Since many companies are using Windows 7 these days for their programming laptops D&D has seen a requirement for converting Factory Talk View ME applications. The Issue: You would think that this is a simple conversion and it is if you are converting version 5.1 to version 6.1 on Windows XP (32-bit). The problem irises when you want to convert version 5.1 on Windows XP (32- bit) to version 6.1 on Windows 7 (64-bit). The Solution: To do this conversion you ll need to follow a step-by-step process outlined below. The instructions are based on some cryptic information from Rockwell s help menus and online tech notes as well as actually performing several conversions to create an easy to use instruction set. One thing you ll require is Factory Talk View version 6.1 installed on an XP machine. Instructions: To convert a Factory Talk application from version 5.1 to version 6.1 for use on a 64-bit computer, follow the steps below. There are two options for conversion. The first option creates a new.mer file that has an updated tag database; the Watcom database is converted to SQL Server Express, which can be read in a 64-bit environment. The second option uses the Legacy Tag Database Conversion Tool that creates a.csv of the tags that can be used to transfer the tags to the 64-bit environment. Option 1 has less steps to follow, but takes a bit longer to complete. OPTION 1 On a 32-bit computer, open Factory Talk View Studio v6.1. If you are prompted about application type, select machine edition. Hit Cancel so that you can select the.mer file you wish to convert. Open the Application Manager.
If you are prompted about application type, select machine edition. Select restore runtime application. Select the file you wish to convert and restore the runtime application. Enter a name for the project. After the application has been created, open the application.
Select the created application. Accept the warning. Create a Runtime Application. Name the file, and save. The created.mer file is v6.1, and the tag database has been converted to SQL Server Express. This.mer file can now be opened on a 64-bit computer using the restore runtime application tool in Application Manager.
The file should be saved in the default runtime folder, copy this file to the 64-bit computer and restore runtime application in Factory Talk View Studio v6.1 on a 64-bit machine. OPTION 2 On a 32-bit computer, open Factory Talk View Studio v6.1. If you are prompted about application type, select machine edition. Open the Application Manager. Restore Runtime Application. Select the desired.mer file and restore the desired runtime application.
Enter a name for the application. Open the Legacy Tag Database Conversion Tool. Export Legacy Tag Database. The source projects are kept in the default location, but allow the tool to search sub-folders to find the appropriate file.
Ensure the desired file is selected. A log should pop up with the results of the conversion. Browse to the created project folder (stored in the default location), and copy the entire folder. A.csv file has been created, and is stored within this folder. Paste the folder in the default project location on the 64-bit machine.
Open Legacy Tag Database Conversion Tool. Create Factory Talk View Tag Database in new format. The default folder location is preselected, and will work provided the project was put in the directory as described above. Ensure sub-folder searching is on.
Select the appropriate file. A log file should pop up to confirm results. The.med file has been updated based on the.csv file created by the export legacy tag database process. In Factory Talk View Studio, create a new application. Assign the application a name (which must be different than the original version).
Select a.med file type to import the HMI project. Import the.med file. The application should now be open in Factory Talk View Studio v6.1 64-bit.