Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Modbus device integration to I/A Series R2 requires encode and decode of integer type registers to bytes. In this particular case, the Modbus device is a Patterson-Kelly ENVI boiler where the HIGH byte and LOW byte of a standard Modbus integer represent individual values.  However, the solution can be applied to other devices as required. Environment I/A Series R2, Modbus Cause Application - integration of Modbus into I/A Series R2 Resolution The attached R2 program objects can be used to encode or decode values as required. ModbusIntToBytes - Program will take the input integer value and decode to individual byte values as float status type values. ModbusBytesToInt - Program will take individual float status type values and encode bytes to a Modbus integer. Download ModbusIntBytePgms zip file ...

Issue Can BAS 2800+ parts still be obtained? Environment BAS BAS2800+ BAS 2800+ NIU Outstations Cause BAS 2800+ NIU has failed. Resolution Below is an extract of the discontinuation document, for the full document select HERE. In order to provide you with the opportunity to purchase any spare products for sites that may still be running the BAS Platform, the intention is to provide a 3 month window to place orders for BAS products that are currently still available. Because these products are in limited supply we cannot guarantee availability for all orders placed for the 3 month period between 1st May 2011 and the 31st July 2011. We will do our best to supply all parts that have been ordered during this period; and intend to keep manufacturing the product up to the end of October to enable us to meet any outstanding orders. This means that orders for the product can be placed up to the 31st July 2011 but no product will be manufactured after the end of October 2011.

Issue Sigma installation failure due to OCX error. Environment Sigma Registration Error OCX Cause Windows user account did not have Admin rights. Resolution This error is caused because the Windows user does not have Admin rights, and this is required to install Sigma. This requirement is shown in the release note. To correct this issue, log onto Windows as a user with Admin rights and then the software will be loaded correctly. For a copy of the 4.05 SEB release note select HERE.

Issue RAM, Remote Alarm Manager Environment Sigma, Micronet, BAS, Vista, RAM 1.2 Cause Configuration Controller Monitoring Scripts Output Interfaces Resolution There are 3 guides to assist in configuring RAM: Operators Manual Engineers Manual (more comprehensive than the Operators Manual) Script Editors Guide Note: There are scripts that are used in RAM. These can adapted to suit specific requirements. Copy the relevant script and rename. Use the renamed version. The scripts can be found in C:\Satchwell\Binary\Remote Alarm Manager and have the .scr extension. 

Issue Conversion process for taking small numbers in I/NET Seven to Large numbers in I/NET Seven Environment I/NET Seven rev 1.12 and above Cause The card number of the Prox cards are larger than 24000 Resolution Sort the Individuals list according to the Individual Number. Find out the lowest number in the list. In this example number 1 is the lowest card number.   Look at the tenant editor to determine the Tenant Code/Facility code of the cards.   Go into the Door Editor and verify the Bit Format of the Cards. In this case it is a standard 26-Bit Format.   Verify in the door editor that the cards in this system are 26-Bit Wiegand. Then use the attached Excel spreadsheet (This is a ZIP File) to determine the Decimal number of the first card in the system (Card #1 Facility code 199) is 13041665. This number will become the source number in the Key card table.   Create a Key card table like below, using the Source # that was determined in Step #3 above. Please note the Target # must be equal to the value of the Lowest Individual Number.   Next unzip the supplied Windows SQL Script (BigCardConvert.exe). Please note that the SQL Script will ask for a Username and Password. These are the Username and Password used for the SQL in the DbCreate Editor. Once unzipped, double click the “EXE” file and this will convert all the existing card numbers into “Hex” numbers. After this process has completed, verify that the cards did in fact convert OK. Look at the lowest individual number the (“Source” card used the “Hex” and “Decimal” numbers) will be the same values determined in the Excel spread sheet. After verifying that all is OK, then delete the “Card Key Translation” table created to do this process.

Issue Application is to open a door with a PIN Number instead of a card read. Environment I/NET Seven versions 2.4X and above. Cause The Customer is wanting to use a "PIN Only" function at a Pin Pad reader to gain access thru a door Resolution The following document describes the procedure controlling a door using the Door Code Feature. Door Code Setup Procedure.

