Currently I have a PV+ 700 (2711P-B7C4D1) connected via ethernet to a CompactLogix L32E and a Panelview Classic 600 (not sure on part number as it is hard to get to the back of it, but it uses DH485 comms) connected via DH485 to a SLC5/03.
Looking at upgrading the panelview classic to a PV+ 700 (2711P-B7C4D1) as some of the buttons have failed and it would reduce the amount of spares I would need to carry, but would like to add some extra features at the same time.
The 2 machines/PLC's are close to each other and 1 operator controls both. I was hopping to integrate the 2 Panelview projects together and give the operator control of both machines from either panel. I hope this will also enable me to have the same project loaded in both panelviews. I have done panelview projects previously with 2 differnet PLC's connected, but they were both on ethernet. I understand the potential problems with having the 2 screens trying to write to the same tags in the PLC and will deal with this appropriately.
My real question is about the comms setup. I have not had a lot to do with DH485, but understand ethernet fairly well. I will connect both Panelview's ethernet ports to the same 5 port switch as the CompactLogix so they will be able to access tags from that.
I was going to configure the PV+ serial ports for DH485 (can you do this?) and connect 1 to the RJ45 (DH485)port on the SLC5/03 and 1 to the serial port on the SLC5/03 and convert that port to DH485 (can you do this?)

Hopefully someone has some advice, answers to my questions or past experiences with Panelview + to DH485
Thanks in advance

Been a while since I did a DH485 Network {Read 5 years ago}. but for two PV's and 1 SLC you'll need some 1747-AIC units and the 5 conductor cable to conenct the DH485. With only 1 SLC and 1 PV this is avoided.

I'd strongly recommend you add a 1747-NET-ENI to the SLC 503 serial port and connect everybody over ethernet.

This is the simplest connection scheme and should give you what you are looking for.

There are some limitations as to how many conenctions the NET-ENI will handle but Two PV+ should not be a problem.

The NEt-ENi would also allow you to ethernet program the 503 with RSLogix.

I must heartily second my esteemed colleagues and agree that ENI would make life a little easier for you. The downside is you tie up your DB9 comm. port.

Do you use the PRN-6 for (DH485) card on any of your other PV+? If not that is about a $400.00 dollar option. For about $600.00 (ENI) you can have Ethernet on a DF1 connection and don’t have to have the DH-485 option on the PV+. Not a bad idea

Didn't even think of the Net-Eni. What a good Idea. This would save on a lot of hassles and could get the 5/03 on our engineering ethernet network for programming/troubleshooting as you mentioned. The DB/9 comm port is currently unused, so this wont be a problem. Thankyou for your suggestions

Please note I recommend the NET ENI because it is Rockwell product and their tech support will support this approach more willingly than other 3rd party serialt to ethernet, but note there are other serial to ethernet devices as well that could provide much the same also.