2711-K5A8 Allen-Bradley PanelView 550 DH+ AC Terminal

Description

Product Introduction

The Allen-Bradley 2711-K5A8 is a rugged PanelView 550 operator interface engineered for reliable machine monitoring across legacy industrial networks. Powered by an 85-264V AC supply, this terminal features a 5.5-inch blue monochrome LCD display with adjustable contrast for high legibility in harsh factory environments. It interfaces directly with PLC-5, SLC 5/04, and ControlLogix systems using a dedicated Data Highway Plus (DH+) communication port while offering an auxiliary RS-232 printer port for alarm reporting.

Built specifically for high-wear environments where touchscreens are prone to chemical etching or mechanical puncture, the 2711-K5A8 utilizes a durable membrane keypad. With 10 programmable function keys (F1-F10) and dedicated numeric entry keys, operators can make rapid setpoint adjustments and execute key control commands while wearing protective gloves.

Key Technical Specifications

Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience

A main transfer line at an engine block machining plant stops cycling after a severe electrical surge damages the communication board on a 2711-K5A8 terminal. The central PLC-5/40 continues executing logic, but operators are blind to station interlocks and cannot cycle local clamp actuators. Upgrading the station to an EtherNet/IP architecture would force an unplanned downtime window to run managed switches, replace the PLC communication module, and rewrite screen tags. Swapping in a drop-in replacement 2711-K5A8 lets maintenance techs transfer the 3-pin DH+ cable, apply AC power, and restore full station control in less than 30 minutes.

• Automotive Stamping & Machining – Transfer Line Operator Interface – Connects to PLC-5 processors over DH+ to provide manual jog controls and station fault reporting.
• Primary Metals & Heat Treating – Furnace Zone Control Panel – Tactile membrane keys allow operators wearing high-heat gloves to adjust temperature profile setpoints safely.
• Forest Products & Sawmills – Log Sorting & De-Barker Stations – Mounts on NEMA 4X control cabinets, enduring high vibration and sawdust without losing keypad tactile response.
• Water & Wastewater Treatment – Distributed Pump House Stations – Links multiple remote operator panels across long-distance DH+ trunk lines for centralized flow monitoring.

2711-K5A8

2711-K5A8

Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing

We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on actual Allen-Bradley racks before they leave our warehouse.

1. Inbound Inspection: Every terminal undergoes a visual inspection for screen glass scratches, membrane surface wear, damaged mounting studs, and bezel gasket integrity.
2. Live Rig Testing: The 2711-K5A8 is powered with 120V AC and connected via its 3-pin DH+ port to an active SLC 5/04 rack executing PanelBuilder32 test logic.
3. Keypad & Bus Verification: We test all ten function keys (F1-F10), cursor controls, and numeric entry keys while verifying node handshakes and baud rate stability on the DH+ network.
4. Display & Backlight Burn-In: The unit undergoes a 4-hour power-on test to verify CCFL backlight output, screen contrast adjustments, and pixel integrity without flickering.
5. Final QC & Anti-static Packaging: The terminal is thoroughly cleaned, wrapped in static-shielding film with front face protection, and packed in custom-molded foam boxes.

The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)

• ⚠️ DH+ Node Address & Baud Rate Settings: The 2711- will not auto-detect network parameters. Verify the DH+ node address (octal) and baud rate (57.6k, 115.2k, or 230.4k) match your network layout in the terminal setup menu before putting the unit into service.
• ❗ DH+ 3-Pin Phoenix Connector Wiring: Ensure proper polarity on the 3-pin DH+ connector (Clear wire to Pin 1, Shield to Pin 2, Blue wire to Pin 3). Reversing Clear and Blue signals will bring down communication for that terminal and can disrupt the entire DH+ daisy chain.
• ⚠️ AC vs DC Power Rating: The “A8” suffix denotes an 85-264V AC power supply. Applying 24V DC to this unit will fail to power it up, while applying AC power to a DC model (2711-K5A8L1) will destroy the internal power board. Always check the label on the side of the housing.
• ❗ Display Contrast Adjustment: If the screen appears blank or solid blue after powering up a replacement unit, hold the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys simultaneously to enter the terminal configuration menu and adjust the LCD contrast level for your enclosure lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)

Q: What is the key difference between the 2711- and the 2711-K5A2?

A: Communication protocol. The 2711- uses Data Highway Plus (DH+) via a 3-pin connector, whereas the 2711-K5A2 uses DH-485 via an RJ45 port.

Q: Can I swap a touchscreen PanelView 550 (2711-T5A8) with this keypad version (2711-)?

A: Yes, provided you update your PanelBuilder32 (.PVA) runtime file to map touch targets to physical function keys (F1-F10). Both units share identical cutout dimensions, power requirements, and DH+ port layouts.

Q: Is the backlight inside the 2711- field replaceable?

A: Yes. The 2711- uses a field-replaceable CCFL backlight assembly (Allen-Bradley catalog number 2711-NC14). You can swap it out from the rear of the enclosure without opening the main chassis housing.

Q: What software do I need to edit or upload the program on a 2711-?

A: Legacy PanelView 550 terminals require PanelBuilder32 software. Modern FactoryTalk View Studio software cannot program this unit directly without converting the project for a PanelView Plus migration.

Q: What warranty coverage do you provide on surplus legacy HMIs?

A: We back all New Surplus and reconditioned 2711- terminals with a full 12-month replacement warranty from the invoice date. If the unit fails under normal operating conditions within that year, we send a replacement or issue a full refund.