Flashback Friday – Panelbuilder32 Demo Compilation

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 29, 2015

Flashback-Friday-PanelView-Demo-Compilation

Welcome to The Automation Blog’s

“Flashback Friday!”

Today I’m highlighting my eleven year old PanelBuilder32 Demo Compilation Project.

Back in 2004 I set out to combine the best PanelView demos I could find into a single PanelBuilder32 project.

The result was this four project compilation featuring Rockwell’s Standard PanelView demo, Slots demo, Black Jack demo, and my very own Providence Beer demo.

Along with combining the four PanelBuilder projects, I also combined each project’s PLC program in RSLogix 500.

Posted on my original website back on March 16th, 2004, you can now find both the PanelBuilder32 project and RSLogix 500 program right here on The Automation Blog using the below links:

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Do not delete: Why you should keep your Rockwell software order email

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 27, 2015

Stop! Don’t delete that email you received after ordering software from Rockwell!

In fact, you really should take a moment to file that email away someplace safe, someplace you can get to quickly for months and years to come.

Why?

We’ll, as we discussed back in January in this article, when you provide your email address with your Rockwell software order you receive an email with links to your activation certificate and software download.

What you may not realize is, this email not only lets you download the current version of the software you just ordered, but it also lets you download several previous versions as well.

That little tip can be extremely helpful, especially if you’re still running Windows XP (yes, I still run into people running Windows XP.)

You see, most of the software Rockwell makes only ships with the latest release. And as time goes on more and more of Rockwell’s software lineup is dropping support for the venerable Windows XP OS.

But that’s not all…

I don’t know if you caught it when I said, “years to come,” but as I write this Rockwell has enabled these emails to continue to work long after the order was placed, and that’s a very very good thing.

Take the recent example of a client who needed to update the program in his system with one his OEM had emailed him.

Unfortunately his physical RSLogix software disc was misplaced, and without a support contract he couldn’t request replacement media from the factory.

In this case, even though the software order was well over a year old, the customer was able to use his original software order email to download both his activation certificate as well as a version of the Rockwell software which would run on his tech’s old Windows XP laptop.

With those two reasons in mind, I hope you can see how advantageous it is to not only provide your email address when ordering Rockwell software, but also how helpful it can be to hold on to the Rockwell software order email with links to download both the activation certificate and software itself.

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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

View Studio Site Edition, RSView32 – When Displays Are Slow To Load

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 25, 2015

Since the release of Intel’s Pentium line of processors, slowly loading RSView32 and ViewSE graphic displays have been a fairly rare issue.

But in situations where the PC is either over burdened or underpowered, the speed at which screens are displayed can become a problem.

It’s most often experienced as a several second delay from the press of a menu button to the loading of the selected screen.

And while many users believe they have to live with these delays, in most cases a simple work-around can be used to speed up display loading dramatically.

Caching Displays

By default, when the “display” command is executed the graphic display called must be loaded from the hard drive, displayed and animated.

If the issue being experienced is the time it takes to load and display the graphic, the simplest solution is to “cache” the display in RAM.

One way to cache a display is to open it’s “displays settings” and change the “Cache After Displaying” setting from “No” to “Yes.”

However, this method only reduces the loading time after the screen has been displayed the first time.

Because of this, some users have taken to preloading all slow loading displays using a start-up macro.

This is done using the below command once for each screen you want to be preloaded into memory:

Display “My Screen Name” /Z

Always updating cached displays

In some cases not only does the display take a long time to load, but it also takes a long time to animate or display updated values.

When this is the case, you may wish to not just cache the display, but also set it to always update.

This will not only keep the display in RAM, but it will continue to poll the tags on the display as well.

The downside is the continued polling of the tags on a screen not being displayed.

On a slow network you may not have the bandwidth needed to poll tags on the currently displayed screen as well as several cached displays.

If you decide to use this option you can enable it in the display settings menu for each graphic display, or you can use the below command in a start-up macro:

Display “My Screen Name” /ZA

One final note on caching displays

As discussed above, when you cache graphic displays in FactoryTalk View they stay in RAM even when not displayed.

One side effect of this is when you edit a display that is cached, you won’t actually see your changes until cached is cleared or the project is restarted.

Thankfully, Rockwell included a “Flashcache” command in View to help in these situations.

This command issued by itself will flush all displays from the cache.

However, you can also use this command to flush a single display from the cache. To do so, you just issue the command along with the display you would like to flush (Flushcache “My Screen Name”.)

I hope you’ve found the above information about resolving slow loading graphic displays helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion please feel free to share it with us by filling out 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

CCW – Support for Windows XP / 7 / 8

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 22, 2015

Last week in this article I discussed how to use Rockwell’s PCDC webpage to look up the compatibility of Rockwell Software packages with Microsoft Windows operating systems.

In today’s article we’ll take a look at the results for Connected Components Workbench, also known as CCW:

CCW compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 1.02.02, 2.00, 3.00, and 4.00 all support Windows XP.

CCW compatibility with Windows 7:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 1.02.02 through 8.00 all support Windows 7.

CCW compatibility with Windows 8:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 7.00 and 8.00 do support the Windows 8 operating system.

I hope the above look at Connected Components Workbench (CCW) compatibility with Windows XP, 7 and 8 was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to submit them 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

View Studio – Support for Windows XP / 7 / 8

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 20, 2015

Last week in this article I discussed how to use Rockwell’s PCDC webpage to look up the compatibility of Rockwell Software packages with Microsoft Windows operating systems.

In today’s article we’ll take a look at the results for FactoryTalk View:

FactoryTalk View compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 5.00 through 8.00 all support Windows XP.

Note: Rockwell has stated version 8 is the last version to support Windows XP.

FactoryTalk View compatibility with Windows 7:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 6.00 through 8.00 all have some support for Windows 7.

FactoryTalk View compatibility with Windows 8:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see version 8 is the only version to include support for the Windows 8 operating system.

I hope the above look at FactoryTalk View compatibility with Windows XP, 7 and 8 was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to submit them 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

RSLogix 5, 500, and Micro support for Windows XP / 7 / 8

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 18, 2015

Last Wednesday in this article I discussed how to use Rockwell’s PCDC webpage to look up the compatibility of Rockwell Software packages with Microsoft Windows operating systems.

In today’s article we’ll take a look at the results for RSLogix 5, 500, and Micro.

RSLogix 5 compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 7.10.02 through 8.00.00 are all listed as Windows XP compatible.

RSLogix 5 compatibility with Windows 7:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see version 8 is listed as Windows 7 compatible, while version 7.4 may have some compatibility with Windows 7 prior to SP1.

RSLogix 5 compatibility with Windows 8:

On Rockwell’s PCDC webpage, when RSLogix 5 is selected Windows 8 is not one of the options.

