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In the full screen mode, why do the scroll bars appear, even though the resolution of my images is the
same as those on the display screen?
VIScontrol works in terms of the settings on the task bar. If these are continually in the foreground, VIScontrol is unable to set the run time window to the necessary size and scroll bars are therefore required. Activate either the “automatically hide taskbar” option or deactivate the “taskbar always in foreground” option in the task bar properties.
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What do I have to pay particular attention to when using Windows XP with SP2?
- TCP/IP: if you start the TCP/IP driver under Windows XP SP2 with Firewall (FW), at the firewall, you will have to define VIScontrol as an exception. On starting runtime, you will be automatically requested to carry out a new set up for VIX.exe. Confirm this request!
- OPC: to start an OPC communication via DCOM, you must configure your system in accordance with the following table.
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Server
Client |
W2k |
XP SP1 |
XP SP2
Ohne FW |
XP SP2
Mit FW |
W2k |
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1) |
1) 4) |
XP SP1 |
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1) |
1) 4) |
XP SP2
Ohne FW |
1) 3) |
1) |
1) 3) |
1) 3) |
XP SP2
Mit FW |
2) 3) |
2) |
1) 2) 3) |
1) 2) 3) 4) |
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1) Apply DCOM adjustment on the server PC. Identity: “user who starts the application”.
2) In the FW, define the following exemptions on the client PC: confirm use of OPC Client and enable Port 135.
3) DCOM setting on client PC: Apply settings in accordance with “Using OPC via DCOM with XP SP2”.
You will find this document at our support domain.
4) Define the following exemptions in the FW on the server PC: confirm OPC-Enum.exe and OPC-Server
and enable Port 135.
3. SQL Server: To apply an OPC Server to a PC with Windows XP SP2 and activated FW, you have to confirm
“File and printer release” in the FW.
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Communication |
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How many data points can I transfer per second?
The performance capability of a communication is independent of the type of connection. The communications bottleneck is usually the actual physical connection. Transferring data requires the most time. In addition, there is also the overhead of the recorded protocoll. Basic rules for the configuration of a communication:
Only communicate what is necessary. Gather together all data to be blocked.
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Can I start the same communications driver several times?
Yes, in principle this is possible. In order to do this however, the names of the “dre” and “drx” files of the applicable driver have to be altered.
If you want to start, for example, two S5RK512 drivers, then copy the “s5rrk512.dre” and the “s5rk512.drx” files in the VIScontrol directory. Afterwards, give each of the files copied a new name. For example, “Bs5rk512.dre” and “Bs5rk512.drx”. Now you can add the new driver in Editor and use it as you would any other driver. It goes without saying that this driver will have the same properties as the original one.
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Why are a few data points still transferred when the display in VIScontrol indicates a value of zero?
This often occurs because the same input address is configured into several variables. One input address need only be available at one variable. If it is configured for several variables, only one variable will receive the value. Control the addresses in the export file to single value.
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Can I make a connection to a distant control system via modem?
Yes, this is possible. In order to achieve this, a driver that supports a transparent mode is necessary. The following drivers support this method:
Siemens S5RK512
RSTRANS
Please refer to the applicable manual(s) for further information.
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What is the most straightforward way of linking 2 VIScontrol stations?
There are basically three applications that will enable the linking of VIScontrol stations:
1. Equivalent servers:
For this option, VIScontrol Client/Server must be applied. You only await one visualisation in this case and allow this to run on an operating system with a Terminal Service. Connection to both of the functioning stations will start automatically. For further details, refer to Client/Server in the online handbook.
2. Connection of differing visualisations:
You can connect two VIScontrol applications using the TCP/IP driver. In doing so, you will only swap VIScontrol data and will not have a genuine Client/Server connection. Find further details in the TCP/IP online handbook and the example TCP/Ipb in the examples.
3. Connection with VCLink:
This functions in the same way as the TCP/IP driver. It communicates via the serial data interface however.
