Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue BAS2800+ does not  see the dongle when it is started. Environment Windows XP, BAS2800+ V2.9 Cause The PC is too fast for the dongle to be detected. When BAS2800+ is installed on a PC and BAS2800+ is run for the first time, a warning message is displayed - "No Dongle Driver Detected".  Resolution Download here the fast dongle driver, unzip and install in c:\bas\bin and run dk2wn32.exe Follow the on screen instructions and finally restart the PC. The dongle should now be detected and BAS2800+ is allowed to run.

Issue Satchwell "AM" series Rotary Actuator requires replacement Environment Satchwell “AM” series Rotary Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF series Plug and Seat Valve Body.   N.B. Where a Satchwell “AM” series Rotary Actuator is installed on a Satchwell VV Butterfly Valve Body then NO simple Actuator replacement is available. In addition to replacing the AMS Actuator it will also be necessary to replace the VV Butterfly Valve Body. The replacement Actuator is S-E type MF type. Please check the latest catalog for current equipment. The Satchwell VV Butterfly Valve Body should be replaced by a S-E Butterfly Valve Body selected from the VF208W series of Butterfly Valve Bodies. It should be noted however that significant pipe work modifications will also be necessary in order to accommodate any selected VF208W series Butterfly Valve Body due to the differing construction of the VF208W Butterfly Valve Body. Please check the latest catalog for current equipment. Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell AM series Rotary Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell AM series Rotary Actuator with MV15B-230 Linear Actuator and Linkage Kit :- AM = MV15B-230 + L7SV (880-0126-000) Linkage Kit. N.B. Should the Satchwell AM series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Auxiliary Switch Pack S2 (880-0469-000) - two independent 250 volt 10 amp (inductive) 3 amp (resistive) rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches - may be purchased separately permitting local installation.   Please check the latest catalog for current equipment.

Issue Large libraries of jpg and bmp graphics exist that have frames of damper movement, or different colors for a pump depending on status. How can these be brought into TGML and used in the same way that they were once used in I/NET gpg or Vista IV OGC graphics? Environment TGML Cause TGML has a rich set of animation and rotational tags for vectored images, however if a large library of jpg or bmp files exists, it can be imported into TGML and used like it was before in other graphics programs. Resolution Click here to download a sample TGML graphic that contains the two examples below. They use jpg images to represent a damper at different angles of rotation. The first example deals with an open/close damper and the second with an analog output. The four images used are: 0° 30° 60° 90° In TGML, these would be imported using the "Insert Picture" tool and then stacked on top of each other. Open/Close Damper A 0° image on the bottom, 90° image on top. Binding on the 90° image toggles the Visibility attribute of the fully open image using ConvertValue tags. If the value equals 0 the "open" image is hidden, displaying the closed image. If the value is 1, the "open" image is visible, hiding the closed image below, and showing the damper fully open. Analog Damper A 0° image on the bottom, stacked on top with 30°, 60°, 90° images. Instead of using SignalEqualTo attribute of ConvertValue, used SignalMoreThan and SignalLessOrEqualTo to create "bands" around which each image would become visible. Because of how they are stacked on stop of each other, only one will ever show.

Issue Ordering the proper software options for a Vykon Energy Suite installation on a Niagara G3 jobsite. Environment Niagara G3 Cause The Vykon Energy Suite is only available for purchase via Sourced Products from Tridium.  The part numbers and descriptions are difficult to locate. Resolution The feature that licenses TEA-BASE (eas) is included with the standard ENS-1. So, a separate purchase of TRD-TEABASE-G3 is no longer required (since it is not usable without licensing stations or points). TRD-TEASTA-G3 increments the station limit parameter and allows unlimited points from an ENC. TRD-TEAPNT-G3 increments the point limit parameter and allows individual points from an ENC as well as points within the ENS as required. Additional documentation: VES G3 Users Guide VES G3 Datasheet These two part numbers are now available on iPortal for ordering.  Contact Customer Care at ccc.orders@schneider-electric.com or 1-888-444-1311 (press 1) to place an order.

Issue Doing a Niagara G3 integration with a Modbus controller from ASCO Power Technologies.  What type of Niagara object is required to read register 40158?  Click here to view Modbus Register Map Environment Niagara G3 ENC-520 ASCO Power Technologies controller Cause Cannot identify what type of object is needed. Resolution The number appears to be an enumerated value (1-22) and is a read-only integer. Use a Numeric Point.

