Vaisala M212315EN-B User Manual

M212315EN-B

User Guide

Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server

Version 5.1

PUBLISHED BY

Vaisala Oyj

Vanha Nurmijärventie 21, FI-01670 Vantaa, Finland P.O. Box 26, FI-00421 Helsinki, Finland

[phone]

Visit our Internet pages at www.vaisala.com.

© Vaisala Oyj 2020

No part of this document may be reproduced, published or publicly displayed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be modified, translated, adapted, sold or disclosed to a third party without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Translated documents and translated portions of multilingual documents are based on the original English versions. In ambiguous cases, the English versions are applicable, not the translations.

The contents of this document are subject to change without prior notice.

Local rules and regulations may vary and they shall take precedence over the information contained in this document. Vaisala makes no representations on this document’s compliance with the local rules and regulations applicable at any given time, and hereby disclaims any and all responsibilities related thereto.

This document does not create any legally binding obligations for Vaisala towards customers or end users. All legally binding

obligations and agreements are included exclusively in the applicable supply contract or the General Conditions of Sale and General Conditions of Service of Vaisala.

This product contains software developed by Vaisala or third parties. Use of the software is governed by license terms and conditions included in the applicable supply contract or, in the absence of separate license terms and conditions, by the General License Conditions of Vaisala Group.

This product may contain open source software (OSS) components. In the event this product contains OSS components, then such OSS is governed by the terms and conditions of the applicable OSS licenses, and you are bound by the terms and conditions of such licenses in connection with your use and distribution of the OSS in this product. Applicable OSS licenses are included in the product itself or provided to you on any other applicable media, depending on each individual product and the product items delivered to you.

			Table of contents
Table of contents
1.	Product Overview...........................................................................................		9
1.1		Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server.................................................................	9
1.2		How Does viewLinc Work?..............................................................................	9
1.2.1		System Components.................................................................................	9
1.2.2		Optional Feature Requirements.............................................................	10
1.2.3		Security Requirements............................................................................	10
1.2.4		Purchased Certificate Requirements......................................................	11
1.2.5		Hardware Requirements...........................................................................	11
1.2.6		Server Requirements...............................................................................	12
1.2.7		Installed System Size...............................................................................	14
1.2.8		End User PC and Remote Display Requirements.................................	15
1.2.9		Default Application File Locations.........................................................	15
1.2.10		Web API and REST API Programming Interfaces.................................	15
1.3		What's New......................................................................................................	15
1.3.1		What's New for Upgrade Users..............................................................	17
1.3.2		Watch a Tour.............................................................................................	21
1.4		Device Connection Options............................................................................	21
1.4.1		Ways to Connect Hardware....................................................................	22
1.4.2		Using Wireless Devices...........................................................................	23
1.4.3		Using vNet Devices.................................................................................	24
1.4.4		Using Single or Multi-Port Ethernet Device Connectors....................	24
1.4.5		Using USB Ports.......................................................................................	25
1.4.6		Using Serial Ports....................................................................................	26
1.5		Version Information........................................................................................	26
1.6		Related Manuals..............................................................................................	27
1.7		Documentation Conventions.........................................................................	27
1.8		Trademarks......................................................................................................	28
1.9		Training............................................................................................................	28
2.	Setup and Installation.................................................................................		29
2.1		Setup Roadmap..............................................................................................	29
2.2		Setup Checklist...............................................................................................	30
2.3		Installation........................................................................................................	31
2.3.1		Installing viewLinc Enterprise Server Software....................................	31
2.3.2		Installing viewLinc on a Device Host Server........................................	33
2.3.3		Installing viewLinc - Upgrade an Existing Server................................	34
2.3.4		Installing viewLinc - Upgrade on a New Server...................................	35
2.4		Install Devices..................................................................................................	37
2.4.1		Install Access Points................................................................................	37
2.4.2		Install Data Loggers and Transmitters..................................................	37
2.5		Log in to viewLinc..........................................................................................	38
2.6		Discover and Accept Devices........................................................................	39
2.7		Configuring viewLinc Enterprise Server.....................................................	40
2.7.1		viewLinc Planning Worksheet................................................................	41
2.8		System Test.....................................................................................................	44
2.9		Validate your System.....................................................................................	44

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3.	Device Management....................................................................................	45
3.1	Device Hosts...................................................................................................	46
3.1.1	Adding Device Hosts..............................................................................	46
3.1.2	Adding Access Point Hosts....................................................................	47
3.2	Ways to Add Devices.....................................................................................	47
3.2.1	Discovering Networked Devices...........................................................	48
3.2.2	Accepting Wireless Devices...................................................................	48
3.2.3	Adding Devices Manually.......................................................................	49
3.2.4	Adding Multiple Device Types................................................................	51
3.3	Configure Hosts and Devices.........................................................................	51
3.3.1	Viewing Host and Device Properties.....................................................	52
3.3.2	Editing Host Properties..........................................................................	54
3.3.3	Editing Device Properties.......................................................................	56
3.3.4	Editing Channel Properties....................................................................	59
4.	Sites Management........................................................................................	62
4.1	Zones and Locations......................................................................................	62
4.2	Create Zones and Locations..........................................................................	63
4.2.1	Creating Zones........................................................................................	63
4.2.2	Creating Locations..................................................................................	64
4.3	Link Device Channels to Locations..............................................................	64
4.3.1	Linking Channels to Locations...............................................................	65
4.3.2	Creating Linked Locations Automatically............................................	66
4.3.3	Viewing Channel Link History................................................................	67
4.3.4	Finding a Channel's Linked Location (Sites Manager).......................	67
4.3.5	Finding a Location's Linked Channel (Sites Manager).......................	68
4.3.6	Finding a Location's Linked Channel (Sites)........................................	68
4.4	Build Dashboards...........................................................................................	69
4.4.1	Building Dashboards..............................................................................	69
4.4.2	Changing Dashboard Display Settings.................................................	70
4.4.3	Deleting Dashboard Images or Data Points.........................................	73
5.	Groups and Users..........................................................................................	74
5.1	Rights...............................................................................................................	75
5.2	Adding Groups................................................................................................	76
5.3	Adding Users...................................................................................................	77
6.	Alarm Templates............................................................................................	81
6.1	Types of Alarms...............................................................................................	81
6.2	System Alarms................................................................................................	82
6.3	Threshold Alarms............................................................................................	83
6.3.1	Creating Threshold Alarm Templates...................................................	84
6.3.2	Applying Threshold Alarm Templates to Locations............................	86
6.3.3	Editing Threshold Alarm Templates......................................................	88
6.3.4	Editing Location Threshold Alarm Settings.........................................	88
6.3.5	Deactivating Threshold Alarms.............................................................	89
6.3.6	Reactivating Threshold Alarms.............................................................	89

