Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The MPM controller does not adjust the clock automatically when Daylight Saving Time (DST) period occurs. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxureLite Multi-Purpose Manage Cause DST settings in the MPM are configured for North America. Canada and United States: Daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November Europe: Daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October Resolution In Firmware 2.15, DST properties can be configured in the Controller Configuration Object (CFG1) and/or configuration page. DST start and end configuration on month, week, weekday, hour and offset can be set. If using a firmware version older than 2.15, a script can be used to correct the issue. The script can be found here: Daylight_Saving_Time_DSC.lua

Issue How to use bit masking to decode on/off states from a Modbus analogue registers e.g. Holding or Input registers. Where each bit is required to be read individually to indicate the status of a coil. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Software Environment Sigma IC Modbus and IC3 Modbus controllers Cause Configuration technique to read 16-bit Modbus registers for on/off states. Resolution Each modbus holding or input register is 16 bits, where each bit can be on or off i.e. 0 or 1. For example the Sigma analogue input value of 901 represents the state of a number of coils where each bit indicates the on or off.  Hence, this translates to the 16-bit binary value  0000001110000101  where 1 = on and 0 = off Create a Sigma analogue input object to read the Modbus value. Click here for the  Sigma Modbus 4.06 release Note Create a programmable object for each of the required bits (max of 16 for each register) to be read as below.  (Highlight, copy and paste into each programmable object). For Example starting with the Least Significant Bit (LSB) and where point 0|222 is the Modbus value created, the programmable objects are; Bit 1 (LSB) 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 1 ) 30 IF YINT = 1 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 1 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 1 = off" Bit 2 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 2 ) 30 IF YINT = 2 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 2 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 2 = off" Bit 3 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 4 ) 30 IF YINT = 4 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 3 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 3 = off" Bit 4 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 8 ) 30 IF YINT = 8 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 4 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 4 = off" Bit 5 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 16 ) 30 IF YINT = 16 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 5 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 5 = off" Bit 6 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 32 ) 30 IF YINT = 32 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 6 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 6 = off" Bit 7 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 64 ) 30 IF YINT = 64 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 7 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 7 = off" Bit 8 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 128 ) 30 IF YINT = 128 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 8 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 8 = off" Bit 9 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 256 ) 30 IF YINT = 256 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 9 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 9 = off" Bit 10 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 512 ) 30 IF YINT = 512 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 10 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 10 = off" Bit 11 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 1024 ) 30 IF YINT = 1024 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 5 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 6 = off" Bit 12 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 2048 ) 30 IF YINT = 2048 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 12 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 12 = off" Bit 13 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 4096 ) 30 IF YINT = 4096 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 13 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 13 = off" Bit 14 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 8292 ) 30 IF YINT = 8292 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 14 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 14 = off" Bit 15 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 16384 ) 30 IF YINT = 16384 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 15 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 15 = off" Bit 16 (MSB) 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 32768 ) 30 IF YINT = 32768 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 16 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 16 = off"

Issue Installing and Configuring Email Service Accounts in Niagara G3 Environment Niagara G3 Cause The need for a quick reference guide Resolution The following document can be found at Niagara-Central.com as well.

Issue How to configure a LON router in Niagara R2. Environment Niagara R2 LON Cause Troubleshooting Resolution Review / download documentation here.

Issue Schlage step by step configuration. Environment Windows Xp, 7,  2008, 2008R2 Continuum 1.94 Cause Single Door set Up examples. Resolution Schlage Door setup examples attached.   Download here

