Compatibility labwindows 6.0<->Siemens ActiveX OPC Objects

[Franck_Dub]

It seems impossible to assign datas from Siemens OPC server with controls (number, slider, ...) under UIR in LabWindowsCVI 6.0
The instrument driver (.fp) is correctly created, and the OPC object can be inserted in the UIR.
But in its properties, the ActiveX controls are not visible, so the association is not possible !
In comparison, the same operation work under Excel, and the list of controls is not empty.
Is LabWindowsCVI 6.0 a compatible container for Siemens ActiveX objects (Simatic Net Opc Data Control from Siemens OPC Server V5.3) ?
Do we need some "dll" or updates to make it work ?
Thanks to confirm the compatibility.
Franck Dubreuil
fdubreuil@incore-systemes.fr

[zhenve]

Sometimes I also meet problems like this, but I don't know Why. The ActiveX control's properties are not visible, but the generated source files are available. So try to assign datas from source codes, maybe you can reach your goal.

[Benjamin_C]

Hi Franck,
I am not aware of any problem of this type. Would it be possible to get this OPC server and the ActiveX objects to reproduce the problem? I would be able to see what causes this issue.
Thanks.

Benjamin
National Instruments France

[Franck_Dub]

Dear Benjamin,
Here's the "ocx" ActiveX objects file.
I don't know how to extract the OPC Server from the CD package "Siemens Simatic Net V5.3".
Anyway, you can create an ActiveX instrument in labWindows 6.0 with this "ocx" file, and create the ActiveX object with "SIMATIC NET OPC Data" in an UIR.
In the properties of this object "OPCx" (tab Items), we should find the list of the ActiveX controls that can be assigned to OPC Items.
In that case, the list is allways empty, and no assignment can be made.
It also doesn't works with the "methods" ReadVariable or WriteVariable in a source file.
Thanks for your help.
Franck Dubreuil
fdubreuil@incore-systemes.fr

[Benjamin_C]

Dear Franck,
Indeed the ActiveX controls works fine, but I need to connect to the OPC Server in order to see the available OPC items. I couldn't find the SIMATIC NET OPC Server to download it freely.
Anyway, the problem doesn't seem to be in relation with LabWindows/CVI. As you noticed, it works fine with Excel ActiveX objects. I think this is more a problem of communication between your ActiveX control and the OPC server. Maybe your server isn't well registered or configured. I suggest you to contact Siemens to have more information about it.
Regards,

Benjamin
National Instruments France

[Franck_Dub]

Dear Benjamin,
You don't need to install the Siemens OPC Server to see my problem.
I send you 2 pictures to show you what is my problem.
With Excel the ActiveX object display a list of "controls" (picture 1).
With LabWindows 6.0 the same list "controls" in the "property sheets" tag "Items" stay allways empty (picture 2).
I'm afraid I won't ask Siemens, because the same "ocx" file can easily be used with Excel, but can't be used with LabWindows 6.0 !!!!!!!!!
Please just take a look at my pictures.
Franck Dubreuil
fdubreuil@incore-systemes.fr

[Kenneth]

I am supporting an older project and am also trying to understand the SINET OPC server.  Could you post your server settings?

Thanks,

Kenneth