Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 5AP981.1505-01 |
| Manufacturer | B&R Industrial Automation |
| Display Size / Type | 15″ XGA Color TFT |
| Touchscreen Type | Analog Resistive |
| Front Protection | IP65 |
| Power Supply | 24 VDC |
| Key Layout | 12 Soft Keys, 20 Function Keys, 92 System Keys |
| Communication | 3x USB 2.0 Interfaces |
| Expansion Slot | Automation Panel Link Slot |
| Cooling Method | Fanless Operation |
Product Introduction
I’ve spent countless hours troubleshooting machines where the operator couldn’t reach the screen because their hands were covered in grease. That’s exactly why panels like the B&R 5AP981.1505-01 were built. It’s a 15-inch XGA display that doesn’t rely solely on glass; it gives operators 92 system keys, 20 function keys, and 12 soft keys to physically interact with the machine. In a dusty, vibrating factory floor, physical buttons beat a touchscreen every single time.Engineers keep hunting for this specific AP981 model because it’s a fanless, 24 VDC workhorse that just refuses to die. The IP65 front panel rating means you can wash it down or run it in a damp environment without watching the backlight short out. My only gripe with these older units is that the analog resistive screen requires actual pressure. If your stylus is worn out or you’re pressing with the back of your glove, it might not register. But when the hardware is intact, it’s a bulletproof interface.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
We don’t trust these legacy panels to just “work.” Every 5AP981.1505-01 gets a thorough inspection before it leaves our bench. We start with a visual check for cracked glass or corroded USB ports. Then, we power it up on a 24 VDC test supply and verify the TFT backlight is even. Finally, we use a stylus to map every single one of those 124 physical keys and test the resistive touch grid across all four corners to ensure there are no dead zones.Here is where guys get burned: mixing up hardware revisions. B&R released multiple HWX upgrades for the AP900 series over the years, and mixing an old panel with a newer APC system unit (or vice versa) can cause USB allocation failures between GPOS and RTOS. I once saw a tech spend three days chasing a ghost communication fault, only to realize his panel firmware was three versions behind his controller. Always photograph the data tag on the back of the panel before you pull it. If you skip that step, you’re flying blind.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ DISCONNECT 24 VDC POWER. Take a high-resolution photo of the back of the panel, specifically the hardware revision sticker and the Automation Panel Link slot orientation. Verify your power supply is regulated 24 VDC; dirty power will fry the backlight inverter.
- Removal: Disconnect the 3 USB 2.0 cables and the Panel Link cable. Release the DIN clips or unscrew the front panel mounting bolts. Carefully pull the panel straight out to avoid bending the connector pins.
- Installation: VERIFY THE HARDWARE UPGRADE VERSION. Before seating the new 5AP981.1505-01, confirm its HWX revision matches your system controller. Slide it into the cutout, secure the mounting hardware evenly to maintain the IP65 seal, and reconnect the cables. Do not overtighten the USB connectors.
- Power-On & Testing: Apply 24 VDC and watch the boot sequence. Check the B&R Panel Designer software to verify the touchscreen calibration and ensure all 124 keys are registering correctly in the diagnostics menu.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Model | Compatibility Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B&R 5AP981.1505-01 | ✅ Drop-in Replacement | Exact original model. Direct mechanical and electrical match. |
| B&R 5AP980.1505-01 | ⚠️ Software Compatible | Same 15″ XGA form factor, but different key layout. Requires recompiling the visualization in Automation Studio. |
| B&R 5AP920.1505-01 | ⚠️ Software Compatible | Touch-only variant without the extensive physical keys. Requires reworking the HMI logic to add on-screen buttons. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a standard capacitive touchscreen glove with this panel?
No. The 5AP981.1505-01 uses an analog resistive touchscreen. It relies on physical pressure pushing two conductive layers together, not the electrical capacitance of your finger. You can use any glove, a stylus, or even a plastic pen.Is this panel compatible with newer B&R APC controllers?
It can be, but you must verify the hardware upgrade (HWX) versions. B&R explicitly warns against mixing old and new HWX upgrades for AP900 panels and APC system units, as it can break USB allocation between the real-time and general-purpose operating systems. Check your firmware first.How do I clean the IP65 front panel safely?
Use a damp cloth with mild soap or standard industrial glass cleaner. Avoid high-pressure water jets directly against the bezel edges, as that can eventually compromise the gasket seal over time. Never use harsh solvents like acetone on the plastic frame.What happens if the resistive touch stops responding in the corners?
That usually means the analog touch controller has drifted or the screen edges are physically damaged. First, run the calibration utility in B&R Panel Designer. If it still fails, the internal touch membrane is likely worn out and the panel needs replacement.Does this unit have an internal battery for the RTC?
Yes, like most legacy B&R panels, it has an internal coin cell to maintain the real-time clock. If your panel keeps losing the time and date after a power cycle, that battery is dead. It’s not a fatal error, but it will cause timestamp issues in your data logging.
