Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0
TimWilborne

Factory Talk Activation

39 posts in this topic

I was wondering if anyone was using the Factory Talk Activation yet. Right now I am still using the disk activation method but from what I understand this will be the last version that you can use it on. Does anyone know exactly how it works and how you can transfer activations between computers with it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
TWControls, I used it for the first time last week. Here is a link, I think it may explain it better then I can. Hope this helps, Bob O. https://licensing.software.rockwell.com/ Edit If the link does not work try to do a copy and paste Edited by Bob O

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks for the link but I think I might even be more confused now. Am I understanding correctly that activations will have to be done over the internet?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
My understanding is that the computer needs Internet access or they can email you an activation file and you install it in a specific directory. I had them email me the file and it was not a problem. When I called them, they ask for the serial number of my software and the serial number of my hard drive [Factory Talk looks on your computer and lists the serial number of components on your computer that the activation can reference to for activation] after this they will do "something" to this file that they send you that will include the above. Hope this make some sense, Bob O. Edited by Bob O

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ok, I think I'm starting to get it. My only concern would be if something happened to the computer and we needed to transfer the activation to another computer in an emergency. Example - Small program flaw, hit pushbutton, machine makes abrupt move hitting laptop, display and top half of of computer including keyboard laying in floor, circuit board hanging out of case but some how the computer still runs with ethernet still operational so could quickly transfer the activation file to another computer in the middle of the night. Don't laugh, it happened

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
The activation can be checked out for X amount of time if needed. Example Say you need to make a change out in the field, you could load or “check an activation out of the pool” if you have it set up on concurrent and then set the amount of time from, I think a day to months and after this time period the activation is no longer good and is reactivated in the pool. Hope that make some sense, Bob O.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
There are 2 Types of FactoryTalk activation types, Node Locked and Concurrent. With Node Locked the activation is tied to either the MAC ID of your NIC card or the serial number of your hard drive. Concurrent utilizes a server to hand out activations upon request. The activations can be transfered to a PC that will be disconnected from the network. These are timed activations. They will expire anywhere up to 90 days after being given out. The activation then reappears on the server. There are 4 methods to get your activation from Rockwell Automation: Internet, email, fax or you can call them. Rockwell is currently at CPR 7 (Coordinated Product Release). As of CPR 10 if you wish to receive that update your EVRSI Master disk will no longer work. You will need to use FactoryTalk Activation. At present not all software products support both Node Locked and Concurrent Activations. I attached a PDF file that lists the status of all Rockwell Software products and which activation method is supported. If you are like me and want to move activations between PC's you can use a USB Dongle based activation. Downside is you pay $100 for the dongle but to me it's worth it. Part number is 9509-USBDONG. Chuck Product_Support_for_FactoryTalk_Activation.pdf
1 person likes this

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ok, I'm starting to feel more comfortable about this. I like that Rockwell has given us several options as far as activation. Judging by the dates, it will probably be another year before we fully implement this but we may begin experimenting with it soon. I definitely don't think we can complain compared to the old method of the 3-1/2 floppy disk Thanks for all the information. If anyone else has any experiences with the new activation process please share them

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Chuck, I do not think you have to buy their dongle, I believe you can use a USB memory stick instead if it has a serial number that can be referenced.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Really. How about an SD card. They don't stick out of the laptop like a USB stick so would be less likely to be damaged

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Come on guys.......Do you really think they would make it as easy as buying an inexpensive memory stick. I don't know for sure but I would be willing to bet they have put some kind of 'electronic twist' on their dongle so you can't use an off the shelf memory stick. It would be nice if they didn't.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Although many are unaware of it, you can actually use a SD card to keep your activation on in their current setup. From what I am understanding they are not removing this feature but I could be wrong

