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BOOTP-DHCP Utility – How to set a CompactLogix Ethernet Address


BootP-CompactLogix-FiIn today’s article I walk you through how to use the BOOTP DHCP Utility to set a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address.

NOTE: You can also set a CompactLogix processor’s IP address through either Serial or USB. To learn how to, see the below articles:


Step 1) Launch the BOOTP-DHCP Server utility

Launch the BOOTP-DHCP Server utility found in the start menu under “All Programs, Rockwell Software, BOOTP-DHCP Server:”

BootP CompactLogix 0 BootP

Step 2) Allow the utility to use your networks

If the Windows Firewall security alert popup is displayed, select both checkboxes and click “Allow Access” to allow the utility to access your CompactLogix using your network connections:

BootP CompactLogix 1 Firewallh

Step 3) Click Ok on initial setup window

The first time you run the BOOTP utility you will receive a popup warning that the utility needs your network settings specified. Click “Ok” to proceed:

BootP CompactLogix 2 Noticeh

Step 4) Enter your Subnet Mask

In the network settings window, enter in your Subnet mask and click on “Ok”:

BootP CompactLogix 4 Subneth

Step 5) Wait for the CompactLogix to request an Ethernet Address

At this point you’ll need to wait for your CompactLogix to request an IP address:
NOTE: If your CompactLogix processor has been on for a long time, it rate at which it requests an IP is very slow. To get it to request an IP address quicker, cycle power to the processor.

BootP CompactLogix 5 BootP-wait-for-request

Step 6) Select the request in the “Request History” list

Once you see your CompactLogix’s request for an IP address in the “Request History” area, go ahead and select it:
NOTE: Double check the requesting MAC address to be sure the request is from your CompactLogix and not some other device or windows driver.

BootP CompactLogix 6 Request-from-MACh

Step 7) Right Click and select “Add to Relation List”

Now right click on the request and select “Add to Relation List” as shown below:

BootP CompactLogix 7 Right-Click-Addh

Step 8) Enter in IP address for your CompactLogix

Now enter in the IP address you would like to give your CompactLogix and then click on “Ok”:

BootP CompactLogix 8 Give-IPh

Step 9) You now need to turn off BOOTP in the processor to insure it retains the address

At this point, while your CompactLogix has an Ethernet IP address, it is still set for BOOTP. This means, once you cycle power to the processor it will again ask for an address via BOOTP, and will no longer have the address you gave it above.

While it is possible to disable BOOTP for some devices by right clicking on the device listed in the “Relation List” and selecting the appropriate menu option, since this doesn’t work for all devices I’ll show you another way to do this starting in the next step.

BootP CompactLogix 9 BootP-Done

Step 10) Open RSLinx and select your CompactLogix

Open RSLinx, and select either your CompactLogix’s Ethernet module, or if you have a newer 5370 CompactLogix you can just select the processor itself as shown below:

BootP CompactLogix 10 Select-L16hNOTE: If you need help setting up RSLinx please refer to our previous articles HERE and HERE.

Step 11) Select “Module Properties from the right click menu

Now right click on the device selected above, and choose “Module Properties” from the menu:

BootP CompactLogix 12 RSL-Mod-Proph

Step 12) Select “Port Configuration”

From the popup window select the “Port Configuration” tab:

BootP CompactLogix 13 RSL-Port-Configh

Step 13) Select “Static”

Now under “Network Configuration Type” select “Static” as shown below:

BootP CompactLogix 14 Change-to-Statich

Step 14) Click on “Ok”

Now that you have selected “Static,” click on the “Ok” button:

BootP CompactLogix 16 Press-OKh

Step 15) Click on “Yes” to accept your changes

Finally, click on “Yes” to accept your changes so your CompactLogix will no longer be set for BOOTP and will maintain the address you gave it using the BOOTP-DHCP Server utility:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 8 Confirmh

NOTE: Watch me run through the above steps in today’s episode of The Automation Minute!


I hope the above article on how to set a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address using BOOTP was helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us by clicking 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.

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BOOTP-DHCP Utility – How to set a CompactLogix Ethernet Address (M2E14)


In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 14, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to use the BOOTP utility to set a CompactLogix’s Ethernet address.




Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

What CompactLogix or ControlLogix topics would you like to see articles and videos about


Question of the Week:

What CompactLogix or ControlLogix topics would you like to see articles and videos about?

QotW

I’m taking this week’s question in a different direction by asking for specific CompactLogix or ControlLogix topics you would like to see articles and videos about?

In last week’s articles and videos I covered the basics of setting up communications with RSLinx, as well as how to set or change the controller’s IP address.

And this week is mostly dedicated to flashing the processor’s firmware, and writing and downloading simple programs.

However next week I’d like to cover some reader’s requests, and while I’ve preloaded the poll with some of my own ideas I would very much like to hear from you!

So if you have an idea for a CompactLogix or ControlLogix article or video that you think would be helpful, please select the “other” option and add your thoughts in the text box.

Or if the topic you’re interested in is already in the poll, just go ahead and vote for it.


Please choose up to two of the Variable Speed / Frequency Drives you prefer to use the most (Add missing products by using "other" choice.)
68 votes

This poll is no longer accepting votes

VoteResults
119:3:34:26
×


Note: You can also save 50% on our future Compact/ControlLogix training course by telling us what topics you think should be covered using the below link:


And you can also vote in any of our previous polls! For a complete listing, click on the below link:


Thanks for taking part in our “Question of the Week” poll!

If you’d like to share your thoughts and opinions on the above questions and answers, you can 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.

shawntierney avatar

This week on The Automation Minute


This week on The Automation Minute


Wednesday I walked through how to setup RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix using Serial:


Thursday I walked through how to setup RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix using USB:


And today (Friday) I walked through how to set or change a CompactLogix’s Ethernet IP address through a Serial or USB connection:


I hope you found this week’s videos helpful. Next week I plan on covering BOOTP as well as Firmware Flashing.

If you have any ideas for future videos I could make, I’d love to hear them! Let me know by using the “post a comment or question” link below.

And to watch our videos the day they’re released, visit theautomationblog.com or subscribe to us on YouTube. You can also purchase and download any of our episodes HERE.

Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

CompactLogix, RSLinx Classic – How to set the Ethernet address through its USB Port


RSLinx-to-CompactLogix-Change-IP-FiIn today’s article I walk you through how to set or change a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address through its USB port using RSLinx Classic.

 


Step 1) Confirm your RSLinx RSWho window browses your CompactLogix via the USB driver

Open RSLinx and check to be sure your CompactLogix is showing up under the USB driver as shown below:

RSLinx-to-CompactLogix-Change-IP-USB-Fi

NOTE: If you would like to know how to setup an RSLinx driver to communicate to a CompactLogix processor using a USB connection, see our previous article HERE.

Step 2) Select the CompactLogix processor

The next step is to select the CompactLogix processor under the USB driver as shown below:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 9 Select-L16h

Step 3) Right click on the CompactLogix and select Module Configuration

Right click on the CompactLogix processor and select “Module Configuration” from the menu as shown below:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 10 Right-Click-Mod-Prop-L16H

Step 4) Select the “Port Configuration” tab

In the popup window select the “Port Configuration” tab:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 11 Port-Config-L16H

Step 5) Enter in a new Ethernet address and insure “Static” is selected

Now you can enter in an Ethernet address for your CompactLogix’s Ethernet port. Also be sure “Static” is selected, and then click on OK:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 12 Enter-IP-and-OK-L16h

Step 6) Accept Configuration

The final step is to accept the configuration by clicking on “Yes,” after which your CompactLogix will have the Ethernet address you entered above:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 8 Confirmh

NOTE: Watch me run through the above steps in today’s video episode of The Automation Minute!


I hope the above article on how to set or change a CompactLogix’s Ethernet address through its USB port using RSLinx was helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us by clicking 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.

shawntierney avatar

CompactLogix, RSLinx Classic – How to set the Ethernet address through its Serial Port


RSLinx-to-CompactLogix-Change-IP-FiIn today’s article I walk you  through how to set or change a CompactLogix processor’s Ethernet address through its Serial Port using RSLinx Classic.


Step 1) Confirm your RSLinx RSWho window browses your CompactLogix via the DF1 driver

Open RSLinx and check to be sure your CompactLogix is showing up under the Serial DF1 driver as shown below:

RSLinx-to-CompactLogix-Change-IP-Serial-Fi
NOTE: If you would like to learn how to setup an RSLinx driver to communicate to a CompactLogix processor using a serial connection, see our previous article HERE.

Step 2) Expand the CompactLogix in RSWho

Next, click on the small “plus” symbol to the left of your CompactLogix in order to browse its contents:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 2 Expand-L23h

Step 3) Expand “Backplane” under processor

Now expand the “Backplane” device under the processor:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 3 Expand-Backh

Step 4) Select the Ethernet device

The next step is to select the Ethernet Card / Module underneath the “Backplane” as shown below:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 4 Select-Eneth

Step 5) Right click on Ethernet device and select Module Configuration

Right click on the Ethernet card and select “Module Configuration” from the menu as shown below:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 5 Right-Click-Mod-ProphStep 6) Select the “Port Configuration” tab

In the popup window select the “Port Configuration” tab:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 6 Port-Configh

Step 7) Enter in a new Ethernet address and insure “Static” is selected

Now you can enter in an Ethernet address for your CompactLogix’s Ethernet port. Also be sure “Static” is selected, and then click on OK:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 7 Enter-IP-and-Press-OKh

Step 8) Accept Configuration

The final step is to accept the configuration by clicking on “Yes,” after which your CompactLogix will have the Ethernet address you entered above:

RSLinx to CompactLogix Change IP 8 Confirmh

NOTE: You can watch me run through the above steps in today’s video episode of The Automation Minute!


I hope the above article on how to set or change a CompactLogix’s Ethernet address through its serial port using RSLinx was helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us by clicking 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.

shawntierney avatar

CompactLogix, RSLinx Classic – How to set the Ethernet address through USB or Serial (M2E13)


In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 13, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to set a CompactLogix’s Ethernet Address using either a Serial or USB cable.




Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

Deal of the Week: ControlLogix L55 Processors


Deal of the Week:

ControlLogix L5555 Processor

L5555I’m always on the lookout for a good deal, and it’s hard to pass up this price, especially from a dependable seller who I’ve used in the past.

But on the bright side, it leaves one more of these ControlLogix processors for you to snatch up!


  • ControlLogix 1756-L55/A and 1756-M13/A for $103

  • Controller CPU Processor Unit with Memory Expansion 1.5MB

  • Free Shipping, Returns: 30 days money back, buyer pays return shipping

  • Seller with 99.9 positive, and who I’ve happily used in the past


If you find a great deal you’d like to share, drop us a message using the “Contact Us” link at the top 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.

shawntierney avatar

CompactLogix, RSLinx Classic – How to Connect Using USB


In today’s article I walk you through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix processor using USB.

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB Fi

Step 1) Locate your CompactLogix’s USB port

If you have one of Rockwell’s 5370 CompactLogix processors, you find an orange USB port on the front of the unit as shown below:

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 1 L16

NOTE: If you have an older CompactLogix and would like to connect to its serial port using a USB to serial converter, see our previous article HERE.