This indicates no RSLogix 5 support for the Windows 8 operating system.

RSLogix 500 compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 8.20, 8.30.01, and 9.00 are all listed as Windows XP compatible.

The dashes present for version 8.10, 8.30, and 8.40 are listed in the legend as meaning, “no known issues or dependencies,” but it may be better to interpret them as meaning, “not tested or supported.”

RSLogix 500 compatibility with Windows 7:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 8.4, 9.0, and 9.05.01 are all listed as supporting Windows 7.

RSLogix 500 compatibility with Windows 8:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see only version 9.05.01 is listed as being Windows 8 compatible.

RSLogix Micro compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 8.20, 8.30, and 8.40 are all listed as Windows XP compatible.

The dashes present for version 8.10, 8.17, 9.0 and 9.05.01 are listed in the legend as meaning, “no known issues or dependencies,” but it may be better to interpret them as meaning, “not tested or supported.”

Note: The release notes for version 9.05.01 do not list Windows XP as a supported OS, and therefore the above chart is likely incorrect as far as 9.05.01 is concerned.

RSLogix Micro compatibility with Windows 7:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 8.30 and 8.40 are listed as supporting Windows 7.

The dashes present for version 8.10, 8.17, 8.20, 9.0 and 9.05.01 are listed in the legend as meaning, “no known issues or dependencies,” but it may be better to interpret them as meaning, “not tested or supported.”

RSLogix Micro compatibility with Windows 8:

On Rockwell’s PCDC webpage, when RSLogix Micro is selected Windows 8 is not one of the available options.

This typically would indicate no RSLogix Micro support for the Windows 8 operating system, however the release notes for RSLogix Micro version 8 do specifically state is does support Windows 8.

I hope the above look at RSLogix 5, 500, and Micro compatibility with Windows XP, 7 and 8 was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to submit them 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 support for Windows XP / 7 / 8

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 15, 2015

On Wednesday in this article I discussed how to use Rockwell’s PCDC webpage to look up the compatibility of Rockwell Software packages and Microsoft Windows operating systems.

In today’s article we’ll take a look at the results for RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

RSLogix 5000 compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 16.03.00 – 20.03.00 are all listed as being Windows XP compatible.

RSLogix 5000 compatibility with Windows 7:

In this screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 19.01.01 – 20.03.00 are listed as being Windows 7 compatible.

While the older versions are listed as “not compatible,” I’ve found they do work fairly well, but small issues (like not being able to open the help files) do pop-up from time to time.

RSLogix 5000 compatibility with Windows 8:

Finally, in the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 16.03.00 -20.03 are all listed as not being Windows 8 compatible (I’ve never attempted to run them on Windows 8 myself.)

Studio 5000 compatibility with Windows XP:

In the above screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we can see versions 21.0.00 – 26.01.00 are all listed as not being Windows XP compatible.

Studio 5000 compatibility with Windows 7:

In this screen shot of Rockwell’s PCDC webpage we see versions 21.0.00 – 26.01.00 are listed as being Windows 7 Pro SP1 and Home Premium SP1 compatible.

The remaining versions of Windows 7 are listed as “may be compatible” which I interpret as meaning these versions have not specifically been tested, but should work.

Studio 5000 compatibility with Windows 8:

Lastly, in the above screen shot we can see versions 24.0.00 – 26.01.00 are listed as being Windows 8 compatible, while older versions are not.

I hope the above look at RSLogix/Studio 5000 Windows compatibility was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to submit them 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

How to look-up Rockwell Software compatibility with Microsoft Windows

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 13, 2015

One of the top questions I receive on a weekly basis is, “Does this version of Rockwell Software support my computer’s version of Microsoft Windows.”

I typically respond to these questions by talking about how quickly anyone with an internet connection can get the answers by using Rockwell’s “Product Compatibility and Download Center” (PCDC) webpage.

So with that mind, in today’s article I’ll walk through the steps of looking-up Rockwell Software compatibility with Microsoft Windows.

Step 1: Point your web browser to “www.ab.com”

Step 2: In the “Quick links” menu on the left, click on the “Product Compatibility and Download Center” link

Step 3: Now click on “Available Versions” located in the center of the “Product Compatibility and Download Center” page.

Step 4: Next, type in the name (or part number) of the software into the “Product Search” field, and then select the product from the results below.

Note: In the below example I entered “RSLogix” into the search field, and then selected RSLogix 5000 to continue.

Step 5: On the results screen, click the minus sign next to “Rockwell Services,” then click the plus sign next to “Operating Systems.”

Now select the plus sign next to the operating system you’re interested in.

Note: In the below example, I chose “Windows 7”

Step 6: For each combination of Rockwell Software and Microsoft Windows there will be a compatibility icon, and those icons are described in the icon legend at the bottom of the page.

Note: In my example, RSLogix version 20.03 and 20.01 are both shown with the green “compatible” icon for Windows 7 SP1.

I hope the above step-by-step procedure on how to look up Rockwell Software compatibility with Microsoft Windows operating systems was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to submit them 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Studio 5000 Version 26 Released

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 11, 2015

Rockwell Automation recently released version 26 of it

s Studio 5000 Logix Designer software for programming its CompactLogix and ControlLogix PACs.

The download weighs in at 3.20gb, and with a good high speed connection users can expect it to take just under 30 minutes.

The download package includes RSLinx 3.73, as well as FactoryTalk Services Platform 2.73 and FactoryTalk Activation 3.62.11.

What’s new in version 26?

Operating system support:

Version 26 supports Windows 7 Pro (64bit) and Home (32bit) with Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard with Service Pack 1, Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 Professional (64-bit), as well as Windows Server 2012 Standard.

Kinetix 5700 Servo Drive System:

Version 26 also includes added support for the new Kinetix 5700 multi-axis servo system designed for machines with large axis counts and higher power requirements.

More information about the Kinetix 5700 will be available when the user manual, publication 2198-UM002, is released.

License-Based Source Protection:

Finally, version 26 includes support for “Licensed-Based Source Protection.”

License-Based Source Protection controls permissions to Use, View, Edit, Copy, Export, and Protect Studio 5000 components.

Once you apply Source Protection, those protected components can only be altered or viewed by someone with a license and permissions required for access.

This feature uses technology new to the Studio 5000 product, including the USB “CmStick” that will contain licenses and permissions, as well as the CodeMeter WebAdmin portal which can be access via the icon installed along with Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

For more information on version 26 see the official product release notes available via the link below:

Studio 5000 Version 26 Release Notes

So what happened to version 25?

Great question!

While I can’t find it publically documented anywhere, word on the street is version 25 (like version 14) was a single customer release.

Why the public release has to skip a version when a private release is issued I don’t know, but for now that’s all I’ve heard about the mysterious version 25.

