Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue If a Modbus IP server goes offline it will slow the polling of other operating servers, how can this be prevented? Environment Modbus TCP/IP X-Driver Cause When the Client Modbus IP XDriver polls points from a Server that is offline or not communicating it will time out slowing the polling of other online devices. Resolution Create a "Remote Device Status Point" (Function code 102) for each of the Servers on the system. This point will return a  value of 1 when the server is communicating, 0 when it is not connected. If a server is known to be offline or switched off this point can be set to a value of 2 to stop it polling that server for data. This allows the other servers to continue to be polled without any time out delays from every point on the offline server.

Issue Making changes in a personnel object from WebClient logs the user out with the error: Web.Client is currently unavailable, if the problem continues, contact your system administrator. Environment WebClient Cause The name of one or more areas attached to the personnel object contain non alpha numeric characters such as commas. Resolution Remove offending character from area's name.

Issue How long does PSS support a product after it is released? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment All Schneider Electric Buildings Business software platforms Cause After a few years, the majority of issues with a release product are documented in the Knowledge Base.  At this point, if the customer is having issues requiring Product Support, we ask that they upgrade to the current version. Resolution Please read the following Product Announcements: PA_00271 Software Support Policy - General Overview.pdf PA_00272 Software Support Policy - Supplementary info for_Andover_Continuum.pdf PA_00274 Software Support Policy - Supplementary info for TAC Vista.pdf PA_00279 Software Support Policy - Supplementary info for TAC INET.pdf PA_00280 Software Support Policy - Supplementary info for TAC IA Series.pdf

Issue A database update from 1.94 to 1.94 SP1 will generate an Installation error [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause A column in the db doesn't get converted properly. The SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type 'datetime' to 'int' is not allowed. The CONVERT function has to be used to run this query contained in the hotfix. Resolution 1. To correct this issue apply the following hotfix AFTER installing 1.94 SP1 but BEFORE running the database update 2.  Locate the hotfix on Exchange using the following link:  https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/search#keyword/14191/tab/documents 3.  Find the item entitled:  "Error when Updating the Continuum DB while Upgrading to CyberStation 1.94 SP1 - TPA-CONT-13-0003.00" 4. Select download and read the release notes and install the hotfix Upgrading to CyberStation 1.94 SP1 - TPA-CONT-13-0003.00  

Issue An update from 1.94 to 1.94 SP1 will generate an "Installation error! Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed. Use the CONVERT function to run this query." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause A column in the db doesn't get converted properly SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed Use the CONVERT function to run this query. Resolution To correct this issue apply the following hotfix AFTER installing 1.94 SP1 but BEFORE running the database update Hotfix for DataBase Update Error

Issue Pinpoint crashes when Animation is selected under the Active Components menu.  The crash occurs both when editing an existing animation or when attempting to create a new animation. Environment Pinpoint Active Animation Crash Cause Domain account permissions were restricted Resolution The network administrator increased the permissions for the account user.  No further details are available.

Issue There is a need to be able to display pdf files from within a webpinpoint graphic Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause instructions to open a pdf file with webpinpoint Resolution Within a graphic in Cyber Pinpoint, add a Windows Control> Web Browser object Edit the object and go to object properties and select the .pdf to display (Change the file type drop down to all files from .htm)  It is recommended to place the pdf files in C:\program files\Continuum\NewGraphicsFiles for permissions reasons.  Once that object has been selected, it can be saved and run in Cyber Pinpoint The same object will open up webpinpoint and the pdf will display.

Issue When PIV card is presented at the card reader a Bad Card Parity event is generated. Non PIV cards present no problem. Environment Card Access AC1 module PIV Format cards PIVReaderFormat Cause The controller was improperly configured for PIV cards. Resolution In this case the PIVReaderFormat system variable was not set. When the PIVReaderFormat is left blank the system defaults to FIPS_PIV_75 Bit for FIPS cards, if the FIPS reader is configured to send a diferent FIPS output such as FIPS_PIV_Full_FASC-N (200 bits) then the system will generate a bit count not supported error. Once the PIVReaderFormat system variable was set to the proper value the cards generated valid access events.

