u/No-Perspective3501

Hi everyone,

I recently upgraded to a 4K monitor (3840×2160), but I frequently need to test industrial HMI/SCADA applications designed for lower resolutions, typically 1920×1080.

The problem is that these applications launch in fullscreen mode, and their graphical interfaces don't always scale properly on a 4K display.

What I'm looking for is a way to run such an application in a fixed 1920×1080 area of my 4K screen, while keeping the rest of my desktop at its native resolution and fully usable.

Ideally:

- The application would behave as if it were running fullscreen on a 1920×1080 monitor.

- It would occupy only a predefined area of my 4K display.

- The remaining screen space would still be available for other applications.

- I wouldn't need to change the Windows display resolution every time.

I've looked into Microsoft PowerToys FancyZones, but as far as I understand, it only manages window placement and sizing rather than creating a virtual display with a specific resolution.

Is there a tool or workaround that can achieve this?

I'm open to solutions involving PowerToys, AutoHotkey, virtual displays, window wrappers, or other utilities.

I'm using Windows 11, and the applications run locally.

Any suggestions or experience with a similar setup would be appreciated!

Hi,

I recently bought an Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890DWF and I’m trying to access the printer configuration through the web interface / Web Config.

When I open the printer’s IP address in a browser, it asks me for a username and password.

The problem is that I can’t find any login credentials on the printer. There is only a sticker with the serial number, but no username or administrator password.

I already tried using the serial number as the password, but it doesn’t work.

Has anyone had the same issue with this model or a similar Epson WorkForce Pro printer?

What exactly should I enter as:

- Username / Login

- Password

And if the default administrator password has somehow been changed, is there a way to reset it?

Thanks!

Hi,

In Microsoft Teams, I see two entries for the same work account/company in the account list.

They appear to be the same organization/account, but:

• the first one works normally and I can sign in,
• the second one always gives me an error when I try to sign in.

I don't need the second entry and would like to remove it completely from the Teams account list.

Does anyone know where Teams gets this account entry from and how I can permanently remove it?

I'm using Microsoft Teams on Windows 11.

https://preview.redd.it/6bk2bwygy2rh1.png?width=340&format=png&auto=webp&s=1218872edffae74383001248be8a1e4756e12fd3

Thanks!

I’m using Jabra Evolve headphones on Windows 11 and currently use SoundSwitch to quickly switch between different audio devices.

For example, I switch between:

- my Jabra headset over Bluetooth,

- the laptop speakers,

- and the headset connected by cable/USB.

SoundSwitch works pretty well for the Windows default audio device, but the problem is that not every application follows the change.

Microsoft Teams is a good example. Teams often has its audio input/output device set explicitly, so when I switch the Windows audio device with SoundSwitch, Teams keeps using the previously selected device.

Is there any good alternative to SoundSwitch that can also handle applications like Teams and automatically switch their audio input/output devices?

Ideally, I’m looking for something that:

- can switch both microphone and speakers,

- works with applications that have their own audio device settings,

- can be controlled with a hotkey,

- and possibly supports rules/profiles depending on whether the Jabra is connected via Bluetooth, USB/cable, etc.

Has anyone found a reliable solution for this on Windows 11?

Hi everyone,

I’m upgrading my workstation mainly for SCADA/HMI engineering and would like to hear what setups other controls/SCADA engineers actually prefer.

My typical work includes:

SCADA engineering in zenon, atvise, WinCC, etc.

PLC/TIA Portal work

VMware / virtual machines

RDP sessions

documentation, PDFs and Excel

browser, Teams and Outlook alongside the engineering software

I currently have one iiyama ProLite XUB2792QSN, 27", 2560×1440, connected through an HP Thunderbolt 4 Ultra 280W G6 Dock.

I want to add two more 27" monitors and I’m currently considering:

Dell U2724D — 27", 2560×1440, 120 Hz, IPS Black

Dell S2725QC — 27", 3840×2160, 120 Hz, IPS

Dell U2725QE — 27", 3840×2160, 120 Hz, Enhanced IPS Black

The U2724D would give me a clean 3× QHD setup with the same ~109 PPI and probably 100% Windows scaling on all monitors.

