Allen-Bradley 2711-K6C8 — 6-Inch Color Keypad Operator Interface | PanelView 600 Series
Engineering Background
The PanelView 600 series was introduced by Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) as a compact, rugged HMI platform designed for machine-level operator control in discrete and process manufacturing environments. The 2711-K6C8 variant combines a 6-inch STN color display with a full membrane keypad matrix, eliminating the need for a touchscreen while maintaining reliable tactile feedback in high-vibration or gloved-hand environments. It communicates natively over DH-485 and RS-232 networks, making it a direct integration target for legacy SLC 500 and MicroLogix control architectures.
Product Positioning
The 2711-K6C8 is the preferred replacement and upgrade unit for facilities running Allen-Bradley SLC 500, MicroLogix 1000/1100/1500, or early ControlLogix systems where touchscreen panels are impractical. Its keypad-only interface is certified for environments where operators wear PPE, and its compact 6-inch form factor fits standard NEMA 12/4 enclosure cutouts without panel redesign. Konmask.com supplies this unit from verified surplus and refurbished channels with full functional testing documentation available on request.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Part Number | 2711-K6C8 |
| Manufacturer | Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation |
| Series | PanelView 600 |
| Display Type | 6-inch STN Color LCD |
| Display Resolution | 320 × 240 pixels (QVGA) |
| Color Depth | 256 colors |
| Input Method | Membrane Keypad (no touchscreen) |
| Keypad Layout | Function keys, numeric entry, navigation keys |
| Communication Port 1 | DH-485 (RS-485 based, Allen-Bradley proprietary) |
| Communication Port 2 | RS-232 (DF1 Full-Duplex / Half-Duplex) |
| Programming Software | PanelBuilder 1400e / PanelBuilder32 |
| Application Memory | 512 KB (expandable via PCMCIA card) |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC (18–32 VDC operating range) |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 18 W typical |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5–95% non-condensing |
| Enclosure Rating | NEMA 12, NEMA 4 (front face) |
| Vibration Resistance | IEC 68-2-6 compliant |
| Weight | 2.3 kg (approx.) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | Refer to Rockwell Automation 2711-6.x installation drawing |
| Certifications | UL Listed, CE Marked, CSA Certified |
| Catalog Series Suffix | K = Keypad; 6 = 6-inch; C = Color; 8 = DH-485 + RS-232 |
Proven Application Environments
- Automotive Assembly Lines — Keypad interface withstands oil mist and gloved-hand operation; replaces worn OEM panels without PLC reprogramming.
- Food & Beverage Processing — NEMA 4 front-face rating supports washdown-adjacent installations; color display aids recipe and batch status visualization.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — DH-485 network compatibility integrates directly with existing SLC 500 SCADA nodes.
- Packaging Machinery — Compact 6-inch footprint fits OEM machine enclosures; keypad eliminates touchscreen calibration drift in high-cycle environments.
- Material Handling & Conveyors — Vibration-rated construction maintains display integrity on moving gantries and conveyor frames.
- Legacy System Maintenance — Direct drop-in replacement for failed 2711-K6C8 units; no network reconfiguration required.
Engineering Advantages
- Zero-Touchscreen Reliability — Membrane keypad has no digitizer layer to delaminate or drift; MTBF significantly higher than resistive touch equivalents in industrial duty cycles.
- Native DH-485 Integration — No gateway or protocol converter required when connecting to SLC 500, MicroLogix, or PLC-5 networks; reduces BOM cost and latency.
- Dual-Port Architecture — Simultaneous DH-485 (controller link) and RS-232 (programming/printer) ports allow live program upload without disconnecting from the network.
- 256-Color STN Display — Sufficient color depth for alarm state differentiation, trend bar graphs, and multi-state indicator objects without the cost of TFT panels.
- PCMCIA Application Backup — Application files can be stored and transferred via PCMCIA card, enabling rapid panel swap without a programming laptop on-site.
- Compact Enclosure Fit — Standard cutout dimensions compatible with NEMA 12/4 enclosures; no panel modification required for like-for-like replacement.
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The 2711-K6C8 operates as a DH-485 node on a multi-drop RS-485 bus (up to 32 nodes, max 1,219 m at 19.2 kbps). The panel reads and writes data directly to the connected PLC’s data table via DF1 or DH-485 messaging. Tag-based addressing maps PLC integer, binary, and timer/counter files to display objects (numeric displays, pushbuttons, indicator lamps, bar graphs). The RS-232 port supports DF1 Full-Duplex for point-to-point PLC connections or DF1 Half-Duplex for radio/modem links. Application development is performed offline in PanelBuilder32 (v3.83 or later recommended) and downloaded via RS-232 or PCMCIA card. Runtime communication polling is handled by the panel’s embedded firmware with configurable update rates per display page.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Source: Verified surplus and factory-refurbished stock from authorized dismantlers and OEM overstock channels.
- Functional Test: Each unit is powered-on tested for display integrity, keypad response, and communication port continuity prior to shipment.
- Cosmetic Grade: Units are graded A (like-new), B (light wear), or C (functional, visible wear) — grade specified at time of order confirmation.
- Warranty: 90-day functional warranty against DOA or communication failure; extended warranty available on request.
- Counterfeit Mitigation: All units inspected against Rockwell Automation genuine part markings, PCB revision codes, and firmware version fingerprints.
- Documentation: Rockwell Automation publication 2711-6.x User Manual and PanelBuilder32 Programming Software User Manual (2711P-UM002) available for download from Rockwell’s literature library.
Procurement Process
- Confirm Part Number — Verify full catalog string: 2711-K6C8. Cross-reference with your existing panel label or PLC program tag database.
- Specify Quantity & Grade — Contact Konmask.com with required quantity and acceptable cosmetic grade. Volume pricing available for 3+ units.
- Request Test Report — Pre-shipment functional test report provided on request for QA documentation packages.
- Place Order — Add to cart or submit a B2B purchase order via email to support@konmask.com. Net-30 terms available for approved accounts.
- Shipping & Lead Time — In-stock units ship within 1–3 business days. International DDP/DAP shipping available; HS Code 8537.10 applies.
- Incoming Inspection — Recommended: power-on test, DH-485 node address assignment, and loopback communication check before installation.
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the 2711-K6C8 compatible with ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLCs?
A: Not natively. PanelView 600 communicates via DH-485 or RS-232 DF1, which are not supported by Logix5000 controllers without a 1761-NET-AIC or 1747-AIC link coupler. For Logix platforms, consider upgrading to PanelView Plus 600 (2711P series).
Q: Can I reuse my existing PanelBuilder 1400e application files?
A: PanelBuilder 1400e (.PBA) files can be converted to PanelBuilder32 format using the built-in migration utility. Minor tag remapping may be required. Test in simulation mode before downloading to hardware.
Q: What is the maximum DH-485 network length with this panel?
A: 1,219 meters (4,000 ft) at 19.2 kbps with proper termination resistors (150 Ω) at both ends of the bus.
Q: Does the unit support recipe management?
A: Yes. PanelView 600 supports recipe objects with up to 40 recipes and 40 ingredients per recipe, stored in panel application memory or PCMCIA card.
Q: Is a PCMCIA card included?
A: PCMCIA cards are not included as standard. Compatible cards (1784-PCMK or equivalent 512 KB SRAM cards) are available separately. Confirm card compatibility with your firmware version.
Q: What firmware version is installed?
A: Firmware version is confirmed during functional testing and noted in the test report. Firmware upgrades require a 1784-PCMK card and the PanelView 600 firmware upgrade kit from Rockwell Automation.
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