2. Minebea Intec
  3. OPC Server

Minebea Intec OPC Server Owner's manual

  • Hello! I've reviewed the Minebea Intec OPC Server PR 1792/00 operating manual. This document details the use of the server for data communication with various instruments like PR 1713, X5 PR 5610, X6 PR 5710, X4 PR 5510, among others, through serial or Ethernet interfaces. I am familiar with how to configure groups, access data, use standard, system and database variables and can assist with your queries based on this document.
  • What is the purpose of the PR 1792 OPC server?
    How can I connect to an instrument using the OPC server?
    What types of variables can be accessed through the OPC server?
    How are database tables accessed?
Minebea Intec GmbH, Meiendorfer Str. 205 A, 22145 Hamburg, Germany
Phone:+49.40.67960.303 Fax:+49.40.67960.383
OPC Server
PR 1792/00
Operating Manual
Operating Manual
9499 050 79202
Edition 3
03/07/2018
for PR 1792
Rel. 2.2.0.14
Any information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of MINEBEA INTEC. This product should be operated only by trained
and qualified personnel. In correspondence concerning this product the type, name and release
number as well as all license numbers in relation to the product have to be quoted.
Important
This product is partly copyrighted. It may not be modified or copied and may not be used
without purchasing or written authority from the copyright owner (MINEBEA INTEC). By using
this product, you agree to be bound by the terms stated herein.
Bitte beachten
Alle Angaben in diesem Dokument sind unverbindlich für MINEBEA INTEC und stehen unter
Änderungsvorbehalt. Die Bedienung des Produktes darf nur von geschultem, fach- und
sachkundigem Personal durchgeführt werden. Bei Schriftwechsel über dieses Produkt bitte Typ,
Bezeichnung und Versionsnummer sowie alle mit dem Produkt in Zusammenhang stehenden
Lizenznummern angeben.
Wichtig
Dieses Produkt ist in Teilen urheberrechtlich geschützt. Es darf nicht verändert oder kopiert und
ohne Erwerb oder schriftliche Einwilligung des urheberrechtlichen Eigentümers
(MINEBEA INTEC) nicht benutzt werden. Durch die Benutzung dieses Produktes werden obige
Bestimmungen von Ihnen anerkannt.
PR 1792 Operating Manual Contents
Minebea Intec EN-3
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Brands, trade names ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Exemption from liability ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Product description..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 Data carrier ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2 Program package survey ................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3.3 License information.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.4 Operating principle .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
2 PR 1792 OPC server installation ............................................................................ 7
3 Configuration of the OPC server ......................................................................... 10
3.1 Survey ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Configuration menu ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.1 Creating a new 'Group' ................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.2 Device Type ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.3 Serial interface................................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.4 Ethernet ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.5 Editing ................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
3.2.6 Deleting .............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
3.3 Statistics ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 'Logging' menu – options for trouble shooting............................................................................................................... 15
3.4.1 Survey ................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.4.2 Logging settings .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.4.3 Debug enable ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.4 Message Debug ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Operation with an OPC client application ........................................................ 17
4.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Starting OPC client ................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Connecting client and server ................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.4 Adding items ............................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.5 Read/write SPM memory area (standard variables) ........................................................................................................ 19
4.6 Reading weights (system variables) ..................................................................................................................................... 20
4.7 Reading a table on a PR 1713 ............................................................................................................................................... 20
4.8 Item Properties ........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.9 Group Parameters ...................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Contents PR 1792 Operating Manual
EN-4 Minebea Intec
5 OPC service syntax ................................................................................................. 24
5.1 Variables (Items, Standard Item Names) ............................................................................................................................ 24
5.2 Standard variables (SPM Item names) ................................................................................................................................ 25
5.3 System variables ........................................................................................................................................................................ 27
5.4 Database variables ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.1 Reading the database type / status ........................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.2 Table structure ................................................................................................................................................................. 28
5.4.3 Selecting / overwriting the current field values: .................................................................................................. 29
5.4.4 Access to Select result: ................................................................................................................................................. 30
5.5 Using the database variables ................................................................................................................................................. 31
5.5.1 PR 1792 restart ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.5.2 Finding out database names ....................................................................................................................................... 31
5.5.3 Reading a database (table) .......................................................................................................................................... 32
5.5.4 Writing / updating a database (table) ...................................................................................................................... 33
5.5.5 Deleting database (table) entries ............................................................................................................................... 34
5.5.6 Disconnecting a database ............................................................................................................................................ 35
5.5.7 Access restrictions .......................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.5.8 Data types ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.5.9 Data type conversion ..................................................................................................................................................... 36
5.5.10 Particularities related to weight up and download ............................................................................................. 37
5.5.11 Marginal conditions ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.6 Example ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
5.6.1 Examples with Visual Basic .......................................................................................................................................... 39
6 Errors ......................................................................................................................... 40
6.1 Error messages ............................................................................................................................................................................ 40
6.2 Trouble shooting ........................................................................................................................................................................ 51
7 Annex ......................................................................................................................... 52
7.1 Further literature ....................................................................................................................................................................... 52
7.2 Abbreviations and glossary .................................................................................................................................................... 52
8 Index .......................................................................................................................... 53
PR 1792 Operating Manual Introduction
Minebea Intec EN-5
1 Introduction
OPC Server PR 1792 is part of a system for transmission of current data between Minebea Intec
instruments and PC programs which can operate as an OPC client. The system comprises the connected
weighing- / batching Instruments, a PC with programs and the connection of all components. The
platform for the system is the PC under operating system Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP or
Windows 7. For some system components, separate manuals are available to which only reference is
made in this documentation.
The OPC server permits access to the data of instruments connected to the PC by OPC client
application. Depending on the instrument the connection can be done via serial interface and/or via
Ethernet. With instruments provided with serial connection to the PC, protocol EWCOM V3 is used.
Due to differences related to application, communication and memory repartition,
transmitters/indicators and batching systems are discussed separately in this manual, wherever
necessary.
1.1 Brands, trade names
Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7 are registered trade names of Microsoft
Corporation. All other brands or product names are brands or registered trade names of the relevant
manufacturer or holder.
1.2 Exemption from liability
The PR 1792 program is a state-of-the-art development. No warranty is taken for correctness, in
particular, in connection with third-party software and hardware components required for program
operation. Liability for damage due to other system components or faulty handling of this program is
precluded by the manufacturer. The use of the program implies recognition of the above-mentioned
stipulations.
1.3 Product description
1.3.1 Data carrier
PR 1792 is delivered on the X5 Power Tools CD.
Product PR 1792 comprises the data carrier with documentation in PDF format (please, use Adobe
Acrobat 5.0 or a higher version) and installation programs on the CD.
The set-up program for the installation and documentation is given in the PR 1792 directory.
For the latest information and hints on error corrections, see file history.wri. The exact version number
is given in file PR 1792.
Introduction PR 1792 Operating Manual
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1.3.2 Program package survey
The PR 1792 program package comprises:
PR 1792.exe
EwDrv_01.exe
OPC_Client.exe
pr1792.chm
REGALL.BAT
UNREG.BAT
OPCInst.doc
OPC server
Communication driver
OPC client example for testing and debugging
Help file
Unless registration of the OPC servers in the Windows Registry was
successful, it can be repeated hereby without reinstalling PR 1792.
Deletion of OPC server registration from the Windows Registry
Hints for registration
Additionally, some common DLLs of the OPC foundation are included.
1.3.3 License information
All parts of the PR 1792 program package are copyright-protected and must not be used for
commercial purposes without license. For information interchange with the instrument by means of
the OPC server, a license is required. A license and a license certificate belong to every instrument. The
license is related to the board number.
Instrument
OPC Server
OPC Database access
PR 1713, X5 (PR 5610), X6 (PR 5710)
PR 1792/13
PR 1792/20
X4 (PR 5510)
PR 1792/13
PR 1792/20
Combics Pro
OPC-Server license
OPC-Server license
X3 (PR 5410)
No license required
Not possible
PR 5220
No license required
Not possible
PR 1710, PR 1711
PR 1792/10 *
Not possible
PR 1720
PR 1792/10 *
Not possible
* PR 1792/10 to be entered at [License number] in the mask [Group Configuration] in PR 1792-
Program (only PR 1710, PR 1711 and PR 1720).
