Hi Guys,

Is the WinCC OPC UA Server enabled by default? If not, can it be downloaded separately?

I am trying to confgure WinCC as OPC UA Server but i cannot browse it locally using OPC Scout.

Thanks in advance!

Hi 123Panda,

After WinCC is installed, the WinCC OPC UA server can be used immediately without the need for any further configuration.

However, please review this section of the communication manual:

Configuring the WinCC OPC UA server

On the other hand, remember that you need the Connectivity Pack license if WinCC is to act as an OPC server.

It would also be important to check that the requirements detailed in the following FAQ are met:

What are the requirements for operating OPC in connection with WinCC (V7 or Professional)?

and finally, I would recommend you to try using OPC UA Expert as the TestClient.

Hi itafusna,

Actually, im using PCS7 v9.0 SP2. I have already tried UA Expert but still unable to map the WINCC as OPCUA server. On OPC scout the error is "Could not open UA TCP request channel".

Im using opc.tcp://localhost:4840 as discovery server URL both in OPC Scout and UA Expert.

I have already activated my WinCC Connectivity Pack license.

I saw on one of the post here that WinCC OPC UA Server should be included in the programs to be installed during the PCS7 setup. Not sure what to check next.

Thanks!

Hi,

If you look in the list of services (run "services.msc") you will find the service "OpcUaServerWinCC".

When the WinCC project (PCS7 project) is in runtime on the server, then this service should be "Running". If it is "Paused", it has to do with license issue (usually).

This service must be running in order for OPC UA to work.

Also see in License Manager if the Connectivity Pack license i used or not.

It's possible the issue is a windows setting. I attached a file from OPC Training Institute titled "OPC and DCOM: 5 things you need to know" which has helped me in the past. I advise you follow through the document and compare your setup. 

You can also check out the software from OPC Expert to help you troubleshoot. 

If anything these are great resources to have for living with OPC. 

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply. Actually that was the first thing i checked if the OPC UA server is running. But looking at the services, there is no "OpcUaServerWinCC". There are only 2 window services related to OPC, the OPC UA LDS, and OPCEnum.

Since there is no OpcUaServerWinCC service, is it possible that the OPC UA Server was not installed during the initial setup of the VM? I saw one of the post here in the forum that there is an option to download the server during the PCS7 setup. Is it correct? Please see attached snapshot from that topic. 

On the other hand, i've check on the Automation license manager the WinCC Connectivity Pack license status is ok. But not in used (green arrow to the right symbol)

Thanks for your help!

 Hi SilicornValley,

Thanks for the info! Will check this one as well. 

SilicornValley

It's possible the issue is a windows setting. I attached a file from OPC Training Institute titled "OPC and DCOM: 5 things you need to know" which has helped me in the past. I advise you follow through the document and compare your setup. 

You can also check out the software from OPC Expert to help you troubleshoot. 

If anything these are great resources to have for living with OPC. 

Hi 123Panda

The "OPC and DCOM ..." document will not help you as this only describes the Classic OPC which relies on Windows DCOM.

It has nothing to do with OPC UA. These a two completely different technologies.

 123Panda,

Were you able to install the OPCUA package and did it resolve your issue?

123Panda

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply. Actually that was the first thing i checked if the OPC UA server is running. But looking at the services, there is no "OpcUaServerWinCC". There are only 2 window services related to OPC, the OPC UA LDS, and OPCEnum.

Since there is no OpcUaServerWinCC service, is it possible that the OPC UA Server was not installed during the initial setup of the VM? I saw one of the post here in the forum that there is an option to download the server during the PCS7 setup. Is it correct? Please see attached snapshot from that topic. 

On the other hand, i've check on the Automation license manager the WinCC Connectivity Pack license status is ok. But not in used (green arrow to the right symbol)

Thanks for your help!