HOWTO: OpenLNS Object Browser QuickStart (KB1333)

The LNS Object Browser application offers point-and-click access to almost every object, method, and property in the LNS Network Operating System.  This makes the Object Browser the ideal tool to investigate an existing LNS-based environment during LNS application development, or to explore LNS for training purposes.  It can also be used to manipulate an LNS-based system by modifying properties and invoking methods.

You must, however, use this tool with extreme caution, and must be familiar with the use of the LNS objects, their properties, and methods.  The LNS Object Browser includes minimal safety code and only requires user confirmation in the most severe cases.  Most operations can be performed without additional confirmation, potentially causing severe malfunction on the network or corrupting the LNS network database.  Always back up the LNS network database before using the LNS Object Browser with anything other than a small development, demonstration, or test network.  Do not attempt to modify an operation network database if you are not an experienced LNS developer.

The OpenLNS Object Browser can be found in the LonWorks\bin folder (lnsobjectbrowser.exe) or from the Start Menu-Echelon IzoT Network Services Utilities-OpenLNS Object Browser.

The main windows consists of a menu bar and toolbar across the top, a folder pane on the left, a details pane on the right, and a log pane and status bar across the bottom.  The folder pane allows you to explore the objects in an LNS database.  The details pane displays the properties for an object selected in the folder pane.  The log pane displays a subset of the detailed trace log window.

By default, the LNS Object Browser browses the Object Server in read-only mode, not allowing modifications to the network and network database.  To enable modifications to the LNS network and database, open the Options menu and click Allow Modifications, or press F8.

  1. Start the LNS Object Browser
  2. Select "Local" with a network interface or "Engineered mode". Click OK. 
  3. Press F8 to allow modifications
  4. Double-Click ObjectServer then Networks
  5. Double-click the network name
  6. Double-click Systems and then again the network name

At this point, the network is fully opened and the hierarchy can be browsed for devices, connections, network variables, device templates, etc.
lnsObjectBrowserImage.jpg

Devices can be accessed by browsing the Subsystems.AppDevices collection. All of the devices are also listed in the ALL subsystem but this is a read-only collection.
Properties for the selected object are listed in the Details pane. See HOWTO: Change an LNS Property (KB1335) to change property values.
Methods are available by right-clicking the object in the tree pane. See HOWTO: Invoke an LNS Method (KB1334) to invoke a method.


To display the help for a specific object, select it and press F1. This will open the LNS Application Developer’s kit help.