09/07/13

65540 Getting Started with ControlFlash and CompactLogix Processors

Rockwell Automation Support Center 65540 - Getting Started with ControlFlash and CompactLogix Processors
Access Level: Everyone Date Created: 12/03/2009 03:30 PM Last Updated: 02/26/2013 08:14 AM

Question
How to use ControlFlash to update the controller firmware? Why is the OK LED on the controller flashing red?

Answer
This guide covers flashing a CompactLogix controller via Ethernet. Updating the controller over a DF1 connection will work, but is only recommended if there is no ethernet port on the processor. It is never ok to flash a processor via a VPN or wireless ethernet modem. Also, this assumes that the controller already has a valid IP address and can communicate with your PC over Ethernet. Firmware can be downloaded from our website http://support.rockwellautomation.com/ControlFlash/.* 1. Connect only the processor the power supply and the end cap (no I/O on the backplane or over Ethernet should be connected at this time). 2. To connect to the CompactLogix processor through a switch, use a straight-thru cable. To connect directly to the CompactLogix processor, use a crossover cable. Verify that the Processor can be seen in RSLinx software. 3. The keyswitch on the controller should be in Program mode. 4. If you have a wireless network card, disable it before flashing. 5. If your computer has a dual core processor, disable that before flashing. 6. Do not launch ControlFlash software from RSLogix 5000 software. Start it from Programs-->Flash Programming Tools-->ControlFlash 7. On the opening screen once the ControlFlash software has opened, select Next. 8. Select the catalog number of your processor from the available list. 9. In RSWho in the ControlFlash software, select the processor (not the Ethernet card) from the most direct path over Ethernet. 10. Follow the prompts on the ControlFlash utility and start the flash. Once it starts, do not stop it. Do not remove or inhibit communication to the PLC. 11. If or when you see the prompt "Polling for Power up," do nothing. This is not a request to cycle the power. 12. When you see the status data field all green and get the message that flash has completed successfully, exit from ControlFlash. *A TechSupport contract may be required, and you must sign-in to use these features. Note: Older CompactLogix require you to expand the IP address and backplane and then select the controller in the RSWho type dialog. New 5370 Controllers require you to just select the controller at the IP address level else it errors with "Service cannot be performed while object is in current state". Note: It was reported but unconfirmed that trying to flash a L32E failed using Win 7 but worked using XP. It was reported that the computer was connected to the controller via an unmanaged switch when the flash worked.

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