Overview
This page presents specific configurations fields and user actions available that are specific to the PLC Data Explorer Tools. For the general explanation on using the Data Explorer, return to the main DataExplorer Tools page.
This tool allows locating Rockwell ControlLogix and Codesys enabled PLCs within a network, and performs basic data monitoring from those devices, whether you're working with them independently or adding them to your solution.
On this page:
Connect to an PLC
The first step is to select the PLC that you want to browse data.
Protocol Selection
This tool allows to search and monitor Rockwell ControlLogix PLCs, any PLCs compatible with the Codesys PLC Handler communication interface.
There are many dozens of PLCs based on Codesys, yours may be despite using other brand. Verify the connectivity specifications of your PLC to verify that information.
The User Interface presents the following options to locate the server:
- Solution Connection: connects to a Device Node, or a TagProvider, from the Solution using the selected ControlLogix or Codesys PLCHandler protocol.
- Network PLC: use the Search Icon to search the network, or setup manually the configuration for a specific PLC station. These options rely on the protocol previously selected.
Connect and Disconnect
Select the option you want with the radio buttons and do the required configuration according to the selected option. You can then use the top buttons to connect with the server.
After connecting, if you want to change to another server, use the Disconnect button first.
PLC Finder and Selection
When using the search button, the system will try to find the current network PLC stations using the specific protocol (ControlLogix or Codesys PLC Handler). If found, the PLC Information dialog allows you to select the PLC to establish communication.
PLC Information Dialog fields | |
|---|---|
Field | Description |
Name | Displays the identifier for the PLC. It could be the default name assigned by the manufacturer or a custom name given by the user for easy identification. |
Type | Model or type of the PLC. Different types may have distinct capabilities and programming requirements. |
Value | Current state or value of a parameter associated with the PLC |
Timestamp | Time at which the PLC information was last updated |
Description | Additional details about the PLC or the context of the value displayed |
Network Connectivity Status
The status bar at the bottom indicates the current network connection state, providing immediate feedback on the connectivity status of the PLC Finder tool within the network.
In this section: