Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Automation Server -Trend does not record at time interval when it is stopped and restarted by AS power cycle or reboot. Trend log cycle is thrown off when the trend is stopped and started again due to an AS power cycle or reboot. For example, an Interval Trend Log set up to log ever 15 minutes with an activation time right on the hour (1:00, 1:15, 1:30 etc.) that lost power for a while would start logging as soon as the power was restored (this might be 2:07, 2:22, 2:37 etc. for example). UPDATE: This issue has been corrected in SBO version 1.5, any SBO version 1.5 or grater will synchronize the interval log to the clock. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Struxureware Workstation Cause This is how Interval Trends behave. For interval trending based on the time a different approach must be taken. UPDATE: This issue has been corrected in SBO version 1.5, any SBO version 1.5 or grater will synchronize the interval log to the clock. Resolution Rather than using Interval Trend Logs use Variable Triggered Trend Logs and trigger them using the following method: Create a new binary value and a new function block program. The value will serve to trigger the Variable Triggered Trend Logs. The program will set the trigger variable based on a certain time interval (for example on the hour, 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes). Edit the program and configure it as seen in the image below. This include an integer input, an expression that will evaluate the minutes attribute of the AS and a binary output. You can also download an export of the program and value here. Bind the input of the program to the minutes attribute of the Automation Server and the output to the trigger value that you created. Note that you should also bind the Task to Task 1 (100 ms) for best performance. Create your Variable Triggered Trend Logs on the points that you want to trend. Do this by right-clicking the point to trend and selecting New > Trend and then in the dialog select Variable Triggered Trend Log. Click Next and then set the Trigger Variable to the value that you created. Make sure Trigger when is set to Change to true. Note that this example will create a log at 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour. You can modify the program to trigger only every hour, every half hour or however you want.

Issue Is it possible to connect a number of Vista servers to the same SQL server instance? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X in a multi server environment. Cause Customers with larger sites may wish to collect the log data from TAC Vista on one SQL server for ease of maintenance and security reasons.  Resolution There are a couple of conditions to observe when doing this: Each Vista server must have it's own database (ie. taclogdata1, taclogdata2, taclogdata3 etc). The SQL server machine must be able to handle the increased load. There must be sufficient space for all the databases. A maintenance plan must be put in place - regular defragmentations and rebuilds (See White Paper - SQL Server Best Practices).

Issue Installation instructions for the Echelon communication adapter for UltiVist (F-25845).  Part number UVIS-ECH-ISA. Environment UltiVist Cause Documentation no longer in circulation Resolution Click here for installation instructions.

Issue Is there an I/A Series G3 Modbus object that converts a PM820 three register date and time format value? Environment I/A Series G3 - all versions Cause The Schneider Electric (Square D) PM820 Power Meter provides date and time in a 3 register (6 byte) compressed format. The three registers provide a single timestamp consisting of month, day, year, hour, minute, second.  For example, if the date was 01/25/00 at 11:06:59, the Hex values would be 0119, 640B, 063B. Hexadecimal High Byte  Low Byte 0119 01 = month 19 = day 640B 64 = year  0B = hour 063B 06 = minute 3B = seconds Note: Date format is a 3 register (6 byte) compressed format.  Year 2001 is represented as 101 for the year value. Resolution Program object PM_ConvertDateTime.bog decodes and converts the register values to date and time.  The object will split the bytes and decode to individual outputs as well as provide a dateTime output.  Connect the three sequential registers to in, in1, and in2. Download object: PM_ConvertDateTime.bog  

Issue How to have Continuum automatically lock a Windows workstation when the person leaves his/her office. Environment CyberStation Windows 7 Windows XP Cause Documentation Resolution Click here for a procedure to set up a mechanism for programmatically locking a Windows workstation based on the person's current area as obtained from the Continuum physical access control system. 

