When I’m given a project to implement a new control system, my first inclination is to go out and get the latest and greatest processor, HMI and any other toys that I can to make the project “cool”, I mean successful.
However, when the budget constraints are conveyed to me, I must evaluate what will do the job within budget constraints. One option when looking at a small-scale project, is the PanelView 800 HMI.
This Allen-Bradley HMI is configured using the Connected Components Workbench software, and connects to Micro800 series controllers, as well as MicroLogix controllers, and some CompactLogix controllers (in addition to many Modbus devices, as well as compatible SLC-500 and PLC-5 controllers – Ed.)
In this series, I want to investigate some of the features and “how-to” aspects of the PV800 and share what I learned along the way.
Software
My first order of business was to download the latest version of Connected Components Workbench, version 13.0, which was released in March of 2021.
Terminal Navigation
Terminal navigation is essentially the Communication Settings, File Management, and System Settings, like Clock and Display Settings, similar to most Panelview models.
The only parameter that I set up is the IP Address to connect to my Ethernet network.
Terminal Firmware
The PV800 Terminal I was using was at version 4.013 (You can find this under the “System Information” button from the Main Menu) and needed to be upgraded to match compatibility with Connected Components Workbench version 13.0, so I flashed the terminal firmware with ControlFlash Software to bring the terminal’s firmware to 6.011.
Creating a Project in CCW
After opening the Connected Components Workbench software, under the “Project” area in the middle of the page, I select “New..” and give the project a name “HOME_TESTING” and select “Create”.
Adding a Device in the CCW Project
My next step is to add my PanelView 800 (model: 2711R-T7T) to my CCW project. There are two ways to do it.
First, as shown below you can click the “Add Device” option in the project window, scroll down and find the correct component, click “Select” and then “Add to Project” to add it manually.
Another option to add a device to the project is to select the small button (that looks like three small components connected by pins) that has the tool tip shown below “Discover device from connection browser”.
This button will open RSLinx Classic and allow you to browse to a device and add it to the project automatically.
This will be a good place to leave off with initial setup of the PanelView 800 and Connected Components Workbench software. In the next article, we will dive into the project and start making things come together.
Conclusion
Some of the most time-consuming pieces to starting a project take place before you can even start to build your first graphic display.
Downloading the latest version of Connected Components Workbench and researching version compatibility (from Rockwell’s PCDC) are time-consuming but necessary tasks.
Flashing any needed firmware, thinking through your network, setting up IP addresses for your engineering station, PanelView 800 and any controller the PanelView will connect to, are also necessary tasks and covered further in the next articles as we progress through the project.
Hopefully this series will be as beneficial to you as it is to me. Learn something new and make something better every day. That IS what we do for a living.
Written by Brandon Cooper
Senior Controls Engineer and Freelance Writer
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