PVPlus Comapct QuestionmarksFrustratingly, I can not find ANYTHING about a possible “PanelView Plus 7” published publically by Rockwell Automation.

I’m frustrated not only because I’m a big PanelView Plus fan, but also because the rumors state it’s suppose to be releasing around the first of the year.

Yeah, I know: Once bitten twice shy, right? But while the PanelView 5000 was publically “previewed” extremely early in it’s development cycle, from what I’m hearing the PVPlus 7 development is all done.

So, why the hush hush?

Edit 08-29-14: With the release of ViewStudio 8.0 we finally have a public acknowledgement that the PanelView Plus 7 is coming. The release notes confirm that the PVPlus 7 will come in a standard and enhanced versions, and will support new resolutions including widescreen aspect ratios.

Rumors and Speculation

Not finding any public information available, all I can share with your are the rumors and speculation I’ve heard outside of official channels, and not covered by non-disclosures:

  • The PanelView Plus 7 will program with ViewStudio version 8.

No, you read that right. While the PanelView Plus 6 required a minimum of ViewStudio version 6, the PVPlus 7 is said to require v8. This actually seems credible to me, as the last version of ViewStudio was version 7, and it came out several months ago.

  • It will be backward compatible with runtime files (.mer) back to version 3.2

This is very good news. Just like the PVPlus 6, the rumor is the PVPlus 7 will also support old .mer files.

  • PanelView 5000 QuestionmarksIt will be based on the PanelView 5000 hardware and have higher resolution that the same size PVPlus 6.

What? Um, ok it would be pretty cool if the engineers at Rockwell were able to get View Machine Edition to work on the same hardware designed for the PanelView 5000. In fact, I think this is pretty plausible as the hardware seemed quite stable when I used it at RSTechED back in 2012.

  • It will only support Ethernet and Serial communications

Hmm. Kind of a bummer, but it’s understandable they aren’t adding support for Data Highway which hails from the 1980’s.

  • It will begin shipping in the December 14 / January 15 time frame.

Ok, this one has me concerned. While that is the same release timeframe I’ve heard for the next ViewStudio, since we have no public information on the PVPlus 7 it’s kind of hard to believe this is accurate…

  • It will be launched at Automation Fair 2014

Well, if everything else above is true, then this would make a lot of sense. At this point, barring any public announcement from Rockwell, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

That is, unless you heard something about the PanelView Plus 7? If you have, I’d love to hear what you heard – just reply to this blog post by filling in the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

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6 COMMENTS

  1. I’ve been told that Viewpoint will be HTML5 compatible as well, allowing native support for tablets and phones using a compatible browser. Sure will beat using VNC.

  2. Update! With the release of ViewStudio 8.0 we finally have a public acknowledgement that the PanelView Plus 7 is coming. The release notes confirm that the PVPlus 7 will come in a standard and enhanced versions, and will support new resolutions including widescreen aspect ratios.

    Shawn Tierney

    Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com

    • They discussed the PanelView Plus 7 displays at RSTechEd this year in Orlando. The presentations were listed as “public info.” I have pdfs of their powerpoints. Bascially, there will be seven screen sizes for the standard models:
      4.3in 480×272 wide
      5.7in 640×480
      6.5in 640×480
      9.0in 800×480 wide
      10.4in 800×600
      12.1in 1280×800 wide
      15.0in 1024×768

      and six for the performance models:
      6.5in 640×480
      9.0in 800×480 wide
      10.4in 800×600
      12.1in 1280×800 wide
      15.0in 1024×768
      19.0in 1280×1024

      The Standard models have the following bullet points:
      -For Less Demanding applications
      -ARM processor
      -512 MB flash memory / 512 MB Ram
      -Single Ethernet and DLR options
      -Low profile plastic bezel
      -DC power only
      -Touchscreen only
      -Windows CE 6.0 Standard feature set
      -ATEX certification
      -AFC: Q4, CY2014 (initial release: 4″-10″ / single port Ethernet)

      The Performance models have the following bullet points:
      -For More Demanding / Complex Applications
      -x86 Processor
      -1GB flash memory / 512MB RAM
      -DLR included in all terminals
      -Low Profile Aluminum bezel
      -AC/DC power options
      -Touchscreen and Combo
      -Combo keypad/touch on sizes: 6.5″, 10.4″ & 15″
      -Windows CE 6.0 Extended feature set
      -ATEX, Marine certifications
      -Conformal coating on future release
      -AFC: Q2 CY2015

  3. New information from Automation Fair 2014:

    The PanelView Plus 7 Standard should begin shipping again in January 2015, and the literature should return to the Lit Library by early December.

    I also hope to post a new article with pictures from the show in the coming weeks,

    Shawn Tierney

    Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com

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