So, what do you think of version 26 so far?

Do you feel like the added features are too few to warrant a major release?

Or, are you of the mind that smaller, more frequent releases are better?

Let us know what you think by filling out 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Rockwell Automation TechED 2015 Sessions For Advanced Users

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 7, 2015

In today’s article I’m listing all the TechED sessions I’d recommend to advanced users of Rockwell Automation products:

CL11 – Logix: Advanced Lab

First up is this pick and choose hands-on lab session on Studio 5000, a great way to learn advanced features.

CL15 – SLC Controller to CompactLogix Migration Lab

This hands-on lab walks you through migrating a SLC-500 to CompactLogix, including developing the BOM as well as translating the code.

CL03 – Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP: Maximizing Network Performance

In this discussion you’ll learn how to correctly architect an Ethernet/IP network for use with CIP-Motion.

CL13 – Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP: Advanced Topics Lab

As a follow-up to the previous discussion, this hands-on lab covers advanced topics like tuning, CAM instructions, drive multiplexing, etc.

NW02 – Design Considerations for Robust EtherNet/IP Networks

In this discussion you will learn how to design and deploy robust and reliable EtherNet/IP networks.

Topics covered include fundamentals, segmentation, resiliency, hierarchy, prioritization, and more.

NW11 – Applying EtherNet/IP and Stratix Switches in Realtime Applications

This hands-on lab covers the best practices of implementing software and hardware on an EtherNet/IP network.

It includes hands-on with the Stratix 5700 and 8000 hardware and configuration.

NW12 – Applying Advanced EtherNet/IP Features in Converged Plantwide Ethernet Architecture

This EtherNet/IP hands-on lab covers Network Address Translation (NAT,) VLAN’s, and Connected Routing.

PR05 – PlantPAx Process Application Development Lab 1

Develop a PlantPAx system from scratch in this hands-on lab. Includes using AOI’s in Studio 5000 as well as Faceplates in ViewStudio.

PR06 – PlantPAx Process Application Development Lab 2

Continue from where you left off in the previous lab by continuing to build your PlantPAx application and learn to use the Alarm Builder as well as the Online Configuration Tool.

VZ03 – FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition and PanelView™ Plus: Data Logging, Trending, Recipe, and Email Functionality

This hand-on lab will give you an opportunity to work with some of the advanced features of FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, including recipe management, Email ActiveX, Print to PDF feature, and more.

VZ07 – FactoryTalk® View Site Edition: Building Applications (Part 2)

This is a pick and choose lab of FactoryTalk View Site Edition’s more advanced capabilities.

It covers hands-on with security, database connectivity, global objects, application navigation, VantagePoint trends, as well as the new HTML 5 version of ViewPoint.

VZ09 – Extending FactoryTalk® View Site Edition Solutions with VBA Code

This hands-on lab focuses on using ‘Visual Basic for Applications’ (VBA) in a FactoryTalk View Site Edition project.

Learn how to write robust and reliable VBA code suitable for use in industrial applications, including how to avoid common problems.

Well that’s it for my short list of TechED sessions I’d recommend to advanced users.

If you’ve reviewed the session list yourself and have your own suggestions I’d love to hear what they are! Just submit the “Leave a reply” 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Rockwell Automation TechED 2015 Sessions For Beginners

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 6, 2015

In today’s article I’m listing all the TechED sessions I’d recommend to new users of Rockwell Automation products:

SY01 – Introduction to the Integrated Architecture Control and Information System

What does ‘Integrated Architecture’ mean? This session lays it all out, and is a great place to start.

CL02 – Rockwell Software Studio 5000® Logix Designer Overview

Learn all the basics about Rockwell’s Studio 5000 Logix Designer in this overview session.

CL05 – Rockwell Software Studio 5000® Logix Designer: Demo & Discussion

A great follow-up session to the last one, this live demo and discussion will show you the features and functions previously discussed.

CL10 – Logix: Basics Lab

At this point you’ve seen an overview and a demo, now jump into some hands on labs with the core capabilities of Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

CL12 – Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP: Hands-on Lab

Follow-up the last lab with one focused on how to configure, program, and commission a CompactLogix 5370 controller with integrated motion on EtherNet/IP using the new Kinetix 5500 servo drives and PowerFlex 527 variable frequency drives.

NW01 – Fundamentals of EtherNet/IP Network Technology

You’ve just configured some devices on Ethernet, but probably don’t know all the terminology and acronyms. Well this session will teach you just that.

NW10 – Life of a CIP Packet

Now that you know the basics, take a deeper look into the life of a CIP packet as it travels across a network.

NW13 – The Case for Managed Switching: Use of Managed and Unmanaged Switch Technology in IACS Applications

To round off the introduction to Ethernet, learn why manage switches are so important in an Ethernet/IP system.

PR01 – PlantPAx System Fundamentals

Now that you have the Studio 5000 and Ethernet/IP basics, next I recommend this session which takes Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture from a stand alone system to a whole plant distributed control system.

PR03 – Discovering the Functionality of the Rockwell Automation Library of Process Objects

These libraries are quickly gaining popularity, so this live demo and discussion session is a good one to take.

SY18 – Tools that Simplify Product Sizing and Selection: Lab

This hands-on session covers three excellent tools to help you design a system BOM: Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB), Motion Analyzer (MA) and ProposalWorks (PW.)

VZ01 – FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition and PanelView™ Plus: Introductory Lab

Time for some hands-on with HMI’s, and this lab covers the basics of FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, including creating applications, working with displays, global objects, tags, parameters, as well as testing and running applications.

VZ04 – FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition and PanelView™ Plus: Project Skills Lab

This hands-on lab walks you through using Data Logs, Trends, RecipePlus, Alarms, Information Messages, Global objects, and diagnostic tools.

VZ06 – FactoryTalk® View Site Edition: Building Applications (Part 1)

Now that you’ve done the ViewME basics lab, extend your knowledge with a SCADA lab using FactoryTalk View Site Edition.

This session allows you to pick and choose from subjects related the basic building blocks of a FactoryTalk Site Edition application.

Well that’s it for my short list of TechED sessions I’d recommend to new users.

If you’ve reviewed the session list yourself and have your own suggestions I’d love to hear what they are! Just submit the “Leave a reply” 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

My Rockwell Automation TechED 2015 Session Picks

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 5, 2015

This will be the first year in a decade that I won’t be attending RSTechED, now formally renamed Rockwell Automation TechED.

However, if I were to attend these are the courses I would choose:

CL01 – What’s New in Integrated Architecture?

My favorite sessions are always the “What’s New” ones.

I just love hearing about what’s being released soon, as well as what’s coming down the road.

This particular session, CL01, covers Studio 5000, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, Safety and Motion products.