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6.4		Device Alarms.................................................................................................	90
6.4.1		Types of Device Alarms..........................................................................	90
6.4.2		Editing Host Communication Alarm Settings......................................	92
6.4.3		Editing Host Configuration Alarm Settings.........................................	93
6.4.4		Creating Device Alarm Templates.........................................................	94
6.4.5		Applying Device Alarm Templates........................................................	96
6.4.6		Editing Device Alarm Templates...........................................................	97
6.4.7		Editing Location Device Alarm Settings...............................................	97
6.5		Alarm Notifications........................................................................................	98
6.5.1		Web Service for SMS and Voice Alarm Notifications.........................	99
6.5.2		Creating Alarm Notification Templates..............................................	100
6.5.3		Applying Alarm Notification Templates.............................................	103
6.5.4		Editing Alarm Notification Templates.................................................	106
6.6		Notification Content.....................................................................................	106
6.6.1		Creating Custom Message Content....................................................	106
7.	System Preferences...................................................................................		109
7.1		Modifying General System Settings...........................................................	109
7.2		Allowing Remote Acknowledgement...........................................................	111
7.3		Enabling or Disabling Schedules..................................................................	112
7.4		Enabling or Disabling Audible Alarms.........................................................	112
7.5		Setting Temperature Measurement Units...................................................	113
7.6		Setting MKT Activation Energy Value..........................................................	113
7.7		Setting Device or Channel Alias Preferences.............................................	114
7.8		Setting System-Wide Default Calibration Duration...................................	114
7.9		Enabling or Disabling Timebase Synchronization......................................	115
7.10		Enabling or Disabling viewLinc Aware........................................................	115
7.11		Entering New License Key............................................................................	116
7.12		Setting Authentication Requirement..........................................................	116
7.13		Changing Technical Support Log Settings..................................................	117
7.14		Setting System Language.............................................................................	117
7.14.1		Making Additional Languages Available..............................................	118
7.15		Setting Measurement Unit Display Preferences.........................................	118
7.16		Configuring Email/SMS/Voice Notification Preferences...........................	119
7.16.1		Configuring Email Settings....................................................................	119
7.16.2		Configuring SMS Settings.....................................................................	120
7.16.3		Configuring Voice Call Web Service....................................................	122
7.17		Setting System Alarm Preferences.............................................................	123
7.18		Setting Comments Preferences...................................................................	124
7.19		Adding Predefined Comments....................................................................	125
8.	Additional Setup Tasks.............................................................................		126
8.1		Permissions....................................................................................................	126
8.1.1		Permission Levels...................................................................................	128
8.1.2		Applying Group Permission to Zones.................................................	128
8.1.3		Using Permissions Viewer....................................................................	130

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8.2	Schedules.......................................................................................................	130
8.2.1	Creating Schedules.................................................................................	131
8.2.2	Setting Threshold Alarm Schedules....................................................	132
8.2.3	Adding User Schedules.........................................................................	133
8.3	Views..............................................................................................................	134
8.3.1	Your Views..............................................................................................	134
8.3.2	Creating Views.......................................................................................	135
8.3.3	Organizing Locations in a View............................................................	135
8.3.4	Sharing Views.........................................................................................	135
8.3.5	Setting Default View.............................................................................	136
8.3.6	Creating Views for Remote Display.....................................................	136
8.4	Signal Towers.................................................................................................	137
8.4.1	Adding Signal Towers............................................................................	137
8.5	viewLinc Access through Remote Display or Mobile Device...................	139
8.5.1	Remote Display Requirements............................................................	140
8.5.2	Setting Up Remote Display..................................................................	140
8.5.3	Using viewLinc Mobile............................................................................	141
8.6	Setting Up Voice or SMS Web Services.......................................................	141
8.7	Vaisala OPC UA Server.................................................................................	143
9.	Daily Tasks.....................................................................................................	145
9.1	Desktop Orientation.....................................................................................	145
9.1.1	Icons........................................................................................................	146
9.1.2	Searching for Zones and Locations.....................................................	147
9.1.3	Working with Columns.........................................................................	148
9.2	Monitoring Conditions..................................................................................	149
9.2.1	Identifying Active Alarms.....................................................................	150
9.2.2	Using Status Tab....................................................................................	150
9.2.3	Triggering Threshold Alarms.................................................................	151
9.2.4	Responding to Alarms............................................................................	151
9.2.5	Viewing Conditions on Dashboards....................................................	152
9.2.6	Viewing Dashboard Location Trends...................................................	153
9.2.7	Finding Linked Dashboard Location...................................................	153
9.2.8	Printing Current Alarm Data.................................................................	153
9.2.9	Exporting Current Alarm Data.............................................................	154
9.3	Receiving Alarm Notifications.....................................................................	154
9.3.1	Acknowledging Alarms.........................................................................	155
9.3.2	Acknowledging Inactive Alarms..........................................................	159
9.3.3	Responding to Audible Alarms...........................................................	160
9.4	Pausing Alarms...............................................................................................	161
9.4.1	Pausing Threshold Alarming.................................................................	161
9.4.2	Pausing Device or Host Alarming........................................................	162
9.4.3	Resuming Threshold, Device or Host Alarming.................................	164

