Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Procedure to upgrade SQL database from TAC Vista 5.x.x to 5.1.7 Environment TAC Vista 5.x.x TAC Vista 5.1.7 MSSQL Express 2005 SP4 MSSQL Express 2008 R2 -SP1 Cause Revised TAC Vista SQL database layout: TAC Vista 5.1.7 introduces a revised and improved SQL database layout in order to improve the overall performance in the TAC Vista system with large databases. The revised database layout is utilized by default for new installations and current installations can be upgrade either automatically or manually depending on the installation type. SQL 2008 R2 Express SP1: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP1 is now included in the TAC Vista Server 5.1.7 installer. The TAC Vista Server installer can upgrade an existing SQL Server 2005 Express installation to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP1; only supported in a typical TAC Vista installation.     Resolution Follow the Instructions before Implementing this procedure: Take the Vista Backup and SQL DB backup before implementing this process. Shutdown the TAC Vista Server. If the Vista Server running as a Server, Stop the service and shutdown the TAC Vista Server. Open the “SQL Database Upgrade 5.1.7” (From Program Files [or] from Start Menu)   Check the Server and Database options.   Choose the correct type of Authentication. If the vista using SQL Server, choose the SQL Server Authentication, enter the correct Login details.   Click on “Test Connection” and “Test User access”. You should find Test Connection access and Test User access successful. If Vista and SQL DB backup has taken, check on the “Check Box”.   Click on “Upgrade”, then the following screen appear. Then Click on “YES” to upgrade.   After the upgrade is complete check the Vista Server has a connection to the upgraded SQL database. This is done from the Vista server setup. Use the test connection If the connection is successful you will see a message like this.   Now, the SQL database has been upgraded. Download this procedure in PDF Here .

Issue How to read the Modbus device's register and, via Menta in a Xenta 700, convert the value in to the 4 bytes required to bind these values to the SNVT_preset member Value. Environment Vista 5.1.X Communication with a Modbus device. Xenta 700 5.1.X (Menta) Cause SNVT_preset includes a member value[4] which is an unsigned long containing 4 bytes. Modbus contains only 16 bit registers. The SNVT member Value is shown as 4 separate bytes in Vista. Resolution Click here to download an Xbuilder project containing the correct Menta file to convert from a Modbus register to the 4 bytes that the member Value contains. Instructions: Download the zip file and extract the Xbuilder project. Open the Xbuilder project and change the IP address to your device's IP address. Download the project to the Xenta server and save to Vista.

Issue Reconditioning  a Satchwell MB/MBX valve using the 617-9-4xx kit. Environment Satchwell MB MBX Reconditioning Valve Cause Drawings of the valve internal assembly were not available. Resolution The reconditioning of an MB / MBX value is not easily undertaken, and it is recommended that the valve is removed from the pipework to carry out this process. If removal from the pipework is not possible, then it is essential that the system water is completely isolated from the valve, and that any remaining water in the valve is drained away. Please note; that if the valve is not isolated correctly, then when the valve front is removed, it will be virtually impossible to reassemble it, and should the water be hot, then serious injury might occur. To refer to the valve internal assembly, please click HERE. It should be noted that the illustration relates to those MB Valve Bodies having 2 shoes (1.1/2”&2” only), the smaller valves only have one shoe. To refer to the "Recondition Kit Drawing", please click HERE. To refer to the "O ring Assembly", please click HERE.

Issue Where is the 0-10 volt control signal connected, on a Forta actuator? Environment Forta M400 Actuator Wiring Connections Cause The customer was uncertain how to connect the M400 actuator. Resolution The general configuration and connection details are the same for all of the Forta range of actuators. All of the range can accept a 0-10 volt dc input or increase/decrease signals. Terminal Function Designation G                  24 V AC Supply G0                24 V AC return X1                 Input MX                Input, neutral VH                Increase VC                Decrease G1                16 V DC Supply for RC Y                   0–100 % Feedback signal The 0-10 volt control signal is connected to (X1) and the associate 0 volt is connected to (MX). If there is not an associated 0 volt available then (MX) should be connected to the (G0) terminal. To download the Forta Handbook please click HERE.

Issue Configuration of the OPC Server PC DCOM settings. Environment Sigma ModBMS OPC Server DCOM Matrikon Cause The OPC values could be viewed correctly via an OPC client on the local PC, but could not be viewed by another OPC client across the network. Resolution Configure the OPC Server PC as detailed in the Matrikon OPC document. Click HERE to download this document. To download the Matrikon OPC Client software, please click HERE. Having configured the OPC Server PC DCOM settings, start the MatrikonOPC Explorer programme. In "Network Neighborhood" locate the OPC server PC, and select "ModBMS-OPCserver" Using the RH mouse button, select "Add Group" from the menu. Name as required. Add the required tags to the group. Validate the Tags Using the RH mouse button de-select "Use Async I/O"   The OPC value is now displayed.

Issue Programme to provide a 48 hour average value. Environment Sigma Programme Program Average 48 hour Cause The customer requires a programme that will record the outside temperature every hour, on a rolling 48 hour basis. Resolution This programme has been produced to operate in a UNC632 controller, but can be modified if required to operate in an X96. If modified, it is important to keep the sequence of objects in the same order as at present. This programme was created at Sigma 4.05 SEB (build 3.42.18). Please click HERE to download the programme files.

Issue The Analogue output card only produces 9.9 volts dc. Environment Sigma Analogue Output Voltage Cause The Analogue output card only produces 9.9 volts dc, can it produce 10 volts? Resolution No, although the card is said to produce 0 - 10 volts, it will produce slightly less. For the data sheet please click here.

Issue In the LON Flow Balance program the k-factor calculated by the balance process can be displayed at the end of the procedure.  I cannot determine how to read it in the BACnet Flow Balance program.  The value is needed so that the application file can be updated so that if the controller needs to be re-downloaded, it will not need to be balanced again. Environment BACnet  MNB-V1 or MNB-V2 controller WorkPlace Tech Tool software release 5.7.2 or newer  (Optional, for backup) Cause The BACnet Flow Balance process uses a procedure that results in a more accurate flow calibration process. As a result of this process the rate box flow value does not get re-calculated during the balance process. Resolution The BACnet MNB-V1 & MNB-V2 controllers do not rely on a calibration constant (k-factor) stored in the application.  The Flow Balance calibration data is stored separately from the application data so that a revised application file can be downloaded to a controller without losing any of the recorded air balance calibration data.  The Flow Balance data is also saved as part of the file produced by the controller backup function of the Workplace Commissioning Tool.  Refer to the WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.7.2 release notes for more information. The Flow Balance calibration data can be displayed after balancing the BACnet MNB-V1 or MNB-V2 controller by clicking on "Balance Data" in the menu on the left side of the Flow Balance screen.  The Flow Balance Data screen shows the data entered and produced as a result of the flow balance process.  Refer to the figure "Flow Balance Reporting -- Flow Balance Details" in the Air Balancing chapter (Chapter 5) of the "MicroNet BACnet Commissioning Tool / Flow Balance Users Guide", F-27358 for more details.  In addition to being able to manually display the balance data for a single controller, both the BACnet Flow Balance program and the WorkPlace Commissioning tool can generate a flow balance for any or all of the BACnet VAV controllers on the jobsite. Refer to the section "Flow Balance Reporting" in the Air Balancing chapter (Chapter 5) of the "MicroNet BACnet Commissioning Tool / Flow Balance Users Guide", F-27358 for more details.  The resulting report is automatically saved when it is generated and the HTML version can be displayed / printed without the need to reopen it in the BACnet Flow Balance program. In addition to being able to manually re-enter the balance data into a replaced controller, Release 5.7.2 of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software introduced a software function that allows the complete application including COV subscription data and flow balance calibration data to be backed up.  Should it be necessary to replace a controller, the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool can be used to restore the backup into the new controller.  Refer to the "WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool Backup and Restore feature" section on page 10 of the release notes (F-27526-3) for more information.  The release notes are available here.

Issue Locating partners Environment Partner MicroNet Cause Require engineer to visit for maintenance, servicing, installation or advice. Resolution Click here to be linked to the available UK and Ireland MicroNet partner list. Or click here to download as PDF(Opens in new window)

Issue CSC4201 CSC4202 CSC4301 CSC4302 Climatronic Compensator Controller display flashing. Environment Satchwell CSC4201 CSC4202 CSC4301 CSC4302 Climatronic Compensator Controller Cause Manual Override Switch is set in a mode other than AUTO (Clock symbol) Resolution Reset Manual Override Switch to AUTO (Clock symbol) mode. N.B. Details of this and other Manual Override Switch mode options and associated selection / de-selection may be found in the CSC4201 CSC4202 CSC4301 CSC4302 Climatronic Compensator Data Sheet, a copy of which may be viewed here.

Issue Sigma reports no seats available with a registered SigmaX installation SigmaX 4.3 Missing Path Environment Sigma SigmaX Paths   Cause Numerous issues can arise when running the some versions of Sigma and SigmaX. The problems experienced are varied and can affect the operating functions of the programs and communications. Resolution Make the following modification to the PC's System Properties. Note: This addition is only required on machines running SigmaX. Right click the My Computer icon on the desktop and select Properties Choose the Advanced tab and select the Environment Variables button From the System Variables section, highlight Path and select Edit The statement ‘;C:\Sigma\Bin’ must be added to the end of the Variable value line (see below)   To view the PIB document click here. To download the PIB document click here.

Issue DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Holiday Date amendment / removal. Environment DC1100 DC1400 Optimiser Compensator Controller Cause Amendment / removal of DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Holiday Date required. Resolution Select SET on Front Panel Switch  Select HOLIDAY DATES from menu options Select SET HOLIDAYS Select SET HOLIDAY START & STOP DATES If start-stop dates are selected as being the same, then Holiday Date or period is ignored. Details appear in the DC1100 Installation document which may be viewed here. Details appear in the DC1400 Installation document which may be viewed here.

Issue Error when trying to add exceptions to a schedule is seen when trying to "apply" the changes. Example: Personnel Manager Error saving data Communication Error Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation. The personnel object was created Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cause Too many old exceptions in the schedule. Sometimes RPC (Remote Procedure Call) errors happen on Cyberstation following the above error. Resolution Delete the old exceptions. This must be done manually for infinet schedules. 1.94 NOTE: If this issue is happening for 1.94, there is Hotfix for TPA CONT 12 0002.00 Schedule Exception Errors.zip that has been released for this issue. The V1.94 issue is also detailed in Technical bulletin: TPA-BOST-12-0002.00  

Issue Change of Value alarm is configured to alarm when an analog value changes by certain value but does not produce an alarm when the monitored object changes by that amount. Environment Continuum Cyberstation bCX1 b3xxx Cause EventNotification or monitored object has not been configured properly. Resolution There are a number of configuration reasons for these Change of Value alarms to seem like they are not being delivered to the Workstation. Check the Current State tab of the EventEnrollment to see if the ToNormal time is changing when you modify your monitored object. If this time is not updating then the EventNotification or monitored object are not configured properly, check the following: Confirm that the BACnet object type in the monitored object is configured properly. If this numeric is a number then it needs to be set to "AnalogValue". Confirm that a "send to database" has been performed on this controller on the BACnet side to send these points to the BACnet side. See details here on how to create BACnet alarms. If this time is changing then the EventNotification and monitored object are configured properly but the alarm is not being delivered to your Workstation. Check  that one or more of the following is the cause: The Change of Value alarm will generate a ReturnToNormal alarm, confirm that the EventNotification is configured to Send Return to Normal alarms - this option needs to be ticked under "Send". Confirm that the option to  remove the alarm from the active alarm list is configured so that the alarm is not removed as soon as it is delivered. A selection of Returned to Normal or Acknowledged OR Returned to Normal on the Deactivate tab will mean that the alarm is removed from the active alarm list as soon as it is delivered. Select any of the following Deactivate options for the alarms to show up in the alarm list: Acknowledged, Acknowledged AND Returned to Normal, or Acknowledged AFTER Returned to Normal.

