Which version of Step 7 do I need?

[strantor]

I'm a Field Service Technician, with a laptop running XP SP3. I have run into a couple of jobs where I needed to go online with a Siemens PLC but did not have the software. I have gotten the green light from my boss to get the software, but he's left it to me to find out the proper software package to buy. When I search my local Siemens distributor for "Step 7" I get 61 results, ranging from <$100 to >$4000, and I have no idea which one I need. I have used Step 7 and WinCC before with a previous employer, but I did not source that software and do not remember what package it was.

What I need is a version of S7 that will work with my laptop and let me go online/edit just about any Siemens PLC that I might come across in the field (very vague, I know). I don't know what add-ons or big packages that might require. Can somebody throw me a bone? what should I be looking for?

Thank you.

 

[geniusintraining]

You should call your local rep... it also depends on the CPU's

Are they 300's ? if there are any 1200's or 200's then you will need different software

I use..
MicroWin SP8/SP9 for 200's http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/4071683

TIA Portal V12 for 1200's http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/43382609

V5.5 for 300's and 400's http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/43346624

I use Pro in them but I think you maybe able to get buy with a lesser version

 

[PeterW]

I'm afraid your not going to get an all in one package.

If the PLC is a S7-200 PLC then you will need MicroWin (should be able to get this from your rep for free).

If it is a S7-300/400 then it is likely to be classic Step-7 Simatic Manager. I believe the latest is V5.5


A new PLC of the S7-1200 or S7-1500 range would need TIA Portal.

S7-300 and S7-400 PLC's can use TIA Portal, but the program would need to be converted and you would need a copy of classic on your machine to do the convert.