Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to determine who is logged into the Continuum system and onto which workstation? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Is it possible to see via a Listview or Pinpoint who is logged into Continuum and onto which workstation?   Resolution There is no "live" means to see who is logged into what workstation. However, a listview of ActivityEvent filtered by today and action code 15 and 16 and auto-refreshing every 30 seconds is pretty close. This listview will show what user logged in and when to which workstation. It will show the same information for users logging off. So one can deduce who is currently on which workstation. Simply download and unzip this dump file and import it into the root of Continuum Explorer and run it.    

Issue The Actuator is responding as though it is receiving a continuous signal from the ASC. Environment I/NET software all versions I/NET ASC controllers Cause The triac device on these ASCs have a bleed voltage value even though the signal is in the Off mode. Thus causing the motor to drive to one end of the stroke and stop. Resolution See Tech Tip No. G075 which describes a procedure to correct this issue.

Issue Controlli S300 Actuator Environment Controlli S300 Actuator Cause Controlli S300 Actuator terminal details. Resolution L=Neutral L'=230Vac B=Close signal from thermostat or control device R=230V to thermostat or control device V=Open signal from thermostat or control device To test: Place a wire link between R and B, the valve actuator will close, place a wire link between R and V, the valve actuator will open. If a auxiliary switch kit D22 is fitted, this can be used to signal the boiler/pump to start if the installation was a domestic. For the actuator datasheet click here.

Issue Continuum and Mantrap or Interlock Interval Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site with Access Control Cause Site needing to setup a Mantrap or Interlock Interval for higher security of an area Resolution What is a mantrap? A mantrap is a security device that monitors and controls two or more interlocking doors to a small room that separates a non-secured area from a secured area. These interlocking doors allow only one door to be open at any time. What are interlocking doors? “Interlocking doors” is a security term used to describe how two or more doors are interfaced with each other and locked. Doors that are interlocked cannot be open at the same time. Either door can be unlocked and opened as long as the other door is locked and closed, and no other alarm condition exists. What types of locations require a mantrap? Mantraps are used at high value or critical security areas where only authorized persons are allowed to enter. Typical areas include sensitive data processing areas, cash handling areas, critical research labs, security control rooms, and automated airline passenger entry portals. Why would my company consider a mantrap? Typically, security personnel are posted in high security locations to control access into the area. An automatic mantrap used in this same location would control the access to the area, allowing security personnel resources to be available for other tasks. What is the difference between a mantrap and an interlocking door control system? When speaking of controlling two doors within a vestibule, “mantrap” and “interlocking door controller” can be used interchangeably. Once the number of doors controlled by a single controller exceeds two then the term interlocking door controller should be used. Continuum Mantraps are accomplished by a PE Program. Interlock Interval is available at the bottom of this article. Here is a simple mantrap program written as a sample. ManTrap_A and ManTrap_B are the doors that make up the man trap ------------- 'This program implements a Man Trap that allows one person at a time in the man trap. 'Once a person is in the man trap no access is allowed until the occupant leaves the man trap via the REX. ' The occupant is allowed to exit at either door but once they have activated the REX at one door 'they are required to leave via that door. 'If occupant stays in the trap longer than TrapMaxOccTime and alarm can be sent via ManTrapStuck 'TrapMaxOccTime and ManTrapStuck are InfinityNumeric objects in the controller. 'Program is Looping and AutoStart TRAP_READY: ManTrap_A DisRdrKpAccess = False ManTrap_B DisRdrKpAccess = False ManTrap_A OpenOnExitReqst = True ManTrap_B OpenOnExitReqst = True If ManTrap_A ValidAccess or ManTrap_B ValidAccess then Goto TRAP_OCCUPIED TRAP_OCCUPIED: ManTrap_A DisRdrKpAccess = True ManTrap_B DisRdrKpAccess = True  If ManTrap_B ExitRequest then ManTrap_A OpenOnExitReqst = False Goto WAIT_EXIT_B Endif If ManTrap_A ExitRequest then ManTrap_B OpenOnExitReqst = False Goto WAIT_EXIT_A Endif WAIT_EXIT_A: If ManTrap_A DoorSwitch = Opened then Goto TRAP_READY If TS > TrapMaxOccTime then ManTrapStuck = On WAIT_EXIT_B: If ManTrap_B DoorSwitch = Opened then Goto TRAP_READY If TS > TrapMaxOccTime then ManTrapStuck = On 'Keep program from disabling due to run time errors E: if ts > 30 then goto TRAP_READY   For Interlock Interval please use this PDF. Interlock is hardware controlled, not through a PE.

