Many simple drivers use Channels. Channels are the communications lines through which information is passed between the ClearSCADA server and the scanners, outstations or PLCs and so on, on your system.
Simple drivers tend to use Direct channels. Direct channels are used by devices that are permanently connected to the ClearSCADA server via, for example, a cable, network, or a continuous radio signal.
Before you configure a channel in ClearSCADA, carry out any necessary Preparation so that you can specify the appropriate properties for the channel in the ClearSCADA database.
Use the fields on the appropriate Channel Form to configure a channel on your system.
Each Channel Form has a series of tabs.
Use the Channel tab to define the basic communication properties for the channel (see Configure the Basic Channel Properties).
Use the Port or Connection tab(s) to define the connection properties for each port that the channel uses. The fields on the tab(s) vary, depending on the connection type. When a choice of connection types is available, a Connection Type field is displayed at the top of the tab (see Configure a Channel’s Connection Type in the ClearSCADA Guide to Drivers). If no Connection Type field is displayed, the channel typically uses a serial connection (see Configure a Channel’s Serial Connection Properties in the ClearSCADA Guide to Drivers). Primary and Secondary Port or Connection tabs are available for those channels that support communication using either of two ports (see Enable or Disable a Secondary Port).
For information on fields on the other tabs, see Tabs That are Common to Many Configuration Forms.
For information on the minimal amount of configuration that you can undertake to produce a functional channel in ClearSCADA, see Minimum Configuration.
For information on the connection types that a particular channel supports, and any configuration fields not described in the sections referenced above, see the ClearSCADA driver-specific documentation.
For further information on the settings required for your communications equipment, see the manufacturer’s documentation.