Troubleshooting Greyed Out Monitoring Icon for S7-300 PLC in TIA Portal V15

Question:

Hello everyone! I need assistance and suggestions with troubleshooting an S7-300 PLC programmed with TIA Portal V15 online monitoring. Despite comparing the software and finding no differences, I am unable to access the monitoring function as the icon is greyed out. The software copy is obtained from the OEM, and even uploading a copy from the PLC results in the same issue. The file name ends with @@@@@920.zap15, indicating compatibility with V15. I have tried installing all update packs, but the problem persists. Any suggestions or insights on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Top Replies

Is there a possibility that the code was generated and transferred using Step7 5.x before being uploaded to TIA Portal? I tried replicating your scenario and encountered the same issue. Perhaps you could try uploading or testing it with Step7 V5.6 or 5.7.

If the CPU was downloaded using TIA Portal, you may encounter a message in Step7 v5.x when trying to upload to Step7.

ZAP files are essentially compressed archives that need to be extracted in order to access the program. Are you solely monitoring the program through online access?

It is possible that the CPU you received was downloaded from a different version of Portal, and the OEM provided you with an updated version. Portal is known for being particular about project version compatibility, although it tends to be more lenient with firmware updates.

While exploring the 300 model, MKI, I noticed a distinct feature that was not as visible as in the 1200/1500ie series. This difference can easily be observed online.

It sounds like you've taken all the proper steps so far, however, there may be a problem with the PLC hardware itself or its connection to your computer. If the problem is not related to update packs or software comparison, the next steps could be to inspect the hardware, replace or check the potency of your connecting cables, or try accessing the monitoring function from a different computer. It might also be beneficial to consult with your OEM in case there is something unique about their software distribution that may be causing this issue. Good luck!

Have you checked the PLC's firmware version to ensure it's fully compatible with TIA Portal V15? Sometimes, even if the software appears correct, mismatches between the PLC's hardware and firmware can cause features like online monitoring to be unavailable. Additionally, make sure that the PLC is not in a stop mode or in a project that doesn’t allow monitoring. It might also be worth investigating if the project settings or user permissions are restricting access. Good luck!

It sounds like you've already done quite a bit of troubleshooting! One thing to check is whether the PLC is in run mode; the monitoring function can sometimes be disabled if the program is not in the right state. Additionally, ensure that you have the proper permissions set up in TIA Portal, as certain user roles can limit access to specific functions. If that doesn't work, try running TIA Portal as an administrator or consider re-installing the software to see if that resolves any underlying issues. Good luck, and I hope you get it sorted out soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why is the monitoring icon for my S7-300 PLC greyed out in TIA Portal V15 despite no differences in the software?

Answer: - The greyed out monitoring icon issue could be due to compatibility issues or configuration settings within TIA Portal V15. It is recommended to check for any software updates, compatibility of the PLC firmware with TIA Portal V15, and ensure proper configuration settings for online monitoring.

FAQ: 2. What should I do if uploading a copy from the PLC also results in the monitoring icon being greyed out?

Answer: - If uploading a copy from the PLC does not resolve the greyed out monitoring icon issue, it is advisable to verify the compatibility of the uploaded program with TIA Portal V15, ensure proper communication settings between the PLC and the programming software, and check for any potential software or hardware conflicts.

FAQ: 3. How can I resolve the greyed out monitoring icon issue for an S7-300 PLC in TIA Portal V15 after installing all update packs?

Answer: - If the problem persists after installing all update packs, consider contacting Siemens technical support for assistance. They can provide further troubleshooting steps, guidance on potential solutions, or help identify any specific issues related to the S7-300 PLC and TIA Portal V15 integration.

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