When click on download to device it says cpu firmware not compatible

Hi I'm new but was wondering if anyone could help me.

I've got tia version 14 

when I click on download to device it says cpu firmware not compatible the firmware versions available to me are v2.2.   v2.1.   and v2.0

I've got a plc cpu 1211c dc/dc/dc

and the firmware version is on the plc is v1.0.01

I thought Siemens tia is backwards compatible and I'm stuck what to do next if any kind soul could help.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Split from how can i check my s1200 plc firmware?.

1. you need to upgrade the PLC Firmware to the latest / newest you can.
2. The PLC in your TIA Project hast to match with the one you have - order number and Firmware
   the Firmware on your PLC hast to be newer than the on in TIA!
   
   

so in order for me to update the firmware to v2.2 I first need to download a copy of the older version 1.0.01from Siemens onto tia somehow? To get access to the plc (make compatible) then it would let me upgrade to version 2.2

is a special Siemens SIM card needed for me to do that?

I see three options

One is using a SMC - Simatic Memory Card 

the Second is, the online view in TIA for reachable devices

Ans the third is zur SAT - Siemens Automation Tool

These are the possible methods to Download a Firmware into a PLC

mikev14

is a special Siemens SIM card needed for me to do that?

Yes. Special memory card that looks like SD card.

Updating the firmware will not make it possible for TIA V14 to upload the program.

RedCali

I see three options

One is using a SMC - Simatic Memory Card 

the Second is, the online view in TIA for reachable devices

Ans the third is zur SAT - Siemens Automation Tool

These are the possible methods to Download a Firmware into a PLC

Three options for which task exactly?
Updating the firmware for firmware prior to firmware V3.0 can only be done from the memory card (the mentioned SMC).

Updating the firmware does have the possibility to wipe the program.

So even if I bought a smc and updated the firmware its would never be possible to access this plc to program it. with Tia v14 would Tia 11 be the solution

sorry for so many questions i'm just a novice, i'm only trying to have a tinker,in my garage

And thanks for taking the time to reply.

mikev14

So even if I bought a smc and updated the firmware its would never be possible to access this plc to program it. with Tia v14 would Tia 11 be the solution

sorry for so many questions i'm just a novice, i'm only trying to have a tinker,in my garage

And thanks for taking the time to reply.

 Have I misunderstood your question? - sorry.

If you are not worried about keeping the program that is inside the PLC, then there is a way. Follow the idea of RedCali.

* Buy an SMC card from Siemens.
(Careful - these are expensive)
NEVER!! format this card in your computer.
The card becomes useless if you format the card.

* Use a blank SMC to wipe the existing program and whatever password from the PLC. Simply place the card inside the switched off PLC and switch power back on. Do not be in a hurry. Consult the manual for details.

* Move the SMC to the SD card slot on your PC. Load the V2.2 firmware in the SMC card. You can get the firmware from Siemens site if you are vetted for legally "importing". See the web site for details on how to load the firmware.

* Put the SMC inside the switched off PLC and switch the power back on. Do not be in a hurry - this does take a long time. Consult the PLC manual for details.

* Switch power off on the PLC and pull out the card when all are done.

* You can now use the 1st generation PLC with the TIA Portal V14 software. Be warned - functionality is limited in comparing with now firmware version 4.2. Using TIA V14 does not add functionality to the PLC.

***

Alternative is to ask a friendly person at the nearest Siemens distributor to help upgrade the PLC. They might even do it for free.

***

Next alternative - install TIA V11 using the license from V14. There are functions available that can wipe the PLC from its program and reset to  factory settings. It is not always successful but it is worth the try.

***

Next idea - get another PLC. At least a firmware V3. The hardware is more reliable and functionality is at a very good level.

CJ4

mikev14

is a special Siemens SIM card needed for me to do that?

Yes. Special memory card that looks like SD card.

Updating the firmware will not make it possible for TIA V14 to upload the program.

 

RedCali

I see three options

One is using a SMC - Simatic Memory Card 

the Second is, the online view in TIA for reachable devices

Ans the third is zur SAT - Siemens Automation Tool

These are the possible methods to Download a Firmware into a PLC

Three options for which task exactly?
Updating the firmware for firmware prior to firmware V3.0 can only be done from the memory card (the mentioned SMC).

Updating the firmware does have the possibility to wipe the program.

 Thanks for the hind, i didn't recognize that SAT can't do a firmware update on older PLC's..... :-(