Frequently Asked Questions

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Getting Started

What do I do if I cannot find the answer to my question in this help file?
Contact Open Automation Software Technical Support Team at support@oasiot.com.
Where can download the latest version of Open Automation Software?
How do I check what changes are available in different versions of Open Automation Software?
You can view what version you are currently running using the Configure application and select Help-Versions. On that dialog there is a button to take to the following to check current versions. Visit: Open Automation Software Version History
What is the price of the software?
View OAS Pricing for some basic examples. Visit Request a Quote to request a product quotation.
Is there anything special that needs to be installed to run on Windows Embedded operating system?
Yes, the Microsoft Visual C++ libraries need to be installed.  Download from the following. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5582
Can I install Open Automation Software in silent mode?
Yes, run the following Setup.exe /s /v"/qn".
Should I develop a WPF, WinForm, or HTML5 client application?
All support communications over the Internet, so networking is not a deciding factor. Windows HMI is a good choice if:
  • The customer is not experienced in creating WPF applications but has strong knowledge in building Windows Forms applications and the application is not graphics intensive.
  • The application is for mainly displaying values.
  • The customer wants to use Open Automation Software Controls in an existing Windows Forms Application.
  • The customer wants to write a service to read and write data to Open Automation Software.
  • The customer application will be running on Windows 2000 Professional.
WPF HMI is a good choice if:
  • The customer has no preference and he want to use graphics.
  • The customer would like Lamps, Switches, Shapes, Gauges, Pie Charts, Bar Charts, PID Controls or story boards built into the control library.
  • The customer wants to be using the latest technology.
  • The customer’s application is graphic centered as opposed to mainly a data display.
  • The customer wants to automatically scale his application to the monitor size.
  • The customer wants the ability to Scale, Rotate or Skew object in the application.
Web HMI is a good choice if:
  • If you plan to run the application on a smart phone or non widows operating system.
I have a problem uninstalling Open Automation Software due to a missing MSI.
I am prompted to install the .NET Framework 3.5 during installation?
The .NET Framework 3.5 needs to be enabled. a) Press “Windows Logo” + “R” keys on the keyboard. b) Type “appwiz.cpl” in the “Run” command box and press “ENTER”. c) In the “Programs and Features” window, click on the link “Turn Windows features on or off”. d) Check if the “.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)” option is available in it. e) If yes, then enable it and then click on “OK”. f) Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and restart the computer, if prompted.

Licencing

Windows Service

When do I need to use the OPC Data Fix?
Only when the OPC Server(s) you are connecting to do not run as a Windows Service and cannot be accessed from the SYSTEM account due to DCOM security.
What account are the OAS Services run under?
By default the SYSTEM account, but you can change the Service LogOn using the Service Control Manager.

Tags

Can I setup Tag programmatically?
Yes, using the OPC Systems component. The most effective method to set up multiple tags in one call is the TagCSVImport method as demonstrated in the Programmatic Interface topic in .NET Configuration - Programmatic Access Tags.
Can I access a bit of an Integer value of an Open Automation Software Tag?
Yes, set the Data Type of the Open Automation Software Tag to Signed Byte, Unsigned Byte, Short Integer, Unsigned Short Integer, Integer, Unsigned Integer, Long, or Unsigned Long. When browsing for a Tag in a client application Bit00 up to Bit63 will be available selection immediately under the Value property. myTag.Bit00 is an example of providing read and write access to bit 0 of an integer value.
A CSV Export and Import does not work when running on a system with Regional Language settings use a comma as a decimal holder.
Because the OAS Service runs under the SYSTEM Account it is not using the Regional Language settings. In some operating systems when you change the Regional Language the SYSTEM account is not updated. To correct this go to Region and Language under Control Panel, and select the Administrative tab. Select Copy settings and select the option to Copy your current settings to: Welcome screen and system accounts and select OK. Restart the OAS Services or restart the operating system. The CSV export and import will now use your decimal separator selected for the operating system.
We have accumulative value and we want to take Delta for this accumulative value at end of each hour. For example value at start of the hour is 100 and at the end of the hour it is 150, so Delta is 50 for this specific hour. How we can use calculation tag option to achieve it?
First create a String Tag called DateTime with the Data Source of DateTimeString. Next create a Double Tag called InitialValue with the Data Source of Calculation and the following Calculation. IF(SUBSTR([DateTime.Value],STRLEN([DateTime.Value])-5,5) = “00:00”,[SourceTag.Value],[InitialValue.Value]) Then you have a second Double Calculation Tag called TheDifference with the following Calculation. [SourceTag.Value]-[InitialValue.Value] A third Calculation Tag called LastHour can be used to hold the last hour’s result. IF(SUBSTR([DateTime.Value],STRLEN([DateTime.Value])-5,5) = “59:59”,[TheDifference.Value],[LastHour.Value])
I want to create a Calculation that gives a result of a sum over 15 minutes and then resets to 0.
Create a Calculation Tag with the following Calculation. AVG(IF(MOD([SumCalcs.TotalSeconds.Value],900)=0,-987654321,[SumCalcs.Input.Value]),900)*MOD([SumCalcs.TotalSeconds.Value],900)
How to display hours, minutes, and seconds as a string from Time On of a Tag.
STRFORMAT([myTagValueTimeOnTotal]%60,"00")&":"&STRFORMAT(MOD([myTagValueTimeOnTotal],60),"00")&":"&STRFORMAT(([myTagValueTimeOnTotal] - ([myTagValueTimeOnTotal]%60)*60 - MOD([myTagValueTimeOnTotal],60))*60,"00")
I want to have a bit go to true at 7, 15, and 23 hours.
  1. Create a Tag called DateAndTime with the Date Type of String and the Data Source of DateTimeString.
  2. Modify the Calculation in both Reset tags to the following.
IF(SUBSTR([DateAndTime.Value],STRLEN([DateAndTime.Value])-8,8) = ""07:00:00"",1,0)|IF(SUBSTR([DateAndTime.Value],STRLEN([DateAndTime.Value])-8,8) = ""15:00:00"",1,0)|IF(SUBSTR([DateAndTime.Value],STRLEN([DateAndTime.Value])-8,8) = ""23:00:00"",1,0)
How can I keep track of how long a Boolean Tag is on or how many times it has transitioned?
Use the Time On and Counts property.
Tag CSV Export and Import

Import CSV

Select the OAS Service that you desire to import a CSV file to the Tag configuration and click the CSV Import button on the top menu to import a Comma Separated Variable file.
CSV Import
Use the Export CSV feature to generate a CSV file. You can then use Microsoft Excel or other CSV compatible application to add or modify Tags. Only the Tag name is the required field. You can select to include or exclude all other fields. Only those fields that are found in the header will be used to update the properties of the Tags. If a Tag already exists it will be updated. If the Tag does not exist it will be created. Existing Tags that are not specified in the CSV file will not be updated or deleted. The same tag parameter structure can be used to programmatically define tags with the TagCSVImport method on the free to use OASConfig and OPCSystems components. This is demonstrated in  .NET Server Configuration-CSV Import and Export example.

