RSLinx, MSExcel – Get A-B Programmable Controller Data into Microsoft Excel using RSLinx Classic

In Today’s article I’ll walk you through how you can bring Allen-Bradley Programmable Controller Data into Microsoft Excel 2016 using RSLinx Classic.

NOTE: The below procedure works with any licensed copy of RSLinx Classic, including Single Node, OEM, and Gateway shown below. However, it will not work with the free “Lite” version.

Step 1) Locate the Programmable Controller you’d like to get data from in the RSLinx Classic RSWho window, then right click on it and choose, “Configure New DDE/OPC Topic” as shown below:

Step 2) Now give your Topic a name. In this example I name my new topic “L61”:

Step 3) Next, select the Data Collection tab and review the default settings:

Step 4) When done reviewing the default settings and making any changes, click on the Apply button. Note that in this example I changed the Polled Message rate from 1000ms to 50ms:

Step 5) When prompted, select Yes to update the topic with your changes:

Step 6) Now select Done to close the Topic Configuration window:

Step 7) Now from the Edit menu (only available in licensed versions of RSLinx Classic as noted previously,) select Copy DDE/OPC Link…

Step 8) Then browse for the address or tag whose value you’d like to display in Microsoft Excel:

Step 9) And click on OK when done:

Step 10) Now in Excel, right click on the cell where you’d like the data to appear and select Paste Special:

Step 11) Then choose Paste Link:

Step 12) And select OK:

Step 13) At first you may see “#N/A” as the data is being fetched from RSLinx:

Step 15) However, after a few seconds you should see you Programmable Controller’s live data appear:

Step 16) This procedure works for ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5, SLC-500, and MicroLogix as shown below:

Step 17) If you’d also like to learn how to create a button to upload or download many tag values, search RSLinx Classic’s Help on the word “Excel” for example macros:

To watch a video demonstration of the above, check out Episode 41 of The Automation Minute Season 4 below:

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Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.

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