Legacy Panelview Migration

[HJTRBO]

Hi all,
We have 42 Panelview installed on site, and about the same again with Omron. The AB units range from the old school 600 on DH485 up to the new PV+6.
After experiencing trouble sourcing backlights for our older panelviews we have made the decision to implement a staged migration to the new PV+6 platforms over the next couple of years.
Half of the installed panelviews are on our DH+ networks. We cannot order a PV+6 logic module with legacy network options so we must implement Ethernet. It is not possible to upgrade everything at once. It's hard enough to get funding for 40 panelviews, so I don't think I will get the money to do the the 20 or so SLC 5/04's we have as well so we are searching for E/IP to DH+ gateway. This will buy us a few years to budget for the removal of the DH+ networks and subsequent PLC upgrades, plus has the added bonus of ensuring our new panelviews are "Ethernet Ready".
I have found that Prosoft makes a gateway device.
http://www.prosoft-technology.com/Products/Gateways/EtherNet-IP/EtherNet-IP-to-Allen-Bradley-Remote-I-O-or-DH-Gateway
The application example is to replace a remotely located Panelview standard on DH+ with a PV+6 on Ethernet. The DH+ cable will be removed from the back of the outgoing panelview and inserted into the gateway module along with the incoming PV+6's ethernet port.
Has anyone used the Prosoft module (or other) for this purpose before?
Cheers, NP

 

[Shawn Tierney]

Dear HJTRBO,

The PanelView Plus 6, 7" and larger still support DH+ and DH-485 via the 2711P-RN6 (which you now order separately.)

The PanelView Plus 6, 4" and 6" can be used on DH-485 by connecting the serial port to a 1761-NET-AIC.

As far as the Prosoft gateway you linked to, I do have one setup in my office as a gateway. It looks identical to a 1756-ENBT/DHRIO gateway in RSLinx. Unfortunately, I was reminded this week that RSLinx Enterprise never supported Ethernet to DH+ routing, so to use this Prosoft device with your PVPlus as you describe would require additional configuration which I haven't tested yet, but should be detailed on Prosoft's website.

Hope this helps,

 

[HJTRBO]

The PanelView Plus 6, 7" and larger still support DH+ and DH-485 via the 2711P-RN6 (which you now order separately.)

I didn't know that. I will look into it further tomorrow.

As far as the Prosoft gateway you linked to, I do have one setup in my office as a gateway. It looks identical to a 1756-ENBT/DHRIO gateway in RSLinx. Unfortunately, I was reminded this week that RSLinx Enterprise never supported Ethernet to DH+ routing, so to use this Prosoft device with your PVPlus as you describe would require additional configuration which I haven't tested yet, but should be detailed on Prosoft's website.

I will explore this option further.

I appreciate your comments.

NP

 

[HJTRBO]

Shawn Tierney, thankyou. The RN6 is good for me for the handful of larger panels we have.

Unfortunately the remaining 17 PV's on DH+ are 550's and 600's. Alot of those panels are remote from the PLC. Do I have further options aside form trying to get the Prosoft module working?

Thanks all, NP

 

[Ken Roach]

The best solution I can think of is to use a device that is equivalent to the old Allen-Bradley 1770-KF2, which is a DF1 to DH+ interface.

I am hesitant to steer business to either one of the vendors who make those, but you'll find that the EquusTek DL-3500 and the Datalink GW1000-DHP both emulate the functionality of the old 1770-KF2.

While I recommend caution and diligence with either device, I think you will be better served by the EquusTek unit.

 

[HJTRBO]

Ken Roach, thank you for your impartial comments. We have an appropriate budget for a pilot project so I will look very closely at the options you have suggested.
Depending on how we all get it working I will keep this thread updated in due course so that others can benefit.
Thanks, Nathan