Export CSV

Select the OAS Service that you desire to extract the Tag configuration from and select click the CSV Export button to generate a Comma Separated Variable file.
CSV Export
You can then use Microsoft Excel or other CSV compatible application to add or modify Tags. Use the Import CSV feature to then import the modified CSV file.
If you wish to just export a particular Tag Group, right click on the Tag Group and select Export to CSV.
Export to CSV

Data Logging

MS Access Error microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider is not registered
MS Access Class not Registered System Error

For Office 2010, the following update will correct this issue.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39664

For Office 365 (please note, by default Office365 installs the 32-bit version regardless of your system), use:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54920

I receive a System Error when trying to log or access an Oracle database

OAS version 12.00.0043 now uses OracleManagedDataAccess assembly. If you are using an older version of OAS we recommend to update to the latest version. If you have upgraded from a previous version and using TNSNAMES.ORA name in the Database file please see the FAQ on TNSNAMES.ORA.

Data Logging System Error occurs with database engine error null values not allow.
The cause of this error is one or more of the database table columns has been modified  to not allow null values.  OAS creates the columns in the table to allow null values so when the data quality is bad for a tag value a null value will be inserted into the table.  The only column that should be set to not allow null values is the DateAndTime column.  There are 2 solutions to this error:
  1. Please review the columns in each table with the SQL Server Management Studio.  If they have been changed to not allow null values change them back to allow null values.
  2. Go to each logging group and enable the property Discard Null Rejects under the Database tab.  Keep in mind that with this property enabled the records to be logged that contain null values will be discarded and not logged.
Menu Configure Data Logging Discard Null Rejects
Security Login Error occurs with Open or Create routines
View the Database Security Login topic on how to setup security logins and access writes to create, open, and read and write to the database.
Data is not logged to the database engine

View the Data Logging Errors troubleshooting guide for a complete list of error causes and solutions.

View the source of the problem under Configure-System Errors.

The complete history of errors can be viewed under C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Log or the path that is set under Configure-Options-System Logging.

Enable Log Data Logging Transactions under Configure-Options-System Logging to see the details of each transaction and error returned from the database engine.

CSV Logging to a Remote Mapped Drive
Either enable the SYSTEM account to have read and write access to the mapped drive and directory, or set the OAS Engine Service LogOn to a user account that would have access to the remote mapped drive using these steps in setting the OAS Engine Service LogOn.
Logging to MS Access on a Remote Mapped Drive
Either enable the SYSTEM account to have read and write access to the mapped drive and directory, or set the OAS Reports Service LogOn to a user account that would have read and write access to the remote mapped drive.
Error reports LogIn failure to database engine when trying to open connection
View the following video on how to setup security in the database engine:
Direct link: /videos/#troubleshoot-connection-login
The database engine language is different than the Regional Language settings of the Data Logging and / Alarm Logging Service. Data Logging updates, Alarm Logging updates, trend history, and / alarm history is not working due to invalid date format.
Go to Configure-Options-History and Enable History Date Format. Examples: yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss MM/dd/yyyy HH:mm:ss
I need to log to an Oracle database engine using the TNSNAMES.ORA file.
OAS version 12.00.0043 now uses OracleManagedDataAccess assembly which does not support TNSNAMES.ORA.  You can set the entire path from the TNSNAMES.ORA file in the Database field of the data logging, alarm logging, or recipe group directly. Use the following as the Database name: (DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS_LIST=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=MyHost)(PORT=MyPort)))(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVER=DEDICATED)(SERVICE_NAME=MyOracleSID))) As example for a system with a computer name GWDESK and the Oracle database name OPCDb: (DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS_LIST=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=TCP)(HOST=GWDESK)(PORT = 1521)))(CONNECT_DATA=(SERVER= DEDICATED)(SERVICE_NAME=OPCDb)))
How much memory on the hard disk is taken up when logging to SQL Server?
The following should be used as an aid in sizing database requirements. The method used is to store 100 Tags each, of a few common data types for one hour at a 1 second continuous interval to separate tables. SQL Server 2005 Express was used to gather this information. As always your final results may vary. In SQL Server you can set the Database property under Options for Recovery model to Simple to reduce disk usage. Boolean Data type table size Rows: 3598 Reserved: 200 KB Data: 152 KB Index Size: 16 KB Unused: 32 KB Double data type table size Rows: 3598 Reserved: 3272 KB Data: 3200 KB Index Size: 16 KB Unused: 56 KB Integer data type table size Rows: 3598 Reserved: 1672 KB Data: 1600 KB Index Size: 16 KB Unused: 56 KB String data type table size (100 char / tag) Rows: 3589 Reserved: 84752 KB Data: 84552 KB Index Size: 144 KB Unused: 56 KB
Which database engine is most efficient with OPCDatabase.NET?
SQL Server provides the ability to log multiple records in one call, so using SQL Server on a local or remote server is the best choice.
Which database engine uses the least amount of disk space when logging values?
CSV files without a database are the smallest usage. SQL Server and mySQL are very comparable. Oracle uses approximately 4 times the disk space as SQL Server and mySQL. In SQL Server you can set the Database property under Options for Recovery model to Simple to reduce disk usage.
Setup SQL Server for authentication with UAC which was introduced on Windows Vista.

Alarm Logging

MS Access Error microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider is not registered
MS Access Class not Registered System Error

For Office 2010, the following update will correct this issue.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39664

For Office 365 (please note, by default Office365 installs the 32-bit version regardless of your system), use:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54920

Security Login Error occurs with Open or Create routines.
View the Database Security Login topic on how to setup security logins and access writes to create, open, and read and write to the database.
The database engine language is different than the Regional Language settings of the Data Logging and / Alarm Logging Service. Data Logging updates, Alarm Logging updates, trend history, and / alarm history is not working due to invalid date format.
Go to Configure-Options-History and Enable History Date Format. Examples: yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss MM/dd/yyyy HH:mm:ss

Alarm Notification

How to escalate an alarm notification if not acknowledged within a specified time

Create a new Boolean Tag with the tag name EscalateAlarm.

Enable the Digital Alarm limit in this new Tag with a Time Delay of ? Seconds.

Under the Tags tab of an existing or new Alarm Notification group the property “Set Tag When Alarm Active and Not Acknowledged” to a Boolean Tag with the Data Source of Value.

EscalateAlarm.AlarmStatusDigital can then be used to enable a second Alarm Notification monitoring the same alarms of the first Alarm Notification group with the Activate with Tag property in the second Alarm Notification Group.

Note: Under Configure-Options-Alarms uncheck “Update Alarm Status Immediately Without Alarm Time Delay”.

This will then enable the second alarm notification group when the alarms monitored in the first group.

I am using GMAIL as the sending address.
Make sure to enable SSL and also set the outgoing port number to 465.
I want to send a text message without the need for a Twillio account.
If the cell phone provider can provide an email address to receive texts setup to send an email. To send a text message to someone on AT&T in the To Address, just enter the 10 digit phone number @txt.att.net. Example 5555551234@txt.att.net.
When I use multiple DataSets in the same report it only returns data from the first DataSet.
Use and RDL Report type.
I am using GMAIL as the sending address.
Make sure to enable SSL and also set the outgoing port number to 465.
Report queries are running very slow from the database.
Make sure the date and time span or Query String is defined to return a subset of data instead of all of the data. You can also reindex the database in SQL Server to run faster. Reorganizing and Rebuilding Indexes http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189858.aspx
Create Report for mySQL and other database engines without OLE-DB Provider
In order to use MySQL you will need to have the MySQL Connector/ODBC driver installed on the system where the OAS Engine is running. If it is not currently installed you can download from here: https://downloads.mysql.com/archives/c-odbc/ In order to use the ODBC Administrator you may also need to install the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio x86. In MySQL create a separate user from root. You will uses this user in the string below. ServerIPAddress=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx DataBaseName=The database name of interest inside mySQL MYSQLUserName = The MySQL username provided above MYSQLUserNamePassword = The Password to the database for the username provided No spaces between elements. Database = DatatBaseName Table = a table within the database. Dataset should now show table elements.
Set Printer Driver to work with Automated Reports
The OAS Services by default run under the SYSTEM account. The following link is a guide for setting up the printer driver to work with the SYSTEM account. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/184291/com-objects-fail-to-print-when-called-from-asp
MS Access Error microsoft.ace.oledb.12.0 provider is not registered
MS Access Class not Registered System Error

For Office 2010, the following update will correct this issue.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=39664

For Office 365 (please note, by default Office365 installs the 32-bit version regardless of your system), use:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54920

If my Recipe is not working how can I find the solution?
Go to Configure-Options-System Logging. Enable the Recipe Transaction Log and the details of each recipe execution will be logged within the file.
How can I return aggregate results of the last 24 hours of a database table?
Set the field names to use your desired aggregate functionsExample: AVG(myField), MIN(myField), MAX(myField), and SUM(myField). In the Query String property enter the following: WHERE DateAndTime <= CURRENT_TIMESTAMP AND DateAndTime > DATEADD(hh,-24,CURRENT_TIMESTAMP)
How do I log in my client application with a user name and password?
For each application type there is either a login programmatic method or user interface dialog to log in the application.
  • Configure OAS application: Use the LogIn from the menu.
  • WPF application: Use the OPCWPFDashboard.OPCWPFLogIn component with the LogIn method. (Only need to do this once for the entire application)
  • WinForm application: Use the OPCControls.OPCControlsLogIn component with the LogIn method. (Only need to do this once for the entire application)
  • OPCTrend control in WPF or WinForm application: Use the LogIn method. (Need to do this for each trend control)
  • OPCAlarm control in WPF or WinForm application: Use the LogIn method. (Need to do this for each trend control)
  • Excel: Use the security login RTD formula generated with the OAS Excel Wizard application. (Only need to do this once for the entire Workbook)
  • HTML5 Web application: Use the authentication token see the Authentication topic in the Web HMI Programming Reference-HTML5 section.
How can I backup the configured options on my system?
Backup the file OAS.options from C:\ProgramData\OpenAutomationSoftware\ConfigFiles.
All default configuration files would be specified under Configure-Options.
How can I move the configured options from one system to another?
Copy the file OAS.options from C:\ProgramData\OpenAutomationSoftware\ConfigFiles\ to the new system in the same directory C:Program Files and restart the OAS Services on the new computer. All default file paths will be located under Configure-Options and they should be copied to the same directory structure of the new system.
How can I prevent the options from being modified by unauthorized users?

Setup Security and select which Options you want users to be able to modify in the Default group and for each Security Group.

Do I need to use the Live Data Cloud for communications over the Internet?
No, you can use the standard networking in Open Automation Software if the data source has a fixed IP Address or domain name registered with the Internet. The Live Data Cloud is best when the data source IP Address is dynamic or you are just using a standard Internet connection.
Do I need to use UDP Broadcast to send data across a network of the Internet?
No, you only need to use UDP Broadcast on networks that have a communication diode that only allow one way communications.
Can UDP Broadcast be used to send data to multiple remote services?
Yes.
Do I need to have all of the source tags defined in the remote receiving services?
No, set the Data Source in the receiving node to UDP Client.  View the video in the Videos-UDP Broadcast section.
Bad Data Quality in .NET Application.
Below are some possible reasons your .NET application is not able to read OAS tag values.

Data Source Quality

Use Configure-Tags to verify that the data quality of the source tags is "Good Quality". Menu Configure Tags
Quality Good

Security

The Default security group on either the local or remote OAS Engine may have Disable All Tags from Reading checked under the Read Tags Tab.  See Restrict Tag Access of Security setup to see how read, write, and browse access can be restricted. View how to Implement User Credentials in Client Applications to provide log in method for each user in the .NET application.

Network

.NET applications can be defined to communicate to remote OAS Engines.  See Network Communications Troubleshooting to verify that port 58727 is allowing both incoming and outgoing traffic through your firewall.

Tag Path

The full tag path would include the full tag name including its parent groups and the variable of the Tag.
MyGroup.MyTag.Value
Tag names are case sensitive and the current value of a tag would be .Value as the most common variable.
If the tag is from a remote OAS Engine see Basic Networking for standard remote tag syntax or Live Data Cloud Networking if the OAS Engine system has a dynamic IP address.
\\192.168.0.1\TagName.Value

License

Use Configure-License to verify that a product feature .NET Data Connector, WinForm HMI, or WPF HMI is enabled on the data source system where the tags are located. Menu Configure License
Enabled Products

Target Framework for WPF and WinForm Applications

The project type for WinForm and WPF applications should be set to include (.NET Framework) and target .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. WinForm Target Framework See the correct project type for WinForm above that is listed as Windows Forms App (.NET Framework) while Windows Forms App would not be the correct project type.

