Top 20 OPC Integration Questions… and Answers

OPCTI answers the most common OPC integration questions...and a few more.

1. Is there a step by step guide on how to configure an OPC server?
2. What is the relationship between DCOM and OPC?
3. Why can't my OPC application connect to an OPC server?
4. I am trying to connect to an OPC server using a particular product (name withheld), but I am having difficulty. What is the DCOM configuration for both the client and server?
5. Why do I get DCOM error 0x80040202?
6. Why do I get DCOM error 0x800706BA?
7. Why do I get DCOM error 0x80070005?
8. What are the standard DCOM error messages?
9. Do I have to update all computers to the same OPC distributable package?
10. How can I use OPC across different computer domains?
11. How do Workgroups and Domains affect OPC connectivity via DCOM?
12. What DCOM settings are required for connecting OPC servers between two different domains?
13. Will making changes to DCOM, to accommodate OPC, open any security holes?
14. What are the security holes when working with OPC?
15. How can I acquire data from an OPC server through a firewall?
16. How can I acquire data from an OPC server through a router?
17. What ports does DCOM use?
18. Will OPC work across a firewall?
19. How can I diagnose the cause of an OPC interface to stop collecting data?
20. How do I know when my OPC server has lost connection with its data source (such as a PLC, DCS, Analyzer, etc)?
21. What are the standard OPC error messages?
22. How many different OPC servers can be connected to a single OPC client application?
23. How many different OPC clients can connect to an OPC server?
24. How many OPC servers can I install on a single PC?
25. What is the OPC Interoperability session?
26. What is OPC self certification?
27. How does OPC read and write data from and to a PLC?
28. Is there an easy way to configure OPC for multi-tag data structures on PLCs?
29. When should I consider using an OPC Tunneling product?
30. Can I use my HMI software to tunnel OPC data between PCs?
31. Can OPC UA (Unified Architecture) be used on non-Windows Operating Systems?
32. Can OPC be configured to work on Microsoft Windows 64 bit?
33. Can OPC be configured to work on Linux?
34. In light of the OPC UA (Unified Architecture) specification, should I avoid OPC servers based on the DA (Data Access) specification?
35. How does the performance of OPC DA using COM compare with OPC UA using Web Services?
36. How does the performance of OPC compare with communication over a serial line?
37. How fast can an OPC server transfer values?
38. How well does OPC perform from a computer resource perspective?
39. Why can I not see OPC servers when 'browsing'?
40. What is OpcEnum and why do I need it?
41. Why can I not ‘browse’ an OPC server?
42. From where does OPC get its timestamp?
43. Can I run an OPC server as a Windows service and what would be the benefits?
44. How popular is the OPC Historical Data Access (OPC HDA) specification? Has it heavily penetrated industry?
45. What actions and errors must an OPC application log?

To access complete answers to all 45 questions, download the document.

For automated troubleshooting, refer to OPC Expert, a software application to troubleshoot OPC connections. If OPC Expert fails to connect, it automatically informs you of the problem, diagnoses the cause, and suggests a solution. OPC Expert is free to download, does not require installation, and does not make any changes to Windows registry, so it is safe to use on your computer. Download at www.OpcExpert.com.

Author: Randy Kondor

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OPCTI is the global leader in OPC training for automation professionals, and is the largest OPC training company in the world. OPCTI offers hands-on training workshops in-person and online.

OPCTI is vendor-neutral, meaning that we will teach you how to establish and implement a robust and secure communication infrastructure, no matter what OPC products you use - the training that you receive from OPCTI can be immediately implemented at your workplace. Our progressive training will enable you to increase your efficiency, security, and productivity.

The Certified OPC Professional (COP) designation is only offered by OPCTI. The designation is awarded to those who have successfully completed our training, and who demonstrate proficiency with OPC technology, design architecture, and installations. The COP designation is endorsed by many OPC Foundation member companies.

OPCTI is an active member and a strong supporter of the OPC Foundation. Randy Kondor, President and Chief Instructor at OPCTI currently serves as the Vice President of Education at the OPC Foundation.

Visit our Training Schedule to see where OPCTI is currently offering training workshops, or contact us to find out more about private trainings for you and your team at your site.