lookout upgrade 5.0 to 6.1

[jvance]

Hello all,

We are considering upgrading from Lookout 5.0 to 6.1 and are wondering if there are any major issues (other than those outlined in the release notes) that we need to consider.  We are running both server and client processes on a Windows XP SP2 machine with an additonal remote client running Windows 2000.  We do not have any secondary/backup servers to default to in case we run in to problems, so it is extremely important that we address any issues before upgrading.  A couple specific questions:

-Is it necessary to uninstall the older version of Lookout prior to installing 6.1?  The release notes recommend doing so, but I would hate to not have something to fall back on in case the upgrade fails.

-Is it correct to assume the client and server process files will be fully compatible with 6.1 or will there be any extensive re-programming of the HMI?

-Are there any issues with the Citadel database after the conversion to 6.1?  The README mentions uninstalling MSDE 2000 and converting to SQL Express...is this necessary or only recommended -- what is the benefit in doing so?

Any other experiences that user have faced while upgrading would be good to know as well.

Thanks!

[Ryan.S]

You don't need to uninstall the previous version of Lookout.

In most cases, the process files are fully compatible with 6.1. You can open .lks file and save to 6.1 .l4p files. But something may be different in Lookout 6.1. Lookout 6.1 uses Citadel 5 database, while Lookout 5.x uses Citadel 4. The SQL statement to query the database may be different. For example, if you have SQLExec or Datatable which query Citadel by SQL, the SQL statements perhaps need to be modified. If you have this issue, see this KB. http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/C7D32F9A59D4637086256A7200692F30?OpenDocument

Also because of the database, the old database in Lookout 5.x need to be converted to Citadel 5 so that you can view these data in Lookout 6. Follow this KB.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/7F2CCB17675F1A0186257005006A6E21?OpenDocument

You don't have to unistall MSDE.

[jvance]

Ryan,

After installing 6.1 and launching the 5.0 server source file (.lks) I recieve a Lookout Executable crash, and an error message stating "Cannot open specified file!"  Details of the error signature:   "AppName: cbl.exe AppVer: 6.1.0.27 ModName: lkworks.dll ModVer: 6.1.0.27 Offset: 000e7377"

I am running the evaluation version of 6.1 and we have more than 50 I/O points...could that be the reason for the crash?

I have also not updated the Citadel database yet....did not think that would effect the realtime data processes. 

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jason

[jvance]

Also, I am hesitant to upgrade the Citadel Database for fear of 5.0 not working.  If the only issue is with viewing historical data, I would rather hold off, as we use a third party OPC server to track historical data.

[Ryan.S]

Does it crash when compiling the source file? Please install this patch. It has fixed the compiling crash problem.

http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/904/lang/en

If it still crashes with the updates, send me your source file. I will try on my computer.

[Ryan.S]

What do you mean by "track historical data"?

To convert Citadel 4 to Citadel 5 is easy. To view the historical data in Lookout 6.1 is also easy, you just need to convert the database and then archive to the current database. 

Citadel 5 is different from Citadel 4, including the tables, the SQL statement. So, if you have any SQL stuff, you need to modify them after using Lookout 6.1.

[jvance]

Sorry I probably wasnt very clear.  My question was if I upgrade from Citadel 4 to Citadel 5, will Lookout 5.0 have any problems with Citadel 5?

[Ryan.S]

Actually Citadel 4 will still on your computer. Lookout 5.x will still use Citadel 4 database. So, Lookout 6.1 will not affect the Lookout 5.1 loging and viewing.