Issue
Prior to XBuilder 5.1.1, it was not possible to change the Xenta Server type in an existing XBuilder project. This limitation made it difficult to migrate projects between different Xenta Server models without losing links, bindings, or configurations.
Product Line
Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC VistaEnvironment
- Xenta Server
- XBuilder 5.1.0 or earlier
- Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913
Cause
Earlier versions of XBuilder (prior to 5.1.1) did not support changing the Xenta Server type directly within the project’s network pane. This limitation required a manual workaround to migrate projects between different server types.
Resolution
Option 1: Upgrade to XBuilder 5.1.1 or Later
If possible, upgrade to XBuilder 5.1.1 or newer, which allows direct modification of the target device type:
-
Save the Project Locally:
- If the project is stored in a Vista database, open it in XBuilder.
- Go to File > Save As and save the project to your local machine.
-
Reopen the Project:
- Close XBuilder.
- Reopen XBuilder and load the saved project from your PC.
-
Change Target Device:
- In the Project menu, select Change Target Type...
- Choose the desired Xenta Server model from the drop-down list.
Option 2: Manual Transfer (If Upgrade Is Not Possible)
This method allows transferring an XBuilder project to a different Xenta Server while preserving graphics and object bindings. Ensure the target server supports the same or better Menta and User Graphic capabilities and can handle the existing network types.
Example: Migrating from Xenta 555 (with LonWorks and Modbus networks) to Xenta 731.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Create the New Xenta Server in Vista
- Open the Vista database containing the Xenta 555 project.
- Right-click the Xenta 555, select Edit to open the XBuilder project.
- In Vista, create a new Xenta 731 (name it similarly but not identically to the 555).
2. Transfer the LonWorks Network
- In Vista, drag and drop the LON network from the 555 to the 731.
- Right-click the 731, select Edit to open its XBuilder project.
- Rename the default folder in the System pane to match the top-level folder of the 555 project.
- In the 731 project, right-click the LON object in the Network pane and select Refresh Network from TAC Vista.
3. Transfer the Modbus Network
- In the 555 project:
- Right-click each Modbus device, select Edit Device Template.
- In the Device Editor, go to File > Save As... and save the template.
- In the 731 project:
- Recreate the Modbus network using the saved templates.
4. Transfer System Objects
- In the 555 project:
- Right-click each object under the top-level folder and select Copy.
- In the 731 project:
- Right-click the top-level folder and select Paste.
- Repeat for all objects and folders (note: selecting a folder includes all nested items).
- Do not copy the top-level folder itself; it cannot be pasted.
Note: Graphics bindings are preserved. Reference paths are automatically updated (e.g.,
TAC_Xenta_555becomesTAC_Xenta_731). However, some bindings (e.g., Time objects) may break and need to be manually rebound.
5. Final Steps
- Close the 555 project.
- In Vista, delete the Xenta 555.
- Generate the 731 project. When prompted to copy original TGML files, select Yes.
- Download the project to the Xenta 731.
Tip: If the 555 project only contains a Modbus network, a similar process can be followed for standalone projects.
Additional Notes
- Ensure compatibility between source and target servers regarding network types and resource capabilities.
- Always back up your projects before performing any migration.
