Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The site has cloud connectivity issues, and R&D requires the trace log to see the communication. The trace logging for the cloud plugin (/System/Modules/Trace/Loggers/nsp/nsp.pin/nsp.pin.Cloud) has been enabled and set to Trace, and there are no records of nsp.pin.Cloud referenced within the trace log. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Advisor, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Advisor EcoStruxure Building Operation v3.0.3 or earlier  Cloud Connectivity Cause In versions before 3.0.4, by default, the cloud plugin does not report on the trace log. Enabling trace log reporting for nsp.pin.Cloud is a high-level procedure that requires support intervention.     Resolution This version (3.0.4) and lower are now out of support, so it is recommended that to upgrade to a supported version. Cloud messages are now recorded in the trace when enabling the logging level to TRACE on the /System/Modules/Trace/Loggers/nsp/nsp.pin/nsp.pin.Cloud object. 

Issue The network card is not working on the PC.  Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Access Expert, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Security Expert, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC IA Series TAC I/NET, TAC Vista Environment PC Network Interface Card Cause Require a method to test the network card. Resolution Assuming you have the correct protocols loaded:- Open up a command prompt and type ‘ipconfig’(1) then press enter to get a list of the available network cards. Find the specific network card by name (2) Record the IP Address (3) assigned to the card, e.g. 192.168.5.90 If the card is unplugged (4) connect a network cable and start back at step 1 If the network card does not appear in Device Manager check the drivers are correctly installed for the card and when installed correctly start back at step 1. If the network card still does not appear it could be disabled.  In Network Connections right click the adaptor and select Enable (5) and start back at step 1. After these steps if the network card still does not appear when running ipconfig it is most likely damaged. If/when an IP Address is successfully obtained open a Command Prompt and type ping followed by the IP Address of the card, for example ping 192.168.5.90 (1). A functioning card will respond with 4 successfully replies (2) and the associated statistics (3) As additional information a good first step would be to "ping 127.0.0.1". This will not test a network card but indicates that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and functioning on the host PC.

Issue What is the benefit in having separate MPM monitor and coordinator? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment MPM Cause In smaller networks, it is acceptable to have the monitor function as the coordinator. However, in larger networks, the monitor becomes occupied with managing the traffic of all the remote MPMs, resulting in significant CPU usage. This applies to zigbee, UDP, and CANbus networks. Making the monitor a coordinator does not provide any advantages; it only introduces disadvantages. Resolution In smaller networks, it is acceptable to have the monitor act as the coordinator. However, in larger networks, the monitor's workload increases as it manages the traffic of multiple remote MPMs, consuming a significant amount of CPU resources.

Issue Unable to gain access to Building Expert Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi Purpose Manager MPM-GW MPM-UN MPM-VA Cause The admin password has been changed and the user has lost the password Resolution For MPM with firmware 2.14 and earlier: Send the MPM 'default.db' file to Product Support.  From a web browser, you can save the default.db file to the local drive by typing the address http://[ip_address]/root/default.db (replace [ip_address] with the actual IP address of the MPM, or 10.50.80.2 if bootloader is used) For MPM with firmware 2.15 and later: Send the MPM Node ID or MAC Address to Product Support. Refer to the document StruxureWare Building Expert Password Recovery When Accessing MPM - Reference Guide for the procedure to obtain the MPM Node ID or MAC Address.

Issue Checking if a port is open Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution It is possible to check if a port is open in a network by issuing the Telnet command. Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet. If a port is open, a blank screen will be seen after issuing the command: telnet [domainname or ip] [port] where [domainname or ip] is the domain name or IP address of the server being checked [port] is the port number the server application is listening on For example: telnet 192.168.0.20 9001 (to a closed port would display a connect failed message)   telnet 192.168.0.20 9003 (to an open port would display a blank screen)   To exit the Telnet session, type Ctrl + ] and then type "quit".   For how to enable Telnet in Windows 7 please see Enable Telnet Client on a Windows 7 PC

Issue Unable to access the SE8xxx or SER8xxx Room Controller configuration parameters menu - displays an error code. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, Field Devices  Environment SE8xxx and SER8xxx Room controller SE8000 and SER8000 Series Ex. Viconics branding VT8000 Series Cause The PswrdSet parameter sets a protective access password to prevent unauthorized access to the configuration menu parameters. An error code is displayed whenever the password lockout is active and an incorrect password is used. Resolution Contact your region's Customer Care Center for a temporary password. The error code which is unique to that controller will be required by the Customer Care Center to calculate the temporary password.

Issue Current information will be stored and updated in release notes and online documentation. Compatibility Matrix of Operating Systems, Video, Product Announcements, SQL Compatibility Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows Operating Systems and iBMS (intelligent Building Management System) Software Cause Compatibility, Firmware, Product Announcements Resolution Please see release documentation for current and recent products. For the Firmware compatibility matrix for: I/NET, it is available HERE or the EcoBuilding Download Center Continuum, click HERE Xenta Software Downloads HERE Vista, click HERE StruxureWare Building Operation, click HERE Product Announcements can be a great tool for discovering which products have been tested and are compatible with the different versions. These documents are available on the Extranet, but have been compiled here for ease of access: I/NET 2.40   Product Announcement 2.41   Product Announcement 2.41a Product Announcement 2.42   Product Announcement and Compatibility Matrix (page 5) 2.43   Product Announcement PA-00239 2.44a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.45   Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.46 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47b Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.48 Software Available from Exchange Download Center Operating Systems and SQL Supported Video Compatibility Support Policy PA-00279 Software Support for TAC I/NET Continuum v1.92 Product Announcement v1.93 Product Announcement v1.94 Product Announcement PA-00210 1.94 SP1 Product Announcement PA-00273 1.9 - 2.1 Software, Firmware, & Video Compatibility Matrix Concerning IE10 and IE11 browser support  2.0 Feature Blast 2.0 + 2.01/ 2.02 Update Compatibility Matrix 2.0  Product Announcement PA-00353 2.0 CyberStation Installation Guide 2.0 WebClient Installation Guide 2.0 Software License and Ordering Activation Process 2.0 Software and Controller Upgrade Process Andover Continuum PA-00333 Support Policy PA-00272 for Andover Continuum Vista v5.1.5 Product Announcement v5.1.6 Technical Product Advisory v5.1.7 release note document, TAC Vista Compatibility Matrix, SNVT Matrix documents, and TPA-VSTA-11-0020.00 v5.1.7 Product Announcement x5.1.8 Release Note TAC Vista 5.1.8 and TAC Xenta 500/700/900 5.1.8 v5.1.9 Vista Compatibility Matrix SecurityIAS Product Announcement PA-00291 Product Announcement TAC Vista transition to SmartStruxure solution overview  Support Policy PA-00274 for TAC Vista Satchwell Sigma v4.05 SEB Release Notes v4.06 Release Notes v4.06 Release Note Supplement v4.07 Release Notes Satchwell Sigma Standard Edition Installation and User’s Guide Support Policy PA-00297 for Satchwell Sigma v4.08 Release Notes PA-00397 Sigma Version 4.08 Sigma server on a virtual machine Satchwell Micronet data sheet - MicroNet View 2.1 OS Compatibility - Micronet View PA-00228 Product Announcement Support Policy PA-00298 for Satchwell MicroNet PA-00228 Satchwell MicroNet End of Commercialization Announcement I/A Series PA-00163 I/A Series R2 & G3 Product Announcement PA-00114 Legacy Products Windows 7 Compatibility I/A Series R2 with Windows Compatibility Chart PA-00243 Software Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00251 Hardware Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00278 Software Product Update - Q3 2013 I/A Series (Niagara) R2 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail I/A Series (Niagara) AX/G3/N4 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail Support Policy PA-00280 R1 for TAC I/A Series StruxureWare Building Operation Please visit Maximum number using StruxureWare Building Operation (Scalability and Capacity) SmartStruxure Lite Please visit SmartStruxure Lite solutions

Issue MSTP controllers go offline when changing the MaxMaster value in the Automation Server from it's default of 127 Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server MSTP Master Controllers Cause The MaxMaster value is being set lower than some or all of the MSTP controllers on the network Resolution EcoStruxure Building Operation supports MSTP Master controllers in the address range 0-127 (often refered to as the node id). The MSTP network is a token passing network where the token is passed around the network, until a controller has the token it cannot 'talk' to other devices.   The MaxMaster value is defaulted to 127 to allow all devices on the network to receive the token and reply to online status requests, send values etc. If the MaxMaster value is less than any of the MSTP Master controller addresses then those controllers never receive the token and cannot respond to online status requests.   The value for the MaxMaster needs to be equal to or greater than the highest addressed MSTP controller node id.  For example, if the highest node id=54 then the MaxMaster will need to be set to 54 or higher. For maximum efficiency the MaxMaster should be set 1 or 2 greater than the highest controller address, this allows for adding future devices without needlessly polling for many non-existent devices.    Please refer to BACnet MS/TP Network Properties – Basic Tab or Configuring the MS/TP Network for b3 Communication 