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9.5		Tracking Events.............................................................................................	164
9.5.1		Viewing Events......................................................................................	164
9.5.2		Adding Comments to Events...............................................................	165
9.5.3		Viewing Comments to Events..............................................................	166
9.5.4		Adding Custom Events.........................................................................	166
9.5.5		Printing Event Logs...............................................................................	166
9.5.6		Exporting Event Logs............................................................................	167
9.6		Creating Trends.............................................................................................	168
9.6.1		Building Trends......................................................................................	169
9.6.2		Trend Functions.....................................................................................	170
9.6.3		Trend Navigation.....................................................................................	171
9.6.4		Modifying Trends....................................................................................	172
9.6.5		Saving Trends.........................................................................................	173
9.7		Viewing Quick Trends...................................................................................	174
9.7.1		Viewing Quick Trends in Sites Window...............................................	174
9.7.2		Viewing Quick Trends in Sites Manager Window...............................	175
9.7.3		Viewing Quick Trends in Overview Window.......................................	175
9.8		Reporting.......................................................................................................	175
9.8.1		Types of Reports....................................................................................	175
9.8.2		Generating Reports...............................................................................	176
9.8.3		Sharing Quick Reports..........................................................................	177
9.8.4		Generating Quick Reports....................................................................	177
9.8.5		Viewing Report Downloads..................................................................	178
9.8.6		Deactivating Reports.............................................................................	179
9.8.7		Activating Reports................................................................................	180
9.8.8		Generating Alarm Reports...................................................................	180
9.9		Creating Custom Reports............................................................................	180
9.9.1		Creating Location History Reports.......................................................	181
9.9.2		Creating Alarm Reports........................................................................	187
9.9.3		Creating System Reports......................................................................	190
9.10		Viewing Data with viewLinc Mobile............................................................	192
9.10.1		Opening a Pop-up Trend......................................................................	193
9.10.2		Pausing or Resuming Alarming with viewLinc Mobile......................	194
9.10.3		Acknowledging an Alarm with viewLinc Mobile................................	195
9.10.4		Viewing Data on a Remote Display.....................................................	196
9.10.5		Changing a Display Terminal View......................................................	196
10.	Administrator Tasks....................................................................................		197
10.1		Groups and Users..........................................................................................	197
10.1.1		Editing User or Group Details...............................................................	197
10.1.2		Locking and Unlocking User Accounts...............................................	197
10.1.3		Deactivating Users................................................................................	198
10.1.4		Reactivating Users.................................................................................	198
10.1.5		Deactivating Groups..............................................................................	198
10.1.6		Reactivating Groups..............................................................................	199

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10.2		Zones and Locations....................................................................................	199
10.2.1		Editing Zone Display Properties..........................................................	199
10.2.2		Editing Location Display Properties..................................................	200
10.2.3		Viewing Location Properties..............................................................	200
10.2.4		Renaming Location or Zone.................................................................	201
10.2.5		Unlinking or Relinking Locations and Channels...............................	202
10.2.6		Moving Locations.................................................................................	204
10.3		Removing Zones and Locations.................................................................	205
10.3.1		Deactivating Locations........................................................................	205
10.3.2		Reactivating Locations........................................................................	206
10.3.3		Hiding or Showing Deactivated Locations........................................	206
10.3.4		Deleting Locations...............................................................................	206
10.3.5		Deleting Zones......................................................................................	207
10.4		Enabling or Disabling Alarming.................................................................	207
10.4.1		Enabling or Disabling Threshold Alarm Settings..............................	207
10.4.2		Enabling or Disabling Threshold Alarm Template Levels................	208
10.4.3		Enabling or Disabling a Device Alarm Assigned to a Location.......	208
10.4.4		Enabling or Disabling Multiple Device Alarms..................................	209
10.4.5		Enabling or Disabling Host Alarming.................................................	209
10.5		Device Maintenance.....................................................................................	210
10.6		Device Removal.............................................................................................	210
10.6.1		Deactivating Hosts or Devices.............................................................	210
10.6.2		Reactivating Hosts or Devices...............................................................	211
10.6.3		Hiding or Showing Deactivated Hosts or Devices..............................	211
10.6.4		Releasing RFL Data Loggers.................................................................	211
10.7		Swapping Devices.........................................................................................	212
10.8		Adding Modbus Devices...............................................................................	213
10.8.1		Configure Modbus Device Connections..............................................	215
10.9		Editing Modbus Device Settings.................................................................	217
10.10		Device Calibration.........................................................................................	217
10.10.1		Editing Channel Calibration Properties...............................................	217
10.10.2		Editing Device or Probe Calibration Properties.................................	218
10.10.3		Off-site Calibration................................................................................	219
10.10.4		On-site Calibration.................................................................................	219
10.11		Locking or Unlocking DL Data Loggers.....................................................	219
10.11.1		Locking a DL Data Logger to viewLinc..............................................	220
10.11.2		Unlocking a DL Data Logger from viewLinc.....................................	220
10.12		Clearing Historical Samples in DL Data Loggers.....................................	220
10.13		Clearing Tampered Security Status............................................................	221
10.14		Testing Network Communications.............................................................	222
10.15		Restarting viewLinc Enterprise Server......................................................	222
10.16		Restarting viewLinc Device Host or Access Point....................................	223
11.	Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................		224
11.1		Installation Tips............................................................................................	224
11.2		Security Certificate Management Tips......................................................	224
11.3		Managing Data..............................................................................................	227
11.4		Managing Devices........................................................................................	227

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11.5	Predefined Settings.....................................................................................	229
11.6	Troubleshooting Tips...................................................................................	232
11.6.1	Responding to Alarms.........................................................................	236
Glossary...........................................................................................................		239
Index.................................................................................................................		245
Warranty..........................................................................................................		261
Technical support...........................................................................................		261
Recycling..........................................................................................................		261

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List of tables

Table	1	Server requirements..........................................................................................	12
Table	2	Device Host Server Requirements.................................................................	13
Table	3	Requirements based on system size.............................................................	13
Table	4	Client requirements...........................................................................................	13
Table	5	Network ports.....................................................................................................	14
Table	6	Server Requirements Based on System Size..............................................	14
Table	7	Default Installation Folders.............................................................................	15
Table	8	New viewLinc 5.1 Features...............................................................................	15
Table	9	Key Features of viewLinc.................................................................................	16
Table 10		Enhancements.....................................................................................................	17
Table	11	Important Changes for Upgrade Users from 4.3 or earlier....................	18
Table 12		Document Versions...........................................................................................	27
Table	13	Related Manuals.................................................................................................	27
Table 14		Device Properties - Columns..........................................................................	52
Table	15	Host Properties - Columns.............................................................................	54
Table 16		Rights Definitions..............................................................................................	75
Table	17	Alarm Descriptions...........................................................................................	82
Table	18	Permission Levels............................................................................................	128
Table 19		Connecting to Vaisala OPC UA Server.......................................................	143
Table 20		Home Screen Icons.........................................................................................	146
Table 21		Window Icons...................................................................................................	146
Table 22		Status Tab Columns........................................................................................	150
Table 23		Dashboard Alarm Status................................................................................	152
Table 24		Dashboard Navigation Tools.........................................................................	152
Table 25		Key Elements in a Trend Graph....................................................................	169
Table 26		Location Properties Columns.....................................................................	200
Table 27		Definitions File Fields.....................................................................................	227
Table 28		Notification Macros........................................................................................	230
Table 29		Tips for Managing Alarms............................................................................	234
Table 30		Tips for Responding to Alarms...................................................................	236

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Chapter 1 – Product Overview

1. Product Overview

1.1 Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server

Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server is the software used to support all combinations of the Vaisala viewLinc Monitoring System. It features triple-redundant data retention ensuring that data is immune to power outages, network interruptions, and human error.

Use viewLinc to monitor device readings locally on a PC, across a network using a supported Internet browser, or from mobile devices like the iPhone or Google Android.

Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server software provides continuous monitoring of real-time data, ensures data history is backed-up, recognizes alarm conditions, and can automatically send alarm notifications to individuals or groups wherever your business is located. This flexible and scalable system allows you to set up a server in Paris to monitor a sensor in Berlin, and schedule reports to be sent to your team members in their choice of eight languages.

viewLinc provides you with many configuration options. You can set up the system for users with different levels of responsibility, manage multiple alarm notification methods, display data for a wide range of display formats, and accommodate custom reporting requirements.

1.2 How Does viewLinc Work?

Every Vaisala viewLinc Monitoring System needs one installation of Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server software on a dedicated 24x7 Windowsâ server. Depending on your network requirements and data monitoring needs, you can install viewLinc Device Host software on additional Windows servers.

•viewLinc Enterprise Server: Gathers data from devices, recognizes fluctuating conditions, executes any associated alarm response actions, manages users and groups, and controls both system-wide and user-specific settings.

•viewLinc Device Host: Acts as a data distribution point for devices located in an off-site or remote location, forwarding device data to viewLinc Enterprise Server for processing and storage.

1.2.1 System Components

The Vaisala viewLinc Monitoring System is comprised of both software and hardware components, and can be configured to use one or more optional features:

•Software: viewLinc Enterprise Server (for data monitoring), and device drivers (if required to connect your devices to a network).

•Hardware: Vaisala data loggers, VaiNet access points, HMT140 Wi-Fi data loggers, 300 series transmitters, one or more PCs with a supported Internet browser, and, depending on how you connect the devices to your PC, various cables, Vaisala vNet or Digi network devices.

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1.2.2 Optional Feature Requirements

Depending on the optional features you plan to use with viewLinc, you may need to configure these additional system requirements:

•A dedicated Vaisala OPC UA Server to transfer viewLinc data to OPC UA clients.

•An account with a service provider for web delivery of SMS and/or voice notifications.

•SMS modem for standard SMS notifications

•Vaisala or third-party Modbus-enabled devices.

•Purchase of a trusted security certificate.

1.2.3 Security Requirements

viewLinc ES requires a secure end-to-end HTTPS connection to encrypt and protect data transmitted to logged in users. Certificate and security key files (stored on the Enterprise Server and in some cases on a client PC) are used to make the connection secure. During viewLinc ES installation you can choose to automatically generate a viewLinc-signed certificate or upload existing certificate files (viewLinc-signed or CA-signed/trusted).

Refer to your company's security policy to determine whether you can use generated certificates or require trusted certficates.

For frequently asked questions about security certificates, see Security Certificate Management Tips (page 224).

If you use purchased certificates instead of viewLinc-signed certificates, see the information in Purchased Certificate Requirements (page 11).

	viewLinc-signed Certificates	Trusted Certificates
When to use	For companies with network access	For companies with remote network
	limited to a few PCs.	access needs.
How to install	Automatically created during	Certificate request sent to a certificate
	viewLinc ES installation.	signing authority for paid validation.
Validity	Valid for up to 10 years.	Valid for 2 years.
Cost	Free.	Cost varies/annual renewal fee.
Action required	A network administrator can	Install the trusted certificate on
	automatically distribute the	viewLinc ES.
	certificate to network PCs. The
	certificate must be installed
	individually on non-network PCs.

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		Chapter 1 – Product Overview
	viewLinc-signed Certificates	Trusted Certificates
User experience	Until the certificate is installed on a	When user tries to access viewLinc
	user's PC, a warning message	from a network or remote PC, no
	displays after user enters viewLinc	warning appears.
	address.
	Not secure | https://
	User must acknowledge the warning
	to access viewLinc.

If you require a trusted certificate but do not have one yet, during installation choose to automatically generate certificate files. You can replace the generated files with trusted certificates at a later time.

More information

Security Certificate Management Tips (page 224)

1.2.4 Purchased Certificate Requirements

When installing viewLinc, you can choose to automatically generate a viewLinc-signed certificate, or upload existing certificate files (viewLinc-signed or CA-signed/trusted).

If you use a purchased certificate, the certificate must not have a passphrase. Using a certificate with a passphrase will result in the connection being rejected.

