Friday, October 15, 2010

* Windows 7 issue with FT View Studio v5.x & RSLinx v2.57 upgrade *

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UPDATE: This issue has been fixed with a patch from Rockwell. In order to apply the patch, you will need to install the most recent patch rollup for FactoryTalk View ME/SE from Rockwell. The current patch rollup is dated November, 2010, and can be found in the Rockwell Knowledgebase as ID #66056. Once the patch rollup has been installed, then the actual patch that fixes the issue can be installed. The patch to fix this issue can be found in the Rockwell Knowledgebase under ID #106083. The zip file found in this technote will replace the ViewUtil.DLL file and should fix the error that FT View requires FactoryTalk Services Platform version 2.10.

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As many of you know, FactoryTalk View Studio version 5.x is not supported on Windows 7 at this time. We do have some customers that are successfully running it on Windows 7 32-bit without issue.

During the installation of RSLinx 2.57, the FactoryTalk Services Platform is upgraded from version 2.10 to version 2.30. Once this occurs, FT View Studio v5.x will no longer function stating that it must have FTSP version 2.10 installed in order to work. We recommend that you do not use FT View Studio on Windows 7 until version 6.0 is released within the next 4-6 weeks. FT View Studio v6.0 will fully support Windows 7 at that time.

If you have installed RSLinx v2.57 in Windows 7 and your installation of FT View Studio v5.x no longer works, here are a few steps that should get you back up and running:

1) Uninstall FTSP version 2.30 from add/remove programs.

2) Reboot the system.

3) Install FTSP version 2.10 from the FT View Studio DVD in the "FTAP" directory.

4) You will receive an error that the FT Directory is not compatible with the 2.30 version of FTSP. Do not worry as this is normal and will be fixed further down the list.

5) You will be prompted to reboot the system to complete the install, do this now.

6) After the reboot, you must restore the backup of the old FT Directory. If you have questions at this point, please contact your local Kendall Electric Automation Specialist.

7) Run the FactoryTalk Administration Console and log on to the Local Directory. At the top of the Explorer window, right-click the Local icon and then restore a Local backup archive file created with the earlier version of the FactoryTalk Services Platform software.

8) Choose either the archive file created automatically when the directory was first upgraded, or choose your own archive file created with the earlier version of the FactoryTalk Services Platform software, and that contains the entire FactoryTalk Directory with the System folder.

9) The default location for the archive file created automatically when the directory was originally upgraded is: c:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Application Data/Rockwell/RNA Server/Backups/LocalInstallxxx.bak.

10) Once the directory is restored you will be prompted to reboot the system. Reboot at this time and test that your FT View Studio v5.x installation is working.

If at any time during this process you have questions or would like assistance, please contact your local Kendall Electric Automation Specialist.

If you are not running FT View Studio v5.x on Windows 7, then I would highly recommend that you do install RSLinx v2.57 as it is Windows 7 compatible and is supported by Rockwell Tech Support.


(RC)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Upgrading your old floppy disk activation (EVRSI) to the current FactoryTalk Activation (FTA)

Here are 2 procedures for updating your Rockwell Software activations:

For 10 or less software packages the quickest route is to call the activation hotline (440-646-5800 direct dial code 010). Rockwell will need the following:
  1. Your software must be in a current TechConnect contract
  2. The serial numbers for the packages you want to upgrade to FTA
  3. An email address that they can send the new FTA’s to
Your serial number will remain the same, but they will email you an Activation Certificate that includes the Product Key that is required for FTA.

For more than 10 software packages you will need to follow these steps: 
  1. Your software must be in a current TechConnect contract
  2. A template needs to be filled out with your software packages, serial numbers etc.
  3. You can get this template by contacting your local Kendall Electric specialist
  4. Fill the template out
Email this template to RockwellThis process can take 1-2 weeks for Rockwell to complete.

Additional Notes:

If you are unsure of what software you/your company possesses; please contact your local Kendall Electric specialist and we will work with Rockwell to get that list for you.

(MA)

Friday, October 8, 2010

FactoryTalk Activation Manager v3.30 now available

FactoryTalk Activation Manager is now available to download as of 9/10/2010. A few highlights:
  • Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit support
  • Provides a secure, software-based system for activating Rockwell Automation software products and managing software activation files
  • Does not require a physical "master disk" or any physical media; activation files are generated and distributed electronically
  • This new version replaces the separate Client and Server packages that were available in the past. This new version will make distributed license management much easier.

This new version can be downloaded from the link below:

http://files.rockwellautomation.com/Public/FactoryTalk_Activation_3.30.00.zip


Thursday, October 7, 2010

RSLogix 5000: v19 now available

Version 19 is now available to download.as of 9/29/2010.  A few highlights:

  • Windows 7 support
  • ControlLogix L7x support
  • Ethernet/IP CIP Motion Powerflex support
  • Unicast Safety Produced/Consumed Tags with Ethernet/IP
For more information read the release notes on Knowledgebase Article #9242

(DM)

Rockwell Software and Windows7 Support

Here is a link to the Rockwell Knowledgebase regarding software compatibility.  At the bottom of the page there is a spreadsheet you may download.  

Knowledgebase Article #42682

(DM)

Cognex InSight: How to Save Images via FTP

Click images to enlarge...


(RD)

RSLinx: Backing Up and Restoring Configurations

Run the Backup/Restore utility

This utility allows you to backup and restore configured drivers, DDE/OPC topics, network shortcuts, CIP Options, Interchange port mappings, and associated registry entries. To run the utility:

Backup
  1. Click the Start menu and select Programs > Rockwell Software > RSLinx > RSLinx Classic Backup Restore Utility.
  2. Click Backup.
  3. Select a name for the backup file.
  4. Click Save. The backup utility displays a process status window.
Restore
  1. Click the Start menu and select Programs > Rockwell Software > RSLinx > RSLinx Classic Backup Restore Utility.
  2. Click Restore.
  3. Select the file you wish to restore.
  4. Click Open. The restore utility displays a process status window.
(DH)