1.3.4 Operating principle
Data communication to the instrument is built up only, provided that the license is valid and the
instrument was configured correctly (see instrument documentation). Unless a license number was
entered, or if an invalid license was specified, only access to some items is possible (for DisplayIt).
in case of change or on
polling:
polling with EWcom V3
protocol (cyclical)
Process information
OPC server
Protocol driver
PR 1792 EWDRV_01 Communication with
the instrument
An instrument is addressed by the EW protocol driver EWDRV_01 via a serial PC interface or via
Ethernet. Data communication (polling) is automatic by PR 1792. Plausibility checking of software
configuration and actually connected instrument is provided, whereby localization of errors (such as
confusion of connectors at the PC interface) is possible.
OPC server PR 1792 moves the data in blocks of 64 bytes. Data throughput is increased, if you group
the data in blocks of 64 bytes, e.g. 64 – 127, so that all inquiries with md, mx, mr, ... are transmitted in
a block.
PR 1792 Operating Manual PR 1792 OPC server installation
Minebea Intec EN-7
2 PR 1792 OPC server installation
For installation, you must be logged in with administrator authority. If necessary, consult your system
administrator. To prevent conflicts of access to system files during installation,
close all other
Windows applications
– as usual during installation under Windows.
For OPC server installation, insert the supplied PowerTools CD-ROM into the drive of your PC and start
(unless this is done automatically by the system) program
index.html
.
Select the folder of the PR 1792 installation and start
PR1792 2.2.0.14. setup.exe
.
For installation click [Next]
Read the license agreement and activate
[I accept the agreement], click [Next]
If an Ethernet connection to the instrument is used, the
PC operating system must allow the network connection.
Firewalls have to be switched off, respectively the
transmission of the connected instrument has to be
allowed.
Continue with [Next].
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The target directory for the installation can be changed.
We recommend using the proposed directory.
Unless the installation directory exists already, it is
created by the installation program.
Continue with [Next].
Define the 'shortcut' for the Windows Start-Menu,
continue with [Next].
When activated, an icon will be created on the desktop
for easy starting of the OPC-Server, continue with
[Next].
Information about the entered data, continue with
[Install].
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Installation in progress
Finishing the installation with [Finish]
After installation the program elements are filed in the
selected directory.
The icon to start the OPC-Server is provided on the desktop.
The OPC-Server can be started directly by the user, an OPC-Client can start
the OPC-Server too.
After starting the OPC-Server the symbol will appear in the task bar.
Configuration of the OPC server PR 1792 Operating Manual
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3 Configuration of the OPC server
3.1 Survey
In conjunction with the installation, the OPC server must be configured.
When starting program 'PR 1792 OPC Server', the EWDRV_01.EXE communication process is started,
unless this was already done. The communication process starts only once. If it is already running, the
start is canceled. The communication process is minimized into an icon in the task bar and started.
PR 1792 starts always with a window in the size used last. Both programs can be terminated as usual
under Windows.
File
[File]–[Exit] terminates the server program.
View
[Toolbar] and [Status Bar] can be activated separately.
Logging
For reporting various trouble shooting messages.
See chapter 'Options for trouble shooting'.
Configure
Used for OPC server configuration.
Help
OPC server online help and version information
3.2 Configuration menu
Click on or select [Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status] to open the configuration menu:
All 'OPC Groups' with the current status are listed in this window.
The three possible statuses are:
• IDLE – The 'Group' is not in operation and not connected with the instrument. This is normal unless
an OPC client program is connected with the server. The group can be edited or deleted only in this
status.
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• OPENING / INITIALIZING – an attempt to connect the group with the instrument is made.
• OK: DEVICE ALIVE – The 'Group' is connected with the instrument and active.
3.2.1 Creating a new 'Group'
Start by defining all instruments with which the OPC server communicates. Each instrument
represents a group.
Click on or select [Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status].
This menu permits creation, editing or deletion of 'groups', click on [New].
Group name
Free name, which represents an individual instrument. (e.g. Indicator X3)
Slave address
Only for serial communication link. Each instrument on a serial line (e.g. RS485 –
not RS232) requires a unique address (A, B, C...), which must correspond to the
address configured on the instrument.
Device Type
Select the instrument from a list, see chapter 3.2.2
License number
Enter the PR 1792 license number, only for PR 1710, PR 1711 and PR 1720.
COM port /
IP Address
PC-COM-Port where the serial line is connected.