The S2725QC is similarly priced but gives me 4K / ~163 PPI, which should be much better for text, code and documentation. My short-term concern is mixed DPI/scaling because I would probably use the two 4K displays at around 150% while keeping the existing QHD iiyama at 100%.

However, I’m also considering replacing the iiyama in the future with a third monitor matching the two I buy now. So if I choose 4K now, the long-term setup could eventually become 3×27" 4K monitors with the same scaling and resolution across all three displays.

Because of that, I’m also trying to decide whether it makes more sense to optimize for compatibility with my current setup or choose something more future-proof now.

The U2725QE looks technically excellent, but it costs roughly twice as much as the S2725QC, and I already have a good Thunderbolt dock, so I probably wouldn't benefit much from its docking/hub features.

My main questions for SCADA/controls engineers:

Do you prefer QHD or 4K on a 27" monitor for engineering work?

Have you experienced problems with 150% Windows scaling or mixed-DPI multi-monitor setups in SCADA/PLC software?

Any issues with older engineering tools, pop-ups, Runtime/Editor windows, VMware or RDP when moving applications between QHD and 4K monitors?

If the final long-term setup could eventually consist of three identical monitors, would you choose:

3×27" QHD,

3×27" 4K,

initially 2×27" 4K + existing QHD and replace the QHD later,

or something completely different, such as a 40"/49" ultrawide?

Does anyone here use the Dell U2724D, S2725QC or U2725QE specifically for automation/SCADA work?

Is the jump from QHD to 4K at 27" worth it for long SCADA/PLC engineering sessions?

Are there other 27" monitors you would recommend instead?

My priority is not gaming or HDR. It is primarily 8–10 hours/day of engineering work, sharp text, usable workspace, ergonomics, compatibility with industrial software and a setup that will still make sense several years from now.

I’d especially appreciate feedback from people working with older/legacy industrial software as well as modern SCADA platforms.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a good-quality laptop backpack mainly for work, commuting, customer visits, and occasional business travel.

I’d like something practical and durable, but still professional-looking rather than a hiking or tactical backpack.

My main priorities are:

- good protection for the laptop, preferably a separate padded laptop compartment

- comfortable shoulder straps and back panel

- good internal organization for charger, cables, mouse, headphones, documents, etc.

- quick-access pocket for keys / phone / wallet

- space for a water bottle

- durable materials and good-quality zippers

- some water resistance would be a plus

- preferably a luggage pass-through for attaching it to a suitcase

- professional / minimalist design

- preferably something that will last for many years

It will mainly be used for everyday work, but occasionally I’d also like to use it for 1–2 day business trips.

I’m based in Europe, so I’m mainly interested in brands/models that are easily available in the EU without expensive international shipping, customs, or import fees.

I’m not necessarily looking for the cheapest option — I’d rather pay more for something comfortable, well designed, and durable.

What backpacks are you actually using and would recommend?

I’m especially interested in long-term experience: how long have you owned it, what do you like about it, and what annoys you?

Thanks!

Looking for a reliable color MFP for a small office in Europe / EU.

Currently considering the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890DWF.

Requirements:

automatic duplex printing

automatic duplex scanning

reliable ADF

Ethernet + Wi-Fi

local network printing/scanning

preferably scan-to-SMB / network folder support

250+ sheet paper tray

good Windows drivers

no mandatory cloud dependency

no mandatory ink/toner subscription

reasonable consumable costs

preferably decent third-party consumables available in Europe

Main use: invoices, contracts, quotations, general office documents and scanning.

A4 only. Photo quality is irrelevant.

I'm more interested in reliability, driver/firmware quality and long-term TCO than the lowest purchase price.

Would you deploy the WF-C5890DWF in a small business today?