Issue How to reset a person's anti-passback violation. Environment CyberStation NetController ACX Cause Person tail gated in or out of an area in a site that uses anti-passback and the person is now unable to gain access. Resolution Set the person's current area to 'UnKnown' In the older personnel editor go to the Current Status tab and enter 'UnKnown' in the Current Area field. The Personnel Manager does not allow the reset but the current area of the person can be reset from the command line as follows... Root\CredentialFolder\AbeMeran = UnKnown or Root\CredentialFolder\AbeMeran = 0    (zero)

Issue Users with view only access to Graphic objects cant launch graphic editor to view graphics Environment Cyberstation Cause Need to configure extra access under Miscellaneous Resolution Go to the security settings Under the Miscellaneous folder, allow the group to run the graphics editor

Issue A cold start happens instead of a warm start when acc user has greater than 10 characters Environment Continuum Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause greater than 10 characters for acc user causes an issue where the controller will cold start instead of warm start Resolution Reduce the number of characters to be less than 10 A future release will correct this issue

Issue When using a Modbus RTU block reads with a special function code incorrect data can be seen. Environment Modbus RTU X Driver All controller types that support X Drivers Cause The Modbus RTU X Driver does not support the use of block reads (annex points) for the special function codes. Resolution The Modbus RTU XDriver supports special function codes to convert various (Non Modbus standard) data formats for use in Continuum points. As detailed in the Modbus RTU X Driver manual (Param6) function codes, Parameter 6 should not be entered for Function codes 241 to 254. A separate X Driver point is required for each value to be read when using a special function code.

Issue The schedule works well for a long time, when save the schedule after edited, the error pops up ,"An attempt to write property has failed because not enough dynamic memory  space exists in the addressed BACnet Device" Environment Continuum BCX1 b3 devices Cause "Clear past events" is not checked in the schedule objects, the past events are kept in the controller and occupy a lot of dynamic space. Resolution Delete the schedule and  create an new one with the same configuration as  the original one Check "Clear past event " in the schedule objects to avoid the same issue happening again

Issue What are the cable specifications for wiring controller inputs to field devices. Environment Inputs Cable Sensors End devices Cause There is no specification for IO field wiring.   Resolution The line drop produced by cable resistance should be taken into account when choosing the wire gage for Input devices. It is good practice to run a shielded cable for analog inputs simply because it give you a way to drain off any externally induced voltage.

Issue Need to reference the outside temperature and humidity under another BCX1, but the value does not change as the referenced point changes. The program is running. The program code is as below: Line 1 Temp_Outside= NetworkA\BCX1_2\Temp_outside line E state=enabled goto 1 The result is : The value of Temp_outside does not change to equal the value of NetworkA\BCX1_2\Temp_outside Environment Continuum BCX1 B3 Cause A difference between the two BCX1s. The object type of the two points is not compatible. Resolution Correct the submask setting to make sure they have the same submask exactly Correct the object type to make sure they are compatible with each other

Issue Configured a digital input on SXW-UI16, with nothing connected to the input used a volts meter to measure the voltage between RET and the input, the volts meter reads 20.3. Why? Environment SXW-UI16 Other modules Cause This is normal, what is being measured is the voltage across the pull up resistor on the input circuitry. Resolution Any sensor attached to the input must be able to handle the voltage.

Issue Positioner output's override on 865-V always reads TRUE Environment 865-V Cause Documentation Resolution Unlike the 866-V, the 865-V DOES NOT support feedback on the position of its actuator output, the LCDState attribute of the output CAN NOT be used to learn the end positions of the actuator. As a result, the actuator output's override attribute on the 865-V always prints as TRUE since the firmware has no way of knowing the position of the actuator output.

