SCADAPack 574 - NTP Server Option missing?

[vdsvds]

Hi all,

Using Remote Connect V3.0.3, creating a new blank project using target RTU as SCADAPack 474, it is possible to configure NTP Client/Server option under "IP Communication" settings. However, changing the target RTU to SCADAPack 574 does not have the same option. Is this by design? If so, why? In the case where the 574 is a standalone Client (DNP3 master) ONLY - i.e. not polled by SCADA; what is the recommendation for RTC synchronisation?

Thanks in advance,

vds

[Joel_Weder · Accepted solution]

The NTP feature was added to the 470 and 474 relatively recently, and yes unfortunately this has not been added to the older 570 series SCADAPacks. Normally for someone using DNP3 the standard way to set the clock in the RTU is to do this through DNP3 itself. In DNP3 Layer Settings you'll see the default Time Update Request Rate is 1440 minutes, or once per day.  Basically, the RTU requests a time update automatically.

However, it sounds like you're using the SCADAPack 574 as a stand-alone DNP3 Controlling Station (master). In that case, the arguably easiest way to set the time in the master would be to manually log on and update it with RemoteConnect. The clock is fairly stable, so it shouldn't be necessary to do this too often. 

If you are not able to manually set the clock, and/or you need very high accuracy, you might consider polling an on-site GPS unit. That would require purchasing a GPS that can talk Modbus. Some will do so. A quick internet search found this unit, though I'm sure there are others:

https://www.bannerengineering.com/ca/en/products/wireless-sensor-networks/wireless-sensors/GPS-recei...

[vdsvds]

Thanks Joel. Would you know if the NTP option is on the roadmap for the 57x RTUs?

Thanks

Vds

[Joel_Weder]

It's unlikely that NTP will be added to the 57x type SCADAPacks. These RTUs will be removed from our product portfolio in December 2025. This includes the 570, 574 and 575, as well as the 530E and 535E RTUs. Typically, products in this phase are still available for sale, but no more enhancements are to be provided.

Note however that support for these models will continue to be provided well into the future. Also, the SCADAPack 47x and 47xi models are similar enough that 57x applications will run with minimal modifications.