Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A TS-58011-774 Platinum RTD sensor is wired to a DMS Microsmart MSC-MPC controller. What is the maximum and minimum offset value considered acceptable for the sensor to operate accurately? Can the maximum wire length exceed 200 feet? Environment DMS Microsmart controllers Cause A large offset of almost 6 degrees must be used to make the reading accurate with a handheld temperature calibration device. Resolution There is no maximum and minimum offset value.  However, the length of wire used should not exceed 200 feet.  The recommended wire type is Belden #9501 (AWG24).  If these two wiring requirements are met, then the offset value used will not be "large". Below is a link to the sensor's installation guide.  Review "Software Setup" starting on page 3 to understand how to calculate the amount of error introduced to the temperature reading by the installed wire.  Use the temperature/resistance table on page 5 to verify that the sensor is accurate then use an appropriate offset value to eliminate the error introduced by the sensor wire. If necessary, use SOCALC on page 4 to develop custom SCALE and OFSET values. F-24874 TS-58000 Series Platinum RTD Room Sensor Installation Guidelines

Issue Do you have a standard template listing all the actions that are possible for an operator on a Continuum Workstation.   Environment CyberStation Activity Log Cause A list of CyberStation user (operator) actions is required for a bid submittal. Resolution This list is available in the file Stsvc.txt which is located in the \continuum directory. Search that file for:  // SVC_ACTIVITY_EVENT Also attached is a copy of that file from v1.93.

Issue Is there a replacement for the EM52L actuator? Environment EM52L actuator 8522221010 Cause The EM52L actuator is obsolete. Resolution Both the EM52L actuator and the V354/V355 valves that are associated with it are obsolete, so both will need replacing. The replacements would be the MZ20A (Selectable control signal) or the MZ20A-R (Fixed 0-10v control) actuator, with the VZ*19 range of valves. For a data sheet for the MZ20A actuator, please click HERE. For a data sheet for the VZ*19 valve range, please click HERE.  

Issue Does an End-User License Agreement exist for legacy software?  (Example:  SIGNAL and TreeTech) Environment Legacy software (SIGNAL, TreeTech) Cause Required for submittal on GSA projects. The legacy software is used to perform database backups. Resolution The link below provides a single page agreement branded with Schneider Electric which can be used with legacy software. F-26731 - Schneider Electric Buildings Software End-User License Agreement It is also available for download from the Publication Zone (on iPortal).

Issue V241 / V341 valves do not automatically come complete with connections. Environment Valves V241 V341 Connections Pipework connections Cause The valve body is purchased separately to the connections. Resolution When purchasing a V241 / V341 valve it must be remembered that the valve body and the connections have separate specification numbers. Example to purchase a 32mm V341 valve. Valve body - 731-4141-000 Connection types available; Internal thread connection (Standard) - 911-2100-32 (*3) Soldering type connection (Standard) - 911-2101-32 (*3) Welded type connection (Standard) - 911-2102-32 (*3) Note:- you will require the same number of connections as there are ports on the valve. For the details of the V241 please click HERE. For the details of the V341 please click HERE. For the details of the connections please click HERE.

Issue Basic test of communication port on the Carrier DataLink, as accessed by the Network 8000 SIM-CCN. Environment Carrier DataLink communication gateway to a bus with CCN controllers Network 8000 SIM-CCN (Systems Integration Module for Carrier Comfort Network) Terminal emulator, such as HyperTerminal Click here for the SIM-CCN Installation Instructions, F-26167-2. See Figure 6 for detail of the serial cable required. Cause In some cases it is necessary to verify that third-party equipment is functional, independent of the SIM-CCN. Resolution Unplug the serial cable from the SIM, leave the other end connected to the Carrier  DataLink. Set up HyperTerminal: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 9600 baud, no flow control. Type " RT 1 DPTCONFG",  expect a "?" prompt.  If a prompt is returned, the port on the DataLink is functional; if no prompt is returned, the port may not be functional. If necessary, change the baud rate used by the terminal emulator to 300, 1200, 2400, or 4800 bits per second and repeat the test step 3. If the test fails at all of the possible baud rates supported by the DataLink, the port may not be functional.

Issue I/A Series Integration to BACnet PTP protocol Environment I/A Series R2 I/A Series G3 Cause Supported I/A Series BACnet integrations are only BACnet Ethernet, BACnet IP and BACnet MS/TP protocols. There is no driver for integration to BACnet PTP devices. Resolution Schneider Electric solution: Using the TAC Xenta 913 LonWorks Gateway - The Xenta 913 is able to connect to a BACnet PTP half router. Data can be mapped to LonWorks or BACnet IP which are standard protocols in I/A Series. Knowledge of the Xenta 913 and TAC XBuilder is required to configure the Xenta 913. Third party solution: Use a 3rd party BACnet PTP to BACnet IP, BACnet Ethernet or LonWorks gateway. A company which has the gateways for this is Field Server Technologies. See there BACnet FieldServer Drivers here.

Issue Can old generation temperature sensors or new generation temperature sensors be used on CXR, CXT, CZT, CSC5252, CSC5352 ? Environment CXR CXT CZT CSC CSC5252 CSC5352 CSC 5252 CSC 5352 Cause Can old generation sensors or new generation sensors be used on CXR, CXT, CZT, CSC5252, CSC5352? Resolution Existing old generation sensors can be used on the current range of discrete controller, however they CANNOT be used/mixed with new generation sensors. Note, when replacing sensors or upgrading a controller to the current version, terminal numbers are different between old generation and new generation sensors, see the datasheet for terminal numbers. For the CXT datasheet click here. For the CXR datasheet click here. For the CZT datasheet click here. For the CSC5252 or 5352 datasheet click here.

Issue Network administrator needs a document explaining the impact of GCM NIM communications on his Ethernet network. Environment GCM-86xxx with GCM-ETH-001 network interface Cause Customer wants to know impact of adding GCMs to his Ethernet network. Resolution GCM NIM configuration information and general Ethernet networking information is in the "NIM Networking and Configuration Guide", F-25955-4.  This document is available via the Publication Zone on iPortal. Bulletin 96-42, provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the GCM NIM communications. NOTE: This information is based on the use of firmware version 11.2T in the GCM-NIM-001 interface.

Issue My computer has USB ports, but it does not have serial or com ports. Can I use USB ports? Environment For I/NET, Host computer that either Direct Connects (cable 072) or you need to connect to a controller such as a 7798C (cable 082) Continuum, Vista, Sigma, I/A Series, Pelco, DVR, DS, Com Port, Com, PTZ Control, Serial Port, Comm, Comm Port Cause USB to Com has issues downloading or communicating with system. Resolution The generic drivers which came with your USB to Com adapter do not allow two-way communication.  Prolific driver often helps resolve this issue. Download driver HERE or for the latest driver use link below: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx    you will need to logon as GUEST  

Issue A UNC was upgraded from version 431 to 5xx and polled GCM objects update more slowly.  What settings can be reviewed to ensure they are set at recommended values? Environment Niagara R2 UNC-520 (all revisions) Cause The older revision of the UNC and the age of the installation could play a role in the station settings, for the GCMCommService, not being set at recommended values. Resolution Appendix B of the Niagara Network 8000 Serial Driver Engineering Guide (F-27070) reviews the recommended settings of the GCMCommService.  Below is Figure 48 illustrating the General - Config tab of the GCMCommService properties with the required changes from Technical Bulletin 03_03:     Below is Figure 52 illustrating the Poll - Config tab of the GCM object.  Use a cycleTime of 0 ms to synchronize the GCM's Poll Cycle with that of the GCMCommService.  It is best to use the same cycleTimes for both the GCMCommService and the GCM object itself.

Issue Cannot see third-party LON devices when using the I/A Series Lon Device Manager to find and learn the devices on the LON Network.  The third party devices are known to be defined with a specific Lonworks Domain address. When using the I/A Series R2 (Niagara) WorkPlace Pro to commission LON controllers with specific a Lonworks Domain address, configure the Local LON device to match the Domain Length, Domain ID, and Subnet ID programmed in the third-party device. Environment I/A Series R2 (Niagara) WorkPlace Pro UNC 520 Third party LON controllers Cause When a third-party network management tool is used to define and configure / commission a LON network, the commissioning tool frequently uses specified domain address instead of the default "zero-length" domain address.  When using the I/A Series (Niagara) R2 WorkPlace Pro to learn a previously commissioned network, Workplace Pro will not be able to discover the LON devices until it has been configured to match the domain address of the network. Resolution Perform the following steps using WorkPlace Pro to configure the LON interface of the UNC and to learn the LON network. Open the Netmgmt page for the Local Lon Device then set the domain length and domainId to match the domain address of the device.  Apply the changes.  (See example here). Open the Properties page for the LocalLonDevice and select the Engineering tab.  Set the subnetId to match the subnet address of the devices.  (See example here). Recommission the Local Lon Device. Use the Lonworks Device Manager to find and learn the devices on the LON network.

Issue Documentation on the MSC-P-1500 Series Microsmart controller. Environment Microsmart controller MSC-P-1500 Cause Obsolete controller Resolution Click here to view the installation instructions on the MSC-P1500.

Issue How to Node a BAS outstation. What are the node commands. Environment BAS UNC532 UNC496 UNC596 Cause What are the node commands. Resolution Using either the pocket terminal utility or using hyper terminal, plug in the lead into SK1, the terminal will go "ready" Using the commands as follows: Note1: "O" is as in letter O. Note2: "H132" does not apply to a x96 controller. Note3: "S" displays the current node setup. 

Issue How to set the Network 8000 MicroZone II (MZ2) back to its factory-default settings? Environment Network 8000 MicroZone II (MZ2) Cause Need to set the Network 8000 MicroZone II (MZ2) back to its factory-default settings Resolution See Technical Bulletin 95-08 for a detailed procedure. Revised 12/22/2011

Issue How to use SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta Environment TAC Vista 5.1.6 TAC Menta 5.1.6 SNVT_switch_2 Cause Though the SNVT_switch_2 is added into LonMark SNVT Master list. This SNVT is not included in TAC Menta to use. But there is a work around to use this SNVT. Resolution The work around to use this SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta is as follows: Click here to download the required files. Shutdown the TAC Vista Server. (If the Vista Server running as a service, stop the service and shut down) Copy the "tac_snvt.xml" to folder "C:\Program Files\Common Files\TAC Shared" Copy the "taxif.ini" to folder "C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Menta 5.1.6" Please look in the example for usage, Especially the member "setting", have to scale depends on usage. Bind the LON device with SNVT_switch_2 to a Xenta with the Menta file. For reference, please look into enclosed "demo_sw2-MTA" file.

Issue CSMC 3805 Codes, CSMC User Guide. Environment CSMC3805 CSMC CSMC 3805 Cause There is a code displayed on the controller screen. What does this mean? Resolution The codes display the plant status under certain conditions. They are as follows: L05 = Return Water Temperature Low Limit. F = Water Frost Limit (Flow or Return). L01 = Inside Low Limit (Frost). H4 = Flow Water High Limit. A = Alarm (If alarm display is not required set code B61 to 1). 0 to 9 = Optimiser Status (only displayed if code B49 is set to 1). The User Guide can be downloaded from here.    

Issue In certain situations, LonWorks devices, such as Viconics thermostats, have the ability to display the current year/date/time on the display. The only way to ensure the time is correct to these time capable LonWorks devices is to send the year/date/time information to them via a time_stamp SNVT. Environment Lonworks Menta Viconics thermostats Cause Time stamp needed by LonWorks devices via SNVT binding. Resolution Please download and insert this SNVT_time_stamp Menta macro into the Menta application.

Issue What are CZT, CXT, CXR Controllers? Why are CZT, CXT, CXR Controllers used? What is Proportional, Integral Action and Derivative control. Why does a controller deliver different pulse lengths to the valve and not drive it fully open or closed? What is Pb, IA, PID? Environment CZT CXT CXR DC1100 DC1400 Proportional, Integral Action, Derivative, Pb, IA, PID Cause What do these controllers do and what are their applications? What is Proportional, Integral Action and Derivative control. Why does a controller deliver different pulse lengths to the valve and not drive it fully open or closed? What is Pb, IA, PID? Why is a 0-10V Signal used? Why is a 3 point control / Open Closed actuator used? Resolution Proportional Controllers are used in applications where there are long time lags e.g. room control, return air control, storage calorifier (HWS). Where the controlling sensor is a medium to long distance from the heat/cooling source. An example of a proportional controller is the Satchwell CZT. Integral action controllers are used in applications where there are short time lags e.g. supply air control, frost coil control, non-storage calorifiers. Where the controlling sensor is a short distance from the heat/cooling source. An example of a integral controller is the Satchwell CXT or the CXR. The CXR is a controller where the supply air is controlled, but the setpoint is reset by the return air or space temperature, therefore the time lag is short. Other controllers that fall into this category are the DC1100, DC1400 again the controlling sensor (mixed flow temp) is located a short distance from the heat source.  The term proportional band (Pb) is where the valve is moved to a position proportional to the deviation from setpoint. 0-10V modulating actuators are generally used on these controllers. The term integral action (Ia) is where the valve is moved at a rate according to the deviation from setpoint i.e. the valve is given longer pulses the further away from setpoint, shorter pulses as it gets closer. 3 point control/pulsed pair/open-close actuators are generally used on these controllers. Further to proportional controllers, inherent offset (the setpoint is never quite reached) can be an issue. Integral action can be applied to remove this offset. These controllers are primarily proportional, but integral action can be found on them and is applied. Hence the term PI or PI controller. Derivative control is generally only found on BMS controllers and is used occasionally with PI control, hence the term PID. Here the derivative action moves the valve proportionally to the change from setpoint. It is complex and is rarely used. Further detail about CSC controllers can be found here. Further detail about CXT controllers can be found here. Further detail about CXR controllers can be found here. Further detail about CZT controllers can be found here. Further detail about DC1100 and DC1400 controllers can be found here.

Issue What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Environment Infinet SCX920 SCX900 Cause What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Resolution See the attached 1995 INETGUID.pdf starting on page 4 for the LCD error code listing and troubleshooting tips.