Moving Tag Values from FT Optix to a SQL Database

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates how to move tag values from a CompactLogix controller to a MySQL database using FactoryTalk Optics. The process involves configuring communications, creating a project in FactoryTalk, and setting up a connection to the MySQL database via ODBC data sources. The tutorial walks users through importing tags, creating a data logger, and configuring periodic data logging for two specific tags. It concludes with testing the configuration and verifying the data is properly stored in the MySQL database. The video is ideal for users looking to integrate PLC data with SQL databases in industrial automation setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Optics can be used to move tag values from a 5069 CompactLogix controller to a MySQL database.
• 😀 To communicate with the PLC, Optics requires the setup of an Ethernet IP station and the import of an ACD file for tag browsing.
• 😀 You can configure screens in Optics by creating a navigation panel and linking tags to labels for display.
• 😀 You can link specific controller tags like 'accumulation value' or 'random number' from your PLC to Optics labels.
• 😀 The process involves testing tag values in the Optics emulator before moving on to the MySQL configuration.
• 😀 In MySQL, create a new schema to store the tag data and use the ODBC Data Source to connect it with Optics.
• 😀 The ODBC connection setup requires configuration of the MySQL 8.0 driver, user credentials, and database details.
• 😀 The Data Logger in Optics can be configured to log values from your PLC tags at a set sample rate, such as 1 second.
• 😀 Once the data logger is set up, it connects to the MySQL database using the ODBC data source for storing values.
• 😀 After running the emulator and logging data, the MySQL database schema will automatically contain a table with timestamped tag values.
• 😀 FactoryTalk Optics automatically creates the Data Logger table in MySQL when configured correctly.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of this video tutorial?

The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to move tag values from a 5069 Compact Logix controller into a MySQL database using FactoryTalk Optics, MySQL Workbench, and an ODBC data source.

What software and tools are required to complete the process described in the video?

The required software tools are FactoryTalk Optics, MySQL Workbench, ODBC data source, and Studio 5000 Logix Designer. The tutorial assumes a Windows 10 Pro environment managed by VMware Workstation Pro.

How do you set up communication between FactoryTalk Optics and the controller?

To set up communication, you need to select 'New Station' in FactoryTalk Optics, configure it to use the 'RA Ethernet IP Station' driver, and enter the IP address of the controller. Then, you can import tags using either an offline file or online tag browsing.

What are the two types of tags used in the demonstration?

The two types of tags used are the 'controller scope tag' and the 'program scope tag'. In the example, the 'accumulation value of a timer' and a random number tag are used.

What steps are involved in creating the MySQL schema?

In MySQL Workbench, you need to create a new schema by selecting the 'New Schema' icon, giving it a name, and applying the changes. The schema will later be used to store the tag values.

What is the purpose of the ODBC data source in this setup?

The ODBC data source acts as a bridge to connect FactoryTalk Optics with the MySQL database. It is configured in the Windows Control Panel and allows communication between the two applications by defining the necessary connection parameters like the database name, username, and password.

What configuration is required when setting up the Data Logger in FactoryTalk Optics?

When setting up the Data Logger, you need to configure the logger to periodically log tag values at a 1-second sample rate. You then add the relevant tags and link them to the ODBC data store that was configured earlier.

How do you test if the configuration is working correctly?

You test the configuration by running the emulator in FactoryTalk Optics and checking that the tag values are being logged in real time. Then, refresh the MySQL schema to confirm that the data is being written into the database.

What happens in MySQL when the configuration is correct?

If the configuration is correct, the Data Logger table is created in MySQL, and the tag values, along with timestamps, will appear in the table during the emulator run time.

What is the role of the DBMS setting in the ODBC database configuration?

The DBMS setting specifies the type of database management system being used, in this case, MySQL. This ensures that the correct database type is selected for communication between FactoryTalk Optics and MySQL via the ODBC data source.