Issue Requirement to set the BACnet max master setting on a SE8000 series room controller Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Automation Server SE8000 BACnet MS/TP Cause The BACnet max master setting is not available to be set locally on the SE8000 room controller Resolution The max master setting of the SE8000 can be changed in EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation.  Add the SE8000 to the EcoStruxure Server Open the SE8000 device properties On the Advanced tab, change the Maximum master property (which is a read/write property) to the required value. 

Issue What is Domain Name Service (DNS)? Product Line Andover Continuum,EcoStruxure Access Expert,EcoStruxure Building Expert,EcoStruxure Building Operation,EcoStruxure Security Expert,Satchwell BAS & Sigma,Satchwell MicroNet,TAC IA Series,TAC INET,TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Networks Cause DNS is a distributed hierarchical system for resolving host names into IP address. Under DNS, there is no central database with all of the Internet host information. The information is distributed among thousands of name servers organized into a hierarchy similar to the UNIX file system. DNS has a root domain at the top of the domain hierarchy that is served by a group of name servers called the root servers. Source: TCP/IP Network Administration by Craig Hunt, O’Reilly & Associates, Inc. Resolution Short for Domain Name System (or Service or Server), an Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. Because domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember. The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.example.com might translate to 198.105.232.4. The DNS system is, in fact, its own network. If one DNS server doesn't know how to translate a particular domain name, it asks another one, and so on, until the correct IP address is returned.  

Issue A newly installed program does not run and could be using a port on the host computer that's already assigned to another running program or service.  How can current port usage on the host computer be determined quickly? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, TAC INET, TAC I/A Series, TAC Vista, Andover Continuum, CCTV, Field Devices Environment Microsoft Windows Cause A port conflict is suspected. Resolution Open a command prompt and type: netstat -a -n -p tcp -b This command will display all services running, protocol used, local and foreign address, state, and program name.   netstat -p tcp -ano This command will display all services running, protocol used, local and foreign address, state and PID (process identifier). Use Task Manager to match the PID to the program using the port. netstat -p tcp -ano | findstr :80 If a specific port number is necessary, this command will interrogate the system for the program currently using that port number:

Issue Where can we find the LON xif files for SE72xx, SE73xx, SE76xx controllers? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert,EcoStruxure Building Operation,Field Devices Environment SE7200 / SE7300 / SE76000 Room Controllers Cause xif files are needed for LON applications. Resolution All LON related files for these controllers are available for download on The Exchange Download Center:   XIF files and plug-ins Resource files (DRF kit)

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 Upgrading the MPMs firmware through the boot loader was unsuccessful. 10.50.80.2 is pingable, but not the default IP 10.50.80.3. The LED's keep blinking in tandem (alternating one after the other), even after having the MPM powered over 10 seconds. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager Cause This can be triggered by multiple events: - MPM was interrupted (powered off) while the firmware was still being upgraded. - Database does not exist; MPM was formatted and does not have firmware installed. - Database is corrupt (for any reason) Resolution It is strongly recommended that a firmware upgrade be done via the "File Manager" tab in Building Expert. However, if this is not possible, an upgrade can be performed through the bootloader using the following steps: 1 - At the top left part of the screen, make sure "Status" says "Connected". 2 - Format the SD card clicking on the "Submit" button next to "File System Format". "Format Done" will be displayed next to the button once the format has been completed 3 - Click on the "Browse" button and Navigate to the Firmware_update_V2.XX.bp" on your computer then click on "Submit Query". 4 - The previous step will upload the firmware file to the MPM's SD card. Once the file has been transferred, the following message will appear: or 5 - The MPM Must be kept powered-up for at least 15 minutes in order to allow the MPM some time to unpack the firmware file. The best way to determine whether the MPM is back online is to ping its IP address using a "Command Prompt" window. 6 - Once the MPM replies to the ping, Building Expert can be accessible though 10.50.80.3   If the above solution does not work; meaning that every time a new firmware is pushed to the MPM, the MPM keeps coming back to the bootloader, contact technical support