Issue ERROR: Template or User record is either corrupt or not supported when sending templates to biometric readers Environment Bioscript V-Station integration Cause Enrollment reader's template type different from readers template types. Resolution Make sure the template type at the enrollment reader is the same as the template types in the other readers

Issue This is the description of what the Continuum Analyzer does that is also available on the service release CD. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Analyzer Windows 7 Windows 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause The Continuum Analyzer description and what it does is in the service release CD. Resolution The Continuum Analyzer is designed to provide installers and troubleshooters with a point of reference for discovering problem areas within their installations. The software is proactive in that it enables you to 'clean' orphaned and mismatched objects from the database, thereby recovering from a minimal amount of database corruption. Continuum Analyzer also performs a system information check and provides full reporting on all aspects of the installation, as well as alerts regarding deficiencies. This article is provided to you as a guideline and an operational reference for use of the Continuum Analyzer. It is of the utmost importance that you review the current, Continuum Cyberstation Release Notes, before using this product. This document refers to specific changes made to the operation of the Cyberstation software in its new release. Installation Requirements Continuum Cyberstation software must also be installed on the given computer, and meet its hardware and software specifications as detailed in the, Continuum Getting Started Guide. Uninstall Previous Analyzer Versions If a previous revision of Continuum Analyzer is installed on the computer, it is important to remove it before installing a newer version. This is easily accomplished using the following procedure. Close all open applications before proceeding. Select Start, then Settings, and then Control Panel. Once inside the Control Panel, select the Add/Remove Software icon and select, Continuum Analyzer. When prompted, select Yes to remove all application components, and Remove All once uninstall begins. Close the Add/Remove applet and reboot your system. You may now proceed with installation of a newer version, below. Setup Procedure Close all open applications before proceeding. Setup will begin unpacking necessary files. Older versions of Windows workstation may require system file upgrades. An alert message will display asking you to confirm this operation. You may be required to reboot your computer. If this is the case, rerun setup after the computer restarts. The installation awareness screen prompts you for the location in which the files are installed. We recommend allowing the default installation directory. (C:\Program Files\Continuum\ContinuumUtilities\Continuum_Analyzer) When you are satisfied with the location, click on the large installation icon towards the left of the dialogue box. Figure One, below, details this screen. When prompted for creation of the program group in which the Analyzer will reside, select the default, or choose an existing program group for these icons. Setup will copy the necessary files into the installation directory on the hard drive. When finished, you are prompted that setup is complete and need to click, OK to verify. Setup is complete. Operation Modes Continuum Cyberstation software allows the user to define the type of database used to house the system information. Typical system configurations rely on the implementation of Microsoft SQL Server. LAN Mode This operating mode provides the user with all available information about the system installation, including SQL parameters used on the database server. This additional information can help reconcile issues that exist within the configuration of the SQL server. Stand Alone This mode diagnoses problems and lends the equivalent information presented through SQL implementation. Password Confirmation Continuum Analyzer requires the user to enter a password before launching the GUI. The password used should match the password of the SQL account used by Continuum. If all installation defaults were followed, the password is, pyramid97. Navigating the Interface The Analyzer uses an intuitive interface to easily collect and return data from Continuum installations. The interface is broken into 5 parts; a function toolbar, system toolbar, status prompt, report explorer, and the report window. Appendix B contains a screen shot of the analyzer display. Several toolbars located throughout the graphical interface permit point and click operation of the software. Function Toolbar This toolbar is located to the upper-left hand side of the Analyzer interface. Each toolbar feature is explained below. Button descriptions will also appear When the mouse is held idle over the selected feature. Save Reports to File Activating this button saves the Main and Suspect generated report to a *.csv file at the location specified by the user. The Save dialogue box prompts the user for the report destination. This file is required for proper technical support from Andover Controls Corp. Word Wrap This button wraps each line of output data to fit within the parameters of the display window. Run Begins data collection on the system. Clean The clean button removes references to suspect objects found during the initial database screening. After the items are removed from the database, the analyzer is automatically rerun to ensure that no remaining corruption exists. System Toolbar The System Toolbar features shortcuts to many of the same features as the Function Toolbar. This feature group also contains a button to close the program and a display window that monitors the integrity of the database and indicates corruption when found. Status Prompt The analyzer status prompt displays the progress of a current session. During an active session, the status indicator bar will fill to indicate that the analyzer has completed its review of the system. It may take Analyzer several minutes to complete its system scan. The status bar is located in the center of the system toolbar. Please refer to figure four for a detail of the system toolbar and status prompt. Log Selection Windows Analyzer allows a technician to specify log collection dates independently for both the Error and Activity logs using calendar menus as detailed below. This feature is helpful in reducing the amount of time necessary for the completion of an Analyzer scan, and identifying the point at which problems first occurred. The user may choose not to report on log collection by selecting one day ahead of the present date. Report Explorer Navigation The report explorer allows navigation through each report feature in a manner akin to the windows explorer file manager found in Windows. Navigate by double clicking on the desired report folder and selecting the appropriate report from the file list. Figure Seven details the report explorer below. The root of the Analyzer’s report explorer indicates to the user the mode in which the analyzer is running (LAN Mode or Stand Alone.) Each folder displayed below the root contains a report(s) on the system. Continuum Logs These log reports display two kinds of activity. The first report, Continuum Activity, displays all system user actions on the system during the period specified in the calendar selection window. The second report, Continuum Errors, shows the continuum error log during the dates specified within the parameters of the calendar selection window. Cyberstations This report area displays each workstation’s properties as detailed by the device table, and all Plain English programs that are installed at each workstation. Database Integrity This report allows a technician the ability to quickly identify an area of data corruption within the various link tables of the Continuum database. Each of the following reports specifies the type of link verified and a numeric display of how many broken links appear within the system. Typically, broken links detected by Continuum Analyzer can be cleaned from the system, using the clean feature. The clean feature removes all references to the orphaned item. Distributions Pending and failed distributions are monitored from within this report area. Failed distributions detail the name of the object and its status. The Pending distributions monitor the type, content, and numeric statistic of distributions waiting to complete. Field Devices Field device reports detect the variable parameters for different classes of objects configured in the field. This gives the technician a holistic reference point for determining any conflicting parameters within the system. Please refer below for information regarding the content of each report. Report Name Description CommPorts Infinity Controller communication port configurations InfinityControllers CX controller parameters InfinityInfinetControllers Defined parameters for infinet devices InfinityPrograms Details programs that reside on the CX controllers IOU Modules Parameters for each IOU configured within the system Networks Network Object parameters Each field device report displays values as an enumeration from within the database. Troubleshooting with the Analyzer requires that a technician be able to correlate each reported value of an attribute to the software value that Continuum displays within the object editor. Please refer to Appendix A for a definition and value range for variables discussed in the reports. General Continuum These detail all Continuum installation parameters, providing the technician with the ability to troubleshoot any problems that might occur at the software installation level. Aspects covered in this report segment include ODBC client connector details, connection status, domain user account information, and installation path. Workstation Workstation reports provide system information on the workstation hardware and operating system configuration. These reports help clarify any Continuum software compliance issues. SQL Server SQL Configuration information is provided through two reports, Database Configuration and Server Configuration. These values are used to trace possible problems back to a server configuration variable. Summary