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 How to Logon / Logoff Continuum using a button on a Graphic or Menu page. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Want to be able to Logon Continuum with the click of a button from Graphics or Menu page and also bring up the Logon prompt the same way. Resolution ** DISCLAIMER ** This application is not a supported part of Continuum and is provided as-is. 1. Copy the "Logoff.tx_" file in this archive, here, to the Continuum folder (c:\Program Files\Continuum). 2. Rename the .tx_ file extension to .exe. 3. Create hotspots / buttons as below to call the program with the two available command line arguments; 1 will logon, 2 will logoff. Suggested usage: On the Main Continuum Menu page create two buttons, one for logon, one for logoff. (Pinpoint could also be used for Logoff but would not work for Logging back on - Pinpoint closes when the user is logged off.) For the Logon Button:                 Set control to:        Execute                 Open:                     C:\ProgramFiles\Continuum\Logoff.exe                 Arguments:             1                   Button Text:           Logon   For Logoff Button:                 Set control to:        Execute                 Open:                     C:\ProgramFiles\Continuum\Logoff.exe                 Arguments:             2                   Button Text:           Logoff

Issue The tod_event SNVT is a structured SNVT that uses three fields; current state, next state, and time to next state. Environment  Vista Menta Cause When creating a tod_event SNVT in Menta, it is necessary to create the three separate fields. Resolution Here is an example of how a tod_event SNVT needs to be created. Click the picture of the Menta macro below to download the source file.

Issue Getting error cannot create ACWPPServerProxy application on the remote server when trying to use Web Pinpoint. Environment WebClient Cause Configuration issue Resolution Get the web.config file Download and place it in the Webservers. Do not edit this file with Notepad (Use Textpad ot Notepad++, etc.) 64-bit systems directory: C:\Program Files (86)\Continuum\DNWACServerfactory (delete the old one) 32-bit systems directory: C:\Program Files \Continuum\DNWACServerfactory (delete the old one) Reboot the Webserver. Start Continuum and edit any Graphic. Once the graphic is opened, select View / Options and set the Web locations. There shouldn't be any red X's Check the following file: 64 bit systems:.C:\Program Files (86)\Continuum\DNWACServerfactory\ web.config   32 bit systems: C:\Program Files\Continuum\DNWACServerfactory\web.config The server  name should be correct.  It should match you Webservers name. Now test Webclient on the webserver first before any client systems. Make sure you run RegIIS and Caspol.exe  C:\windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -i C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Internet_Zone -zone InterNet FullTrust -name FullTrust C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Trusted_Zone -zone Trusted FullTrust -name FullTrust Please note that the above may be case sensitive.

