S7-1214C Firmware Version

Hi All,

I have a client with an installed base of S7-1214C PLCs

(S7-1214C AC/DC/RLY 6ES7 214-1BG40-0XB0). However, it's not clear which firmware is shipped on a particular unit and this is having an impact on providing software updates. For example, on the one unit I have S7-1214C AC/DC/RLY 6ES7 214-1BG40-0XB0   FS:10 2018; I believe it's loaded with 4.2.3. However this unit is experiencing a loss of load memory and I'm unable to reset it to factory. I know there are about 3 different memory sizes with this unit and several other enhancements along the way. Hence the difficulty in providing software updates!

Anybody able to shed some light on this?

Thanks,

Simon

I've got TIA Basic V14 SP1 and V15.1

I was able to reset it a couple of times but can't recall the exact steps I took!

huggy_d1

For the load memory / cannot reset to factory defaults problem, 2 things:

1. Submit a Siemens Support Request with all the details so they are aware of this problem with that part # and firmware combination.  They may be aware and have a patch available to fix it, but only on-demand (as needed).

2. Are they using the TIA Automation Tool to manage the PLCs?  It does not care what version of Portal is installed.  It can gather details on each PLC as well as perform a factory reset.  It may be able to do that even when TIA Portal cannot.

 I also tried using the automation tool and it reports that it reset it, but it did NOT!

I have submitted a request.

I may well have a defective PLC! (As robust as the Siemens PLCs are, bad stuff happens)

Simon

The odd thing is that I was able to reset it to factory 2 times and it would run for a period of time. So I think there maybe a program error if the OB1 was 'upgraded' from a version 3 program as opposed to completely rewriting the OB1 as recommended. If I can manage to reset it again, I will install a completely fresh simple program without any old stuff. Maybe a runaway program writes to the load memory and destroys it. I know that is a programming issue you should be aware of. Since there are 3 memory sizes for the same product I'm suspicious that maybe a program is overwriting the load memory. Not knowing how the low level boot-loader works on it, but getting the correct, factory firmware installed would be a good start! That said, it's still in warranty and I shouldn't turn it in to a time waster!

huggy_d1

I have had more than one s7-1200 PLC fail after working great for many years.

Almost every single time it was a power outage, spike, or lightning strike in the area.

Once it was user error.  Someone installed a DC/DC/DC where an AC/DC/DC PLC was and powered it right up without thinking.

Poof.  Gone gone .... gone! 

Simon Gibson.

...I have submitted a request.

I may well have a defective PLC! (As robust as the Siemens PLCs are, bad stuff happens)

Simon