PanelView Standard to PanelView Plus Migration

Overview

This guide outlines the essential steps and considerations for migrating from legacy Allen-Bradley PanelView Standard (PVS) operator interface terminals to the modern PanelView Plus (PVP) series. The PanelView Standard series has reached its end-of-life, making migration to PanelView Plus a critical step for maintaining system reliability, leveraging advanced features, and ensuring continued support. The PanelView Plus family offers significant improvements in processing power, display technology, communication options, and integration with Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk View ME software.

Legacy Product Information

The PanelView Standard series, including monochrome and color terminals, utilized PanelBuilder32 software for application development. These terminals operated on a proprietary CompactFlash (CF) card for project storage and firmware. Key models included:

• PanelView 1000 Standard: e.g., 2711-K10C1, 2711-B10C1
• PanelView 600 Standard: e.g., 2711-K6C1, 2711-B6C1
• PanelView 550 Standard: e.g., 2711-K5A1, 2711-B5A1

Common communication protocols supported were Data Highway Plus (DH+), Remote I/O (RIO), DeviceNet, and DH-485. PanelBuilder32, while functional for its time, lacks the modern features and integration capabilities of FactoryTalk View Studio.

Recommended Replacements

The primary replacement for PanelView Standard is the PanelView Plus series, specifically PanelView Plus 7 Standard or PanelView Plus 7 Performance. The selection depends on required screen size, processing power, and advanced features.

PanelView Plus terminals run on Windows CE and use FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) software for development. They offer Ethernet/IP as the primary communication, alongside options for DH+ (via external converter), RIO, and DeviceNet.

Compatibility Considerations

• Software Conversion: PanelBuilder32 .PBA or .APA project files cannot be directly opened by FactoryTalk View Studio. A conversion utility within FactoryTalk View Studio is required to import PanelBuilder32 projects. This conversion is not 100% perfect, and manual fine-tuning of screens, animations, and VBA scripts will be necessary.
• Communication: PanelView Plus natively supports Ethernet/IP. If your legacy controller uses DH+ or RIO, an external communication converter (e.g., EtherNet/IP to DH+ bridge like 1785-ENET) or a new PLC (e.g., ControlLogix with EtherNet/IP) will be required. DeviceNet is also supported on some PVP models or via external converters.
• Physical Mounting: While some PanelView Plus terminals offer similar cut-out dimensions, it is crucial to verify the exact mounting dimensions before ordering. Adapters might be available or custom panel modifications may be required.
• Operating System/Firmware: PanelView Plus uses Windows CE with a different file system and security model than PanelView Standard.

Upgrade Benefits

Migrating to PanelView Plus offers substantial advantages:

• Extended Support & Lifecycle: Ensures access to Rockwell Automation support, firmware updates, and replacement parts.
• Enhanced Performance: Faster boot times, quicker screen updates, and improved animation rendering.
• Superior Graphics: Higher resolution displays, true color support, and modern graphical objects for better operator experience.
• Ethernet/IP Connectivity: Standardized, high-speed communication with modern PLCs, facilitating network expansion and remote access.
• FactoryTalk View ME: Leverages modern development environment with features like alarm management, data logging, trending, and recipe management.
• Increased Memory & Storage: Greater capacity for applications, data logs, and historical trends.
• USB & SD Card Support: Easy project transfer, backup, and external device connectivity.
• Security Features: Improved user authentication and authorization capabilities.

Common Migration Challenges

• Project Conversion Accuracy: The conversion from PanelBuilder32 to FactoryTalk View ME is rarely seamless. Expect to spend significant time recreating or adjusting screens, navigation, and logic.
• Communication Protocol Changes: Transitioning from DH+ or RIO to Ethernet/IP often necessitates network infrastructure changes or the implementation of communication gateways, adding complexity and cost.
• Panel Cut-out Discrepancies: Minor differences in physical dimensions can require panel modifications or mounting adapters.
• Application Testing: Thorough testing of the converted application on the new PanelView Plus terminal is critical to ensure all functionality is retained and operates as expected.
• Learning Curve for FactoryTalk View ME: If personnel are only familiar with PanelBuilder32, there will be a learning curve for the new software.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use my existing PanelBuilder32 project directly on a PanelView Plus terminal? A1: No, PanelBuilder32 projects must be converted using the migration utility within FactoryTalk View Studio. Direct loading is not possible.

Q2: What do I do if my PLC only has DH+ communication? A2: You will need a communication bridge, such as the Rockwell Automation 1785-ENET/A or a similar device, to convert DH+ to EtherNet/IP for connection to the PanelView Plus.

Q3: Is the screen resolution between PanelView Standard and PanelView Plus the same? A3: No, PanelView Plus terminals generally offer higher resolution and color depth, which may require resizing and adjusting objects from the converted PanelBuilder32 project.

Q4: Will a PanelView Plus terminal fit in the same panel cutout as my PanelView Standard? A4: While some sizes are close, it is not guaranteed. Always check the exact dimensions for both the PanelView Standard and the intended PanelView Plus replacement model. Panel cutout adapters are available for some common transitions.