Issue Lost MPM IP address Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite MPM Cause Forgotten IP address Resolution 1. Connect your PC directly to your MPMs Ethernet port and set your computer network configuration to access the MPM at the default address of 10.50.80.3 (example, set your PC to use address 10.50.80.99). 2. Disconnect and re-connect power to MPM. 3. The MPM goes to Bootloader mode for approximately 10 seconds at start-up. You will see Blue and Green indicators (UN2/VA2 MPMs) alternate steadily during that time according to the following. a. While the MPM is in Bootloader mode, you can access your config.db file at 10.50.80.2/root/ config.db. b. Enter address in browser window before you restore power to not to miss the 10 second window. It may require more than one refresh attempt before you enter Bootloader. 4. The browser prompts you to open or save config.db file once successful connection is made. 5. Open file using text editor. 6. Search “ETH1_ip” field for IP address of your MPM to right side of “ETH1_ip”. 7. Enter IP address to browser address bar to access your MPM.

Issue Will the Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) act as a BACnet IP BBMD?   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Site using BACnet and one or more  SmartStruxe Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (SSL MPM)  Cause Can the MPM act as a BBMD Resolution The MPM cannot act as a BACnet Broadcast Management Device (BBMD), but it can be a foreign device to another BBMD BACnet protocol includes broadcast traffic which does not pass through on-site routers. For BACnet devices to network across a wide area or across multiple separate sites connected by the Internet, it is necessary to register the BACnet devices with a Schneider BBMD using the Foreign Device Registration function in Building Expert. For a Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) running Building Expert to function as a BACnet device, when being managed remotely over a standard TCP/IP network, it must be configured as a Foreign Device. It must also be registered on an Automation Server (AS) on the remote network that acts as a BBMD. Once done, BACnet devices can send messages to the BBMD, which are translated by the BBMD so they can pass over a standard on-site router. Then BBMD forwards the messages to the appropriate destination MPM controlling the Devices for which the BACnet messages were originally intended. Then the MPM translates the messages received over the network from the BBMD into standard BACnet messages and passes them on to the intended Devices as if they were direct BACnet messages. This Foreign Device Registration feature allows a single user with a StruxureWare Building Operations (StruxureWare Building Operation) terminal to remotely oversee multiple disparate sites simultaneously using BACnet, without having to install expensive direct connections to each site. You must have Firmware release version 2.9 or higher installed on your Manager to use Foreign Device Registration function. Here is the BACnet-Specifications-PIC-Statement.pdf And the  explanation on how to setup the DR-ForeignDeviceRegistration.pdf

Issue Unsure what options are available in the Lua smtp.send() function. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Cause The Lua smtp.send() function is not fully documented. Resolution The syntax of the smtp.send() function is: smtp.send { from = string, rcpt = string or string-table, source = LTN12 source, [server = string,] [user = string,] [password = string,] [port = number,] [domain = string] }   From above you can see that the "from", "rcpt" and "source" fields are required. Whilst "server", "user", "password", "port" and "domain" fields are optional. Example Lua code is: --============================================================================== -- SSL email notification script example --============================================================================== -- Define the input you want to monitor below var("temperature", "ME.AI1") -- Room Temperature limit = 78 -- define the threshold now = scl.sysclock() if (temperature > limit) then -- When temperature is above threshold     if (sent == nil) -- Check if e-mail was already sent     and ((last == nil) or (now - last > 15 * 60)) then -- Maximum every 15 minutes         sent = true -- Only send e-mail once         last = now -- Keep track of last time     result, reason = smtp.send {     user = "alerts@server.com",  -- Enter your existing SMTP username     password = "test1234",  -- Enter your existing SMTP password     from = "alerts@company.com",  -- Enter your existing Source address     rcpt = {             "user1@company.com",  -- First recipient             "user2@company.com",  -- Second recipient             "user3@company.com"  -- Third recipient             },     source = smtp.message( {     headers = {     from = "alerts@company.com",  -- Displayed source address     to = "technicians@company.com",  -- Displayed recipients     subject = "Temperature Alert"  -- E-mail title                 },     body = "Current temperature is: " .. temperature .. " (above " .. limit .. ")" .. " [" .. os.date() .. "]"}),     server = "server.com" – enter your SMTP server                 }     if result ~= 1 then         print(os.date(), "E-mail was NOT sent:", reason)     else         print(os.date(), "E-mail was successfully sent.")     end end     else     sent = nil -- Re-enable alerting on condition end   --[[ Disclaimer: We hope that this script example and associated information (the "information") is valuable to you. Your use of this information, however, is at your sole risk. All information is provided "as -is", without any warranty, whether express or implied, of its accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement, and none of the third-party products or information mentioned in the work are authored, recommended, supported or guaranteed by Schneider Electric.. Further, Schneider Electric. shall not be liable for any damages you may sustain by using/installing/modifying this information, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. --]]  

