How to Upgrade Siemens S7 Classic Software to TIA V12-V18: Import Legacy Programs to S7 1200/1500 Platform

Question:

Hello Siemens users, this message is specifically for you. We have some legacy software for the S7 300s that have been maintained and are still functioning well in many machines. We have now transitioned to using the S7 1200/1500 platform. Is there a way to import the old classic program into TIA and upgrade the classic project to work with the newer versions? I have Classic 5.6 sp2 and TIA V12-V18 at my disposal. I'm sure many of you have encountered this issue before.

Top Replies

Access the Portal and navigate to the Portal View. From there, click on the Start button and look for the Migrate Project option in the submenu. This tool serves as an importer and converter for projects from Simatic Manager. While there may be mixed reviews about its effectiveness, it can still provide you with a starting point for your work.

It's important to note that certain older versions of S7 300/400 firmware may not be fully compatible with TIA (Totally Integrated Automation). I encountered this issue a few years ago with S7 v3.xx, which was not compatible with Windows 7. As recommended, I purchased TIA, only to find out that the hardware for the 300/400 series was not supported. While I could load and go online to monitor, editing and downloading were not possible. Ultimately, I had to invest in S7 v5.xx to ensure compatibility with TIA. Therefore, it is crucial to verify that your firmware is compatible with TIA before proceeding.

The Portal software primarily supports hardware that was active as of October 1, 2007, excluding certain models such as 300T, 300 soft redundancy, and 400H, as well as older Flex panels. There may be other exceptions not listed. It is common for a system migration to fail due to an outdated IO card in the system. The migration log can be used to identify the issue. The recommended approach is to attempt a hardware migration first, and if unsuccessful, proceed with a software-only migration. While this may bypass some difficulties, it may require rebuilding the hardware from scratch and potentially replacing physical modules to ensure compatibility. Before attempting a migration, it is important to perform a consistency check and compile in version 5.6 to address any issues. Utilizing this tool is often overlooked in Classic, and projects with inconsistencies cannot be imported.

If you currently have operational machinery, it's best to continue utilizing Simatic Manager for your S7-300 systems. However, considering a migration to S7-1500 is advisable if you plan on upgrading or replacing your existing S7-300 setup. Make sure to carefully evaluate your options before making any changes to your automation systems.

mk42 emphasized the importance of conducting a consistency check and compilation in v5.6 before embarking on a migration process. This tool, often overlooked in Classic, is crucial as projects with inconsistencies cannot be imported. It's a critical step that should not be neglected before attempting any migration.

Indeed, I've faced a similar challenge when our plant transitioned from the S7 300s to the newer 1200/1500 platform. You can actually import projects from Step 7 Classic into TIA Portal, but there are few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you’ve saved your classic project as an archive (*.s7p format) to make it importable. You can do this from the 'File' menu in Simatic Manager. Then, in TIA Portal, you can open that archive via the 'Retrieve' option. Be aware though, because the conversion isn't perfect, you may need to debug some issues after importing - especially for complex programs. Lastly, ensure you're using a version of TIA Portal that supports the target PLC's firmware version. Some newer versions support older PLCs but it's always good practice to double-check. Hope this helps!

Yes, there is a way to import S7-300/400 programs into TIA Portal. You can use the 'Migrate project version...' feature in TIA Portal to upgrade the project and make it compatible with S7-1200/1500s. The important point is to ensure that your blocks and IOs are compatible and well configured. However, keep in mind that some functions may not convert perfectly and you'll need to manually tune them according to newer functionalities. Also, it's a good idea to simulate the converted project before deploying it commercially.

Hey! I’ve faced a similar situation when upgrading from S7 300 to the TIA Portal. While you can’t directly import the old Classic project, Siemens offers tools to help with the migration process. You might want to start by using the migration tool within TIA, which can assist in converting your old code. Just keep in mind that some functions and libraries might require adjustments to work with the newer architecture. It’s definitely a bit of a learning curve, but worth it for the benefits of the newer platform! Good luck!

Hey there! I’ve dealt with similar transitions in the past, and while TIA Portal doesn't support direct import of S7 Classic projects, you can still migrate your logic manually. A good start is to analyze your existing block programs and replicate the logic in TIA, using the newer S7-1200/1500 functionalities to optimize the process. Additionally, keep an eye out for any specific functions or instructions that might not be available and consider alternative ways to achieve the same results. I found that having both software versions open simultaneously helps with referencing while recreating the versions in TIA. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Can I import legacy S7 300 software into TIA V12-V18 for S7 1200/1500 platforms?

Answer: - Yes, it is possible to import old classic programs from S7 300s into TIA and upgrade them to work with newer S7 1200/1500 platforms.

FAQ: 2. What versions of software are required for this upgrade process?

Answer: - You will need Classic 5.6 sp2 and TIA V12-V18 to import and upgrade the legacy programs successfully.

FAQ: 3. Have others faced the same issue of transitioning from S7 300 to S7 1200/1500 platforms?

Answer: - Yes, many users have encountered this issue before, and there are solutions available to help with the transition and upgrade process.

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