Assembly References

Visual Studio on some operating systems will assign a legacy assembly to the project causing an incompatibility due to an older version of the reference assembly.  A common assembly that can be incorrect is Newtonsoft.Json that has been registered in the GAC by another software product. Select Newtonsoft.Json under the Project References to verify the correct path and version as 13.0.0.0.
Newtonsoft.Json Assembly Reference If the Path does not reference the OAS installation directory remove the reference and select to Add Reference and browse for dll from the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\. See a list of locations for the correct type in the troubleshooting type After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles for a list of correct project reference paths for each type of Visual Studio Project.

.NET Assembly is Blocked

If you have copied an application or project to another computer you may need to Unblock one or more the .dll files. Right click on the .dll file that you have downloaded. Check the Unblock checkbox for security as shown in the example below, then click Apply or OK. Excel Add-In

Legacy .NET Application with OAS Version 17

 If the OAS .NET assemblies are from OAS version 16 or less contact support@oasiot.com for compatibility instructions.
After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles
OAS version 17 implements an improved network interface which requires some additional assemblies. All dependent .dlls are located in the relative subdirectory of the Controls directory of the OAS installation directory, typically C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\. To add a reference to a Visual Studio project right click on References in the Solution Explorer. Add Reference Select Browse to browse the directory for each application feature. Browse Assemblies Include all .dlls files in the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\.
  • .NET 6
  • .NET 5
  • .NET Core 2.0 or greater
  • .NET Framework 4.61 or greater
  • Xamarin.iOS 10.14 or greater
  • Xamarin.Android 8.0 or greater
  • UWP 1.0.0.16299 or greater
WPF HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCWPFDashboard\
WinForm HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCControls\
Alarm .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASAlarms\
Trend .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASTrends\
.NET Data Connector Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystemsDataConnector\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASData\
Server Configuration Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystems\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASConfig\
Can WinForm applications be deployed to remote systems for Internet communications?
Yes, applications communicate using WCF over a standard TCP port which is adjustable. The default port number is 58724. View the Networking – LAN, WAN, and Internet Videos on how to implement standard communications over the Internet and also the Live Data Cloud networking on how to host your own data without a fixed IP address or registered domain name.
The .NET controls do not appear in the Toolbox after selecting to add them to the Toolbox.
If you right click Toolbox and Choose to Add Items and select the OPCControls components, yet they do not appear in the Toolbox you may have installed Visual Studio after Open Automation Software. If so uninstall Open Automation Software and reinstall it.  It will then register correctly with Visual Studio for adding the controls.
After updating Open Automation Software with the incremental update the project no longer compiles or the application no longer works.
Make sure to Unblock the dlls before copying to C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\.
To Unblock the files copy to a trusted location for your system, Desktop works well, then right click on the file and select Properties to select Unblock. Then copy from your Desktop to the correct directory in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\.
.
What assemblies do I need to deploy with my application?
Include the following in References as Local Copy:
  • OPCControls.dll
  • OPCSystemsInterface.dll
WPF Properties Edit Ellipses Missing in VS 2022
Visual Studio 2022 design time properties no longer support custom property editors for WPF applications.  Use Visual Studio 2019 to develop WPF applications. The free Community Edition of Visual Studio 2019 can be download from https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/older-downloads/. WinForm applications are still well supported in Visual Studio 2022.
Bad Data Quality in .NET Application.
Below are some possible reasons your .NET application is not able to read OAS tag values.

Data Source Quality

Use Configure-Tags to verify that the data quality of the source tags is "Good Quality". Menu Configure Tags
Quality Good

Security

The Default security group on either the local or remote OAS Engine may have Disable All Tags from Reading checked under the Read Tags Tab.  See Restrict Tag Access of Security setup to see how read, write, and browse access can be restricted. View how to Implement User Credentials in Client Applications to provide log in method for each user in the .NET application.

Network

.NET applications can be defined to communicate to remote OAS Engines.  See Network Communications Troubleshooting to verify that port 58727 is allowing both incoming and outgoing traffic through your firewall.

Tag Path

The full tag path would include the full tag name including its parent groups and the variable of the Tag.
MyGroup.MyTag.Value
Tag names are case sensitive and the current value of a tag would be .Value as the most common variable.
If the tag is from a remote OAS Engine see Basic Networking for standard remote tag syntax or Live Data Cloud Networking if the OAS Engine system has a dynamic IP address.
\\192.168.0.1\TagName.Value

License

Use Configure-License to verify that a product feature .NET Data Connector, WinForm HMI, or WPF HMI is enabled on the data source system where the tags are located. Menu Configure License
Enabled Products

Target Framework for WPF and WinForm Applications

The project type for WinForm and WPF applications should be set to include (.NET Framework) and target .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. WinForm Target Framework See the correct project type for WinForm above that is listed as Windows Forms App (.NET Framework) while Windows Forms App would not be the correct project type.

Assembly References

Visual Studio on some operating systems will assign a legacy assembly to the project causing an incompatibility due to an older version of the reference assembly.  A common assembly that can be incorrect is Newtonsoft.Json that has been registered in the GAC by another software product. Select Newtonsoft.Json under the Project References to verify the correct path and version as 13.0.0.0.
Newtonsoft.Json Assembly Reference If the Path does not reference the OAS installation directory remove the reference and select to Add Reference and browse for dll from the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\. See a list of locations for the correct type in the troubleshooting type After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles for a list of correct project reference paths for each type of Visual Studio Project.