Issue Having difficulties binding (pairing) room controller with MPM Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) SE7000 Room Controller Cause Unable to make sense of LED blinks status Resolution The room controller cover needs to be removed to expose the LED located on the ZigBee communication module.   Here is a description of the LED status for Sigma Room Controllers (SE7000 Series): Blinks once: ZigBee Communication module is powered but might be defective or incompatible with the room controller base board. Blinks twice: ZigBee Communication module is compatible with room controller base board but cannot see any ZigBee network in its range that matches its own channel and PAN ID. Blinks 3 times: Room controller has joined the network successfully but it is not bound to MPM. Blinks continuously: Room Controller has joined the network and is placed in identify mode by MPM during the binding process. Blinks 4 short and 1 long: Thermostat is bound to the MPM and is communicating.

Issue Some Modbus meters can be integrated to a MPM using the built-in widgets (MOD1 checkbox enabled).  Other Modbus meters require a LUA script. With LUA scripts, the MOD1 object (Modbus config) must be disabled (MOD1 checkbox disabled). Can two Modbus meters be integrated to the same MPM, with one using the built-in widget and the other using a LUA script? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Modbus devices Cause Unfortunately, both meters must be integrated with LUA scripts or both must be integrated via built-in widgets. By keeping the internal Modbus driver enabled (MOD1 checkbox enabled), the Modbus component in the script will not work.  The two will conflict. Resolution The two Modbus meters must both be integrated via LUA script or by built-in widgets.

Issue The PID controller object provided as part of the MPM software does not allow for any means of programmatic override i.e. forcing the loop output to 0%, 100% or other user defined position.  If you force the referenced Manipulated Variable (output) to a particular position by programmatically disconnecting it from the PID object, there can be a large overshoot when the PID output is reconnected.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Cause If you force the referenced Manipulated Variable (output) to a particular position by programmatically disconnecting it from the PID object,  the PID controller will be 'open loop' and any integral parameter will wind up the output to its max or min position.  This can cause a large overshoot when the PID output is reconnected.   Resolution One option is to write a Lua script that forces the Controlled Variable and the Setpoint Reference to receive the same value when you override the loop output. This would freeze the output of the PID controller and prevent any integral wind up. There would still be a 'bump' when you remove the override, but it should be reduced.   Another option is to replace the PID controller object with a Lua script that provides the same the same functionality but with the addition of an override mode. You can find a sample Lua script here

Issue How to manage the trend files stored on the SmartStruxure™ Lite Manager flash memory. Examples and guidelines for the FTP transfer of trend files. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) 2.4.3 and above Lua program Cause All data points collected by a TL object are saved in a text file stored on the SmartStruxure™ Lite Manager SD memory card (which has a storage capacity of 2 GB). This file is accessible at [ipaddress]/root/data/trend.csv. The trend.csv file contains the log of all TL objects on a SmartStruxure™ Lite Manager. It logs new data until it reaches a size of ~10 MB, when it will be renamed trend_date.csv for backup. A new trend.csv file will be created to record the new data.  In the context of your application, it may be of interest to retrieve the trend.csv file from the SmartStruxure™ Lite Manager for analysis.   It is also important to remove these excess trend files since there is a risk of filling the SD card on the Manager. An example of storage requirements are listed below: A Manager with 10 trend logs recording data every 10 minutes will record ~50 kB of data each day, for a total of ~350 kB per week. A Manager with 20 trend logs recording data every 30 seconds will record ~2 MB of data each day, for a total of ~14 MB per week. Resolution The simplest way to automate this process is to use a Lua script to initiate a FTP file transfer to an FTP server on an event of your choice. The example shown in the application note below, the file transfer is initiated by a SmartStruxure™ Lite scheduler. Once the file is transferred to the FTP server, you can rename the file to create a backup. Data collection will then continue in a new and empty trend.csv file. This way, any new transfer of the trend.csv file to the FTP server will be a complement of the preceding file. This application note discusses the management of the trend files stored on the SmartStruxure™ Lite Manager flash memory, and provides examples and guidelines for the FTP transfer of these files. Lua script examples can be found here