Any known issues with the ADF, duplex scanning, printhead, firmware, network scanning or Windows drivers?

Also considering Brother, Canon, Kyocera and Xerox.

What would you buy in Europe, and which current models or brands would you avoid?

Hi,

I'm looking for a reliable multifunction printer for a small business in Europe / EU, and I'm currently considering the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890DWF.

My main priorities are reliability, good network functionality, automatic duplex scanning/printing, and reasonable long-term running costs.

Requirements:

automatic duplex printing

automatic duplex scanning

ADF / automatic document feeder

flatbed scanner

Ethernet / LAN

Wi-Fi

network printing and scanning

proper paper tray

good Windows support

reasonably fast document printing and scanning

color printing

affordable consumables

preferably good and inexpensive third-party compatible ink/toner

no mandatory ink/toner subscription

no requirement to use cloud services for basic local printing/scanning

reliable operation and low maintenance

The printer will mainly be used for office documents such as invoices, contracts, quotations, correspondence and general document scanning.

A4 is enough. Photo quality is not important.

I'm particularly interested in the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5890DWF.

Does anyone here use this model in a small office or business environment?

How reliable has it been over time?

Are there any common problems with the printhead, ADF, duplex scanner, drivers, firmware or network features?

How expensive is it to run in Europe, and are reliable compatible cartridges / ink packs available?

I'm also open to alternatives from Brother, Canon, Kyocera, Xerox or other brands.

My priorities are:

reliability

automatic duplex printing and scanning

a good ADF

Ethernet and Wi-Fi

reliable local network printing/scanning

low long-term running costs

affordable original consumables or good third-party alternatives

What would you buy today for a small business in Europe?

I'd especially appreciate feedback from people who have actually used these machines in an office, rather than just comparing specifications.

I run a small industrial automation and SCADA integration company. I expect several new projects in the near future and I am considering hiring approximately two engineers to support me, with most of the engineering work being performed remotely.

Before hiring anyone, I would like to build a practical and secure working environment. I am particularly interested in the experience of small system integrators and automation companies rather than large corporate IT departments.

The work may involve PLC and SCADA projects, source code, JavaScript or Python scripts, customer documentation, engineering software, simulations and potentially remote access to customer systems.

Some of the questions I am currently considering are:

- Should engineers receive only company-owned and centrally managed laptops?

- Should they work without local administrator rights?

- How do you prevent unapproved software, malware and the use of private USB drives?

- Do you install engineering software directly on the laptop or use virtual machines?

- Do you separate VMs by vendor, software version, customer or project?

- How do you manage legacy engineering software that may require administrator access, unusual network adapters or USB passthrough?

- How do you store and version PLC/SCADA projects that are not well suited to Git?

- How do you manage source code, project archives, changelogs and code reviews?

- How do you back up engineering projects and verify that the backups can actually be restored?

- How do you organize onboarding, training and technical support for junior or new engineers?

- How do you monitor progress without turning the process into micromanagement?

Another important issue is licensing.

Some of my engineering software uses physical USB license dongles. I may have two or three licenses that would be shared between engineers depending on the current workload.

I would prefer to keep the physical dongles in the office rather than sending them to employees. I am considering several approaches:

- an official network license server;

- a dedicated office workstation or VM accessed through VPN and Remote Desktop;

- a USB-over-IP device;

- USB forwarding through a remote desktop solution;

- keeping the software and the license on a central engineering server.

Has anyone implemented a reliable solution like this? How well does it work with latency, VPN interruptions, virtual machines and vendor licensing terms?

I am also preparing the organizational and legal side:

- NDA and intellectual property assignment;

- access granted only to the projects required for a particular employee;

- separation of customer data and environments;

- rules against copying projects to private computers, storage devices or cloud accounts;

- equipment handover and return procedures;

- immediate account and VPN revocation during offboarding;

- incident procedures for malware, a stolen laptop or suspected data leakage;

- rules for using AI tools with customer code and documentation;

- daily or weekly progress reporting;

- peer review or approval before releasing changes.

I do not want to build an expensive enterprise environment for a two-person team. I am looking for a reasonably priced setup that is secure, manageable by a small company and does not make normal PLC/SCADA engineering unnecessarily difficult.

My current rough idea is:

1. Company-owned Windows laptops with encryption, endpoint protection and central management.

2. Standard user accounts, with administrative access controlled separately.

3. MFA for email, VPN, repositories and remote access.

4. Engineering software separated into vendor-specific or customer-specific VMs.

5. Central Git repositories for source code and controlled project archives for binary PLC/SCADA files.

6. Automated local and off-site backups.

7. Physical license dongles kept at the office and accessed only through an approved central solution.

8. VPN access through a jump host rather than direct access to every internal system.

9. A documented onboarding, project handover and offboarding checklist.

For those who already manage remote controls engineers:

- What does your actual architecture look like?

- Which tools do you use for device management, VPN, remote access, VMs and repositories?

- How do you handle engineering software that requires local admin rights?

- How do you manage USB license dongles?

- How do you track engineering progress and review work?

- What mistakes should a small integrator avoid?

- What would you implement differently if you were building the environment again today?

Any real-world examples, diagrams, checklists or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I recently bought an HP Thunderbolt Dock AW5M5UT#ABB for my HP ZBook Fury G9. Overall everything works, but I've noticed two issues and I'm wondering whether they're normal or if there's something I can configure.

1. All monitors reinitialize after unlocking Windows

Every time I unlock Windows, all connected monitors seem to reinitialize. The screens briefly go black, windows resize and move around, and applications need a few seconds before everything is back to normal.

Is this expected behavior with this docking station or Thunderbolt docks in general?

Is there any way to prevent this from happening or make the transition seamless?

2. Laptop feels noticeably slower

Since I started using the dock, the laptop seems less responsive. Even when CPU usage is only around 10%, some operations take significantly longer than before.

Has anyone experienced a performance drop when using this dock?

Could this be related to:

Thunderbolt settings?

BIOS or firmware?

HP drivers?

Windows power management?

Something else?

I'd appreciate any suggestions or troubleshooting ideas.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I recently bought an HP Thunderbolt Dock AW5M5UT#ABB for my HP ZBook Fury G9. Overall everything works, but I've noticed two issues and I'm wondering whether they're normal or if there's something I can configure.

1. All monitors reinitialize after unlocking Windows

Every time I unlock Windows, all connected monitors seem to reinitialize. The screens briefly go black, windows resize and move around, and applications need a few seconds before everything is back to normal.

Is this expected behavior with this docking station or Thunderbolt docks in general?

Is there any way to prevent this from happening or make the transition seamless?

2. Laptop feels noticeably slower

Since I started using the dock, the laptop seems less responsive. Even when CPU usage is only around 10%, some operations take significantly longer than before.

Has anyone experienced a performance drop when using this dock?

Could this be related to:

Thunderbolt settings?

BIOS or firmware?

HP drivers?

Windows power management?

Something else?

I'd appreciate any suggestions or troubleshooting ideas.

Thanks!

Hi,

I'm trying to implement an animation in zenon (version 15) where an object moves along a 90° arc, controlled by a single counter variable.

Has anyone implemented a similar animation (movement along an arc/circle) in zenon and could confirm the correct approach, or suggest whether there is a ready-made mechanism for this type of movement?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hi,

I'm trying to implement an animation in zenon (version 15) where an object moves along a 90° arc, controlled by a single counter variable.

Has anyone implemented a similar animation (movement along an arc/circle) in zenon and could confirm the correct approach, or suggest whether there is a ready-made mechanism for this type of movement?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello. I have Windows 11 installed on a virtual machine, and I have TIA Portal 20 in it. The problem from the very beginning was that TIA Admin was not working, meaning updates could not be performed. From what I read, it was missing WMIC, which were not installed by default in Windows. After installing this add-on, I noticed that the TIA Admin service was turned off. I turned on TIA Admin Service in Windows, it started up, and began updating to a newer version, from V3.0 to V3.2, if I remember correctly.