Issue Assistance is required to create this programme. Environment Sigma Programme Chiller control Prog points Cause This programme has been attempted, but does not operate as required. Resolution The programme must control 5 chillers in a fixed sequence. There must be a delay of 20 minutes between starting chillers, (configurable). The temperature differential from zero to all chillers operating must be adjustable. The suggested programme is as follows: 10 XFlo = POINT 0|144 - POINT 0|140 20 IF XFlo <= 0.000000 THEN XFlo = 0.000000 30 IF XFlo >= POINT 0|141 THEN XFlo = POINT 0|141 40 XFlo = ( XFlo / POINT 0|141 ) * 100.000 50 XInt = 0 60 IF XFlo >= 20.0000 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 70 IF XFlo >= 40.0000 AND YInt >= 1 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 80 IF XFlo >= 60.0000 AND YInt >= 2 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 90 IF XFlo >= 80.0000 AND YInt >= 3 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 100 IF XFlo >= 100.000 AND YInt >= 4 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 110 IF TIME LEFT THEN GOTO 180 120 IF XInt > YInt THEN GOTO 150 130 YInt = XInt 140 GOTO 190 150 ZInt = INT ( POINT 0|142 ) * 60.0000 160 SET TIMER ZInt 170 YInt = YInt + 1 180 IF XInt < YInt THEN SET TIMER 0 190 RETURN VIA TEXT 92 VALUE FLOAT ( YInt ) Objects: 140 - SPA Object - Setpoint 141 - SPA Object - Differential required - 0 chillers to 5 chillers (degrees over which all chillers switch on) 142 - SPA Object - Delay time in minutes required. 144 - AI Object - Chillers Return Temperature Link this programmable object to the chiller commands, using the hysteresis option. On each chiller command object, enable the hysteresis option, setting will be as below. Chiller 1 -  hysteresis low setting  0.1 and high setting  0.9. Chiller 2 -  hysteresis low setting  1.1 and high setting  1.9. Chiller 3 -  hysteresis low setting  2.1 and high setting  2.9. Chiller 4 -  hysteresis low setting  3.1 and high setting  3.9. Chiller 5 -  hysteresis low setting  4.1 and high setting  4.9. For a copy of the above text, click here.

Issue The Drayton Theta YBM3 Valve Body / Actuator assembly is to be replaced. Environment Replacement Drayton Actuator Valve YBM3 Cause The Drayton Theta YBM3 Valve Body / Actuator assembly is obsolete.> Resolution OVERVIEW The Drayton Theta YBM3 Valve Body / Actuator assembly is obsolete, and there is no purpose built replacement. The Valve Body was available in 1.1/4", 1.1/2" and 2" B.S.P. sizes and was normally installed as a mixing valve in variable temperature, constant volume, compensated heating circuits. No Valve Body / Actuator assemblies are currently available in these sizes. Details of the YB Valve Body may be viewed here.   VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT To replace the YBM3 Valve Body the following is required:- S-E Satchwell MB Valve Body of appropriate size - MB1552 (1.1/4"), MB1602 (1.1/2"), MB1652 (2") Details of the MB Valve Body may be viewed here.   ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT The YBM3 Actuator comprised a 3-wire electrical connection enabling it to be operated by a Mains Voltage changeover contact device as follows :-  Terminal M1 – Open signal Terminal M2 – Close signal Terminal M3 – Common  The YBM3 Actuator may be replaced by one or other of the following S-E Actuators :- MD10B-230 MD20B-230 (if MD10B-230 not available) Details of the MD10B-230 Actuator may be viewed here. Details of the MD20B-230 Actuator may be viewed here. N.B. The YBM3 Actuator may also have included an additional 2-wire electrical connection associated with integral Transfer Switches wired as follows :-  Terminal M4 – M1 made to M4 when YBM3 Fully Closed (230Vac) Terminal M5 – M2 made to M5 when YBM3 Fully Open (230Vac) Where external wiring is connected to YBM3 Transfer Switch Terminals M4 or M5 then an Auxiliary Switch Kit containing two S.P.C.O. Auxiliary Switches should be installed on the MD Actuator. Auxiliary Switch Kit MD-S2 (914-1061-000) Details of the MD-S2 Auxiliary Switch Kit may be viewed here. Where external wiring is connected to YBL3 Terminal M4 then the MD-S2 Auxiliary Switch Kit should be wired as follows :- Terminal S1 (Common) - connect to 230Vac power source Terminal S2 (Normally Closed) - connect to 230Vac device previously connected to YBL3 Terminal M4 Terminal S3 (Normally Open) - no connection necessary Where external wiring is connected to YBL3 Terminal M5 then the MD-S2 Auxiliary Switch Kit should be wired as follows :- Terminal S4 (Common) - connect to independent 230Vac supply Terminal S5 (Normally Closed) - no connection necessary Terminal S6 (Normally Open) - connect to 230Vac device previously connected to YBL3 Terminal M5   LINKAGE KIT A Linkage Kit will also be required in order to enable the MD Actuator to be mounted on the MB Valve Body. Linkage Kit LMD/AR-MB (914-1071-000) Details of the LMD/AR-MB Linkage Kit may be viewed here In such 3-wire installations the YBM3 Valve / Actuator assembly only will need to be replaced, while any associated Controller and Sensors may be retained.

