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How to Connect to an OPC UA URL in UA Expert

How To


Summary

UA Expert lets you connect to an OPC UA server, browse tags, and monitor live data values. You simply add the server endpoint, connect, and add variables to the Data Monitor to see real‑time updates and data quality.

Objective

To guide the user on how to connect to an OPC UA server using UA Expert and verify live data values by browsing nodes and monitoring variables.

Environment

  • Tool: UAExpert (Unified Automation)
  • Protocol: OPC UA
  • Requirements:
  • OPC UA server endpoint (e.g., opc.tcp://<IP>:<Port>)
  • Network access to the server
  • Certificate trust (if security is enabled)

Steps

Step 1: Launch UA Expert

Open UA Expert → workspace loads with Project Tree, Attributes panel, and Data Monitor.

Step 2: Add Server Endpoint

  1. Go to Server → Add…
  2. Select Custom Discovery → Add Endpoint
  3. Enter server URL (example: opc.tcp://192.168.1.10:4840)

Step 3: Select Security Mode

Choose the matching endpoint security setting (None, Sign, or Sign & Encrypt).

Step 4: Connect to the Server

Click Connect and wait for address space to load.

Step 5: Browse Address Space

Expand:

  • Servers → Your Server → Objects
    Then navigate to folders to locate required tags/variables.

Step 6: View Data

Click a variable(Drag and Drop to Data access view panel on the right side) → value appears in the Attributes panel, → See real-time value, timestamp, and quality.

 

Additional Information

Supported Protocol

  • UA Expert supports only OPC UA communication.
  • It does not support OPC DA unless a DA → UA wrapper is used.

Common Connection Issues

  • Certificate not trusted:
    Go to Settings → Certificates and trust both client and server certificates.
  • Endpoint unreachable:
    Check IP, port, firewall, and network routing.
  • Security mismatch:
    Ensure the server’s security mode matches the one selected in UA Expert.

Recommended Settings

  • For testing: Security None / Anonymous (if server allows)
  • For production: Use Sign or Sign & Encrypt with trusted certificates

Data Quality Indicators

  • Good → Communication normal
  • Bad / Uncertain → Server not updating or tag invalid
  • Timestamp changes → Data refreshing
  • No timestamp changes → Static value or communication issue

Useful Features in UA Expert

  • Filter & Search for tags inside Address Space
  • Subscription properties to adjust sampling intervals
  • Export monitored data for analysis
  • Diagnostics window for troubleshooting server responses

When to Use UA Expert

  • To verify OPC UA connectivity
  • To test new OPC UA server deployments
  • To validate tag mapping and live values
  • To troubleshoot data update issues
  • To confirm certificate trust and security configuration

Document Location

Worldwide

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Product Synonym

Maximo Renewables; IBM Maximo;

Document Information

Modified date:
03 March 2026

UID

ibm17262005

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