1.2.5 Hardware Requirements

Your Vaisala viewLinc monitoring system requires a minimum of one data logger to monitor data, and can support any combination of the following hardware components (number of data loggers permitted is based on your viewLinc and/or Modbus license key):

•One or more Vaisala DL data loggers, RFL100-series data loggers and VaiNet access points, HMT140-series wireless data loggers, 300-series transmitters, Vaisala or thirdparty Modbus-enabled devices.

•Optional hardware requirements:

•Additional servers to manage devices at multiple locations (running viewLinc Device Host software or OPC UA Server software).

•Remote display terminals to provide monitoring opportunities in areas without PCs.

•Vaisala cables for connecting data loggers and setting up HMT140-series data loggers or 300-series transmitters.

•vNet or multi-port Ethernet interface devices for connecting Vaisala DL data loggers using an Ethernet connection.

•Patlite signal towers to issue visual and/or audible notifications.

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1.2.6 Server Requirements

Table 1 Server requirements

Property	Description/Value
Availability	Dedicated server available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Server management	Connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
	Backup solution with support for open file backup
	Synchronizes time with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server
Operating system	Windows Serverâ 2019
	Windows Serverâ 2019 Datacenter Edition
	Windows Serverâ 2016
	Windows Serverâ 2016 Datacenter Edition
	Windows Serverâ 2012 R2 (64-bit)
	Windowsâ 10 Enterprise (64-bit)
Virtual server support	VMWare
Application disk space	350 MB
Database disk space 1)	200 KB/data point 2)/day
Network traŠc 3)	Approx. 100 KB/minute/device
Web interface protocol 4)	TLS 1.3
Security certificate for web	Authorized TLS certificate and key 5)
interface
Email encoding	RFC 2047
Secure email protocol	TLS 1.3

1)Not applicable to Device Host installation.

2)Data points are device channels monitoring and recording data.

3)Depends on number of devices, system configuration and type of communication devices used.

4)viewLinc 5.1 includes software developed by the OpenSSL Project for use in the OpenSSL Toolkit. http://www.openssl.org/

5)viewLinc-signed certificate and key can be generated during installation.

A supported Internet browser is only required on the viewLinc Enterprise Server computer if you plan to use it to run viewLinc.

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			Chapter 1 – Product Overview
Table 2 Device Host Server Requirements
Property		Description/Value
Availability		24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Operating System		Windows Serverâ 2019
		Windows Serverâ 2016
		Windows Serverâ 2012 R2 (64-bit)
		Windowsâ 10 (64-bit)
Disk space		2 GB
Internet browser		Google Chrome™
		Microsoftâ Edge™
Table 3 Requirements based on system size
System size in data points	1 … 20		21 … 400		400+
Dedicated or shared server	Either		Either		Dedicated
CPU	1.6 GHz dual core		1.6 GHz dual core		3.2 GHz quad core
RAM	8 GB		12 GB		16 GB
Disk space increase/year	1.5 GB/year for		15 GB/year for		75 GB/year for
	20 data points		200 data points		1000 data points
Continuous free disk space for reports	2 GB		4 GB		10 GB
1)

1)1 month duration with 1 minute scan/sample

Table 4 Client requirements

	Property	Description/value
	Internet browser	Google Chrome™
		Microsoftâ Edge™
	Computer clients	Any network computer with a supported Internet browser, a
		minimum 2.4 GHz CPU, and 4 GB of RAM.
	Display and tablet clients	Touchscreen or mouse-operated panel with a supported
		Internet browser. Must be connected to the same network as
		viewLinc Enterprise Server.

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Table 5 Network ports
Default	Type	Used by
80	TCP	Signal towers
443	TCP	viewLinc web interface
502	TCP	Modbus TCP-enabled devices
771	TCP	vNet and multi-port Ethernet devices
950	TCP	Moxa serial-to-Wi-Fi devices
6767	UDP	HMT140
12500	TCP	Twilio web services
12600	TCP/UDP	VaiNet access points, viewLinc Enterprise Server
		connection with vNet or Device Host
55000	TCP	Vaisala OPC UA Server

1.2.7 Installed System Size

Depending on the number of device channels (data points) you plan to activate and monitor, the viewLinc Enterprise Server should also meet the following requirements:

Table 6 Server Requirements Based on System Size

	System Size	viewLinc Enterprise Server Requirements
	Large	A dedicated machine, 3.2 GHz, Quad Core, 16 GB RAM; SuŠcient
	More than 100 devices	HD space to support 200 KB / data point / day. For example, if
		you have 400 linked device channels, you need approximately
	(400+ channels)
		30 GB (400 × 200 × 365) per year.
	Medium	A dedicated or shared machine, 1.6 GHz, Dual Core, 12 GB RAM;
	Up to 20 devices (up to	SuŠcient HD space to support 200 KB / data point / day. For
		example, if you have 40 linked device channels, you need
	400 channels)
		approximately 3 GB (40 × 200 × 365) per year.
	Small	A dedicated or shared machine, 1.6 GHz, Dual Core, 8 GB RAM;
	Less than 5 devices (<20	SuŠcient HD space to support 200 KB / data point / day. For
		example, if you have 4 linked device channels, you need
	channels)
		approximately 300 MB (4 × 200 × 365) per year.

To increase the number of monitored devices on your network, make sure you have a license to support all the devices you need (see Help > About).

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Chapter 1 – Product Overview

1.2.8 End User PC and Remote Display Requirements

Other machines connected to your network which have an Internet browser installed, can be used to monitor devices. The machine must meet these minimum requirements:

•2.4 GHz

•4 GB RAM

•Google Chrome™ or Microsoft Edgeâ

1.2.9 Default Application File Locations

It is recommended that you use the default installation folders for data file storage, as other folders may have unique security restrictions placed on them (restrictions vary between operating systems).

Table 7 Default Installation Folders

	Installed Files	Default Path
	Program files	C:\Program Files\Vaisala\Vaisala viewLinc
	Data files	C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Vaisala\Vaisala
		viewLinc

1.2.10 Web API and REST API Programming Interfaces

The optional Web API license enables the use of an API interface to connect to viewLinc Enterprise Server Software without using the viewLinc ES user interface. The API interface can be accessed by any client application capable of sending and receiving HTTP requests and responses.