Issue What is the proper way to program an ADAA Modem for use on an I/NET Seven system? Environment I/NET Seven version 2.01 and above USR 56k Modems Cause Provide an ADAA modem on a site. Resolution Go to the Control Panel of the PC. Select Phone and Modem Options Select the Modem tab and the Properties button. Select the Advanced tab. Under Extra Settings, add the Extra initialization commands: ATZ Choose the Change Default Preferences... button Change the Data Connection Preferences under the General tab to: Port speed: 9600 Data Protocol: Standard ED Compression: Disabled Flow control: None Choose the Advanced tab Change the Hardware Settings to: Data bits: 8 Parity: None Stop bits: 1 Modulation: Standard For 9600 Baud US Robotics 56k Modem Strings, click here For 19200 Baud US Robotics 56k Modem Strings, click here

Issue Daylight Savings time changed in the U.S. and methods are needed to synchronize time Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Methods for synchronizing controller time Resolution The following document was email out when Daylight Savings changed in the U.S. and contains 2 methods for synchronizing time Click Here to download the pdf document.

Issue Is it possible to set a startup delay for TAC Vista server? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X 32-bit Windows operating systems Cause Delaying the startup of the Vista Server is typically done to allow for other software to get up and running first. Example: LConfig needs to be running prior to Vista Server. Resolution There is two ways of adding a delay, either you do it manually like described below. Or there is a tool you can use called "Tacos Startup Delay", see community post TACOS Startup Delay Open the registry editor. Click on Start\Run and type regedit. Locate the TAC Vista 5.1.X registry key (where 'X' is the installed version of Vista) My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TAC AB\TAC Vista\5.1.X Add a string value named "TacosStartupDelay" Enter a value in seconds for the startup delay.     Additionally, this helpful utility can be used to set the delay without going into the registry editor.

Issue Communications cabling Environment MicroNet Cable LAN Belden Cause Communications wiring Resolution Belden 8762 cable  or an  equivalent cable should be used for standard on pair communications. Belden 9502 cable  or an  equivalent cable should be used for isolated LAN communications. Click here for the Belden 8762 data sheet. Click here for the Belden 9502 data sheet.

Issue Communications cabling Environment Sigma Cable LAN Belden Cause Communications wiring Resolution Belden 8762 cable or an  equivalent cable should be used for standard on pair communications. Belden 9502 cable  or an  equivalent cable should be used for isolated LAN communications. Click here for the Belden 8762 data sheet. Click here for the Belden 9502 data sheet.

Issue Customize the alarms sounds that are set in the AMT configuration editor. Environment Any I/NET Seven Version Cause Change the default audio alerts for each routine, priority, or critical alarm. Resolution From the task bar, select the Alarms, Messages & Transactions window  Navigate on the menu bar to Edit > Configuration Under Audible alarms, browse to the desired sound file for each priority. If desired, custom alarm sounds are available for download here, (This is a ZIP) file.

