I/O Driver Server Connection Dialog Box

The I/O Driver Server Connection Dialog Box is where you can configure...

Use Local OPC Client Driver

When selected, allows you to connect to the OPC I/O Server on the local node.

Use Remote OPC Client Driver

When selected, allows you to connect to the OPC I/O Server on a remote node. You should know the name of the computer that the OPC I/O Server resides on.

To connect to a remote machine, use one of the following three methods:

  • Enter the remote server’s name in the Remote Machine Name or TCP/IP Address box.
  • Enter the remote server’s TCP/IP address in the Remote Machine Name or TCP/IP Address box.
  • Select a remote server from the Network list box. The server’s name automatically appears in the Remote Machine Name or TCP/IP Address box.

The remote server name may not be the same as its iFIX node name.

NOTE: The remote server connection refers to the OPC Client Power Tool’s connection to the OPC Client’s I/O Server. It has nothing to do with connecting the OPC Client to remote, third-party OPC servers.

Remote Machine Name or TCP/IP Address

Specifies the remote server's computer name or TCP/IP address. If you know the name or address of the remote server, you can enter it directly in the field. Otherwise, you can browse the network using the Network list box and select the appropriate computer.

Network List Box

Displays all the computers on the local network. These nodes are not all servers. You should know which computer the OPC I/O Server that you want to connect to resides on.

Show This Dialog On Startup

When selected, the I/O Driver Server Connection dialog box displays when you start the Power Tool. If you select this check box, the I/O Driver Server Connection dialog box displays every time you start the Power Tool, letting you make changes to your driver configuration.

If you clear the check box, the I/O Driver Server Connection dialog box does not display when you start the Power Tool. If you plan to always use the same I/O Server, clearing the check box spares you from having to click Connect every time you start the Power Tool.

If you clear the check box and then change your mind, you can configure the Power Tool display the I/O Driver Server Connection dialog box by editing its INI file. This file resides in your Windows folder and is called OPCDidw.INI.

To edit the INI file:

  1. Exit from the Power Tool.
  2. Open the INI file with a text editor such as MS Notepad.
  3. Change the line ShowOnStartup=FALSE to ShowOnStartup=TRUE
  4. Save the file.

The next time you start the Power Tool, the dialog box appears.

Connect

Connects you to the I/O Server you have selected. The server can be local or remote.

See Also

How Do I...