Configuring the OPC Server Module

This section gives a summary of the method to configure an OPC client or server using the IDX Configuration tool. Use this summary as a guide in getting to know how to configure OPC clients and servers using IDX.

·      Start your IDX Configuration Tool located at Start -> IDXOnline -> IDX

Configuration using the IDX MMC Configuration Tool

·       If using Windows XP SP2 for the server operating system, please refer to the additional security configuration information that needs to be performed prior to operation.

·      Start your IDX Configuration Tool located at Start -> IDXOnline -> IDX

·      The configuration tool will automatically start displaying all defined groups and Servers which have been previously registered in the configuration tool.

·      If creating a new IDX service, first connect to a machine by first creating a group and then connecting to a local or remote IDX server configuration database. Once the server has been added, the existing server services and their state will be displayed beneath the server. A new service can be added by right-clicking on the server name. Enter a unique service name and configure any service parameters to your requirements. When done, select the service name you just added on the server and select the DMs node.

·      If you wish to add and an OPC Server to an existing IDX service, which should be listed in the window if available, select the service you wish to add the OPC Server to and select the DMs tab.

·      Under the DMs tab, add a new DM. From the Type field selection tab, select the DM_OPC_SERVER module if you wish to configure an OPC Server. Perform the relevant DM interface configurations.

·      Once the relevant DM has been added to the DM list, add any additional DM interfacing modules as required. This process can be repeated/revisited at any stage.

·      Select the IDX Slots node:

o     For new IDX services, no slots will have been defined. In this case, add and configure new slots as required. Slots can also be imported from a file using the Import DB Slots function. Note that slots are universally pooled in an IDX service, in other words, all service DM’s can interact with them. Double click on slots in the list to configure their properties.

o     For existing IDX services, a number of slots may have already been added to the slots list. In this case, add additional slots if necessary (usually for an OPC Server) or configure slot actions under the DM Actions node (OPC clients only).

·      Once all slots have been configured with their respective actions (in the client case) and all required slots have been added, the new DM’s must be activated. Do this by selecting the added DM node, right-clicking and then selecting Load DM. Once loaded, the DM node image will change to a green arrow state. DM’s can be dynamically loaded/unloaded using this method.

·      Once the required DM’s are activated, the IDX Service must be started, if not already running. Right-click on the respective Service node and then Start IDX Instance to start the service.

Configuration using the Legacy Configuration Tool

·      The configuration tool will automatically start at the Services tab of the Configuration Tool. As explained in the general Configuration Tool usage section, the Services Tab is the configuration top-level point from which all IDX services start configuration and are administered.

·      If creating a new IDX service, click Add to add a new service. Enter a unique service name and configure any service parameters to your requirements. When done, select the service name you just added on the list and select the DMs tab.

·      If you wish to add and OPC server or client to an existing IDX service, which should be listed in the window if available, select the service you wish to add the OPC server/client to and select the DMs tab.

·      Under the DMs tab, select the Add button. From the Type field selection tab, select the DM_OPC_SERVER module if you wish to configure an OPC server. Perform relevant DM interface configurations.

·      Once the relevant DM has been added to the DM list, add any additional DM interfacing modules as required. This process can be repeated/revisited at any stage.

·      Select the DB Slots tab:

o     For new IDX services, no slots will have been defined. In this case, enter the names of the DB slots under the Name of DB Slot field and configure its type by selecting a DB Slot Type. Click Add to add the slot to the slot list or import them into the slots list using the Import DB Slots function. Note that slots are universally pooled in an IDX service, in other words, all service DM’s can interact with them. Double click on slots in the list to configure their properties.

o     For existing IDX services, a number of slots may have already been added to the slots list. In this case, add additional slots if necessary.

·      Once all slots have been configured with their respective actions (in the client case) and all required slots have been added, the new DM’s must be activated. Do this by selecting the DMs tab and clicking on the checkbox beside the DM name. Once ticked, the DM is activated/loaded. DM’s can be dynamically loaded/unloaded using this check-box.

·      Once the required DM’s are activated, the IDX Service must be started. Select the Service tab and click on the Export Service Configurations (DB + DMs) button to synchronise the configuration database and running configuration. Start any specific selected service by selecting it and selecting the Start button.