Newbie, horrified and afraid, Siemens may be a Black Hole?

[Lamboom]

I purchased some Siemens equipment less than 2 years ago. Step 7 1200 stuff (CPU, HMI, TIA 11 SP1) Looked like great stuff, and I had grand expectations. Got committed to the education necessary to make it all work. Then discovered an I/O module I wanted to add, wasn't in the catalog of TIA 11 SP1.

No problem, I'll update to SP2 ..Then, just to be sure, I'll update the TIA to V11 SP2 Update 5! .. life would certainly now have meaning. But nooooooo ... Turns out, my "vintage" 1212C AC/DC/Rly CPU Firmware version 2.01 was not quite working with the new fixes to the updated TIA.

No Problem, I'll update the firmware of the CPU. All it would take is $350 for the 24Mb MMC (something SanDisk sells for $16) to get it to Version 2.2 … Which might not be good enough for the updated TIA? Oh, and you can't take it to version 3 by the way, .. for that you would have to buy another CPU. (At least it's cheaper than the MMC)

Now, I'm wondering if the new SM-1223 I/O signal module is going to be "compatible" with the ancient Version 2.01 CPU (remember it wasn't on the TIA V11 SP1 catalog)

And… what would happen if today, I purchased a new I/O board .. like SB 1223 (2)24vdc In/(2) 24vdc Out .. will that require a new 1212C CPU, version 4.. which requires TIA V13 ….

You can see where I'm going here … Should I just purchase a Delta Motion Controller RMC75 .. and bypass all requirements for a PLC ... Are my fears justified, or am I just over reacting to Siemens continuing desire to change everything, and complicate equipment compatibility?

 

[JRW]

Have you contacted your distributor?
Is that who you bought the 1200 from?
It's their job to help you

 

[Mike_RH]

As JRW said - Call your distributor, they should have an Automation Specialist who should help you.

 

[Lancie1]

If you are doing motion control, get the Delta and make your life easier.

 

[JRW]

Yep
A 1200 is not a motion controller
And not 300 bucks like this 1200 costs

 

[Mark-]

If you are doing motion control, get the Delta and make your life easier.

Plus, Delta Computer Systems provides excellent support.

 

[PLC]

The last RMC I used programmed itself


I think Lamboom has some work to do
http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?t=89482

 

[Lamboom]

You guys are funny.... I can do this without a PLC.. But, I wanted to try.. It's not as bad as I thought .. I have just received great help from the Distributor ... In the end.. I will use a RMC100 ('cause I can afford that on eBay .. .. I was mistaken about the limitations of the TIA portals .. they are apparently backward compatible ... and there are some updates for the hardware catalog on earlier versions of TIA so "some" newer equipment can be included in the older programming ... Thanks for all the comments, I had hopes it wasn't as bad as i thought ... Regards, Michael

 

[Peter Nachtwey]

I copied this link and sent an ATTA Boy to our people. It is wonderful to see the recommendations.

The RMC100 isn't near as capable as a RMC75. The RMC75 often is used without a PLC connected directly to an HMI. The RMC100 isn't as programmable. The RMC100 may work depending on the application but there is a world of difference between a RMC75 and RMC100 when it comes to processing power, memory and flexibility of the software.

For simple point to point applications and sequencing the RMC100 should work.

Peter Nachtwey
President Delta Computer Systems, Inc.

 

[Lamboom]

Hi Peter .. I'm always looking for a RMC75 .. in the last 2 months I've seen (2) on eBay .. but I want quad. That may be asking to much from eBay.
The RMC 100 (I already have one)will work just fine.. but, it is limited somewhat, and the RMC75 would do everything ... For now, I can wait. when I'm finished playing with the Siemens equipment .. I'm off to do your on-line class.. perhaps early next year. Regards, Michael

 

[Peter Nachtwey]

It sounds like an upgrade of the CPU from a RMC100 to a RMC150 would be ideal.
A lot depends on the application as to whether it is necessary or not.

 

[Lamboom]

Hi again.. it is necessary.. but not affordable ... perhaps next year