Issue Program to calculate the Sunrise time / Sunset time Environment Programmable Object Sunrise Sunset Cause Customer needs a program to calculate the Sunrise / Sunset times in Sheffield. Resolution To review the Sunrise / Sunset times for the required area, please click HERE. When connected to the site, proceed as follows; "Find a Location" enter the required location and select GO. Choose "Almanac" Choose "Sunrise / Sunset" Select the month you require. The required programmable Objects are shown below, or to upload the objects and lookup table details, please click HERE. Day of the Year. Object 1 10 XInt = DAY 20 IF MONTH >= 2 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 30 XFlo = FLOAT ( YEAR ) 40 XFlo = XFlo / 4.00000 50 XFlo = FRAC ( XFlo ) 60 IF XFlo = 0.000000 THEN YInt = 1 ELSE YInt = 0 70 IF YInt = 0 AND MONTH >= 3 THEN XInt = XInt + 28 80 IF YInt = 1 AND MONTH >= 3 THEN XInt = XInt + 29 90 IF MONTH >= 4 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 100 IF MONTH >= 5 THEN XInt = XInt + 30 110 IF MONTH >= 6 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 120 IF MONTH >= 7 THEN XInt = XInt + 30 130 IF MONTH >= 8 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 140 IF MONTH >= 9 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 150 IF MONTH >= 10 THEN XInt = XInt + 30 160 IF MONTH >= 11 THEN XInt = XInt + 31 170 IF MONTH >= 12 THEN XInt = XInt + 30 180 RETURN VIA TEXT 200 VALUE XInt  Sunrise Time Calc.  Object 2 10 XFlo = POINT 0|1 20 YFlo = FLOAT ( YEAR ) 30 YFlo = YFlo / 4.00000 40 YFlo = FRAC ( YFlo ) 50 IF YFlo = 0.000000 THEN YInt = 1 ELSE YInt = 0 60 IF YInt = 1 AND MONTH >= 3 THEN XFlo = XFlo - 1.00000 70 ZFlo = LOOKUP ( 1001 , XFlo ) 80 ZFlo = ZFlo / 60.0000 90 YFlo = FRAC ( ZFlo ) 100 ZFlo = ZFlo - YFlo 110 YFlo = YFlo * 60.0000 120 YFlo = YFlo / 100.000 130 ZFlo = ZFlo + YFlo 140 RETURN VIA TEXT 203 VALUE ZFlo  Sunset Time Calc.  Object 3 10 XFlo = POINT 0|1 20 YFlo = FLOAT ( YEAR ) 30 YFlo = YFlo / 4.00000 40 YFlo = FRAC ( YFlo ) 50 IF YFlo = 0.000000 THEN YInt = 1 ELSE YInt = 0 60 IF YInt = 1 AND MONTH >= 3 THEN XFlo = XFlo - 1.00000 70 ZFlo = LOOKUP ( 1001 , XFlo ) 80 ZFlo = ZFlo / 60.0000 90 YFlo = FRAC ( ZFlo ) 100 ZFlo = ZFlo - YFlo 110 YFlo = YFlo * 60.0000 120 YFlo = YFlo / 100.000 130 ZFlo = ZFlo + YFlo 140 RETURN VIA TEXT 203 VALUE ZFlo  Sunrise/Sunset Interlock.  Object 4 10 XFlo = POINT 0|2 20 YFlo = FRAC ( XFlo ) 30 XFlo = XFlo - YFlo 40 YFlo = YFlo * 100.000 50 IF HOUR >= INT ( XFlo + 1.00000 ) THEN GOTO 90 60 IF HOUR = INT ( XFlo ) THEN GOTO 100 70 XInt = 0 80 RETURN FALSE "Plant Off" 90 XInt = 1 100 IF MINUTE >= INT ( YFlo ) THEN XInt = 1 110 XFlo = POINT 0|3 120 YFlo = FRAC ( XFlo ) 130 XFlo = XFlo - YFlo 140 YFlo = YFlo * 100.000 150 IF HOUR >= INT ( XFlo ) THEN GOTO 170 160 GOTO 180 170 IF HOUR >= INT ( XFlo + 1.00000 ) OR MINUTE >= INT ( YFlo ) THEN XInt = 0 180 IF XInt = 1 THEN RETURN TRUE "Plant On" 190 RETURN FALSE "Plant Off"

Issue How to setup RAM to monitor multiple systems from one RAM Engine Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Sigma Vista Micronet Remote Alarm Manager Cause There are some instances where a site has multiple system. These can all be monitored from a single RAM Engine interface where the alarm actions are carried out. Resolution In the first instance you need to install and configure the RAM engine on the chosen master system. How this is done is detailed in the engineering guide that gets installed with RAM. In the example attached Sigma is the main system. Two remote BAS2800+ systems are also monitored with alarm actions setup on the Sigma master system. RAM also supports Micronet and Vista. These will be tested in due course and this article will be updated to include the setup.

Issue Satchwell DuoFlow Information Environment DuoFlow DM5601 SA2452 TLX2259 Cause Drawing for a Satchwell DuoFlow System using a DM5601 valve and actuator. Resolution Download here drawing for a Satchwell DuoFlow system. DuoFlow Valve/Actuator cable colours are as follows: White = Central Heating Orange = Hot water Yellow = Mid Position (Central Heating and Hot Water) Blue = Neutral Note 1: The DuoFlow actuator wiring is different to a Mid-Position actuator, therefore conversion from a DuoFlow system is best done by replacing the wiring centre as well, The room and cylinder thermostat can be retained. Note 2: The domestic valve and actuator part of the business is now part of SUNVIC. Sunvic Controls Ltd. General Enquiries :- T: +44 (0) 1698 812 944 F: +44 (0) 1698 813 637 Email. enquiries@sunvic.co.uk Technical Helpline :- T: +44 (0) 1698 810 945 Email.  technical@sunvic.co.uk

