VNC service, and how to set it up

When your PLC, HMI, or other hardware runs a VNC server, you can access it without requiring a VPN connection. With your Lenze account you can quickly access the VNC server on any mobile and desktop device with an internet connection. The next steps show you how to set up a VNC service.

Go to [Devices] in the main menu, select the concerning device, open its [Services] tab, and press the [Add service] button .

Enter a name and IP address for the PLC, HMI, or other hardware, and press [Next].

Select your service type: [VNC server].

Name the service. The port number is pre-filled, based on the default port for VNC traffic (5900), but can be changed if necessary. Enter a password if one is set at the VNC server.

Read-only mode

You can disable all inputs in the VNC service by pressing [Show more] and setting it to read-only mode.

Please use the appropriate settings to ensure your VNC service functions properly.

Appropriate settings

* Using Lenze hardware? Press [Show more] and set the encoding to Hextile.
* Using B&R hardware? Press [Show more] and set the color depth to what is set on your B&R device (default is 8-bit).
* Using VIPA hardware? Press [Show more] and set the color depth to either 8 or 32-bit.
* Using Siemens hardware? Open the WinCC settings on the HMI and go to the [Server] tab. Uncheck “Encrypt communication” and set a password.
* Running a VNC server on a computer? Make sure that your VNC server is set to accept unencrypted connections.

Press [Add].

Temporary disconnect

After this next step, the config push, the device will temporarily disconnect to reconfigure its settings and will automatically reconnect. This may take a minute.

Finally, press [Push changes] in the config tab to complete the setup.

You can use your newly added VNC service once the device is back online.

Open its [Info] tab and press the VNC service name you entered to open the VNC service.

All set up

Now you’re all set up to easily access your PLC’s/HMI’s screen via VNC.