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue How to setup automatic table truncation on Single-User SQL Express systems. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Single-User SQL Express SQL Server 2005 Cause Only the ExtendedLog table is automatically truncated on an Single-User SQL Express Continuum system. The other tables that can fill up quickly and need to be truncated regularly are not catered for (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent). Resolution IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform a full SQL Database backup before attempting to make any changes to the database. (See Move / Backup / Restore a database on a Single User SQL2005 Express system for details on how to backup your database and, if not already installed, where to get Management Studio from) Use the attached file SQLExpress to add table truncations.zip, to configure your Single-User SQL Express system to automatically truncate these tables when it does the ExtendedLog truncation. After downloading the file, follow the steps below. There are three files in the archive, these need to be copied to your Continuum folder on your Single-User system running SQLExpress as the database engine. LogTruncate.SQL This file is the SQL script that performs the truncation of the four tables (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent) to the number of days you specify - I have selected 90 days as my default but you can change this to whatever you require for each table. CS_LogTruncate_OneOff.bat This batch file will run the LogTruncate.sql script once when manually executed. You will need to change the server name "PC3" to whatever your PC's name actually is on your system. CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat This is the batch file that will be renamed and replace the existing "CS_Hrly.bat" file currently located in your Continuum folder. This is the same as your current file except it has added the LogTruncate.sql script so that this will now be executed every hour along with the rest. Backup "CS_Hrly.bat" file in Continuum folder by renaming the file to something like "CS_Hrly ORIGINAL.bat". Rename "CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat" to "CS_Hrly.bat", copy into (overtop the existing file if you haven't renamed it) the Continuum folder, and change the server name "PC3" to your PC's name. This should now execute this table truncation script along with the other database maintenance scripts every hour.

Issue Documentation for the Huba 692 differential pressure sensor is not available on the Extranet or other Schneider Electric web sites. Environment Part no 6552050000, Huba 692 Differential pressure sensor Cause This is a Class 3 product that is sold by Schneider Electric, but documentation is provided by the manufacturer. Resolution Data sheet is available here, or on the manufacturer web site: http://www.hubacontrol.com/en/products/

Issue Webstation static graphic viewer no longer works in Chrome, FireFox or on smart phones. The "Loading..." image never goes away. Environment Webstation Cause The file "xmlHttpImageLoader.js" located in "C:\inetpub\wwwroot\TACVistaWeb519\Modules\Graphics\ImageLoader" (519 being the version of TAC Vista installed) uses the name "status" for a variable in the script. This variable name is a reserved word. The name is actually not a reserved JavaScript word, but a reserved Windows word: http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_reserved.asp Resolution As only Internet Explorer is supported, this is not going to be fixed. There is however a workaround that will enable viewing graphics in static mode. 1. Rename the file C:\inetpub\wwwroot\TACVistaWeb519\Modules\Graphics\ImageLoader\xmlHttpImageLoader.js 2. Paste this corrected file to the same location

Issue Can the Advantech touch screen be used as a Sigma server? Environment Sigma WinCE Advantech Touch screen Panel mounted Cause System has been installed without a Sigma server. Resolution The Advantech touch screen, or any other WinCE device can only be used for general display functions, low level editing, contingency logging review and time updates, it does not have the functionality of a Sigma server. To review the latest Release note, please click HERE. To review the WinCE User guide, please click HERE.

Issue Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller requires replacement. Product Line Field Devices, Satchwell Sigma Environment Stand alone discreet Drayton Compensator Controller :- Theta ll EC Cause Obsolescence of Drayton Theta ll EC Controller. Resolution Replace Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller with Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller. N.B. Two models of the Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller are available. CSC5252 without programmer details of which may be viewed here. CSC5352 including programmer details of which may be viewed here. It should be noted that the Actuator / Valve Body assembly connected to the Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller may be retained for connection to the Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller. It should also be noted however that the associated Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller Sensors are also obsolete. These Sensors are not compatible with the Satchwell CSC range of Compensator Controllers and must also be replaced. Satchwell CSC Compensator Controllers are compatible with the following Sensors :-   STO 600 Outside Air Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. STR 600 Room Temperature Sensor.(Optional), details of which may be viewed here. STC 600 Surface Mounting Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. or alternatively :- STP 660 Immersion Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. plus DWA 0005 Immersion Temperature Sensor Pocket, details of which may be viewed here.

