ProSoft Technology MVI71-DFNT - Manual (Page 141)

MVI71-DFNT ♦ PLC 5 Reference
EtherNet/IP Client/Server Communication Module User Manual
ProSoft Technology, Inc. Page 141 of 175
February 3, 2011
This causes the current value at the database double-word offset 500 (starting at
word address 1000) in the DFNT module to be displayed in the cell as a floating-
point value. This value updates at the frequency defined in the Topic
configuration in RSLinx. You can now place any database point in the DFNT
module using the same procedure in your work sheet. Note that the tag array
name is used for the item property and must be enclosed within the quote marks.
This is because the tag array name item reference looks like an Excel work sheet
reference. If you do not include the quotes, a formula error occurs. You can
select any of the defined tag array names defined in the module on your
spreadsheet.
When the items are used for the topic, RSLinx displays the following after
selecting the Active Topic/Items command on the DDE/OPC menu option:
Any DDE compliant program can be used in the same manner. For maximum
utility Visual Basic applications can be used to interface with module’s database
using DDE connectivity.
This section discusses setting up an OPC connection to the module in order to
transfer data between the module and an OPC compliant client. Follow the
instructions for setting up the DDE connection outlined in the previous section.
This will define the connection required by the OPC server. RSLinx will now be
configured to interface with an OPC client application.
OPC Connection
The example used in this section uses the OPC test client (opctest.exe) available
from Rockwell Automation. First start the application and select the Connect…
option from the Server Menu. In the dialog box shown, select the RSLinx OPC
server. Next add a group using the Group menu option and fill in the Group
Name using any name that is meaningful for the points to be monitored and
controlled. The following dialog displays an example: