Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A stand-alone Xenta programmable controller can have an application downloaded into it using a serial cable and Menta. However, if that base unit has additional Xenta 400 I/O modules associated with it, they will never recognize and associate with their base controller. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Stand-Alone Xenta Programmables Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Xenta 400 I/O Modules Menta Cause A direct download of a Menta application does not download any network description information along with it (.ndb file) -- it is application only.  The controller can be downloaded via System Plug-in, which places the .ndb file into the controllers, but this requires the creation of a "dummy" network.  lontool32 offers a quick work around for truly stand-alone controllers. Resolution It is best to use the most current system program for this method as older versions may not work. Note: While Menta allows for configuration of the communications port from COM1 to COM9, lontool32 can only communicate on COM1. Follow the instructions in Reassigning a USB Serial Adaptor to a desired COM port to force the hardware to COM1. Then launch the Menta Setup tool from the Start Menu (Start >All Programs > Schneider Electric > TAC Tools X.X.X > Menta Setup) and set the Com Port to 1. Using Menta, create and download your .MTA file to the Xenta programmable using the direct connect method. This connection will also be used for lontool32 downloads. After Downloading, ensure Menta is "offline" to allow lontool32 an active connection on COM1. Open the lontool32 program which is located in your Menta program folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Menta 5.X.X\lontool32.exe) In lontool32, select the add button to add group, then select add node to add Base Unit. Double click on the Base unit to edit the node in the Network Configuration window. Select the Upload button to retrieve the Device and associated  I/O information. You will see this information populate the "database" column and associated I/O will populate the "I/O Modules" window below. *If the upload button remains grayed out, Ensure the Menta connection is "Offline" or follow the instructions here Reassigning a USB Serial Adaptor to a desired COM port to force the hardware to COM1. Also, check in the TAC Menta Setup program to verify that the Com Port is set to 1. Edit each I/O module by right clicking and selecting "Edit I/O". Use the "Service Pin" button to set the Neuron ID .  Enter the Subnet and a unique Node address in the appropriate text boxes. Repeat this procedure for every base unit in the network. If the network will contain more than one Base Unit, one must be designated as master by selecting the "master" check box in the Network Configuration window. When all the I/O has been updated, Select the "Download" button to generate and send the .NDB file to the base unit. Your I/O Modules should now be online which can be verified by the status light now oscillating every second vs. flashing quickly. If the Subnet Node information populates to a 0, you must type a subnet address and unique Node address for each unit on the network.  

Issue How to completely uninstall and remove TAC Vista 5.X.X Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1 and later versions Windows OS (Windows XP, Windows 7 tested) Cause Occasionally it is beneficial to be able to remove a TAC Vista installation completely, removing any indication it was ever installed. Resolution When using the full SQL version not administered by TAC Vista: Backup SQL database named “taclogdata”. Use the backup function in SQL Server manager. Save the database outside of the Microsoft SQL folder Server and TAC root directory (usually C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric (note: TAC Vista 5.1.3 and prior will have path C:\Program Files\TAC instead) and C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server). Backup TAC Vista database using backup function in TAC Vista. Stop SQL manager, Task manager/processes – stop sqlserv.exe and sqlagent.exe if running. Remove all TAC Vista hotfixes using the uninstall program in Control panel Add/Remove programs. Remove TAC Vista Server 5.x.x using the uninstall program in Control panel Add/Remove programs. If additional TAC programs like TAC toolpack, TAC Xbuilder etc. are installed remove them as mentioned before. Remove SQL (Microsoft SQL Server 2005) using the uninstall program in Control panel Add/Remove programs. Delete remaining uninstalled TAC folders (usually C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric, TAC Vista 5.1.3 and prior will have path C:\Program Files\TAC instead). Delete remaining files in C:\Program Files\Common Files\TAC Shared. Delete remaining uninstalled SQL (Microsoft SQL server) folders (usually C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server). Check to see if TAC needs to be removed from the registry – Start, Run, REGEDIT. Find the registry key folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDll Remove all keys containing “TAC Shared”, e.g. C:\Program Files\Common Files\TAC Shared\TACADDON01_ENG.dll. If applicable - Remove SQL from registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft \Microsoft SQL server. Reboot. If SQL Server (TACVISTA) still listed under Services, please follow steps in SQL server service cannot be started during Vista 5.X.X installation to solve the issue. See How to uninstall and completely remove TAC Vista 4.3 to TAC Vista 4.5 for steps to completely remove TAC Vista IV.

Issue Do IP settings go to defaults when flashing from 4040 to 9640? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX9640 bCX4040 Cause Have a need to flash a controller from bCX4040 to bCX9640 over a remote connection access. Do not want to have to go to the site to reset IP settings.  Resolution Using CyberStation v1.93 a bCX4040 was flashed to a bCX 9640 and it did NOT lose its IP info. Notes: At the end of the upgrade an error was received: “The uprev could not communicate with the specified controller”. From the webpage it was noted that the IP address had not changed and the upgrade was successful. It did not come back online in CyberStation. From the webpage, resetting it still did not bring it back online in CyberStation. Changing the model number in CyberStation to bCX9640 (from bCX4040) to bring it back online was not an option. The flash upgrade had reset the ACCNetID to 1. The 4040 was then deleted (Bacnet side first then Infinity side) and a new 9640 was created. The proper ACCNetID was set up in the webpage and the changes committed. It was then online in CyberStation. Bottom line – IP address never changed. ACCNetID did. The controller never had to be touched during this process so remotely doing this is expected to work. This was only tested using the latest firmware and CyberStation v1.93. Of course, the best way to do this is on the bench not on a live system. Please be aware that the model flash change will cause node count and/or xdriver upgrades to be reset if they were added as post-factory-shipment upgrades (via the Repair Dept) since these upgrade UPD files are model specific. See Node or XDriver Upgrade of BCX Inf (9640) to BCX BACnet (4040) or reverse. Also see Update b3 or i2 OS, changing (converting) a controller, BACnet to Infinet or Infinet to BACnet .

Issue VisiSat 2.1 Build 196 Service Pack 1 provides the five following corrections: In the ARCnet debug Excel spreadsheet, the property editor can now be run. (Defect 1633) Exporting points to MNView or XBuilder, now allow up to 32 characters for the name and up to 50 characters for the description. (Defect 1706) In StruxureWare Building Operation WorkStation, MicroNet Interfaces can no longer be exported/imported. All MicroNet engineering should be done in VisiSat first and then imported into StruxureWare. (Defect 1765) Newly created blank points lists can now be saved without production an error message. (Defect 1784) Exports to StruxureWare no longer produce Memory leaks. (Defect 1808) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet Environment VisiSat 2.1 build 196 StruxureWare Building Operation Version 1.4 Onwards Cause Correction of five known defects. Resolution This Service Pack should only be added to VisiSat 2.1.196 Note: When installed, the VisiSat 2.1 Build version/build number increases to 2.1.200. (due to one of the files in 'Program Files'). VisiSat will still show as Build 2.1.196 in Control Panel - Programs - Programs and Features - Uninstall or change program. Installing VisiSat Service Pack 1 =============================== Shutdown VisiSat and the VisiSat-Server. Run "VisiSat 2.1.196 Service Pack 1.exe". Extract to VisiSat installation root drive. (or extract to another location and move the Satchwell folder, created when extracted to the root of the C: drive). To the question 'Would you like to replace the existing file', select 'Yes to All' Restart VisiSat. Download VisiSat 2.1 Build 196 Service Pack 1. See VisiSat version 2.1 Build 196 service pack 2 where information on VisiSat 2.1 Build 196 Service Pack 2 can be found and the service pack downloaded.

Issue When connecting to a Web Service, the connection is not established and the error "403 forbidden" is shown. A Web Service goes offline after having worked previously and the error "403 forbidden" is shown. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Web Service Generic Consume Cause The generic consume Web Service client in SmartStruxure doesn't have a user agent header defined. Some Web Service providers will not or no longer allow that, and denies the request when it comes from SmartStruxure. If the same URL is entered in a browser, the page is shown. The cause of this issue can also be that the Web Service is being polled too often. Resolution Until it is made possible to define a customer user-agent header, you need to use another application to relay the Web Service request. This can for instance be "SBO - Web Service through a Proxy and JSON conversion" from the Exchange Community.

Issue Laptops are now being supplied with an express card slot instead of a PCMCIA card slot. The LON PCC-10 cards are PCMCIA cards and will not fit in an express card slot. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment Using the Lon PCC-10 Card in a laptop that has an express card slot and not a PCMCIA card slot. Cause The latest laptops are being supplied with express card slots. The option of a PCMCIA card slot is becoming harder to specify. Resolution Although the slot in the laptop appears to be the same as a PCMCIA card, the Express card slot differs in many ways to the PCMCIA slot the PCC-10 card requires. Express card slot to PCMCIA card converters are available but not all support the PCC-10 card. Some express card to PCMCIA card converters only support 32 bit PCMCIA cards. The PCC-10 is a 16 bit card. Basic testing has been carried out on an express card to PCMCIA card converter with a LON PCC10 card from Roalan Ltd. You can purchase the EC1632 converter direct from Roalan Ltd. website by credit card through the Sagepay secure web server. Alternatively, you can phone your order to +44 (0)1202 861512 or fax it to +44 (0)1202 891454. The product is plug and play on Windows Vista and Windows 7 with a downloadable utility for Windows XP. (Only required on some computers. It was not required on the Dell E6420 when testing the card.) You can download the utility here: EC1632.zip, or from Roalan's website. Further information on the converter is available on Roalan's website. You may also download the EC1632 Installation Guide. The card should be plug and play. If your PCC-10 card does not work when using the express card converter, check the PCC-10 card installation using under the control panel. If the card is not working correctly review The Echelon LonTalk PCC-10 PCMCIA Network Adapter will not work with a Dell E6410 laptop. If you need to order a LON PCC10,PCMCIA card, they are available through Schneider Electric specification number WPA-LON-2.

Issue When adding a Simple XML Web Service interface in to SmartStruxure, the following error message is given.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Workstation SmartStruxure Web Service Interface Enterprise Server  Automation Server Automation Server Premium  Cause The (403) Forbidden error means that the destination of the XML address being used is denying access.  Resolution Follow these steps:   Verify that the XML address can be reached in a normal web browser.  Contact the provider of the XML web service to gather more information on their requirements.    Note: Some providers require a username and password to acquire their information. In other cases they may require that the HTTP request contain an user-agent header. For example, weather.gov requires the HTTP header and will block any request without it. SmartStruxure does not currently support the HTTP user-agent header. You can check out the Community post SBO - Web Service through a Proxy, JSON and Image conversion as a possible workaround for these situations. 

Issue Error when installing SQL 2005 Express on a machine that had previously had MSDE installed Product Line TAC INET Environment SQL 2005 Express Cause  MSXML 6.0 SP2 is causing the installation to fail Resolution Download the program linked below Remove SQL 2005 from the system Run the application to remove MSXML 6.0 from the system Re-install SQL2005 Express MicrosoftFixit50568.msi.zip For alternative solutions see SQL Express install fails on MSXML 6 and Failed to create or configure database on SQL Server! ([17] SQL Server does not exist or access denied.).

Issue A Door configured with Magstrike status as Door Status re-locks after 2s  even when Door Strike Time is set to 10s. Environment Continuum Access Control Cause The Door output will relock after the Door Strike Time or when the Door is opened. Since you are using the mag lock status as the Door status (not the preferred method), then as soon as the Door is unlocked, the mag lock is de-energized which turns off the Door Status which then relocks the Door 1s later. Resolution You need to monitor the actual physical status of the Door to indicate when it has physically opened and shut. Either that or remove the input from the Door object by setting the Door Status channel to 0. This should allow the Door to stay open the DoorStrikeTime. You can also use a PE program to get around not having a DoorStatus that monitors the actual Door. This post on the Community discusses this and has some good comments about using this type of Door control with the maglock status instead of a true Door Status switch and is worth a read. Below is an example Plain English program that can help monitor the Door for ValidAccess then hold the Door unlocked for the DoorStrikeTime. 1: If Door1 ValidAccess is On then Goto 2 If Door1 ExitRequest is On then Goto 2 2: Door1 = UnLocked If TS > Door1 DoorStrikeTime then Goto 3 ' wait for DoorStrikeTime 3: Door1 = Locked Goto 1

Issue What is the firmware version that supports EcoStruxure Web Services in SmartStruxure Lite MPM Controllers? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure 1.3 and above SmartStruxure Lite 2.7 and above EcoStruxure Web Services Cause SmartStruxure Lite controllers have two variants of firmware depending on the sales channel: Schneider Electric Can2go Resolution EcoStruxure Web Services are only available in Schneider Electric firmware versions and full EWS support is planned for firmware version 2.7.0 SmartStruxure Lite shows offline in StruxureWare Building Operation

Issue Waveforms for PS, AS, and I/O modules Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Site Cause Loss of power and UPS for the StruxureWare Building Operation and SmartStruxure product lines. Should you design a site with Stepped Approximation or Pure Sine Wave? Resolution Concerning the UPS, and in particular the APC UPS 650, this is a good UPS, but the problem is that it would still interrupt the power for enough time to reset the AS. The AS has a 100mS capacity. AS Power supply interruption or failure has a bit more information would be beneficial to read through. A good UPS would be one that is Online or sometimes referred to as Double Online. This means that the power is not interrupted. The APC UPS line that has this is the SmartUPS and the base model is the old 1000XLI. This model may or may not be available in every country, but there would be a comparable model available. APC has been replacing the 1000XLI with various models, but all have the capability to go directly to battery, then back to power once the power is restored (assuming that there is a backup generator or the main power is restored) before the battery is pulled down. The Automation Server is powered from one or several PS-24V units. They have and peak voltage rectification on the input and the voltage waveform should not be an issue as long as the peak voltage is similar to that of a sine wave. If the input voltage is increasing with a very high dV/dt there may be high input current peaks. Those peaks may but not necessarily be reduced by the 230/24V transformer.   Key Concept: Look for a model with the Topology of Line Interactive and the Waveform Type of Sine wave. Picture is simply for example but not required:

Issue Echelon Node Utility with Loytec NIC-USB Network Interface Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit Echelon Node Utility 2.04 Echelon OpenLDV 4.0 Loytec NIC-USB network interface Loytec NIC driver version 4.1.3 Cause There is a need to run Echelon Node Utility using Loytec network interfaces. Resolution The easiest way to accomplish this, is to use the NodeUtil Launcher. This program scans the registry for known interfaces. It was created by an active Community member. * Do take note Schneider Electric Product Support does not provide support for the NodeUtil Launcher - for support please write the developer of the tool. Below are two methods to manually achieve this if you don't want to use the tool. Here are 2 methods to run Node Utility using Loytec NIC-USB network interface. Method 1 involves accessing the Windows registry to check the path name of the Loytec network interface. We are not modifying any entries in the registry but as always, we should be careful when we access the Windows registry. Using Windows registry incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows. Method 2 will configure the Loytec NIC-USB to use LON1. If you have used an Echelon LonWorks interface as LON1, you will need to detach it before you can use this method. Method 1 Run Loytec LConfig tool. With the Loytec NIC-USB network interface connected, go to the 'USB' tab and test the connectivity Run Windows registry editor (Start > Run > regedit). Navigate to the path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\LonWorks\DeviceDrivers. The interfaces will be shown here. Look for the interface with '_LDV'. Run Windows Command Prompt and navigate to the Node Utility software directory (whichever directory you have put Node Utility) and run NodeUtil using the command nodeutil -D"". See example below. Method 2 Run Loytec LConfig tool. With the Loytec NIC-USB network interface connected, go to the 'USB' tab and test the connectivity. Click on the 'Advanced' button. Check the option 'LON1 Support for device' and select the appropriate device in the drop down list. You will need to reboot the computer for this to take effect. Once the computer has restarted, run Windows Command Prompt and navigate to the Node Utility software directory (whichever directory you have put Node Utility) and run NodeUtil. Node Utility should now run.

Issue Identify between the various dongles used by Vista 2k, Vista 4 and Vista 5 License systems. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 3.3x (Vista 2000) Vista 4.x.x Vista 5.x.x Cause Licensing and dongle technology used by Schneider Electric Vista has changed as new revisions were released. The manufacturer of Vista dongles is Aladdin which causes the designs and colors to lead to confusion over which dongle works with which version of Vista. Resolution Visual inspection and some software tools can be used to differentiate between the various Vista dongles. The Dongle Reset Utility for Vista 4 can be used to determine whether the dongle is for End User or In House use. The getTACHLInfo.exe program which is installed with Vista 5 and the License Server can be used to determine whether a Vista 5 dongle is End User or In House. Vista 4 End User Dongle A Vista 4 End User dongle is only functional when an associated license file (PLF) is installed on a computer that was generated for the PSU ID of the dongle. This dongle can either be USB or LPT in size. If the dongle is LPT it is typically white in color. If the dongle is USB the color is typically blue. When viewing the dongle through the Dongle Reset Utility it will report the type of dongle as Enduser PSU and show the PSU ID. Vista 4 In House Dongle A Vista 4 In House dongle, commonly referred to as an Engineering Dongle, activates the Engineering license files which grants a branch or partner access to the majority of Vista licenses. This type of dongle is not intended for use on customer sites outside of commissioning and maintenance work. Custom licenses can be generated for In House dongles, but it is not common. This dongle can either be USB or LPT in size. If the dongle is LPT it is typically white in color. If the dongle is USB the color is typically blue. When viewing the dongle through the Dongle Reset Utility it will report the type of dongle as TAC Vista IV Inhouse PSU and show the PSU ID. Vista 5 End User Dongle part number 000857510 A Vista 5 End User dongle is only functional when an associated license file (LIC) is installed on a License Server that was generated for the Host ID of the dongle. Vista 5 End User dongles only come as USB dongles and are typically purple in color. When using the getTACHLInfo.exe command the dongle will indicate that it is Enduser and provide the dongle ID. Instructions can be found in Find a Vista 5 dongle ID. Vista 5 In House Dongle - Part Number - 000885000 A Vista 5 In House dongle, commonly referred to as Engineering or Maintenance dongle, grants a branch or partner access to the majority of Vista licenses. This type of dongle is not intended for use on customer sites outside of commissioning and maintenance work. Custom licenses can be generated for In House dongles, but it is not common. Vista 5 In House dongles only come as USB dongles and are typically black in color. When using the getTACHLInfo.exe command the dongle will indicate that it is Engineer and provide the dongle ID. Side by Side Comparison Dongles side by side for size comparison:

Issue String comparison in TGML script is not working. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TGML graphics editor 1.1.X Cause Javascript has a string class and a string literal. String literals are denoted by double or single quotation marks ("" or '') and it is important to compare "like" with "like". String literal: string1 = "Apples" String class: string1 = target.getAttribute("Name"); Resolution A deeper comparison is required in the example below. Instead of: name = target.getAttribute("Name"); tmp = target.getParentNode().getElementsByTagName("Ellipse").item(i).getAttribute("Name"); if (tmp==name) Use: if (tmp.equals(name)) An example is shown in the TGML graphic attached. Download graphic Also check out the JavaScript Essentials - Episode 3 - Value Types Quick-Help video on the Exchange.

Issue The MVB actuator is no longer available from Schneider Electric Replacing a Controlli S300 Actuator Product Line Field Devices Environment VMB valves MVB actuators S300 actuator Cause Only the actuator requires replacing but the MVB is no longer available from Schneider Electric. Resolution Note: The MVB actuators are still manufactured by Controlli, but not distributed by Schneider Electric. Use the AG52 valve linkage kit 880-0129-000. For the Controlli MVB22, MVB26 and MVB28 or S300 replace with the MV15B-230 actuator For the Controlli MVB46 replace with the MV15B-24 actuator For the Controlli MVB32, MVB52 and MVB56 replace with the M800 880-0310-030 actuator If a D36 auxiliary switch was fitted in the  the MVB actuator or if the auxiliary switch was used in the S300 actuator then the following auxiliary switch packs can be used: M800, use the 880-0104-000 kit or order the M800-S2 880-0311-030 actuator which includes 2 auxiliary switches. MV15B-24/230, use the 880-0469-000 kit. Note: if the valve also requires replacing see VSB, VSB..F, VMB, VMB..F Schneider Electric replacement valves.

Issue In TAC Vista 5.1.9 when trying to lock a license file to an end user dongle, the taclic vendor daemon starts briefly, but then stops again and you see the error "Invalid license key (inconsistent authentication code)" in the taclic.log file. Usually you only see that message if the license file has been tampered with. 8:48:28 (taclic) Invalid license key (inconsistent authentication code) 8:48:28 (taclic) ==>INCREMENT Menta.View taclic 5.1 permanent 1 ISSUER=TAC \ ISSUED=30-may-2014 BORROW NOTICE=3424672 \ SN=FID__47eba299_146164ca427__7ec5 SIGN="13DC 795D AF25 E8ED \ D6EG 7BAA 8495 2ED7 B4B0 F6E4 EDD8 C3C1 6EAE 2BF0 598D 0759 \ AE4A 3C9E 391C A6ED B313 9971 369A 349C 8671 E194 2E42 E2DC \ 8A9A 7905" Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.9 License Server Cause An issue has been detected in TAC Vista 5.1.9 when locking a license file to an end user dongle. You see the error "Invalid license key (inconsistent authentication code)" in the taclic.log file. The error is located in the taclic.exe file. Resolution Contact PSS for a permanent hotfix for this issue, or download it from Exchange Download Center.  Work around 1: Lock the license to the MAC address of the PC Follow Rehosting a Vista 5 License on the FlexNet License Server to rehost a license file to a MAC address.  Work around 2: Use a previous version of the taclic.exe file Access a PC having a previous version of the license server installed Locate the file "taclic.exe" and copy it - it's normally located in the TAC Vista installation folder under "License Server" Stop the license server on the PC having TAC Vista 5.1.9 installed Rename the original taclic.exe file to taclic_11.12.exe Paste the "taclic.exe" file you copied into the folder Start the license again  In general when working with the license system on TAC Vista versions from 5.1.8 and above, this utility can come in handy: TACLicenseServer Settings.

Issue Where to find Continuum SQL schema and table details so a 3rd party can have access to the database. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cause Third party requires access to the database Resolution It is not recommended that third party systems directly access to the Continuum SQL database as the Cyberstation software expects full access to all tables at all times. Should a table be locked or inaccessible to Cyberstation it may cause problems or runtime errors. We do not publish any details on the database tables or a SQL schema as Continuum is used for Security applications it would undermine the security of the product. Also the database does not contain live data, this should always be read directly from the controllers. There are other alternatives that can be used. Use an existing open protocol XDriver e.g. Modbus IP or other open protocol BACnet IP or MS/TP link to the 3rd party system or controllers, could also be linked to StruxureWare Building Operation Export the required data from a Listview, Group or Report for use by a 3rd Party Create a Plain English program to regularly export data to a .CSV or .TXT file, see Automatically export logged data to .CSV files Commission the development of a new Xdriver or other integration; contact UK Technical Services department for a bespoke solution, paul.bates@schneider-electric.com

Issue How Permissions works in EBO Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause Software Permissions are used to control user activities in a software application. For example, permissions can be setup to manage the type of data and commands the user has permission to within a workspace, panel, or domain. Resolution EBO software permissions comprise path permissions and command permissions. Path Permission: Path permissions give a user or user account group basic permissions to the objects defined in a path. The permission level set on a path applies to all sub levels unless you set a new permission level for a sub level. Command Permission: To make the system even more flexible and useful, you can assign a user account group with special command permissions. Use the command permission to control exceptions from path permissions that allow or deny actions on specific commands. Command permissions will not restrict a user from specific properties of a given window. They function to remove items from Action or Right Click menus. EBO uses the following basic rules to interpret software permission priorities: The path permission settings of lower branches overrule the settings of higher branches within a user account group For example, a user account group has the Read permission to the path /Trend_Logs and Full Access permission to the subbranch /Trend_Charts. Users in the user account group have permission to modify the objects in the /Trend_Charts but can only view the objects in the superior /Trend_Logs. If the path /System has the permission level Read, and the subbranch /Alarms has the permission level Full Access, the users in the group have full access to the objects in the /Alarms path. The highest permission rule wins between user account groups. For example, if a user has inherited the permission to accept an alarm from one group, this overrules settings from other groups that deny the user the permission to acknowledge alarms. The software permissions for a single user account overrule the permissions of any inherited user account group permissions. The path permission rules also apply to the basic commands Create, Copy, Paste, Cut, Move, Rename, and Delete. For example, you only need the Read path permission level to copy an object but you need the Full Access path permission level to paste an object. See the table for more details.       Download Software Permission.pdf, the detailed guide about how permission works in EcoStruxure Building Operation (Formerly known as SmartStruxure) and how to make it work.  Check out the SmartStruxure Software Permissions Quick-Help video on the Exchange.

Issue Is there support for the C-Bus protocol in StruxureWare Building Operation? How can we integrate C-Bus into StruxureWare Building Operation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2. Cause Requirement to integrate C-Bus protocol into StruxureWare Building Operation, Automation Server or Enterprise Server. Clipsal C-Bus integrated service provide two gateways (BACnet / OPC), that may provide a suitable integration option. Resolution StruxureWare Building Operation does not directly support the C-Bus protocol at this point. Currently Schneider Electric Buildings integration with the C-Bus protocol is typically through the Xenta 913 (See Tip and tricks for communication between Xenta 913 and C-Bus on how this is achieved). When Interfacing the Xenta 913 to the Building Operation offerings you must create connection objects to and from the C-Bus objects via SNVTs, which need to be separately created within the Xenta 913 XBuilder project. Once these SNVTs are exposed, then the Xenta 913 can be added on the LonWorks network allowing the unit to be discovered as a LonWorks device (i.e. only acting as a third party LonWorks device). There are also two offerings provide by the Clipsal Integrated Services division that can be integrated with Building Operation, these are:   1. C-Bus BACnet Gateway (5000BACnet) The C-Bus BACnet Gateway is an embedded device that provides a field bridge between Clipsal C-Bus lighting control systems and the BACnet open protocol. The C-Bus BACnet Gateway provides 255 group addresses from a single application address. The C-Bus BACnet gateway supports the reading and writing of BACnet objects between C-Bus and BACnet and is supplied pre-configured from the (Clipsal) factory. Below is the link to detail of the C-Bus BACnet Gateway (5000BACnet) https://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Support/Software   2. C-Bus OPC Server For larger C-Bus systems (i.e. >255 group addresses) then the C-Bus OPC Server provides a gateway for C-Bus and the OPC Data Access protocols. Current releases of Building Operation does not support OPC, so you will require either an OPC to BACnet or OPC to LonWorks application which can be purchased through third party vendors. SCADA Engine is the preferred Clipsal BACnet OPC Client solution used. http://www.scadaengine.com/ Even though this solution is focused on BACnet, it may also be possible for a similar solution using LonWorks. Below is the link to detail of the C-Bus OPC Server https://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Support/Software There are additional requirements for each of these options that may need to be considered, it is best to discuss these directly with your regional Clipsal representative.

Issue The EcoStruxure Web Services Interface has been successfully setup in a Enterprise Server but cannot see the Vista objects / points in Workstation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.4.x TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface TAC Vista 5 and above Cause The Web Services interface hosts the Vista objects in the System / Hardware / EcoStruxure Web Services / TAC Vista folder, these must be hosted to the Server to become visible within Workstation.  Resolution Once you have navigated to the System / Hardware / EcoStruxure Web Services / TAC Vista folder you will see the list of objects available associated with the TAC Vista user name setup in the TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface. From the list of Vista objects select the required ones you wish to use within the Enterprise Server database. The right click on the selected folder and select the Host EWS Objects... option. The next option is to select the Vista EcoStruxure Web Service interface that will host these objects. The objects will now be visible within the Enterprise Server / Workstation.   For how to create Vista interface in SmartStruxure, refer to How to Create TAC Vista Interface to SmartStruxure. For additional details see Creating an EcoStruxure Web Service Object on the SBO WebHelp site.