developing OPC client in .NET using C# for a fieldpoint network module

[raj v]

I am new to the FieldPoint modules and the OPC servers. We are using a FiledPoint Ethernet Module. There several other FildPoint modules are connected to this Ethernet module. I have FiledPoint 5.0 software installed on my system. I was able to talk to configure and communicate with IOs from the MAX ( measurement and automation explorer ). I want to read/write to the IOs from a VS2005/C# application. I was looking through the NI's discussion forums searched the web and found that there is an OPC server that comes with FiledPoint software. So my application should act as an OPC client to access the FieldPoint modules. And also learned that there something called DataSocket. I got DataSocket Server version 4.3.3.1036. It came with ActiveX control CWSlib. But I still miss connection between all these elements, Like.

1) How to start the OPC server FieldPointOPC2 that came with Filedpoint 5.0. And also how to make it to use the .iak file that MAX creates.

2) Is there any other way to develop a OPC client without using DataSocket server. Or if DataSocket server is the only way, then can I install the dataserver on all the machines I ship.

3) Is the .NET libraries for the OPC client comes only with Measurement Studio?

4) basically all I need is a Dll or ActiveX cotrnol or an Assembly that I can use to develop a OPC client for NI FieldPoint Ethernet module.

really appreciate any help.

thx,

raju

[Riconquistiamola]

Hi Raju,

Here are answers to your questions.

1) How to start the OPC server FieldPointOPC2 that came with Filedpoint 5.0. And also how to make it to use the .iak file that MAX creates.

2) Is there any other way to develop a OPC client without using DataSocket server. Or if DataSocket server is the only way, then can I install the dataserver on all the machines I ship.

3) Is the .NET libraries for the OPC client comes only with Measurement Studio?

4) basically all I need is a Dll or ActiveX cotrnol or an Assembly that I can use to develop a OPC client for NI FieldPoint Ethernet module.

1) There is a great example of your first question in C:\Program Files\National Instruments\MeasurementStudioVS2005\VCNET\Examples\DataSocket\OpcClient. The OPC server loads the last MAX-saved .iak file on startup. Select the I/O items you configured in MAX that you want to read or write as a part of this group.
2) There is no non-LabVIEW software server National Instruments sells to develop an OPC client.
3) Yes, as it is installed in the MeasurementStudio directory.
4) This appears to be a statement.


Have you seen KnowledgeBase Can I Use Visual Basic with FieldPoint? This KB, and related links, should help you get started. Cheers.

[raj v]

Thank you, Michael.