Allen-Bradley 2711-K5A2 PV550 Keypad Monochrome HMI

Description

Product Introduction

The Allen-Bradley 2711-K5A2 is a workhorse PanelView 550 operator interface designed for rugged machine control applications. Operating on 85-264V AC line power, this terminal features a 5.5-inch blue monochrome LCD display with adjustable contrast, providing crisp visual text and graphic monitoring. It interfaces directly with SLC 500, MicroLogix, and ControlLogix controllers using a dedicated Data Highway 485 (DH-485) communication port.

Built for harsh plant environments where touchscreens are prone to premature failure, the 2711-K5A2 features a heavy-duty membrane keypad. With 10 reconfigurable function keys (F1-F10) and full numeric entry keys, operators can trigger critical machine functions and enter batch setpoints while wearing heavy work gloves.

Key Technical Specifications

Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience

A grain elevator leg stops cycling because an old PanelView 550 screen bezel cracked from thermal fatigue, allowing dust ingress to short out the power supply board. The main SLC 5/03 controller is running fine, but without an HMI terminal, operators cannot view grain level alarms or initiate bin discharge gates. Sourcing a modern touchscreen upgrade requires running new Ethernet cables, mounting retrofits, and software conversion that could take days. Dropping in a direct replacement 2711-K5A2 unit lets you reconnect the 120V AC power and RJ45 DH-485 cable to get the elevator back online before trucks start backing up outside the gate.

• Grain Handling & Milling – Bin Selector Operator Station – Connects to SLC 5/03 processors over DH-485 to select discharge valves and view alarm states.
• Corrugated Packaging Skids – Folder-Gluer Machine Interface – Allows operators wearing heavy canvas gloves to enter sheet counts using physical numeric keys.
• Textile & Dyeing Plants – Temperature & Chemical Cycle Control – Mounts on washdown enclosures (NEMA 4X) to display real-time bath temperatures and valve statuses.
• Legacy Automotive Stamping – Part Feeder & Lubrication Stations – Keypad function keys provide instant manual jog commands for feeder arms without navigating touchscreen menus.

2711-K5A2

2711-K5A2

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, worn keypad membranes, damaged mounting studs, and bezel gasket integrity.
2. Live Rig Testing: The 2711-K5A2 is powered with 120V AC and linked via an RJ45 DH-485 cable to a live SLC 5/03 rack running PanelBuilder32 test applications.
3. Keypad & Bus Verification: We test all ten function keys (F1-F10), cursor controls, and numeric entry keys for tactile feedback while verifying DH-485 node handshakes and baud rate stability.
4. Display & Backlight Burn-In: The display undergoes a 4-hour power-on test to verify CCFL backlight brightness, screen contrast adjustments, and pixel clarity without flickering.
5. Final QC & Anti-static Packaging: The unit 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-485 RJ45 Port is NOT Ethernet: Do not plug a standard Ethernet cable tied to an EtherNet/IP switch into the 2711-K5A2’s RJ45 port! That port carries RS-485 voltage levels for DH-485 communication. Plugging Ethernet hardware into it can damage transceiver chips on both ends.
• ❗ DH-485 Pass-Through Power (24V DC Pins): The RJ45 connector on the 2711- provides 24V DC power on pins 1 and 2 to power external converters like a 1747-AIC. If you build custom patch cables, ensure you don’t short these power pins to ground.
• ⚠️ AC vs DC Voltage Variations: The “A2” ending in the model number designates 85-264V AC power. If you are replacing a terminal in a system running 24V DC, you need a 2711-K5A2L1 instead. Double-check your incoming wiring with a multimeter before connecting power!
• ❗ Contrast Adjustment After Replacement: If you power up a new 2711- and the screen looks completely dark or washed out, don’t panic. Hold the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys simultaneously on power-up (or navigate to the Config Menu) to adjust the LCD contrast setting for your cabinet lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)

Q: What is the difference between the 2711- and the 2711-K5A10?

A: Communication protocol. The 2711- uses DH-485 via an port, while the 2711-K5A10 uses DeviceNet / DF1 via an RS-232 serial connection.

Q: Can I replace a touchscreen PanelView 550 (2711-T5A2) with this keypad model (2711-)?

A: Yes, provided your PanelBuilder32 application file (.PVA) is reconfigured for keypad input tags instead of touch targets. Both units share identical cutout dimensions, power ratings, and DH-485 port pinouts.

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 back of the unit without disassembling the housing.

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

A: PanelView 550 legacy terminals require PanelBuilder32 software. Modern FactoryTalk View Studio software cannot program or download directly to this series without migrating the project to a PanelView Plus platform.

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.