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
That's correct. They have a utility to use the EVRSI/ EVMove activation scheme on a memory card. That feature (EVRSI/ EVMove) is going away with CPR 10.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Yes, but from what I am understanding providing a hard drive serial number is a method of activating a product and a believe that SD cards have serial number that are recognized as a hard drive. Am I missing something?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
When I went to the lunch and learn about this a while back, I really believe the people giving the presentation said you did not need to use their dongle but another device could be used instead. May be Ken R can chime in on this one.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Or may be I will ask them when I call technical support Monday to ask where the Rockwell Forum is No, really I would not call tech support about the forum. Just trying to bug one of the Rockwell guys. I think as more people begin using the FactoryTalk activation there will be less worries. I was mainly trying to get a good understanding of how it works. Bob, you are using it and did not comment on any problems. That is more of what I was looking for. I have had software before that used hard drive serial numbers and did not have any problems. I think I am comfortable with it now. Thank you

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi all, I logged onto my Rockwell Software Extranet Account and did a little digging. Standard USB memory dongles WILL NOT work with the FactoryTalk Activiation. The Rockwell USB Dongle is special. The following is an exerpt from a Rockwell FAQ document: Q What hardware devices can be used as Host IDs? A Network card MAC addresses, hard drive serial numbers, and a special USB dongle (9509-USBDONG). A standard USB memory dongle can not be used. The special USB dongle contains only a unique serial number and has no user addressable memory. As I suspected, you have to buy their 'widget'
1 person likes this

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Well I don't have a Rockwell Extranet account but a SD card can have a hard drive serial number so...? And for that matter, a USB wireless adapter has a Network MAC address so couldn't it be used for an activation Edited by TWControls

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I'm familiar with NIC card MAC IDs, but this Hard Disk serial number is something new to me... I guess I didn't realize hard drives have their own "MAC ID" that can be read over the bus! Is this in the hardware or is it written onto a platter? Does EVERY hard drive support this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Actually the cheapest way to make a dongle for Factory Talk activation is to use a USB ethernet adapter (cat 5, not wireless). Should be able to get one for $15 or less. My IT guys make me use one whenever I connect to a "foreign" network, so I already have one in my bag.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
You are correct on the removable NIC cards such as a wireles USB card being used as a FactoryTalk activation device. As far as using a standard memory stick I'm only going by what the FACTORY has told me. You can hypothesize all day long and it really doesn't matter until you show that you can do it. Having written that.......I'm going to try it. Because it what you suggest is true. It will make my life easier. Honestly I think the reason for so much buzz about this is that you won't be able to make illegal copies of the Master disks anymore. I estimate that I lose 50-60% of my potential Rockwell Software sales to pirates.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
And don't get me wrong, I agree with the need for piracy protection. I'm just trying to make sure I am prepared.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have used AB because of support and the ease of moving from either my pc or my laptop. Since this is no longer the case on either point I guess I'll use AutomationDirect. (GE, Siemens and Modicon have the same problems). I hope AB likes the fact that most small business' will not be able to cope with the added complexity. and downtime. As far as piracy, I know of no one who operates a business and doesn't use a legit license. The oddball maintenance man with a 'stolen' , 'borrowed' or 'copied' license is not causing a massive loss of revenue. God help me when I'm onsite on a Friday nite and my harddrive goes south. I can tell my 'ex' customer that I need to wait till monday morning to get internet access so that my software will work on my new harddrive? what about the rest of us who use multiple disks in the same laptop? I run 98, 2000 and XP. So now my software won't work on any but one drive?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Apparently you didn't read this thread completely. Go back and read the thread and you will see what you have stated is not true

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
A USB dongle is obviously a great way to transfer and keep an activation. But not all of Rockwell's software products support this method yet. Hopefully they will soon. Fortunately, my company is paranoid about software and has a backup copy of each piece of Rockwell software that I use Anything is better than those stupid 3-1/2" floppys. I had to use node-locked activation on one product and it was very easy to get activated via phone call and an email. I don't know how tough it would be if my activation was damaged and I had to get it renewed quickly on a weeked. $

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!


Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.


Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0