And from what I’m hearing, attendee’s should expect to hear details about the next few releases of Studio 5000, as well as news about new CompactLogix, ControlLogix, and GuardLogix processors which haven’t before been discussed publicly.

IN03 – FactoryTalk VantagePoint EMI: Sneak Peek of New Mobile Capabilities and v7.0

VantagePoint is a very powerful web based reporting product, and each release seems to have more and more mobile features.

Not to disappoint, the description for this demo session promises even more new features in the coming release of version 7.0.

TF04 – What’s New and Coming for FactoryTalk Activation

I honestly didn’t know anything was changing with FTA, but this session’s description leads me to believe that it might be getting some serious usability enhancements.

CL08 – Sensing your Architecture with IO-Link

Like Rockwell I’m new to IO-Link, so I would be very interested to attend this session to see how Rockwell is promoting their new IO-Link devices.

PR04 – Development and Management of the Rockwell Automation Library of Process Objects

When I first read this session’s title I though it was a typo because it didn’t include “PlantPAx.”

Then reading the description I learned it’s about a soon-to-be released set of tools which will allow for library creation and graphical configuration.

Not sure what it’s all about, but I suspect Rockwell’s Process Objects library has seen some enhancements that coincide with new features of upcoming Studio 5000 releases.

SY04 – New Automation Productivity Tool – Application Code Manager: Capability Overview

Application Code Manager? From the description this looks to be a new bulk engineering tool supporting code libraries and designed to help users build applications in less time.

SY10 – New Automation Productivity Tool – Application Code Manager: Intro and Demo

This session takes off from where the last one (SY04) left off by providing attendees with a live demo of the new Application Code Manager (ACM.)

SY11 – Improve your Design Effectiveness with our “NEW” OEM Building Blocks

If you’re going to release a new library management system (Application Code Manager,) then why not also release some pre-canned building blocks to go with it?

According to this session’s description, this first release of the OEM Building Blocks will work hand-in-hand with the Application Code Manager.

SY15 – New Automation Productivity Tool – Application Code Manager: Hands-on Lab

Seen enough? Ready for some hands on?

This session is your opportunity to get hands-on with the new Application Code Manager to create and maintain reusable code libraries.

VZ16 – PanelView™ 5500 and Studio 5000 View Designer™

The release of the PanelView 5500 and Studio 5000 View Designer must be close if this introduction and demonstration session has returned – a great place to start ahead of the next two sessions.

VZ14 – PanelView™ 5500 and Studio 5000 View Designer™: Introductory Lab

This basic lab is described as showing attendees how to create, download, and run PanelView 5500 projects, including screen creation, animation, navigation and security.

VZ15 – PanelView™ 5500 and Studio 5000 View Designer™: Advanced Lab

More hands-on with the PV5500 is had in this lab which covers advanced features like search and replace, custom actions, state tables, and high priority buttons.

SY13 – Logix Content Licensing

One area Studio 5000 needs work in is access control, and in this demo session it looks like it’ll show attendees what the future holds.

Described as a new way to control access to your routines and add-on instructions, this enhancement is said to include new licensing technology which allows granting of permissions remotely, web administration, and more.

PR09 – Deploy, Optimize, and Scale a PlantPAx Virtual Infrastructure

As a big fan of Virtualization, this lab covering the implementation of PlantPAx in a vSphere and ESXi environments easily made my list.

SS02 – Trends in Mobility – The World is not Flat

The last session on my short list is this one all about mobility.

It seems like everyday I get asked about using tablets and smart phones in conjunction with control systems, and this session looks like a great place to learn what the latest and greatest from Rockwell is in this area.

Well that’s it for my short list of TechED sessions I’d like to attend this year.

If you’ve reviewed the session list yourself and have your own favorites, I’d love to hear what they are! Just submit the “Leave a reply” 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Rockwell Automation TechED 2015 Session Guide Now Available

By

Shawn Tierney

-

May 4, 2015

Believe it or not, Rockwell’s annual TechED event is only four weeks away!

If you plan on attending, I highly recommend signing up now to insure you’re able to reserve seats in the hands-on sessions you want to attend.

In order to better help you plan your week, Rockwell recently made a new PDF available listing all the public sessions with descriptions, as well as the week’s full schedule.

To get the session listing, you can either view the document directly HERE (right click to save,) or visit Rockwell Automation’s TechED website below:

http://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/events/ra-teched/usa/sessions.page?

As I started looking through this document myself, I couldn’t help but highlight all the sessions I would like to attend.

With that in mind, this week I’ll share my top TechED 2015 session picks with you right here on The Automation Blog.

I’d also love to hear from you if you’re attending TechED this year, along with the sessions you’re planning on attending.

To share them, just fill out and submit 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

1756-ENBT – Now Silver Series (2015)

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 29, 2015

Earlier this month the widely used ControlLogix Ethernet module, part number 1756-ENBT, had it’s status updated to “end of life” on Rockwell’s Product Lifecycle Status page.

The product is now listed as going out of production in roughly 18 months, on December 31^st, 2016.

The seemingly logical choice to replace the 1756-ENBT would be the newer and more capable 1756-EN2T.

Compared with the ENBT’s 64 TCP & 128 CIP connections, and 5000 I/O Packets per second limit, the EN2T is far superior with 128 TCP & 256 CIP connections, as well as supporting between 10,000 and 25,000 I/O Packets per second.

All versions of this newer module include a USB port for access to the module’s own configuration, as well as to the rest of the ControlLogix system.

This allows programming and configuration of interconnected devices, including the EN2T’s own Ethernet address.

The EN2T includes other enhancements over the ENBT, with one of the most versatile being Open Sockets support.

With a free AOI from Rockwell’s sample code website, users can quickly enable Modbus TCP communications over the EN2T using the open sockets feature.

Open sockets can also be used for interfacing with Ethernet based printers, bar code readers, and RFID systems.

On the down side, the 1756-EN2T currently carries a published list price 20% greater than the ENBT, which itself has seen a 20% price increase over the last few years.

And the EN2T, with it’s substantialy larger connection limit and packets per second rating, seems a little over powered for smaller systems or when used as a remote Ethernet I/O adapter.

Hopefully Rockwell realizes this and will release a new lower cost and lower functionality Ethernet module prior to the ENBT’s last day of production.

I hope you found the above article about the ENBT’s end of life announcement helpful.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please feel free to share them by filling out the “post a comment or question” form 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

View Studio – Why Your Graphics Displays May Be Updating Slowly

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 27, 2015

I run into this more often than you would think.

I’ll be working with a controls engineer, or in a manufacturing facility in front of a PanelView Plus or FactoryTalk View SE SCADA system, when I notice the system seems to be running slow.

This sluggishness often has nothing to do with the type of network being used. I’ve seen it happen on RIO as often as I’ve seen it on Ethernet.