.NET Assembly is Blocked

If you have copied an application or project to another computer you may need to Unblock one or more the .dll files. Right click on the .dll file that you have downloaded. Check the Unblock checkbox for security as shown in the example below, then click Apply or OK. Excel Add-In

Legacy .NET Application with OAS Version 17

 If the OAS .NET assemblies are from OAS version 16 or less contact support@oasiot.com for compatibility instructions.
After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles
OAS version 17 implements an improved network interface which requires some additional assemblies. All dependent .dlls are located in the relative subdirectory of the Controls directory of the OAS installation directory, typically C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\. To add a reference to a Visual Studio project right click on References in the Solution Explorer. Add Reference Select Browse to browse the directory for each application feature. Browse Assemblies Include all .dlls files in the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\.
  • .NET 6
  • .NET 5
  • .NET Core 2.0 or greater
  • .NET Framework 4.61 or greater
  • Xamarin.iOS 10.14 or greater
  • Xamarin.Android 8.0 or greater
  • UWP 1.0.0.16299 or greater
WPF HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCWPFDashboard\
WinForm HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCControls\
Alarm .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASAlarms\
Trend .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASTrends\
.NET Data Connector Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystemsDataConnector\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASData\
Server Configuration Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystems\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASConfig\
How do I programmatically add pens to a trend window?
The following two (2) examples are for WinForm and WPF applications on how to add pens to a trend window during runtime programmatically.
WinForm:
Dim NewPen As OPCTrendControl.ClassPen
Dim NewPens As OPCTrendControl.ClassPen()
ReDim NewPens(2)
If NetworkPath = """" Then
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Ramp.Value"", ""localhost"")
Else
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Ramp.Value"", NetworkNode)
End If
NewPen.LineBorderColor = Color.Blue
NewPen.LineFillColor = Color.Blue
NewPen.Description = "Ramp"
NewPen.LineStyle = OPCTrendControl.ClassPen.LineStyleTypes.Ellipsoid
NewPens(0) = NewPen

If NetworkPath = "" Then
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Sine.Value"", ""localhost"")
Else
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Sine.Value"", NetworkNode)
End If

NewPen.LineBorderColor = Color.Red
NewPen.LineFillColor = Color.Red
NewPen.Description = "Sine"
NewPen.YAxisRangeHigh = 1
NewPen.YAxisRangeLow = -1
NewPen.LineStyle = OPCTrendControl.ClassPen.LineStyleTypes.Tube
NewPens(1) = NewPen

If NetworkPath = "" Then
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Random.Value"", ""localhost"")
Else
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen(NetworkPath + ""Random.Value"", NetworkNode)
End If

NewPen.LineBorderColor = Color.Green
NewPen.LineFillColor = Color.Green
NewPen.Description = "Random"
NewPen.MarkerFillColor = Color.Green
NewPen.MarkerStyle = OPCTrendControl.ClassPen.MarkerStyleTypes.Sphere
NewPen.MarkerSize = 20
NewPens(2) = NewPen

frmTrend.OpcTrendControl1.Pens = NewPens

WPF:

VB
Dim Pens As New OPCWPFDashboard.PensList
Dim NewPen As New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen

'Add Ramp Pen
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen("Ramp.Value", "localhost")
NewPen.Units = ""MGD""
NewPen.YAxisRangeHigh = 2
NewPen.LineStyle = OPCTrendControl.ClassPen.LineStyleTypes.Line
NewPen.Description = "Ramp Value"
Pens.Add(NewPen)

'Add Random
NewPen = New OPCTrendControl.ClassPen("Random.Value", "localhost")
NewPen.Units = "NTU"
NewPen.Description = "Random Pen"
Pens.Add(NewPen)
OPCWPFTrend1.Pens = Pens

C#
OPCWPFDashboard.PensList Pens = new OPCWPFDashboard.PensList();
OPCTrendControl.ClassPen NewPen = new OPCTrendControl.ClassPen();

//Add Ramp Pen
NewPen = new OPCTrendControl.ClassPen("Ramp.Value", "localhost");
NewPen.Units = "MGD";
NewPen.YAxisRangeHigh = 2;
NewPen.LineStyle = OPCTrendControl.ClassPen.LineStyleTypes.Line;
NewPen.Description = "Ramp Value";
Pens.Add(NewPen);

//Add Random
NewPen = new OPCTrendControl.ClassPen("Random.Value", "localhost");
NewPen.Units = "NTU";
NewPen.Description = "Random Pen";
Pens.Add(NewPen);
OPCWPFTrend1.Pens = Pens
The database engine language is different than the Regional Language settings of the Data Logging and / Alarm Logging Service. Data Logging updates, Alarm Logging updates, trend history, and / alarm history is not working due to invalid date format.
Go to Configure-Options-History and Enable History Date Format. Examples: yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss MM/dd/yyyy HH:mm:ss
After updating Open Automation Software with the incremental update the project no longer compiles or the application no longer works.
Make sure to Unblock the dlls before copying to C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\.
To Unblock the files copy to a trusted location for your system, Desktop works well, then right click on the file and select Properties to select Unblock. Then copy from your Desktop to the correct directory in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\.
I want to add annotations to the trend window.
Create a String Tag with the Trend Point property enabled. Add the String Tag to the Trend Window as a new Pen. In one of the other existing pens where you want the annotation to appear on set the property Pen.LabelAnnotationTag to the String Tag. Set the Data Logging Group to the String Tag to a String field you will be updating directly from your application.
I would like to show multiple Y Axis on the trend window.
Set YAxis-ScaleMode to one of the Stacked chart types. Set each Pen’s StackedChartNumber to the desired stacked chart to display the pen.
Does OPCTrend.NET support OPC HDA?
No, OPCTrend.NET is a client/server architecture that does not require DCOM and the communications uses the built in networking to the .NET Framework. This makes it possible for trend clients to view real-time data and historical data with OPCDatabase.NET from anywhere in the world over the Internet. The OAS Service can bring in data values from Data Access OPC Servers, Data Access OPC Clients, databases like SQL Server, Oracle, Access, and mySQL, Microsoft Excel, and .NET applications (web, WinForm, WCF, WPF, and Windows Services). The values can then be cached for unlimited trend clients and logged to databases with OPCDatabase.NET. Trend clients can be running on both Windows Operating systems and non Windows Operating systems like smart phones and the iPads. Visit the Trend .Net Product page for more information and to run a live example.
Trend history is running very slow from the database.
Make sure the date and time span is defined to return a subset of data instead of all of the data. You can also reindex the database in SQL Server to run faster. Reorganizing and Rebuilding Indexes http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189858.aspx
How do I programmatically get realtime and historical trend data?
Use the GetTrendDataTable method to return a DataTable object with all trend values.
 DataTable myDataTable;
            myDataTable = opcTrendControl1.GetTrendDataTable();
The following code can be used to programmatically get history data and return the data to a DataTable.
private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            DateTime endTime = DateTime.Now;
            DateTime startTime = endTime.AddMinutes(-20);
            opcTrendControl1.HistorySelect(startTime, endTime);
        }
 
        private void opcTrendControl1_HistoryDataArrived()
        {
            DataTable myDataTable;
            myDataTable = opcTrendControl1.GetTrendDataTable();
            dataGridView1.DataSource = myDataTable;
        }

What assemblies do I need to deploy with my application?
Include the following in References as Local Copy:
  • Nevron.Chart.dll
  • Nevron.Chart.WinForm.dll
  • Nevron.GraphicsGL.dll
  • Nevron.Presentation.dll
  • Nevron.System.dll
  • OPCSystemsInterface.dll
  • OPCTrendControl.dll
WPF Properties Edit Ellipses Missing in VS 2022
Visual Studio 2022 design time properties no longer support custom property editors for WPF applications.  Use Visual Studio 2019 to develop WPF applications. The free Community Edition of Visual Studio 2019 can be download from https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/older-downloads/. WinForm applications are still well supported in Visual Studio 2022.
Bad Data Quality in .NET Application.
Below are some possible reasons your .NET application is not able to read OAS tag values.

