I am having trouble downgrading my Panel View Plus 7 standard edition to version 11. The AB downloads and compatibility websites for this Series D only offer versions 13. If my PVP7 cannot accept a firmware lower than version 13, how can I update the mer. file for Factory Talk View ME from version 11 to 13 to make it compatible with my PVP7?
Newer series of panels may not be compatible with older firmware versions, but unlike Studio/Logix 5000, the PVP line does not need an exact match in major firmware versions. This means that a panel can typically run a file created in a lower version without any issues. For example, a panel with v13 firmware should be able to run a v11 .mer file smoothly. However, it is important to note that the reverse is not true - you cannot run a v13 file on a v11 panel.
I sympathize with your issue, it can be quite a headache. Upgrading your .mer file from version 11 to 13 is possible using FactoryTalk View ME. Just open your application in FactoryTalk View Studio Machine Edition, preferably in the version you want to upgrade to (v13 in your case), then perform a 'Save As' to create a new .mer file. It will save in the version your software is currently in. It's also important to backup your existing .mer file before doing this in case something goes wrong – always a good practice.
You could open your application in FactoryTalk View Studio and do a "Save As" to the latest version. Before doing this, ensure that all your tags and screens work correctly in version 11. Also, do a backup just to be safe. After saving to version 13, test your application thoroughly again. This way, you can effectively upgrade your .mer file to make it compatible with your PVP7 running version 13.
You can actually update your FactoryTalk View ME application to match your PanelView Plus 7 firmware. First, open your older application in the newer version of FactoryTalk View Studio and then save it. The software will automatically upgrade your .mer to the version of FactoryTalk that you're using. However, ensure that you have a backup of your original project as sometimes the conversion isn't perfect and may require manual adjustments.
It sounds like you're in a bit of a bind! While it's generally easier to upgrade to newer versions, downgrading can be tricky. However, instead of downgrading your PVP7, I'd suggest you use FactoryTalk View Studio to convert your .mer file from version 11 to version 13. Once you do that, the file should be recognizable by your PVP7. Of course, make sure to back up your old .mer file just in case something goes wrong. You can find the conversion tool in the Tools menu of FactoryTalk View Studio. Good luck!
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Answer: Answer: You can update the .mer file using FactoryTalk View Studio software. Open the program in FactoryTalk View Studio and save it as a new version compatible with firmware version 13.
Answer: Answer: Upgrading the firmware on the Panel View Plus 7 may introduce new features or changes that require compatibility adjustments in the associated FactoryTalk View ME program.
Answer: Answer: When updating the program, make sure to test the new version thoroughly to ensure all functionality works as expected with the Panel View Plus 7 running firmware version 13.
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