Issue Replacement controller for the KMC 3201. Product Line Field Devices Environment KMC 3201 application 4 Cause The KMC 3201 is no longer available. Resolution The KMC 3201 is a multi-application configurable controller, and this article only deals with replacing a controller running application 4, Two stage temperature control. For the KMC data sheet please click HERE. The replacement for the KMC 2301 using application 4, is the CZT5305, click HERE for the data sheet. Please note this is not a like for like change, installation and wiring changes will be necessary.

Issue Controller used in compensation mode from the outside temperature sensor. Environment MMC 2401 Controller Compensation Cause Explanation of codes used when in compensated mode. Resolution The compensation mode is selected by choosing code 17 and entering value 001 There are a number of codes which are relevant, the main codes are listed below. 6 = Outside Temperature Changeover 1 - default value = 20 7 = Outside Temperature Changeover 2 - default value = -5 10 = Compensator Set Value - default value = 30 11 = Ratio 1  - default value = -15 12 = Ratio 2  - default value = -25 13 = Ratio 3  - default value = 0 The screen shot below shows have the above settings are used. For the MMC data sheet please click HERE. and for the full details click HERE.

Issue How to configure a Pinpoint button to open a PDF file. Environment CyberStation Cause How does one open a PDF from Pinpoint? Resolution Use an active button control. See attached screenshot for an example of launching the file c:\3.pdf with Adobe Reader X

Issue I/A Series R2 UNC-600 and UNC-610 BIOS Settings and CMOS Battery Replacement Environment I/A Series R2 UNC-600 and UNC-610 Cause NA Resolution The following publication describes the BIOS settings required when replacing the CMOS battery in the UNC-600 or UNC-610.  Be extremely cautious when replacing the battery as the battery holder can become very brittle with age. TB06-05_UNC6x0_Bios_settings_and_CMOS_Battery_Replacement.pdf

Issue What is the accuracy of the wall sensors used with the Micronet 2000 controllers?  The sensor model numbers are:  MN-S and MN-SDK. Environment Micronet 2000 Cause Required for a job submittal Resolution Click here to view Technical Bulletin 97_35 which provides sensor accuracy details.

Issue Offline generation of MNL-800 database in G3 Niagara Environment G3 Niagara Cause Offline generation of MNL-800 database in G3 Niagara Resolution G3 Niagara provides the XML tool to import XIF files to the G3 environment.  For complete steps click on the link below: How to create MNL-800 devices offline

Issue Satchwell Sigma integration to BACnet Environment Satchwell Sigma IC-GEN-DDE PolarSoft BACdoor DDE Server Cause There is a need to integrate BACnet devices / system into Sigma. Resolution Refer to Product Information Bulletin 02.07.05-3 - BACnet I/O server for IC-GEN-DDE for details on the integration. Other than purchasing the IC-GEN from Schneider Electric, you will also need to purchase the BACdoor DDE Server from PolarSoft. Purchasing information can be found here.

Issue What 10K Thermistor sensors are compatible with the I/A Series R2 UNC-410 and G3 ENC-410? Environment I/A Series R2, UNC-410, I/A Series G3, ENC-410 Cause Specification information Resolution Compatible sensors include the TS-5700, TS-5711, TS-57011, TS-57031, TS-6700, TSMN-90110 Series, or any sensor that matches the resistance to temperature curve for a 10K Thermistor Type G.  The input has a range of -10 to 135 °F (-23.3 to 57.2 °C) with an accuracy of ±1% of span. Note: Network 8000 sensors (10K with the 11K shunt) are not compatible. US Sensor 10K Thermistor R-T Curve Type G

Issue Can alarms in an Enterprise Network Controller (ENC) station 'pop up' on a computer without an Enterprise Network Server? Environment I/A Series G3 Cause Alarms configured in an ENC station are normally sent to the Enterprise Network Server's Alarm Portal for alarm notification. Alarms in the ENC are required for to 'pop up' on a computer not installed with the Enterprise Network Server. Resolution The Alarm Portal can be separately installed and licensed on a computer without the Enterprise Network Server. The installation package for the standalone Alarm Portal can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center. Access the Alarm Portal installation package within The Exchange Download Center. Locate the version and download the Alarm Portal installation zip file. The part number for this standalone alarm client is ENS-ALM-CON-G3. Install the Alarm Portal to generate the hostId and request for a license using the Alarm Console License Request Form.  The Alarm Portal can also function as the Alarm client for an Enterprise Network Server station.

Issue Veris HW sensor part number for displaying both the temperature and humidity readings on the sensor's LCD Environment Veris HW Series deluxe wall humidity sensors Cause There is a need to display both the humidity and temperature readings on the sensor's LCD Resolution In order for unit to display both temperature and humidity, use the TA or D temp selection in the part number. Refer to the HW series sensors datasheet.

Issue Using a door keypad to enter command codes to carry out commands such as arm/disarm system, extend door unlock on jet way etc. Environment CX9900 with AC1Plus CX9680 with AC1Plus ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Requirements Resolution Click here for a PDF document with instructions on how to configure the system to capture command codes using a keypad at a door.

Issue When ordering an I/A Series R2 (Niagara) UNC-520-2, is web browser support included? Environment UNC-520-2 UNC-520-WEB Cause UNC-520-WEB is a separately purchased upgrade. Resolution No, it is not included. Order the UNC-520-WEB upgrade in order to add web browser support to the UNC-520-2. See the Specifications Data sheet, "Models", page 3.

Issue Working with a 3rd-party lon controller with no existing shadow object available.  Niagara G3 provides the ability to create a shadow object on the jobsite using the Lon Xml Tool. Environment Niagara G3 Cause A shadow object is not available for a specific 3rd-party controller and a dynamic device fails to interface properly.  Resolution The Lon Xml Tool provides the ability to create a Lon Xml file (.lnml) file for a device, using the source .xif file and (if necessary) other resource files, as made available from the device's manufacturer.  Review Appendix A of the Lonworks Integration Guide for Niagara G3.  The Lon Xml Tool is described starting on page A-1.  This section describes the need for custom Lon Xml files as well as an overview of the process and the steps to create one. docLonworks.pdf

Issue Documentation for architectural design for illustration, explanation, sales presentations, or other medium Environment Schneider Electric office, partner office, or other site needing documentation Cause Inability to find literature and need to explain, illustrate, or define issues. Please find the links below for each of the product lines. Resolution Continuum: download architectural Flyer:  pdf   jpg  INET: download  architectural Flyer Vista:  download architectural flyer pdf   jpg  I/NET and Vista together pdf

Issue Unable to open a time chart via TGML graphic in webstation. The same graphic works in workstation. Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X - workstation & Webstation TGML Editor 1.1.X Cause Binding to the PV value of a time chart isn't the correct way to do this, but workstation is unable to display a dialogue for an object that has multiple properties and so displays the complete time chart. Resolution A link should be used that is linked to the time chart object Attached is a TGML component adapted from the standard analogue clock component that explains how to do this. The binding should be bound to -your time chart- .PV and the link should be linked to the time chart object. Time_Chart_Link.tgml        

Issue A McQuay MicroTech 2000 water source heat pump controller may be addressed as a Level 3 device under an MCG (MicroTech Communications Gateway). This can be confusing when addressing WSHP1 blocks in a SIM-MTECH. Environment Network 8000 SIM-MTECH McQuay  MCG (MicroTech Communications Gateway) McQuay MicroTech 2000 water source heat pump controllers Cause The MCG needs to use an Echelon communications protocol with the water source heat pump  (WSHP)controllers, which uses level 2 internally, and puts the WSHP controllers at LEVEL 3 Resolution The way to address the WSHP blocks under the MCG is HBYTE = 1, LBYTE = x, where x is the address of the controller.  Unlike earlier McQuay controllers where the unit address is set by rotary hexadecimal switches, the addresses of the MicroTech 2000 heat pump controllers are set in software by the McQuay  technician who commissions their network. Click here to see an excerpt from F-26133, Systems Integration Module- MicroTech, SIM-MTECH. See Fig 2.1, and Table 2.1, pp 2-2 through 2-4