SCADAPack 575 Partial Downloads for Slow Radio Networks

[Teaan]

Hi,

When creating large configuration for the SCADAPack 5X and probably the SCADAPack 4X it is near impossible to download the configuration over a slow communication link such as a radio network consisting of Trio M450 or similar radios. This situation is worsened if the radio network has a high utilization. Currently if a sizeable configuration with logic needs to be downloaded over a serial connection of 9600bps it take upward of 25 minutes to download with a direct serial cable link and therefore the probability of failure over a radio network with 4800bps bandwidth is extremely high

A suggestion would be to allow for partial downloads to the SCADAPack. This would be suggested from Geo SCADA Expert as well as from Remote Connect. 

A staged download might be suggested where changes on different parts of the configuration can be indicated and only those changes downloaded to the RTU. As an example if an analog tag is added or changed then only the addition of the tag is added or if the logic is changed then only the logic is transferred. 

The same process can be followed with an upload which sufferers from the same problems as download. In this instance an upload can again be divided into different sections. Each section is downloaded and verified. Therefore if an upload should fail and sections have already been uploaded and completed. These are flagged as completed successfully and won't be uploaded again except if explicitly requested by the user.

Regards

Teaan

[MartinChartrand]

@Teaan Thank you for your clear description of your challenge as well taking the time to come up with a solution.

I will bring this up at the next product team meeting and let the community know what our thoughts are on your idea.

Regards,

Martin

[Teaan]

@MartinChartrand thank you very much I appreciate it.

Regards

Teaan van Staden

[MartinChartrand]

Hello again,

We're investigating further and will keep the community apprised of any news as it becomes available. Again, thanks for your comments.

Martin

[Teaan]

Hi Martin,

Just following up and if there might be any feedback regarding the partial downloads yet?

Regards

Teaan

[MartinChartrand]

Hi Teaan,

Thank you for following up. Your idea was discussed at the last SCADAPack product meeting and is still being considered. I will be reviewing it again with the team at the next meeting in January and will hopefully have a more concrete answer for you then.

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Regards,

Martin

[Teaan]

Hi Martin,

Thank you so much for the feedback. I will follow up again end of January.

Regards

Teaan

[BevanWeiss]

I really like the idea of being able to make 'live' changes to the configuration.

For example, when tuning DNP3 event deadbands etc, it would be incredibly useful if when connected ONLINE, making a change and applying it here was the same as in the Logic Editor.. and it was sent as a change to the RTU itself, so that the new setting would take effect immediately (without having to do a full 'Write to Device' with the logic restarting etc).

[Teaan]

Hi Martin,

I am just following up on this idea and if any further consideration has been given to it.

Regards

Teaan

[MartinChartrand]

Hi @Teaan 

I'm told by the team that it's still under consideration with no timeline yet on its potential implementation. I'll post news as soon as I hear anything to report.

Thank you again.

Regards,

Martin C.