New Station Wizard

This tool uses templates to define the starting contents of a new station. It can be selected from the main Menu by selecting Tools > New Station.

The wizard provides default station templates for creating a new controller (JACE) station or a new Supervisor station for either Linux or Windows operating systems. Additionally, the list of templates shown in the wizard window automatically includes any user-defined station templates that are available. The wizard configures the new station with services and components as determined by the selected template.

By design, the different default station templates (with the exception of names and the ports configured for Linux) create identical stations. However, the configuration of these templates may vary in future Niagara distributions and it is possible for other parties to create and distribute different station templates.
Note: In Niagara Workbench , the station templates in the New Station Wizard are updated so that the default Mobile Web Profile configuration of the users and user prototypes is the HTML5HxProfile. If you would like to change the Default Mobile Profile for when new users are created, go to the UserService Default Protoype > User Prototypes properties and set the Mobile Web Profile Type to the HTML5HxProfile.
Figure 1. New Station Wizard


You must enter a Station Name. You can also choose whether this is a remote controller station or a Supervisor station. Click Next to proceed. Next you should enter an Admin Password. You can also change the Fox Port and HTTP Port. Press Finish to proceed. You are then presented a view of your newly created station at local:|file:!stations/stationname/config.bog|bog:|slot:/.

Note: When creating a new station, if you enter a station name identical to that of an existing station, the wizard alerts you that the station exists and prompts whether or not you wish to delete the existing station. This allows you to change the new station name if you wish, or confirm that you intend to delete the existing station.
Station Admin Password Configuration: The wizard also performs entry validation on the password fields in the second dialog, alerting you to errors. By default, the system requires a strong password. To comply, values entered in the Admin Password and Admin Password Confirm fields must be identical and meet the following password criteria:

  • at least 10 characters

  • at least 1 digit

  • at least 1 lowercase character

  • at least 1 uppercase character

Station Encryption Options (as of Niagara 4.15): You have the option of encrypting passwords in the BOG file on station creation. Even if you do not select this option, passwords will still be encrypted the first time the station runs. If installing and running the station immediately, this step may not be necessary. If the station will be stored for later use, it is recommended to encrypt the station. You can use the system passphrase to encrypt it, or a custom passphrase that you choose.

  • System passphrase: Provides a more seamless experience. If the station will only be shared using the station copier, you should use the system passphrase.

  • Custom passphrase: You are required to enter the custom passphrase when copying it using the station copier. If you intend to share your station with other parties, it is strongly recommended to use a custom passphrase.



  • To leave passwords unencrypted, leave Encrypt passwords in station in user home checkbox (default setting) deselected.

  • To encrypt passphrases, select the Encrypt passphrases in station in user home checkbox. These passwords may be encrypted using the system passphrase, or a custom passphrase.

    1. To use the system passphrase, select the Use the system passphrase radio button. There is no need to enter a passphrase.
    2. To use a custom passphrase, select the Use a custom passphrase (enter below) radio button: Enter and confirm the passphrase for the station BOG file in the passphrase text field.
      Note: Passphrases must meet the default password strength for the system:

      • For standard: 10 characters, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 digit

      • For FIPS: 14 characters, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 digit

Regarding the options for which action to take when you click Finish, the options presented are determined by whether and how you have made platform connections to localhost before. One or more of the following options are presented:

  • open it in user home - Selected by default, on completion the station is created in your User Home directory and a property sheet view of the station’s config.bog displays.

    At this point the new station exists only in your User Home directory and not in the User Home of the local platform daemon.

  • copy it to secure platform for “localhost” with Station Copier - On completion, the station is created in your Workbench User Home directory. Then you are prompted to login to make a local platform connection. After you login, the Station Copier starts the transfer (copy). After the station is copied, the Application Director opens with the new station visible in the daemon’s User Home.

    At this point the new station exists in two locations: on your local host (in your Workbench User Home) and also in the platform daemon User Home.
    Note: If you make any changes to the station now (while it is running on the platform daemon User Home), it is a good idea to copy the station back to your Workbench User Home so that you have a local copy of the updated station. This is useful if you plan to install it on any remote platform.

  • close the wizard - On completion, the station is created in your Workbench User Home directory, the wizard closes, and an alert window appears notifying you of successful station creation.

In cases where the selected station template contains exposed (configurable) parameters, those are included as editable fields on the second wizard window, such as the port parameters indicated in the above image. This gives you the opportunity to modify those values as needed to complete the configuration for your new station.

Note: When creating a station from the NewSupervisorStationLinux template the resulting station's Web Service is configured for HTTP on port 8080 and HTTPS on port 8443. Note, that you need to add a rule in your network firewall to allow data transmission on these ports.

The default station templates (controller, supervisor) have two port configuration parameters. However, anyone can create and distribute a custom station template that provides different parameters or none at all. Whether the wizard window displays alternative parameters, additional parameters, or no parameters is determined by the station template. If there are parameters they display in this space. When there are more parameters than the space allows, a scroll pane appears.