Issue BAS is obsolete how can it be upgraded to Sigma? Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment Satchwell BAS 2800+ V2.9 Satchwell Sigma Cause BAS is obsolete but there is a defined path to upgrade the system to Sigma Resolution Upgrading must start from BAS2800+ v2.9 when upgrading to the latest version of Sigma.  Sigma not only allows for more features but also future proofs the system. Upgrade procedure can be found here Migration document (Sales support) can be found here Any BAS versions before BAS2800 + V2.9 please contact Product Support with the details.   The Sigma system is now out of its support period, consideration should be given to transitioning or upgrading to SpaceLogic - EcoStruxure Building Operation.

Issue How to trigger different alarms with different alarm texts depending on the value of a single variable Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Alarms Cause There is a requirement to trigger different alarms based on the value of a single variable.  As an example, a variable coming from an APC Symmetra UPS will report various alarm states as a number from 1 to 7 in the same variable, and it is required to differentiate the alarm text on each value. Value Status Alarm text 1 unknown Module is in Unknown state from UPS 2 not installed Module not installed in UPS 3 Off OK Module not installed in UPS 4 On OK Module not okay in UPS 5 Off Fail Module off fail in UPS 6 On Fail Module on fail in UPS 7 Lost Communication Module lost comm. in UPS Resolution Here are two examples on how to do it Example 1: 7 different alarms with different alarm texts monitoring the same point Example 2: 1 alarm monitoring a point, and a script dynamically changing the alarm text     From version 1.9 upwards Alarm Decoration is available and could also be used in various ways to achieve the same result.  Similar to example 1 a decoration could be created for each state.  For example for state 3, create a decoration that filters on the active alarm (1) and when the value at change is three (2) override the alarm text message (3) with the relevant text (4). The decorations have the added benefit they can be applied to multiple point alarms.  

Issue An increased amount of polling caused by Modbus groups with duplicate registers. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Modbus Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Building Operation Automation Server (AS) Cause Modbus Register Groups cause multiple resisters to be requested in a single query. This can be a very efficient way of collecting data from a device. See this Article for details. However, if a register is repeated (duplicated) within a group it can cause an increased amount of polling.    The screenshots shows a Modbus Register Group with a Requested group poll interval set to 10,000ms, but the misconfiguration is forcing polls at 500ms. Resolution The resolution is simply to avoid such a configuration. NOTE - If a Modbus Register Group with duplicates registers becomes unstable with some registers showing offline, then disabling the Scattered Read function will usually help.

Issue Various changes to the PC operating system can alter the IA Series software host ID causing the license to be invalid. When this occurs the window below will be displayed providing the new Host ID read from the PC. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series Enterprise Server I/A Series Workbench I/A Series SoftJace platforms    Cause Upgrading the Operating System (Windows, Linux, etc.) always changes the Host ID.  Making other changes to a Niagara host platform may also change the Host ID.  These are the types of changes that can alter the Host ID: upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrading from Windows 8.0 to Windows 8.1 upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 installing the 2 August 2016 anniversary update to Windows 10 upgrading from RHEL5 to RHEL6 Upgrade from RHEL6 to RHEL7 will change your Host ID. Installing certain Microsoft Windows updates (patches/fixes) may also cause the Host ID to change. Resolution Email the hostID from the current license or a copy of the current license as well as the new hostID provided in the "Request License window" to Schneider Electric Customer Care (Email Information) and request a license replacement.

Issue No documentation available through regular sources. Environment GV Air flow Sensor: 63 mm 5515010063 80 mm 5515010080 100 mm 5515010100 125 mm 5515010125 160 mm 5515010160 200 mm 5515010200 250 mm 5515010250 315 mm 5515010315 400 mm 5515010400 Cause Hard to find documentation on these sensors Resolution Data sheet is available here. Mounting instructions here.

