Echelon LNS DDE Server User Manual

LNS DDE Server

User’s Guide

Version 2.11

@

eCHELON

C o r p o r a t i o n

078-0170-01D

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Contents

1 LNS DDE Server Overview 1-1

New Feature in Release 2.11 1-2
New Features in Release 2.1 1-2
Overview of L
Installing of a LONWORKS Network 1-3
Monitoring and Controlling a LONWORKS Network 1-3
Network Variables 1-3
Configuration Properties 1-4
L

ONMARK® Objects 1-5

Application and Foreign Frame Messages 1-5
The Role of the LNS DDE Server 1-5
The Role of the LNS Network Interface 1-6
Overview of DDE 1-6
Types of DDE Services 1-7
Execute Commands 1-7

2 Getting Started 2-1

Requirements 2-2
Installing the LNS DDE Server 2-2
Installing and Configuring a Network Driver 2-6
Starting the LNS DDE Server 2-6
Using the LNS DDE Server 2-7
Folder Pane 2-7
Detail Pane 2-8
Log Pane 2-8
Menu Bar 2-9
Toolbar 2-10
Using the LNS DDE Server Examples 2-11
Using the Example LNS Database 2-11
Sequence of Operation 2-13
Using the LNS DDE Example Database 2-13
Using the Excel Example 2-14
Using the InTouch Example 2-15

3 Configuring the LNS DDE Server 3-1

Configuration Overview 3-2
Server Settings 3-2
DDE Server Settings 3-3
Application Name 3-3
Register DDE Share Name 3-3
NetDDE Being Used 3-3
Network Server 3-4
Response Timeout (sec) 3-4
Idle Timeout (sec) 3-4

ONWORKS® Networks 1-3

LNS DDE Server User’s Guide iii

Service 3-4
Run as a Windows NT Service 3-4
Write Messages to the Event Log 3-5
Message Logging Settings 3-6
Display Information Messages 3-6
Display Warning Messages 3-6
Display Error Messages 3-6
Display Trace Messages 3-6
Max Number of Lines 3-6
Scrolling Rate (ms) 3-6
Circular Log File 3-6
Max Log File Size 3-7
Log to WWLogger 3-7
LNS Object Server Settings 3-7
Format and Typefile Catalog Path Setting 3-7
Global Database Path Setting 3-8
Remote Settings 3-8
Remote Operation 3-8
Network Interface 3-9
Database Settings 3-9
Single User Mode 3-9
Trace Options 3-9
DDE Toolkit 3-10
Client Connection 3-10
Client Disconnection 3-10

Point Creation 3-10
Point Activation 3-11
Point Updating 3-11
Point Poking 3-11
Point Deactivation 3-11
Point Deletion 3-11
Execute 3-11
Formatting 3-11
Format Files 3-12
Type Files 3-12
Format Errors 3-12
Format Use 3-12
Format Search 3-12
Network Server 3-12
Launching 3-13
LNS Errors 3-13
Flow Control 3-13
Events 3-13
Update Errors 3-13
Service Pins 3-13
Attachments 3-14
Database Changes 3-14
License Settings 3-14
Current License 3-15
License Type 3-15
Restriction 3-15

iv Table of Contents

Serial Number 3-16
Generate PC Key 3-16
Creating an Unlimited Mode License 3-16
Transferring Licenses 3-18
Network Settings 3-18
Network Name 3-19
Database Path 3-19
Authentication Key 3-20
Network Interface 3-20
Network Attached 3-20
Network Interface Name 3-20
Attach to Network when Exploring 3-20
Set Management Mode OnNet 3-20
Network Event Subscription 3-21
Default Data Reporting Settings 3-21
Polling Interval (1/10 sec) 3-21
Refresh Rate (1/10 sec) 3-22
Use Bound Updates 3-22
Use Priority Messages 3-24
Number of Retries 3-24
Reply Timeout (1/10 sec) 3-24
Exclusive Mode (TCP/IP) 3-25
Host Message Owner 3-25
Point Recovery Strategy 3-25
Message Options—Network Variables 3-25
Service 3-25
Bound Service 3-25
Bound Update Persistent 3-26
Message Options—Application Messages 3-26
Service 3-26
Authenticate Messages 3-26
Include Sequence Message 3-26
Creating Custom Topics 3-26
Topic Name 3-27
Network 3-27
Subsystem 3-27
Update Interval 3-27

4 Addressing DDE Messages 4-1

Address Components 4-2
Topics 4-2
Standard Topic Format 4-3
Custom Topic Format 4-4
Topic Types 4-4
Topic Types and the Folder Pane 4-6
Items 4-7

LNS DDE Server User’s Guide v

5 Reading and Writing Network Variables 5-1

Specifying a Network Variable 5-2
Specifying a Network Variable Topic 5-2
Specifying a Network Variable Item 5-2
Network Variable Formats 5-5
Requesting a One-Time Network Variable Update 5-6
Requesting a One-Time Network Variable Update Using Excel 5-6
Requesting a One-Time Network Variable Update Using InTouch 5-8
Receiving Ongoing Network Variable Updates 5-9
Event Driven Updates versus Polling 5-9
Monitoring Polled Output Network Variables 5-10
Receiving Ongoing Updates Using Excel 5-10
Receiving Ongoing Updates Using InTouch 5-11
Sending a Network Variable Update 5-11
Sending a Network Variable Update Using Excel 5-12
Sending a Network Variable Update Using InTouch 5-13
Timing Issues Related to Visual Basic Controls 5-14