The viewLinc Web API license (includes REST API) is provided in a package that includes reference documentation and instructions for both the Web API and REST API interfaces.

1.3 What's New

Vaisala viewLinc 5.1 provides you and your team with new integrated feature functionality to expand your network monitoring and reporting capabilities.

Table 8 New viewLinc 5.1 Features

Feature	Description
Signal tower support	Connect signal towers for wide-area visual and/or audible alarming
	(specific Patlite tower models supported).
Modbus device	Expand your system capability by connecting Modbus-enabled
communication	environmental measurement devices to viewLinc, such as Vaisala or third-
	party devices. Requires Modbus device license to connect non-Vaisala
	Modbus devices.

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Feature	Description
Voice and/or SMS	Set up call tree notifications using a web-enabled voice call messaging
notifications via web	service. Sign up for an account with Twilio to allow this web service
service	provider to manage outgoing voice and/or SMS notifications and
	incoming acknowledgements. Requires Voice and/or SMS web service
	license(s).
Vaisala OPC UA Server	Share viewLinc data with other applications. The Vaisala OPC UA Server is
integration	standalone software installed on a separate server. Requires Vaisala OPC
	UA Server license.
Web API	Use an HTTP application programming interface to initiate requests for
	viewLinc data from third party applications. Requires viewLinc Web API
	license.
REST API update to	REST API functionality added to the Web API license. Available starting
Web API license	from viewLinc 5.1 Service Update 3.
Finnish language	The user interface language can be set to Finnish. The Tours tutorial
support	content is also available in Finnish. Available starting from viewLinc 5.1
	Service Update 4.

To increase the number of monitored devices on your system, an additional viewLinc license may be required. To see the remaining available device room see

Help > About.

Table 9 Key Features of viewLinc

	Feature	Description
	VaiNet support	Supports RFL100 and AP10 devices, using VaiNet wireless
		technology.
	Setup support	Interactive tours help both new and seasoned users.
	User guidance at your	User-focused design ensures more intuitive software interaction.
	fingertips
	Flexible alarm notifications	Send visual, audible, email, SMS or voice alarm notifications when
		conditions you are monitoring are out of compliance or if there is a
		network communication problem.
	Controlled access	Manage access to monitored areas, system configuration or alarm
		acknowledgement functions according to a user's group.
	Multi-level thresholds	Easily enable one or more threshold levels on one template.
	Integrated software	Configure data logger calibration duration and other important
	functionality	device settings in viewLinc, without requiring additional software.
	Multi-language support	Send reports and notifications to your team members around the
		world in one of nine languages (EN, FR, DE, ES, PT, SV, FI, JA, ZH).

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	Chapter 1 – Product Overview
Feature	Description
Wireless device discovery	All new wireless devices connected to your network are automatically
	discovered by viewLinc.
System security	All users who log in to viewLinc require a secure connection. During
	installation you can upload existing security certificate and key files,
	or automatically generate viewLinc-signed certificate and key files.
Audit trail security	Store complete audit trail records for reporting compliance with 21
	CFR Part 11 and other regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Monitoring visibility	Add site maps to the dashboard to easily identify your devices and
	the areas where they operate.
Easy alarm response	Create predefined comments that can be used to provide a quick
	response to alarm notifications.
Data monitoring	View real-time data in a customizable, graphical format.
Global reporting	Generate reports on historical data and alarm reports according to
	user-specified language.
EŠcient data logger	Swap a device for calibration or replacement purposes without
maintenance	breaking the data audit trail.

More information

Adding Modbus Devices (page 213)

Web Service for SMS and Voice Alarm Notifications (page 99)

Vaisala OPC UA Server (page 143)

1.3.1 What's New for Upgrade Users

Here is a review of important enhancements and changes from viewLinc 4.3 and earlier.

Table 10 Enhancements

	Feature	Description
	Reusable notifications	Separate alarm notification templates can be applied to device
		alarm and threshold alarm settings. These templates define the
		type of notification to initiate when an alarm is activated
		(email/SMS/command/voice call), who to notify, and whether to
		delay or repeat notifications.
	Automatic TLS certificate	When you install viewLinc you can automatically generate the
	generation	certificates required to keep your system secure. For more
		information see Security Requirements (page 10).
	Easy access to licensed feature	Access current licensing information, such as the number of
	status	supported devices on your network, in the About window (Help
		> About).

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Feature	Description
Simplified access control	To ensure greater control over user access to different functional
	areas of viewLinc, rights and permissions are now only assigned
	to groups.
Verified site security	All new installations of viewLinc require that you provide a
	security certificate and key file. During viewLinc Enterprise
	Server software installation, you can install existing certificate
	and key files, or automatically generate certificate and key files.
Expanded email support	viewLinc now includes support for both IMAP and POP3 email
	settings.
Improved graphing options	Create data trends with up to 16 Locations and 4 measurement
	types.
Distributed system alarm	Never miss a notification—configure system alarm notifications to
notifications	include distribution to members of the viewLinc Administrators
	group.
User-friendly terminology	Zones and Locations are collectively referred to as Sites; On-
	demand reports are now Quick Reports. To learn about all
	terminology changes, refer to the Glossary.
Table 11 Important Changes for Upgrade Users from 4.3 or earlier
Feature	Description
Overview window, Getting	The Getting Started tab in the Overview window displays links to
Started	online Help in three categories, Set up, Learn, Use.
Devices	When new wireless devices are recognized on your network, you
	are notified on the viewLinc desktop automatically.
	To learn more, see Accepting Wireless Devices (page 48).
Zones and Locations	Management of Zones and Locations is performed in Sites
	Manager. To avoid confusion between device and Location
	descriptions, you can now only use drag and drop functionality to
	link Locations within Zones.
	To learn more, see Create Zones and Locations (page 63).
Access Control	Permissions are only assigned to groups. For users who had
	permissions assigned in an earlier version, those permissions are
	still valid (legacy permissions); however, it is recommended that
	you remove user permissions and add the user to a group with
	the required permission level. Configure Custom Thresholds, is
	now Configure Alarms, and Hide permission is now managed by
	removal of View permission. New permissions are granted at the
	Zone level.
	To learn more, see Applying Group Permission to Zones
	(page 128).

