# Virtual Counter

> Symcon documentation · English · generated on 2026-09-26  
> Index: https://www.symcon.de/en/llms.txt

Source: https://www.symcon.de/en/service/documentation/module-reference/energy/virtual-counter/

_Requires Symcon >= 6.0_

The module provides an input mask for manually read meter readings. It accepts the manual entry, checks it for plausibility and transfers the value to a counter variable. To check for plausibility, a limit value can be set.

### functional scope
- Check for plausibility
- Display of the last entered counter reading
- Input mask for new meter reading

### Software installation
- Install the 'Virtual Counter' module via the [Module Store](https://www.symcon.de/en/service/documentation/components/management-console/module-store/).

### Set_up_the_instances in IP-Symcon
- Under "Add Instance" the 'Virtual Counter' module can be found using the quick filter.
  - More information about adding instances in the [Instances documentation](https://www.symcon.de/en/service/documentation/basics/instances/)

#### Configuration Page:

| Name                           | Description                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Limit                          | Number by which a new counter value may increase at most. If the limit value is 0, it will not be checked |
| Require confirmation to accept | If enabled, a script must be executed to trigger the plausibility check                                   |
| Activate Logging               | Button, which activates the logging of the counter variable. It will be hidden if logging is enabled.     |

### status variables and profiles
The status variables/categories are created automatically. Deleting individual ones can lead to malfunctions.

#### Status variables

| Name                                                    | Type    | Description                                                                                                                      |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Current counter reading                                 | Float   | Displays the last entered counter reading                                                                                        |
| New counter reading                                     | String  | Input variable for new counter reading                                                                                           |
| Set safe new counter reading: Enter new counter reading | Boolean | Appears if the new counter reading exceeds the current one by the limit value. The value can still be accepted with confirmation |

#### Profile

| Name                 | Type    |
| -------------------- | ------- |
| VZ.Confirm           | Boolean |
| VZ.NewCounterReading | String  |

#### Scripts

| Name              | Description                                                                                                 |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Set Meter Reading | Executes the plausibility check and pushes the value into the vaiable "Current Meter Reading" if successful |

### Webfront
Via the Visualization the new counter value can be entered and the script can be executed, furthermore the last accepted counter value is displayed.

## VZ_WriteNewCounterValue

Source: https://www.symcon.de/en/service/documentation/module-reference/energy/virtual-counter/vz-writenewcountervalue/

`void VZ_WriteNewCounterValue(int $InstanceID)`

_Requires Symcon >= 6.0_

After checking, sets the current counter reading

**Parameters**

- `$InstanceID` (int): ID of the Instance

**Returns** (void): The function does not return any value.

ID of the Instance

**Example**

```php
VZ_WriteNewCounterValue(12345);
```