Devices Nodes (Reference)

Devices → Tutorial | Concept | How-to Guide | Reference

Creating Nodes

1. Navigate to Devices → Nodes
2. Click Plus icon to add node
3. Configure:
   • Channel - Select parent channel
   • Name - Unique node identifier
   • Description - Documentation
4. Click OK

Node Properties

Station Configuration

Primary Station

Protocol-specific addressing:

• Modbus TCP: IP:Port (192.168.1.10:502)
• OPC UA: opc.tcp://server:4840
• Serial: COM1;19200;8;N;1
• ControlLogix: 192.168.1.20;1;0

Backup Station

Automatic failover configuration:

• Same format as primary
• Activated on primary failure
• Automatic switchback option
• Independent timeout settings

Importing Nodes

Automatic Import Methods

Import Process

1. Select channel and protocol
2. Choose import method
3. Configure connection settings
4. Browse/select items
5. Map to local tags

See → Importing PLC Addresses for detailed instructions

Node Organization

Hierarchical Structure

Channel
  ??? Node (Device)
      ??? Point 1
      ??? Point 2
      ??? Point Group
          ??? Point 3
          ??? Point 4

Naming Conventions

• Use descriptive names
• Include location/function
• Maintain consistency
• Avoid special characters

Runtime Behavior

Connection Management

• Nodes inherit channel settings
• Independent connection per node
• Automatic reconnection
• Failover to backup station

Communication Flow

1. Channel establishes connection
2. Node routes to device address
3. Points read/write through node
4. Backup activates on failure

Best Practices

1. Group Related Devices - One node per PLC/device
2. Configure Backup Stations - For critical devices
3. Document Thoroughly - Use description fields
4. Test Import Results - Verify addressing
5. Use Consistent Naming - Establish standards
6. Monitor Sync Status - Track configuration changes
7. Plan IP Addressing - Organize network topology

Common Configurations

Modbus TCP Node

Channel: ModbusTCP_Main
Name: PLC_Tank_Farm
PrimaryStation: 192.168.1.100:502
BackupStation: 192.168.1.101:502
Description: Tank farm controller

ControlLogix Node

Channel: EthernetIP_Channel
Name: CLX_Line1
PrimaryStation: 192.168.1.50;1;0
SyncSettings: L5K Import
Description: Line 1 ControlLogix

OPC UA Node

Channel: OPCUA_Channel
Name: OPC_Server1
PrimaryStation: opc.tcp://server:4840
SyncDate: 2024-03-15
Description: Main OPC UA Server

Synchronization

Import Tracking

Monitor configuration imports:

• SyncDate - When imported
• SyncStation - Source details
• SyncSettings - Method used

Refresh Options

• Manual re-import
• Scheduled sync
• Change detection
• Version control

Troubleshooting

Node offline:

• Check channel status
• Verify primary station address
• Test network connectivity
• Review backup station

Import failures:

• Verify device accessibility
• Check authentication
• Review protocol version
• Test with simple import

Communication errors:

• Confirm addressing format
• Check firewall rules
• Verify protocol settings
• Test backup failover

Points not updating:

• Check node status
• Verify point configuration
• Review scan groups
• Monitor diagnostics

Diagnostics

Monitor node health:

csharp

// Node status
bool isOnline = @Device.Node.NodeName.IsOnline;

// Station active
string activeStation = @Device.Node.NodeName.ActiveStation;

// Communication stats
int successCount = @Device.Node.NodeName.SuccessCount;
int errorCount = @Device.Node.NodeName.ErrorCount;

// Last sync
DateTime syncTime = @Device.Node.NodeName.LastSync;

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