6 Reading and Writing Configuration Properties 6-1

Specifying a Configuration Property 6-2
Specifying a Configuration Property Topic 6-2
Specifying a Configuration Property Item 6-2
Accessing Configuration Property User Formats 6-4
Requesting a One-Time Configuration Property Update 6-5
Receiving Ongoing Configuration Property Updates 6-6
Sending a Configuration Property Update 6-6

7 Receiving and Sending Application and Foreign
Frame Messages 7-1

Specifying an Incoming Message Item 7-2
Specifying a Request Message 7-3
Specifying a Message Completion Event 7-5
Specifying an Outgoing Application Message 7-7
Specifying a Message Using Domain-Wide Broadcast Addressing 7-8
Requesting a One-Time Update 7-10
Requesting Ongoing Message Updates 7-11
Sending a Message Update 7-11

8 Using Properties 8-1

Properties 8-2

Specifying a Property 8-2
System Properties 8-2
Device and Router Properties 8-3
Properties Available in both Application Devices and Routers 8-4
Properties Available only in Application Devices 8-6
Properties Available in both Application Devices

and in each side of Routers (NearSide and FarSide) 8-6

L

ONMARK Object Properties 8-7

vi Table of Contents

Point Properties 8-8

Appendix A Resource Files A-1

LONMARK Resource Files A-2

Type File A-2
Format File A-3
Alternate Formats A-3
Language File A-4
Functional Profile Template File A-4

Appendix B Installing the PCLTA-10/20 and
PCC-10 Drivers B-1

PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, and PCC-10 Adapter Installation B-2

PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, and PCC-10 Software Installation Procedure B-2

Hardware Installation Procedure B-4

PCLTA-10 Adapter Hardware Installation Procedure B-4
PCLTA-20 Adapter Hardware Installation Procedure B-5
PCC-10 Card Hardware Installation Procedure B-5

PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, and PCC-10 Diagnostic Procedure B-6

Appendix C WonderWare InTouch Client Example C-1

Introduction C-2
InTouch Overview C-2
InTouch Example Tutorial C-3
InTouch Animation and I/O Tags C-3
Network Variable Monitoring C-8

Changing the Default Format C-10
Display Unit Conversion C-10
Using the InTouch DDE Link Wizards C-11
Other Topic Types C-14

Appendix D License Order Form D-1

Appendix E LNS DDE Server
Software License Agreement E-1

Notice E-2
LNS DDE Server Software License Agreement E-2
License E-2
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer E-4
Limitation of Liability E-4
Safe Operation E-4
Language E-5
General E-5

Appendix F LNS DDE Server Software
License Transfer Agreement F-1

Glossary Gl-1

LNS DDE Server User’s Guide vii

viii Table of Contents

1

LNS DDE Server Overview

This chapter defines the main concepts for a LONWORKS® network, the
role of a network management tool in setting up a network, and the
role of the LNS DDE Server in monitoring and controlling the
network. It also provides a brief overview of DDE and a summary of
the new features in Releases 2.1 and 2.11. Additional terms are
defined in the Glossary.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 1-1

New Features in Release 2.11

Release 2.l1 (release 2.1 with Service Pack 1 applied) of the LNS DDE Server
includes adds date stamping to the log pane.

New Features in Release 2.1

Release 2.1 of the LNS DDE Server includes the following new features:

• Expanded Polling Capability - When used with either an LNS fast network
interface attached to a LonWorks channel, or an IP network interface attached to
a LonWorks/IP channel, the LNS DDE Server can now poll up to 1,000 points
simultaneously, instead of the maximum of 2 in the previous release. The result
is a significant improvement in the number of points per second that may be
polled.

• Expanded Binding Capability - When used with either an LNS fast network
interface attached to a LonWorks channel, or an IP network interface attached to
a LonWorks/IP channel, the LNS DDE Server now has an address table with
32,768 entries instead of the 16 entries in the previous release. This enables the
LNS DDE Server PC to be a member of every group within a domain, eliminating
many of the binding constraints of the previous release, and supporting many
more bound connections.

• LNS 3 Runtime - Release 2.1 of the LNS DDE Server installs the LNS 3
Runtime. This provides significantly improved performance when using either
an LNS fast network interface attached to a LonWorks channel, or an IP network
interface attached to a LonWorks/IP channel. The performance improvements
are a result of faster throughput through the LNS runtime and the network
interface, and the increased capacities for polling and binding.

• LonWorks/IP Channel Support - Release 2.1 of the LNS DDE Server can be used
to monitor and control remote full client networks over a LonWorks/IP Channel.
This allows the LNS Server PC to be attached directly to an IP channel without
requiring an LNS network interface card. This also increases performance for
most monitoring and control applications. For example, an application that
could previously poll no more than 35 points per second may be able to poll over
600 points per second from a LonWorks/IP client. A LonWorks/IP client can
receive over 1200 updates per second for bound updates. Actual performance
depends on your computer hardware and application.

• Wonderware SuiteLink Support -- The Wonderware SuiteLink protocol is now
supported for accessing the LNS DDE Server, in addition to the Microsoft DDE
protocol. This provides improved performance for Wonderware InTouch clients.

• Multiple Network Support - A single instance of the LNS DDE Server can now
simultaneously open up to 100 LNS networks through a single LNS network
interface. This includes both local and remote networks. This allows a single
DDE application to provide an interface to multiple networks, either through a

1-2 LNS DDE Server Overview

single network interface, or through multiple network interfaces. To open
multiple remote networks, you must configure the LNS DDE Server as a
lightweight client. See Remote Settings in Chapter 3, Using the LNS DDE
Server.

