TUTORIAL

How to configure the OPC Server for ROBOX motion Controllers

Install the Robox OPC Server onto the PC. Typically it is the same PC installing the Scada.

Run the program executable file “RoboxOpcServer.exe” (if your PC installs Windows Vista
remember to require the execution as PC administrator)

This is the display you will get:

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Right click in the left window and add “new Device”

Write the device name and leave the other fields to their default values.

If you are connected to the Robox controller via Ethernet, flag “ethernet” and insert the motion
controller IP address:

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 If you are connected to the Robox controller via serial link select the COMMUNICATION tab:

Select the PC port where the OPC server is running and leave the other parameters to their default
value.

Now we can start!

Before adding a TAG (that is a variable to be exchanged with the OPC CLIENT) is it necessary to
add a Group. (The groups give you the possibility to organize the TAGS (variables exchanged) into
one or more groups).

Right click, add “new group” and, if you want, give it a sensible name. In this example we leave the
default name “group 1”.

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Now we are finally ready to add a variable!

We want to exchange, for instance, just two variables:

• Integer register #100 (32 bit non volatile)
• Current position of the 5 axis.

Let’s insert NVR(100):

Right click and add “new variables”

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And now CP(5):

The current position of axis number 5, with reference to the R3 manual “predefined variables”, is
contained in category APR (axis parameter real) index 1..

The situation now is:

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Let’s now save the programmed configuration into a file.
Remember that the default file “untitled.opf” is active when the OPC Server is executed the first
time:

In the main toolbar now select fileÆsave.

Assign a name (for instance “first_configuration”).
The result will be as follows:

The OPC server now ready and configured.

If you want to auto-execute the file “first_configuration” every time the OPC Server will be entered
you must:
Select TOOLSÆOPTIONS in the main toolbar:

Enter the configuration file (*.opf) full path.

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 How to test the connection using a simple OPC CLIENT

A free client test for OPC Server connections is available for instance at the following URL:
http://www.prosys.fi/downloads.html

Istructions:

Run the program executable file “PsOPCClient.exe” (if your PC installs Windows Vista remember
to require the execution as PC administrator)

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 Select “Robox OpcServer” in the right windows.

Push the “connect” button:

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Push the “Add” button and in the dialog box select all the TAGS you want to monitor:

The result will be:

Reference: R3 language manua,l particularly the predefined variables chapter

OPC Server on line manual

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