The reason for it is almost always caused by a default setting of every new project and display you create within View Studio: The “Maximum Tag Update Rate.”

This value, found in the display settings of each and every screen in a FactoryTalk View project, accepts a range of .05 seconds to 120 seconds.

However, it defaults to a sluggish 1 second update rate.

Now you may think that 1 second isn’t too bad. But when set at 1 second, I typically see a round trip response from “button push” to “on-screen indication” of nearly three seconds.

Why? Well, if you press the button just after the update occurs, you’ll have nearly a whole second go by until it’s read. And once it’s read and sent to the PLC, you’ll then have close to another second until the screen updates again to indicate its on.

Now in my time working with in-plant operators, I’ve come to the conclusion that they feel most comfortable with a response time of one second or less.

If the screen doesn’t respond in a second or two, they’ll often assume it didn’t read their input and press the screen again.

To avoid this, and insure at least a 1 second update rate, I’ve found you’ll need to set each graphic display screen’s “Maximum Tag Update Rate” to at lease .25 seconds.

However (if your system has the bandwidth) I would recommend a .1 second update rate as it provides for a very snappy system more in-line with today’s expectations.

Unsure if your EtherNet system can handle these update rates? Check out our previous article on using Rockwell’s Ethernet/IP Capacity tool which can help you quickly benchmark a system.

Estimating your Allen-Bradley (A-B) Logix controller’s Ethernet/IP bandwidth

I hope you’ve found the above information about speeding up your FactoryTalk View Displays helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion please feel free to share it with us by filling out 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

RSLogix Micro Starter Goes Download Only

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 23, 2015

I recently was informed that RSLogix Micro Starter is now available for purchase as an electronic download.

For those who don’t know, RSLogix Micro Starter is a roughly $140 Rockwell Software package which programs all of Rockwell Automation’s MicroLogix PLC’s.

Note: The programming software for the MicroLogix 1000 and 1100 is available from Rockwell as a free download – more details in this article.

Prior to this change, as I documented in this article, when you ordered a copy of this software you would receive an email to download it as well as be shipped a physical copy.

Now though, if you order the software you will only received the email to download a copy.

From my own experience I can say that the download links you receive in the email include not only the most current version available when you purchased the software, but also include several prior versions as well.

And also from my own experience, the links in the email do not seem to expire over time (but I wouldn’t count on that…)

So what do you think? Would you prefer a hard copy of the software or is download only fine? Please feel free to share your thoughts 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.

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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

RSLogix 500, Micro – v9.05: Windows 8 Support Added, XP Support Removed

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 22, 2015

Just this last week I found out that Rockwell Automation had released version 9.05 of RSLogix 500 and RSLogix Micro.

These new versions add support for Windows 8 and 8.1 while also removing support for Windows XP.

Aside from the expanded OS support, you won’t find any new features or functions in 9.05, except for the updated support of the latest FactoryTalk Activation, as well as support for the series D 1747-L542.

However, as an added bonus both downloads now include the free version of RSEmulate 500, saving users from having to find and download it separately.

And the RSLogix Micro download now comes with the excellent Connected Components Building Blocks.

While not a major release as far as features, I do have to say Windows 8 support is a very welcome addition to this legacy software as it’s not always possible for those maintaining in-plant automation systems to dictate which operating system their PC’s come with.

Unfortunately, the free “lite” version of RSLogix Micro Starter has not yet be updated, and is still only available for download as version 8.3 here.

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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

Do you know someone who would like to learn PLCs?

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 10, 2015

If you know someone who would like to learn PLCs, I may have exactly what they’ve been looking for.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to work for a big company that will send them away for weeks at a time to formal factory training costing thousands of dollars.

And while there are many self-study options out there, from computer based training, to self-teach books, to video courses, the majority of them cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

With that in mind, last year I set out to create an affordable step-by-step beginner’s guide on how to use PLC’s, and my video course, “Micro Programmable Controller Basics” is the result.

What make this PLC Basics video course different?

It’s practical, it’s actionable, and it’s affordable.

If you (or the person you know) is like me, then you learn best not only by reading or watching, but also by DOING.

So when I decided to make my own course, I made the conscious effort to design all the lessons in a way that allows the viewer to follow along at their own pace.

I also had the goal of making it affordable, and in the end I decided this course would be priced under $50.

Update: Focused version of original course still available under $50!

~~However, for a limited time you can still pick it up for the introductory price of $29.97.~~

The focused two hour version of the original course is now available Digitally or on DVD as PLC “Core” Basics at TheAutomationSchool.com.

What do you cover in the course?

I start by introducing the viewer to what PLC’s are, and the different styles and types they come in.

Then for those who want to work with an actual PLC, I introduce the most affordable MicroLogix programmable controller available, unboxing a unit and reviewing the installation documentation.

Next, I take the viewer step-by-step through how to get, install, and navigate the PLC programming software (RSLogix,) communications software (RSLinx,) and PLC emulation software (RSEmulate) provided free of charge thanks to the good people at Rockwell Automation.

From there I review basic concepts any programmer needs to know, including numbering systems, data types, program flow, and programming instructions.

Then for the majority of the course I lead the viewer step-by-step through how to write, download and test PLC programs with bit, timer, counter, compare, math, and file instructions.

And all these programming lessons can be done by the viewer using the free PLC emulation software, or the low cost MicroLogix mentioned above.

MicroLogix? Why that model and not something else?

Good question. The largest installed base of PLC’s in North American is made up of PLC-5, SLC-500, and MicroLogix models, all of which use the same basic program elements and software that looks nearly identical.

Additionally, the Ladder Logic instruction set used in the new CompactLogix and ControlLogix PACs is based on those previous models, so learning basic ladder instructions with the MicroLogix also prepares the viewer for using those same instructions in the newer PACs.

Most importantly though, the good people at Rockwell Automation make the programming and emulation software for the MicroLogix 1000 available free of charge (if you know where to look.)

Thess facts, along with the affordable price of my video course, now puts learning programmable controllers within anyone’s reach.

What the course is not

I want to be entirely clear here: there’s absolutely no Hollywood graphics or polished actors in this video course.

It also wasn’t filmed in a fancy studio using expensive audio and video equipment.

It’s just me, a workbench full of PLC’s, and my many years of experience using them.

Want to know more?

If you think this video course would be helpful to someone you know, please take a moment and share the below link with them:

https://theautomationschool.com/courses/plc-basics-second-edition-course/

And if you have any questions about my course please don’t hesitate to ask 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

PanelView 800 – Rockwell Introductory Video

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 9, 2015

Earlier this week I came across this well done PanelView 800 video on YouTube:

Having spent some time with one of these units recently, I can say they do look great.

I’m also hearing that projects which struggled on the PanelView Component now run well on these new units which have four times the processing power and ram.