Issue Registering/Unregistering TAC Vista Server as a Windows service will allow the server to start automatically and run in the background of the PC (it won't show up on the Windows taskbar). This is not the same as having it run on Startup (for information on that, please see Configuring Vista Server to run on Startup). Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Microsoft Windows -- All versions Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Reference Chapter 16.3 of the TAC Vista Technical Manual "Running TAC Vista Server as a Service in Microsoft Windows XP" for more information. When you log out of Microsoft Windows or restart the computer, all running processes, for example, Vista Server, are shut down. These processes are not resumed at log on or at restart. You have to start Vista Server manually again. To get Vista Server to remain running at log off and automatically start up when the computer restarts, you can run Vista Server as a service. Running a program as a service means that it runs in the background, but it is not visible on the Windows task bar. Before you start Vista Server as a service, you must first install and configure your Vista Servers and your network and have everything running satisfactorily. It is not advisable to start Vista Server as a service until you have completed all the settings (including security and authority) and the TAC Vista system is running well. Resolution Register Vista Server to run as a Windows service Go to Start > Run Register the service by typing: Tacos.exe /service When you register TAC Vista Server as a Windows service, it will default to run under the "Local system" account.  This is not supported by TAC Vista Server. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage. Browse to Computer Management (local) > Services and Applications > Services Find TACOS, right-click and select Properties On the Log On tab, specify "This account:" with admin authority.  It is ideal to use a domain account with local administration authority if your system is a member of a domain. At this point, if you would like to start the service, highlight TACOS in the Services window and select Start the service. If you choose to run Vista Server as a service in a multi-computer network, we recommended that you run every Vista Server as a service. Change from running as a service to running as interactive Go to Start > Run Unregister the service by typing: Tacos.exe /unregserver You must then register the server back to interactive by typing: Tacos.exe /regserver Helpful Utility This utility will read in the current run mode of the Vista Server and allow you to switch between running as a service and an application. It also lets you set the user to run the service under. Click the image to the right to go to a Community post containing the utility .exe file. Accessing Vista Server Menus and Dialog Boxes Once the service has started, it is not possible to use the Vista Server menus and dialog boxes. To be able to use these, you have to unregister the service and start Vista Server in the normal way. LonTalk Adapter from Loytec When TAC Vista is running as a service and you are using a LonTalk adapter from Loytec, you must ensure that the program LConfig is also running as a service. You do this when you configure the network interface card. TAC Vista Tools and Microsoft Windows Vista Some of the tools installed in the installation folder of TAC Vista cannot run if TAC Vista is running as a service in Windows Vista. These are TAMIAN, CIPCL, SYSDOC, TADRAW, and DBGEN. Related Articles: Unable to save periodic report to network drive when Vista is running as a service Regional settings might differ when TAC Vista server runs as a service Dependencies for Vista Server running as a service Upgrading Vista while running Server as a service

Issue Error "Ensure that Vista Server is started" when the server is already running. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Refer to Chapter 3.5 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for the network security and permissions settings required to run Webstation (DCOM). test Resolution These are some utilities created by Benjamin Roswall at Schneider Electric Denmark. They are not official releases nor are they supported by Schneider Electric. While they have been tested and used successfully, they should be used at your own risk.   DCOM Config 1.0.3.0.exe: Configure DCOM for TAC Vista Network If you want to run TAC Vista Web Applications on Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, both Internet Information Services (IIS) and ASP.NET 2.0 must be installed. ASP.NET 2.0 must be installed and activated before you start installing TAC Webstation. Refer to Chapter 4 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for more information. If you've made it this far, then it's time to refer to Chapter 3.5 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for the network security and permissions settings required to run Webstation (DCOM). Or just run this utility. Click the picture to download the utility.   Webstation installations will use Option 3. If Webstation doesn't come right up and start working after this, also download the next utility.   WEB.exe: Corrects common problems with Vista Webstation This utility will install and register the versions of ASP.NET required for running Webstation on the server PC. There are other articles on the command prompt commands to accomplish this, but this utility will take care of it for you. Click the picture to download the utility.   After this utility finishes running, restart the PC as instructed.

