Distribution File Installer

For a Niagara R2-configured JACE, the Distribution File Installer allows you to restore a JACE backup “dist” (distribution) file, previously made from the Platform Administration view, via its “Backup” button.

Figure 31. Distribution File Installer

This view displays only files of type “.dist” (distribution). Each is essentially a zipped collection of files for a specific target platform. Dist files that are incompatible with the platform-connected JACE will appear “ghosted”, similar to the second one shown in the Figure 31 example above.

Buttons at the bottom of the view are briefly described as follows:

Choose Directory

For a popup directory chooser dialog, in which you can navigate to a particular location on your PC. Typically, you click the Backups button first, then this button if necessary.
Cleaning

To change to a directory that holds NiagaraAX “clean dist” files for various platforms. If you select and install a clean dist file, this wipes clean all Niagara R2 and NiagaraAX configuration for the unit, including all its software modules along with its station and all station-related files. By default, only the unit’s NiagaraAX license and its current TCP/IP configuration settings are retained.
Cleaning also deletes the unit’s Niagara R2 license file! Do not install a clean dist file unless specifically directed to do so by Systems Engineering. In addition, note if you do install a clean dist file in a JACE-603 or JACE-645, you cannot directly recommission it for Niagara R2, that is, using the procedures in this document. Instead, you must first install NiagaraAX build 3.6.44 or later in the unit, using the platform Commissioning Wizard in Niagara Workbench. Following the subsequent reboot of the JACE, you can then commission it for Niagara R2. For example, starting with Open a platform connection.
Backups

Click this to point to the Workbench PC’s folder for storing backups. By default this is the backups folder under the Niagara Workbench release directory (as shown in Figure 31). If needed, you can further use the Choose Directory button (and dialog) to make new subfolder targets.
Install

Enabled only if you select (click) a dist file in the view. When you install a dist file, a wizard with a series of dialogs informs you of any module dependencies, along with a confirmation dialog that the current station must be stopped. You are also asked if you want to retain the JACE’s current TCP/IP settings, or instead use those TCP/IP settings saved in the backup file.

After affirming, dialogs keep you informed of progress as the backup is restored in the JACE. The backup install ends with a JACE reboot, and the platform connection is dropped.

For further details on the Distribution File Installer (although specific to NiagaraAX platforms), refer to the “Distribution File Installer” section in the NiagaraAX Platform Guide.