IP-Adresse des angeschlossen Gerätes (Netzwerkparameter)
Baud Rate
Required for serial communication only, it must correspond with the address
configured in the instrument.
After click on [OK] the instrument is configured. As
it is not addressed by an OPC client program so far,
it is in status 'Idle'.
Configuration of the OPC server PR 1792 Operating Manual
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3.2.2 Device Type
The instrument to be connected is selected from a list:
Depending on the instrument, a serial and/or Ethernet connection can be used:
Instrument
Serial RS-232
Serial RS-485
Ethernet
PR 1713, X5 (PR 5610), X6 (PR 5710)
Standard
Option 1713/04
Option PR 1713/14
X4 (PR 5510)
Standard
Option 5510/04
Option PR 5510/14
Combics Pro
Standard
Option 5510/04
Standard
X3 (PR 5410)
Not possible
Not possible
Standard
PR 5220
Not possible
Not possible
Standard
PR 1720
Option PR 1602
Option PR 1604
Not possible
PR 1710/02, /12
Standard
Not possible
Not possible
PR 1710/04, /14
Not possible
Standard
Not possible
PR 1711/62
Standard
Not possible
Not possible
PR 1711/64
Not possible
Standard
Not possible
3.2.3 Serial interface
The instruments must be equipped with a suitable serial interface, depending on the instrument
eventually an option card has to be plugged-in (see list in chapter 3.2.2.). Select protocol EWCOM V3
(ASYCOM slave). Configure identical interface parameters (e.g. Ewcom V3, 9600 Baud, 7 bits, even
parity, ... ), as described in the relevant instrument documentation.
3.2.4 Ethernet
Some instruments (see list in chapter 3.2.2) can be connected via Ethernet TCP/IP.
Enter the network address in the mask at [COM port / IP Address] (e.g. \\130.143.1.5, see Manual for
the respective instrument / Ethernet-card). The address is defined by the local network administrator
or if DHCP is used, automatically given from the Server. Take care, that double definition of IP
addresses does not happen!
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3.2.5 Editing
Click on or select [Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status].
For this, the 'Group' status must be 'IDLE'.
Select an instrument and click on [Edit].
In this menu, the parameters can be changed as described in the previous chapter.
3.2.6 Deleting
Click on or select [Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status].
For this, the 'Group' status must be 'IDLE'.
Select an instrument and click on [Delete].
The instrument is deleted.
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3.3 Statistics
For diagnosis purposes, the actual data volume per second can be displayed.
Click on or select [Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status] for access to the configuration menu.
Select a 'Group' and click on [Statistics].
As long as this window remains open, all data are updated continuously.
There are four different groups of commands:
'Std. Poll Messages'
,
'Block Poll Messages'
,
'Spont Msgs. Received'
and
'Poke Messages sent'
.
The average number of commands per second is given with each value. The total of all four values is
the overall number of commands per seconds.
'Std. Poll Messages'
: number of commands and replies of type 'mbxxxlxx' (reads a string)
'Block Poll Messages'
: number of block transmission orders.
'Spont Msgs. Received'
: number of spontaneous messages. E.g. value ST_WGT_A is sent at every
weight change.
'Poke Messages sent'
: number of write commands.
'Active Point'
: number of active 'Items' which were connected by the OPC client.
'Active Blocks'
: number of active blocks. For efficiency reasons, the 'mx', 'mr' and 'md' commands are
not transmitted individually. Data blocks of 64 bytes (512 bits) are transmitted instead.
64-byte data blocks
All data belonging to one of the data blocks are
transmitted in a telegram. Detection and
management of the data affiliation to a block are
by the OPC server.
Bit 1024 ... bit 1535
Bit 1536 … bit 2047
Bit 2048 ...
…
For this reason, compactness of memory locations is purposeful. If data are distributed over the
complete SPM memory, a large number of data blocks with few useful contents must be transmitted.
Therefore, the number of active blocks must be as low as possible.
'Max update time [ms]'
: This is the maximum time required by an 'Item' for data updating. This time
increases with the number of 'Items' and 'Groups', because the data communication increases, i.e. the
time remaining for each individual 'Item' decreases.
Priority over other data transmissions is given to write commands. Very intensive data writing by the
client program can impair the data read rate.
PR 1792 Operating Manual Configuration of the OPC server
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3.4 'Logging' menu – options for trouble shooting
3.4.1 Survey
During OPC server operation, various error messages are possible. These are displayed in the OPC server
main window:
Every day, the OPC server creates a log file with the date of creation in the file name in format:
LOGyearMonthDay.log. e.g.. "LOG20070815.log".
The current log file can be opened via menu [Logging]-[View log in Editor] in an editor.
3.4.2 Logging settings
Adjust the editor to open the log file for logging. The default setting is "Notepad.exe".
Moreover, the time during which log files have to be kept can be adjusted. With "Keep for this many
days:" set to '0', all log files are kept for an unlimited period of time.
The OPC server uses the file name and not the date as criterion for deleting.
[Logging]-[Logging Preferences]
Configuration of the OPC server PR 1792 Operating Manual
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3.4.3 Debug enable
This option activates the debug mode: in addition to the other stored
error messages, further information on internal sequences is
generated in the OPC server. This mode is intended for diagnosis
purposes. During normal operation, it should not be activated,
because a large quantity of data consumes a lot of memory space on
the hard disk and computer capacity.
3.4.4 Message Debug
For extended diagnosis purposes. messages which extend partly to
communication level are generated. The data quantity is extremely
high, which is a considerable load for the overall computer.
WARNING
: Please, use this mode only for diagnosis purposes!
PR 1792 Operating Manual Operation with an OPC client application
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4 Operation with an OPC client application
4.1 General
The PR 1792 OPC server is delivered with a program example of an OPC client:
OPC_Client.exe
The description of an OPC client is based on the following program. This application example can be
used for testing the OPC server functions and finding errors. In case of problems with a client program
written by yourself, e.g. a Visual Basic Program, check first, if the relevant functions can be tested with
the OPC client.
4.2 Starting OPC client
Start program OPC_Client.exe.
4.3 Connecting client and server
Now, connect the client to the server.
[OPC]-[Connect]
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Server Name:
The selected server name must be specified in
this field.
Server Node:
A server node must be specified only, if the
server runs on another computer.
Available servers:
The list of all available servers.
Unless an error message is displayed after pressing "OK", the client is connected with the server.
4.4 Adding items
Now, data from all instruments connected to the OPC server can be read and written.
In this example, two instruments are made known to the OPC server: "PR 1713" and "Batcher".
[OPC]-[Add Item]
You should always activate 'Use
native type'.
A complete 'Item' name is a combination of the 'group' name, followed by a dot '.' and the 'Item'
name, e.g. PR 1713.ST_WGT_A.
Click on an instrument ('group') first and then on one of the logic 'Items'. Store this ‘Item’ in the list
by clicking on [Add Item].
Click on [Done] to complete adding of new 'Items'.
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Now, the weight value from an instrument is read and continuously updated. The time stamp shows
date and time of the read value.
The OPC server status changes from 'IDLE' into
'OK: DEVICE ALIVE' and the traffic light changes
to green.
Click on the 'Info' button or select
[Configure]-[Show/Edit Group Status]
In this example, data communication was built
up with OPC group 'PR 1713' and not with OPC
group 'Batcher'.
OPC server PR 1792 supports OPC clients and provides a data channel between the instrument
specified with the group name and the application. Start the relevant application. The variables are
read or written in the application (e.g. marker bit).
4.5 Read/write SPM memory area (standard variables)
Standard variables can be used for access to the SPM ('Scratch Pad Memory') memory area.
Operation with an OPC client application PR 1792 Operating Manual
EN-20 Minebea Intec
Select an 'Item' (e.g. PR1713.mb128L10)
and click with the right mouse key.
With e.g. 'Write Value', new data can be
sent to PR 1713.
4.6 Reading weights (system variables)
System variable ST_WGT_A contains the actual gross weight.
The status of weighing point A is given in ST_WPA..
4.7 Reading a table on a PR 1713
The following example shows how an access to a table in PR 1713 can be made. For this, licence PR
1792/20 is required additionally.
Click on the PR 1713 'DB' sub-group and add 'Item' @status [Add Item].
The server loads the structure of all tables from the instruments.
With 'Item' @status 'OK', loading is terminated.
Open sub-group 'DB' and select recipe line table 'RECIPE_LINE'.
/