If you’ve used one of these new PV800’s I love to hear what you think! Just click on the “post a comment or question” link below to share your thoughts.

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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025

PanelView Plus Index: Links to all our articles, podcasts, and videos

By

Shawn Tierney

-

April 8, 2015

Insights In Automation’s

PanelView Plus Index (63)

Updated on April 8th, 2015

Today we’re featuring all the articles, podcasts, and videos we’ve done on the PanelView Plus.

If there’s a new PanelView topic you’d like to see covered, please let us know by clicking on the “post a comment or question” link below.

Easy Way To Migrate FactoryTalk View Projects To Windows 7 64 bit

March 25, 2015

Last May in this article I covered the procedure for migrating FactoryTalk ViewStudio projects to Windows 7 Profession 64 bit by using Rockwell’s legacy tag database conversion utility. In today’s article we’ll discuss an easier way to migrate your old 32bit APA’s that also doesn’t require access to a PC running a 32bit OS. The easy way to migrate …

Read More »

Is the PanelView Plus 7 Standard Right For You?

February 9, 2015

With Rockwell’s release of the PanelView Plus 7 Standard last month, I’ve begun to receive “migration” inquires from PanelView Plus 6 users. However, unlike the PanelView Plus 6 which replaced the original PanelView Plus, the PanelView Plus 7 is a new line with unique features which must be considered before a decision …

Read More »

The Automation Blog’s “Best Of 2014? PanelView blogs

December 30, 2014

Welcome to the second article in our “Best of 2014? series. Today we’ll list the seven most popular PanelView blogs of 2014. As we mentioned yesterday, older blogs have a distinct advantage as they’ve been around longer than newer ones. With that in mind, it doesn’t surprise me to see a couple of our “Best of 2013 …

Read More »

The PanelView Plus 7 As Seen At Automation Fair 2014

December 1, 2014

The PanelView Plus 7 was on public display at Automation Fair this year, and here’s what I found out about it: 1) The PanelView Plus 7 Standard being released first The plastic bezel, standard version of the PVPlus 7 is being released first, with the higher end, aluminum bezel, performance …

Read More »

How To Download Rockwell’s PlantPAx Library Of Process Objects

November 5, 2014

Rockwell’s PlantPAx Library of Process Objects recently became available to the public without requiring a support contract. In today’s article I’ll walk you through the steps you take to download this library. Steps To Download Rockwell’s PlantPAx Library Of Process Objects Step 1: Navigate to http://www.ab.com, then on the left hand side …

Read More »

The PanelView Plus High-Bright Display – Seven Things You Should Know

October 13, 2014

I’ve received many questions about the PanelView Plus High-Bright display over the last few weeks, and today I want to share with you seven things you should know about it: 1) It’s Bright! While the standard PanelView Plus display is rated for 300 cd/m2 (Nits,) the PanelView Plus High-Bright Display is much brighter, …

Read More »

PanelView Plus 7 Released

October 8, 2014

Last week Rockwell released the first new models in it’s PanelView Plus 7 Standard family of HMI’s. While not all the PanelView Plus 7 models are available at launch, the documentation shows the standard family will include the following models: PanelView Plus 7 Standard 400W Part Number: 2711P-T4W21D8S Display Size: 4.3-in. Resolution: 480 …

Read More »

Remote I/O PanelView to PanelView Plus Communications Configuration Migration

October 1, 2014

When importing a PanelView RIO project, there’s one crucial step you don’t want to miss! Over the years I’ve received many calls from clients struggling with the conversion of Remote I/O (RIO) PanelViews. Most found it easy enough to import their old PanelView projects into FactoryTalk View Studio. But when came to setting up …

Read More »

Importing Legacy PanelView Projects Into FactoryTalk View Studio

September 29, 2014

Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio HMI/SCADA development software comes with the built-in ability to import old PanelView Projects. In today’s article, I’ll walk you through the steps to do just that. Importing legacy PanelView Projects into FactoryTalk View Studio Step 1) Start by opening FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition. When prompted with the below …

Read More »

Everything you need to know about the PanelView Plus, Part 5

September 26, 2014

Twenty Five things you need to know about using the PanelView Plus and View Studio Part 5 of 5 Downloading runtime files to your PanelView Plus 21) The PanelView Plus IP address is set via its configuration mode screen. The PanelView Plus IP address is set via its configuration mode screen. By …

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Everything you need to know about the PanelView Plus, Part 4

September 25, 2014

Twenty Five things you need to know about using the PanelView Plus and View Studio Part 4 of 5 Browsing for Tags 16) When your Shortcut shows up as a Tag When browsing for Tags, if your RSLinx Enterprise shortcut shows up on the right side as a tag, your RSLinx Enterprise …

Read More »

Everything you need to know about the PanelView Plus, Part 3

September 24, 2014

Twenty Five things you need to know about using the PanelView Plus and View Studio Part 3 of 5 Exporting and Importing Tags 11) ViewStudio HMI Tags can be exported and imported ViewStudio HMI tags can be exported and imported to / from CSV files using the “Tag Import/Export” utility that comes with …

Read More »

Everything you need to know about the PanelView Plus, Part 2

September 23, 2014

Twenty Five things you need to know about using the PanelView Plus and View Studio Part 2 of 5 Setting up communications 6) Never create RSLinx Enterprise shortcut names with spaces or non-alpha characters Never create RSLinx Enterprise shortcut names with spaces or any character besides alpha, numeric and underscores (“_”) Also, never …

Read More »

Everything you need to know about the PanelView Plus, Part 1

September 22, 2014

Twenty Five things you need to know about using the PanelView Plus and View Studio Part 1 of 5 Installation: 1) Always install the software in order Always install the software in the order found in the CD menu. Then reboot your PC after you have installed at a minimum these …

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FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Version 8 Released!

August 29, 2014

Rockwell Automation just released the latest version of its FactoryTalk View product. Without any fanfare, FactoryTalk View Machine Edition version 8 became available for download earlier this week. This was a pleasant surprise to many of Rockwell’s own employees and distributors who had expected it to come out much later in the year. But even better …

Read More »

The PanelView Plus 7: What We Know So Far

August 22, 2014

Frustratingly, I can not find ANYTHING about a possible “PanelView Plus 7? published publically by Rockwell Automation. I’m frustrated not only because I’m a big PanelView Plus fan, but also because the rumors state it’s suppose to be releasing around the first of the year. Yeah, I know: Once bitten twice shy…

Read More »

Video: FactoryTalk View Logix Tag Browsing

August 5, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 10, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio Logix Tag Browsing.

Watch Video »

Video: FactoryTalk View HMI Tag Browsing

July 29, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 9, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio HMI Tag Browsing.

