Question about PLC cards

Hello friends, how are you? This is a general question and I´d like your help.

I work with some machines with plcs s7300, s71200 and s71500. Some of them, sometimes, come with MMC inserted and sometimes some of them simply don´t.

I´d like to understand better about the card.

1) When it doesn´t come with the card, it means the software is in the PLC memory, right? What´s the benefit TO NOT USE the card? In case the plc needs a software upgrade, it can only be done by connecting (in place or remotely) directly to the plc?

2) When PLC comes with the card, the software is in the plc OR in the card? Or both? What´s the benefit TO USE the card? In case the plc needs a software upgrade, it can be done only sending the file and recording it to the MMC? Or should it be done by connecting (in place or remotely) directly to the plc?

3) Can you choose when programming in TIA PORTAL if the software will be recorded to the PLC memory or the MMC card?

4) How to record an MMC? Is it necessary the PLC or can it be done on windows? I believe something changed for the new s71500 right?

5) What´s best? Use or NOT use the card? Thinking about maintenance, upgrades, etc.

Thank you very much for your time answering these questions. BR. :)

Hello,

First off all I think better use memory card if you need later do maintenance or upgrades and don't whant go to location directly. You can just send file to vendor and thats all.

also read this topic with good solution TIP:S7-1500 Memory concepts

Example: if PLC broken, vendor buy new one PLC insert old memory card and machine work again.

If you whant to see how to transfer program to memory card watch video HERE

Mr.V

Hello,

First off all I think better use memory card if you need later do maintenance or upgrades and don't whant go to location directly. You can just send file to vendor and thats all.

also read this topic with good solution TIP:S7-1500 Memory concepts

Example: if PLC broken, vendor buy new one PLC insert old memory card and machine work again.

If you whant to see how to transfer program to memory card watch video HERE

 Hello, thanks for your answer...

So, MMC is better specially for maintenance, ok! Like the video shows, we grag the project to the CARD, so program will be in the card.

1) Should we "record" the program also in the PLC memory or only in the CARD? 

2) The PLC will "pull" the program from the card to run it? If you remove the card it stops or keep running?

Yes, MMC is better specially for maintenance,

1. No just do download program via TIA Portal to PLC  and it will write to MMC, so PLC read project from MMC.

2. Never try pull out MMC from working PLC it can damaged. In manual writes first turn off PLC then remove card and vise versa then power off insert card and then power on PLC

Also never try to format Siemens memory card with your computer it will be damaged for all time and PLC don't recognize memory card any more. If you need format Siemens memory card you can do via PLC or TIA.