• Updated Network Drivers - New drivers are included for the PCC-10, PCLTA-10,
and PCLTA-20 cards. These new drivers include new firmware for the network
interface cards that reconfigures the cards as LNS fast network interfaces,
providing significant performance improvements for LNS DDE Server
applications.

• Service Mode Operation - It is now easier to run the LNS DDE Server as a
Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT system service. This allows the
LNS DDE Server to continue operating even as operators log out of and log onto a
Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT computer. When running as a
system service, the LNS DDE Server may be configured to interact with the user
desktop, providing an easy-to-use interface for operators to view all points
available to the LNS DDE Server. Alternatively, the LNS DDE Server may be
configured to run hidden, preventing access by operators.

Overview of LONWORKS Networks

A LONWORKS network consists of intelligent devices, also called nodes, connected by
one or more communications channels that communicate with one another using the
LONWORKS protocol. LONWORKS devices are programmed to send messages to one
another in response to external events or messages that they receive. Two devices do
not have to be attached to the same physical communications channel to
communicate; however, they must be part of the same network. A network consists of
all of the devices that can exchange LONWORKS messages, and the communications
channels and routers that allow the devices to communicate.

Installing a LONWORKS Network

Before the LNS DDE Server can monitor and control a network, the network must be
installed using an LNS installation tool such as the LonMaker™ Integration Tool.
Installation of a control network is the process of loading the unique network
personality of each device into its internal tables. This process enables each device
to communicate with other devices in the same system. Maintenance involves tasks
such as adding new devices, replacing failed devices, and re-configuring the devices
that share data with one another.

As the installation tool configures the devices on the network, it stores a copy of this
information in the LNS Server. When installation is complete, the LNS Server
contains a picture of the configuration of the entire network along with the names of
all the devices and the network variables, configuration properties, and L
objects (also called functional blocks) on the devices. The LNS DDE Server uses the
information in the LNS Server to accomplish its tasks.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 1-3

ONMARK

Monitoring and Controlling a LONWORKS Network

Due to their high reliability, low cost, and flexibility, LONWORKS networks are used
in many ways. For example, they can be used to instrument relay-controlled
systems, saving the time, complexity, and cost associated with running wire from
each point back to the monitoring station. They can also be used in conjunction with
a central controller or PLC, for example, to provide a subsystem of smart sensors.
L

ONWORKS networks are frequently used to create peer-to-peer systems where each

device controls its own actions and shares information with its neighbors as needed
to control the entire system.

When monitoring a L
directly from a device, since each device is intelligent and knows its own status.
Similarly, when controlling a LONWORKS network, a control device can send data
directly to a controlled device. No master needs to be involved and no additional
wires need to be run. Also, using the information in the LNS Server, devices can be
addressed by the names assigned during installation. These names are much easier
to remember than the complex addressing schemes used by hard-wired systems, and,
since they are assigned in lock-step with the installation, they match what is
actually contained in the system.

There are several methods for exchanging data between L
are network variables, configuration properties, and application and foreign frame
messages. These are described in the following sections. LONMARK objects are also
described since they provide a higher-level description of the interfaces to a device.

ONWORKS network, the monitoring system can request status

ONWORKS devices. These

Network Variables

The most common way for LONWORKS devices to communicate with one another is
through network variables. Network variables are the logical inputs and outputs of a
device. The types, functions, and number of network variables in each device are
determined by the application code within the device. For example, a temperature
sensor might have two network variables — a temperature reading output and an
over-temperature alarm output. Some devices may also support dynamic network
variables that can be added and deleted by an LNS network tool such as the
LonMaker Integration tool. The host PC running the LNS DDE Server also supports
dynamic network variables.

The actual data representation of a network variable is defined by its type. The type
may either be a user defined network variable type (UNVT), or a standard network
variable type (SNVT). SNVTs ensure common data representation and
interoperation for all LONWORKS devices; using SNVTs is recommended whenever
possible. A master list of standard network variable types is contained in the LNS
Utilities and LonMark Reference help file included with the LNS DDE Server.

Configuration Properties

Application configuration data is specified using configuration properties.
Configuration properties may be implemented on a device as configuration network
variables or as configuration parameters. Any device can use configuration network
variables. Devices that comply with the LONMARK Application Layer
Interoperability Guidelines, version 3.0 or later, may use configuration parameters.

1-4 LNS DDE Server Overview

Configuration parameters are stored in files on the device, and may be accessed
using the LONWORKS file transfer protocol, or by direct memory read/write for
Neuron Chip hosted devices. Configuration properties may be properties of the
device, a LONMARK object, or a network variable.

The data representation and interpretation of a configuration property is defined by
its type. The type may either be a user defined configuration property type (UCPT),
or a standard configuration property type (SCPT). SCPTs are a standard in all

ONWORKS devices; using SCPTs is recommended whenever possible. A master list

L
of standard configuration property types is contained in the LNS Utilities and
LonMark Reference help file included with the LNS DDE Server.

LONMARK Objects

LONMARK objects are collections of associated network variables and configuration
properties along with definitions of their associated behavior. LONMARK objects
provide the basis for application layer interoperability.

The network variable and configuration property members of a LONMARK object,
along with the interpretation of each, are defined by functional profiles. The
functional profile may either be a user defined functional profile, or a standard
functional profile. Standard functional profiles are defined and maintained by the
LONMARK Interoperability Association.

