The flashback is an operating system restore for the HMIs. It contains drivers for the different hardware platforms (serial, ethernet, different size touchscreens, etc).
As computer hardware is upgraded, newer Parker HMIs will be updated and thus a Compact Flash (CF) card used for an older HMI cannot be re-used on a newer HMI.
Example, XPR2 has different operating system/flashback than the prior XPR.
Related FAQs:
Flashback Utilities for the CTC DOS Based PowerStations
What size Compact Flash card is supported by XPR/XPC?
Newer Parker HMIs will include a CF card already formatted for that unit's hardware. Users can then use the HMI software, such as Interact Xpress Manager to download the project to the CF card. Projects can be downloaded from a PC through Ethernet/serial connection but it is slower.
Users can purchase CF card readers. There's many different types and shapes but are readily available from computer suppliers and electronics suppliers:
Loading a CF card into the reader, run the flashback utility for your particular HMI hardware. This will erase the previous operating system and any projects.
After running the flashback, this formats the card and loads the HMI operating system. Exit the flashback and then users can use the HMI software to load the project onto the CF card.
Note, best practice is to eject USB devices from the system tray in Windows before unplugging from the PC.
