Use Existing OPC

Off page connectors can connect two segments, branches or lines that are located on different drawings/pages. Because of that it might not be possible to copy the whole structure in one go.

If we consider the simple case, when it is possible to select connected items, the database structure and connections will be identical (see images below):

Two segments in one branch selected on drawing

Database structure and drawing layout after copy-paste items from the previous image

However, in most cases it is not possible to copy both OPCI and OPCO at the same time, since they usually are on different pages or diagrams. When copying and pasting OPC’s individually, a new branch will be created for the first OPC, and the system may ask about existing lines for the second OPC. See image below.

Database structure and drawing layout when copying items in two steps

The connection will be established only when the database contains items with the same name and type that were connected to copied OPC (only base type match is required). Moreover, the existing item has to have OPCREF free and branches (pasted and existing) has to have proper ends free (HREF/TREF unset, depends on OPC type).

Note:
This option will work properly only when OPC names are set correctly. Naming behavior described below.

Note:
This functionality will be mostly useful when data copied between two different databases. In case if copy and paste in the same MDB then system will not connect offline instruments because existing item will be already connected (unless user disconnected it before paste).