Application and Foreign Frame Messages

Application and foreign frame messages are a low-level method of exchanging data
between L
message code for identification. The message code identifies the message as a
network variable, application, foreign frame, network management, or network
diagnostic message. Network variable and application messages are used for
exchanging application data. Foreign frame messages are used by gateway
applications. Network management and network diagnostic messages are used by
the LNS Server. Application and foreign frame messages are less interoperable than
network variables because all devices that need to share information must be
designed with their message codes in agreement. The message codes are part of the
application program and are not configurable.

Devices send and receive application and foreign frame messages using message tags.
A message tag is an input or output port of a device. A device can send a message
with any message code using any of its message tags. Similarly, a message with any
code might arrive at any of the device's message tags. Establishing connections
between device message tags is another task done by an LNS network tool during
network installation.

ONWORKS devices. Each LONWORKS message must be given a unique

The Role of the LNS DDE Server

The LNS DDE Server exchanges network variable, configuration property, and
application and foreign frame message data between LONWORKS devices and
Windows applications. With the LNS DDE Server, any Windows application that
can act as a DDE Client can monitor and control one or more LONWORKS networks.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 1-5

That is, the application can observe the values of network variables, configuration
properties, and application and foreign frame messages, and can change the values
of them to affect the operation of the network(s). The LNS DDE Server uses the
naming, addressing, and timing information stored in an LNS Server by a network
tool such as the LonMaker Integration Tool.

There are many tools available for installing LONWORKS networks. Some of these
are legacy tools that are not LNS compatible. However, the LNS DDE Server
requires that the network installation be completed using an LNS installation tool. If
you have a network that was installed with a network tool that was not based on
LNS, you can automatically convert the network to LNS using the LonMaker
Integration Tool, release 3.0 or later.

The Role of the LNS Network Interface

An LNS network interface (also called a network adapter, network services interface,
or NSI) is a hardware component with an associated network driver that provides
the physical connection between a LONWORKS network and the PC running the LNS
DDE Server. An LNS network interface is not required if your PC is running as a
remote L
client. For the highest performance for workstation applications on a desktop
attached to a LONWORKS/IP channel, you should use an IP network interface card
such as an Ethernet adapter. For the highest performance for workstation
applications on a desktop attached to a LONWORKS channel, you should use a
PCLTA-20 PCI LonTalk Adapter as the LNS network interface (use a PCLTA-10 ISA
LonTalk adapter if you do not have an available PCI slot). If you are using powerline
products or an SMX transceiver, you can use the PCLTA-20/SMX PCI card. If you
have a laptop attached to a LONWORKS channel with a PCMCIA-compatible PC Card
slot, you can use the PCC-10 PC Card interface. For connecting to a L
channel remotely via phone lines and a pair of modems, or if your host does not have
an available ISA, PCI, PC Card slot, you can use a SLTA-10 Serial LonTalk Adapter.

All PC-compatible LNS network interfaces are functionally equivalent; so your DDE
client application does not need to be modified when the LNS network interface
hardware changes. If you are not using a PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, PCNSI, PCC-10,
SLTA-10, of IP network interface card, check your documentation to see if your
network interface is LNS-compatible.

ONWORKS /IP Remote, LNS/IP remote (i.e. Lightweight), or NetDDE remote

ONWORKS

Overview of DDE

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) defines a standard way for Microsoft Windows
applications to share information with one another. The following sections provide a
very brief overview of DDE.

When applications share information with each other using DDE, they are said to be
holding a DDE conversation. Each conversation has a well-defined beginning,
middle, and end. To begin a conversation, one application, known as the client, or

destination application, asks another application, known as the server, or source
application, to open a communications channel (this is different than a L

channel, which is the physical communications medium used by LONWORKS devices).

1-6 LNS DDE Server Overview

ONWORKS

Once a conversation is established, the client can send and receive data from the
server on the DDE channel. For example, an Excel spreadsheet (the client) may ask
the LNS DDE Server (the server) for the current fuel consumption from a flow sensor
for use in an automated billing system. Or, an InTouch operator interface (the
client) may tell the LNS DDE Server (the server) to change the state of a valve in a
LONWORKS network in response to a request issued by the operator. The client
application is always the application that establishes the conversation, irrespective
of which way the data actually flows. The LNS DDE Server is always a server
application.

Types of DDE Services

A client uses different DDE services during the course of a DDE conversation. The
DDE services discussed in this manual are the following:

Initiate

Terminate

Request

Advise

Warm or

Poke

Execute

A request to start a new DDE conversation.

A request to end a DDE conversation.

A one-time request by the client for a specific piece of data
from the server. This is also referred to as a Cold or
Manual Link. The server does not notify the client of
changes; the server only sends the item's value when
requested by the client.

A request by the client for on-going updates for a specific
piece of data from the server. There are two types of Advise
requests.

Hot or
Automatic

Notify

A request from the client to the server to change the value
of a specific piece of data.

A request from the client to the server to perform a
command.

Whenever the value of the item changes, the
server automatically sends the client the
new value.
Whenever the value of the item changes, the
server sends the client notification that the
value has changed. If interested, the client
requests the new value from the server.

Note: The LNS DDE Server does not

support warm (notify) links.

Execute Commands

The LNS DDE Server provides the following commands via the DDE execute service.
These commands are not case sensitive.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 1-7

[Pause] Temporarily stops the LNS DDE Server from sending updates to

devices on the L

ONWORKS network, both updates to network

variables and network variable polls. When paused, however, it
will still receive network variable update messages from
application devices and pass those to the client.

[Resume] Reenables polling and outgoing update messages.

1-8 LNS DDE Server Overview

2

Getting Started

This chapter explains how to install the LNS DDE Server, and how to
start it with an existing network.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-1

Requirements

The LNS DDE Server requires a PC that meets the following requirements:

• Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98, or Windows
NT 4.0 (Service Pack 3 or later is required for Windows NT; Windows XP or
Windows 2000 recommended)

• Pentium 133 or faster (Pentium 200 or better recommended)

• 20 Megabytes free hard-disk space

• 64 Megabytes of RAM minimum (128 Megabytes minimum recommended

• CD-ROM drive

• Mouse or compatible pointing device

Note: The memory required is affected by the number of Windows applications that
are running simultaneously. More than 64 Megabytes may be required if you are
running many applications at the same time.

The LNS DDE Server requires an LNS Server. The LNS Server may be on the same
PC or a remote PC. The LNS DDE Server is distributed with the required LNS
Server files.

Installing the LNS DDE Server

To install the LNS DDE Server, follow these steps:

1 If you are using Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0 and you do not

have Administrator privileges, log out of Windows, then log on as a user who is a
member of the Administrators group. Close all running Windows applications
and disable any virus checking utilities.

2 If your copy of the LNS DDE Server was delivered on a CD-ROM, insert the CD-

ROM into your CD-ROM drive. If the LNS DDE Server setup program does not
start automatically, open the Windows Start menu and select Run. Browse to
the Setup application on the LNS DDE Server CD and click Open, then click OK
to run the Setup program.

If you downloaded your copy of the LNS DDE Server, open the Windows Start
menu and select Run. Browse to the Setup application that you downloaded and
click Open, then click OK to run the Setup program.

The Setup program displays a series of dialogs that are described in the following
steps. Some of the dialogs may not be displayed depending on the choices you
make during installation. The first dialog is the Welcome dialog.

2-2 Installing the LNS DDE Software

In the lower part of all the dialogs you will find navigation buttons. Use these
buttons to go forward to the next dialog, go back to the previous dialog, or cancel
the whole installation.

3 Click Next to continue with the next step. The License dialog is displayed.

4 Read the license in its entirety, and if you accept it, click I Agree. If you don’t

accept it click I Do Not Agree to terminate the installation without installing the
LNS DDE Server. If you accept the license agreement, the Registration dialog is
displayed.

5 Enter your name, company name, and LNS DDE Server serial number in the

appropriate fields. The serial number is located on your LNS DDE Server case
or envelope, or was provided to you when you downloaded the LNS DDE Server
software. It is not necessary to enter the serial number to install the software,
but when ordering an application key, a serial number must be supplied. Click
Next. The setup program displays the Select Components dialog.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-3

6 Select the LNS DDE Server components to be installed. The installation

program automatically preselects some of the components based in part on what
it finds already installed on your system. Some components may not be available
for installation. When selecting or clearing components, the disk usage for the
currently selected files is shown in the lower part of the window. Following is a
description of each of the options:

• LNS DDE Server. Installs the LNS DDE Server application files and creates

an Echelon LNS DDE Server program folder in your Windows Start menu.
This option must be installed to use the LNS DDE Server.

• LNS DDE Server documentation. Installs LNS DDE Server help file and an

Acrobat version of the LNS DDE Server User’s Guide.

• LNS Runtime Components. Installs the LNS network operating system

components required by the LNS DDE Server, including the LNS Server.
These components are required. The setup program will make a
determination of the proper setting of this option. This option also creates an
Echelon LNS Utilities program folder in your Windows Start menu.

• Example applications. Installs Excel and InTouch examples. See Using the

LNS DDE Server Examples for a description of the examples.

• PCLTA-10/20 & PCC-10, SLTA-10, and PCLTA & PCNSI device drivers.

Installs drivers required for accessing an LNS network interface. Select the
driver for the network interface hardware that you will be using on the PC
with the LNS DDE Server. A driver is not required if you are using the LNS
DDE Server as a L

• Adobe Acrobat reader. Installs the Adobe Acrobat reader that can be used to

read the Adobe Acrobat versions of the LNS DDE Server User’s Guide and
the PCC-10, PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, SLTA-10, and PCNSI manuals.

ONWORKS/IP, LNS/IP, or NetDDE Client.

2-4 Installing the LNS DDE Software

Select the components to be installed and click Next. The Select Destination
Directory window appears.

7 Choose a LONWORKS folder where you want the LNS DDE Server software

installed. The software will be installed in an LNSDDE folder below the

ONWORKS folder that you specify. If you have installed other LONWORKS

L
software on this computer, be sure to use the same LONWORKS folder. The
default folder is c:/LonWorks if you have not installed any other LONWORKS
applications; the default is the last LONWORKS folder that you used if you have.
Click Next. The Backup Replaced Files dialog is displayed.

8 The Backup dialog allows you to choose if you want to backup the LNS software.

The installation program includes an uninstaller which is capable of undoing all
changes and copying back the replaced files.

Warning! Backing up the software can lead to versioning issues under certain
circumstances after uninstalling the LNS DDE Server; always choose the default
not to back up the LNS software.

If you select the Yes option, the next dialog will allow you to select the folder
where the replaced files will be placed. Enter a folder and click Next. You may
receive a message stating Backup Already Exists Would You Like to Install that
Directory Anyway? Choose Yes or No.

9 After making all required selections, the next dialog declares that the Setup

program is ready to start installing the selected components. If you are unsure
about the selections you have made, you can take this opportunity to use the

Back button to review them. When you are sure everything is correct, press the
Next button to commence installation.

10 If the example applications were selected in step 6, the setup program for the

example applications will be started. Select the desired applications to install
and click Next. Enter a destination folder for the examples and click Next.

11 If any drivers were selected in step 6, the setup programs for the selected drivers

will start. Install the drivers as described in Installing and Configuring a
Network Driver.

