Firmware Support Problem

[R0b0tek 0]

I have a Compact Logix L24ER-QBIB currently running on one of our machines. I need to upload the program to edit this but I am having problems.

I can see the controller on RS_Linx and on the communications menu in 5000 to begin the upload but it errors out (controller is running firmware version 23.12 and I need to install support for this firmware version) I am running version 20.03 with logix5000 and I currently have up to v24 for studio5000.

When I check the inventory list in control flash the firmware version is there for this controller.

My experience with changing firmware versions in controllers and support for this in logix is limited at best.

Can any one point me to the right direction from here. I don't need to change the firmware here. I just need to connect.

Thanks 

 

[kaiser_will 65]

Most current Allen-Bradley controls utilize ControlFlash for managing firmware.  It has been 7 years since I wrote this Work Instruction for CompactLogix firmware upgrading, so some of the steps may be different.

The number one lesson with A-B/Rockwell firmware flashing...if using USB as your communication method, do NOT disrupt the time consuming flashing as this will often "brick" the processor and you will have to replace it.  I have experienced my screen saver coming on, disrupting the USB connection, and that is all she said.

Download from A-B/Rockwell the proper ControlFlash patch, first.

Work_Instruction_-_Allen-Bradley_CompactLogix_Firmware_Upgrade[1].doc

[Joe E. 259]

If you can get v23 installed on your PC, I would go that route first.  Remember that flashing the firmware will wipe the processor clean, removing all code and data.  You want to be sure of your backup before you flash it.

[pcmccartney1 141]

To Joe's and Will's points, you are better off getting your RSL5k upto the correct level.  The firmware upgrade/downgrade will wipe the program.

Quote, unquote....the Rockwell recommended method of firmware upgrade is by Serial DF1 or USB, dependent on processor.

I usual get the IP assigned to the processor via either connection method and then do the firmware upgrade via Ethernet for speed.  In all those years the only processor's (i.e "bricked" I had any issue with were the L4x series, but that was eventually resolved by Rockwell.

[Filthy McNasty 28]

I've always fount that flashing through the USB connector on the front of an L8X CPU or EN2T comm module to be about 10% faster than flashing through the Ethernet

port of a ENBT/EN2T.

If memory serves, a product specialist mentioned that the USB was a direct pipeline to the chassis foregoing much of the circuitry in a comm module  

[pcmccartney1 141]

Filthy,

 

My old habits die hard...

Do you work in a VMWare environment?  Any tricks for getting the USB, along with driver and it's setup?  By the time I get done fiddling around getting the driver in the base OS and the USB port passed or connected to the VM, I give up and go with EtherNet.

[kaiser_will 65]

PCMCARTNEY1...I have a large Word file honey pot with steps and screenshots for VMware Workstation & Allen-Bradley support.  If you have interest, message me your email and I will DropBox it for you (it is too big to upload).  I love love the VMware environment for A-B support, but there are a number of sticky points that have to be dealt with properly (licensing, port sharing, USB-to-Serial converters, etc.)