The hard key is a Sentinel SuperPro manufactured by Rainbow Technologies. The hard keys connect to the SCADA Node computer’s parallel or USB port.
The Hardkey serial number must match the serial number in the software license control file. The software license control file describes how many tags are in the license. You will need the Software License Control file during Installation of the SCADA node. The 'Control File" is usually distributed on a Floppy Diskette with your package. The "Control File" must match your Hardkey.
If you have multiple SCADA nodes, you have to install a different 'Control File" on each SCADA node and the "Control File" serial number must match your Hardkey's serial number.
If you do not have a Software License Control File, the "Demo License" will be installed. The Demo License is limited to 150 tags in Simulation Mode only
If a user buys the 64-tag version, he or she would have both a Hardkey and a matching license file that says 64 tags. Moreover, they can build and use 64 tags.
If user moves his Hardkey to another computer and does not move his license file, then the new computer will be forced into simulation.
If the user wants to upgrade his WebAccess to 20,000 tags, he would purchase a new license file that he could copy to his computer, that matches his hardware key and he could then use 20,000 tags. Upgrades in Tag count can be accomplished via email by updating only the License Control File. The serial number of Hardkey and the license file must match.