12 If the Adobe Acrobat installation was selected in step 6, the Acrobat setup

program will start. Follow the instructions in the Acrobat setup dialog.

13 After the Setup program has completed, you may be prompted to restart your PC

to complete the installation. If prompted, restart the computer.

14 Download the latest LNS DDE Server service pack from

www.echelon.com/lonmaker. At the time of publication of this manual, the latest
service pack is LNS DDE Server 2.1 Service Pack 1. Follow the instructions
provided with the LNS DDE Server service pack to install it.

15 Reboot when instructed.

16 Download and install the latest LNS 3 service pack. At the time of publication of

this manual, the latest LNS 3 service pack was LNS 3 Service Pack 5A. You can

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-5

download the latest LNS 3 service pack from www.echelon.com/lns. Follow the
instructions provided with the LNS service pack to install it.

17 If you selected a network driver in step 6, configure the network driver as

described in Installing and Configuring a Network Driver, later in this chapter.

If you have not installed an application key for the LNS DDE Server, the LNS DDE
Server will run for 30 days. After 30 days, it will continue to run for an hour at a
time until you acquire an Application key as described in Register Application Key in
Chapter 3.

Installing and Configuring a Network Driver

The LNS DDE Server may communicate with a LONWORKS network through an LNS
network driver and an LNS network interface or through an IP network driver and
an IP network interface. Supported LNS network interfaces are the i.LON 1000
Internet Server, PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, PCC-10, PCNSI, and SLTA-10. The LNS
DDE Server Setup application includes drivers for these network interfaces (except
for the i.LON 1000 . The drivers can be installed at the same time as the LNS DDE
Server, or you may install them at a later time. It is not necessary to re-install the
network driver if you already configured it for use with the LonMaker Integration
Tool. Supported IP network interfaces include TCP/IP-compatible Ethernet adapters
and PPP dial-up interfaces.

If you have already installed a PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, PCC-10, or PCNSI driver,
configure the driver. For the PCLTA-10, PCLTA-20, or PCC-10, be sure to install the
driver software before you install the network interface hardware. If you have
installed an SLTA-10 driver, configure the SLTA-10 hardware and driver as
described in the SLTA-10 User’s Guide, located in the SLTA-10 program folder. If
you are using an i.LON 1000, install the i.LON software as described in the i.LON
documentation. If you need to install a different driver, see the documentation for
that driver for installation instructions.

Starting the LNS DDE Server

As part of the installation process, the installation program will create a program
folder named Echelon LNS DDE Server and place a number of shortcuts in it. One of
the shortcuts points to the LNS DDE Server application. To access this folder, click
the Windows Start button, point to Programs, then click Echelon LNS DDE Server.

You can place a shortcut directly on your desktop, or you can make the LNS DDE
Server start automatically when you log on. To make the LNS DDE Server start up
automatically when you log on, copy the shortcut to your Windows Startup folder or,
if using Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4, you can configure the LNS
DDE Server to run as a service as described in Run as a Windows NT Service in
Chapter 3.

To start the LNS DDE Server, select the LNS DDE Server shortcut. When started,
the LNS DDE Server will display a window as described in the next section.

2-6 Installing the LNS DDE Software

Using the LNS DDE Server

When you start the LNS DDE Server, a main window similar to the following figure
appears (you may see a different set of networks under the Networks folder and
different messages at the bottom of the screen):

The main window is divided into three panes. On the left side there is a folder pane,
on the right side there is a detail pane, and along the bottom a log pane. A menu bar
is displayed across the top. The three panes and the menu bar are described in the
following sections.

Folder Pane

The folder pane on the left side of the main window allows you to navigate the
networks, subsystems, devices, LONMARK objects, network variables, and
configuration properties that are defined in an LNS Server. The top-level of the
folder pane contains a Networks folder with all the currently available networks
listed, as well as a Topics folder with all the pre-created topics.

To view the subsystems, devices, L
configuration properties in a network, expand the Networks folder, then click the
network name in the folder pane. When you click a network name, the objects

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-7

ONMARK objects, network variables, and

associated with the selected network will be listed in the detail pane on the right side
of the window. You can simultaneously open any number of the networks listed in
this pane.

Detail Pane

The detail pane lists the objects that are associated with the currently selected folder
on the folder pane. Depending on what type of folder is selected in the folder pane,
the detail pane may list the networks, subsystems, devices, L
network variables, configuration properties, or topics belonging to the currently
selected folder.

You can view the objects in the detail pane as large icons, small icons, or as a list
with details. To change currently selected view, right-click somewhere in the detail
pane and select a view from the shortcut menu, or select the desired view from the
View menu on the LNS DDE Server menu bar.

Log Pane

The log pane is displayed along the bottom of the LNS DDE Server main window.
The log pane shows messages generated by the LNS DDE Server.

The log messages may be caused by DDE client applications, the underlying LNS
software, or from internal activities in the LNS DDE Server. The log lists the
severity, date, time, source, and message text for each message.

You can filter the events shown in the log by selecting Messages/Log Display. The
selections made on the Log Display menu are temporary for the current session. To
configure more permanent filter settings, select the Server command from the
Configure menu on the menu bar. If messages are being logged to a file, the filter
settings you use in the Log Pane do not affect the messages logged to the file.

If you select the Trace option from Messages/Log Display, the messages displayed in
the Log Pane are controlled by the server configuration settings. See Trace Options
in Chapter 3 for more information on the Trace option.

Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll the log, or use the scrollbar on the
right side of the pane. Right-click in the log pane and select the Top, Bottom, or
Clear commands to move to the top or bottom of the log, or to clear the contents of
the log. Alternatively, you can use the Go to Top, Go to Bottom, or Clear Log
commands on the View menu or these same commands on the Messages/Log Display
menu. You can stop automatically scrolling the log by selecting the Freeze command
from the Messages/Log Display menu.

The number of lines shown in the log is limited. To view or set the limit, select the
Server command from the Configure menu. The oldest lines will be removed from
the log when the limit is reached.

ONMARK objects,

2-8 Installing the LNS DDE Software

Menu Bar

The menu bar contains six menus. These are described in the following table:

File

Save Log File Saves the contents of the log file.
Exit Terminates the LNS DDE Server.

Edit

Copy Link Copy link information for the currently selected object in the

View

Toolbars/Log File Toggles the display of the Log File toolbar, immediately below

Toolbars/Log Display Toggles the display of the Log Display toolbar, immediately

Toolbars/Miscellaneous Toggles the display of the Miscellaneous toolbar, immediately

Status Bar Toggles the display of the status bar at the bottom of the

Large Icons Changes icon view to large-sized icons.
Small Icons Reduces icon view to small-sized icons.
List Changes icon view in the detail pane to a list
Details Gives a description of each item in the Detail pane.
Go to Top Go to the top of the log.
Go to Bottom Go to the bottom of the log.
Clear Log Clears all log entries.
Refresh Refreshes the content of the folder and detail panes.

Configure

Server Opens a configuration dialog with tabs for the LNS DDE

Networks/
Configure All
Networks/
Import

Topics/
Configure All
Topics/
Create New
Topics/
Delete

Messages

Log Display/
Information
Log Display/
Warnings

folder or detail pane to the clipboard.

the menu bar on the left side.

below the menu bar on the right side.

below the menu bar in the center.

window.

Server Settings, the LNS Object Server, Trace Options, and
the LNS DDE Server License Settings.
Opens a configuration dialog with a tab for each network
defined in the LNS Server (up to 50 networks).
Opens a configuration dialog on which you can name a
network you want to import and configure the settings of that
network.
Opens a configuration dialog with a tab for each custom topic.

Creates a new custom topic.

Deletes a custom topic.

Toggles displaying of information events.

Toggles displaying of warning events.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-9

Log Display/
Errors
Log Display/
Trace
Log Display/
Freeze
Log Display/
Go to Top
Log Display/
Go to Bottom
Log Display/
Clear
Log File/
Log to File
Log File/
Clear
Log to WWLogger Toggles sending log messages to the Wonderware

Toggles displaying of error events.

Activates the tracing option.

Stops automatic scrolling of the log.

Go to the top of the log.

Go to the bottom of the log.

Clear the contents of the log.

When enabled causes all log and trace messages to be
written to a file on disk.
Clears the active log file. Enabled only when there are
messages present in the log file.

WWLogger logging application. (if available)

Help

Help Topics Opens the LNS DDE Server help file.
About LNS… Opens the About dialog.

Toolbar

There are three toolbars: Log File, Log Display, and Miscellaneous. These toolbars
contain buttons that activate certain menu options with a single mouse click.

Log File

Save Log File Saves the current contents of the logfile.

Log to File Logs messages to a file.

Clear Log File Clears the active logfile.

Miscellaneous

Copy Link Copy link information for the currently selected

object in the folder or detail pane to the
clipboard.

About Opens the About dialog.

Help Opens the online help file.

Large Icons Presents the icons in large-sized format.

Small Icons Presents the icons in small-sized format.

List Presents the log in a list format.

Details Provides a description of log listings.

Log Display

2-10 Installing the LNS DDE Software

Bottom of Log Scrolls to the bottom of the log.

Top of Log Scrolls to the top of the log.

Freeze Stops automatic scrolling of the log.

Clear Message Display Clears the log display.

Display Information This setting controls filtering of information

messages for the log. Click this setting to
display information messages in the log. The
default setting is On.

Display Warnings This setting controls filtering of warning

messages for the log. Click this setting to
display warning messages in the log pane.
This setting should always be enabled. The
default setting is On.

Display Errors This setting controls error message filtering for

the log. Click this setting to display error
messages in the log pane. This setting should
always be enabled. The default setting is On.

Using the LNS DDE Server Examples

Two example applications are provided with the LNS DDE Server. They are an
Excel 97 spreadsheet and an InTouch 7.0 application. These examples are installed
if you select the Example applications option during the LNS DDE Server
installation procedure. You can rerun the LNS DDE Server installation program and
select the Example applications option if you did not initially install the
examples.

Many of the examples in this guide come from these two examples.

Using the Example LNS Database

The LNS database for both examples was created using the LonMaker Integration
Tool. Two LonMaker backup files are provided: LNS DDE Test V2.zip and LNS
DDE Test V3.zip in the LNSDde folder. These backup files each contain a
LonMaker drawing and an LNS database for use with the Excel and InTouch
examples. LNS DDE Test V2.zip contains a LonMaker database and drawing with
version 2 LonPoint applications. LNS DDE Test V3.zip contains a LonMaker
database and drawing with version 3 LonPoint applications. The following figure is
the LonMaker drawing for the LNS DDE Test example.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-11

The LNS DDE Test example includes 5 application devices and a router, which
matches the hardware in a LonPoint Demo Kit. If you do not have LonPoint devices
to use with the examples, you can still open the examples in engineered mode to see
Excel and InTouch usage examples for the LNS DDE Server.

Following is a list of the 5 application devices defined in the LNS DDE Test example:

• AI- 1. A LonPoint AI-10 Analog Input Interface Module. Used to monitor a
simulated temperature and a temperature setpoint dial.

