Access USB-Stick on Android-Panel from PLC: Export files to USB-Stick

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Hi team,

I want to access a USB-Stck plugged on the android panel (with mappVIEW-visualisation, side topic) from my PLC. The PLC shall export diagnosis- / statistic files like XML, CSV, PDF to the USB-Stick.

A - SItuation

  • IP 15: Android Panel with mappVIEW-Visualisation + USB-Port
  • IP 11: B&R PLC with data to be exported to USB-Stick which is plugged on Android-Panel

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B - Several ideas, several fails
:cross_mark: B1: CIFS, port 445 = I couldn’t get access with FileIo and FUB DevLink: Error 20736
:cross_mark: B2: FTP, port 21 = I couldn’t get access with FileIo and FUB DevLink: Error 20736

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:link: DevLink FUB B&R Online Help
:link:SMB/CIFS-Port 445 - can not be changed? B&R Online Help

:light_bulb: My guess:
CIFS access by B&R FileIo runs directly “static” from port 445. However, port 445 is not possible on the Android panel (…as far as I know), because otherwise I would have to root the panel. Which I can’t do, and don’t want to do (warranty, etc.).
Fact as well: I can not change the port to 4445 on FileIo DevLink FUB from B&R

:white_check_mark: B3: Subsequently (exclusion, cross-check, proof), I did the same with a Windows SMB client, where I can set the port:

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The files marked in green are two test files on the B&R USB stick, which is plugged into the Android panel.

:link: Owlfiles - File Manager – Kostenloser Download und Installation unter Windows | Microsoft Store

Since I can access the USB stick here without any problems, I am now looking for a way to do the same with the B&R PLC (X20EM0611, X90). Any idea / experience?

Thanks a lot and… :christmas_tree:MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!

2 Likes
2

Hello Samuel

I do not see a possibility to change the port via AR / Devlink.

So if you cannot use Port 445 from Android side, only way I see is to think about alternative for a file transfer.

You could think about providing the file via web and access / transfer it via AsHttp, or AsTcp or OPC UA.

But interesting question, maybe we get some more inputs from community.

Wish you merry christmas as well.

Lg Michael

1 Like
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Hello Samuel,

A possible work around may be to run an FTP server on the Android-Panel. A quick web search shows there are a few apps that provide FTP via Android, so it seems feasible this could work.

4

Hi Adam,
As also for FTP (not only for SMB/cifs) B&R is using the standard-port 21 which can not be changed on PLC application levelt today this is not working without rooting the Android-Panel.

As SMB 445 and FTP 21 ports are “not CRA-conform” I guess B&R anyhow has to deliver a solution for libraries like FileIo and MpRecipe.
We will see…

My problem: I have to solve the access to the USB-Stick plugged on the android-panel today. That’s why I asked also the community for ideas / solutions.

5

Hi,

as I remember, since AR 6.4 the FTPS server port is configurable in Automation Runtime, and starting with 6.5 the user / role system can be used with FTPS.

6

With FileIo and MpRecipe as example only the PLC is the client and connecting the FTP-server on the android-panel.

You are talking about the PLC as FTP-server.
I have the need for the client-functionality.

As far as I know, I can not change the port for the client FUB like DevLink from FileIo?
Did I missunderstand you?

7

Ah yes, you’re right, it’s only the server that can be configured.

8

hi @BES-RSB , your question is quite specific. Have you found final solution, can you update us?

9

My status (update):
We are in contact with B&R support.
Since this type of application is very common but not easy to solve, because B&R specifies static ports (21/ftp 445/cifs by FileIo), which are currently blocked by the target system (e.g., Android) for security reasons.

Due to CRA (Cyber resilience act) comming with 01.01.2027 B&R must maybe change the strategy on this libraries anyhow.

10

Understand. Please update is with final solution if there is any. Thanks a lot and wish you nice day :slight_smile: