Because Microsoft has ended support for Windows® XP, Aerotech will end support for Windows XP with our December release. Here is a quick summary of what is required to migrate to Windows® 7.
Migration Directions for Soloist and Ensemble Users:
Install the latest copy of controller suite on your Windows® 7 PC. Upgrade the firmware on your Soloist/Ensemble hardware. Copy your programs and parameter files to the new installation. The parameter file will be converted to be compatible with the current version. Download programs and parameters and begin running as usual.
If migrating from a version 2.x then some of the AeroBasic™ commands have changed and the .NET library class names have changed. Programs will need to be updated to reflect the new names. For .NET users, all dll’s have changed and all custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.
The controller hardware will work with V4.xx and V5.xx and will not need to be upgraded.
Migration Directions for Automation 3200 Users:
Software: If you are using V3.xx, use A3200 version 4.xx or 5.xx for Win 7 (32 or 64 bit). Install this version on your new PC with Windows® 7. The computer must have at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB for 64 bit OS) and an Intel i3/i5/i7 type processor. If you are using V2.xx, then we need to know the serial number to be sure that we configure the new software with all the modules you currently use – specifically, LabVIEW® and CNC are optional modules.
Hardware: The drive compatibility must be considered when migrating to the newest releases.
- Any NCdrive, Ndrive CP Rev-, Ndrive HP, Ndrive HL, Ndrive xxB, or Npaq bought before May 2007 will need to be upgraded or replaced.
- NCdrive and Ndrive CP Rev- will be replaced with an Ndrive CP, latest revision.
- Ndrive HP and Ndrive HL will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe and Ndrive HLe, respectively.
- Ndrive xxB will be replaced with an Ndrive HPe.
- Npaq will need updated with a new control board. We can supply an AeroBasic™ program to determine if a Rev A Npaq is compatible with V4 software, or if the control board will need updated.
Parameters: Parameter files will be updated by the new software suite. When the original parameter file is opened with the Configuration Manager, it will get updated to the new version. Any Ethernet based IO parameter settings will need to be updated manually and remapped in the Fieldbus section.
Programming (AeroBasic™): Some AeroBasic™ commands have been renamed – specifically the status commands have been changed. Also, the $RIAction has been eliminated. Aerotech can offer aid in updating programs at a cost. G-code programs should not need updated, as those are mainly the same.
Programming (Libraries): All dll’s have been rewritten in V4.xx in the .NET language. All custom applications will need to be rewritten using these new dll’s.
If you have any further questions, please contact your Aerotech Sales Application Engineer or Aerotech’s Global Technical Support.
