Control.com - Nerds in Control

I have this list of software and items which I wish to connect:

AFCON PCIM SCADA 7.50
RSLINX 2.43 Lite
PLC Allen Bradley SLC 500
1761-NET-ENI

I am able to connect to the PLC through the 1761-NET-ENI using RSLINX. However the SCADA does not have a compatible driver for 1761-NET-ENI or Ethernet driver compatible with SLC 500...

I have been told that there is a way to interface SCADA to get data from the PLC through the RSLINX. Does anyone knows how to accomplish that?

How should I configure SCADA and RSLINX to work together?

Thanks.

Alejandro,

You need to upgrade RSLinx to the Pro version so that PCIM can use an OPC connection to RSLinx. The lite version is only for use with Rockwell Programming software. Or you could look at other brands of IO server software that works with the 1761-NET-ENI module.

Cheers,
Trevor

I've never used AFCON PCIM, but here's the usual way:
1. Add driver in RSLinx (Ethernet driver)
2. Configure driver (enter PLC IP address)
3. Create an OPC "Topic"
4. Browse to the PLC and point the topic to that PLC.

An OPC client can now ignore the entire communication path to the PLC, which could be quite complicated, and refer to it by topic. For example, you might read the first bit of an integer like this: [topic]N7:13/0

Typically in your HMI/SCADA application you have some sort of tag database where you add "tags" that point to PLC registers via OPC. You then deal with those just like any other tags in the package.

***BIG WARNING*** RSLinx Lite, the free version, isn't really an OPC Server. I doubt your SCADA package will work with Lite. You'll need to purchase a key from Rockwell to use it - or go with a company like Kepware.

----
Nathan Boeger, MCSE
http://www.inductiveautomation.com
"Total SCADA Freedom"

You need RSLinx Pro or RSLinx OEM or RSLinx Gateway (Or maybe some new name Rockwell has come up with these days).

But you can't use RSLinx Lite.

MB
--
Michael Batchelor
www.IndustrialInformatics.com

RSLinx Lite does not have an OPC server built in. You would probably need to purchase a version that does.

Thanks a lot. Using OPC Server is the solution. I am looking forward to get the RSLinx with the OPC Server.

In the meantime I tried two softwares, that eliminates the use of RSLINX:

- Automated Solutions OPC Server for Allen Bradley, which supports 1761-NET-ENI. Works great and AFCON PCIM can retrieve data from it.

- MatrikonOPC Server for Allen Bradley. This one connects to the PLC (by RS232 DF1 Protocol). But I have problems when I retrieve data by using PCIM SCADA. Also, this server does not support 1761-NET-ENI. Technical Support is telling me that they are preparing a DEMO Version for 1761-NET-ENI in a few days...

Let's keep in touch.

Lol - 4 replies that RSLinx Lite doesn't work. Rockwells spread very effective widespread training. Or maybe it's that we've all been burned there.

In response to one of the 3 - you may not need professional. I'd suggest looking at OEM. Additionally, Gateway or Professional would work (both most likely overkill).

----
Nathan Boeger
Inductive Automation
"Total SCADA Freedom"
http://demo.inductiveautomation.com

I have never understood why people think RSLinxLite should include an OPC server. No one else supplies an OPC server for free. Why should RSI?

Well, my reply was based on my own personal battle scars. I'd show them, but there not in polite places!!!

--
Michael Batchelor
www.IndustrialInformatics.com

I am also supporting using Kepware. I had the RSLinx that has the OPC feature, but honestly it is very difficult to use. I tried to add items and read them but failed. Then I turned to Kepware and it was awesomely simple to use. It has a test OPC client and is very robust so you don't spend your money in RSLinx.

You can download a trial version of Kepare server from their site. It will work for 2 hours, so you can test it before buying,

Mohamed M. Abdelsalam
Automation engineer
Petroleum Marine Services

I have used both and they both seem quite easy to use. The Kepware instructions are clearer though.

I am trying KEPServerEX OPC Server. Then I tell you more.

Thanks a lot!