.MER File Extension
RSView Development Runtime File
| Developer | Rockwell Automation |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Developer Files |
| Format | .MER |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an MER file?
.MER file extension holds significant relevance. This file format is closely associated with RSView, a renowned software suite utilized for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the origins, structure, conversion methods, and practical usage of .MER files, shedding light on their importance in the industrial automation landscape.
More Information.
The genesis of .MER files can be traced back to the early iterations of RSView software.
Initially introduced as RSView32, the software provided engineers and operators with a platform to design and deploy HMI applications tailored to their specific industrial environments.
The .MER file format emerged as a means to package these projects for deployment in the runtime environment, enabling seamless interaction between operators and the underlying control systems.
Origin Of This File.
The .MER file extension is intrinsically tied to RSView, a powerful HMI software developed by Rockwell Automation.
RSView, now commonly known as FactoryTalk View, enables users to create robust visualization projects for industrial automation systems.
These projects encompass graphical interfaces, alarms, trends, and other elements necessary for monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.MER file is essentially a compressed archive that encapsulates all the resources and configurations required for the runtime execution of an RSView project.
The file structure typically includes graphical elements such as screens, objects, and animations, along with associated scripts, tags, and runtime settings.
These components are organized in a hierarchical manner within the file, facilitating efficient retrieval and execution during runtime operation.
From a technical standpoint, .MER files are encoded in a proprietary binary format optimized for fast loading and execution within the RSView runtime environment.
This format ensures minimal overhead and maximum performance, crucial factors in real-time industrial applications where responsiveness is paramount.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .MER files to alternative formats or platforms may be necessary in certain scenarios, such as migrating legacy applications to newer software environments or integrating with third-party systems. Several approaches can be employed for .MER file conversion:
- Export/Import Functionality: Some versions of RSView offer built-in export/import functionality to convert .MER files to other formats compatible with third-party software or newer versions of RSView.
- Scripting and Automation: Automation scripts can be developed to parse .MER files and extract relevant data for conversion to alternative formats or platforms.
- Manual Conversion: In cases where automated conversion methods are not feasible, manual conversion involving reimplementation of project logic and graphics may be necessary, albeit time-consuming.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Portability: .MER files provide a convenient means of deploying RSView applications across different target systems, ensuring consistency and ease of installation.
- Efficiency: By encapsulating all project components into a single file, .MER files simplify the deployment process and reduce the risk of configuration errors.
- Security: With the ability to encrypt .MER files and restricts access to sensitive project data, RSView offers enhanced security measures to protect intellectual property and ensure system integrity.
Disadvantages:
- Version Compatibility: Compatibility issues may arise when attempting to open .MER files created with different versions of RSView, requiring careful management of software versions and updates.
- File Size: As RSView applications grow in complexity, .MER files may become large and cumbersome, potentially impacting performance and storage requirements.
- Limited Flexibility: While .MER files provide a standardized format for RSView applications, they may lack the flexibility and extensibility offered by open-source alternatives or custom development solutions.
How to Open MER?
Open In Windows
- Ensure you have RSView installed on your Windows system.
- Launch RSView Runtime.
- Navigate to the file menu and select “Load Project.”
- Locate the .MER file on your system and open it.
- The RSView application will execute, allowing interaction with the HMI screens.
Open In Linux
- As RSView is primarily designed for Windows, opening .MER files directly on Linux may not be possible.
- Consider using virtualization software or compatibility layers like Wine to run RSView on Linux.
Open In MAC
- RSView is not natively compatible with macOS.
- Utilize virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run Windows on your Mac.
- Install RSView within the Windows virtual machine and follow the steps outlined for opening .MER files in Windows.
Open In Android
- RSView does not have a native version for Android.
- Consider using remote desktop software to access a Windows system running RSView, then follow the steps for opening .MER files in Windows.
Open In IOS
- RSView is not available for iOS devices.
- Similar to Android, use remote desktop software to connect to a Windows system with RSView installed.