Watch Video »

Video: FactoryTalk View HMI Tag Address Browsing

July 22, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 8, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio HMI Tag Address Browsing.

Watch Video »

Video: FactoryTalk View Importing PLC-5 & SLC-500 Tags

July 15, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 7, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio importing of PLC-5 and SLC-500 Tags.

Watch Video »

Video: RSLinx Enterprise Re-enabling Serial Port

July 8, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 6, Shawn Tierney walks you through re-enabling the serial port in RSLinx Enterprise’s Target Tab.

Watch Video »

Video: RSLinx Enterprise Copy Local Tab to Target Tab

July 1, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 5, Shawn Tierney walks you through copying the Local Tab to the Target Tab in Rockwell’s RSLinx Enterprise.

Watch Video »

How To Check Your RSLinx Enterprise Shortcut on a PanelView Plus

June 30, 2014

So you’re on the plant floor with your new PanelView Plus runtime file (.MER) freshly downloaded and your screen is showing the tell tale signs that theirs no communication. If you like many people, sometime during the development cycle you learn how to disable the “information” pop-up window. Unfortunately, that same …

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Video: RSLinx Enterprise Adding Logix PACs

June 24, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 4, Shawn Tierney walks you through adding Logix PLC’s on the Local Tab of Rockwell’s RSLinx Enterprise.

Watch Video »

Video: RSLinx Enterprise Target Tab Setup

June 17, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 3, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s RSLinx Enterprise Target Tab Setup.

Watch Video »

Connecting a PanelView Plus to a SLC-500 Channel 0 Serial Port

June 16, 2014

When looking to upgrade older PanelView 550 or 600 models, it’s common to consider the PanelView Plus 600 as a suitable replacement. For starters, most of the new PVPlus models will fit in the older PanelView cutouts. And, Panelbuilder32 programs import into View Studio mostly intact. Note: For more information about migrating …

Read More »

Video: RSLinx Enterprise Local Tab Setup

June 10, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 2, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s RSLinx Enterprise Local Tab Setup.

Watch Video »

Video: FactoryTalk View Communications Basics

June 3, 2014
In The Automation Minute, Flashback Episode 1, Shawn Tierney walks you through Rockwell’s FactoryTalk View Studio Communications Basics.

Watch Video »

How to Migrate FactoryTalk View Projects to Windows 7 64 bit

May 28, 2014

So you just got a new laptop with Windows 7 64 pre-installed? Welcome to the wonderful world of 64 bit computing! By the way, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you can’t open any of your old FactoryTalk View APA files in your new 64 bit OS. Well, not …

Read More »

How to edit a PanelView Plus (ViewME) MER Runtime file

May 26, 2014

Recently a client asked how they would go about editing a PanelView Plus .MER file that their customer had sent them. Unfortunately, this is not always a simple answer. Converting a version 5.0 or greater .MER runtime file back into an editable project If you’re using FactoryTalk ViewStudio 7.0 on Windows 7 64 bit, …

Read More »

What are PlantPAx Process Objects?

May 21, 2014

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about PlantPAx lately. Specifically about PlantPAx as it pertains to HMI and SCADA systems. While PlantPAx is a very wide and broad topic, when I get the above question it typically relates to Rockwell’s highly developed faceplates, formerly known as the “PlantPAx Library of Process Objects.” The …

Read More »

Why does it take my PanelView Plus several minutes to boot?

March 17, 2014

I recently had a customer call with a very strange issue: His PanelView Plus was taking over 5 minutes to boot. Calls to tech support and several other troubleshooting steps lead nowhere. Not knowing what else to do, I asked the client if he could send me his HMI and PLC …

Read More »

Podcast: Accessing the configuration mode of the PanelView Plus

March 3, 2014
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 15, we discuss how to access the configuration mode of the PanelView Plus.

Listen to Podcast »

Podcast: Transferring projects to your Allen-Bradley HMI using a USB Flash Drive

February 27, 2014
In The Automation Podcast: Episode 14, we discuss transferring projects to your Allen-Bradley HMI, including the PanelView Plus and Component, using a USB Flash Drive.

Listen to Podcast »

Graphically enhancing your PanelView Plus or ViewSE project

February 12, 2014

Most of the modern HMI projects I’ve seen look as if they escaped from the 70’s. I mean, why spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on a modern HMI if your screens are going to consist of large square buttons and numeric displays? To be fair, there’s often not enough time in the design schedule for polishing …

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Using the Tag Import And Export Wizard with FactoryTalk ViewStudio (or RSView32)

January 29, 2014

If you’re using FactoryTalk ViewStudio (aka RSViewStudio) or RSView32 with a PLC-5, SLC-500, or MicroLogix, it often makes sense to import your tags and descriptions from the comments and symbols in your PLC program. There are actually two means of import tags into View. In today’s article we’ll cover how to import your tags using the “Tag Import …

Read More »

Importing PLC and SLC tags into FactoryTalk ViewStudio (or RSView32)

January 27, 2014

If you’re using FactoryTalk ViewStudio (aka RSViewStudio) or RSView32 with a PLC-5, SLC-500, or MicroLogix, it often makes sense to import your tags and descriptions from the comments and symbols in your PLC program. There are actually two means of import tags into View. In today’s article, we’ll cover how to import your tags directly into the HMI …

Read More »

Flashing your PanelView Plus 6 firmware using a memory card step-by-step

January 15, 2014

Earlier in the week in this blog post we discussed how flashing a PanelView Plus 6 over the network could take hours. Today we’ll take you step-by-step through a quicker way of flashing your PVPlus 6 by doing so using a memory card. Flashing your PanelView Plus 6 firmware using a …

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Is flashing your PanelView Plus 6 taking hours? Here’s a trick to get it done under 5 minutes.

January 13, 2014

Last week a client told me it was taking him up to four hours to flash the firmware on his PanelView Plus 6. In fact, it takes so long he avoids doing it whenever possible. I honestly hadn’t flashed my PVPlus 6 in quite some time, so I downloaded the …

Read More »

The Automation Blog’s “Best Of 2013? Human Machine Interface blogs

December 31, 2013

Welcome to the second article in our “Best of 2013? series. Today we focus on our seven most popular Human Machine Interface (HMI) blogs. As we noted yesterday, our older blogs have a distinct advantage when compared to our newer blogs because they have been around much longer and had the opportunity to get more …

Read More »

Rockwell’s Water Waste Water Accelerator Toolkit

December 23, 2013

Rockwell’s Water Waste Water Accelerator Toolkit (WWWAT for short) is designed to reduce engineering and development time around Water and Waste Water applications. This “Accelerator Toolkit” is also designed for use with RSLogix5000 and FactoryTalk View Site Edition. The initial download is roughly 510mb and is in the form of an “.exe” install file. Once downloaded …

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DataStore Plus “step by step” setup in FactoryTalk ViewStudio

December 11, 2013

Earlier in the week we described what the DataStore Plus ActiveX was. Today we walk you through the steps you need to take to add it to a FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition project. Basic steps to setup the DataStore Plus ActiveX in ViewStudio: Create and configure a new “on top” display to host the DataStore Plus ActiveX …

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Rockwell’s DataStore Plus extension for the PanelView Plus 6

December 9, 2013

Last week I was contacted by an OEM for my advice on the best way to create reports that customers could view in Microsoft Excel. Since his equipment was outfitted with the PanelView Plus 6, I suggested the first option we should discuss would be the one already built-in to his existing HMI: Rockwell’s DataStore Plus ActiveX extension. FactoryTalk View Machine Edition …

Read More »

FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition: What comes in the box?

