I am trying to use RSLinx gateway and OPC for the first time. and I'm losing!

I will be getting a handful of Control Logix platforms and also converting our SCADA to a client/server configuration from the current configuration of several standalone SCADA servers with HMI. This config is redundant but not sync'd so changes on one machine don't necessarily show up on the other. To accomplish this magical feat I determined that the server will have to be able to use OPC to get it's data from the CLX processors. Mostly because I have heard that it is easier that way. All evidence to the contrary.

I can communicate with these CLX modules with the AB_ETH driver but because we use iFix SCADA, "alias" tags have to be created in the CLX devices to "emulate" a physical PLC address. OPC sure sounds like a better way to go. If only I can make it work. I have bumbled around once and saw topics but can't recall how I got that to work. and I have no idea how to see which driver is pulling in the data because the CLX devices show up in the Gateway and the AB_ETH drivers listing.

Right clicking on the device fails to bring up anything except the error message that it can't communicate. (wish I could post some images!) but we are getting data from it through the AB_ETH driver for a couple tags.

I need a clear guide, a dummy's guide something along the line of "click this, type that, you should see this, test like this" to get me on track to something that is repeatable.

I don't have a guide but maybe this will help.

The easist way is if you have RSLogix 5000 (RSLadder might work as well although I haven't tested it) on the same machine. Because then, all you have to do is connect to the CLX and save, and RSLinx will have created a OPC Topic for you. Then export the Tags Database to a .csv file (if you need help with that let us know).

From there, open RSLinx. From the Menu Bar click on DDE/OPC, select Topic Configuration. The default Topic Name which was the RSLogix name, will be listed. Click on the Topic and then on the right select the Data Colection Tab. click the check box for the Use Symbols, on the popup window point to your .csv file you created previously.

You should be ready to go.

I appreciate that technique and I have a machine that can provide that csv file, but your proposal wont show me where my personal mental block is located. In the real world where I hope to live someday your suggestion would probably save me from duplicating effort since the machine use to program the PLC's would already have the data and I wouldn't have to re-enter it. But I really need to be able to add them manually just so I know how it works. It's supposed to be easy after all!

In a few days I will be able to sit down with the same equipment and I will set it up and take a bunch of screen shots for you.

I have only the "Linx Gateways,Ethernet" ,"AB_ETHIP-1" and "AB_ETH-1 " drivers. I have PLC's under each one and I also now have topics created. I can select a module under any driver and and choose Data Monitor and see data files in both PLC5 and CLX processors. But when I go to active topics/Items, I have an empty display. I should see something there shouldn't I?
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Also, when would I choose "Ethernet devices" over "Ethernet/IP Driver" Ethernet devices needs to have the all the stations entered by hand where Ethernet IP driver finds them itself. the Help File is vague, Which should be used when?

>update: I see now that the "items being serviced" display needs something to be requesting info from it. I started the test client and created an, item there and now I see that item there.
I also see that the Ethernet IP driver autopopulated but missed one of my PLC-5's. no idea why.
I seem to be figuring it out but I'm stumbling around in the dark poking at things till they respond. NOt sure I could reproduce it again