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Firmware V1.3 for CP 1242-7 GPRS Communication Module for S7-1200 Released for Delivery 

 

Summary

The firmware version 1.3 for the GPRS communication module CP 1242-7 (order number 6GK7242-7KX30-0XE0) has been released for delivery.
The new firmware version contains the following enhancements: 

Connection monitoring of GPRS direct connections
In the case of direct communication between stations in the GPRS Direct Mode, both the passive and the active station will now detect a connection failure on the radio network line. This enables a faster response to the connection failure by the program.
The connection failure is detected by means of a connection watchdog time. The connection watchdog time can be configured in STEP7 under:
    - Device configuration -> CP1242-7 -> Telecontrol Interface -> Keep-alive-Waiting time -> Connection watchdog time (the value 0 means disabling the connection monitoring,
       until now this parameter had no meaning in the GPRS Direct Mode)

Please note: The use of connection monitoring will result in increased data volume, because the stations must exchange cyclic Keep Alive messages. 

Support of new SIM card technologies
All currently available SIM cards can now be employed. A changeover of the SIM card technology of some providers caused isolated problems with the identification of the SIM card. 

Missing SIM card has no influence on the S7-1200 CPU
Even if no SIM card is inserted, the CPU program of the S7-1200 PLC will start up normally. S7-1200-based stations can thus be equipped with the CP1242-7 even if the GPRS functionality is not used from the beginning. 

Enhanced SMS diagnostic option:
Authorized mobile telephone units can enquire extended station information via a text message (SMS) with the text "CPDIAG".

In addition, small bug fixes have been introduced to further improve system stability.

New orders will be shipped with firmware 1.3 from end of August 2012 onwards.

The configuration with Step7 is carried out with the same configuration screen form as for the predecessor version 1.0. A differentiation is neither necessary nor possible.
The current firmware version can be enquired in the Step7 Device Manager via the module status (online connection required). 

 Internet document
 A S7-1200 PLC can be connected to a GSM/GPRS mobile phone network with the new CP 1242-7 communication processor. 



The CP 1242-7 uses the globally available GSM mobile phone network to transmit productive data and diagnostic information of the S7-1200 based on the GPRS data service to other mobile subscribers or to control centers via the Internet.

By using the CP 1242-7, you can use the S7-1200 as Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) in telecontrol and remote maintenance applications. Together with the "TeleControl Server Basic" software (ID: 45500914) you are creating the "TeleControl Basic" telecontrol system with perfectly matched components.


1. Product description
The CP 1242-7 communication processor is used for connection of a SIMATIC S7-1200 to the GSM/GPRS mobile phone network and is characterized by the following features.

·                      provides global wireless data exchange between S7-1200 controllers and/or control centers with Internet connection

·                      communication based on the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) mobile phone service with data transmission
                      speeds of up to 86 kbps in the downlink and 43 kbps in the uplink

·                      GPRS operation with fixed IP addresses with M2M contract as well as dynamic IP addresses with standard
                      mobile phone contract

·                      Time synchronization based on NTP (Network Time Protocol)

·                      Wake-up functionality by call or SMS to activate CP from "standby mode"

·                      Sending and receiving text messages (SMS)

·                      Clear LED signaling for fast and easy diagnostics

·                      Compact industrial housing in S7-1200 design for installation on standard mounting rail

·                      Fast commissioning due to simple configuration with Step 7

Together with the "Telecontrol Server Basic" software available for telecontrol applications, the CP 1242-7 forms a perfectly matched telecontrol system with additional features:

·                      Connection of up 5,000 telecontrol stations to the control center via OPC interface

·                      Data backup in substations in case of connection failures

·                      Central status monitoring of substations

·                      No special provider services required for fixed IP addresses

·                      Teleservice access to substations with Step 7 via Internet 

2. Area of application

Areas of application for the CP 1242-7 are typically applications with the following properties:

·                      Widely distributed automation solutions must exchange data or be monitored centrally

·                      Mobile machines/vehicles without permanent location need a permanent or temporary communication link

·                      IT safety requirements prevent direct network access of service providers to machines at the end customer's site

·                      Link for difficult to access outposts without network infrastructure

These applications can be found in a variety of industries:

·                      Water/waste water systems - Pump/valve controls

·                      Traffic technology - Traffic light controllers, illumination controls

·                      Power engineering - Monitoring of transformer stations, meter reading

·                      Mechanical engineering - central remote maintenance of machines operated worldwide

·                      Wind energy - Condition monitoring of wind turbines

·                      Vending machine manufacturers - Monitoring, control of beverage vending machines

3. Other

Additional information is available in the Mall and on the Service and Support pages  

Mobile phone products are subject to import regulations. Specific radio licenses are required for most countries.

A list of currently existing country-specific approvals for SIMATIC NET mobile radio products is available here.  

An application example with sample program (Configuration Example) for use of the CP 1242-7 is available on the Support Pages.

Necessary requirements for using the modules:

o                     SIMATIC S7-1200 as of firmware version 2.0

o                     Engineering System Step7 as of version V11 SP1 + Hardware Support Package (HSP CP 1242-7 1.0)

The Hardware Support Package is available on the enclosed product CD and for download on the Support Pages.

Keep in mind that you need Step7 V11 with Service Pack 1 for installation of the Hardware Support Packages. The download of Service Pack 1 is also available on the respective Support Pages

for more information, please visit SIEMENS website