Report The summary report issues system details that provide a quick overview of the Continuum configuration in use at a particular facility. One set of data in particular is worth discussion, as the values here can lead to problems with the workstation performance of the system. The summary includes a section labeled Windows Registry Check. If the software installation was performed correctly, registry keys will be entered in the Local Machine hive of the registry. It is possible under abnormal installation circumstances that these registry entries are placed under the Current User hive. The Analyzer retrieves these registry values and displays them as follows in figure eight. If the machine is properly configured, the values will only display once, to the right side of the definition text. This indicates their presence in the appropriate location. If the values are located on the left-hand side of the definition text, the installation did not put the appropriate values in the correct location. Suspect Objects The suspect object report details three categories of data corruption detected within the database. If data corruption is discovered, the system toolbar and the report explorer will indicate such. The first category, Suspect Objects Correctable, contains any corrupt data that the Analyzer can repair using the clean command. Suspect Objects Manual Fix details configuration issues which require manually editing the erroneous variable. The final category, Suspect Objects Uncorrectable requires the assistance of Andover Controls TSD staff to remedy the problems. Please be aware that support for these issues requires that ACC TSD staff have a copy of the Analyzer report from the system in question. Figure nine details the report explorer icon displayed when corruption is detected. It is recommended that all suspect objects are saved as a file to aid in recreating the broken link objects. The Clean button is used after the Save Suspect Objects to File button to remove the broken objects from the database. Analyzer Report This report details all areas of data collection and is saved in a *.csv format. You may save a report in one of the following ways. Saving your Analyzer Reports The Continuum Analyzer generates two reports that can be saved for review. Both reports can be saved simultaneously, or individually using the reports menu option at the top of the Analyzer window. Suspect Objects Report The suspect object report is optionally generated when data corruption is discovered. If you do not see the visual indicators that suspect objects are present in the system, then there is no report to generate. However, if corruption is present, the report must be saved. All Cyberstation Workstations Invoke the analyzer by selecting the Continuum Analyzer icon from the Start Menu. You are prompted for a password. This password is the same as the password used to access your database from the ODBC connector. Figure Ten displays the password dialog box. If Continuum was installed with the default options, the database login password is Pyramid97. You may change the start date for log collection through the calendar menu, if necessary. Select, “Run” to begin analysis. The program will run for several seconds, an active display in the system toolbar details its progress. Save the report generated by each machine. Repair Data Corruption IMPORTANT! Note that this is option is NOT always available! If the Continuum Analyzer reports that data corruption was found, a stop sign icon appears in the report explorer and a Database Integrity Failed message appears at the top of the system toolbar. Select the option button labeled, Save Suspect Objects to File. Upon completion, select the Clean option. You’ll notice that after this button is selected, the database is cleaned and the Analyzer is run a second time, to ensure there is no remaining corruption within the database. Submit Analyzer Report The Continuum Analyzer Reports should be sent to our technical support department before upgrading if uncorrectable errors were found. Schneider Electric has a technical support address designed for this purpose. The email should include the following information. Subject: / Body: Dealership name Site Name File attachments: Analyzer Reports (each workstation) File attachments: Suspect Object Reports (each workstation) This email should be sent to Product Support All workstation analyzer reports and suspect object reports should be attached to a single email. Run Analyzer before Upgrade The Analyzer must be run again prior to the upgrade installation to verify that database integrity is stable. Using the Primary Access Server, run the analyzer, save the generated reports, and clean any suspect objects if necessary. Uninstall Continuum Make a note of the workstation and database settings within the Database Initialization Program. Uninstall earlier versions of Continuum from the workstations through the Add/Remove Programs icon located in the Control Panel. Select Continuum from the menu of programs and follow the automated procedure. You must reboot after un-installing. Install Continuum Refer to the Continuum Cyberstation Getting Started Guide for installation