The other night, our PanelView Plus 7 Performance experienced a malfunction and we had to replace it. To reset the IP address, we needed to perform a firmware update during the replacement process. Unfortunately, the firmware upgrade wizard on Rockwell's site was not functioning as there was no file available. However, we did find a file for a USB stick and the Control Flash Program. Ultimately, we opted to use the USB stick method with some adjustments. Although I also attempted the Control Flash method and successfully extracted the DMK file into Control Flash, I encountered difficulties when trying to connect to it. Despite using a USB-A to USB-B cable, I could only select ethernet connectivity. This left me wondering if there is a way to utilize Control Flash with the USB cable, or if the USB stick was the sole method for downloading the new firmware.
Learn how to update the performance panelview by flashing it with either a USB storage device or ControlFlash, starting from page 9 of the following guide: https://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/qs/2711p-qs002_-en-p.pdf.
It seems like you had quite the adventure with that PanelView Plus 7! While I haven't personally encountered this specific scenario, I reckon that the versatility of a USB stick would make it the easier and more successful option in most cases. Control Flash does support direct connectivity, but it seems like there may have been an issue with your specific setup that complicated things. As far as I know, it's not limited to ethernet connectivity but the troubleshooting process can be a bit particular. Even so, successfully downloading new firmware is what matters at the end of the day! So, good on you for finding a workaround with the USB stick.
It sounds like you really went through the wringer trying to sort this out! From my experience, Control Flash should ideally work with the USB cable, but it can sometimes have its quirks. For many, using Ethernet is the preferred method to avoid such issues. When struggling with Rockwell's firmware upgrade wizard, one thing you might want to check is whether you have the latest version of the wizard. Outdated versions often run into file availability issues. Sticking with the USB stick method isn't a bad choice either if it's working for you, as it's straightforward and gets the job done. Always remember to take proper backups before firmware updates, just in case something goes awry.
It sounds like you've had quite a journey troubleshooting the PanelView Plus 7! I've had a similar struggle with these before, and based on my experience, I can say that the USB stick method is the typical and easiest way for firmware updates. When using the Control Flash Program, it's indeed strange that you could only select Ethernet connectivity even with the USB cable in place. In most cases, you should be able to choose between ethernet and USB for connectivity. Perhaps the problem lies with the cable or the port you plugged it into. I'd suggest checking those first for any issues. Are you getting any specific error messages? Those could provide further clues as to what's going wrong.
It sounds like quite the ordeal with the PanelView Plus! I've run into similar issues before, and unfortunately, it seems like using the USB stick is the most reliable method when the firmware upgrade wizard isn't cooperating. Regarding Control Flash, it typically relies on network connections for devices like the PanelView, so it might not support USB direct connections in the way you'd hope. A good workaround is to ensure your Ethernet setup is solid; sometimes, that was the trick for me with connectivity issues. If you've got another device with the same firmware version, that could help troubleshoot too. Good luck with the setup!
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Answer: Answer: It seems that Control Flash may not directly support firmware updates via a USB cable, as the user encountered difficulties trying to connect using a USB-A to USB-B cable. The USB stick method may be the preferred option for downloading the new firmware in this case.
Answer: Answer: The user mentioned that the firmware upgrade wizard on Rockwell's site was not functioning, leading them to use the USB stick method as an alternative. Despite successfully extracting the DMK file into Control Flash, connectivity issues were encountered when trying to use Control Flash with a USB cable.
Answer: Answer: The user made some adjustments when using the USB stick method for the firmware upgrade, but specific details about these adjustments were not provided in the discussion. Additional information may be needed to understand the modifications made during the process.
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