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			Chapter 1 – Product Overview
Feature		Description
Users and Groups	Assign a user-preferred language for receiving alarm
	notifications and reports.
	Rights are now assigned only to groups. For users who had rights
	assigned in an earlier version, those rights are still valid (legacy
	rights); however, it is recommended that you remove user rights
	and add the user to a group with the required rights.
			A group may contain only one user.
	Manage Comments is now included in the Manage System right;
	Manage Threshold Templates is now included in Manage Alarm
	Templates right. Manage Locations is renamed Manage Sites.
	To learn more, see Groups and Users (page 74).
Alarm Templates	Alarm notification details have been removed from threshold and
	device alarm templates, and are stored as independent alarm
	notification templates. Alarm notification templates can be
	added to a Location's device alarm settings, and to a Location's
	assigned threshold alarm settings. In Device and Threshold Alarm
	templates, the alarm color is identified as the alarm priority:
	•		High
	•		Medium
	•		Low
	•		Information
	To learn more, see Alarm Templates (page 81).
	Threshold Alarm Templates:
	•		All threshold alarms support up to 5 thresholds.
	•		All upgraded single-level thresholds can remain single or be set
			up to include additional threshold levels.
	•		All threshold settings are captured in threshold alarm
			templates. If you had created private thresholds for specific
			Locations they are converted to threshold alarm templates on
			upgrade.

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Feature	Description
	Alarm Notification Templates:
	•	Alarm notification templates identify who gets notified in the
		event of an alarm condition, when the notification is sent, and
		how it is delivered (email, SMS, command).
		•	If you had notification settings assigned to specific
			Locations (private settings), notification details are saved as
			alarm notification templates. The new alarm notification
			templates are applied to the original Locations.
		•	If you had notification settings assigned to any alarm or
			threshold templates, they are separated and stored as
			independent alarm notification templates.
			Embedded alarm messages and comments
			are not saved on upgrade. Prior to upgrade,
			save them as predefined comments and
			then apply them to Location threshold
			settings or device alarm settings.
	•	Pop-up alarm notifications are no longer supported.
	•	Email addresses to non-viewLinc users are removed on
		upgrade.
			Create new user profiles in viewLinc to save
			external email recipients.
	Device Alarm Templates are now applied and managed on
	Locations.
	Email and SMS Content:
	If you specify an alarm message or comment for auto-generated
	system alarm notifications or threshold alarm notifications, the
	content is included automatically in the associated default email
	templates and can be included in custom email or SMS templates.
	To learn more, see Notification Content (page 106).
System Preferences	System alarm, email and SMS settings are configured in the
	System Preferences window.
	To learn more, see System Preferences (page 109).
Views	Find all your views in the new Overview window. All users have
	access to and can create their own views in the Views Manager
	window. Manage Views right is required to share a view with
	others. Note that a pinned view is now a default view.
	To learn more, see Your Views (page 134).

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		Chapter 1 – Product Overview
Feature	Description
Reports	To review changes in report output content and format, see
	samples in the Reports window.
	Email addresses to non-viewLinc users are no longer permitted,
	and are removed on upgrade.
	All users can create reports and assign ownership to other users.
	Ownership allows other users to modify or share a report.
	To learn more, see Reporting (page 175).
Trends	Trends can be built in Sites or Views Manager windows.
	Set threshold line color in a threshold alarm template.
	To learn more, see Building Trends (page 169).
Terminology	Terminology changes:
	•	Sites = a collection of Locations and Zones
	• On-demand reports = Quick Reports
	• Deadband = Alarm off margin
	•	Access Control List = Permissions
	•	Permissions Inspector = Permissions Viewer
	To learn about all terminology changes, refer to the Glossary.
More information
What's New (page 15)

1.3.2 Watch a Tour

Learn about key changes with the redesigned viewLinc desktop or discover new viewLinc functionality. There are two types of tours available:

•Orientation Tours: Tour steps describe important functions.

•Task Tours: Tour steps allow you to complete specific viewLinc tasks. Watch for the icon .

Available tours can be found in Help > Tours.

Tours are available based on your assigned access Rights.

1.4 Device Connection Options

Your viewLinc Enterprise Server can support a combination of device connections and setup configurations.

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	VaiNet
	Wireless
	PoE or
VaiNet Wireless RFL100	DC Power
Data Loggers	AP10 Access Point

DL Data Logger connecte d withNetv

DL Data Logger s connected with Multi-port Ethernet Device

Wi-Fi Data Logger	RH 40 %
	T 25 °C
HMT140

Mobile Users

PoE or

DC Power

viewLinc

Ent erpri se Serve

PoE or

DC Power

Firew al

Modbus Devices

Network User

1.4.1 Ways to Connect Hardware

How you connect devices to your network is a very important administrative decision. It is possible to use a mix of the following connection methods depending on your system requirements.

For specific installation and configuration information, see the device user guide.

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Chapter 1 – Product Overview

1.4.2 Using Wireless Devices

VaiNet RFL100 Series

RFL100 series data loggers connnect using Vaisala VaiNet protocol. To use VaiNet data loggers in your network, you require an AP10 access point. Refer to the RFL100 and AP10 device documentation for complete setup and configuration instructions.

VaiNet

Wireless

PoE or

DC Power

VaiNet Data Logger	Access Point	viewLinc
		Enterprise Server

Connected and configured RFL100 devices are automatically recognized by viewLinc.

HMT140 Series

HMT140 series data loggers connect using Wi-Fi protocol. To add HMT140 series data loggers to your network, you will need an HMT140 configuration cable and HMT140 Utility software (shipped with the device). Refer to the HMT140 device documentation for complete setup and configuration instructions.

T 25 °C

RH 40 %

viewLinc Enterprise Server

Wi-Fi Data Logger	Wi-Fi Router
HMT140 Series

Connected and configured HMT140 devices are automatically recognized by viewLinc.

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300 Series Transmitter

300 series transmitters connect using a WLAN or LAN interface. To add HMT300 series data loggers to your network refer to the device documentation for complete installation instructions.

Connected and configured 300-series transmitters are manually added to viewLinc.

More information

Adding Access Point Hosts (page 47)

Accepting Wireless Devices (page 48)

Adding 300 Series Transmitters (page 50)

1.4.3 Using vNet Devices

vNet Power-over-Ethernet devices are 802.3af compliant and work with both end-point and mid-span systems. viewLinc Aware automatically detects and configures DL series data loggers connected with vNet devices (requires vNet device drivers provided with vNet devices). For information about connecting Vaisala data loggers to your network using vNet devices, see the vNet User's Guide.

	Optional
DL Data Logger	PoE or
	DC Power
connected with vNet device

If you are installing vNet devices on the same subnet as viewLinc, device drivers are installed automatically when you enable viewLinc Aware functionality.

More information

Discovering Networked Devices (page 48)

Enabling or Disabling viewLinc Aware (page 115)

1.4.4 Using Single or Multi-Port Ethernet Device Connectors

You can connect Vaisala DL series data loggers and Modbus devices to your viewLinc network using singleor multi-port Ethernet connection devices (such as Digi or Moxa devices).

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Chapter 1 – Product Overview

When you set up viewLinc for the first time, viewLinc automatically detects and configures Ethernet-connected DL data loggers; Modbus devices must be added manually. DL data loggers can also be added with the Discover Devices function, or use the Add New Device procedure. For complete network installation instructions, refer to your Ethernet product documentation

Data loggers connected					Optional
with multiport device					PoE or DC
					power

Obtain a reserved (recommended) or static IP address for your Ethernet device from your IT department, unless your networking policy requires you to reserve IP addresses using DHCP.

More information

Discovering Networked Devices (page 48)

Adding Modbus Devices (page 213)

Adding Devices Manually (page 49)

1.4.5 Using USB Ports

Connect Vaisala DL series data loggers or Modbus RTU devices directly to viewLinc Device Host servers using a Vaisala USB-to-logger cable connected to a USB port.

DL Data Loggers connected with USB or Serial Cables

1. Install USB drivers on each server used to connect devices. 2. Connect the Vaisala device to a Vaisala USB-to-logger cable.

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3.Connect the Vaisala USB-to-logger cable to your viewLinc Device Host (ensure the computer is attached to your network). You only need to install drivers once on each machine to which devices are connected.

Repeat these steps for all devices. USB-connected devices are recognized automatically in viewLinc, or can be discovered manually.

More information

Discovering Networked Devices (page 48)

Adding Devices Manually (page 49)

1.4.6 Using Serial Ports

Connect Vaisala DL series data loggers or Modbus RTU devices directly to viewLinc Device Host servers using a Vaisala serial-to-logger cable connected to a serial COM port.

DL Data Loggers connected with USB or Serial Cables

1. Connect the Vaisala device to a Vaisala serial-to-logger cable.

2.Connect the Vaisala serial-to-logger cable to your viewLinc Device Host server (ensure the computer is attached to your network).

Repeat these steps for all devices. Serial-connected devices are recognized automatically in viewLinc, or can be discovered manually.

More information

Discovering Networked Devices (page 48)

Adding Devices Manually (page 49)

1.5 Version Information

This document provides information for installing, configuring, and operating the Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server software. This document is intended for both viewLinc administrators and users.

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Chapter 1 – Product Overview

•Administrators: Learn how to install and configure viewLinc Enterprise Server software and its associated components, and support users with ongoing system administration tasks.

•Users: Learn how to complete common viewLinc tasks, such as viewing and monitoring device readings across your network.

Table 12 Document Versions

	Document Code	Date	Description
	M212315EN-B	October 2020	This document. REST API and Finnish language support
			added, authentication security and user account control
			enhancements, clarified purchased certificate requirements,
			minor corrections and updates.
	M212315EN-A	October 2019	First version.

1.6 Related Manuals

Table 13 Related Manuals

	Document Code	Name
	M212316EN	Vaisala viewLinc Monitoring System Setup Guide
	B211832EN	Vaisala viewLinc Enterprise Server Software Datasheet
	M211700EN	Vaisala vNet PoE Network Interface User Guide
	M211821EN	Vaisala VaiNet Access Point AP10 Quick Guide
	M211822EN	Vaisala VaiNet Wireless Data Logger RFL100 Quick Guide
	M211860EN	Vaisala VaiNet Access Point AP10 User Guide
	M211861EN	Vaisala VaiNet Wireless Data Logger RFL100 User Guide
	M212325EN	Vaisala OPC UA Server User Guide

1.7 Documentation Conventions

This document uses the following conventions:

•Menu options, items you select, and the names of tabs, windows, and buttons are shown in bold.

•A sequence of menu item selections is indicated by a list separated by an arrow. For example: “In viewLinc, select Help > Tours”

•Keys on the keyboard are shown in CAPS.

•Vaisala data loggers, device hosts and access points are all devices.

The lock icon indicates the rights required to perform a viewLinc task.

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Note highlights important information on using the product.

CAUTION! Caution warns you of a potential hazard. If you do not read and follow instructions carefully at this point, the product could be damaged or important data could be lost.

Tip gives information for using the product more eŠciently.

1.8 Trademarks

Vaisalaâ is a registered trademark of Vaisala Oyj.

Android™ is a trademark of Google LLC.

Appleâ and iPhoneâ are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Chrome™ is a trademark of Google Inc.

Microsoftâ, Windowsâ, Excelâ, and Edgeâ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other product or company names that may be mentioned in this publication are trade names, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1.9 Training

For new users of viewLinc, or those who might need to refresh their knowledge, Vaisala provides both remote or onsite training, and access to a series of eLearning videos you can view at your convenience.

For customers with active support plans, see www.vaisala.com/viewLinc-eLearning.

To learn more about Vaisala Services, contact Vaisala Technical Support at [e-mail].

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