instructions. The first workstation upgraded should use the database initialization program to UPDATE an existing database. Ensure that the server name and authentication information is entered correctly. Verify that the workstation settings are IDENTICAL to those used in the previous installation of Continuum Cyberstation. Rerun Continuum Analyzer Rerun the Continuum Analyzer to verify that data within the tables is stable, and that all workstation settings are properly configured. If database corruption is present again, we recommend contacting our Technical Support Department for further information. Appendix A Field Translation Guide The Continuum Analyzer report references the exact table and column names used within the Continuum database. This appended reference should be used when trying to correlate settings and values from the analyzer report against values within the Cyberstation software. Please direct any further inquires to our Technical Support Department. Field Name Description Typical Values Autostart autostart on/off True/False Baud Enumerated value starting with 0 for 300. Each rate of speed has its own enumerated value 0=300, 1=1200, 2=2400, 3=4800, 4=9600 and 5=19.2 Command Whether a program can execute from command line on/off DefaultBaud When a Commport is created it is assigned the default baud of 9600 which is equal to 4 0=300, 1=1200, 2=2400, 3=4800, 4=9600 and 5=19.2 DefaultMode This is the mode the CommPort is configured to use. i.e., Infinet, printer 0=Printer, 2=Command, 3=Infinet, 5=Autoset, 6=Tanknet,11=Xdriver Description Text string entered into the object description field user defined DialPrefix Standard Commport initialization settings ATDT DialSuffix Standard Commport initialization settings |013 DirectConnect User selectable checkbox definition True or False. True if checkbox is selected Filesize Size of the program file in bytes 18 FlowControl UART data stream control 0=NoFlowControl, 1=XonXoff, 2=CtsRts, 3=XonXoffCtsRts HangUpCmd Standard Commport termination request @@@+++@@@ATH0|013 InfinetID Unique Identifier assigned to infinet controllers   IOU Number reference ID attached to the current module 1-32 Location Controller to which an object is attached User Defined MaxResponse Time Maximum amount of time to wait for a response in seconds Default 5 Sec ModelName Value obtained from hardware hardware/software type and version ModemInit Modem initialization string AT&F|013@@@@@@@@@@@ATEQ1&C1&D3S1S0=1W3\J\Q3%C1&W|013 Module ID Unique module identifier; hardware encoded in each module Not user Definable NetworkID Workstation's Energy Net identification number 1-190. 1-64 are recognized by the CXs and NetController. Ids above 64 are recognized by Workstations only. NetworkUTCOffset GMT offset of the network objects User Defined in minutes Owner Name of attached controller object User Defined Parity Standard Commport entries 0 PortNum Enumerated value of commport number to which a device is attached 0=1, 1=2, 2-3, 3=4 PrimaryAccessLogger Workstation computer designated as the primary access server 0=Not Primary, 1=Primary ProbeTime Probe Frequency time between TTL pings Default 60 Sec Program ID Internal Firmware reference ID 4th digit from the left represents IOU firmware revision SecondaryAccessLogger Workstation computer designated as the secondary access server 0=Not Secondary, 1 = Secondary SendToACX Whether or not the object must be sent to the corresponding ACX controller 0/1 SendToCX Whether or not the object must be sent to the corresponding controller 0/1 SerialNum Serial number of the network controller object 527853 Shareflag Whether program is able to run on any workstation on/off State Determines whether an object is active within the system or not TRUE StopBits Commport initialization setting 0 SynchDB Whether or not the object must be synchronized with the database 0/1 TerminalType Determines Commport emulation 0=VT100, 1=VT220, 2=Wyse TimeOutValue No user definition 0 TrackCxd Changed through checkbox selection True or False. True if checkbox is selected UiName Object name in database User Defined UTCOffset Number of minutes offset from GMT User Defined in minutes VersionNum Firmware revision number Ex. 1.53x, 1.2x, 2.1x, 4.5x XDriverFile Location of and name of any Xdriver assigned to the port User Defined

Issue Trying to configure door on AC1 to use HID Corporate 1000 and custom card and getting error... “Can't configure HID Corp 1000 and Custom formats simultaneously on AC1 module” Environment CyberStation CX9680 Cause Since the AC1 module only supports one custom format and the HID_1000_35 requires it, the controller can not allow the user the configure a door for both HID_1000_35 and Custom at the same time. An attempt to violate the rule above shall result in the following error: “Can’t configure HID Corp 1000 and Custom formats simultaneously on AC1 module” Resolution If door is on AC1 then Custom and HIDCorp 1000 can't be selected simultaneously. Also, if the AccessFormat is present the doors cant be configured for HIDCorp1000 regardless of the module type. SOLUTIONS: Replace the AC1 with the AC1Plus. Use AccessFormat2 (or 3 or 4) for the custom cards if using AC1Plus modules