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| OPC |
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What is OPC? What advantages does this interface offer?
OPC stands for OLE for Process Control and is a software interface on the basis of Micrsosoft COM/DCOM. It separates data communication from data processing: the OPC server is responsible for the exchange of data, whilst the OPC Client is able to concentrate fully on the processing of the data. In this way, OPC has a similarly important relevance as the print driver used in word processing.
The clear separation of server and client simplifies the project work. Normally, a steering developer or a special operation on the OPC Server based upon data communication will be created. Applications programmes can use the server whilst ignoring the communications protocoll.
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How powerful is the OPC interface in reality?
In OPC, we are only concerned with the definition of an interface. Its power-performance level depends upon its applicable use. The amount of care used during the development of the OPC server is therefore decisive.
The mechanisms within the OPC standard allow for the development of an extremely high performance OPC server. Along with straightforward read and write operations, the OPC recognises an automatic communication by the client when data changes. In this way, the exchange of data at the OPC interface can be minimised. Experience with the current OPC servers on the market demonstrates that performance capability is almost always limited through communication with the peripheral unit rather than through the OPC.
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Can I also operate the VIScontrol OPC client on a standalone basis?
The OPC client is not linked to VIScontrol. It may also be used as a test client for the OPC server. To this effect, choose the standalone point on installation.
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How can the configuration file of the OPC client be saved to VIScontrol?
The OPC client configuration may be saved in an .osf file.
In order to do this, choose the menu point “save as” in the OPC Client and save the file as an .osf file in the project directory. in VIScontroleditor, then indicate this file in the OPC driver definition.
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Is the VIScontrol OPC Client DCOM-capable?
Yes! The OPC server and the OPC client can run on different computers. In OPC client, you can enter the computer Node on which the OPC server runs under Node. After this, all OPC servers on the selected computer will appear in a browse window.
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| Client / Server |
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Why do I have other colours on the client?
The RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) that is used at the terminal service reproduces, for reasons of performance, only 256 differing colours. If the images in your configuration have a higher depth of colour, these will be mapped over the 256 colours. Due to this, changes to colour may well occur. Therefore, the bitmaps of your configuration should have a colour depth of approximately 256 colours.
The bitmaps in your configuration should be based upon a well-balanced colours table. The first and last ten colours of the standard windows colours must be included in this colour table since VIScontrol will have to access these colours.
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Why don’t certain procedures function on the client computer (e.g. SetFrameless with AdaptResolution)?
The client is only the image formation of a display screen from a server. The actual application runs from the server. Certain procedures, however, use the hardware of the PC. Understandably, such procedures create difficulties. The AdaptResolution function accesses, for e.g. the graphics cards setting of the computer, which in the case of a Client/Server configuration, is the one of the server. That is why this does not function on the client.
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Why is the Client/Server based on the Terminal Services provided by MS?
In this case, we follow the principle to as far as possible base our software upon standard software. The Microsoft technology has proved itself over a long period of time and can be used without additional costs. Other products (e.g. Citrix Metaframe) require further investment. In almost all cases, the functional range of the Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol ) is sufficient.
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Licensing – what do you have to pay attention to?
The most important thing is the distinction between VIScontrol licences and Microsoft licences! Here, we only deal with the licensing model in terms of its direct context with VIScontrol. For information about the licensing of your MS products, please contact your specialist dealer.
On the side of the server, we require, as customary, a dongle with the following licences:
a) A VIS control packet licence for the server machine
b) For every client station (session) with simultaneous access, a so-called client access licence.
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IS the client/server VIScontrol also WEB capable?
Yes, since VIScontrolversion 5.2 R1, clients of a client/server can also run applications in a browser window. This enables you to operate a client/server application over an intranet or even over the internet. In addition, this offers the advantage that no further software has to be installed on the client computer.
If possible, this is done using an ActiveX, which the browser installs on the client computer on the occasion of the first communication attempt.
You will find more information on this subject in the handbook under basic knowledge – client/server in the web.
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