Firmware Version V4.6.0 Now Available for ION9000, PM8000, and ION7400

[Sanjeet_Sahota]

Introducing the latest release of firmware version 4.6.0 for the PowerLogic™ Advanced Meters. This update brings several significant enhancements to improve functionality and security. Here are the top changes found in the latest firmware:

1. BACnet/IP Protocol Implementation

• Enhanced Communication: The new firmware allows your device to communicate using BACnet/IP, conforming to ANSI/ASHRAE 135 standards with a BACnet Smart Sensor (B-SS) device profile.
• Building Automation: Acts as a BACnet/IP server, making specific values available to building automation systems, facilitating seamless integration and control.

2. Increased Data Recorder Linking Capacity

• Expanded Inputs: Data recorders can now link up to 50 sources, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 16.
• Comprehensive Monitoring: This enhancement provides greater flexibility and insights for monitoring power systems, aligning better with Harmonics Logging for future improvements.

3. Password Complexity Enforcement

• Enhanced Security: The new firmware introduces the ability to enforce password complexity and length requirements based on NERC CIP-007-5 and IEEE 1686-2013 standards.
• User Protection: Ensures that users meet stringent password requirements, enhancing overall security.

4. Minor Enhancements

• Modbus: A new register has been added containing the device Unix time. The device commercial reference can now be accessed using Modbus function 43.
• DLMS: Reduced response time for DLMS log retrieval when the Event Log contained a large number of events.

Upgrade to firmware version 4.6.0 today to take advantage of these powerful new features. 

Please find the download links for firmware below:

https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/ION9000_meter_FW_v004_006_000/

https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/ION7400_meter_FW_v004_006_000/

https://www.se.com/us/en/download/document/PM8000_meter_FW_v004_006_000/

Additional Documentation:
BACnet Certificate:  Download 

[Mehran_Mehrnia · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the information and for sharing the new update on FW V4.6.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[Chief2403]

The new update does not enable me to add the meter on Ecostruxure Power Commission project, from EPC version 2.35 to 2.36.  This is concerning the PM8210 meters, when the firmware version is reverted to 004.005.00, the power meter can be added to a project.  Please assist

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @Chief2403 ,

In V4.6.0 Firmware, the function code 43 behavior was changed to allow for new meters to provide additional information. This change will make existing meters not return information in the same place EPC is currently using. EPC team is aware and firmware team is working with them.

Regards,

Charles

[Chief2403]

Ok thanks for the update and with regard to PM5580 and PM5560, some of the meters do not show the normal webpage interface and thus the default username and passwords don't work. I have tried updating them to 4.4.5 from version 4.3.2. Some allow and some don't.  What could be the cause?

Kind Regards

Chief Choshane

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @Chief2403 ,

Recommend to start a new topic on this question rather than reply to a topic unrelated to PM5000 series of meters.

Regards,

Charles

[bhernandez]

Is there a hardware limitation of meters that can be upgraded to 4.6.0? Also, I know that for meters with FW 1.4.3 or bellow we first have to upgrade to 2.1.0>4.0.0>4.5.0 (can I go directly to 4.6.0 or do I have to upgrade first to 4.5.0? 

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @bhernandez 

The upgrade path V1.4.3 -> V2.1 -> V3.1 or V4.0.0 or V4.5.0 or V4.6.0(which is the latest) is correct as long as firmware version 2.1.0 have been previously installed and ensure using the latest version of Install ION Setup when upgrading to V4.6 (v3.2.25037.01 or higher). The current version is v3.2.251185.01 .

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[bhernandez]

Thank you for the quick response @Mehran_Mehrnia 

Regarding the hardware version, can any ION7400 meter handle the latest firmware?
For example, is there no hardware version restriction related to the last two digits of the serial number (e.g., "-01", "-02", etc.)?

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @bhernandez 

You're welcome.

There shouldn't be any restrictions based on hardware versions, as far as I'm aware. However, starting with firmware version 4.5, a new 'Feature Set' classification was introduced, Essential, Standard, and Advanced which determines the meter's capabilities based on firmware.

The feature set is selected at the time of purchase. All devices purchased before the release of firmware version 4.5.0 are assigned the Standard feature set by default. Therefore, when upgrading the meter, please ensure that you select the appropriate firmware template that matches the meter’s feature set.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering