K.,
[...] the NCM is basically a protocol master on the N2 network, plus it provides that data to the upper levels in the JCI system, and it might do some control functions on the data as well(?).
Our N2 OPC Server acts as protocol master on the N2 network, and for this function, it can either replace the NCM, or can live alongside with it (with a special pass-through option, making it into two masters on the same network).
The OPC server does not have any control capabilities in it, so if these are required and the OPC server is used without NCM, any control function must be implemented in the OPC client(s).
To other questions:
Q: Said communication and control would include reading I/O data from addresses on various controllers on a site's network and writing that data to other controllers on the network on a frequent, periodic basis. My first question is whether the subject (limited tag count) software is appropriate for and capable of performing the above described functions on a system of the size described ??
A: In terms of size, Yes. In terms of functionality – yes, but the activity that actually initiates the reads/subscriptions/writes must reside in some OPC client; the OPC server will just fulfill these requests.
Q: My second question is whether this license would allow using the software on more than one system of the size described ??
[.....]
Q: I would also include the ability to display read data on the N2 controllers, including 'alarms' and/or action items on the network's panel PC's display screen based on data read from the network. I suspect, but am not sure, that this latter sort of function falls outside the scope of this software's capabilities. Please advise as to whether my suspicion on this is correct or not, and, if I am correct, I would appreciate a recommendation for some basic software which WOULD perform this function.
A: I think the question is basically about proper HMI package or whatever needs to be put there, so I leave it onto you to answer. If the question is about whether these particular data items are accessible through the OPC server, I will have to know the details first.
Best regards,
Z.
-----Original Message-----
From: K.
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:10 PM
To: Z.
Cc: W.
Subject: [.....]
Hello Z.,
[.....]
-----Original Message-----
Customer [.....]
[.....]
I am considering using the OPC Server software for some small N2 networks in order to eliminate all need for a JCI 'NCM' and a JCI workstation (at this time my target networks have less than 400 I/O points and typically include
6 or fewer JCI N2 based controllers, DX and the like) per network.
Ideally, I would like to use a modern, Windows based 'panel mount', touch screen type PC (located on site) to communicate with and control the N2 devices on that site's network.
Said communication and control would include reading I/O data from addresses on various controllers on a site's network and writing that data to other controllers on the network on a frequent, periodic basis.
My first question is whether the subject (limited tag count) software is appropriate for and capable of performing the above described functions on a system of the size described ??
My second question is whether this license would allow using the software on more than one system of the size described ??
I would also include the ability to display read data on the N2 controllers, including 'alarms' and/or action items on the network's panel PC's display screen based on data read from the network.
I suspect, but am not sure, that this latter sort of function falls outside the scope of this software's capabilities. Please advise as to whether my suspicion on this is correct or not, and, if I am correct, I would appreciate a recommendation for some basic software which WOULD perform this function.
I really do not want to have anything to do with past or current JCI workstations or software beyond what is necessary to program the N2 devices on the networks.
[.....]
Many thanks for your help !!
Best regards,
G.