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GuardPLC 1600/1800 Firmware Upgrade/Downgrade Procedure

Introduction

The following procedures outline the steps to upgrade or downgrade the CPU and COM firmware of the GuardPLC 1600/1800. Note that only the GuardPLC 1600/1800 supports the DeviceNet Safety Scanner (1753-DNSI) and requires the use of RSLogixGuard PLUS version 4.0 or higher.

COM Firmware

The memory layout of the GuardPLC 1600/1800 communications processor was modified for the DeviceNet Safety Scanner release. COM Version 8.32 and above supports the DeviceNet Safety Scanner.

In order to upgrade or downgrade the COM firmware, an intermediate COM firmware version must be installed to organize the COM processor's memory layout. This is known as "COM firmware version 7.x". There is one version for upgrading and one for downgrading.

COM Firmware Upgrade

If the COM firmware version is revision 6.x or lower and you need to upgrade to COM version 8.x or higher, then "COM version 7.x up" will be loaded first.

COM Firmware Downgrade

If the COM firmware version is revision 8.x or higher and you need to downgrade to COM version 6.x or lower, then "COM version 7.x down" will be loaded first.

GPLC 1600/1800 Firmware Upgrade Procedure

In this example the goal is to update the GPLC functionality to support the DeviceNet Safety Scanner. It is assumed that RSLogixGuard PLUS version 4.0 has been installed.

• Upgrade the CPU Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel > Extra to do an Upgrade OS > CPU operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS installation CD to find "CPU version 6.12" for the 1600/1800 and install.
• Load the Intermediate COM Upgrade Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel > Extra to do an Upgrade OS > COM operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS installation CD to find the "COM firmware versions 7.2 up" for the 1600/1800 and install. When the installation is complete the GuardPLC status LEDs will indicate the unit is not operational. This is expected behavior.
• Upgrade the COM Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel to do an Upgrade OS > COM operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS CD to find the "COM firmware version 8.32" for the 1600/1800 and install.
• Verify the Firmware Versions. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in the Control Panel and click on the OS tab. Verify the correct CPU and COM firmware versions were loaded.

GPLC 1600/1800 Firmware Downgrade Procedure

In this example the goal is to update the GPLC functionality to remove DeviceNet Safety Scanner support.

• Downgrade CPU Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel > Extra to do an Upgrade OS > CPU operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS installation CD to find "CPU version 4.32" for the 1600/1800 and install.
• Load the Intermediate COM Downgrade Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel > Extra to do an Upgrade OS > COM operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS installation CD to find the "COM firmware versions 7.2 down" for the 1600/1800 and install. When the installation is complete the GuardPLC status LEDs will indicate the unit is not operational. This is expected behavior.
• Downgrade the COM Firmware. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in Control Panel > Extra to do an Upgrade OS > COM operation. Browse the RSLogixGuard PLUS installation CD to find the "COM firmware version 5.14" for the 1600/1800 and install.
• Verify the Firmware Versions. In RSLogixGuard PLUS, start in the Control Panel and click on the OS tab. Verify the correct CPU and COM firmware versions were loaded.