OPC from Siemens S7200/300 and S5

Hi all what is the easiest way to get data out of an S7 and an S5 so it is available via OPC?

I know that in AB speak, that RSLinx can act as an OPC Server. Is there an equivalent for Siemens? I thought I saw somewhere before that SimaticNet has OPC capability but I don't have enough Siemens experience under my belt to know for sure. Anyone know?

Thanks :site:

Yes, the Simatic NET has the OPC Server. I used it to communicate with an S7 PLC via Industrial Ethernet - see this Siemens FAQ (the pdf file).

I didn't communicate with S5 PLCs but it is possible according to this Siemens FAQ.

For the S5, it depends on what ports are available.
Simatic Softnet IE can communicate with an S5 via Ethernet. But not via the PG port AS511.

I suggest you steer clear of simatic net it's a monster.
INAT have an opc server, it's quite easy to use & you can download a trial that lasts a couple of hours all you need to do is re-start it, at least it will allow you to try before you buy.

Have a look at Kepware OPC Server together with S5 & S7 LAN connectors from www.process-informatik.de the connectors give you ethernet connections via the AS511 and the PPI/MPI programming ports of the PLC's