The ABB FlexPendant SDK cannot be developed with Visual Studio 2019 under the stated platform constraints. The FlexPendant device uses Windows CE 6 and .NET Compact Framework 3.5; Microsoft supports that Compact Framework toolchain in Visual Studio 2008, not in later Visual Studio releases.
Root cause
This is a development-tool compatibility limitation, not evidence of a project-code or robot-controller fault. Visual Studio 2019 does not support the .NET Compact Framework 3.5 environment required by the Windows CE 6-based FlexPendant platform.
Development environment compatibility
| Component | Evidence-supported requirement |
|---|---|
| FlexPendant operating platform | Windows CE 6 |
| Application framework | .NET Compact Framework 3.5 |
| Supported IDE | Visual Studio 2008 |
| Visual Studio 2019 | Unsupported because Compact Framework support was not continued in later Visual Studio versions |
The evidence does not identify the affected FlexPendant SDK release, controller model, or firmware revision. Confirm those details in the release notes supplied with the installed SDK before changing an existing engineering workstation.
Resolution procedure
- Install Visual Studio 2008, or reinstall it if the required development environment is no longer available.
- Use Visual Studio 2008 for the FlexPendant project instead of Visual Studio 2019.
- Keep the project targeted to the stated .NET Compact Framework 3.5 environment; do not treat migration to a later desktop .NET target as an equivalent fix.
Verification
Verify that the project opens and builds through the Visual Studio 2008 Compact Framework toolchain. If it still fails, capture the exact build or deployment error and confirm that the project targets .NET Compact Framework 3.5; the supplied evidence does not establish any additional product-specific cause.
FAQ
Can I use the FlexPendant SDK with Visual Studio 2019?
No. The stated FlexPendant platform requires .NET Compact Framework 3.5, which is supported by Visual Studio 2008 rather than Visual Studio 2019.
Which Visual Studio version supports FlexPendant development?
Use Visual Studio 2008 for the Windows CE 6 and .NET Compact Framework 3.5 environment described in the release notes.
Why does a FlexPendant project fail in newer Visual Studio versions?
Microsoft did not continue .NET Compact Framework support after Visual Studio 2008. Install or reinstall Visual Studio 2008 and build the project with that toolchain.