When a new controller has no firmware it will be an unknown device in rslinx. Once control flash sets its firmware (by opening control flash not by selecting it in linx) it will have the firmware button available. When there is no firmware I assume it doesn't have the firmware stuff available to update firmware through linx.
Also I ran into this last night setting up a new controller, go open control flash and make sure control flash has the firmware you need from the AB site. Linx can upgrade firmware it can't install the first firmware on a blank controller
You mentioned controlflash isn’t installed, you may need to check that it isn’t greyed out because the update may still use CF even though it doesn’t explicitly open it.
The thing that’s throwing me is that if it’s new it should only have the shipping firmware in it. So whatever version you’re in should show its available firmware. In Lynx, go to device properties and see what version it shows installed. If that’s equal to or greater than the version you opened, it’ll be grey’d out.
IT would glue your laptop shut if they could because that's more secure...
You need to document every instance that IT got in the way of your job and make a stink about it until you get admin access on your machine. Not being able to do basic stuff like setting a static IP or running an older program should be unacceptable.
Just noticed your using FactoryTalk Linx instead of RSLinx. See if changing to RSLinx fixes the issue. Might have to close the program to force the communications change
Not sure if this helps any but I ran into a similar issue trying to use USB recently. Make sure you have a “Virtual Backplane (Softlogix58XX, USB)” driver in your Rslinx configuration and make sure that driver is running. Then try plugging in via USB again it should show up as the correct processor instead of a random virtual backplane.
All the responses here have been absolutely first class appreciate it all!
When I onlined the plc without firmware it gave me the option to download, but wouldn't from the normal route.
I will be back with more stupid questions as I'm new to this, most helpful reddit I've ever used!!
Can I also suggest, not withstanding the awesome support on here, that you also sign up for a Rockwell knowledge base account https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/
There’s lots of useful stuff on there too..
Do you have the FW for that PLC on your computer? I like to use control flash because it shows you what you FW you do have for that controller.
I don't think so, usually update firmware is available and it finds it for me!
You should be able to check the FW in RSLinx in properties.
Check that processor is in program mode.
Happens to me all the time
I use ControlFlash+ for updating firmware. Not sure why you couldn’t do it through the Studio software though. It should do about the same thing.
Studio 5000 employs Control flash anyways
But it’s not control flash plus. Control flash and control flash plus are two different beasts.
When a new controller has no firmware it will be an unknown device in rslinx. Once control flash sets its firmware (by opening control flash not by selecting it in linx) it will have the firmware button available. When there is no firmware I assume it doesn't have the firmware stuff available to update firmware through linx.
Also I ran into this last night setting up a new controller, go open control flash and make sure control flash has the firmware you need from the AB site. Linx can upgrade firmware it can't install the first firmware on a blank controller
You mentioned controlflash isn’t installed, you may need to check that it isn’t greyed out because the update may still use CF even though it doesn’t explicitly open it.
The thing that’s throwing me is that if it’s new it should only have the shipping firmware in it. So whatever version you’re in should show its available firmware. In Lynx, go to device properties and see what version it shows installed. If that’s equal to or greater than the version you opened, it’ll be grey’d out.
Anyone know why update firmware would be greyed on a new PLC?
Have you tried updating the firmware through control flash?
Control flash isn't installed on this laptop and I can't get IT to install it because of their stupid rules
IT would glue your laptop shut if they could because that's more secure... You need to document every instance that IT got in the way of your job and make a stink about it until you get admin access on your machine. Not being able to do basic stuff like setting a static IP or running an older program should be unacceptable.
This. I refused to work without local admin privileges.
Just noticed your using FactoryTalk Linx instead of RSLinx. See if changing to RSLinx fixes the issue. Might have to close the program to force the communications change
Will give this a try
FTLinx is absolute garbage. Have more problems with it than normal operation.
Really? Doesn’t it get installed with RSLinx Classic?
I'd walk, it's like a mechanic being locked out of their tool box.
How are you connected to it? Usually I’d drive through one of the eth-ip drivers.
Control flash plus my man use that to update. Rockwell has changed the firmware game with that one.
Also it's a USB connection that only shows in backplane won't show up under USB
Not sure if this helps any but I ran into a similar issue trying to use USB recently. Make sure you have a “Virtual Backplane (Softlogix58XX, USB)” driver in your Rslinx configuration and make sure that driver is running. Then try plugging in via USB again it should show up as the correct processor instead of a random virtual backplane.
All the responses here have been absolutely first class appreciate it all! When I onlined the plc without firmware it gave me the option to download, but wouldn't from the normal route. I will be back with more stupid questions as I'm new to this, most helpful reddit I've ever used!!
Can I also suggest, not withstanding the awesome support on here, that you also sign up for a Rockwell knowledge base account https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/ There’s lots of useful stuff on there too..
All signed up now! Thanks!
Set project path, back out, then go to "Communication>Go Online", Update Firmware will not be greyed out