Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 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 After a Sigma transition into EBO, alarm clears are requiring acknowledgements. In the Sigma Interface, the object alarm and hardware alarm 'Type of Acknowledgement are set to 'Extended' and cannot be changed to 'Single' Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Satchwell Sigma Cause Alarm Clear Controls are incorrectly set in Sigma Alarm Manager. Resolution During the Data Import into EBO, the settings of the Sigma Alarm Manager is checked and the alarm clear acknowledgement type is set to a specific type. If acknowledgement on alarm clears is no longer required in EBO then it will need to be changed on the Sigma server,   To change to 'Single' so that alarms only are able to be acknowledged, in Sigma: Open the Alarm Manager and go to the menu options: Configure > Alarm Controls.   Uncheck the 'Alarm Clears Acknowledgeable' box.   Redo the Data Import, the 'Type of Acknowledgement' is now seen to be set to 'Single'. However, If it is now showing 'No', then the KB article Type of Acknowledgement set to 'No' on Sigma Interface object alarm will explain how to change this.

Issue When having issues with a specific NCI (SCPT or UCPT) in a XIF file it can be hard to understand the FILE definition in the XIF file in order to troubleshoot a given issue For information regarding NCI's that are not part of a FILE definition, refer to Understanding the NVVAL part of a XIF file Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment LonWorks XIF Cause The FILE definition can be somewhat cryptic - here is an example   FILE template 0 2 "1.1;" "2,23.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.41.42.43.45.46,0\x80,49,2;" "1,1,0\x80,60,12;" "1,1,0\x80,52,2;" "2,0.2.3.5.6.7.8.9.10.16.17.18.19.20.21,0\x80,48,2;" "1,0,0\x80,17,31;" "1,1,0\x80,34,2;" "1,1,0\x80,23,2;" "1,1,0\xA4,169,1;" "1,1,4\x80,3,8;" "1,1,4\x80,5,17;" "1,1,3\x80,1,2;" "1,1,4\x80,4,9;" "1,1,4\xA4,13,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,14,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,15,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,16,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,17,1;" "1,1,4\x80,18,1;" "1,1,0\x80,42,2;" "1,1,0\x80,36,2;" "1,1,0\x80,193,2;" "1,1,4\x80,8,2;" "1,0,3\x80,2,2;" "1,0,0\x84,165,1;" "1,0,0\xA4,166,1;" "1,1,6\xA4,2,8;" FILE value 1 1 116 0x0B, 0xB8, 0x09, 0x1D, 0x09, 0xFB, 0x0B, 0x80, 0x08, 0x77, 0x07, 0x98, 0x06, 0x13, 0x00, 0x02, 0x23, 0x28, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x78, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x80, 0x80, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x01, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x13, 0x88, 0x00, 0x00, 0x02, 0x0B, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00 Resolution The FILE section describes the configuration variables (or SCPT's and UCPT's) for a device. Here is an explanation of the various parts of the FILE section.

Issue Sigma graphic only updates when first opened and no regular updates occur there after or only some graphic data values update. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma Controllers Cause A Sigma graphic update is controlled by the tolerance setting on the Sigma object and defines when the new value is transmitted from the controller to the server.  If the update does not occur, then the Tolerance value could be set to high. Resolution Reduce the tolerance value via the Sigma object editor. Download the object to the controller. Restart the graphic. Note:  Reducing the tolerance too far can lead to graphic updates dominating communications resources in the controller. For example; A temperature object can be set to 0.05 to give an update for every 0.1 degrees. A change of state programmable object should be set to 0.5 as it will returned true/false statement (equivalent to 1/0). A pressure sensor measuring Pascal’s (100's) may need the tolerance setting higher (e.g. 10) as pressure can change rapidly at higher values.  For globally changing the tolerance values for the Sigma objects, download the Sigma Tolerance Utility

Issue Communications with other Lon network devices are lost after the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon has cold-started. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma IC-Lon Integration controllers IC3-Lon Integration controllers Cause The controller has been cold-started either manually or through the automatic process. Resolution The final part of the engineering process of the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon, is for the file named NVConfig.bin to be uploaded from the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon to the Sigma server. If this file is not uploaded, then the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon reverts to its non-bound state. The NVConfig.bin file contains information about the Lon bindings and is modified during the binding process when using LonMaker. To upload the NVConfig.bin, carry out the following: Open "System Diagnostics"  on the Sigma server. Select the correct controller number. From the "Options" menu select "Upload Files" and NVConfig.bin This file will now be uploaded and overwrite the existing file in the controller folder, and therefore when the controller next cold-starts, the correct file will be downloaded to it. For more information on the Engineering process of an IC-Lon/IC3-Lon, please click here.   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 can more than 50 globals be transmitted from a Sigma controller when I have a lot of digital objects states to pass between controllers? Environment Sigma Controller (all) Cause Sigma controllers are limited to 50 broadcast globals. Resolution Up to 16 Sigma Digital objects states can be reference in a single programmable object.  By performing a binary count the various states can be represented by a single analogue value which can then be broadcast as global data. Sigma programmable object MASK command can be used to decode analogue representation of a single analogue value that represents up to 16 digital states (on/off).   For example the value of 901 represents the state of a number of Sigma DI Objects where each bit indicates the on/off.  Hence, this translate to the 16-bit binary value  0000001110000101  where 1 = on and 0 = off To set-up bit masking click here for details. 1.  Create a program object in the transmitting controller that 'binary' counts up to 16 digital objects. 2. In the receiving controller create up to 16 programmable objects to decode the transmitted analogue value.  e.g

Issue General use of the Wireshark program. Product Line Access Expert, Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Ethernet Networks Cause General Information on using WireShark. Resolution Wireshark is an Ethernet packet analysis programme, Which can be downloaded from: Latest version available from Wireshark Locally stored version 1.0.9 Installing Wireshark If necessary, unzip the WireShark executable file to a suitable location on the PC/Laptop you wish the programme to be installed on. Run the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions. Rules for capturing LAN traffic using Wireshark: Do not use a switch or router to connect the LAN capture PC to the network as these will filter important network activity that you will need to see. You will want to capture everything that is passing over the network at the point of concern. Usually, this means tapping into the ethernet at the Controller or controllers, that is having an issue. midBit-Technologies-LLC-10-100 is an example of a device that can be used to easily tap into the network to take the capture. The monitoring PC must see all traffic from the controller's point of view. The monitoring PC can be connected in either two ways: Connected to the network at the controller The customers IT department can mirror all the network traffic from the controllers port to another port the PC can be connected to. If connected to the network at the controllers, the connection must be made through a true ethernet hub. A hub will not selectively filter important network traffic as a switch or a router will do. More information on what a "true ethernet hub" can be found at http://wiki.wireshark.org/HubReference There are however some switches that feature port mirroring, please see How to Configure a NETGEAR Prosafe Plus Switch for Mirroring. If connected to a mirrored port, the port must mirror 100% of the network traffic to and from the controller. No filtering should be done. Once a complete capture file has been obtained it can be filtered after the fact using WireShark or EtherReal. Using Wireshark Run WireShark Start a trace by choosing the "Capture" menu and then select "Interfaces" Choose the appropriate interface. Generally, this can be identified by its IP Address, but if not, then the packets increasing are an indication. Press the "Start" button. The trace will start and will be similar to the following screenshot. After an appropriate time, the trace can be stopped by selecting "Capture" menu and "Stop" To save the capture file, choose "File" menu and "Save As".

Issue What OPC options does sigma support? Environment Sigma OPC DA AE ModBMS IC-GEN-OPC IC GEN OPC Cause Requested details Resolution There are two options available; 1. OPC Server:  ModBMS software available from Product Support London. This supports up to 5000 OPC DA tags and OPC AE events.  See release note for details 2. OPC Client:  IC GEN OPC software mimics a Sigma controller and is loaded onto the same PC as the OPC Server. This supports up to 1000 OPC DA tags only.  See datasheet for details.

Issue BAS2800+ does not  see the dongle when it is started. Environment Windows XP, BAS2800+ V2.9 Cause The PC is too fast for the dongle to be detected. When BAS2800+ is installed on a PC and BAS2800+ is run for the first time, a warning message is displayed - "No Dongle Driver Detected".  Resolution Download here the fast dongle driver, unzip and install in c:\bas\bin and run dk2wn32.exe Follow the on screen instructions and finally restart the PC. The dongle should now be detected and BAS2800+ is allowed to run.

Issue Using the IR Tool or RS 485 converter to communicate with the controller Environment NCP Palm IR Tool RS232 to RS485 converter. Cause Configuration and use of NCP Palm. Resolution Using the IR Tool to communicate with a Unifact Pro controller. Connect the IR Tool to your laptop and Unifact Pro controller. Start the NCP Palm programme. Select the correct serial communications port and uncheck the CTS / RTS selection boxes, then select OK. From the "File" menu select "Connect" Enter 0 for the Subnet address, 0 for the Node address, then select OK. This has now confirmed that you are connected to the IR Tool. To connect to the controller select the "File" menu and select "DisConnect" Select the "File" menu and then select "Connect". Enter 1 for the Subnet address, 1 for the Node address, then select OK. You are now connected to the controller. Using an RS 232/485 converter is similar to connecting to the controller, but the controller communications terminals are used instead of the IR Tool. For further details on NCP Palm, please click HERE.