Issue What is the bCX and NCII required bandwidth? 10Mb, 100Mb Network Connections, GSM Modems. Environment Continuum Ethernet level controllers: ACX57xx, Netcontroller II and bCX1 Cause IT Departments often ask for the required IP Network bandwidth for the CX and bCX controllers; as it is not listed on the datasheets. Is there a bandwidth calculator available? Resolution The Network usage of a bCX/ CX/ ACX controller will vary constantly depending on what is happening on the system at the time. It will be affected by user commends, Graphics, Plain English programming, Access events, reloading or re-flashing controllers and time triggered events. The 2nd generation controllers network connection supports a 10Mb half duplex or 100Mb full duplex auto sensing permanent connection. Note: Older 1st generation controllers (CX9200, CX9400, CX9900 series) only support 10Mb half duplex. So a corresponding up to 10Mb or 100Mb connection would be ideal. GSM Modem or other packet based communication networks are unlikely to be able to provide the continuous data throughput required by Continuum. In terms of bandwidth an absolute minimum of 1Mb in both directions is recommended but this will depend on the specific site requirements you have, for example if there is a requirement to update graphic or alarm values within a specific time then a 10Mb connection would be more appropriate. The following Bandwidth Calculator can be used to determine the % network usage on a 10Mb network connection. This was created specifically for typical Access Control projects, so for HVAC applications the following should also be considered: data logging, PE programs passing data, IP based X Drivers. Fill in the appropriate values in Column D for the system: Bandwidth Calculator.

Issue When changing an ARM/X/E type actuator that was mounted on an MB or MBF valve a new linkage kit is required. Environment Valve MB MBX MBF ARE ARX ARM Linkage Actuator MD Cause When fitting a new stype actuator to an MB/MF valve a new linkage kit is required. Resolution MD20a/b Linkage kits MB-914-1071-000 MBF-914-1070-000 (Use self tappers that came with the act to fix the linkage) If you have auxiliary switches you will also need to purchase the aux SW kit for the MD10/20 b = MD-S2 Click here to view the data sheet for the MD20 B actuator, where you will find further information.

Issue An STR-104 can be used to monitor space temperature with a Xenta programmable controller. If a zone override is also required, the most straight-forward solution is to wire the override button to a digital input on the same controller. However, if those wires were not installed, or sufficient inputs are not available on the controller, the override button can be sent via the temperature sensor wires. Environment STR-104 Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause If enough wires were not run, or sufficient inputs are not available on the controller, the override button can be sent via the temperature sensor wires. Resolution The override signal sent via temperature sensor wires is accomplished by shorting the temperature sensor reading to ground. The Menta application senses this short and interprets it as a zone override. On the STR-104, short terminals 12 to 14 (Therm to Switch) On the STR-104, short terminals 11 to 15 (M to MX) Terminals 11 and 12 on the STR-104 go to M and B1 on a Xenta programmable (for example). Download this Menta macro for use in the programmable Menta application. While the button is pressed, the temperature will jump to a failed-shorted value of 300+ °F.  The attached Menta app will read in this jump, filter it out from a failed sensor, and enable an override for an adjustable duration.

Issue Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Environment CyberStation Modbus RTU Xdriver Liebert CRAC Units bCX and CX controllers Cause Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Resolution Using a PE program you can efficiently poll one register and update multiple alarm points in Continuum. The attached program polls the Modbus Xdriver to get the value of an xdriver point just once and then sets the value to the local numeric ReadRegister###.  The individual bits of the ReadRegister### are then written to the alarm points. This reduces the number of polling requests to the xDriver for the same point A dump file for the points referenced in the program is also included in the attachment.

Issue Can the Advantech touch screen be used as a Sigma server? Environment Sigma WinCE Advantech Touch screen Panel mounted Cause System has been installed without a Sigma server. Resolution The Advantech touch screen, or any other WinCE device can only be used for general display functions, low level editing, contingency logging review and time updates, it does not have the functionality of a Sigma server. To review the latest Release note, please click HERE. To review the WinCE User guide, please click HERE.

Issue How can I use more than four site codes in Continuum? Environment Continuum Access Control ACX57xx CX9900 CX9680 CX9702 ACX781 Cause Continuum will only support four site codes. Resolution A workaround to this is to use the Custom Wiegand card format to create unique card numbers. To do this, we will set the custom format to allow a unique 24-bit card number to be created from the existing 8-bit site code and the 16-bit card number. Download Instructions