Issue When attempting to use the Read Card button to read credentials from a card reader the following error is shown. Failed to read the card from the reader Failed to read cardFailed to read card Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Proximity Card Encoder (PRX-ENC-DT) Cause A Proximity Card Encoder (PRX-ENC-DT) is not connected to the Workstation. Resolution 1. Using a USB connection, connect a PRX-ENC-DT to the Workstation. The USB connected card reader can be used to read new cards and add those card credentials to a User by placing the card on the reader and pressing the Read Card button in the User object. Read CardRead Card This will read 13.56MHz Schneider encoded Mifare and DESFire cards. The encoder is not able to read 125KHz cards.   2. Using alternative methods for adding credentials to Users Manually adding the Facility and Card Numbers to an available slot in the User object. Badging the card at a Card Reader and right-clicking the resulting access event in the Status Window and selecting to add to an existing or create a new User. Use the Data Sync Service to import Users, and changes to Users, from CSV files. See Mass importing User Photos into Security Expert using Data Sync Service for an indication of how the Data Sync Service is configured.

Issue The status of a TAC Xenta 301 or 302 does not go 'online' in TAC Vista, although the Neuron Status property of the controller is 'online' and 'Commission and Download' from TAC Vista is apparently successful. Values read "Failed to Read Signal" in a values page of a classic network. Values read "Invalid Address" in a values page of an LNS network (also see [Invalid Address]) Controllers without /N/P (networking and presentation) designation cannot communicate in a Network. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Vista Server Xenta 301 Cause Attempt to commission a standalone (non-/N/P) TAC Xenta 301 or TAC Xenta 302 in a TAC Vista Classic LON network.  Non-/N/P controllers are designed to run stand-alone and be configured/interact only with a Xenta OP. Resolution Check the sticker on the side of the controller where the controller type, hardware version, and neuron ID are found. Example of a 302/N/P label. Example of a non-/N/P 302 label.    If the sticker does not have /N/P following the controller type, this is not a network presentation controller.  It will never communicate on a network Replace the non-/N/P controller with an /N/P enabled version.

Issue What third party Card Printers are supported for use with Security Expert? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Third-party Card Printers Cause There is no list of supported printers as there are too many devices to test.  Some testing has been done as listed in the resolution below.  If an issue should come up with a card printer then raise a support case and they will assist where possible and offer suggestions regarding the update of printer drivers, windows and printer preferences, etc. If necessary and the customer cannot resolve an issue then they may wish to supply the particular printer for testing and validation. Resolution There is currently no list of supported Card Printers, the following two printers have been tested by Engineering  with Security Expert: Datacard SD260 Datacard CD800 Indications that the HID Fargo HDP8500 and Fargo DTC4500e also work with Security Expert. In general, if the card printer presents itself in Windows as an XPS printer, then the printer should work with the Security Expert Client. This may require a printer driver to be downloaded and installed from the printer manufacturer for the printer to show up in the "Printers and Scanners" list in Windows.   Note: R&D has indicated that currently (12/19/2024) there is no list of printers or documentation as to what specific features or configurations are supported by each printer above.   Some functionality in Security Expert and within printer drivers allows the selection of landscape or portrait orientation. However, hopper selections are not currently supported. Printer testing was done with standard iso card printing using landscape and portrait using a single hopper. Any other requirements outside the above will rest fully with the partner/branch/customer to test and confirm it works as needed.    In unsupported printers it has been observed that some printer functions, such as badge orientation and hopper choice, may not work for all printers using the pop-up printer configuration window within Security Expert client. In those cases a workaround may be to manually change the default printer options in Windows to the required setting before printing badges. If specific functions or badge printers are required then a feature request can be submitted to potentially implement that in a future version of Security Expert. This will need to be raised with your local solution category management.