Issue LonWorks Zone Controller SE7200F5545E Environment Site requiring information or literature regarding this zone controller Cause Cannot find information on: Part Number: SE7200F5545E Part Name: ZNCTRL LONWORKS 2X0-10V PIR Part Short Description: LonWorks Zone Controller :2 Analog 0-10V Outputs, PIR Cover Installed. Part Long Description: LonWorks Zone Controller:2 Analog 0-10V Outputs with PIR Cover Installed   Resolution Please find the following guides: SE7000 Series Room Controller Brochure SE7200 Series Room Controller Data Sheet SE7200 Room Controller with Integrated PIR Motion Sensor Data Sheet PIR Ready SE7200 Series Installation Guide SE7200 and SE7300 Series LonWorks Integration Manual

Issue How do points map from a i2 controller and the xP expansion modules to Infinity SX8000? Environment Using Continuum i2 controllers and xP modules on SX8000 Infinity systems. Cause The I/O channels on expansion modules are different from Infinity to Continuum. Resolution You can add an i2 controller to your Infinet networks on Infinity and it will co-exist with the other Infinity controllers. The controller will be seen as a equivalent infinity controller i.e. a i2850 will be seen as a TCX850. Also you will not be able to use any of the additional features that a i2 controller has like the flash memory or the smart sensor connection. For Expansion modules you could however use the xP modules (not including the xP display) the attached spreadsheet that shows how the i2 controllers I/O channels will be seen by the Infinity Controller. Download the spreadsheet here.  

Issue Can the I/A Series G3 kitControl Average object be configured to not output an NaN whenever any one of the inputs is NaN? Environment I/A Series G3 (all versions) Cause The Average object in kitControl checks the input to see if the input is valid (Returns true if the associated value is not disabled, fault, down, stale or null.).  However, the NaN value has no affect the status of the control point.  The point status remains 'ok' causing the Average object to process the input NaN value which in turn causes the output to indicate NaN. Resolution The object performing the average will "drop out" the value from the calculation if the input is null versus NaN.  One workaround is to create a program object with a matching input and output of BStatusNumeric type, intercept the NaN, and replace with a null whenever the input NaN condition occurs.  The following program object contains four inputs that can be linked between the active input signals and the inputs of the Average object. Download the nan2null (nan2Null.bog) program object and save to a known location on the computer. Copy the nan2null program object into the station database and link as required.

Issue SCD100 is obsolete and needs to be replaced. Product Line Field Devices Environment SCD100: 004630100 004630110 SCD110: 5152300000 5152302000 (SCD110-D) 5152304000 (SCD110-D-H) 5152306000 (SCD110-H) Cause Replacing obsolete sensor SCD100 with new range of sensors SCD110. Resolution The range of SCD110 sensors are replacing the old and obsolete SCD100 sensors. For a complete overview and for more technical details, please see the SCD data sheet.

Issue Requirements / specifications on cables used in a LonWorks network Environment LonWorks Cable Wire Guide LonMark Cause There are special requirements on cables used for LonWorks networks between Lon devices. Resolution LonMark organisation is recommending cables according to their specification. An example of this is the Belden LonWorks cable guide. Also, Echelon has a Wiring Guideline and Users Guide.

Issue Demand Control Information Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Cause Most issues with demand control will come from improper setup or lack of understanding of demand control processes. Resolution TCON 300 Technical Reference Guide is the best location for version specific information on  Demand Control.  Click here for the demand control sections of TCON 300 from version 2.43

Issue What is the replacement actuator for the EM42? Environment EM42 Actuator Cause The EM42 is obsolete. Resolution The EM42 actuator is generally associated with the V280/290, and the V380/390 series valves. The replacement actuator for the EM42 is the Schneider Electric Forta M310 Actuator. Please note that an adaptor kit (880-0252-000) is required for DN15 valves. For a copy of the EM42 data sheet please click HERE. For a copy of the M310 data sheet please click HERE.

Issue Replacing a DC3000 controller. Environment Drayton DC3000 Cause The DC3000 is now obsolete. Resolution The DC3000 controller is obsolete, and there is no direct replacement available. Our current range of discrete controllers cannot provide the same functionality as the DC3000, assuming that functionality has been used. To provide the same controller functionality a programmable controller such as the Micronet or Xenta ranges will be required To upload an overview of the Micronet range, please click HERE. The Xenta controller range is listed as part of the TAC Vista Product Catalogue which can be downloaded from Schneider Electric but a table of the controllers and their I/O are shown below.