Transferring Files Between SCADAPack x70 Controllers and a Local Computer

There are several file transfer methods available between SCADAPack x70 devices and a local computer. These methods are commonly used for firmware upgrades, troubleshooting, diagnostic data collection,  data logging, and general file management. This article describes the available file transfer options and explains how each method works.

The SCADAPack x70 family supports several file transfer mechanisms; however, the available options and procedures differ depending on whether you are using a conventional RTU-only controller (SCADAPack 470/474/570/574) or an i-Series controller (SCADAPack 470i/474i). The SCADAPack i-Series devices contain two independent computing environments: the RTU Platform and the Edge Platform. The Edge Platform has its own CPU, RAM, Flash Storage, and Ethernet interfaces (ETH3 and ETH4).

Understanding the distinction between the RTU Platform and the Edge Platform is important, as it is the primary reason certain file transfer procedures differ between standard and i-Series controllers.

Method 1 – Telnet and RemoteConnect ( Preffered Method )

To use this method, the Telnet Server service must first be enabled in RemoteConnect under the Configuration, IP Communication, Services.

Once connected using PuTTY or another Telnet client, the available files stored on the SCADAPack can be viewed and identified. This is particularly useful when searching for log files, configuration files, or other diagnostic information.

After identifying the required file, open RemoteConnect, right-click SCADAPack x70 Controller Settings, select Additional Functions, and choose Read File from Device. Enter the name of the file identified during the Telnet session and specify a destination on the local computer.

To transfer a file from the local computer to the SCADAPack, use Write File to Device instead and specify the source file on the local machine.

Method 2 – FTP Server

The FTP Server service must be enabled before this method can be used.

Once enabled, an FTP client application such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or the Windows FTP utility can be used to connect directly to the RTU Platform.

For standard x70 devices, or when accessing the RTU Platform on a 47xi controller, enter the controller IP address in the Host field and establish the connection, as shown in the screenshot below.

After connecting, files can be transferred between the local computer and the SCADAPack using simple drag-and-drop operations.

When accessing an i-Series controller, it is important to understand that FTP provides access only to RTU Platform storage locations, such as the RTU microSD card and USB storage. It does not provide access to the Edge Linux file system or Linux directories.

Because the i-Series controllers include a Linux-based Edge Platform with enhanced cybersecurity capabilities, Schneider Electric recommends using secure communication services whenever possible. Linux environments commonly use SSH and SFTP for secure file transfer and remote access.

To access files stored on the Edge Platform, establish an SFTP connection using the SCADAPack IP address. Use "root" as the username and enter the password configured for the Edge Platform.

Method 3 – FTP Using Command Prompt

The FTP Server service must be enabled before this method can be used. Once enabled, the Windows Command Prompt can be used to transfer files between a SCADAPack and a local drive. The example below demonstrates transferring a project file from the SCADAPack to a local folder.

Similarly, files can be transferred from the local computer to the SCADAPack using the upload operation. In Command Prompt, the PUT command is used to upload files, while the GET command is used to retrieve files from the SCADAPack.

Important Note

One of the most important concepts for SCADAPack engineers is that a SCADAPack 470i or 474i is effectively two systems in a single device:

• RTU Platform: DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-104, Logic, FTP, and Telnet services.
• Edge Platform: Linux operating system, SSH, SFTP, MQTT, Redis, and Edge applications.

Understanding which platform contains the files you are trying to access will help determine the appropriate transfer method and greatly simplify troubleshooting and maintenance activities.

Released for: Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia