FactoryTalktotheHand
Member
I second VMs. They save so much time in a situation just like yours. All you need to do is import your backup image and everything is there ready for you to go. I have a Win7 64 bit VM with all the latest Rockwell stuff (RSlogix 500 v9 /5000 v13-21, Linx 3.61, CCW 6, FTView 7), and a WinXP 32 bit for legacy applications (RSlogix 5/500, Linx 2.59, RSView32, Panelbuilder 32/1400e, Ultraware, and PCIS). I also save all my working files on an SD Card that all of the VMs have access to. I recently dropped my laptop and it ruined the hard disk, so I lost a lot of work (including a weeks worth of cad drawings). I have a new policy of not saving anything important on a hard disk that isn't backed up somewhere.
For activations, you can change the volume serial numbers of your virtual disks to match the disk serial number your factorytalk activation is tied to. Then just copy the LIC file to the appropriate directory on your virtual machines and you're done.
To answer your questions, I would upgrade to RSLinx 3.6. The main reason being is the vastly-improved (i.e. FASTER) EDS installation. I'm using it with RSLogix 500 version 9 on my Win7 64-bit VM without issue. Also, CCW is up to version 6 now and it is a vast improvement from version 4.
I have absolutely no use for RSNetworx, especially Ethernet/IP. I'm sure there are certain things it can do that you can't do anywhere else (I think it's how you program certain GuardLogix controllers if I'm not mistaken), but the only time I've ever used it is commissioning a Devicenet network. So if you don't do that I would wait until you absolutely have to have it to install it. You need to have RSLinx 3.6 installed to install the latest version of RSNetworx anyway. I wouldn't bother though.
For activations, you can change the volume serial numbers of your virtual disks to match the disk serial number your factorytalk activation is tied to. Then just copy the LIC file to the appropriate directory on your virtual machines and you're done.
To answer your questions, I would upgrade to RSLinx 3.6. The main reason being is the vastly-improved (i.e. FASTER) EDS installation. I'm using it with RSLogix 500 version 9 on my Win7 64-bit VM without issue. Also, CCW is up to version 6 now and it is a vast improvement from version 4.
I have absolutely no use for RSNetworx, especially Ethernet/IP. I'm sure there are certain things it can do that you can't do anywhere else (I think it's how you program certain GuardLogix controllers if I'm not mistaken), but the only time I've ever used it is commissioning a Devicenet network. So if you don't do that I would wait until you absolutely have to have it to install it. You need to have RSLinx 3.6 installed to install the latest version of RSNetworx anyway. I wouldn't bother though.
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