LCN Data Collection
The LCN Data Collection feature enables Asset Backup Scheduler to automatically collect configuration data from a Honeywell Local Control Network (LCN) as part of the automated backup workflow. When enabled, the LCN Data Collection tab provides a step-by-step wizard to configure LCN node identification, network connectivity, and data transfer parameters.
Note: LCN Data Collection is an optional feature. It must be explicitly enabled via the Enable LCN Backup checkbox in Settings. When disabled, the LCN Data Collection tab is hidden and no LCN operations are performed during backup runs.
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Enabling LCN Data Collection
1. Navigate to the Settings tab.
2. Check the Enable LCN Backup checkbox.
3. Save Settings. The LCN Data Collection tab will become visible in the main window.
4. Navigate to the LCN Data Collection tab to begin the LCN Wizard configuration.
LCN Wizard Overview
The LCN Wizard guides you through the configuration required to collect data from your Honeywell LCN environment. Configuration data entered in the wizard is persisted to LcnWizardSettings.json in the application data folder and is reloaded automatically on application startup.
Network Option Selection
The LCN Wizard requires you to select the network connectivity option that matches your PCN environment. The following options are available:
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Network Option
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Description
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PCN (Direct)
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The Asset Backup Scheduler host is directly connected to the PCN network. LCN data files are accessed directly from the Honeywell History Module (HM) directory using a mapped drive or UNC path. This is the preferred option for workstations residing on the PCN.
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Network (No Firewall)
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The host is on a non-PCN network with unrestricted access to the PCN (no firewall separation). LCN data files are accessed via a network share using impersonated domain credentials.
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Plant LAN
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The host connects to the PCN via a Plant LAN interface. The Honeywell TPS File Transfer Service is used to transfer LCN data files from the HM to the local host. This option requires the TPS File Transfer Service to be installed and operational.
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LCN Identification
Enter the following identification values for your LCN environment:
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Field
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Description
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LCN Site ID
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The Honeywell-assigned site identifier for the LCN network. Used in EC command file generation to target the correct network location.
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LCN ID
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The LCN network identifier. Used in constructing the LCN directory path for data file access.
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AM Unit ID
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The Application Module (AM) unit identifier. Used in EC file generation for the backup and cleanup command sequences targeting the correct AM node.
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Node Configuration
The LCN Wizard allows you to define the nodes from which configuration data will be collected. Three node category lists are configurable:
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Node Category
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Valid Node Types
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Description
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LCN Nodes
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AM, APP, CG
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Application Module, Application Processor, and Compute Guard nodes that form the LCN backbone.
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Hiway Nodes
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HG, DHP, HLPIU, LEPIU, CB, EC, MFC, AMFC, CBRCD
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Data Hiway Gateway and associated field I/O nodes connecting field devices to the LCN.
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UCN Nodes
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PM, APM, HPM, SM, NIM, ENIM, EHPM, C300PM
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Universal Control Network process manager nodes including standard, advanced, and enhanced process managers.
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LCN Directory Configuration
The LCN Data Files Directory Path specifies the LCN Volume\Directory path from which data files will be transferred. This path is automatically formatted to ensure correct LCN path syntax (leading backslash, uppercase, no trailing backslash) when the data transfer is initiated.
The Local Data Files Folder Path specifies the local host folder where transferred LCN data files will be stored before processing.
LCN File Extensions
The wizard allows configuration of the file extension filter list that controls which file types are collected from the LCN directory during a data transfer. Only files matching the specified extensions are transferred to the local host.
LCN Data Transfer
Once the LCN Wizard is configured, the Start Data Transfer button initiates the data collection process. Depending on the selected network option:
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PCN (Direct): Asset Backup Scheduler reads files directly from the Honeywell HM directory using the configured LCN directory path. The CopyAllFilesFromHmDirectoryAsync process copies matching files to the local data folder.
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Network / Plant LAN: Asset Backup Scheduler uses a TCP file client (TcpFileClient) to connect to the file transfer server at the configured IP address (port 139) using impersonated network credentials. The files STARTCP.XX and DIRLIST.XX — which contain lists of files to be retrieved — are fetched first, followed by the listed data files.
Transfer progress and status messages are displayed in the LCN Data Transfer Messages panel within the LCN Data Collection tab. The transfer can be cancelled at any time using the Stop Data Transfer button, which prompts for confirmation before cancelling.
Honeywell TPS File Transfer Service
For Plant LAN connectivity, Asset Backup Scheduler monitors and manages the state of the Honeywell TPS File Transfer Windows Service. The current service status is indicated by the File Transfer Service Status indicator on the LCN tab:
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Status
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Meaning
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Running
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The TPS File Transfer Service is running and ready for data transfer.
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Warning
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The service state is unknown or not yet polled.
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Not Started
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The service is stopped. Asset Backup Scheduler can auto-start it if Auto Start HW File Transfer Service is enabled in Settings.
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Important: Stopping or interrupting the Honeywell TPS File Transfer Service during an active LCN data transfer may result in incomplete file collection. Asset Backup Scheduler will attempt to restart the service automatically if configured to do so.
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See Also
