In my previous applications with AXC1050 and Visu+ I could send user datatype variables as a single variable in OPC DA server using Structure Prototypes in Real Time DB in Visu±
After upgrading to PLCnext I can't seem to be able to send a udt variable over OPC UA any longer, the OPC Client i Visu+ automatically ''unpacks'' the variables so that each struct member in the udt variable becomes a separate entry in Real Time DB. This will lead to hundreds of variables and thus increase complexity. Is there a way to send a udt/structured variabled over OPC UA as a single variable?
OPC DA and OPC UA handle user defined data differently. In the „normal“ way it is not possible to implement user defined data types in OPC UA. The OPC foundation homepage has some information on that. If you search the internet you will find more information and a way to implement user defined data types in OPC UA. But you would need to generated a specific OPC UA item for each of your user defined types.
Here is a comment on this topic from the Visu+ support team:
[quote]OPC UA structures are flattened out or unpacked by Visu+. Whether the way this is handled by Visu+ will be changed in the future, [we] do not know as of yet. It is a topic development is aware of.[/quote]
It is possible to create user-defined [b]Objects[/b] and object instances in the OPC UA server, using a custom Information Model. I am currently investigating whether the OPC UA server similarly supports user-defined [b]Data Types[/b] (e.g. custom structs) in a custom Information Model. Even if this is possible, (a) you might not want to create and maintain a custom information model, just to define new data types (and variables of that type) in the OPC UA server, and (b) Visu+ may not support custom OPC UA data types defined in a custom Information Model.
the import of OPC UA structures should be possible with the upcoming version of Visu+ (ver. 2.55). It has been on my list for improvements for some time now. The latest info I have received has indicated the implementation. All we have now to do is wait for the release. But please be patient as the Phoenix team has to test the version and may need to ask for corrections in the version.
Yes, it is indeed. I was waiting for it for some long time. But the question remains: how long will Visu+ supported by Phoenix Contact? I have been using Visu+ for the past 17 years and noticed that support is less and less. I’m located in Europe and there is no support. If I need help, I referred to the support in the US. What isn’t helping much if there is an acute problem.
Phoenix Contact isn't providing any information on the issues what leaves only one option - look for a different software.
Here is the answer to Peter’s question, from the Visu+ product manager:
> For VISU+ we have no end-of-life Strategy.In 2022 we will release version 2.55.After that we will see, but it seems that we will start with VISU+ 2.60
From what I can tell, it is up to the OPC UA server to support or not support structures("complex data, „user defined datatypes“). Unrelated to VISU++, can the PLCnext OPC UA server support structures is the client is capable of deciphering them as they are?
> I have been working with other HMI / SCADA applications where it is no problem to implement user defined datatypes.
> In case of Visu+ and other HMI / SCADA applications, it is depending on the client in the application.
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Hi Shafig,
> \nthe import of OPC UA structures should be possible with the upcoming version of Visu+ (ver. 2.55). It has been on my list for improvements for some time now. The latest info I have received has indicated the implementation. All we have now to do is wait for the release. But please be patient as the Phoenix team has to test the version and may need to ask for corrections in the version.
Hi!
> are there any updates on importing user defined data types from a plcnext control into Visu+ via OPC UA? Visu+ still seems to unpack the variables which increases the complexity and keeping track of all the variables that are send to Visu+.
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[https:\/\/forum.plcnext-community.net\/discussion\/comment\/10241#Comment_10241<\/a><\/p>Hi!<\/p>are there any updates on importing user defined data types from a plcnext control into Visu+ via OPC UA? Visu+ still seems to unpack the variables which increases the complexity and keeping track of all the variables that are send to Visu+.<\/p>
Unfortunately this is still not possible. It requires changes to the OPC UA Server that will eventually appear in a future firmware release, but at this point we don't know which one.
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i am facing issue with communicating HMI BTP 2070 W gen 2 with controller AXL 2152 version 2023 through opc ua server on Visu++ express. I have done all the required settings given in the manual but unfortunately the communication is not established.