Issue CXR5805 CXT5605 and CZT5305 Climatronic Controller display flashing. Environment Satchwell CXR5805 CXT5605 CZT5305 Cause Manual Override Switch is set in a mode other than AUTO (Clock symbol) Resolution Reset Manual Override Switch to AUTO (Clock symbol) mode. N.B. Details of this and other Manual Override Switch mode options and associated selection / de-selection may be found in the respective Climatronic User Guides. CXR5805 User Guide may be viewed here. CXT5605 User Guide may be viewed here. CZT5305 User Guide may be viewed here.

Issue Replacement for a V295 steam valve and an M750 actuator. Environment V295 Steam Valve M750 Actuator Cause Unable to purchase a V295 steam valve and an M750 actuator. Resolution The V295 steam valve and an M750 actuator are obsolete. M750 - 24v - 880-0010-000 -  Not available - To operate on steam you will require a spring return actuator, the M700-SRSU (880-0430-000). V295 - DN 40, PN25, KVS25 - Not available. A replacement could be the VGS211F-40CS please note this valve has a rating of PN16, where as the V295 was PN25. To review the VGS211F data sheet, please click HERE. To review the M700 data sheet, please click HERE.  

Issue CSC5252 and CSC5352 Climatronic Compensator Controller display flashing. Environment Satchwell CSC5252 CSC5352 Cause Manual Override Switch is set in a mode other than AUTO (Clock symbol) Resolution Reset Manual Override Switch to AUTO (Clock symbol) mode. N.B. Details of this and other Manual Override Switch mode options and associated selection / de-selection may be found in the Climatronic CSC5352 and CSC5252 Compensator User Guide, a copy of which may be viewed here.

Issue A CO/CO2 sensor with 0-20/4-20mA outputs is requested in our portfolio. Environment aSENSE m III CO sensor CO2 sensor Cause The option of having a CO/CO2 sensor with 0-20 or 4-20mA outputs is sometimes requested. Resolution The aSENSE m III CO/CO2 sensor (part no 6553063000) is capable of both current and Voltage outputs. It's also configurable between 0% or 20% start point. These configurable options are made by positioning of jumpers on the connection board. See Senseair installation manual.

Issue MB30A or MB30B have been discontinued. Need find new serial butterfly valve actuator could work with TRV-S. Environment Butterfly Valve / Actuator Cause MB30A and MB30B have been discontinued. Resolution - New serial actuator, MF20-R and MF40-R, could work with butterfly valve TRV-S. No linkage needed. - MF20-R could work with up to DN125 size TRV-S butterfly valve; - MF40-R could work with DN150 and DN200 size TRV-S butterfly valve. - For detail, please see datasheet.

Issue How to delay the intrinsic controller status alarms to accommodate controllers that are sporadically going offline for short periods of time due to known network problems. Environment Continuum BACnet Controllers bCX1 b3xxx Cause Need to delay controller offline messages to accommodate slow network communications or remote controllers. Resolution The intrinsic alarm for the controller status will trigger when the controller does not respond to communications from the within the probe time and would not be suitable for this delay. The only way to delay a controller offline alarm for an amount of time after the controller goes offline, is to monitor the controller offline status from the workstation with a program, toggle a variable that then has an AlarmEnrollment attached. This AlarmEnrollment would then have a Time Delay configured. See the attached sample screenshot below showing the program in the Workstation, the AlarmEnrollment, and the Active Alarm View showing the time delay between the intrinsic alarm and the new AlarmEnrollment with a delay configured. Example