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Version: 8.1

Connecting to MicroLogix

Inductive University

Connecting to MicroLogix

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Connect to a MicroLogix Device​

  1. Go to the Config section of the Gateway Webpage.

  2. Scroll down and select OPC UA > Device Connections.

    Connect to MicroLogix Device Step 2

  3. On the Devices page, find the blue arrow and click on Create new Device.

  4. Select Allen-Bradley MicroLogix, and click Next.

    Connect to MicroLogix Device Step 4

  5. On the New Device page, leave all the default values and type in the following fields:

    • Name: MLX
    • Hostname: Enter IP address for the PLC, for example 10.20.7.77

    Connect to MicroLogix Device Step 5

  6. Click Create New Device.

  7. The Devices page is displayed showing the MicroLogix device is added to Ignition. The Status will show as Disconnected and then Connected.

    Connect to MicroLogix Device Step 7

  8. To see all the tags, go to OPC Client > Quick Client in the Config section. On the OPC Quick Client page expand the MicroLogix folder which contains all the folders with the individual tags.

Device Connection Settings​

The General settings are common to all Allen-Bradley devices, and the Connectivity settings are device dependent.

General Settings​

NameDescription
NameThe user-defined name for this Device. The name chosen will show up in OPC Item Paths and under OPC-UA Server > Devices of the Configure page of the Gateway. The Device Name must be alphanumeric.
DescriptionThe user-defined description for the device. This is only used as a note to differentiate between devices.
Enable DeviceOnly devices that are enabled appear in Connections > Devices of the Status page of the Gateway and thus have their tags available for use.

Connectivity Settings​

NameDescription
HostnameThe Hostname value is the IP Address of the MicroLogix 1100 processor, MicroLogix 1400 processor or 1761-NET-ENI Ethernet interface. EthernetIP protocol on TCP port 44818 (0xAF12) is used to communicate to the listed devices.
Local Address​
New in 8.1.8
The local address to connect from when establishing a TCP connection. If left blank, then the driver will simply pick an available address.
Communication TimeoutAfter sending a request to the MicroLogix processor, the Communication Timeout setting is the amount of time in msec to wait for a response before treating it as a failure.
Browse Cache TimeoutWhen the data table layout is read from the MicroLogix processor, the Browse Cache Timeout value is the amount of time in msec to cache the results.

Advanced Settings​

NameDescription
Disable Processor BrowseDisables the processor browse setting. (Default is false.)
Zero TNS ConnectionDisables the Zero TNS connection setting. (Default is false.)

Supported MicroLogix Connection Methods​

  • MicroLogix 1100 and 1400 direct
  • MicroLogix 1100 and 1400 connected through 1761-NET-ENI
  • MicroLogix 1100/1400 connected through Spectrum Controls WebPort 500
caution

MicroLogix 1200 and 1500 are not fully supported. Browsing is not available on these devices, so the 'Disable Processor Browse' advanced property will need to be set to True on the device connection.

Additionally, the MicroLogix driver can not access Input Parameters.

note

Some Micrologix devices may get stuck in a 'Browse Pending' status. In this case setting the connection path property to 1,0 should resolve the issue.