How do I configure IA OPC on remote PC?

[Oley Mich]

Hello!

I'd like to use the NI software we purchased to control a Mitsubishi FX-32MR PLC (plus an FX-4AD-TC module).

We currently have NI Industrial Automation OPC Servers v 5.1 installed on a remote PC (Win XP Pro).

I am connected to an FX PLC via RS-232 (or at least trying to).

I can find any resources to help me setup and configure the OPC interface.  Need to verify connection as well.

Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong areas.

Once configured, I'll be able to write a LabVIEW program to use the OPC setup, correct?

Is my thinking correct?

Thank You!

P.S. Looks like I accidentally posted this same message somewhere else.

[NoahR]

Hi Oley,

Thanks for contacting National Instruments.  I have been doing some research on your question and I have some answers for you.  With respect to setting up the OPC server, it looks like your best option for getting some guided help with the OPC server is going to be in the help that comes with the IA OPC version on your computer.  You can find this by going to Start>>Programs>>National Instruments>>Industrial Automation OPC Servers 5.1>>Industrial Automation OPC Servers Help.  In here, you should see the "Getting Started: Creating a Server" section that will walk you through some of the steps.  When using LabVIEW to communicate with the server, the simplest way would be to use DataSocket.  Once inside LabVIEW, you can go to Help>>Find Examples and search for some DataSocket examples that will help you out with using that.  I have also included a link below that will give you some help in using DataSocket.  It does look like you PLC will be compatibile with the OPC software.  You can look on www.ni.com/opc to find a full list of these PLC's.  If you are connecting to many variables on servers, then you might want to look at our Datalogging and Supervisory Control (DSC) Module.  I hope this helps and feel free to reply if you are unsure of what to do.  Thanks!

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3980

[Oley Mich]

Hi Noah!

Thanks for the reply!

We have the DSC module...would that be easier?

-Mark

[NoahR]

Hi Mark,

The DSC Module is a great tool, but the biggest advantage to it is the ability to create logs, alarms, and have a large number of variables monitored all at the same time.  It's really a preference on your end on whichever method you want to use.  You will definitely have more functionality with the DSC Module than you will with using DataSocket.  I have included a link below that you can take a look at and it should give you some good information about using the DSC Module and why it can be preferred in some situations.  I hope this helps you out some more and post back if you have some more questions about this same issue.  Thanks!

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3273

[Oley Mich]

Well, the preference I have at this time is whichever one will give me the most + best interfaces to our PLCs.

Looking like DSC will be the better route as there are more options to use.

This could end up being a large system.

Would it be easier to communicate directly via email?

-Mark

[NoahR]

Hi Mark,

If there is a potential to be a very large system, then DSC would probably be the best choice, but it is up to you and you could try both possibilities.  As far as communicating through E-mail, sometimes we prefer to keep discussions here on the forums since they are public and anyone else that is wondering the same thing can look to find an answer on here.  However, if you do have a question that relates more to DSC, then it may be a good idea to create a new thread with a new title and question.  That way, the title of the thread will relate to the messages with the thread and you also may get some more feedback from others who check the forums about DSC.  I hope some of this helps with making your decision about using DSC vs. DataSocket.  Thanks!

[Oley Mich]

I will probably pursue the DSC direction.

But I still need to know how to communicate with the PLC via serial connection.

And to verfy that connection to make sure what I'm doing actually works.

Is there some documentation covering that?

Thanks!

-Mark

[NoahR]

Hi Mark,

I think going in the DSC direction is probably a good idea since you think it could be a large application.  In the help that we talked about earlier, there is a section entitled "Serial Port Communications."  This should be the sixth link down.  In this section, it goes through how to define the serial port connections and how to select the serial port for communication.  Also, there is some information in this section about diagnosing serial port problems where I think you will find some useful help about verifying your connection that you made.  I hope this helps and good luck!

[Oley Mich]

Well, I'm feeling pretty foolish, cause I don't see where the Serial Port Communications section is.

I'm very sorry.  Can you refresh my memory as to the correct help?

Thanks!

-Mark

[NoahR]

Sure, it's not a problem.  Like in the message above, I just got there by going to Start>>Programs>>National Instruments>>Industrial Automation OPC Servers 5.1>>Industrial Automation OPC Servers Help.  That should be where you can find that section about the serial communications.