Siemens OP 27 Communication Problems

Hello,

I have a Simatic OP 27 connected via MPI to an S7(315 cpu), which inconsistantly will make communication with each other. Our equipment is not 100% dependant on the OP, however we are not able to calibrate or view any input signals without it. I have tried different things to aliviate the problem such as: changed the MPI cable and connectors, checked port settings, changed backup batteries, and cleaned the dust from the units. What we experience is not a communication fault, but the OP never completes the startup sequence. It tries to re-establish communication with the PLC continualy by in my estimation "rebooting". I am wondering if anyone has experienced this problem and if so, what was the remedy? I have contacted the machine manufacturer, but since the OP 27 is no longer manufactured, they want us to upgrade to the OP 270, which I believe is out of service as well. If this is the only course of action, are there any other sugestions for HMI's that would work with the programming in the S7. I would rather not have to reprogram the entire system, as I do not have any of the originals.

Regards,

Dean Javens

As you describe it, it sounds like the OP27 is about to bite the dust.
The current replacement for the OP27 is OP277-6. It should be possible to migrate it reasonably easy. In any case, you need the original Protool project.

Buy a second hand OP 27. But you still have the trouble of moving your program to the new one...