Greetings everyone, We are currently experiencing issues with our PanelView Plus 7 device. Upon booting the panel, an error message appears stating "Could not set FactoryTalk Linx data server configuration. Do you wish to continue?" If you select yes, the application appears to load but remains stalled without any progress. Choosing no gives you the options of Load Application, Terminal Settings, or Reset. After attempting to Load Application and still encountering the same error message, we reached out to the company that installed the equipment for assistance. They initially suggested a potential PLC issue, but I mentioned that the PanelView application should still load even without a PLC connection, albeit without any data. They recommended backing up the PanelView, resetting it, and reloading the application file. If the issue persists, replacing the PanelView may be necessary. To address this issue, I plan to backup the application using FactoryTalk View ME Application Manager, reset the HMI, reconfigure the correct IP addressing, and then restore the application. However, I am uncertain if additional steps are required for the "Runtime" component. I vaguely remember the use of .apa and .mer files for backup and restore procedures, but I lack confidence in the exact process after a long period of not working with PanelViews. Research on forums and the Rockwell website has been inconclusive, especially since most information pertains to different models than the PVP7. As we are currently in the Bering Sea, I want to ensure I am following the correct procedure before proceeding. If anyone could provide a brief refresher on the correct backup and restore procedure for the PV7 PanelView, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.
I found the relevant information comparing APA and MLA styles. Thank you!
Hi, it sounds like you're on the right track. If you're using FactoryTalk View ME, the .apa files are indeed what you're going to back up. These will include your screens, alarms, tags, etc. You correctly mentioned the use of .mer files. They are the runtime files that get transferred to the PanelView Plus and are created from the .apa files. So, if you still have the original .apa file, you can make any changes you need in FactoryTalk View, create a new .mer file and transfer it to your PanelView Plus 7. Once the file is transferred, you should be able to just restart the terminal and the new application should load. If you don't have the original .apa file, you might first need to restore the .mer file back to an .apa file to make those changes. Of course, always ensure you have a good backup before making any changes or restorations. Best of luck!
Hi there, Sounds like you're dealing with quite the pesky glitch. To briefly lay out the steps, you're right in wanting to backup your .mer and .apa files using FactoryTalk View ME. The .mer file contains the compiled project-worthy of runtime, while the .apa is for the application archive, acting as the backup file. You can restore .mer files directly to the PV+7 through an SD card or via the Transfer Utility. The "Runtime" and application files are indeed two separate entities. The Runtime component refers to the .mer file, which runs the application. If the application doesn't boot up at all, you should be looking into .mer handling. Remember to switch the PV+7 to 'Configuration' mode when updating the .mer. Afterwards, it's important to verify communication pathways between FactoryTalk and the PanelView. The lack of a proper reboot after IP reconfiguration could potentially be causing your PanelView hiccup. Best of luck dealing with this issue and safe travels on the Bering Sea!
Hello there, I understand the confusion and agree that having a proper backup and restore process is crucial, especially when you're in remote locations such as the Bering Sea. You're on the right track with the .apa and .mer files. An .apa file is primarily used for application backup and restore in FactoryTalk View. This file contains both design and runtime files. Thus, if you have the .apa file and FactoryTalk View ME, you should be able to restore your application. However, I highly suggest making sure your version of FactoryTalk View is compatible with your PanelView Plus 7. Also, in the case that PLC is not an issue, remember to have the right Ethernet/IP communication setup. Incorrect device addressing might be what's tripping you up. Remember, it's always a good idea to have backups for your .apa and .mer files, maybe keep copies on an external hard drive for redundancy. I hope this helps, and best of luck getting back up and running smoothly.
Hey there, it definitely sounds like you're in a bit of a tricky situation, especially being out in the Bering Sea! I've had similar issues with PanelView Plus 7 in the past. Yes, you're correct about using .apa for backup. With the FactoryTalk View ME application manager, you can create an .apa format backup of the application. In regards to the Runtime component, you shouldn't need to do anything special - the backup should include the screen objects, logic, tags, PLC communication paths, etc. So, your steps of backing up the application, resetting the HMI and restoring the application are on point. Once you reconfigure your IP addresses and restore the application, restart the HMI, the .mer (runtime file) should initiate once it's powered back up. If you're still encountering issues, as the installers suggested, there might be an underlying issue and you may need to consider replacing the PanelView. Hope this helps, and best of luck!
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Answer: Answer: This error message typically appears when there is an issue with the FactoryTalk Linx data server configuration on the PanelView Plus 7 device.
Answer: Answer: One approach to resolving this issue is by backing up the PanelView application, resetting the HMI, reconfiguring the correct IP addressing, and then restoring the application file.
Answer: Answer: The recommended steps include using FactoryTalk View ME Application Manager to backup the application, resetting the HMI, reconfiguring IP addressing, and then restoring the application. It is essential to ensure the correct backup and restore procedures are followed to avoid any data loss or application malfunction.
Answer: Answer: When backing up and restoring applications on a PanelView Plus 7 device, you may encounter .apa and .mer files. These files are commonly used in the backup and restore process, but it is important to follow the correct procedure for
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