Note: Real time sources are an experimental feature and may fail or fail to function as documented.

Open Curves may plot data in real time via an Ethernet or serial connection. A real time connection is made by opening a real time source specification file (XML format) which identifies the connection protocol, address and/or port and message formats. Specifically reading from TCP/IP, UDP and serial ports are supported.

On establishing a connection, Open Curves will attempt to decode incoming data in the format specified in the connection XML file. Open Curves may optionally send messages when the connection is established and before closing the connection. These messages may, for example, be used to request data transmission begin and end.

Open Curves maintains a fixed size ring buffer for incoming data samples. The plot is periodically redrawn as new data arrive and are added to the ring buffer.

Expressions are not supported with real time data.