Step 2) Plug a standard A to B USB Cable into the CompactLogix

Next, plug the B side of a standard A to B USB cable into the CompactLogix (this is the same type of cable used to connect a PC to a USB Printer):

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 2 USBStep 3) Insure your have RSLinx Classic version 3.51 or later installed

Before you plug the other end of your USB cable into your computer, insure RSLinx Classic 3.51 or later is installed on your computer.

Step 4) Wait for Windows to install the Rockwell USBCIP driver.

A few moments after plugging your USB cable into your PC you should see the below notices about the USBCIP driver being installed:

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 3 Ins-1RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 4 Ins-2Step 5) Open RSLinx Classic to find USB driver automatically added

Once Windows adds the USBCIP hardware driver, open RSLinx Classic and you should find the USB software driver has been added automatically:

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 5 RSL-1
NOTE: If you use RSLogix Emulate 5000, SoftLogix 5800, or another USB product from Rockwell, you may have to manually delete those drivers from RSLinx (including the “Virtual Backplane” driver,) and restart RSLinx before you’ll see the USB driver appear in the RSWho window.

Step 6) Expand the USB Driver

Now expand the USB driver and then select it to allow RSLinx to begin to browse the USB port:

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 6 RSL-2hStep 7) Your CompactLogix show now be displayed under the USB driver

After a few moments, you should see your CompactLogix processor appear under the USB driver in the RSWho window. At this point you can use this USB connection to your CompactLogix to flash firmware, change the Ethernet address, download a program, and go online:

RSLinx to CompactLogix via USB 7 RSL-3h
NOTE: Watch me run through the above steps in today’s episode of The Automation Minute!

For more information:

If you’d like more information about connecting to your CompactLogix using USB, check out Rockwell’s excellent “Quick Start” guide below:


I hope the above article on how to setup RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix over USB was helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us by clicking 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.

shawntierney avatar

RSLinx to CompactLogix using USB (M2E12)


In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 12, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix using a USB cable.




Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

CompactLogix, RSLinx Classic – How to Connect Using Serial


L23-Serial-FiIn today’s article I walk you step-by-step through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix processor’s serial port using a serial cable and USB to Serial converter.


Part 1 – Reviewing needed cables, and finding PC comm port number

Step 1) A-B Cables, or low cost variant from Amazon

If you already have a bag full of Allen-Bradley cables, for this exercise you’ll need to grab the following two:

However, if you are on a budget, below are two low cost equivalents you can pickup on Amazon.com:

As an alternative to the above Null modem cable, you may find it more advantages to pickup the below standard serial cable and a Null Modem adapter:

Step 2) Finding the com port for your USB to Serial device

Once you’ve installed the software for your USB to Serial converter, and plugged that cable in, you’ll need to find out what com port Windows has assigned to it.
To do this, first open device manager:

  • A quick way to get to Device Manager is to right click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”

My-Computer-PropertiesYou can also open Device Manager by launching the “System” applet from Windows Control Panel.

Control-Panel-SystemOnce Device Manager is open, scroll down and expand “Ports” and you should see your device listed as one of the available ports

Device-Manager-Ports

Part 2 – Configuring RSLinx Classic

Step 1) Launch RSLinx Classic and open “Configure Drivers”

You can open the “Configure Drivers” configuration menu by either clicking on the “Cable” icon on the RSLinx toolbar as shown below, or by choosing it from the “Communications” menu.
RSLinx-Configure-CommsStep 2) Select the “RS-232 DF1 devices” driver

RSLinx-RS-232-DF1-DevicesStep 3) Click on “Add New,” and then click on “OK”

RSLinx-add-new-driverStep 4) Select the “Comm Port” which is connected to your CompactLogix

RSLinx-DF1-Devices-Select-Com-PortStep 5) Click on “Auto-Configure”

RSLinx-DF1-Devices-Select-Auto-ConfigStep 6) After a few moments if all your cables are connected correctly you should see the below message:

RSLinx-DF1-Devices-Select-Auto-Config-SucessStep 7) Now click on “OK,” and then expand the “AB_DF1-1” network in the “RSWho” window. Here after a few seconds you should now your CompactLogix:

RSLinx-Browse-RSWhoNOTE: Watch me run through the above steps in today’s episode of The Automation Minute!


I hope the above article on how to setup RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix was helpful.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us by filling in 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.

shawntierney avatar

Connect to CompactLogix using Serial (M2E11)


In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 11, Shawn Tierney walks you step-by-step through how to configure RSLinx to communicate to a CompactLogix using a serial cable and USB to Serial converter.




Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

Which PanelView is right for your application?


With so many different Allen-Bradley PanelViews available from Rockwell Automation, it can often be quite confusing for new customers to know which one is right for their application.

With that in mind, in today’s article I’ll run down all of Rockwell’s PanelViews to hopefully make things a little clearer!


PanelView 550 KeypadPanelView models which are Obsolete:

Let’s start with PanelViews you shouldn’t plan on using. The original PanelView (later renamed the PanelView 1200,) the PanelView “E” or Enhanced (1000E, 1200E, 1400E,) and the PanelView Standard (300, 550, 600, 900, 1000, 1400,) are all obsolete.

The original PanelView Plus, PanelView Plus CE and VersaView CE are also all obsolete.

And finally the PanelView Component 4″, 6″, and 10″ were recently announced to be “end of life,” effectively obsolete as of 2016.


The PanelView best suited for Migrations:

If you need to replace any of the above PanelViews (except for the PanelView Component) your best choice will likely be the PanelView Plus 6.

PanelView Plus 700-1500While no PanelView Plus 6 models support RIO, Devicenet, or scheduled ControlNet (all I/O networks,) the seven inch and larger models do support DH+, DH-485, and ControlNet unscheduled communication cards, and all PanelView Plus 6 models have Serial and Ethernet ports built-in.

And in those cases where the PanelView Plus 6 supports the same network as the older PanelView Plus, you can often just download the same runtime file without edits and it’ll work without issue.

PanelView Plus 400 and 600You can also import files from the old Standard and Enhanced PanelViews mentioned above, and if they used a network the PanelView Plus 6 supports the conversion is pretty straight forward.

In addition to that, most PanelView Plus 6 models fit the same cutouts as older models, and where mismatches do exist Rockwell likely offers an adapter plate to allow reusing the existing cutout.

The one migration scenario where you might not want to use a PanelView Plus 6 is if you’re migrating from the PanelView Component 4″, 6″ or 10″ models.

In those cases your best option is to migrate to the PanelView 800 as you can use the same program, and there are also cutout migration options.

For more information about migrating from the PanelView Component to the PanelView 800, see our previous article HERE.


PanelView Plus 6 vs. PanelView Plus 6 Compact:

At this point I want to take a moment to discuss how the PanelView Plus 6 Compact differs from the PanelView Plus 6.

While the PanelView Plus 6 Compact is substantially less expensive, it does have the following limitations:

  1. It can only communicate to one PLC or device
  2. It only supports that device via Serial or Ethernet
  3. In can only have 25 graphic displays in the project
  4. It is limited to only having 200 alarms in the project
  5. It only comes in five models, all of which are DC powered

With those considerations in mind, the most common application for the PanelView Plus 6 Compact is on small systems controlled by a single CompactLogix processor.


The PanelView best suited for New Applications:

There are really have two choices here.
First, if you’re using a MicroLogix or Micro800, the clear winner price wise is the PanelView 800.

That said, the free and simplistic CCW programming software isn’t for everyone.

But if you’re using a Micro and looking for a simple HMI with free programming software, then the PanelView 800 is likely the best choice.
PanelView Plus 7 Performance

However, if you’re using CompactLogix or ControlLogix on Ethernet, and like the power and efficiency of FactoryTalk View Studio, then the PanelView Plus 7 may be for you.

The PanelView Plus 7 departs from the PanelView Plus 6 in many ways.

First, all PanelView Plus 7 models only have Ethernet communications, which is one of the main reasons you’ll find they’re not as popular in migration scenarios.

They also use newer display technology, some even coming in new widescreen formats. Due to this, they also have unique cutout dimensions which don’t match up with older PanelView models.

However, they do still support running older PanelView Plus projects, so if you’re updating a system already using Ethernet they are definitely worth looking at.


The PanelView Plus 7 – Standard vs. Performance:

Sometimes I wonder if marketing folks rename thing just to give us headaches?

Like how the PanelView Plus CE was renamed to the VersaView CE right before it launched?

PanelView Plus 7 StandardYes, they eventually renamed it back to something that actually made sense (PanelView Plus CE,) but for a few years I wasted way too much time trying to explain what a VersaView CE was.

So to keep things simple, let me just say when you hear PanelView Plus 7 Standard, know it has virtually the same limitations at the PanelView Plus 6 Compact:

  1. It can only communicate to one PLC or device
  2. In can only have 25 graphic displays in the project
  3. It is limited to only having 200 alarms in the project
  4. It originally only came in five models, all of which are DC powered.
    • Note: As of this writing Rockwell now lists seven models of the PanelView Plus 7 Standard

The Next Generation – The PanelView 5500:

PanelView 5500With the PanelView Plus family over a decade old, and the PanelView Component family nearly eight years in age, Rockwell is obviously working on it’s next generation of industrial HMIs.

And similar to when the ControlLogix launched in 1998 missing standard PLC capabilities, this next generation of Rockwell HMIs released this year with some serious restrictions:

  • It can only be configured to communicate to CompactLogix and ControlLogix processors running version 27 firmware (no other PLCs, PACs or devices are supported in the initial release.)
  • It can only have one Logix processor per project
  • It only supports 50 user defined screens currently
  • It only supports 500 Logix based alarms currently
  • It currently does not support any type of historical trending
  • It currently does not support any HMI tags or HMI based alarms
  • It is an Ethernet only HMI (similar to the PanelView Plus 7)

That’s not to say the PanelView 5500 doesn’t have some very unique features.

Having participated in the hands-on labs at Rockwell’s past events, I do very much see the product’s potential.

However, the more I look at the list of what it can’t do today, the more I have to admit that currently potential applications seem quite limited.

That said, it’s definitely a product line I’ll be keeping my eyes on. If it follows the same course the ControlLogix line did, in a couple of years this may be the preferred HMI for Rockwell’s PACs.


For More Information:

For more information about the PanelView 800, PanelView Plus 6 & 7, and PanelView 5500, check out the below links to Rockwell’s product brochures:


I hope you’ve found the above article detailing all of Rockwell’s PanelView products helpful!

If you’d like to share your own thoughts and opinions, feel free to do so 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.

shawntierney avatar

ViewPoint – v8.1 Released


Late last week Rockwell Automation released version 8.1 of their FactoryTalk ViewPoint software.

ViewPoint Featured ImageIf you’re not familiar with ViewPoint, it’s an add-on to FactoryTalk View software which publishes graphic displays as interactive webpages.
This latest version is said to work with Internet Explorer 11.0, Chrome 39+, Chrome on Android 4.4, and Safari on IOS 8.
While it’s nice to see official support for mobile browsers, it’s curios Rockwell didn’t test Firefox on pc?

New features in ViewPoint 8.1

The biggest news is that FactoryTalk ViewPoint no longer publishes graphic displays as Microsoft Silverlight webpages.
While I never had an issue with Silverlight myself, like Adobe Flash it was not supported on most Tablets and Smart phones, forcing ViewPoint clients to use a PC.
So after several months of redesign, with the release of version 8.1 ViewPoint now publishes graphic displays as HTML 5 webpages instead of Silverlight webpages
And since most mobile devices support HTML 5, you’ll now be able to interact with your ViewPoint system using your favorite smart phone or tablet.
Rockwell also states that most all of the objects published using FactoryTalk ViewPoint v8.1 still look like their version 8.0 counterparts, and will behave the same unless otherwise noted.

New in ViewPoint 8.1 for View SE

In addition to HTML 5 support, View SE users also get what most would call a “responsive” client view.
This means that ViewPoint will automatically adjust to your devices screen size and orientation like a modern website.
To access the mobile version of ViewPoint in a View SE system, just add a trailing /m after the standard viewpoint url as shown below:

For more information

To find out more about Rockwell’s ViewPoint 8.1 release, head over to Rockwell’s software versions page HERE and search on ViewPoint.
After selecting Viewpoint, click on the small PDF icon shown below and select “Custom Release Notes”
ViewPoint-8.1-Release-Notes



So, what do you think of the new features in ViewPoint 8.1? Have you been waiting for the HTML 5 and Mobile Device support?
Share your thoughts and opinions 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.

shawntierney avatar

Migrate / Convert – PanelView Component to PanelView 800


As we discussed earlier today, Rockwell has announced the “end of life” dates for the PanelView Component 4″, 6″ and 10″ models.

With that in mind, in this article we’ll look at what you need to do to migrate from the PanelView Component (PVc) to the PanelView 800 (PV800.)


Part 1: Converting your PanelView Component project to the PanelView 800

Converting you old PanelView Component project to a PanelView 800 project is fairly simple using CCW 8.0 and the below steps:

Step 1) Open your PanelView Component project in CCW 8.0 and save it with a new name.

Step 2) Right click on the PanelView at the top of the project tree and select “Change Graphic Terminal”

PanelView Component to 800_1Step 3) On the right hand side of the popup window, select the PanelView 800 you would like to change your project to:

PanelView Component to 800_2

Step 4) Optionally, if you’d like to see a detailed comparison of the two models side-by-side, click on the “Show Detail Comparison” link:

PanelView Component to 800_3

Step 5) When ready, click on “Change.” The conversion will then ask to “save” your application before proceeding.

Click “Ok” to proceed and overwrite your existing project (this is why step one has you save your project with a new name, so your original project is not overwritten.)

PanelView Component to 800_4

Step 6) After a few moments, the conversion will complete. At this point you should review your screens to see if they require any minor adjustments.

Part 2: Hardware migration considerations

The PanelView 800 hardware has several differences from the PanelView Component.
First, the PV800 has a MicroSD card slot while the PVc has a standard SD card slot.

Additionally, the PV800 uses mounting clamps similar to smaller PanelView Plus models, while most of the PVc models had integrated mounting clamps.

But probably the most important hardware difference is the actual cutout dimensions.
While users of the PanelView Component 4″ model will find the PanelView 800 4″ model is exactly the same size, this can’t be said for the 6″ and 10″ models.

So to aid existing users of those models, Rockwell is selling “cutout adapter plates” that allow the new models to fit in the old cutouts.

For those migrating from PVc 6” to PV800 7”, adapter plate PN# 2711R-APK7  can be used to allow an exist PVc 6″ cutout to accept a PV800 7” unit.

And for those migrating from PVc 10” to PV800 10”, adapter plate PN# 2711R-APK10 can be used to allow an existing PVc 10″ cutout to accept the PV800 10” model.

For more information about these adapter plates, check out the below Rockwell document:

And for more information about the differences between the PanelView Component and the PanelView 800, check out the below Rockwell comparison:


I hope the above article discussing how to migrate from the PanelView Component to the PanelView 800 was helpful.

If you have any comments or questions 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.

shawntierney avatar

PanelView Component – End of Life date announced for select models (2015)

PanelView-Component-EOL-Fi


Rockwell Automation has officially listed the 4″, 6″, and 10″ models of the PanelView Component as “end of life.”

PanelView-Component-EOL-Fi
According to Rockwell’s  website, the first model to see an end of manufacturing will be the 10″ unit, with a “last make” date of January 31st, 2016.

It will be followed by the PanelView Component 4″ and 6″ models on Jun 30th, 2016.

As for the rest of the PanelView Component line, the 2″ and 3″ models are still listed as “active” products.

A short history

New PanelView Component Original Family PictureThe PanelView Component initially launched in 2008 as a low cost HMI for use with Rockwell’s MicroLogix PLCs.

The fact that it supported the MicroLogix meant it could also communicate with the SLC-500 and PLC-5, although it doesn’t appear Rockwell ever promoted that fact.

Initially the product also came with a suite of third party drivers, but future releases dropped support for all but Modbus, which is still supported to this day.

Early adopters of the platform had to contend with sluggish development software, with common operations like placing an object on a screen seeing delays of 2 to 3 seconds.

This lead to early updates being focused on increasing the responsiveness of the development software, and also resulted in the release of a dedicated offline developer.

But even after the slowness of the development software was addressed, is still took years for offline validation and a simplified project download mechanism to be added.

That, and the fact that the PanelView Component didn’t natively support CompactLogix, led many small HMI users to avoid this line in favor of the PanelView Plus Compact or third party HMI’s.

A logical replacement

PanelView 800 FamilyThe PanelView Component “end of life” announcement comes just a few months after the release of Rockwell’s new component HMI line, the PanelView 800.

The PanelView 800 is seen as the logical replacement to the above mentioned PanelView Component models since it has the ability to run the same projects, and programs with the same software, Connected Components Workbench (version 8.)

However, with more memory, a faster processor, and greatly improved display resolution, the PanelView 800 hardware performance has been greatly enhanced over the older PanelView Component.

For more information about the PanelView 800, see our previous article HERE.


I hope the above information about the “end of life” of select models of the PanelView Component was helpful.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them with us 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.

shawntierney avatar

This week on The Automation Minute


This week on The Automation Minute

Monday I unboxed a brand new Micro830


Tuesday I opened a Spectrum I/O module (a previous deal of the week) and installed it into a Micro830


Wednesday I unboxed a brand new Micro820


And on Thursday I published my longest episode to date, unboxing a Micro850 starter pack which also included a PanelView 800


Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

Last week on The Automation Minute


Last week on The Automation Minute

Monday I unboxed a copy of RSLogix Micro


Tuesday I unboxed a copy of Studio / RSLogix 5000


Wednesday I unboxed a copy of FactoryTalk View


Thursday I unboxed a brand new Micro810


And on Friday I published two videos, unboxing a Micro810 LCD Display and USB adapter

 



Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar

Get RSLogix ready for Halloween!


In today’s article I’ll show you a little known trick to give RSLogix 5, 500 & Micro some Halloween spirit!


First, you know that online animation in RSLogix?

You know, the rotating “Ladder” animation near the top of the screen:

RSLogix-Pumpkin-1

Well we’re going to change that into something a little more in tune with October’s best known holiday.

First thing you need to do (after opening RSLogix) is to hold down your control (CTRL) key.

Next, right click on the “Ladder” graphic to bring up the menu shown below:

RSLogix-Pumpkin-2

From this menu choose Animations, and then choose Pumpkin:

RSLogix-Pumpkin-3

And now your copy of RSLogix is ready for Halloween!

RSLogix-Pumpkin-4I hope this article about changing the online animation in RSLogix, while having no practical purpose, was a least entertaining!

If you would live to leave your own thoughts or comments, just fill in 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.

shawntierney avatar

Micro850 – Starter Pack (M2E10)


In The Automation Minute, Season 2 Episode 10, Shawn Tierney unboxes an Allen-Bradley Micro850 Starter Pack.




Check out our Video Collection #1 here, which includes the first five seasons of our shows (over 280 episodes and 29 hours!) for just $30!

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.

shawntierney avatar