Allen-Bradley PanelView 550 (2711-K) Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Allen-Bradley PanelView 550 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Allen-Bradley PanelView 550 (catalog prefix: 2711-K) is a fixed-size, keypad- and touch-operated human-machine interface (HMI) platform developed by Rockwell Automation. With a 5.5-inch monochrome or color display and a compact panel-mount footprint, the PanelView 550 achieved widespread deployment across heavy industrial sectors including petrochemical processing, nuclear auxiliary systems, oil refinery control loops, pulp and paper lines, and municipal water treatment facilities. Its DH-485, DH+, DF1, and DeviceNet communication options made it compatible with the full Allen-Bradley PLC-5, SLC 500, and MicroLogix controller families, cementing its role as the standard operator terminal for mid-tier process control panels throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

The Evolution of PanelView 550 Architecture

The PanelView 550 was introduced in the early 1990s as part of Rockwell Automation's first-generation graphical operator terminal lineup, succeeding the PanelView 550 monochrome keypad units. The 2711-K series standardized on a 320×240 pixel STN LCD display and introduced configurable function keys (F1–F10) alongside dedicated numeric entry zones. Communication architecture evolved across hardware revisions: early units relied exclusively on DH-485 serial links at 19.2 kbps; later revisions added DF1 full-duplex and half-duplex support, enabling direct RS-232 connections to SLC 5/03 and 5/04 processors without a network adapter. The introduction of the 2711-KF5 and 2711-KF6 sub-families added DeviceNet and DH+ gateway capability respectively, extending the platform's reach into distributed I/O architectures. PanelView 550 terminals were programmed exclusively via PanelBuilder 1400e and later PanelBuilder32 software, both of which have been discontinued. Rockwell Automation issued an end-of-life notice for the 2711-K series; the designated migration path is the PanelView Component C600 (2711C-K6M) or PanelView Plus 6 (2711P-K6) platform. Installed base units remain in service across legacy facilities where control system modernization is deferred, creating sustained demand for certified replacement and spare modules.

PanelView 550 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

Keypad Units — Monochrome STN LCD, DH-485 Communication

• 2711-K10G9X: 10-key keypad, monochrome STN, DH-485, 24 VDC, NEMA 4/12 panel-mount operator terminal
• 2711-K10G1: 10-key keypad, monochrome STN, DH-485, 120 VAC power supply variant
• 2711-K10G8: 10-key keypad, monochrome STN, DH-485, 24 VDC, CE-marked European market variant
• 2711-K10C15: 10-key keypad, monochrome STN, DF1 RS-232 full-duplex, 24 VDC
• 2711-K10C8: 10-key keypad, monochrome STN, DF1 RS-232, 24 VDC, CE-marked variant

Keypad Units — Color STN LCD, DH-485 / DF1 Communication

• 2711-K10G9: 10-key keypad, color STN LCD, DH-485, 24 VDC standard panel-mount
• 2711-K10G3: 10-key keypad, color STN LCD, DH-485, 120 VAC power supply
• 2711-K10C3: 10-key keypad, color STN LCD, DF1 RS-232, 120 VAC
• 2711-K10C9: 10-key keypad, color STN LCD, DF1 RS-232, 24 VDC

Touch Screen Units — Monochrome & Color, Multiple Communication Protocols

• 2711-T10G9: Touch screen, monochrome STN, DH-485, 24 VDC, NEMA 4/12
• 2711-T10G1: Touch screen, monochrome STN, DH-485, 120 VAC
• 2711-T10C9: Touch screen, color STN LCD, DF1 RS-232, 24 VDC
• 2711-T10G9X: Touch screen, monochrome STN, DH-485, 24 VDC, extended temperature range

DH+ and DeviceNet Gateway Variants

• 2711-KF5: PanelView 550 keypad, DeviceNet communication adapter, 24 VDC
• 2711-KF6: PanelView 550 keypad, DH+ (1771-KF) network interface, 24 VDC
• 2711-TF5: PanelView 550 touch screen, DeviceNet communication, 24 VDC
• 2711-TF6: PanelView 550 touch screen, DH+ network interface, 24 VDC

Accessories & Replacement Components

• 2711-NM3: PCMCIA memory module, 512 KB, application transfer and backup for 2711-K/T series
• 2711-NC13: RS-232 DF1 programming cable, 2711-K/T to PC serial port

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete PanelView 550 Parts

The 2711-K and 2711-T series reached end-of-life status under Rockwell Automation's product lifecycle policy. New production has ceased; authorized distributors no longer carry stock. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested surplus and refurbished PanelView 550 units sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, controlled warehouse environments, and verified industrial surplus channels. All units are inspected for display integrity (no dead pixel clusters, no backlight degradation), keypad membrane continuity, and communication port functionality prior to listing. For facilities operating legacy SLC 500 or PLC-5 systems where a full HMI migration is not scheduled, DriveKNMS provides a direct replacement supply path that eliminates the need for immediate control system redesign. Extended lead times on specific color variants (2711-K10G9, 2711-T10C9) are managed through a pre-order reservation system — contact the procurement team with your required quantity and delivery window.

Quality Control for the PanelView 550 Range

Each 2711-K and 2711-T unit processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured inspection protocol specific to the platform's known failure modes. Display assemblies are evaluated under controlled lighting for STN LCD delamination, contrast uniformity, and backlight inverter output stability. Keypad membranes are tested across all function key zones using a continuity matrix to identify worn or intermittent contacts — a common failure in units with high operator cycle counts. Communication ports (DH-485 RJ45, RS-232 DB9, DeviceNet micro-connector) are verified using protocol-level handshake testing against a reference SLC 5/04 processor. Power supply sections are load-tested at rated input voltage (24 VDC ±10% or 120 VAC ±10%) with output ripple measurement. Units that pass all stages are assigned a condition grade (Tested Surplus / Refurbished) and documented with a test record available on request. Units with cosmetic enclosure damage but fully functional electronics are listed separately at adjusted pricing.