ControlLogix – Support for adding I/O online

By

-

August 21, 2013

Rockwell Allen-Bradley's Logix-WP006 Table 1 - Adding I/O Online — Table 1 from Allen-Bradley Publication Logix-WP006 (no longer available)

A common client question of late is what are the abilities of the ControlLogix when is comes to adding I/O online.

In certain industries, processes can’t shut down as doing so would lead to loss of production or in extreme cases damage to the production line. In these situations, the more you can do while the production line is running, the better off you are. Allen-Bradley has had robust online program editing for decades, as well as I/O support for RIUP (removal and insertion under power,) but the online addition of I/O in the ControlLogix family is a more recent development.

The first phase of support for this feature was in version 15 of the ControlLogix. In that version you could add most 1756 I/O while the processor was in the remote run mode, either in the local 1756 I/O rack with the processor, or remotely on ControlNet or Ethernet.

When adding I/O online on ControlNet, the I/O is placed in the unscheduled bandwidth portion of the “Network Update Time” (aka NUT) which would be more than adequate for most process applications, by may not have the update rate and repeatability needed for high speed applications.

Note: For details about RSLogix and Studio 5000 support for adding I/O online in remote run, please reference the following manual from Allen-Bradley (A-B:)

~~Runtime Addition of I/O White Paper, LOGIX-WP006~~

NOTE: The above document is no longer available, so in it’s place refer to the user manual, 1756-UM001.

The second phase of support for adding I/O online with ControlLogix came with version 18. This version added many new devices to the support list, including:

1756-CN2, 1756-CN2R, 1756-CN2RXT
1756-EN2t, 1756-EN2TR, 1756-EN2TRXT, 1756-EN3TR
PowerFlex 4, 40, 400, 400P
PowerFlex 70, 700, 700s, 7000
PowerFlex 753, 755
PowerFlex DC
1305, 1336E, 1336F, 1336R, 1336S, 1336T, 1397
1757- FFLD

Note: For details about v18’s added support for adding devices to a ControlLogix system online in remote run, please reference the following manual from Allen-Bradley:

ControlLogix System User Manual 1756-UM001

I hope you’ve found the above information and links about adding I/O online to a ControlLogix helpful. If you have a question or comment please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to comment on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

View Studio – Can you save Machine Edition 7.0 project as a previous version?

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 20, 2013

A client recently asked how he could save or export a FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition 7.0 project as a previous, older version.

As FactoryTalk ViewStudio users know, there is no way to perform a “save project as” a previous version in the software. However, the software does allow for saving runtime files (.mer) as previous versions, and some of those files can be imported back into ViewStudio as a project using the Application Manager.

With that in mind, I offered to test out whether or not runtime files created with ViewStudio 7.0 (but saved as previous version .mer’s) would be able to be turned back into a ViewStudio projects in those older versions.

To begin, I went through the steps to create a runtime file. As you can see below, the system defaults to v7.0 and all the “conversion to development” options are available:

For my first test I would use v7 to save a runtime file as 6.1, the only other version of ViewStudio with the new MS SQL Server Tag Database (for Windows 7 64 bit compatibility.)

As you can see in the below image, just as when v7 was selected, all the “conversion to development” options are still available when v6.1 is chosen:

After creating the v6.1 .mer I moved it to my VMware image with ViewStudio v6.1 and used the application manager to restore the project. I then opened it in ViewStudio without issue. Success!

For the next test, I used v7 to save a runtime file for v6.0, but was immediately disappointed as the “conversion to development” options were no longer available as can be seen in the below screenshot:

I thought this was quite strange as, if v7 could created the .mer for v6.0, why could it also not include the 6.0 development files as well?

With no built-in means of restoring an application from a v6.0 mer file, the only option left that I could think of was using the old Rockwell Tech Note #8913, “Recovering a Project from the MER File” (requires a support contract.) Unfortunately, at the point in the procedure where you import the .MED file from the temporary “~Mer” folder, I received the following error:

And with that “error message” the writing was on the wall. I imagine that somewhere in the .mer file there is a flag of some sort which, while allowing the .mer file to run on v6 systems, it somehow prevents the project from being imported back into ViewStudio v6.0.

Well, if you have any comments or questions on the above, or if you have other ideas on how to get a v7 project into v6.0, please let us know by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

PLC-5 – How to add Ethernet Communications

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 19, 2013

Today you’ll find Ethernet in almost every manufacturing facility, and on most all modern automation systems. But many facilities also have an installed base of legacy PLC-5 systems, and often clients call asking how they can add Ethernet connectivity to their legacy PLC-5’s.

Before we answer that question, lets first review the communication options available on the PLC-5 processor.

The original processors (5/10, 5/12, 5/15, & 5/25) which were released beginning in 1985, came with two connectivity options built into every model:

Data Highway Plus (DH+, also known as Peer Communication Interface or PCI)
Remote I/O (RIO.)

The second generation of PLC-5 processors (5/11, 5/20, 5/30, 5/40, 5/60, 5/80,) known as the “New Platform” (NP) PLC-5, had an additional 25 pin RS-232 port, and could also be ordered with an optional Ethernet or ControlNet port.

So for all those PLC-5 processors without the built-in Ethernet port I list five options below which allow you to add Ethernet communications to your non-Ethernet PLC-5:

New Option: ANC-100e EtherNet/IP to DH+ Gateway

From ANC: “The ANC-100e is an economical and high performance, “pocket-sized” converter interfacing Factory Automation Devices between Ethernet/IP and Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus DH+”

Pros:

Works with any DH+ device

Cons:

It’s not free?

PNs and Prices

ANC-100e EtherNet/IP to Allen Bradley DH+ Gateway $1,195.

Option 1: EtherNet/IP to Allen Bradley Remote I/O or DH+ Gateway (works with all DH+ devices)

From Prosoft: “The EtherNet/IP to Remote I/O or DH+ (AN-X2-AB-DHRIO) Gateway is designed to help customers initiate a phased migration approach to replacing or upgrading legacy Remote I/O, HMI’s or Drives. The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO gateway has multiple operating modes that are selected during initial configuration and are described below..”

Pros:

Works with any DH+ device

Cons:

It’s not free?

PNs and Prices

AN-X2-AB-DHRIO EtherNet/IP to Allen Bradley Remote I/O or DH+ Gateway $1,895.

Option 2: 1756 DH+ to Ethernet Gateway (works with all DH+ devices)

A very common option to bridge from Ethernet to DH+, CNET, and DNET, a 1756 chassis with an Ethernet module and a single DHRIO module provides for the bridging from Ethernet to two DH+ networks at 57.6K or 115K, or one DH+ at 230K.

Pros:

One Ethernet gateway to many networks

Direct access to PLC-5 Data Tables

No programming needed to bridge Ethernet to DH+

Add additional modules for additional networks: ControlNet, Devicenet, DH+, DH-485, or 3rd party modules from Prosoft

Cons:

Expensive solution for a single PLC

PNs and Prices

1756-A7: 7 SLOT CONTROLLOGIX CHASSIS $504.00 list price from A-B

1756-ENBT: CLX ETHERNET/IP BRIDGE $2150.00 list price from A-B

1756-PA75: 85-265V AC POWER SUPPLY $911.00 list price from A-B

1756-DHRIO: DH+/RIO BRIDGE $1,910.00 list price from A-B

(Obsolete) Option 3: DF1 to Ethernet/IP converter: (New Platform PLC-5 models only)

If your New Platform PLC-5’s serial port is available, you can easily add a DF1 to Ethernet/IP converter (1761-NET-ENI.)

Pro’s:

Least expensive option

Direct access to PLC-5 Data Table

Has built in email capability (converts PLC MSG to an email)

ENI configuration is done with a free utility

Con’s:

Only three simultaneous bi-directional connections to PLC-5 at any given time

The PLC-5 serial port is limited to 19.2K (low bandwidth)

Requires PLC-5 NP processor with available serial port

If you have an HMI on the serial port you can use the A-B Serial DF1 port splitter (1747-DPS1) but you’ll be splitting the bandwidth with the HMI.

PNs and Prices

1761-NET-ENI

$893.00 list price from A-B

1761-CBL-PM02

$74.10 list price from A-B

$25.00 from Amazon

9 Pin to 25 Pin adapter

$10 from Amazon

(Obsolete) Option 4: ENET Sidecar: (New Platform PLC-5 models only, firmware upgrade may be needed, )

If your New Platform PLC-5 has the correct firmware, or if you’re willing to purchase the firmware upgrade, and you have the ability to move whatever module you have in the first I/O slot (directly to the right of the processor,) the 1785-ENET Ethernet sidecar is an option you can consider.

Pros:

High Speed connection to PLC-5

Direct access to PLC-5 Data Table

Channel 3a configuration is simple

Cons:

Need to move and readdress I/O module in slot 1

Will likely need to update PLC-5 firmware chip which can be expensive

PNs and Prices

1785-ENET

$3720.00 list price from A-B

5/80 Firmware

~$685.00 from A-B (most expensive version, price circa 2005)

(Obsolete) Option 5: Prosoft Ethernet Module for 1771 Chassis and all PLC-5 Processors: (works will all PLC-5 models)

From Prosoft: “Support for the storage and transfer of up to 4000 registers to/from the PLC processor using the block transfer. The module can send read or write commands to remote devices on the Ethernet/IP network. The MVI71-DFNT also has 20 servers that allows the module to receive commands from remote devices. The MVI71-DFNT Pass-Through server allows the user to edit, download, and upload the PLC ladder logic using an Ethernet connection. Up to 100 commands can be configured by the user.”

Pros:

Works with any PLC-5 in any SLOT

Cons:

Requires programming (Prosoft tech support historically has been good)

– Block Transfers needed in PLC-5 Program

PNs and Prices

MVI71-DFNT EhterNet /IP Communication Module ~$2,159 (circa 2005)

I hope you’ve found this article about how to add Ethernet to non-Ethernet versions of the Allen-Bradley PLC-5 helpful. If you have a question or would like to offer your own option please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to comment on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Micro800 – “How To” Videos from Allen-Bradley Part 3

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 16, 2013

Micro800 YouTube Advanced Featured Image

Today in the final part of our three part series, we’ll list the beginner Micro800 Family “How To” Videos Rockwell has posted to YouTube.com.

Using Advanced Instructions In Ladder Logic / Ladder Diagram

Micro800 Programming – Use LOG Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LOG instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use EXPT Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for EXPT instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use POW Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for POW instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SCALER Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SCALER instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SQRT Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SQRT instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use ABS Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for ABS instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LIMIT Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LIMIT instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use ASCII Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for ASCII instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use R_TRIG Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for R_TRIG instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use TOW Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for TOW instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use TDF Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for TDF instruction in ladder diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LCD Instruction in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LCD instruction in ladder diagram program.

Using Advanced Instructions In Function Block Diagram

Micro800 Programming – Use EXPT Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for EXPT instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use POW Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for POW instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SCALER Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SCALER instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SQRT Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SQRT instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use R_TRIG Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for R_TRIG instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LCD Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software LCD instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use ABS Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for ABS instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LIMIT Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LIMIT instruction in function block diagram program.

Micro800 Programming – Use TOW Instruction in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for TOW instruction in function block diagram program.

Using Advanced Instructions In Structured Text

Micro800 Programming – Use EXPT Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for EXPT instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use POW Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for POW instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SCALER Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SCALER instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use SQRT Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for SQRT instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use ABS Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for ABS instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use R_TRIG Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for R_TRIG instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use TOW Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for TOW instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use TDF Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for TDF instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LCD Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LCD instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Use LIMIT Instruction in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software for LIMIT instruction in structured text program.

Micro800 Programming – Call Instruction Block in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to call instruction block in structured text program.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/aJt7aSe3yQ8: Video removed by Rockwell

I hope you’ve found this listing of Rockwell’s AB.com Training Videos on the Micro800 helpful. Tomorrow we’ll list many more.

If you would like to offer your own opinion or comment on the usefulness of these videos please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to share your comments on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Micro800 – “How To” Videos from Allen-Bradley Part 2

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 15, 2013

Today in part two of our three part series we’ll list the beginner Micro800 Family “How To” Videos Rockwell has posted to YouTube.com.

Article Updated May, 2019:

Introductions to the Micro800 Family

Allen-Bradley Micro810 Introductory Video by ROKAutomation

Thomas Sugimoto, Global Marketing Manager of Micro800 Controllers introduces the features and benefits of engaging Micro810 controller for your applications.

Allen-Bradley Micro830 Introductory Video by ROKAutomation

Thomas Sugimoto, Global Marketing Manager of Micro800 Controllers introduces the features and benefits of engaging Micro830 controller for your applications.

Allen-Bradley Micro850 Introductory Video by ROKAutomation

Thomas Sugimoto, Global Marketing Manager of Micro800 Controllers introduces the features and benefits of engaging Micro850 controller for your applications.

Allen-Bradley Micro850 Introductory Animation by ROKAutomation

The animated video showcases the flexibility and customization that brings higher I/O performance to the Allen-Bradley Micro850 controller from Rockwell Automation. The video demonstrates how easily the power supply, plug-in modules, expansion I/O modules, and terminal blocks can be attached and re…

Micro800 How-To

Modernize from MicroLogix Controllers with Micro800 by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Programming – Change Program Execution Order by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to change the order of program execution.

Micro800 Programming – Configure Interrupts by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to configure interrupts for Micro800 controller.

Micro800 Controller Programming – LCD in Ladder Diagram by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – LOG in Ladder Diagram by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – SQRT in Structured Text by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller – Create and Use User-Defined Function Blocks (R8) by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – EXPT in Structured Text by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – SQRT in Function Block Diagram by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – SCALER in Ladder Diagram by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Controller Programming – ABS in Structured Text by ROKAutomation

Micro800 Programming – Configure Workspace by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to configure workspace for Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/APJnsQtVrK8: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Create First Project by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to create first project for Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/APJnsQtVrK8: Video removed by Rockwell

http://www.youtube.com/embed/-E1QflY4EfU: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Assign Variable Value by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to assign variable value for Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/SobWBV9butI: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Define Variables in Ladder Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to to define variable in ladder diagram program.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/TRrDEKvgU1w: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Define Variables in Function Block Diagram Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to to define variable in function block diagram program.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/RCQqR6XyQ68: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Define Variables in Structured Text Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to to define variable in structured text program.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/_wKIb6sQ53o: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Build First Project by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to build first project for Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/AiFH_Pm7B3o: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Download Project to Micro800 controller by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to download project to Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/OPzc_mvnKRo: Video removed by Rockwell

Micro800 Programming – Debugging First Program by ROKAutomation

How to use Connected Components Workbench software to debug your first program on Micro800 controller.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/U0HVnNRNfe4: Video removed by Rockwell

I hope you’ve found the above links to Rockwell’s basic Micro800 YouTube videos helpful. Tomorrow we’ll list the more advanced videos.

If you would like to offer your own opinion, or comment on the usefulness of these videos, please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to share your comments on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Micro800 – “How To” Videos from Allen-Bradley Part 1

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 14, 2013

When Rockwell released it’s new Micro800 PLC and the Connected Component Workbench (CCW) programming software, it knew that new users were going to need some help getting to know how to program this new product.

With that in mind Rockwell created dozens of “How To” videos for the Micro800, and in this the first of a three part series I’ll list the five videos which Rockwell hosts at AB.com, and provide a direct link to view each one:

http://www.Allen-Bradley.com hosted training videos for the Micro800 and CCW:

Chapter 1: Starting a Project and Configuring Plug-in Modules

Chapter 2: Creating a User-Defined Function Block

Chapter 3: Ladder Programming Using User-defined Function Block

Chapter 4: Connecting to Existing Controllers

Chapter 5: Downloading, Online Testing, and Troubleshooting

I hope you’ve found this listing of Rockwell’s AB.com Training Videos on the Micro800 helpful. Tomorrow we’ll list many more.

If you would like to offer your own opinion or comment on the usefulness of these videos please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to share your comments on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

ViewME, PanelView Plus – Quick Start Videos

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 13, 2013

FactoryTalk View Studio Quick Start Videos Section 3 First Project A

FactoryTalk View Studio Quick Start Videos Section 2 Connect

Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition (ViewME) and PanelView Plus (PVPlus) can be a little challenging for new users to learn. I still remember my own frustration trying to setup RSLinx Enterprise for the first time when I received my beta copy of FactoryTalk View Studio 3.0 back in late 2003.

Since then, Rockwell has released nearly a dozen FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition (ViewME) and PanelView Plus (PVPlus) Quick Start Videos on their Allen-Bradley website at http://www.AB.com, and in today’s article I’ll list all of these videos, and provide a direct link to view each one:

Section 1: Getting Started with FactoryTalk ViewStudio

Video 1: Glossary of Terms

Section 2: Getting Connected with FactoryTalk ViewStudio

Video 2: Set Up a PanelView Plus for Communications

Video 3: Select and Connect Communication Cables

Section 3: My First Project with FactoryTalk ViewStudio

Video 4: Create a New Application and Define Startup Settings

Video 5: Set Up Communications within an Application

Video 6: Define Project Settings

Video 7: Create a New Graphic Display and Add a Numeric Display Object

Video 8: Create Navigation Buttons

Video 9: Test a Graphic Display and the Application

Video 10: Create a Runtime File

Video 11: Download the Runtime Application to the PanelView Plus Terminal

I hope you’ve found this listing of Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition (ViewME) and PanelView Plus (PVPlus) Quick Start Videos helpful. If you have, or would like to offer your own opinion on the usefulness of these Rockwell videos please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to comment on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

RSLogix 5000 “How To” Start Page Videos from Rockwell Allen-Bradley (A-B)

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 12, 2013

RSLogix 5000 Start Page Videos Section 2 Connect

UPDATE, September 2020: Seems like the recent update to Rockwell’s website has killed off all of the links in this article as well as the Rockwell Tech Note (published in 2020) which is a copy of this article.

While I have reported this to Rockwell, there’s no telling if or when the links will return, so until then you can still find these videos in RSLogix 5000 starting at v16, through Studio 5000 Logix Designer up through version 30.

Rockwell’s RSLogix 5000 includes over fifty “How To” getting started videos designed to aid new users, or to introduce new features to existing users.

These video “media files” which are found in the RSLogix 5000 “Start Page” often go unnoticed, as does the fact that Rockwell also makes these videos available free of charge on their Allen-Bradley (A-B) website at http://www.AB.com.

In today’s article I’ll list all fifty six of these videos, and provide a direct link to view each one:

Section 1: Getting Started with RSLogix 5000

Video 1: Manage Windows

Video 2: Navigate with the Mouse & Keyboard

Video 3: Glossary of Terms

Section 2: Get Connected with RSLogix 5000

Video 4: Configure a Serial Driver

Video 5: Load Firmware in a New Controller

Video 6: Assign an IP Address to a Controller

Video 7: Configure an EtherNet/IP Driver

Section 3: My First Project with RSLogix 5000

Video 8: Create a New Project

Video 9: Modify the Main Task

Video 10: Modify the Main Program

Video 11: Modify the Main Routine

Video 12: Configure an Input Module

Video 13: Configure an Output Module

Video 14: Create a Tag

Video 15: Create a User-Defined Data Type

Video 16: Enter Ladder Diagram Routine Logic

Video 17: Reference a Tag in a Routine

Video 18: Verify a Project

Video 19: Download a Project

Video 20: Go Online

Video 21: Change a Controller’s Mode

Video 22: Monitor & Edit Data Online

Section 4: Learn more about RSLogix 5000

Video 23: Import Online — Programs, Routines and Instructions

Video 24: Product Documentation Language Switching

Video 25: Create an Alias Tag

Video 26: Produce and Consume a Tag

Video 27: Find and Clear a Major or Minor Fault

Video 28: Toggle a Bit

Video 29: Clear I/O Communication Faults

Video 30: Force I/O

Video 31: Update a Module’s Firmware

Video 32: Search by Cross Reference

Video 33: Search for Components

Video 34: Identify Tags for I/O Data

Video 35: Enter a Function Block Diagram

Video 36: Enter Structured Text

Video 37: Enter a Sequential Function Chart

Video 38: Create a Program

Video 39: Create a Periodic Task

Video 40: Change the Program Schedule of a Task

Video 41: Change a Running Ladder Diagram Routine

Video 42: Change a Running Function Block, Sequential Function Chart, or Structured Text Routine

Video 43: Configure an Equipment Phase

Video 44: Configure a Pre-state Routine and Equipment Phase

Video 45: Change an Equipment Phase’s State Manually

Section 5: RSLogix 5000 Advanced Topics

Video 46: Logix-based Alarms

Video 47: GuardLogix

Video 48: Kinematics

Video 49: PhaseManager

Add-On Instructions

Video 50: Introduction to Add-On Instructions

Video 51: Creating Add-On Instructions

Video 52: Using Add-On Instructions in a Routine

Video 53: Monitoring Add-On Instruction Code

Video 54: Changing an Add-On Instruction

Video 55: Protecting an Add-On Instruction

Video 56: Using an Add-On Instruction in a New Project

I hope you’ve found this listing of Rockwell’s RSLogix 5000 Quick Start videos helpful. If you have, or would like to offer your own opinion on the usefulness of these Rockwell videos please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to comment on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Where to download Rockwell Allen-Bradley (A-B) trade show and event session materials

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 9, 2013

Rockwell Automation On The Move Downloads

Rockwell Automation (RA) holds several commercial events and trade shows each year, and most of them include hands-on labs, technical sessions, and demonstration workshops. Below you’ll find links to detailed instructions on how to find and download these materials.

1) For details on how to find and download Automation Fair hands-on lab, technical session, and demonstration workshop session materials use the below article link:

Where to find Automation Fair session materials

2) For details on how to find and download Rockwell’s Process Solutions User Group session materials use the below article link:

Where to find PSUG session materials

3) For details on how to find and download Rockwell Automation On The Move session materials use the below article link:

Where to find RAOTM session materials

4) For details on how to find and download RSTechED session materials use the below article link:

Where to find RSTechED session materials

I hope you find the above collection of articles on how to find and download Rockwell commercial event session materials helpful.

If you did, or if you have a question about an event, please feel free to let us know by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Where to find RSTechED Session Downloads

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 8, 2013

Update: Check out our updated article HERE.

Today we continue this week’s theme of how and where to download session materials from Rockwell’s commercial events by discussing Rockwell’s …

RSTechED

Rockwell’s RSTechED is a weeklong training event for customers, integrators, distributors, and Rockwell personnel. It is by far my favorite event, well when it’s on the East Coast 😉

To get access to these event session materials you’ll first want to navigate to http://www.RSTechED.com

Next, select United States and then scroll to the bottom of the page and select the “Select Session Presentations Now Available…”

Finally, log in to the Rockwell Extranet using the same login as you used to sign-up for the event: (Note: I have not found a public link to these materials, but your local authorized distributor should be able to get them for you as I have for several of my clients.)

Once logged in you’ll find a scrolling window of events with links to the session material.

I hope you found the above information about downloading Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software session material from RSTechED helpful. If you did, or if you have a question about RSTechED, please feel free to let us know by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Where to find RAOTM Session Downloads

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 7, 2013

Rockwell Automation On The Move Homepage

Today we continue this week’s theme of how and where to download session materials from Rockwell’s commercial events by discussing Rockwell’s RAOTM event.

Rockwell Automation On The Move

Rockwell’s “Rockwell Automation On The Move” (aka RAOTM) is a two day event which can be described as a smaller local version of Automation Fair.

To get these session materials, start by navigating to the RAOTM home page below:

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellautomation/events/raotm/overview.page

Next, select “Session Materials” (circled in red in the below image:)

Now you should see the below tabbed listing of sessions and associated downloads:

I hope you found the above information about downloading Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software session material from RAOTM helpful.

If you did, or if you have a question about RAOTM, please feel free to let us know by using the “post a comment or question” form at the very bottom of this page.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Where to find Rockwell’s Process Solutions User Group (PSUG) session downloads

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 6, 2013

As we discussed yesterday, Rockwell Automation (RA) holds several commercial events and trade shows each year, and most of them include hands-on labs, technical sessions, and demonstrations. And this week I’m posting how to find the session downloads for these. Today it’s…

Rockwell Automation’s “Process Solutions User Group”

Rockwell’s “Process Solutions User Group” (aka PSUG) is held each year on the two days preceding Automation Fair. It is predominately made up of customer application stories (presented by the actual customers) as well as sessions to discuss the future direction of Rockwell Automation products.

To find the PSUG session materials Rockwell makes available to download, start by navigating to the Rockwell Automation PSUG homepage:

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/rockwellautomation/events/automation-fair/special/psug.page

Next, select PSUG session materials (circled in red below:)

Now you should see a tabbed listing of categories, under which is a list of sessions and download links. The most popular files will be under the “Educational Sessions” tab, as shown below:

I hope you found the above information about downloading Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software session materials from Rockwell Automation’s Process Solutions User Group event helpful. If you did, or if you have a question about PSUG, please feel free to drop us a comment by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Where to find Automation Fair session downloads (2012, 2013)

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 5, 2013

Rockwell Automation (RA) holds several commercial events and trade shows each year, and most of them include hands-on labs, technical sessions, and product demonstrations.

Following each event, I usually get a few calls or emails from clients asking where they can go online to download the presentations and lab files for the sessions they attended. To preemptively answer those questions, over the next few days I’ll post the steps you need to take to download the session materials from Rockwell’s major events, starting today with…

Rockwell Automation’s Automation Fair

What some would call Rockwell’s premier event, Automation Fair is a two day trade show and training event which is held in a different major US city each year.

To get the session materials from this event, start by navigating to http://www.AutomationFair.com

Next, select one of the three categories on the main page: Hands-on labs, Technical sessions, Demonstrations (circled above in red.)

EDIT: Updated for 2013, select one of the categories from the left hand side of the page, or using one of these links below:

Now select the category and session you’re interested in, and you’ll see links to the content Rockwell made available to download for that session:

I hope you found the above information about downloading Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software session materials from Rockwell Automation’s Automation Fair event helpful.

If you did, or if you have a question about Automation Fair, please feel free to drop us a comment by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

PanelView Plus 6 400, 600 – DH-485 Workaround

By

Shawn Tierney

-

August 1, 2013

Most of the original PanelView Plus 400 and 600 models accepted an optional communications module, and the following were available:

2711P-RN3 DH-485 communication module
2711P-RN8 DH+ communication module
2711P-RN15C ControlNet communication module
2711P-RN22C RS-232 isolated communication module

However, with the release of the new PanelView Plus 6 400 and 600, we lose the option of adding ANY communication modules (even the mounting holes and nuts for the comm modules have been removed.)

This is not the case with the larger PVPlus 6 products – on those systems we can still use the add on 2711P-RN6 to get DH-485. But what if you need to replace a 550 or 600 legacy DH-485 PanelView?

Its still possible, but not nearly as clean and neat a solution. The PanelView Plus 6 400 and 600 still support the DH-485 protocol on it’s built-in RS-232 DB9 serial port, so what also is needed is an RS-232 to RS485 converter.

One option is to use the din-rail mount 1761-NET-AIC. This 24vdc powered device is a pure RS-232 to RS485 converter, one I’ve used not only for DH-485 applications, but also for ASCII, Modbus, and PC applications as well.

UPDATE: I’ve added a three part video series HERE showing how to setup a PanelView Plus on DH-485 using it’s serial port.

http://www.theautomationblog.com/season-2-episode-31

Besides the 24vdc power, you’ll also need to know which cables to purchase. The 1761-NET-AIC has three ports: the 6 position terminal block is the RS-485 port, and the 8 pin mini din along with the DB9 are RS-232.

If you are connecting to a daisy chain DH-485 network then no cable is needed on that side – just wire the daisy chain into the TB and you’re good to go. However, if you need to connect to an RJ-45 DH-485 connector, like that found on the front of many SLC-500’s, well you’ll want a 6-pin Phoenix to RJ45 cable, either the 1761-CBL-AS03 (3 m / 10 ft) or the 1761-CBL-AS09 (9 m / 30 ft.)

To connect to the PVPlus 6 you’ll want to use one of the two serial ports. It doesn’t really matter which port you use, just chose the your less likely to program through.

Just keep in mind the PVPlus is a DCE device, meaning the cables you program your PLC via it’s DTE serial port will not work (without a null modem adapter.)

So to connect from the PVPlus 9-pin D-shell to the 1761-NET-AIC 8-pin mini DIN port you can use either the 2711-NC21 cable (5 m / 16.4 ft) or the 2711-NC22 cable (10 m / 32.7 ft.)

To connect from the PVPlus 9-pin D-shell to the 1761-NET-AIC 9-pin D-shell you would use either the 2711-NC13 cable (5 m / 16.4 ft) or the 2711-NC14 cable (10 m / 32.7 ft,) or any standard female 9-pin D-shell to female 9-pin D-shell “straight through” (DTE to DCE) RS-232 cable.

With the hardware sorted out you just need to know which driver to use in RSLinx Enterprise.

For this application you would chose the Serial DH-485 driver (same driver you would use for the 2711P-RN3) accepting the default port, but choosing the correct node address for the PVPlus, along with the corrent baud rate for the network you’re connecting to.

Hopefully you’ll find these details on how to use the new PanelView Plus 6 400 and 600 on DH-485 helpful.

If you’ve implement the above, or plan to, we’d like to hear about your experience – just click on the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

PanelView Plus – Automatically Run USB Flash Drive Script

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 31, 2013

On Monday and Tuesday we discussed how to access the “Configuration Mode” of the PanelView Plus and PanelView Plus 6. One additional way we did not yet cover is using an “autorun.bat” file on a USB Memory Stick (aka USB Thumb Drive, USB Flash Drive.)

These script are written to automatically move all your FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ViewME) Runtime Files (.mer) off your terminal so when it’s rebooted it doesn’t find the needed .mer file and therefore returns to the “Configuration Mode.”

The “autorun.bat” file used for this purpose is a simple text based file reminiscent of the old DOS files of the same name.

When you place one of these files in the root folder of your USB Memory Stick, and insert it into your PVPlus, it immediately runs.

And while the commands in the “autorun.bat” file aren’t limited to coping your “.mer” files to and from your USB memory stick, this is what the below samples scripts are designed to do.

The first two scripts are custom ones I created for a client with a PanelView Plus 6 firmware rev 6.0 terminal.

The first backs up all the .mer files on the terminal to the USB Memory Stick , and then deletes them from the terminal.

The second script copies all the .mer files from the USB Memory Stick back to the Terminal.

Update 08/11/15: The below scripts are now available as a bundled download here:

http://theautomationblog.com/downloads/panelview-plus-autorun-scripts/

Update 08/11/15: I recently received a PVP7s donation (thanks RK!) and can confirm these files also work on it.

Update 08/11/15: I’ve added two new scripts whch have been edited to work on a PanelPlus v5.1, but I also tested them on a PanelView Plus v3.2 and they worked there as well.

PanelView Plus 6 / 7 autorun.bat file script text used to backup .mer files from the terminal to the usb memory stick, and then delete the .mer files from the terminal.

NOTE: This file was tested on a PanelView Plus 6 and PanelView Plus 7 Standard

UPDATE: The below text was updated on 08/11/2015 to correct a typo in the REMarks

echo on

REM BACKUP AND DELETE ALL .MER FOR PVPLUS 6

REM **************************************************************
REM    CREDITS: This file was created by Shawn Tierney and may be purchased
REM    as part of a bundle for just $0.99 at theautomationblog.com. Thank you in
REM    advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM   REQUIREMENTS:
REM   1) THIS FILE MUST BE NAMED autorun.bat TO WORK
REM   2) THIS FILE IS FOR PANELVIEW PLUS 6
REM   3) THIS SCRIPT MAY TAKE UP TO 120 SECONDS TO COMPLETE
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 1 – Make backup MER folder on the PVPlus 6 in case copy fails

CD\application data\rockwell software\rsviewme

MD backup

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 2 – Copy MER files to the backup directory created above

CD runtime

COPY *.* “\application data\rockwell software\rsviewme\backup”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 3 – Copy the MER files to the USB STORAGE DEVICE

COPY *.* “\usb storage”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 4- Make correct directory on USB Drive (may already exist)

CD\usb storage

MD “Rockwell Software”

CD Rockwell Software

MD RSViewME

CD RSViewME

MD Runtime

CD Runtime

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 5 – COPY MER files to correct directory on the USB Drive

CD\Application Data\Rockwell Software\RSViewME\Runtime

COPY *.* “\USB Storage\rockwell software\rsviewme\runtime”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 6 – Delete MER files from the PVPlus 6 application directory to
REM force the system to return to Configuration Menu on reboot

DEL *.mer

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    REMINDER – Tell the operators to allow 120 seconds from when they
REM    insert the card before they remove it
REM    The process is now complete
REM    Remove the USB Drive and cycle power to the terminal
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    This file was written & tested by Shawn Tierney, InsightsInAutomation.com
REM    and may be purchased as part of a four file bundle for just $0.99
REM    at http://www.theautomationblog.com. Thank you in advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

PanelView Plus 6 / 7 autorun.bat file script text used to copy .mer files from the usb memory stick to the terminal:

NOTE: This file was tested on a PanelView Plus 6 and PanelView Plus 7 Standard

UPDATE: The below text was updated on 08/11/2015 to correct a typo in the REMarks

echo on

REM COPY ALL .MER FILES FROM USB TO PVPLUS 6

REM **************************************************************
REM    CREDITS: This file was created by Shawn Tierney and may be purchased
REM    as part of a bundle for just $0.99 at theautomationblog.com. Thank you in
REM    advance for your support!

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM   REQUIREMENTS:
REM   1) THIS FILE MUST BE NAMED autorun.bat TO WORK
REM   2) THIS FILE IS FOR PANELVIEW PLUS 6
REM   3) THIS SCRIPT MAY TAKE UP TO 120 SECONDS TO COMPLETE

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 1 – Copy all .MER files from the correct directory on the USB Drive
REM to the correct directory on the PanelView Plus 6

CD\Application Data\Rockwell Software\RSViewME\Runtime

COPY “USB Storage\Rockwell Software\RSViewME\Runtime\*.*”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    REMINDER – Tell the operators to allow 120 seconds from when they
REM    insert the card before they remove it
REM    The process is now complete
REM    Remove the USB Drive and cycle power to the terminal

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    This file was written & tested by Shawn Tierney, InsightsInAutomation.com
REM    and may be purchased as part of a four file bundle for just $0.99
REM    at http://www.theautomationblog.com. Thank you in advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

NEW! PanelView Plus 5.1 autorun.bat file script text used to backup .mer files from the terminal to the usb memory stick, and then delete the .mer files from the terminal.

NOTE: This file was tested on a v5.1 and v3.2 PanelView Plus

echo on

REM BACKUP AND DELETE ALL .MER FOR PVPLUS 5.1

REM **************************************************************
REM    CREDITS: This file was created by Shawn Tierney and may be purchased
REM    as part of a bundle for just $0.99 at theautomationblog.com. Thank you in
REM    advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM   REQUIREMENTS:
REM   1) THIS FILE MUST BE NAMED autorun.bat TO WORK
REM   2) THIS FILE IS FOR PANELVIEW PLUS FIRMWARE 3.0 TO 5.1
REM   3) THIS SCRIPT MAY TAKE UP TO 120 SECONDS TO COMPLETE
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 1 – Make backup MER folder on the PVPlus in case copy fails

CD\storage card\rockwell software\rsviewme

MD backup

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 2 – Copy MER files to the backup directory created above

CD runtime

COPY *.* “\storage card\rockwell software\rsviewme\backup”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 3 – Copy the MER files to the USB STORAGE DEVICE

COPY *.* “\usb storage”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 4- Make correct directory on USB Drive (may already exist)

CD\usb storage

MD “Rockwell Software”

CD Rockwell Software

MD RSViewME

CD RSViewME

MD Runtime

CD Runtime

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 5 – COPY MER files to correct directory on the USB Drive

CD\storage card\rockwell software\rsviewme\runtime

COPY *.* “\usb storage\rockwell software\rsviewme\runtime”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 6 – Delete MER files from the PVPlus application directory to
REM force the system to return to Configuration Menu on reboot

DEL *.mer

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    REMINDER – Tell the operators to allow 120 seconds from when they
REM    insert the card before they remove it
REM    The process is now complete
REM    Remove the USB Drive and cycle power to the terminal
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    This file was written & tested by Shawn Tierney, InsightsInAutomation.com
REM    and may be purchased as part of a four file bundle for just $0.99
REM    at http://www.theautomationblog.com. Thank you in advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

New! PanelView Plus 5.1 autorun.bat file script text used to copy .mer files from the usb memory stick to the terminal:

NOTE: This file was tested on a v5.1 and v3.2 PanelView Plus

echo on

REM COPY ALL .MER FILES FROM USB TO PVPLUS 5.1

REM **************************************************************
REM    CREDITS: This file was created by Shawn Tierney and may be purchased
REM    as part of a bundle for just $0.99 at theautomationblog.com. Thank you in
REM    advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM   REQUIREMENTS:
REM   1) THIS FILE MUST BE NAMED autorun.bat TO WORK
REM   2) THIS FILE IS FOR PANELVIEW PLUS FIRMWARE 3.0 TO 5.1
REM   3) THIS SCRIPT MAY TAKE UP TO 120 SECONDS TO COMPLETE
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM STEP 1 – Copy all .MER files from the correct directory on the USB Drive
REM to the correct directory on the PanelView Plus

CD\storage card\rockwell software\rsviewme\runtime

COPY “\usb storage\rockwell software\rsviewme\runtime\*.*”

REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    REMINDER – Tell the operators to allow 120 seconds from when they
REM    insert the card before they remove it
REM    The process is now complete
REM    Remove the USB Drive and cycle power to the terminal
REM **************************************************************

REM **************************************************************
REM    This file was written & tested by Shawn Tierney, InsightsInAutomation.com
REM    and may be purchased as part of a four file bundle for just $0.99
REM    at http://www.theautomationblog.com. Thank you in advance for your support!
REM **************************************************************

IMPORTANT: Please note, copying the above text from inside internet explorer may replace the standard “quotes” with angled “quotes,” which will in turn cause the copy and make directory functions to fail when executed on the PanelView Plus.

Update: The above scripts are now available as a bundled download here:

https://theautomationblog.com/downloads/panelview-plus-autorun-scripts/

Hopefully the above autorun scripts will come in handy if you ever lock yourself out of your PVPlus, or if you just want an easy way to backup all your .mer runtime files on your terminal.

If you have any stories about being locked out of your PVPlus, or have a similar script to share, please click on the “post a comment or question” link below to share your comments with the rest of us.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

PanelView Plus – Configuration Mode Menu: Why Is The White Box Missing / F1 Won’t Work?

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 30, 2013

Rockwell Software Downloads 3.0 to 3.1 FUP Files Large

Update: Check out the newest article on this topic HERE.

Why is the PanelView Plus “Goto Config Mode” white box missing on boot? Why doesn’t pressing F1 on boot bring me to the PanelView Plus configuration mode?

Yesterday we discussed how to get into the “Configuration Mode” of a PanelView Plus, and we learned the easiest way to do so was to either put a “Goto Config” button in your FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ViewME) project, or intterupt the boot process of the terminal by pressing the “White Box” in the lower left corner of a touch screen unit, or the “F1 Key” on a keypad unit.

But what do you do when the “White Box” doesn’t show up, or the “F1 key” doesn’t work?

There’s two reasons why this may be happening:

First, it could be your PanelView Plus has a firmware version prior to 3.20.09. If that’s the case, the firmware loaded in your terminal predates the inclusion of the “White Box” and “F1” power-up auto load interrupt. In these cases I highly recommend backing up all the .mer files on your PanelView Plus, and well as recording all your network and communication settings, and then flashing your unit up to the latest firmware available for your PVPlus, which would be version 5.1+.

This will not only add the “White Box” and “F1 Key” boot-up option to enter “Configuration Mode,” it will also provide all the advantages the latest 5.1 firmware provides (including ViewPoint web clients, if your unit has enough memory to run it.) Just beware the version 5.1 firmware supports ViewME Runtime files (.mer) back to 3.1. There’s some question as to if a version 3.0 file would also work on a 5.1 terminal, but no question as whether it’s supported (it’s not.) So if your project is version 3.0, I suggest you be sure you have the full project (the .apa file, not the .mer) and the capacity to rev. the application to version 3.1 before you commit to flashing your PVPlus.

You may also have to visit the Rockwell Software Downloads Page to find a copy of the 3.0 to 3.1 firmware migration files as last time I checked 3.0 first has to be migrated to 3.1 before it can be migrated to any other version

The second reason you may not see the “White Box,” or the “F1 Key” does not work to interrupt the boot process could be because you have a PanelView Plus 6 with firmware 6.0. It’s quite an annoyance that version 6.0 of the PVPlus 6 did not have this feature which so many people rely on, and to bring the feature back you’ll need to first flash your PanelView Plus 6 to version 6.1. And just like when flashing a PanelView Plus, before you do so you should back up all your .mer files which are on the terminal, and well as record all the terminal’s network and communication settings.

Once your PVPlus 6 terminal is flashed to 6.1 you still need to enable the “White Box” / “F1 Key” functionality. To do this you must exit “Configuration Mode” to get to the “Windows CE” desktop. And to do that you’ll need to know the password, which by default is “password.”

Once in Windows CE, open the Control Panel, chose “System,” then “Start-up Options,” then “Boot Option,” and select “Detect safe mode request at startup.” It’s quite a few steps, but it does bring back the “White Box” and “F1 Key” boot-up functionality, which I have to say is much better than the option provided in version 6.0 required plugging in a USB keyboard into the back of the PVPlus 6.

If you have anything you would like to add to the above, or have any questions on this information, please feel free to click on the “post a comment or question” link below to comment on this article.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

How To Access The PanelView Plus Configuration Mode

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 29, 2013

Update: Check out the newest article on this topic HERE.

When powering on a PanelView Plus for the first time, it will boot up to the main “Configuration Mode” menu screen.

From there, the user has several options:

Load an application from internal memory, memory card, or from most USB Flash Drives.
Run the loaded application
Edit the loaded application’s settings
Edit the Terminal Settings
Change the setting for “Delete Log Files Before Running”

In many cases the programmer with change the terminal settings to match the system requirements, which almost always includes entering new network settings.

However, after initial start these settings will often need to be modified, so gaining access to this menu in the future is very important.

Now once a FactoryTalk View Machine Edition runtime is loaded and running, the easiest and most convenient way to return to the “Configuration Mode” menu is to place a “Goto Config” button on one of the project’s graphic display screens.

In many cases, the programmer will chose to put this button on a secured screen so operators don’t accidentally press it and exit the application.

But occasionally a programmer will forget to put a “Goto Config” button on any screen, or will hide it so well that no one else can find it.

The easy and obvious fix for this is to download an updated project which does have a “Goto Config” button.

However, if some time has passed since the unit was programmed, or if a different programmer is now working on the terminal, the existing network settings may not be known.

If that’s the case, there’s just no way to download to the terminal over the network.

When this happens, and the programmer finds himself locked out of the PVPlus configuration menu, he won’t be able to (1) change which project is running, (2) communicate with the terminal, and (3) won’t be able to change any of the terminal settings.

And with a single PanelView Plus terminal costing thousands of dollars, this isn’t a viable position to be in.

In the early days of the product if I found myself in this situation I would resort to disassembling the terminal.

First I would remove power, and then I would remove the “Logic Board” from the “Display Module.”

Next I would remove the retaining screw holding the internal Compact Flash card in, the I would remove the Compact Flash card itself.

I would then put the card into a PC with a Compact Flash card reader, and search it for .MER files which I would MOVE off the card and onto my PC.

When I reassembled the PVPlus and powered it back on, since it didn’t find the startup file it was programmed to run it would simply display an error message and then return the user to the “Configuration Mode.”

Fortunately, in version 3.20.09 Rockwell added a “boot up sequence” interrupt that allows users to bypass the launching of the default project.

When units with the newer firmware are turned on, the user can either press a small “White Box” on the bottom left of a touch screen terminal, or presses the “F1 Key” on a keypad terminal, to force the PVPlus to boot to the “Configuration Mode.”

With how to access the “Configuration Mode” explained above, tomorrow we’ll talk about what to do if the “White Box” doesn’t show up on boot, or if the “F1 Key” on a keypad unit doesn’t launch the “Configuration Mode.”

Until then, if you’ve ever been locked out of your PanelView Plus, or had to use one of the above strategies to get back into the “Configuration Mode,” we’d love to hear from you.

Just click on the “post a comment or question” link below to let us know your thoughts on this subject.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

Transferring Runtime Files (.mer) To PanelView Plus Using USB Flash Drive

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 26, 2013

Update: Check out our most recent article on this subject HERE.

The ability to transfer Rockwell Software’s FactoryTalk View Machine Edition runtime files (.mer) to the PanelView Plus and PanelView Plus 6 using standard USB Memory Stick (aka USB flash drive, USB thumb drive) is a handy feature, if you know how to do it.

In most cases, you’d typically download the runtime file (.mer) directly to the PVPlus via Ethernet, however there are some occasions when this won’t be practical:

When the PVPlus isn’t networked
When the PVPlus doesn’t have an IP address assigned
When the PVPlus doesn’t have an Ethernet Port (some 400 and 600 models)
When there’s no easy way to get your PC near the PVPlus to connect to it
When you have an old pre-6 version of ViewStudio (and the Transfer Utility,) but a new PVPlus 6 (the PVP6 does support older v3.1-v5.1 .mer’s, however the old Transfer Utility doesn’t support the new PVP6)

In these cases, using a USB memory stick to transfer your program from your development PC to the PanelView Plus can be the quickest and easiest, if not the only way to get your file on the unit.

The trick is, the PVPlus and PVPlus 6 only look in one folder on the USB stick for .mer files, and unless your .mer is located in this location the PanelView Plus won’t find it:

Rockwell Software\RSViewME\Runtime

But before you go manually creating these folders you should know of a neat little trick to have them created for you automatically.

If you insert your USB memory stick into your PanelView Plus, then browse the USB memory stick, if the PanelView doesn’t find the default directory on the USB stick it create it for you.

To do this, start by plugging your USB memory stick into your PanelView Plus.

Next, from the configuration menu select “Load Application” and change the source to “External Storage 1” which represents your USB memory stick (assuming no other removable memory was installed prior to your inserting of the USB memory stick.)

After a few seconds, change the source back to internal storage and back out of the load menu.

Click here for a list of currently available USB Memory Sticks and Flash Drives

Now remove your USB Memory Stick from the PanelView and plug it into your PC.

Then browse it with Windows Explorer and you should find the required folders have been created for you.

At this point you can copy your .mer file(s) to the memory stick into the Rockwell SoftwareRSViewMERuntime directory.

Then safely eject it from your PC, and plug it back into the PanelView Plus.

Now, back on the PVPlus, navigate to the File Manager screen under Terminal Settings.

Then copy your .mer runtime application to the internal storage of the PanelView Plus.

Load the application, and set it’s defaults, and in most cases you’ll also want to go back into terminal settings and setup the startup options as well.

I hope the above information on how to use a USB memory stick to transfer runtime files to your PanelView Plus was helpful.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

RSLinx Classic – Plug and Play Drivers used with Allen-Bradley Devices

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 25, 2013

Plug and Play comes to the world of Allen-Bradley Industrial Automation.

With a fairly recent copy of the free RSLinx Classic Lite, and A-B devices with USB ports, you simply plug the A-B USB product into your PC using a standard USB cable, and RSLinx automatically adds a driver to connect to the device.

This might not seem like magic to PC users, who can plug a new mouse into their PC and Windows automatically enables it. But for A-B PLC users this is a giant step forward from the way things have been the last 25 years.

Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s as personal computers became affordable, software began to appear to program PLC’s.

At first, most connections were of a serial type, and to use these connections to program PLC’s users needed to know a handful of serial port settings like the baud rate, parity, number of stop bits, error checking method used, etc.

Not really a challenge, well until someone changed the device from it’s defaults without informing you, leaving you with guessing which setting they changed.

Then there was the multitude of serial cables used for different products. Nine Pin versus Twenty Five Pin, and wiring for DTE to DTE vs. DTE to DCE (e.g. “straight through” versus “cross over.”)

And even today with our Ethernet only devices we still need our Boot-P utility, and to be sure we set the device with an IP address on the same “subnet” as our PC and other devices on the network.

But with the advent of A-B’s USB enabled products connecting has truly become “plug and play.”

Step one is to insure you have a version of RSLinx Classic Lite which supports the product you are about to plug in.

To be on the safe side you can grab the latest copy for free here.

Once it’s installed, you simply plug in the USB device and wait for windows to install the device driver automatically.

If prompted by windows, just select “install device automatically” or similar prompting for your version of windows.

Once completed, you can open RSLinx Classic Lite to find your USB driver automatically added. Select and expand it in the RSWho network browse windows and you’ll see the device you have connected.

Once connected, you can also easily set the IP address of your device (if equipped) right from RSLinx without the need to run the Boot-P utility.

First, browse to the device you connected in the RSLinx RSWho window.

Next, right click on the device (or on the devices Ethernet card if it’s listed separately under the device) and select “module configuration.”

This will open a tabbed dialog box, and the tab we want is labeled “Port Configuration.”

Click on that tab, fill in your devices IP address and Subnet mask, and then press Apply and OK.

At this point your device should now have am IP address, all without having to launch the Boot-P utility!

While my recent experiences with A-B USB devices have been plug and play, I would also like to hear what you think. So if you have any thoughts on the ease of using A-B’s USB devices please share them below using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025

USB Cables For Use With Allen-Bradley (A-B) Products

By

Shawn Tierney

-

July 24, 2013

USB Cable Data Highway Plus - 1784-U2DHP

For decades we’ve relied on our laptop’s trusty Serial Port or PCMCIA Slot to communicate with legacy A-B devices.

But when our old laptop dies, or a new one arrives, it’s very unlikely to have either a Serial Port or PCMCIA slot.

The good news is most all legacy A-B networks can be connected to with the use of USB cable.

But while USB to Serial cables are affordable, the USB cables that replace the legacy PCMCIA cards are just as expensive as the cable they replace.

So whether you need to communicate via RS-232, DH-485, DF1, DH+, DeviceNet, ControlNet, or to a legacy A-B PLC, VFD, or HMI, you should find a USB cable that can do just that in today’s article:

2017 UPDATE

This summer Rockwell released three new USB cables:

9300-USBCBL-CP3

Provides a quick and easy connection directly to a controller’s 9 Pin D-Shell serial port via USB, supports RSLinx’s Auto-Configure feature, and eliminates the need for the 9300-USBS and 1747-CP3/1756-CP3 cable combination.

Comes in high visibility orange and includes “null modem adapter” for use with DCE devices like most PanelView terminals.

9300-USBCBL-PM02

Provides a quick and easy connection directly to a controller’s 8 Pin Mini-Din serial port via USB, and supports RSLinx’s Auto-Configure feature.

Comes in high visibility orange and eliminates the need to use a 9300-USBS and 1761-CBL-PM02.

NOTE: Rockwell’s original documentation stated this cable also worked with some PanelView Plus models however NO PVPlus models have a 8 Pin Mini Din port.

9300-USBCBL-CNSL

This cable is for directly connecting to a Cisco or Stratix switch from a USB port.

It essentially replaces the need to carry a Cisco Console cable and USB to Serial converter.

2016 UPDATE

ANC-120e: USB to Data Highway Plus, a lower cost alternative to the U2DHP

In late 2016 I had the good fortune to test the much lower cost ANC-120e USB to Data Highway Plus cable and you can find all the details using the below link:

ANC-120e: USB to Data Highway Plus, a lower cost alternative to the U2DHP

USB to Serial: 9300-USBS

Even though new laptops don’t have a nine pin serial port, most of us still have many devices in the field with them, so this cable is one of the first you’ll want to consider buying.

Rockwell makes the 9300-USBS, which is currently at rev 3 (aka series C) and is fully tested with all A-B products and serial cables.

It’s also one of the few USB serial cables on the market which also supports RSLinx Classic’s “auto configure” option for finding the baud rate of the serial device connected.

However, with a list price of $144, that may be a feature you’re willing to give up.

In the past I’ve purchased USB to serial converter devices which looked identical to the 9300-USBS for one tenth the price and they’ve worked well except for the lack of support of “auto configure.”

If you do buy a third party USB to serial cable I recommend keeping the receipt and testing it right away as you don’t want to find out it’s not compatible when you need it the most.

Low Cost Third Party 9300-USBS:

If you’re looking for a third party USBS which works great and also does support RSLinx’s auto config look no further that this unit which I’ve personally tested and found works like a charm:

http://www.TheAutomationBlog.com/usbs

USB to DH-485: 1747-UICC13

If you need to connect to a SLC-500, SLC-5/01, or SLC-5/02, you’ve likely used the large and unwieldy 1747-PIC in the past.

The good news is its replacement is considerably smaller, and supports DH-485 via RS-232 and RS-485.

However, with a list price of $417.00, and only native support for 19.2K (9600 support can be added with a firmware patch from Rockwell found here) it’s not the biggest bang for your cables bucks.

You also need to be careful not to plug in just any Ethernet patch cord to the RJ-45 – it’s a known issue that using an Ethernet cross over cable to connect from the 1747-UIC to a SLC-500 will permanently damage this cable.

This is why I’m recommending the bundle here, the 1747-UICC13: It contains the 1747-UIC and the properly wired 1747-C13 cable.

Low Cost Third Party 1747-UIC:

Many of my clients have forgone the official Allen-Bradley DH-485 USB cable, and instead have used a third party 1747-UIC cable which has the RJ45 and 9 Pin D Shell cables attached, and costs a fraction of the price.

If you’re interested in this third party cable you can find it on Amazon using the link provided below:

http://www.TheAutomationBlog.com/uic

USB to DH Plus (DH+): 1784-U2DHP

The U2DHP is a replacement for both the PCMK and PM05 / 06 cables (1784-PCMK, PCMC, PCM5, PCM6) as well as for the many iterations of the KT card (1784-KT, KTX, PKTX, PKTXD) when used in programming stations or PC’s.

It makes connecting to Data Highway Plus via USB possible, although it only has the 8 pin circular mini din connector found on the SLC-5/04 and New Platform PLC-5’s.

At the time this article was written, this cable listed for $2780, making it strictly for the “have to have” crowd.

NOTE: If you need to connect to a Classic PLC-5, or any Data Highway Plus product with a 9 Pin D Shell, you’ll need a separate adapter to convert the 8 Pin Mini Din.

Grace Engineering makes one such device, PN# C-ABDH-Adapter, which you can find detailed on their website using the link below:

Update 10-27-23: Thanks to one of our readers (Peter) for posting an updated link for this item in the comments:

https://shop.graceport.com/products/c-abdh-adapter

Update 08-10-15: The below link is dead so if you have found another source for this adapter please let us know!

~~http://graceport.com/files/DS-ABDHSmartCable.pdf~~

USB to DeviceNet (DNET): 1784-U2DN

The 1784-U2DN is a replacement for the 1784-PCD and 1770-KFD, and allows for connecting to DeviceNet via USB.

Support for this hardware begins with RSLinx 2.51 and RSNetworx for DeviceNet version 8.

At the time this article was written, the 1784-U2DN listed for $1,610.

USB to ControlNet (CNET) 1784-U2CN

The 1784-U2CN is a replacement for the 1784-PCC PCMCIA card, and comes with a ControlNet NAP (RJ-45) connection.

At the time this article was written, the U2CN listed for $1,930.00

USB to A-B Drives / VFD: 1203-USB

The 1203-USB cable is as universal as a programming cable as they come, as it supports Scanport, DSI, and DPI A-B Drives.

This includes, but is not limited to, the 1305, 1336 Classic, 1336 Plus, Plus II, Force, Impact, PowerFlex 4, 4m, 40, 40p 400, 70, 700, and 520 series.

It comes with the device itself, a USB cable, a 20-HIM-H10 cable, and 22-HIM-H10 cable.

At the time this article was written, it listed for $358.00

Update: Additional Low Cost Third Party Cables

Last time I purchased a 1761-CBL-PM02 the price was a whopping $76!

In my search for a lower cost cable, I came across this one which I’ve personally tested and appears to work just as well as the official PM02 cable:

http://www.TheAutomationBlog.com/pm02

Hopefully you found this listing of A-B USB cables helpful.

If you have any experience with these cables that you’d like to share please do so by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️

If you enjoy this episode please give it a Like, and consider Sharing as this is the best way for us to find new guests to come on the show.

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.

Author
Recent Posts

Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to become a full time Industrial Automation instructor and mentor at TheAutomationSchool, as well as publishing industry interviews, news, and product how-to’s at TheAutomationBlog.com. If you're interested in my training, mentoring, or becoming a sponsor, please schedule a teams meeting with me via https://calendly.com/shawntierney/business-meeting

Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)

First Look: MOXA Smart Switches (TIA Portal & Studio 5000 Integration) (S2E14) - June 17, 2025
The Automation Museum - June 16, 2025
Community - June 13, 2025