• AO- 1. A LonPoint AO-10 Analog Output Interface Module. Used to control a
simulated hot water valve actuator, and an analog meter monitoring the input to
the valve.

• DI- 1. A LonPoint DI-10 Digital Input Interface Module. Used to monitor 4 input
switches. Three of the switches are used to control the system mode, simulating
the output of a system mode generator. The fourth switch is used as a system
enable.

• DO- 1. A LonPoint DO-10 Digital Output Interface Module. Used to control 4
LEDs. Three of the LEDs are used to display the system mode. The fourth LED
is used to display the system enable status.

• SCH-1. A LonPoint SCH-10 Scheduler Module. This device is not used in the
example. Its operation is simulated by the mode simulator on the DI- 1 device.

These five devices contain L

ONMARK objects that are shown as functional blocks on

the LonMaker drawing. Each functional block has network variable inputs and
outputs that are shown as triangles on the functional blocks. These network

2-12 Installing the LNS DDE Software

variables are connected as shown on the LonMaker drawing. The following list
summarizes the Sequence of Operations for the LNS DDE Test example.

Sequence of Operation

1. Inputs 3 and 4 to DI- 1 are configured to toggle.

2. Inputs 1-3 of the DI- 1 device are used to sequence the system mode normally
generated by the SCH-10. As the inputs are asserted, the highest ON input
determines the system mode. If all inputs are OFF, the mode is HVAC_OFF. See
the truth table near the Mode Simulator functional block for details.

3. Outputs 1-3 on DO- 1 track the system mode generated by the Mode Simulator
functional block as follows: LED 1 = HVAC_MRNG_WRMUP, LED 2 =
HVAC_HEAT, LED 3 = HVAC_AUTO. LEDs 1-4 are On if mode = HVAC_TEST.
The Mode Simulator produces this value when the functional block is in
Override.

4. Input 1 to AI- 1 simulates the outside air temperature. It has a range of -10 to 50
deg. C.

5. The setpoint for the heating loop is calculated by the SA Temp Reset functional
block. As the OA temp changes from -10 to 18 degrees C, the setpoint changes
from 26 to 20 degrees C. This scaling is described by the UCPTscaleParms
configuration property.

6. The plant under control is simulated by a resistor-capacitor (RC) circut.
The output drives a current from 0-20mA into the RC circuit. The voltage
is sensed and translated to a simulated temperature. The SA Temp PID
functional block operates when the mode is not HVAC_OFF. When the
mode is HVAC_OFF, the control value is fixed at 5%.

7. The Enable input to the HW Valve Actuator functional block must be set
to allow the actuator to respond to the control value generated by the SA
Temp PID functional block. If the enable is Off the meter tracking the
control value of the PID loop will eventually peg at 10V. The state of the
Enable is tracked by LED 4.

Using the LNS DDE Example Database

To use either example, you must first load the LNS DDE Test database on your PC.
If you are using the LonMaker Integration Tool, follow these steps to load the
database:

1. If you have not already installed the LonPoint plug-in, run the LonMaker setup
program from the LonMaker CD and install the LonPoint plug-in.

2. Start the LonMaker tool by selecting LonMaker from the Windows Start menu.
The LonMaker design manager opens.

3. Click the Restore button. The LonMaker Restore dialog opens.

LNS DDE Server User's Guide 2-13

4. Click the Browse button. The Select Backup File dialog opens.

5. Browse to the LNS DDE Test V2.zip or LNS DDE Test V3.zip file in the
L

ONWORKS LNSDde folder and click Open, then click OK. The Confirm Restore

dialog opens.

6. Confirm the folders for the drawing and database files. To change the folders,
click the Change Directory button. Once you have specified the desired folders,
click OK. A dialog confirming that you want to open the restored drawing is
displayed.

7. Confirm the LNS database path and click Next.

8. Click the Network Attached option if you have LonPoint devices to test the
example with, otherwise deselect the Network Attached option to go into
engineered system mode.

9. Select the default options for the remaining dialogs of the Network Wizard. Click
Next for each dialog, and click Finish for the final dialog. A dialog suggesting
that you resynchronize the drawing to the network is displayed.

10. Click No, since your LonPoint devices are physically different devices from those
saved in the backup file.

11. If you are attached to the network and have LonPoint devices, select all of the
application device shapes in the lower left of the LonMaker drawing, right-click
one of the selected devices, and select the Replace command. Commission each of
your devices, selecting all default options, except that you can bring each device
up online instead of the default offline.

If you are using another installation tool besides the LonMaker tool, unzip the LNS
database from the LNS DDE Test V2.zip or LNS DDE Test V3.zip file, and
restore the database to your PC as described in the documentation for your
installation tool. Once you have imported the LNS database, and optionally replaced
the devices, you can exit your installation tool.

Using the Excel Example

To use the Excel example, you will need Excel 97 or newer installed on your PC with
the LNS DDE Server. You will also need a LonPoint Demo Kit to run the example,
but you can open the example in engineered mode if you do not have LonPoint
devices.
To open the Excel example, follow these steps:

1. Restore the LNS DDE Test drawing and database as described in the previous
section.

2. Select the Micosoft Excel shortcut from the Example Application folder in the
Echelon LNS DDE Server program folder.

3. If Excel displays a macro warning, click the Enable Macros button. A dialog
confirming that you want to update links is displayed.

4. Click Yes to update links. A dialog confirming that you want to start the LNS
DDE Server is displayed.

2-14 Installing the LNS DDE Software