Is Your HMI getting to its EOL?10/20/2016The Allen Bradley PanelView 550 graphic terminal is a Human Machine Interface that has been obsoleted by Rockwell Automation. The problem is that there are still lots of them in industry that are reaching their end of life every day. When this happens, it presents the user with the question of whether it is easier and more cost effective to replace it or to repair it. On the option of replacement, there is the further question of replacement with a new PanelView or with a surplus or refurbished PanelView 550.One of the alternatives for a new unit would be a PanelView Plus 6 graphic terminal. When you choose to go this route, there will be changes to wiring, programming, operation, and usually mounting for the new model. Each one of these presents its own set of problems, and depending on your level of knowledge and comfort in doing an upgrade, may require an outside contractor to complete the retrofit.If you elect to replace the existing PanelView 550 with one of the same model, that is a refurbished or surplus unit, you must also be aware of the specifics of the model you have and the one you choose for the replacement. The replacement model must be the same or higher series as well as the same or higher firmware revision number. If it is replaced with either a lower series or FRN, it may not work correctly with your application.Often, the most economical thing to do with your failed PanelView 550 is to repair it. These terminals come complete with many options including touch screen or keypad input, AC or DC input power, different communication options, and different types of memory or storage. Usually when a display fails, the backlight, fiber optics, or liquid crystal display will need to be replaced. At Precision Electronic Services, Inc. we can offer alternatives in the repair process such as replacing the backlight bulb with an LED backlight to power the fiber optic LCD. If the fiber optic cable or the LCD itself is the cause, we can do an upgrade to an LED backlit LCD display. We are also able to replace the glass and overlay as part of the repair. As an added measure we can add a protective plastic coating for additional durability.Other common failures are power, communication, memory or processor related. When problems such as these occur, one of the first questions asked is “Can the program be saved?” In most cases we can connect to the PanelView with PanelBuilder software so that the program can be downloaded, saved, and later reinstalled after repairs are completed.When your terminal fails, call 800-732-4695 to reach the repair experts at Precision Electronic Services, Inc. to discuss the fastest and most economical option to repair, upgrade, or replace it. Back To Blog
Is Your HMI getting to its EOL?10/20/2016The Allen Bradley PanelView 550 graphic terminal is a Human Machine Interface that has been obsoleted by Rockwell Automation. The problem is that there are still lots of them in industry that are reaching their end of life every day. When this happens, it presents the user with the question of whether it is easier and more cost effective to replace it or to repair it. On the option of replacement, there is the further question of replacement with a new PanelView or with a surplus or refurbished PanelView 550.One of the alternatives for a new unit would be a PanelView Plus 6 graphic terminal. When you choose to go this route, there will be changes to wiring, programming, operation, and usually mounting for the new model. Each one of these presents its own set of problems, and depending on your level of knowledge and comfort in doing an upgrade, may require an outside contractor to complete the retrofit.If you elect to replace the existing PanelView 550 with one of the same model, that is a refurbished or surplus unit, you must also be aware of the specifics of the model you have and the one you choose for the replacement. The replacement model must be the same or higher series as well as the same or higher firmware revision number. If it is replaced with either a lower series or FRN, it may not work correctly with your application.Often, the most economical thing to do with your failed PanelView 550 is to repair it. These terminals come complete with many options including touch screen or keypad input, AC or DC input power, different communication options, and different types of memory or storage. Usually when a display fails, the backlight, fiber optics, or liquid crystal display will need to be replaced. At Precision Electronic Services, Inc. we can offer alternatives in the repair process such as replacing the backlight bulb with an LED backlight to power the fiber optic LCD. If the fiber optic cable or the LCD itself is the cause, we can do an upgrade to an LED backlit LCD display. We are also able to replace the glass and overlay as part of the repair. As an added measure we can add a protective plastic coating for additional durability.Other common failures are power, communication, memory or processor related. When problems such as these occur, one of the first questions asked is “Can the program be saved?” In most cases we can connect to the PanelView with PanelBuilder software so that the program can be downloaded, saved, and later reinstalled after repairs are completed.When your terminal fails, call 800-732-4695 to reach the repair experts at Precision Electronic Services, Inc. to discuss the fastest and most economical option to repair, upgrade, or replace it.