Troubleshooting Online and Upload Issues with Logix5000 V21.03 Firmware Upgrade

Question:

Hello everyone, I need assistance with V21.03 firmware upgrades for my 1756-L73 ControlLogix controller. I am encountering issues when trying to go online or upload due to a mismatch in sub-minor revisions. Despite having the same V21.03.02 program on my PC and laptops, I am receiving error messages such as "Failed to upload project" and "You need to upload or download." Could this problem be related to the difference in sub-minor revisions? I have confirmed that the program versions are identical. Has anyone successfully upgraded to a more stable version to avoid issues caused by Rockwell's "resiliency" updates? Last year, we transitioned from V21.00 to V21.03 to resolve online problems, but we are now facing uploading issues. Any advice on choosing a more reliable version would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mike.

Top Replies

Have you encountered a high volume of MSG instructions within your code? If so, refer to KB article BF20416L5K for guidance on how to address this issue. You may need to download or disconnect from the network, enter program mode using specific keys, and upload data directly to your PC.

Hello robertmee, thank you for your response. I have attempted to save and re-import the L5K file without success. I also tried switching the key to PROG mode and connecting directly to the controller. However, Linx confirmed that there was no connection to any other devices on the network, leading to the same issue during connection attempts. There was a previous post suggesting that the "Overhead Time Slice" setting might be too low, currently set at 20% for an average scan time of 8ms. The ongoing issue following the disconnection from the network points more towards a possible versioning problem. I initially suspected a program mismatch between the controller and the offline program, but the line was operational earlier this week and I was only able to confirm the issue today.

I remember encountering a similar issue when connecting to v21.03 online without an exact match file several years ago. While I wasn't dealing with multiple revisions at the time, it's possible that slight differences in the logic of a file with a different sub-revision could be causing the upload to fail in Logix. This issue appears to be separate from the resiliency release that may cause a minor version incompatibility, as in that case you can still upload and save but not go online. It seems that in this scenario, the upload process is failing.

Thank you for your assistance at plvlce - I truly value it. You are right, the issue lies with the failed upload, which is quite worrisome. Our troubleshooting options are limited without an internet connection. If we encounter any obstacles, our only choice is to resort to using the backed-up copy as a last resort solution, which may not address the underlying root cause. I will review the link you provided for any relevant insights that could assist us.

Have you attempted accessing the internet through the USB port located on the front of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)? It has been suggested that the USB port is prioritized for communication.

Hi Mike, this sounds like a pretty frustrating issue. In my experience, when you have these types of issues with ControlLogix controllers, it's not necessarily linked to sub-minor revisions. You might want to check for any discrepancies in operating systems or installed patches between your PC and laptops. Another factor to consider is the firmware compatibility with your programming software. As for a more stable version, a lot of my colleagues have vouched for V20.04, stating it solved a majority of their online and uploading issues. Upgrading might be worth considering. However, always remember to back-up your program data before any upgrading process. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi Mike, from your description it does look like a potential issue with the sub-minor revisions. While Rockwell generally ensures the backwards compatibility, those small updates sometimes involve changes that affect the way firmware communicates with your programming tool. I've had some luck with V21.11 in avoiding some of these upload issues - it seems to have better 'resiliency' against mismatch risks, but it would also depend on the specific hardware and software configurations of your system. Remember to always back up your project before doing any firmware upgrades. Contacting Rockwell's technical support might also help you to find a more specific solution to your problem. Good luck with your troubleshooting!

Hey Mike! It definitely sounds like the sub-minor revision mismatch could be the culprit here. Sometimes, even a small difference in firmware can cause connectivity issues, especially if there's a difference between the controller and your programming software. I'd recommend checking the firmware version in the controller's web interface, if available, to confirm. As for upgrading, you might want to consider moving to a more recent version like V21.04 if it's stable for your application, or even V30 or V31, since they often include important bug fixes and increased reliability. Just make sure to back everything up before making changes, and perhaps test on a separate machine first if you can! Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be causing the "Failed to upload project" and "You need to upload or download" errors during V21.03 firmware upgrades for a 1756-L73 ControlLogix controller?

Answer: Answer: The error messages may be due to a mismatch in sub-minor revisions, even if the program versions on different devices are labeled as V21.03.02.

FAQ: 2. How can I resolve issues related to mismatched sub-minor revisions when upgrading firmware on a ControlLogix controller?

Answer: Answer: To address the sub-minor revision differences causing upload problems, ensure that the firmware versions are not just labeled as V21.03, but that they match exactly, including sub-minor revisions.

FAQ: 3. Has anyone successfully upgraded to a more stable firmware version for the 1756-L73 ControlLogix controller to avoid issues with Rockwell's "resiliency" updates?

Answer: Answer: Consider upgrading to a more stable version beyond V21.03 if you continue to face issues. It might be beneficial to seek advice from others who have successfully transitioned to a more reliable firmware version.

FAQ: 4. Are there recommendations for selecting a more reliable firmware version for the ControlLogix controller to prevent online and upload problems?

Answer: Answer: Seeking advice from experienced users who have upgraded to stable versions beyond V21.03 can help in choosing a firmware version that minimizes issues caused by Rockwell's updates.

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