File requests plugin for Data Loggers

Latest version: 5.0.1 build 1126. November 28, 2025.

The File Sender module reads data from files and transmits that data over the active interface. It supports large queries, arbitrary binary content, and sending data requests without changing program configuration. The module can scan a folder for files, decode text sequences, use various read modes that delete or truncate processed data files, and schedule transmissions with Cron rules accurate to the minute.

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How the module works

The module loads when the host program starts. The plugin operates in one of three modes: simple scan, time scan, or task scheduler. Simple and time scan modes periodically check the folder at the scan interval. The scheduler compares the current date and time against Cron rules and triggers processing when a rule matches.

Modes and parameters

Common parameters include scan interval in seconds, chunk size in bytes, and the folder path. Default values: scan interval = 3 seconds, chunk size = 128 bytes, folder = C:\Logs. Warning: selecting a system root folder combined with a destructive read mode can remove critical files. Use a dedicated separate folder for production.

Practical examples

Example 1: Send a binary query stored in a file once per minute. Place file query.bin in the configured folder. Configure simple scan mode with File = query.bin, Scan interval = 60, Chunk size = 2048, and Read mode = Read and delete. For example, at 2025-01-02 08:00:00 the module finds query.bin, then it reads chunks and sends binary bytes through the active interface, and then deletes the file.

Example 2: Stream a log file without modifying it. Configure Read mode = Read and don't change and Chunk size = 1024. The module saves the last read position of a file, then it reads successive chunks on each scan and sends them. If the file is appended, subsequent scans pick up new data from the saved position.

Key features

Chunked reads for large and binary files with configurable chunk size.
Three read modes: read and delete, read and truncate, and read and don't change.
Three operation modes: simple scan, time scan with filename timestamps, and Cron-based scheduler.
Optional decode for text sequences of the form #XX to a hex byte.
Native integration with Advanced Serial Data Logger, TCP/IP Data Logger, and Data Logger Suite.
Detailed logging for file, read, and post-read operations to simplify troubleshooting.

Summary

The module reads and transmits file contents in chunks, supports scheduled or periodic file transfers, and provides flexible configurable modes for reading, decoding, and handling files. Configure the folder, chunk size, and operating mode according to your data transfer requirements.