TOP Server - Installing new driver on currently Licensed System

I have a licensed version of TOP Server on my computer with the AB Suite. I want to learn about the Modbus Ethernet suite for our next project. How do I get a demo version of this loaded? Can this be loaded along side of the current? Do I need to uninstall the current one and install the demo?

This FAQ describes the steps to add a new TOP Server driver for trial or licensed mode, to an existing system.

Step 1: Determine what version of TOP Server you are running.

This can be found in the Configuration user interface by clicking Help ⇒ Support Information. 

Please note the behavior of the unlicensed driver though, based on the version of TOP Server you are running as described in this FAQ.

We highly recommend that you always be on the latest version of TOP Server. If you are on an active support & maintenance agreement you can download the latest version.  If you are not on an active support agreement and wish to upgrade, learn more about the benefits of V6 and request a quote here. 

Step 2: Determine if you have the additional driver installed already or not.

Open the configuration interface and click on Help ⇒ Support Information ⇒ Versions button.  This will show the list of installed drivers and plug-in's. 

The process is the same if you need to install a new driver and license it.

Step 3:

If the driver you want to try is installed already:

All you need to do is configure a new channel and pick the driver you want to add.

• With Version 6.x (11/2016 forward), you can trial new drivers and only the driver(s) that you do not have licenses for will go into demo mode.
• With Version 5.x (Pre-11/2016), the entire server will go into 2 hour demo mode if you connect a client to the Channel for a driver that is not licensed. After 2 hours, the server will stop collecting data on all drivers, licensed and unlicensed.
  • If you do not connect any clients to that channel, the product can look over the configuration without causing it to go into demo mode. 
  • To get out of demo mode you will want to delete the channel with the unlicensed driver and restart the server runtime.

If you don't have the driver you wish to try installed

• Go to add/remove programs in Windows and choose to change/remove the TOP Server.
• When the Install window opens you choose to Modify.
• Then you will have the ability to select what drivers you want to install.
• Add the drivers you want to try
• With V5, you will need to restart the server runtime first, with V6 you should not have to restart the server runtime.
• Then configure a new channel to using the drivers you wish to try.

In both cases for your already licensed drivers:

• You will not lose your license
• However, if you are running V5, be aware of the behavior that will occur after 2 hours that will affect the operation of your system