-
How does DeviceXPlorer OPC Server compare with other market offerings?
>
DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is a complete offering with all protocols installed, feeding information through a common OPC Server to all Client connections. The closest comparable OPC Server is that of Kepware, the KEPServerEX OPC Server. DeviceXPlorer offers several competitive advantages including performance – up to 2X better throughput in some cases, support for scripting and alarming (with an OPC Standard interfaces) in the OPC Server (not an add-on), a bundle of all protocols, and a significantly lower cost. Other competitors include Matrikon and Softing.
DeviceXPlorer offers a three-hour demo mode and a free trial download.
-
Can I import configurations from other OPC Servers?
>
Yes, there is a general-purpose CSV file Importer, and an importer specifically designed to handle conversions from KEPServerEX. This is a very powerful feature for doing mass development and large-scale changes through export and import features.
-
What are the Client Connections available in DeviceXPlorer OPC Server?
>
The DeviceXPlorer OPC Server supports OPC DA, OPC AE, OPC UA, HTTP, MODBUS/TCP, Wonderware InTouch “SuiteLink”. These connections may be used in any combination.
-
The DeviceXPlorer OPC Server supports Scripting. What is that?
>
One of the most common Scripting languages embedded into automation products is called Lua. Lua is a lightweight, fast, and powerful scripting language. Lua is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It has a small footprint, meaning it can be easily embedded in applications without taking up too much space. With its versatility and efficiency, Lua has become an indispensable tool for developers looking to build robust and efficient applications. Information can be found at www.LUA.org. This scripting function is used for data processing, log output, file input/output and integration with external applications and so on.
-
The DeviceXPlorer OPC Server supports Alarming. How does that work?
>
Alarms may be applied to any DeviceXPlorer tag. These include 4 level alarms and a rate of change alarm, with priorities and a message, conforming to the OPC A&E specifications. DeviceXPlorer OPC Server notifies GENESIS64 of alarm information when errors and events occur.
-
Does DeviceXPlorer OPC Server support 64-Bit?
>
Yes, and this can be a significant benefit in larger and more demanding applications. DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is delivered with two installations, the 32-Bit and the 64-Bit. In larger applications, the 64-Bit version of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server will be more appropriate due to the larger memory space it can address directly. This will lead to greater performance.
However, due to the system requirements of the communication library, some communication drivers are provided only in 32-Bit versions. Please make sure to check the requirements of the driver you intend to use in advance before installation.
-
Can I use DeviceXPlorer OPC Server in a Redundant configuration?
>
Yes, it is common to use DeviceXPlorer OPC Server in redundancy applications. It requires a SCADA client that has that functionality built in, to switch from one OPC Server (primary) to a backup (Secondary). The ICONICS GENESIS64 does offer that as a standard feature. In this case, two licenses for DeviceXPlorer OPC Server are required. Read more about Redundancy here.
-
What is the support for Mitsubishi Electric products?
>
There is extensive support for Mitsubishi Electric products. Please review the documentation for the latest details. Support exists for PLCs, CNCs, EDMs (Electrical Discharge Machines) and many more. Support is available for both SLMP protocol directly and connectivity through the Mitsubishi Electric EZSocket interface libraries. There is no better third-party driver for Mitsubishi Electric products than DeviceXPlorer OPC Server.
-
Can I use the test configurations I create in Demo Mode, in a real application?
>
Yes, there is no difference between the Demo Mode configuration and the fully licensed configuration. Once a license is applied, the configuration in DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is operational beyond the 3-hour demo period. Every DeviceXPlorer OPC Server includes both the Runtime and the Configuration environment.
-
How easy is it to learn DeviceXPlorer OPC Server?
>
Very easy. If you have used other OPC Servers, you will be impressed with the straightforward user interface and logical setup of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server. There are a number of training and demonstration videos available on the ICONICS Youtube Channel and on the ICONICS Institute website.
-
How does licensing work?
>
The Licensing of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is very simple and straight forward. The License solution supports three types of functionality; Hardware USB Dongle, Machine Specific License Code, and Remote Licensing, on premise or cloud. There are different versions of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server capability offering cost effective applicability to all applications, small and large. The Advanced Edition will support the operation of a single protocol at a time. The Enterprise Edition will support the operation of multiple Protocols at the same time.
-
DeviceXPlorer doesn’t offer the protocol that I need. What are my options?
>
Takebishi is a very capable and responsive company. If there is a protocol that you would like to see added to DeviceXPlorer OPC Server, please contact ICONICS and we will work with you to determine the effort and schedule development. You can reach us at connectivity@iconics.com. If you are inclined toward some software development of your own, but would like to interface your driver with the benefits of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server, there is a special driver called the Shared Memory Driver. This driver enables you to store information and use the resources of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server to bridge your application data along with the other protocols that are delivered with DeviceXPlorer OPC Server. For more information, please review the DeviceXPlorer OPC Server documentation.
-
Are there Embedded solutions?
>
DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is a Microsoft Windows application. While there are applications embedding Windows, most embedded applications rely on a more appropriate operating system such as LINUX. ICONICS offers a Gateway solution for connecting your enterprise data to Cloud repository and analytics. This Gateway solution is called IoTWorX, and it relies on communications integrated with IoTWorX, including those from Takebishi DeviceGateway, a LINUX and DOCKER compatible OPC Server solution. Takebishi DeviceGateway can be licensed through ICONICS for other high volume and embedded applications. Takebishi Device Gateway is a solution designed for OEM licensing. For more information on LINUX Communications Drivers, contact connectivity@iconics.com.
-
Is there support after purchasing the license?
>
Yes, you can receive support from the ICONICS support team worldwide if you purchase it with a SupportWorX license. Takebishi also has a regional technical support team to assist you. You can also find FAQs, downloads, examples, videos etc. via both the ICONICS website and the Takebishi product website.
-
Where does DeviceXPlorer OPC Server come from?
>
In 2022, ICONICS entered into a sales partnership to deliver and support the Takebishi DeviceXPlorer OPC Server as an OEM. DeviceXPlorer OPC Server is available bundled with the ICONICS Suite of software, but is also available as a stand-alone installation as an OPC Server for use with any other OPC Client. Read our press release here.
-
Is Takebishi a new company?
>
No, Takebishi launched its business as a technological trading company in 1926 in Japan. Since its establishment, Takebishi has been active in industrial automation projects. This long experience brought them a lot of specialized skills and knowledge. Since the launch of the OPC Foundation in 1996, Takebishi became a member and was one of the first to launch OPC business in Asia. Takebishi has been developing and shipping its OPC products all over the world for over 25 years.
-
What is the history of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server?
>
DeviceXPlorer OPC Server has benefitted from many years of development, starting back in 1998. As of 2023, there have been 86 releases of DeviceXPlorer OPC Server with each release delivering great new features and benefits. For a complete history, you can view the release notes here.