Interfacing LabVIEW with SIEMENS s7-300 PLC

[Naqqash]

Hi all,

Im using LabVIEW 8.6 and DSC module I want to interface S7-300 SIEMENS PLC with LabVIEW. I've gone through the turorial on the NI site " Connect LabVIEW to any PLC". By following the tutorial when I am trying to create I/O server in the registred OPC servers window there is nothing what would be the reason. Also there is no specific information available about the hardware connection etc. Kindly help me through this or suggest some tutorial links. What about the PROFIBUS and MPI. I know the information i am giving is not specific and focused but I've tried to tell all of you to atleast understand what I want to do. Hope you people help. THANKS.

[goLV]

Have you installed OPC software?

You can experiment with NI OPC Server

https://www.ni.com/en/support/downloads/software-products/download.opc-servers.html

You may have it already installed on your PC. Start it up and configure it for your PLC. Add some Tags and save.

You should be able to see the tags now in LabVIEW & DSC.

[mishkin]

goLV is right. Also, take a look at this KB: How do I add an Allen Bradley SLC PLC to NI OPC Servers? 

Those are detailed instructions for setting up an Allen Bradley PLC, which will be very similar to Siemens. Hope this helps, but post again if you have trouble. 

[Naqqash]

Thanks I am now getting some direction. Kindly give me some link for DSC module tutorial. One more thing what is the difference b/w Lookout and DSC.As in case of WinCC and STEP 7 we can simulate the project without physically connecting the device using PLC simulator. Can I do the same in my case.

Message Edited by Naqqash_IIEE on 05-28-2009 03:07 PM

[mishkin]

Hi,

Lookout is our legacy OPC software that was phased out by the DSC module. 

You can find a great introductory DSC tutorial here: Getting Started with the LabVIEW Datalogging and Supervisory Control Module. A couple other places to get started: NI Module Training (look for DSC)  and Connect LabVIEW to Any PLC Using OPC

As for simulating your hardware, if you have a 3rd party simulator that will imitate your hardware, you might be able to fool DSC into thinking that there is actual hardware connected, but DSC does not include simulating capabilities itself. 

Cheers, 

[Naqqash]

Thanks alot mishkin. I have one problem right from the beginning and can't sort it out yet. From the tutorial "Connect any PLC to LabVIEW" when I am trying to create an I/O server using the tutorial as in the tutorial at page 5 in the registered OPC servers there are few but in my case there is nothing. I've installed the DSC module 8.6 and OPC also. Then what is the problem.

From your links about what is DSC and what is Lookout. It seems that Lookout is better than DSC. what you say?

[Hueter]

Naqqash

Have you been able to successful create the Siemens PLC in NI OPC servers? You must set up the PLC in NI OPC servers before you can add it as an I/O server in LV.

You must add the Siemens PLC to OPC servers before you can "Connect LabVIEW to Any PLC"

Using "How do I add an Allen Bradley SLC PLC to NI OPC Servers?  "

 Step 4: Use (Siemens TCP/IP Ethernet) for the device driver.

 Step 9: Select S7-300

Be careful on the other steps to make sure you select the correct option for your HW setup. Once you add the tags and complete the tutorial you should be able to add the s7-300 as an I/O server in LV.

Also DSC, is the replacement for Lookout, it can do everything Lookout can plus alot more (alarming, auto logging,more HW support)

Message Edited by Huter on 06-01-2009 11:59 AM

[Naqqash]

Thanks for reply. I've gone through that tutorial before. You said that select ethernet but I am using MPI so I've selected that. Lets say I have created a project and make some tags then save the file. What I am understanding from your reply that after doing this there will be some text in the registered opc servers window. Please correct me if i am wrong.

[Hueter]

Yes you should see some text in the "Registered OPC Servers Window"

 Could you please post a picture of your Register.. window so I can see what you have. Also Can youopen NI License Manager and verrify that NI OPC servers is installed and activated (Green Box).

[imasif]

Hello,,, plz help me :  

I want to connect s7 200 cpu 224 and labview (for HMI)......    so do you have any tutorial or something that can help me