Data Source Quality

Use Configure-Tags to verify that the data quality of the source tags is "Good Quality". Menu Configure Tags
Quality Good

Security

The Default security group on either the local or remote OAS Engine may have Disable All Tags from Reading checked under the Read Tags Tab.  See Restrict Tag Access of Security setup to see how read, write, and browse access can be restricted. View how to Implement User Credentials in Client Applications to provide log in method for each user in the .NET application.

Network

.NET applications can be defined to communicate to remote OAS Engines.  See Network Communications Troubleshooting to verify that port 58727 is allowing both incoming and outgoing traffic through your firewall.

Tag Path

The full tag path would include the full tag name including its parent groups and the variable of the Tag.
MyGroup.MyTag.Value
Tag names are case sensitive and the current value of a tag would be .Value as the most common variable.
If the tag is from a remote OAS Engine see Basic Networking for standard remote tag syntax or Live Data Cloud Networking if the OAS Engine system has a dynamic IP address.
\\192.168.0.1\TagName.Value

License

Use Configure-License to verify that a product feature .NET Data Connector, WinForm HMI, or WPF HMI is enabled on the data source system where the tags are located. Menu Configure License
Enabled Products

Target Framework for WPF and WinForm Applications

The project type for WinForm and WPF applications should be set to include (.NET Framework) and target .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. WinForm Target Framework See the correct project type for WinForm above that is listed as Windows Forms App (.NET Framework) while Windows Forms App would not be the correct project type.

Assembly References

Visual Studio on some operating systems will assign a legacy assembly to the project causing an incompatibility due to an older version of the reference assembly.  A common assembly that can be incorrect is Newtonsoft.Json that has been registered in the GAC by another software product. Select Newtonsoft.Json under the Project References to verify the correct path and version as 13.0.0.0.
Newtonsoft.Json Assembly Reference If the Path does not reference the OAS installation directory remove the reference and select to Add Reference and browse for dll from the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\. See a list of locations for the correct type in the troubleshooting type After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles for a list of correct project reference paths for each type of Visual Studio Project.

.NET Assembly is Blocked

If you have copied an application or project to another computer you may need to Unblock one or more the .dll files. Right click on the .dll file that you have downloaded. Check the Unblock checkbox for security as shown in the example below, then click Apply or OK. Excel Add-In

Legacy .NET Application with OAS Version 17

 If the OAS .NET assemblies are from OAS version 16 or less contact support@oasiot.com for compatibility instructions.
After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles
OAS version 17 implements an improved network interface which requires some additional assemblies. All dependent .dlls are located in the relative subdirectory of the Controls directory of the OAS installation directory, typically C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\. To add a reference to a Visual Studio project right click on References in the Solution Explorer. Add Reference Select Browse to browse the directory for each application feature. Browse Assemblies Include all .dlls files in the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\.
  • .NET 6
  • .NET 5
  • .NET Core 2.0 or greater
  • .NET Framework 4.61 or greater
  • Xamarin.iOS 10.14 or greater
  • Xamarin.Android 8.0 or greater
  • UWP 1.0.0.16299 or greater
WPF HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCWPFDashboard\
WinForm HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCControls\
Alarm .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASAlarms\
Trend .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASTrends\
.NET Data Connector Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystemsDataConnector\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASData\
Server Configuration Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystems\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASConfig\
The database engine language is different than the Regional Language settings of the Data Logging and / Alarm Logging Service. Data Logging updates, Alarm Logging updates, trend history, and / alarm history is not working due to invalid date format.
Go to Configure-Options-History and Enable History Date Format. Examples: yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss MM/dd/yyyy HH:mm:ss
After updating Open Automation Software with the incremental update the project no longer compiles or the application no longer works.
Make sure to Unblock the dlls before copying to C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\.
To Unblock the files copy to a trusted location for your system, Desktop works well, then right click on the file and select Properties to select Unblock. Then copy from your Desktop to the correct directory in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\.
Does OPCAlarm.NET support OPC Alarm & Events specification?
Yes, go to Configure-OPC Alarm and Event Servers using the Configure OAS application to define each A&E OPC Server to subscribe to.
How do I programmatically get realtime and historical alarms?
Use the GetAlarmDataTable method to return a DataTable object with all alarms and the values for each property of an alarm.
DataTable myDataTable;
            myDataTable = opcAlarmControl1.GetAlarmDataTable();

What assemblies do I need to deploy with my application?
Include the following in References as Local Copy:
  • C1.Win.C1FlexGrid2.dll
  • OPCAlarmControl.dll
  • OPCSystemsInterface.dll
Bad Data Quality in .NET Application.
Below are some possible reasons your .NET application is not able to read OAS tag values.

Data Source Quality

Use Configure-Tags to verify that the data quality of the source tags is "Good Quality". Menu Configure Tags
Quality Good

Security

The Default security group on either the local or remote OAS Engine may have Disable All Tags from Reading checked under the Read Tags Tab.  See Restrict Tag Access of Security setup to see how read, write, and browse access can be restricted. View how to Implement User Credentials in Client Applications to provide log in method for each user in the .NET application.

Network

.NET applications can be defined to communicate to remote OAS Engines.  See Network Communications Troubleshooting to verify that port 58727 is allowing both incoming and outgoing traffic through your firewall.

Tag Path

The full tag path would include the full tag name including its parent groups and the variable of the Tag.
MyGroup.MyTag.Value
Tag names are case sensitive and the current value of a tag would be .Value as the most common variable.
If the tag is from a remote OAS Engine see Basic Networking for standard remote tag syntax or Live Data Cloud Networking if the OAS Engine system has a dynamic IP address.
\\192.168.0.1\TagName.Value

License

Use Configure-License to verify that a product feature .NET Data Connector, WinForm HMI, or WPF HMI is enabled on the data source system where the tags are located. Menu Configure License
Enabled Products

Target Framework for WPF and WinForm Applications

The project type for WinForm and WPF applications should be set to include (.NET Framework) and target .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. WinForm Target Framework See the correct project type for WinForm above that is listed as Windows Forms App (.NET Framework) while Windows Forms App would not be the correct project type.

