Supported hardware
For Live data, Historical data, Datalogging to MQTT broker, and Alarming you'll need to set up a data source and add variables. This article shows you how to do this for communication via Siemens S7-300/400/1200/1500 protocol.
Using a Siemens LOGO! PLC? This protocol not work with a Siemens LOGO! Use Modbus instead.
- Prepare the machine
- Add a data source
- Add variables
- Test variables
- Live data, Historical data, Alarming
Prepare the machine
Protection and variable addressing may need to be adjusted to enable communication.
Protection
The S7-1200 and S7-1500 series have a built-in firewall that, by default, blocks data requests from other devices like the StrideLinx router. This is not applicable to S7-300 and S7-400 series.
- Open TIA Portal and go to your device settings.
- Go to Protection & security and turn on Permit access with PUT/GET communication from remote partner.
- Download the hardware configuration to the machine, not the software configuration.
Variable addressing
The addresses of data block variables are, by default, optimized by TIA Portal and not visible. Optimized block access will need to be turned off to see the addresses of your variables.
- Right-click your data block and select Properties.
- Go to Attributes and turn off Optimized block access.
- Compile the TIA Portal project and download the new software to the machine.
Add a data source
The machine will need to be added as a Siemens S7-300/400/1200/1500 data source.
- Go to Fleet Manager > Devices and click on your device name.
- In the left menu, at Services, click on the icon and select Data source > Siemens S7-300/400/1200/1500.
- Enter the requested information (details below) and click on Add.
Field Description Name Enter a name for the data source. Identifier The identifier is entered automatically and ensures that every data source remains unique, even if they share the same name. IP address Enter the IP address of your machine. Port The port number will be entered automatically (port 102 for Siemens S7). Rack and Slot The rack and slot number of your machine can be viewed in TIA Portal > Device configuration. Below is an overview of the default rack and slot numbers.
Series Default rack and slot S7-300 Rack: 0
Slot: 2S7-400 Rack: 0
Slot: 2 or 3S7-1200 Rack: 0
Slot: 1S7-1500 Rack: 0
Slot: 1Polling sleep time The StrideLinx router will continuously request data from the machine. This then enables you to log aggregated values, like the average value or the maximum value that occurred, and to trigger alarms when certain conditions are met.
The polling sleep time is the time that the StrideLinx router waits before asking data again, after it just received data from the machine.
A polling sleep time of 100ms is recommended. In the rare case that you are experiencing a high CPU load on the machine, you can increase this setting to reduce the load.
Add variables
Once you've added a data source, you can start adding variables.
- Under your Data source, go to Variables and click onAdd variable.
- Enter the requested information (details below) and click on Add.
Field Description Name Enter a name for the variable. Identifier The identifier is entered automatically and ensures that every variable remains unique, even if they share the same name. Type Select the variable's data type (bool, int, float, etc). Length (for String data types only) The String length. Region DB (data block), I (input), M (marker) or Q (output) Data block (available when region "DB" is selected) Enter the data block number. Address This is called offset in TIA Portal. For example, for offset 24.0 you enter 24 as the address value. Bit (for Boolean data types only) This is called offset in TIA Portal. For example, for offset 24.0 you enter 0 as the bit value. Factor Multiplies the value. Leave empty if the data type is boolean.
This factor is automatically applied to all data visualization in StrideLinx Cloud components, both Live and Historical, and when exporting that data to a CSV file. Entering a factor in a data component overrules this factor.
This factor does not apply to log triggers, alarms and datalogging to MQTT broker.Unit Displayed behind the value (e.g. kg). - Repeat step 11 for every variable you want to add or click Import from CSV-file near the top right corner to add variables in bulk instead.
- The structure of the CSV file is explained here: Import variables: CSV file structure.
- Using Export to CSV-file and Import from CSV-file enables you to easily copy variables from one device to another device. Alternatively, you can also use device templates.
You have now made the changes in the StrideLinx Cloud, but these are not yet active in your device. You will need to push your changes to your device for them to take effect.
Temporary disconnect
After this next step, the config push, the device may temporarily disconnect and LAN communication may be temporarily interrupted while it's applying the new settings. This only takes a moment.- Click on Push config to device in the top right corner.
Test variables
The variables test is recommended to check if all added variables are configured correctly. It shows the value of all variables if everything is configured correctly and shows an error if something is not configured correctly.
- Click on Run test near the top right corner.
- The test will attempt to update values every 0.5 seconds.
- Is the test showing unexpected values? Check the addresses and data types of the variables.
- Is the test showing a different error? Consult the table below for common error messages and possible ways to resolve the error.
Error Message Details Timeout error Communication
Check that the data source is configured correctly and the machine is connected and powered on. If you are still getting a timeout error, contact your IT to make sure the test is not blocked. The test sets up an outgoing connection from your computer to the StrideLinx router using:Port Transport protocol Application protocol 443 TCP WebSocket
Using a serial converter like an IBH Link S7++? Please read the following help article: Timeout error on variables when using a serial converter with a Siemens PLC.Function refused by CPU Permit access
Optimized block access
The machine does not accept communication requests. Make sure that Permit access with PUT/GET communication from remote partner is enabled and that the hardware configuration, not the software configuration, is downloaded to the machine. More information: Prepare the machine.
In rare situations, we've seen that this issue can also occur after changing the Optimized block access setting. Remove and re-create the Data Block with Optimized block access turned off from the start.Address out of range The variable's address is incorrect or the variable does not exist in the machine. If the variable is in a Data block, also make sure that Optimized block access is disabled in the Data block properties. More information: Prepare the machine.
Live data, Historical data, Alarming
Now that the data source and variables have been set up, you can continue below.
- Click below to continue in the feature specific articles.