Then, after a while, an error popped up saying it could no longer download, there was no access, and TIA Admin stopped working altogether. To my surprise, I checked, and the TIA Admin V3.0 service is no longer there.

My question is, what is going on here? What is happening with this? Has anyone had a similar problem and knows how to deal with it?

Hello,

I am currently testing the Sound Switch software on Windows 11. Since I am using the Jabra Evolve 3 85 headphones, I often need to switch. If the headphones are turned off, I have to switch between the built-in laptop speakers and those. Today, to my surprise, I found that I cannot switch the audio source and microphone in Microsoft Teams using this software.

My question is whether this can be done, and if so, what is the best way to do it?

In Microsoft Teams, I have set the Jabra as the default microphone and audio source through the USB dongle, which is presumably called Jabra Link. Therefore, even after turning off the microphone, Windows still recognizes this source as continuously active.

The second problem that has occurred—this has happened to me for the second time—is that someone called me on Microsoft Teams, and the audio source and microphone source switched between the built-in laptop options and the Jabra, making it impossible to have a conversation.

This is a very uncomfortable situation, and I would like to have some control over it. Hence, my question is for advice on how to manage this.

Hello. I have Windows 11 installed on a virtual machine, and I have TIA Portal 20 in it. The problem from the very beginning was that TIA Admin was not working, meaning updates could not be performed. From what I read, it was missing WMIC, which were not installed by default in Windows. After installing this add-on, I noticed that the TIA Admin service was turned off. I turned on TIA Admin Service in Windows, it started up, and began updating to a newer version, from V3.0 to V3.2, if I remember correctly.

Then, after a while, an error popped up saying it could no longer download, there was no access, and TIA Admin stopped working altogether. To my surprise, I checked, and the TIA Admin V3.0 service is no longer there.

My question is, what is going on here? What is happening with this? Has anyone had a similar problem and knows how to deal with it?

Hello. I have Windows 11 installed on a virtual machine, and I have TIA Portal 20 in it. The problem from the very beginning was that TIA Admin was not working, meaning updates could not be performed. From what I read, it was missing WMIC, which were not installed by default in Windows. After installing this add-on, I noticed that the TIA Admin service was turned off. I turned on TIA Admin Service in Windows, it started up, and began updating to a newer version, from V3.0 to V3.2, if I remember correctly.

Then, after a while, an error popped up saying it could no longer download, there was no access, and TIA Admin stopped working altogether. To my surprise, I checked, and the TIA Admin V3.0 service is no longer there.

My question is, what is going on here? What is happening with this? Has anyone had a similar problem and knows how to deal with it?

Hello,

I am currently testing the Sound Switch software on Windows 11. Since I am using the Jabra Evolve 3 85 headphones, I often need to switch. If the headphones are turned off, I have to switch between the built-in laptop speakers and those. Today, to my surprise, I found that I cannot switch the audio source and microphone in Microsoft Teams using this software.

My question is whether this can be done, and if so, what is the best way to do it?

In Microsoft Teams, I have set the Jabra as the default microphone and audio source through the USB dongle, which is presumably called Jabra Link. Therefore, even after turning off the microphone, Windows still recognizes this source as continuously active.

The second problem that has occurred—this has happened to me for the second time—is that someone called me on Microsoft Teams, and the audio source and microphone source switched between the built-in laptop options and the Jabra, making it impossible to have a conversation.

This is a very uncomfortable situation, and I would like to have some control over it. Hence, my question is for advice on how to manage this.

Hello, I often have this problem when trying to check or update drivers; I receive this message, even though there were no updates during the previous restart. What is this caused by? How can I deal with it?

https://preview.redd.it/qrqwlb2lv5ah1.png?width=784&format=png&auto=webp&s=e7455109b3cb973353627b61e9f5287db9a8cc53