Assembly References

Visual Studio on some operating systems will assign a legacy assembly to the project causing an incompatibility due to an older version of the reference assembly.  A common assembly that can be incorrect is Newtonsoft.Json that has been registered in the GAC by another software product. Select Newtonsoft.Json under the Project References to verify the correct path and version as 13.0.0.0.
Newtonsoft.Json Assembly Reference If the Path does not reference the OAS installation directory remove the reference and select to Add Reference and browse for dll from the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\. See a list of locations for the correct type in the troubleshooting type After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles for a list of correct project reference paths for each type of Visual Studio Project.

.NET Assembly is Blocked

If you have copied an application or project to another computer you may need to Unblock one or more the .dll files. Right click on the .dll file that you have downloaded. Check the Unblock checkbox for security as shown in the example below, then click Apply or OK. Excel Add-In

Legacy .NET Application with OAS Version 17

 If the OAS .NET assemblies are from OAS version 16 or less contact support@oasiot.com for compatibility instructions.
After updating to OAS Version 17 the project no longer compiles
OAS version 17 implements an improved network interface which requires some additional assemblies. All dependent .dlls are located in the relative subdirectory of the Controls directory of the OAS installation directory, typically C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\. To add a reference to a Visual Studio project right click on References in the Solution Explorer. Add Reference Select Browse to browse the directory for each application feature. Browse Assemblies Include all .dlls files in the respective directory for the specific product feature. For .NET Framework applications include the .dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\. The Target Framework set for the VS project must be .NET Framework 4.6.1 or greater. For .NET Standard supporting the following targets include the. dlls located in C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\.
  • .NET 6
  • .NET 5
  • .NET Core 2.0 or greater
  • .NET Framework 4.61 or greater
  • Xamarin.iOS 10.14 or greater
  • Xamarin.Android 8.0 or greater
  • UWP 1.0.0.16299 or greater
WPF HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCWPFDashboard\
WinForm HMI Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCControls\
Alarm .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCAlarmDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASAlarms\
Trend .NET Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendControl\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCTrendDataOnly\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASTrends\
.NET Data Connector Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystemsDataConnector\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASData\
Server Configuration Assemblies
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetFramework\OPCSystems\
  • C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\Controls\NetStandard\OASConfig\
Is there example code of the .NET Data Connector?

Yes, refer to the OAS Example Service Code for working code examples if both C# and Visual Basic.

What assemblies do I need to deploy with my application?
Include OASData.dll as Local Copy reference to target the following.
  • .NET 5
  • .NET Core 2.o or greater
  • .NET Framework 4.61 or greater
  • Xamarin.iOS 10.14 or greater
  • Xamarin.Android 8.0 or greater
  • UWP 1.0.0.16299 or greater
For .NET Framework 4.6 or less include OPCSystemsDataConnector.dll.
How do I show different images from multiple states?
Create 5 tags of the Data Type Boolean and set the Data Source to Calculation. Then in the calculation field you would add the logic to convert the integer value to a Boolean state. For example, if you wanted to set a Calculation to True when an integer tag equals 3, it would look like this:
 
[SomeIntegerTag.Value] = 3
 
Then after setting up the 5 Boolean tags you set them up in a group in the oas-tag-src attribute of the image tag in HTML:
 
<div id='test' oas-tag-src='{
    "type": "group",
    "all_f": "DefaultImageUrl",
    "bad_q": "BadDataQualityUrl",
    "group": [
        {
            "tag": "SomeTag01.Value",
            "config": "SomeImageUrl01"
        },
        {
            "tag": "SomeTag02.Value",
            "config": "SomeImageUrl02"
        },
        {
            "tag": "SomeTag03.Value",
            "config": "SomeImageUrl03"
        },
        {
            "tag": "SomeTag04.Value",
            "config": "SomeImageUrl04"
        },
        {
            "tag": "SomeTag05.Value",
            "config": "SomeImageUrl05"
        }
    ]
}'></div>
 
As long as the 5 states are mutually exclusive and only one can be true at a time, your image will switch to the associated image in the group section of the attribute. If none are true, it will default to the all_f URL, and if any tag in the group has bad data quality, the image will switch to the URLin the bad_q section.
 
For more information on Calculation Tags and how to use them, see the following:
How quickly can I update Web HMI screen elements?
We have customers updating over 100 elements on screen every second, but to get such rapid sub-second updates is not always realistic in a web browser. Network requests can take 50-500ms (or more) even on local networks, depending on the networking hardware and configuration. Then the web browser needs to process the incoming data and update elements based on your own javascript or the Web HMI markup rules. There are too many variables so any performance metrics are impossible to supply. We suggest experimentation within your own web application code and networking environment to determine your performance benchmarks.
Does Web HMI support SSL?

Using SSL with Web HMI is fully supported. You must first install an SSL Certificate on your server for the domain name(s) that you intend to use, for example “https://hmi.myserver.com:58726”. Once the certificate is installed properly on the server, check Use SSL and select the installed certificate from the dropdown menu. For detailed instructions, please see read:  Configuring OAS Web Services.  Purchasing and installing an SSL certificate is outside of the scope of the OAS product. For more information on Windows and Certificates, see the following article.

