Linx and naming network devices...Help

On RSLinx, the name that the software assign to devices that its able to finds when scanning the network, Can I customize those names to something that it will be more descriptive of the type of machine which the device is part off.

I haven't found a way to. I think it was asked before on the forums and the answer was a "No".

I have a machine that has a CompactLogix and 9 ML1100s and 1ML 1400. I wanted to have RSlinx list them as their processor name, but couldn't (it only showed their IP Address).

Look at this knowledge base 32117. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow

JoseM said:

On RSLinx, the name that the software assign to devices that its able to finds when scanning the network, Can I customize those names to something that it will be more descriptive of the type of machine which the device is part off.

Click to expand...

Yes. You have to create a "hosts" file. I can't recall the exact details, but if you search "host file" or "hosts file" you should find something.

There are a couple tricks that might help a bit, but they are primarily for the Logix 5000 family. Easier (IMO) than dealing with hosts files


#1 Add Names to EtherNet/IP modules
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In RSLinx, use the Ethernet Devices driver (cannot use EtherNet/IP driver) and manually type in the IP address for the Ethernet module. At the end of the address and a space and type in a name. For example:

192.168.1.12 Conveyor A Chassis

Repeat for each device. This used to be available in RSLinx and then RA made a change that prevented this capability. It is back now in the later releases of RSLinx.

#2 Use RSLinx Shortcuts
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RSLinx allows you to create shortcuts to networks or to a backplane. Browse to a Logix 5000 backplane and right-click on the backplane to select Create Shortcut. Type in a name and that name is essentially a "driver" now in the RSLinx RS Who and all Who Active windows.

Imagine that you are browsing from your PC over the Ethernet to a specific CLX chassis and you need to go through that chassis to the DH+ module and then browse out Channel A of the DH+ module to view the PLC-5 controllers on that network. That is cumbersome and trying to explain it to a user can be overwhelming. Instead I can right-click on that Remote DH+ Channel A and create a shortcut that I call "Package_DHPlus". In the Who Active that will appear as a "driver" that I can browse without having to remember the whole path it took to get there.

OG