Issue Transformer for I/NET Controllers Environment XFMR1, XFMR2, XFMR3, XFMR4, XFMR5, XFMR6, XFMR7, XFMR8, XFMR9, XFMR10, XFMR11 IRB8, IRB8HC Relay boards 7700, 7740, 7741 DCUs 7750, 7760, 78XX, 72XX UCs, 7716 7718, 7780, DPU3100, DPU7910A, DPU7920 78XX TAPs 7780 DLCU 7728 I/SITE I/O Cause The following table describes each transformer, the primary power required, the secondary power supplied by the transformer and the products each transformer model supports. Some of these transformers have two secondary outputs and these are shown in the table. Resolution Download the attached PDF document here. Model Number Description Comments XFMR1 Transformer, 120Vac Primary, 20Vac @ 3.4A Secondary IRB8, IRB8HC Relay boards XFMR2 Transformer, 120Vac Primary, 10Vac @ 3.6A and 36Vac @ 0.7A Secondaries 7700, 7740 7741 DCUs XFMR3 Transformer, 240Vac Primary, 10Vac @ 3.6A and 36Vac @ 0.7A Secondaries 7700, 7740, 7741 DCUs XFMR4 Transformer, 120Vac Primary, 13.5Vac @ 2A and 24Vac @ 2A Secondaries 13.5Vac for baseplate mounted 7750, 7760, 78XX. 24Vac for 72XX UCs, 7716 XFMR5 Transformer, 240Vac Primary, 13.5Vac @ 2A and 24Vac @ 2A Secondaries 13.5Vac for baseplate mounted 7750, 7760, 78XX. 24Vac for 72XX UCs, 7716 XFMR6 Transformer, 120Vac Primary, 24Vac @ 2.4A Secondary 72XXUC, 7716, 7718, 7780, DPU3100, DPU7910A, DPU7920 XFMR7 Transformer, 240Vac Primary, 24Vac @ 2.4A Secondary 72XXUC, 7716, 7718, DPU3100, DPU7910A, DPU7920 XFMR8 Transformer, 120Vac Primary (plug-in), 13.5Vac Secondary (DIN connector) 7750, 7760, 78XX TAPs XFMR9 Transformer, 277Vac Primary, 24Vac @ 2.4Vac Secondary 7780 DLCU XFMR10 Transformer, 120Vac Primary, Dual 24Vac @ 2A Secondaries 7728 I/SITE I/O XFMR11 Transformer, 240Vac Primary, Dual 24Vac @ 2A Secondaries 7728 I/SITE I/O

Issue How to open an external document (e.g. Word, Excel, PDF) from a G3 graphics page Environment I/A Series G3 (Niagara AX), revisions 3.3 and later Cause N/A Resolution The attached document provides detailed instructions on how to launch an external documents from a G3 graphic.  Click Here to open the document.

Issue Operating Systems and SQL Supported in I/NET Seven 2.40, 2.40A, and 2.41 Environment Windows Server 2003 w/ SP1 Windows XP Professional w/ SP3 Windows Vista Enterprise w/ SP1 Windows 7 Professional 32-bit SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine(MSDE 2000) SP4 SQL Server 2000 Standard SQL Server 2000 Enterprise SQL Server 2005 Express SP3 SQL Server 2005 Standard SP3 SQL Server 2005 Enterprise SP3 SQL Server 2008 Express (32-bit) SQL Server 2008 Standard (32-bit) Cause Issues may arrive if the I/NET software and SQL Server versions do not follow the below guidelines. Resolution  Click here to download this document in PDF format.     Operating Systems     Windows Server 2003 w/ SP1  Windows XP Professional w/ SP3  Windows Vista Enterprise w/ SP1  Windows 7 Professional 32-bit  SQL Server  SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE2000) SP4   Yes   Yes       SQL Server 2000 Standard   Yes         SQL Server 2000 Enterprise   Yes         SQL Server 2005 Express SP3   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   SQL Server 2005 Standard SP3   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   SQL Server 2005 Enterprise SP3   Yes         SQL Server 2008 Express (32-bit)         Yes   SQL Server 2008 Standard (32-bit)         Yes  General Notes: Do not mix versions of SQL server among equalized or client/server workstations in your TAC I/NET Seven system. Ensure that the edition of SQL server installed on each workstation used in a client/server or equalized setting are based on the same version of Microsoft SQL, either 2000, 2005, or 2008. It is strongly recommended that you defragment the PC's hard drives on a regular basis. Severely fragmented hard drives can cause poor system performance and in some cases can introduce data errors. The use of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard or Enterprise edition, or any edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will require that the PC have at least 2 GB of RAM. Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008 Express Edition cannot be used on a TAC I/NET Seven filemaster.