What is a good HTML editor other than Notepad?
You can use any editor you are familiar.  Notepad++ has a lot of options for representing HTML elements as well as editor functions and more...it's also nice and clean: https://notepad-plus-plus.org/  
When there is a large number of Tags specified on one page I do not receive any data.
Use the max_tags_per_msg config parameter as shown in the Programming Reference-HTML5 – Other Configuration Options.
The format of numeric values is showing commas or decimal points and not following the regional language settings.
Use the locale config parameter as shown in the Programming Reference-HTML5 – Other Configuration Options.
What is the client side script to read or write a value?
Use the OPC.get_value(string) or OPC.set_value(string, string) functions as described in Programming Reference-HTML5 – Client Script Library Reference.
Where can I find the steps to setup the Web Trend?
Where can I find the steps to setup the Web Trend?
We have a HTML5 project with and one of the requirements is to be able to click on an alarm in the alarm control and move to a specific page based on the alarm. Is that possible or would the alarm control need to be modified?
In the alarmbinding, add the following config field: rowClickCallback : yourFunction The callback passes one argument that represents the data in the row that was clicked.  You could then parse the data, which is just an array of all the fields in the alarm.
Can you access data over the Internet in a local Excel Spreadsheet?
Yes, for both reading and writing.  View the following networking video on how to network to remote data services: Easy Networking How to network all products to central service using a fixed IP Address or registered domain name for the Internet.
Can you protect remote data from being accessed from unauthorized use?
Yes, refer to the following Security video on how to setup user security. With the Excel Workbook use the OAS Excel Wizard with the Security option to add a security login function.  This is shown in Step 12 of the Excel - Getting Started section. Security Setup How to setup security for Open Automation Software in the service and in client applications.
Do I need a license for each remote Excel Workbook?
No, Open Automation Software is server based licensing and all licensing is enabled as the service to allow local and remote access for the number of concurrent licensed users activated.
I am running Microsoft Excel 2010, and I cannot get my data into the Excel Workbook.
Download the following Microsoft Hotfix for Excel 2010. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2405840
What is the proper syntax for an RTD formula?
Use the OAS Excel Wizard found under the program group Open Automation Software. The following article describes RTD formulas in general: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/289150
OPCSystems.NET OPC Server is not listed after installation

Please enable .NET Framework 3.5 in the operating system and then reinstall OAS.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/install/dotnet-35-windows-10

How to run OPCSystems.NET OPC Server as a Windows Service

Step 1 – Unregister server.

Using the Windows Command Prompt running As Administrator go to the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ and type DANSrv.exe /Unregserver.

Step 2 – Register to run as a Windows Service

Using the Windows Command Prompt running As Administrator go to the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ and type DANSrv.exe /Service /AutoStart.

Step 3 – Verify OPC Server is Registered

Using the Service Control Manager the Windows Service OPCSystems.NET DA Server should be listed to run in Automatic Startup Type.  You can select to manually start the server or restart the operating system and the server will start automatically.

When browsing for Network Nodes in the OPCSystems.NET OPC Server from a 3rd party OPC Client how can I get an IP Address or specific Node Name to show up?
Modify the file NetworkNodes.txt in the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ with Notepad or a text editor.
When browsing the OPCSystems.NET OPC Server from a 3rd party OPC Client for OPCSystems.NET Tags I only get the Value parameters. How can access the rest of the properties when browsing?
Modify the file DANSrv.exe.config in the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ with Notepad or a text editor. Set the property ValueOnlyBrowsing to False.
<add key=""ValueOnlyBrowsing"" value=""False""/>
How can I change the WCF Port Number that communicates to OAS Services?
Note: WCF is now a legacy communication transport for OAS.  The default communications no longer uses WCF and is more secure and faster on port 58727.  You can modify both WCF and TCP ports under Configure-Options-Networking. To adjust the port for the OPCSystems.NET OPC Server modify the file DANSrv.exe.config in the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ with Notepad or a text editor. Set the properties TCPPortNumber and WCFPortNumber to the desired TCP port number. The default is 58727.
<add key=""TCPPortNumber"" value=""58727""/>
<add key=""WCFPortNumber"" value=""58724""/>
View the following video on how to adjust WCF port number in the realtime service and all client applications:
How can I access a legacy OAS Service on a different node that is older than version 5.0.0.0?

Note: Remoting is a legacy format of communications and it is recommended to update to the latest version of OAS for the most secure transport.

For the OPCSystem.NET OPC Server modify the file DANSrv.exe.config in the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS] with Notepad or a text editor.

Set the property EnableRemoting to True.

<add key=""EnableRemoting"" value=""True""/>

 

How can I set the UserName and Password the OPCSystems.NET OPC Server uses to communicate with the OAS Services when security is enabled on those services?
Modify the file DANSrv.exe.config in the directory C:\Program Files\Open Automation Software\OAS\ with Notepad or a text editor. Set the properties UserName and Password to the desired login authentication.
<add key=""UserName"" value=""""/>

<add key=""Password"" value=""""/>
How can I define IP Addresses when browsing for network nodes?
Use the Configure-Options-Networking in the Configure OAS application to define a list of IP addresses in the Network Nodes field as shown in Networking OPC Data.
How can I change the default WCF Port Number to use in the OAS Service and Client applications?
Go to Configure-Options Networking and set the WCF Port Number. View the following video for adjusting the client applications and how to adjust WCF port number in the realtime service and all client applications:
How can I host my OAS Service on the Internet without a fixed IP Address or registered domain name?
Use the Live Data Cloud feature that is free to use. How to host data from any Windows PC with a standard Internet connection.  No fixed IP Address or registered domain name required.
Do I need to make a web application in order to access data over the Internet?
No, all Open Automation Software client applications and services support Internet communications in Open Automation Software by default. You can deploy them as Smart Clients.
When trying to connect to a local or remote OAS Service an error occurs and access is denied.
View the Remove OAS Service Access section is this file.
When I select localhost I receive an error
Try 127.0.0.1.  If it works you can correct your hosts file where is shows localhost.
Data packet size is limited on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 for UDP Broadcasts
If you setup a large number of tags to be transferred via UDP Broadcast sent from or received on XP or Windows Server 2003 and the data is not transferred, but is with a small number of tags download and install the following Hotfix. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/824838
After authentication, how long can I use the token and clientid?
The security token and client id granted to the caller after authentication represent a REST API session. As long as the server remains active (not rebooted), and the credentials are continually used, the session will not expire. If there is no activity on the session after 30 minutes, the session will expire and a 401 Unauthorized response will be returned for all operations. This idle timeout can be configured on the server using the OAS Configuration app. Go to Configure > Options, select your OAS server (usually localhost when configuring the current machine) and then go to the Networking tab. Here you can set the REST API Session Timeout in minutes.
How can I programmatically browse OPC Servers?
Yes, using the free to use OPCSystems component. Refer to the WinForm Example Code under the program group Open Automation Software-Example in the Form FormConfigureOPC. This example is also listed in this help file in Programmatic Interface - .NET Programmatic Configuration - Programmatic Access OPC Browsing.
How do I deploy my application as a Smart Client?
View the steps in the Getting Started - Smart Client Click Once Deployment section in this topic.
How can I have my client applications automatically switch to the on-line master service?
Refer to the Client Application Switchover section in this topic.
Can I run the Trend and Alarm Dashboard application on remote PCs?
Yes, you can choose a custom install of Open Automation Software and just install the Trend and Alarm Dashboard. For trend Pens include the network node name, IP Address, or registered domain name in the Tag path. For alarms set the AlarmNetworkNodes property to include the service where the alarms are hosted.
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