December 4, 2013

What actually comes in a package of FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition? We’ll show and explain all the contents in today’s blog. ViewStudio Machine Edition Packaging ViewStudio, like most Rockwell Software, comes in a plastic “clam shell” style box. On the front is the product name and logo. On the back is the part number, …

Seven things you need to know before using the PanelView Plus

November 26, 2013

I still run into clients who are just beginning to use the PanelView Plus, even though it was released a decade ago. So for all everyone out there who is new to the PanelView Plus, here are seven things you need to know: 1) PanelView Plus hardware features: The original PanelView Plus came in four …

Read More »

How to use FactoryTalk ViewPoint

November 8, 2013

Yesterday in this article I described how to download and install FactoryTalk ViewPoint. Today I’ll walk you through how to use FactoryTalk ViewPoint to publish content for a FTView Machine Edition application destined to run on a PanelView Plus. NOTE: ViewPoint supports running on the PanelView Plus and ViewSE, but does not support ViewME station runtimes on …

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How do you get FactoryTalk ViewPoint?

November 7, 2013

In a blog post last week I described ViewPoint as a software package which adds webserver capabilities to the PanelView Plus and FactoryTalk View Site Edition (aka Supervisory Edition.) However, before you can publish your FactoryTalk View Studio graphic displays using ViewPoint, you’ll need to download and install it first. In today’s article I’ll show you where to …

Read More »

Can you save FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition 6.0 projects as a previous version?

November 4, 2013

Back on August 20th I blogged here about if it was possible to save a FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition version 7.0 project as a previous version. I found that while you could open a v7 project in v6.1 by saving the project as a v6.1 MER, you could not open any older MER’s in …

Read More »

What is ViewPoint?

November 1, 2013

Many clients have asked me, “What is ViewPoint?” Simply put, ViewPoint is an extension to FactoryTalk View Site Edition and the PanelView Plus which adds web server functionality to the FactoryTalk View project. Web Client Compatibility When Rockwell implemented ViewPoint, they did so as a Silverlight browser plugin that works well on …

Read More »

Using an Apple iPad or iPhone to monitor and control your Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus

October 30, 2013

Last week I had the opportunity to show a client how to use his Apple iPad and iPhone to remotely control his PanelView Plus 6. Afterwards, I thought it would make an excellent blog post. The first step is to setup your PanelView Plus as a VNC server, and we covered how to …

Read More »

Remotely controlling your Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus using VNC

October 28, 2013

In today’s article we’ll discuss how you can remotely monitor and control your Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus using VNC (Virtual Network Computing.) The ability to use handheld devices with HMI or SCADA systems has been around for a long time. In fact, in the picture to the right you can see me …

Read More »

PanelView Plus 6 Compact requires ME Transfer Utility version 7.0

September 17, 2013

A client recently called me about issues he was having downloading to his new PanelView Plus 6 Compact. He was using FactoryTalk ViewStudio version 6.1 which was the same version as the firmware on the unit. But, when he browsed for the panel in RSLinx Enterprise, at best he received a …

Read More »

Replacing a PanelView 550 with a PanelView Plus

September 16, 2013

Recently, a client called asking if it would be possible to replace a PanelView 550 with a new PanelView Plus. The answer is yes, but the ease of doing so will depend greatly on the model. Note: In this article we’ll focus on the physical replacement, leaving the software migration …

Read More »

Panelview Plus with Remote I/O support

September 4, 2013

With the release of the PanelView Plus 6 700-1500, Rockwell chose to no longer support the legacy Remote I/O (RIO) network. However, for users who still need to replace old RIO PanelViews, Rockwell has made several new catalog numbers for the original Panelview Plus with firmware 5.1 and RIO support available. These models (listed below) all …

Read More »

Downloading the updated View Machine Edition / PanelView Plus Transfer Utility from Rockwell Allen-Bradley (A-B)

August 29, 2013

I’ve been getting a lot of calls from clients who have FactoryTalk ViewStudio 5.0, but need to download their Machine Edition runtime application (.mer) to a PanelView Plus 6.0. I’ve previously wrote about how to use a USB flash drive to transfer an .mer file, but since its more convenient to …

Read More »

Can you save a FactoryTalk ViewStudio Machine Edition 7.0 project as a previous version?

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, …

Read More »

FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition (ViewME) and PanelView Plus (PVPlus) Quick Start Videos from Rockwell Allen-Bradley (A-B)

August 13, 2013

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 …

Read More »

Using DH-485 On The New PanelView Plus 6 400 And 600

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 …

Read More »

How To Automatically Run A USB Flash Drive Script On The PanelView Plus

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 …

Read More »

Why Is The White Box Missing On My PanelView Plus? Why Doesn’t F1 Bring Up Configuration Mode?

July 30, 2013

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” …

Read More »

How To Access The PanelView Plus Configuration Mode

July 29, 2013

When powering on a PanelView Plus for the first time, its boots up to the main Configuration Mode menu screen. From here, the user has several options: Load an application from internal memory, of from a Compact Flash Card (versions 3.0-5.1,) SD Card (versions 6.0-7.0,) or from most USB Flash Drives. Run the loaded application Edit the …

Read More »

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

July 26, 2013

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 exactly to do it. In most cases you’ld typically download the runtime file …

Read More »

Easy way to edit or create large numbers of FactoryTalk View Machine Edition alarm messages

July 9, 2013

When you have hundreds or even thousands of alarm messages to add to your FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (View ME) project, this little trick can be really helpful. To start, enter a few alarm messages of each type you’ll need into the View ME Alarm Setup Message Editor to act as your template. …

Read More »

I hope the above article listing all our blogs, podcasts, and videos about the PanelView Plus was helpful.

If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, please feel free to leave them with us by filling out 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: Siemens S7-1200 G2 – Unbox, Wire, Program (S2E13) - April 17, 2025
MaintainX: Prevent Unplanned Downtime (P236) - April 9, 2025
First Time Using Ignition: Tags and Views (P235) - March 24, 2025