Troubleshooting Your PanelView Plus 6 Compact Terminal 

PanelView Plus 6 Compact Incorrect Startup

If the PanelView Plus 6 Compact terminal is not starting up correctly always check for adequate power first. Inadequate power can cause a variety of unpredictable behavior. Simply verify the terminal's power requirement in the specifications table.

Battery voltage, as well as the display temperature, are indicative of other potential issues as well. Check the battery voltage and display temperature from the PanelView Plus 6 Compact terminal desktop or from the FactoyTalk View ME station configuration mode. If the voltage is below 2.75 volts DC, consider replacing the battery. Obstructed airflow in the chassis can cause the logic board and/or display to overheat. If the logic board temperature is above 95 degrees Celsius or the display temperature is above 55 degrees Celsius, try to moderate the ambient temperatures.

Be sure to check the system event log for unexpected behaviors or errors. You can check this from the FactoryTalk View ME Station Configuration mode. Select Terminal Settings> System Event Log. You can also check the system event log from the control panel by selecting the System Event Log tab on the Hardware Monitor. 

If you continue have start-up issues, observe the splash screen for state messages and for the status or error codes. 

Attempt to recover from a fatal error during firmware loading/installation by resetting the terminal, restoring the terminal to factory default or reinstalling the firmware. 

An additional message and code that may appear on your splash screen: Fatal 02. This is a watch dog reset, which is a brief loss of control because of a software failure. If this error continues, take remedial action. Please note for 400 and 600 model terminals, the status indicators are located under the battery cover 

PanelView Plus 6 Compact Status Indicators

Two status indicators are located on the back of your PanelView Plus 6 Compact terminal. The green COMM indicator reflects communication status and the red FAULT indicator reflects firmware and hardware faults. The table below helps identify potential problems by translating the status indicators:

PanelView Plus 6 Compact Terminal Component Anomalies

Isolating PanelView Plus 6 Compact Ethernet Issues

Indicator Status and Cable Connection/ Quality

Examine the status indicators at the Ethernet connector. If the indicator is green, a communication link is on. If the indicator is an amber color and flashing, this indicates data activity. You should always ensure there is a good connection to the hub and uplink ports. Poor cable quality and crimping can inhibit the ethernet connection. 

Ethernet Controller IP Address/ Conflicting IP Address

When in configuration mode select Terminal Settings> Networks and Communications > Network Connections > Network Adaptors. Check the DHCP. If this is enabled the device will attempt to connect to a valid IP address within seconds of startup. If it fails to acquire and IP address, the TCP/IP protocol will assign 169.254.xxx.xxx. If the DHCP is not enabled, verify the IP address specified does not conflict with another device on the network. 

Verify Device Name

Other devices must not share the same hostname if they are on the same network. When in configuration mode, select Terminal Settings> Communications and Networks> Network Connections> Device Name. 

Peer or Server Settings

The Ethernet issue may be caused by the other side of the connection. 

Network Requirements

Ensure all network requirements are being met. 

PanelView Plus 6 Compact Maintenance Operations and Factory Settings Reload

Maintenance Operations 

PanelView Plus 6 Compact terminal maintenance operations allow you to diagnose and repair issues. The maintenance operation diagnostic steps are listed below:

1. Enter Safe Mode: Safe Mode reduces functionality and stops applications from automatically starting.
2. Reset Terminal: Resetting the terminal removes all user installation and changes (except for firmware upgrades). All settings return to default. 
3. Reset to Factory Defaults: See Factory Settings Reload below.

How to Access Maintenance Operations at Startup

Note: When navigating maintenance mode, a USB keyboard is required

1. Press the Default switch on the back of the logic module. Note: The Default switch is a small hole that will require you to use a non-conductive probe. 
2. Using the keypad or attached keyboard, use the up and down arrows to review the list of maintenance options.
3. Use the right and left arrows on the keypad to review the operations/settings available. 
4. When done making selections, select "Continue booting with selected options" and press Enter. 

Factory Settings Reload Steps

1. Enter the Maintenance Menu (see Step 1 of How to Access Maintenance Operations above).
2. Use the down arrow on the keypad or attached keyboard to select "Special BOOT Action - None"
3. Use the right arrow on the keypad or attached keyboard to select "Special BOOT Action - Restore Factory Defaults" 
4. Use the up arrow on the keypad or attached keyboard to select "Reboot with selected option"
5. Press Enter. This will begin the restore process. 

Repair Your PanelView Plus 6 Compact Terminal

Here at DO Supply, we offer repair services for your Allen-Bradley products, such as the Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 6 Compact terminal. Please click here for more information or to request a quote.