Issue Using the selection tool to select the correct meter. Environment Heat Meters Cooling Meters Cause Selecting the incorrect meter can lead to loss of water flow and increased system pressure. Resolution Selecting an appropriate Heat Meter can be achieved using the selection tool. To view or download the tool click here. For the Product Announcement click here. To view the Online version of the tool please click here. The selection of a Heat Meter requires the following information; 1 - The maximum water flow through the system. 2 - The location of the meter, (Flow or Return). 3 - The size of pipe work where Heat Meter is to be installed. 4 - The media type, heating, cooling or both. 5 - Using the selection tool is made easier by using the Auto filter drop down selection arrows. These allow you to filter the selection on a particular area, i.e. "Flow Rate" as shown below. The Heat Meter part number is established as follows; 1 - Digits 1,2 - Heating, Cooling or Combined. 2 - Digits 3,4 - Flow rate. 3 - Digits 5,6 - Body length and connections. 4 - Digit 7 - Threaded/Flanged. 5 - Digit 8 - Heat Meter location Flow / Return. 6 - Digit 9 - Communications type. 7 - Digit 10 - Display option. 8 Digits 11,12,13 - Revision. To view a warning about the under sizing of Heat Meters, please click here. New serial communication modules are now available for Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP interfaces.

Issue Does Sigma 4.04 support a Windows 7 operating system? Environment Sigma release Windows 7 Cause Sigma release 4.04 does not support a Windows 7 operating system. Resolution Sigma 4.04 cannot be used on a Windows 7 operating system. It is recommended that the earliest release of Sigma to be used is 4.05 SEB, To review the release note, please click here.

Issue What are the replacement for the M52R and the EM52R damper actuators? Environment Dampers Actuators Cause The M52R and the EM52R damper actuators are obsolete. Resolution When using either the M52R or the EM52R actuators to control dampers, the replacements are as follows; The M52R actuator is a 24 volt drive open / drive close type, and is replaced by the MD10B-24. The EM52R actuator is a 24 volt, 2 - 10 volt DC controlled  type, and is replaced by the MD10A-24. For data sheets select below. M52R / EM52R MD10A-24 MD10B-24

Issue Supplemental Documentation on the Menta SEQ (sequence) block Environment Menta Cause The document is intended to clarify the inputs and configuration parameters of the Menta SEQ block and when/how to use them. Resolution Click here to download a copy of this document in PDF format Click here to download the example Menta macro   Supplemental Documentation: Menta SEQ   A Brief Overview of Sequence Block The Sequence block is used to start N of M stages based on a percentage input. Each stage is represented by a single bit in the output of the block which requires calculation to determine if each stage is off or on. The Sequence block also provides the ability to rotate the stages, specify a delay between multiple stages activating, and a hysteresis to adjust the activation or deactivation of stages. The Sequence block is ideal for rotating operating stages that have high frequency of change. It is not the proper block to use for run time balancing between multiple stages. Input of the SEQ Block The input expects a 0-100 value where a 0 represents zero stages active and 100 represents all stages are active. Configuration Parameters of the SEQ Block Stages The number of stages to activate at 100% input. Rotate Rotation Flag. If Rotate is set to 0 then the first stage will always be active if 1 stage is required. If Rotate is set to 1 then the first stage to activate will be the first stage to deactivate. Period Time delay(ms) between multiple stages activating. Hysteresis Hysteresis is used to offset the activation or deactivation % for each stage. If the Hysteresis is positive then it will shift the activation % higher by that amount. If the Hysteresis is negative then it will shift the deactivation % lower by that amount. Normal Operation of 4 Stages:    Stage 1 Activation Stage 2 Activation Stage 3 Activation Stage 4 Activation Input 20% 40% 60% 80%  Hysteresis of 10%    Stage 1 Activation Stage 2 Activation Stage 3 Activation Stage 4 Activation Input 30% 50% 70% 90%  Hysteresis of -15%    Stage 1 Deactivation Stage 2 Deactivation Stage 3 Deactivation Stage 4 Deactivation Input 5% 25% 45% 65% Output of the SEQ Block The number of stages active is based on the following formula: Active Stages = ((Maximum Stages +1) * Input) / 100 The number of active stages is then encoded into an Integer as the output of the SEQ block where each bit represents whether each stage is active or inactive. Since this is a single value it must be decoded using expression blocks to detect if each bit is active.

Issue How to convert earlier versions of Microzone II PSI files to 3.3 revision or later Environment Network 8000 Microzone II, PSI/XPSI Revision(S) 3.13 and 4.1 Cause Error Not a valid application file!  File is not compatible with existing XPSI revision.  It must be upgraded with Zconvert.exe Resolution Procedure on how to convert Microzone II files to revision 3.3 or later and read me file.

