Firmware matching

[prabbit 1]

Hi everybody,

I just need help on how to match the controller firmware version with my software. My software version is version 32 and the controller that I need work on has version 24. Is there a safe procedure to do these without messing up the controller original program?

Thank you.

Onil

[Cannonier10 3]

Something to keep in mind is that some devices firmware have to match the firmware in the controller.  For instance if you are using SERCOS drives, the SERCOS card's firmware has to match the firmware in the controller. 

It sounds like this is a PLC that has probably been in place for awhile.  I would hesitate to update the firmware initially.  My first thought would be to install Studio v24 and let the PLC stay the same.  I have many versions of Studio and RSLogix installed on my machine because of this, since I know sometimes bad things happen with firmware updates.  You can download any version of Studio or RSLogix from the Rockwell website.

If you need to update the firmware I would make sure I had the original program backed up, I would look for any firmware dependancies, and I would make sure I had a spare controller if I needed it.  Honestly that would be my backup plan though.  Should be fine, but you never know.

Depends on your situation too...is this PLC in a machine that is spitting out product, or is it sitting on a desk somewhere.  If it's in a machine, I would leave it at v24.  If it's on your desk...well that's up too you lol.

-Cannon

Edited 22 Oct 2020 by Cannonier10

[pcmccartney1 141]

Install v24 of RSLogix 5000.

[prabbit 1]

5 hours ago, Cannonier10 said:

Something to keep in mind is that some devices firmware have to match the firmware in the controller.  For instance if you are using SERCOS drives, the SERCOS card's firmware has to match the firmware in the controller. 

It sounds like this is a PLC that has probably been in place for awhile.  I would hesitate to update the firmware initially.  My first thought would be to install Studio v24 and let the PLC stay the same.  I have many versions of Studio and RSLogix installed on my machine because of this, since I know sometimes bad things happen with firmware updates.  You can download any version of Studio or RSLogix from the Rockwell website.

If you need to update the firmware I would make sure I had the original program backed up, I would look for any firmware dependancies, and I would make sure I had a spare controller if I needed it.  Honestly that would be my backup plan though.  Should be fine, but you never know.

Depends on your situation too...is this PLC in a machine that is spitting out product, or is it sitting on a desk somewhere.  If it's in a machine, I would leave it at v24.  If it's on your desk...well that's up too you lol.

-Cannon

This machine is on production floor and running almost 24/7. Is there any requirement to download lower versions from Rockwell website?

[prabbit 1]

5 hours ago, pcmccartney1 said:

Install v24 of RSLogix 5000.

Do I need to pay for V24? What is the requirement to download?

[Joe E. 259]

You shouldn't have to pay anything to get it. Just go to the downloads section of Rockwell's website and type in your version's serial number and key.

[prabbit 1]

On 10/23/2020 at 9:53 AM, Joe E. said:

You shouldn't have to pay anything to get it. Just go to the downloads section of Rockwell's website and type in your version's serial number and key.

Joe E.,

Thank you so much I was able to download 2 versions and the installation works good but I had to uninstall first the FactoryTalk Linx.

[Joe E. 259]

I'm not really surprised you had to uninstall FT Linx. It's installed with FT View Studio (for Panelview Plus HMIs and their site edition for SCADA systems) and doesn't play nicely with RSLinx, which installs with all of the PLC software packages (RSLogix 5, 500, 5000, Studio 5000). I had numerous issues when I had them installed on the same PC, so I've had them on separate virtual machines for almost a decade now.

I'm glad you got it working!