Issue Assistance is required to create this programme. Environment Sigma Programme Chiller control Prog points Cause This programme has been attempted, but does not operate as required. Resolution The programme must control 5 chillers in a fixed sequence. There must be a delay of 20 minutes between starting chillers, (configurable). The temperature differential from zero to all chillers operating must be adjustable. The suggested programme is as follows: 10 XFlo = POINT 0|144 - POINT 0|140 20 IF XFlo <= 0.000000 THEN XFlo = 0.000000 30 IF XFlo >= POINT 0|141 THEN XFlo = POINT 0|141 40 XFlo = ( XFlo / POINT 0|141 ) * 100.000 50 XInt = 0 60 IF XFlo >= 20.0000 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 70 IF XFlo >= 40.0000 AND YInt >= 1 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 80 IF XFlo >= 60.0000 AND YInt >= 2 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 90 IF XFlo >= 80.0000 AND YInt >= 3 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 100 IF XFlo >= 100.000 AND YInt >= 4 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 110 IF TIME LEFT THEN GOTO 180 120 IF XInt > YInt THEN GOTO 150 130 YInt = XInt 140 GOTO 190 150 ZInt = INT ( POINT 0|142 ) * 60.0000 160 SET TIMER ZInt 170 YInt = YInt + 1 180 IF XInt < YInt THEN SET TIMER 0 190 RETURN VIA TEXT 92 VALUE FLOAT ( YInt ) Objects: 140 - SPA Object - Setpoint 141 - SPA Object - Differential required - 0 chillers to 5 chillers (degrees over which all chillers switch on) 142 - SPA Object - Delay time in minutes required. 144 - AI Object - Chillers Return Temperature Link this programmable object to the chiller commands, using the hysteresis option. On each chiller command object, enable the hysteresis option, setting will be as below. Chiller 1 -  hysteresis low setting  0.1 and high setting  0.9. Chiller 2 -  hysteresis low setting  1.1 and high setting  1.9. Chiller 3 -  hysteresis low setting  2.1 and high setting  2.9. Chiller 4 -  hysteresis low setting  3.1 and high setting  3.9. Chiller 5 -  hysteresis low setting  4.1 and high setting  4.9. For a copy of the above text, click here.

Issue Sigma installation failure due to OCX error. Environment Sigma Registration Error OCX Cause Windows user account did not have Admin rights. Resolution This error is caused because the Windows user does not have Admin rights, and this is required to install Sigma. This requirement is shown in the release note. To correct this issue, log onto Windows as a user with Admin rights and then the software will be loaded correctly. For a copy of the 4.05 SEB release note select HERE.

Issue Can BAS 2800+ parts still be obtained? Environment BAS BAS2800+ BAS 2800+ NIU Outstations Cause BAS 2800+ NIU has failed. Resolution Below is an extract of the discontinuation document, for the full document select HERE. In order to provide you with the opportunity to purchase any spare products for sites that may still be running the BAS Platform, the intention is to provide a 3 month window to place orders for BAS products that are currently still available. Because these products are in limited supply we cannot guarantee availability for all orders placed for the 3 month period between 1st May 2011 and the 31st July 2011. We will do our best to supply all parts that have been ordered during this period; and intend to keep manufacturing the product up to the end of October to enable us to meet any outstanding orders. This means that orders for the product can be placed up to the 31st July 2011 but no product will be manufactured after the end of October 2011.

Issue What NEMA or IP rating is a specific product? Environment All devices Cause Is a product protected against water and access by foreign objects? Resolution The Degrees Of Protection document details both the IP rating and NEMA Enclosure charts. The IP rating is made up of 2 digits, the first is the level of protection to foreign objects, the second is the level of protection to water. If a product does not specify any rating for water ingress in it's datasheet then the the second digit will be 0. The first digit relates to the size of a foreign object that can be inserted into the product. Typically many Buildings products will not allow the insertion of a finger (12.5mm approx' 1/2") and offer no water protection, so they would be rated as IP20, however it would be IP10 should they have holes of up to 50mm (approx' 2").

Issue What are the differences between the IAC 400 and the IAC 420 controllers? Product Line Field Devices, Other, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma   Environment IAC 400 IAC 420 Cause The IAC 400 controller is obsolete and its replacement is the IAC420. Resolution Hardware differences; The IAC 400 has 3 Temperature, 2 Analogue and 1 Digital input, where as the IAC 420 has 6 Universal inputs. Communications differences; The IAC 400 controller uses terminal 3 to earth the communications cable screening, on the IAC 420 the screening must be connected to a good earth and not terminal 3. Tables and offsets; Because the IAC 420 has different inputs that tables and offsets are changed, please review IAC Controllers - Tables and Offsets. IAC 400 Wiring details. For the full data sheet please click HERE.   IAC 420 Wiring details. For the full data sheet please click HERE.

Issue The new release note for the IC3-SNP does not give the object mapping information for the IAC 420 controllers Environment Sigma IAC Controllers Integration Controllers Cause The release note for the latest IC3-SNP controllers does not give the table and offset information for the object mapping used in the gateway.txt file Resolution Please click here for a document giving the details of the tables and offset used. It is from an old release note but the details have not changed.

Issue Unifact Pro - Master and Slave controller ratio Unifact Pro - Number of controllers on a LAN Environment Unifact Pro Cause What is the Master to Slave controller ratio of Unifact Pro controllers on a LAN? What is the maximum number of Unifact Pro controllers on a LAN? Download here the Unifact Pro Datasheet Resolution There is 1 master to a maximum of 3 slaves. A single Unifact Pro LAN can support up to 80 controllers. Note: A S-Link sensor wired to the master can be shared by up to 3 slave controllers. If fan speed control is used then S-Link sensors cannot be used on the slaves.