Configure the Time Zone Settings for Local Operations
Each SCADAPack x70 device’s internal clock can be set by Geo SCADA Expert (see Define when the Server Sets the Outstations’ Clocks in the Geo SCADA Expert Guide to Advanced Drivers), or by another application or device. (If either of the latter are used, Geo SCADA Expert should not be configured to set the clock on those devices.) Regardless of which application sets the SCADAPack x70 device’s clock, ensure that the Channel’s Logic Time Zone property indicates the time zone that the SCADAPack x70 device uses (see Defining General Channel Communication Settings in the Geo SCADA Expert Guide to Advanced Drivers).
With some communications protocols, further properties are available for setting or updating a SCADAPack x70 device's internal clock. The properties are on the Form of the protocol-specific SCADAPack x70 Outstation item with which the SCADAPack x70 Device Configuration item is associated:
DNP3 Communications
For SCADAPack x70 devices with which Geo SCADA Expert communicates using the DNP3 protocol, use the Set the Clock properties on the Form of the relevant SCADAPack x70 DNP3 Outstation item (see Define Whether Geo SCADA Expert Updates the Outstation Clock).
Regardless of the communications protocol being used, most SCADAPack functions, including event time stamps, use the same time zone as the SCADAPack x70 device’s clock. On SCADAPack x70 devices on which Geo SCADA Expert sets the clock, the clock can run in either UTC or Local Time as required.
Some local functions, such as SCADAPack x70 logic, can be configured to use a different time zone to that used by the SCADAPack x70 device’s internal clock. Use the following fields within the SCADAPack Settings section on each SCADAPack device's Settings tab to configure the time zone properties for SCADAPack x70 logic and other local operations:
Use this combo box to specify the time zone that you want to use for SCADAPack x70 logic and other local functions. Choose from:
The functions use UTC.
The functions use a time setting that is a fixed offset (plus or minus) time from UTC. You enter the offset time in the Offset field.
This is the default setting.
The functions use Local Time. For example, EST (Eastern Standard Time) if the local time zone is that for the East coast of America. No adjustments are made for any Daylight Saving Time (DST).
The functions use Local Time. The time is adjusted automatically twice a year to account for Daylight Saving Time (DST). This is done by the driver sending a special command to the SCADAPack x70 device indicating, at the relevant time, that Daylight Saving Time has started or ended.
If you select this option, you also need to configure a SCADAPack x70 Digital Configuration item to update the Local Time at the relevant time in the SCADAPack x70 device. The Digital Configuration item triggers this time change at the relevant time even if Geo SCADA Expert is not communicating with the SCADAPack x70 device when the time adjustment needs to occur.
In order for the SCADAPack x70 Digital Configuration item to do this, ensure that its configuration includes the following:
- Set the Device Configuration field to reference this SCADAPack x70 Device Configuration item (see Properties that are Common to Configuration Items)
- Set the Mapping to 'System Data' (see Configure the Properties on the Mapping Tab)
- Set the System Data Reference to '
SYS_CLOCK_DST_State' - Specify a valid DNP3 Point Number (to identify the point's location in the SCADAPack x70 device).
This field is only available for use if the Logic Time Zone field is set to 'Fixed Offset from UTC'.
Use the field to specify the offset from Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) for local operations. You use this field when the SCADAPack x70 device is operating on UTC rather than local time. The default is 0 hours.
Enter the required interval in the OPC Time Format. You can enter the value directly in the field, or use the Interval window (accessed via the field's browse button) to specify the required value.
If you enter 4 Hours + 30 Minutes in the Offset field, then the functions use a time that is 4 hours and 30 minutes in advance of UTC.
If you enter -2 Hours in the Offset field, then the functions use a time that is 2 hours earlier than UTC.
Further Information