Help connecting to a Simatic S7-300

Hello,

I'm very inexperienced with Siemens PLC. Almost all my experience is working with Allen Bradley RSLogix 500, 5000.I have a Siemens Simatic S7-300 for one machine and I'd like to connect to it to do basic troubleshooting.

I'm at a lost almost immediately. First, I downloaded Step 7 v3 but it won't install on Windows 7 and I cannot find a link for 5.5 anywhere on Siemens web site.

Second, I'm not sure how to connect physically. I believe there is a RS232 outlet where the Profibus connects, as the Ethernet slot is already used. Does any have any information on what cable I need to obtain?

Lastly, if I ever get to that point, are there any good resources on what I need to do to connect? Change IP address, which menu button connects, etc.

Thank you in advance,

Craig Aubuchon

Hello Craig;

Welcome to the Siemens S7 world.

Sorry if this answer is long and complex, but you really are asking for a lot of information.

I am not sure you could upgrade a version 3.x of Step 7 to v5.5; in any case you could ask Siemens Support about it, use the mySupport link at the top of this page and open a Support Request. That is always a good way to go if you have an insurmountable problem with Siemens documentation (but you will find that most of what you need is available through this site, basically).

You will find the Search box at the top of this page to be one of the most useful tools when you nead a document, a manual, an application note or any type of support on S7 hardware and programming. Do not hesitate to use it. Try it now, look for Step 7 v5.5 for example.

If no upgrade is available for the software you have, then Step 7 v 5.5 must be purchased. Ask a Siemens rep. near you for the part number and cost. Also ask him for the PC Adapter USB A2 cable (6GK1571-0BA00-0AA0) in order to connect the programming PC with the PLC (this was your second point).

Another option you could look at to program the S7-300 PLC would be TIA Portal, a recent development for programming Siemens PLCs (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500) and HMIs. You could discuss this also with your local Siemens rep.

To familiarize yourself with their programming environments (both step 7 and TIA Portal) Siemens offers tutorials that I can heartily recommend to any beginner (use the Classic Modules link for Step 7 v5):

https://www.automation.siemens.com/mcms/sce/en/advanced_training/training_material/download_training_material/a_basics_step7_programming/Pages/Default.aspx

And there are a number of video tutorials available on the web, see this thread:

Video tutorials on STEP 7

Now, for basic manuals for Step 7 v5.5:

The Getting Started manual for Step 7 is “SIMATIC Working with STEP 7 V5.5”:

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531551

A more complete document, once you get the basics: “ SIMATIC Programming with STEP 7 V5.5”

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531107

For communications with a S7 PLC (your third point): “SIMATIC Configuring Hardware and Communication Connections STEP 7 V5.5”

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531110

I have a feeling this should be enough for a first glance at the S7 environment. Do not hesitate to come back if (and when) you need additional information.

Hope this helps,

Daniel Chartier

Hello Craig;

Welcome to the Siemens S7 world.

Sorry if this answer is long and complex, but you really are asking for a lot of information.

I am not sure you could upgrade a version 3.x of Step 7 to v5.5; in any case you could ask Siemens Support about it, use the mySupport link at the top of this page and open a Support Request. That is always a good way to go if you have an insurmountable problem with Siemens documentation (but you will find that most of what you need is available through this site, basically).

You will find the Search box at the top of this page to be one of the most useful tools when you nead a document, a manual, an application note or any type of support on S7 hardware and programming. Do not hesitate to use it. Try it now, look for Step 7 v5.5 for example.

If no upgrade is available for the software you have, then Step 7 v 5.5 must be purchased. Ask a Siemens rep. near you for the part number and cost. Also ask him for the PC Adapter USB A2 cable (6GK1571-0BA00-0AA0) in order to connect the programming PC with the PLC (this was your second point).

Another option you could look at to program the S7-300 PLC would be TIA Portal, a recent development for programming Siemens PLCs (S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200 and S7-1500) and HMIs. You could discuss this also with your local Siemens rep.

To familiarize yourself with their programming environments (both step 7 and TIA Portal) Siemens offers tutorials that I can heartily recommend to any beginner (use the Classic Modules link for Step 7 v5):

https://www.automation.siemens.com/mcms/sce/en/advanced_training/training_material/download_training_material/a_basics_step7_programming/Pages/Default.aspx

And there are a number of video tutorials available on the web, see this thread:

Video tutorials on STEP 7

Now, for basic manuals for Step 7 v5.5:

The Getting Started manual for Step 7 is “SIMATIC Working with STEP 7 V5.5”:

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531551

A more complete document, once you get the basics: “ SIMATIC Programming with STEP 7 V5.5”

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531107

For communications with a S7 PLC (your third point): “SIMATIC Configuring Hardware and Communication Connections STEP 7 V5.5”

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/45531110

I have a feeling this should be enough for a first glance at the S7 environment. Do not hesitate to come back if (and when) you need additional information.

Good for You