Campbell Scientific CSIOPC Software - Manual (Page 7)

CSIOPCServer
1. What is OPC and CSIOPCServer?
OPC is an acronym for "OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) for Process
Control". It is a set of industry standards, based on Microsoft's OLE
technology, designed to provide a common interface between automation and
control hardware and software. The OPC specifications were developed by a
group of organizations involved in the automation and control industries in
conjunction with Microsoft Corporation. CSIOPCServer is a server application
developed by Campbell Scientific to provide data from its dataloggers, via
LoggerNet data acquisition and management software, in an OPC format to
other applications. The CSIOPCServer supports OPC Data Access
Specification 2.05a.
The purpose of this document is to describe how to use the CSIOPCServer to
distribute information from a Campbell Scientific datalogger network to a third
party OPC client. A brief overview is provided on the LoggerNet software and
its role in facilitating this transfer of data. Refer to the LoggerNet User's
Manual for additional information.
2. Hardware/Software Requirements and Installation
A resource disk is provided that includes installation files and documentation
for the CSIOPCServer. CSIOPCServer was designed to run on a PC-based
computer system. A Windows NT, 2000, or XP operating system is suggested,
though the application will run on Windows 95, 98, or ME. In addition,
Campbell Scientific's LoggerNet data acquisition and management software
(version 1.1 or higher) must be installed and running on the computer that will
act as the server for the datalogger network.
NOTE
LoggerNet and CSIOPCServer require TCP/IP services to be
installed and running on the computer.
When the resource disk is inserted into the CD-ROM drive of your computer,
the installation process should begin automatically. If it does not begin, access
your CD-ROM drive and double-click the SETUP.EXE file. Follow the
instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
2.1 Running the CSIOPCServer
The CSIOPCServer is registered as a Component Object Model (COM)
server in the Windows operating system during installation. Therefore, it is not
necessary to manually start the application. When an OPC client is started, the
CSIOPCServer will be invoked automatically. However, if the server is not
invoked, or if something occurs that requires the server to be shut down, it can
be started by selecting Programs | Campbell Scientific OPC Server from the
Windows start button. An icon, similar to that shown above, will appear in the
computer's system tray when the CSIOPCServer is active.
1