Issue The heating plant is remaining off when the controller is in an occupation period. Environment Controllers CSMC 3805 Cause The controller has shutdown because of high internal or high external temperatures. Resolution The controller can generally be forced to night mode if one of the following settings is reached. 1 - Optimum Off - Minimum Inside Temperature - code B10 2 - Inside High Limit Temperature - code B12 3 - Outside High Limit Temperature - code B14 In the case of item 1, if the controller has decided that it can optimise off, then this setting is the lowest temperature before the plant will be switched back on again. Items 2 and 3 dictate the temperature above which, the plant is switched off. To view the controller data sheets, please select here. General data sheet,  Configuration data sheet A. or Configuration data sheet B. If the plant has switched off then changing the appropriate setting will allow the plant to switch back on again.

Issue How is an active Orion Stack license transferred to another PC? Environment Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Loytec network interfaces Cause If you need to move your databases from one workstation to another then you must follow these procedures.  Resolution You will need to deactivate the License form your existing PC first. To carry out this follow these steps. Run up the LConfig application Select the register deactivate button Select the Deactivate NIC852-SW button Save the *.lac file on your PC Email this file to sales@loytec.com Once the license has been deactivated you can send an activation code request for the new PC. This procedure is described in the Loytec manual. Here is the NIC 852-SW extract   8.2 Product Activation When purchasing a LOYTEC product, which must be activated (e.g. NIC852-SW), you will have to go through the following steps for activation: - Start the LConfig Tool, click on 'Register / Activate'. The dialog as shown in Figure 36 will open. - If you have already purchased a NIC852-SW license, please enter your Serial Number (shipped with the NIC852-SW product) and click on ‘Request Activation File by Email’. Alternatively, write an e-mail to sales@loytec.com with both the Activation Target ID and your Serial Number in the subject. - If you have not yet purchased a NIC852-SW license, you can still send the e-mail as described in the previous point. Just click ‘not purchased yet’ before generating the email or indicate the missing Serial Number in the e-mail body. - You will receive a LOYTEC Activation file, which you import by clicking on ‘Activate NIC852-SW License...’. - Click on ‘OK’, close the LConfig tool with ‘OK’ and re-open the LConfig tool. - Configure the new NIC852 as described in Section 3.6. Here is a link to the Full NIC User manual

Issue The Drayton Theta YBM2 Valve Body / Actuator assembly is to be replaced. Environment Replacement Drayton Actuator Valve YBM2 Cause The Drayton Theta YBM2 Valve Body / Actuator assembly is obsolete. Resolution OVERVIEW The Drayton Theta YBM2 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 YBM2 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 YBM2 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 YBM2 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.   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 YBM2 Valve / Actuator assembly only will need to be replaced, while any associated Controller and Sensors may be retained.

Issue Cannot commission an IC3 LON controller in LonMaker. It has become applicationless and the red service LED is flashing or is permanently lit.  Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Satchwell Sigma Controller IC3 IC LON FTT-10 NodeUtil Cause The Echelon chip has become 'locked' and requires resetting.  This can be caused by corrupted controller files, very high LON traffic (> 50% Bandwidth), or the controller has started from "start-up mode" or cold start.   Resolution The Echelon chip can be reset using NodeUtil.exe  .  This is a DOS-based program that can be loaded onto a laptop with an FTT-10 Echelon adaptor. A clean working set of controller files will be downloaded to the device. In the case of a flashing red LED - Download 'clean' files to the controller Start NodeUtil on the laptop and plug LON cable into the controller Reset controller (via onboard reset button) Activate the plug-in LON card service pin and the Neuron Id should appear on the laptop. Note: If further controller resets and service pin activations fail to generate the service pin echo then discard the plug-in card and replace with a new one. From the NodeUtil menu select 'R' and enter the Node Id number Confirm the reset of 3150 Node The service LED should stop flashing and the controller should now be 'Configured' that is not 'applicationless' In the red LED is permanently lit - Download 'clean' files to the controller, the Echelon chip will become locked again. Repeat the reset procedure using NodeUtil.exe, this will allow the controller to work, but the plug-in card will need to be replaced. Example of NodeUtil process; NODEUTIL> (H)elp with commands A -- (A)dd node to list. D -- Set the (D)omain of the network interface. E -- (E)xit this application and return to DOS. F -- (F)ind nodes in the current domain. G -- (G)o to node menu............. H -- (H)elp with commands. L -- Display node (L)ist. M -- Change node (M)ode or state. O -- Redirect (O)utput to a file. P -- Send a service (P)in message. R -- (R)eboot 3150 node. S -- Report node (S)tatus and statistics. T -- (T)ransceiver parameters. V -- Control (V)erbose modes. W -- (W)ink a node. Z -- Shell out to DOS. NODEUTIL> Received an ID message from node 2. Program ID is ICLON1a NODEUTIL> Received an ID message from node 2. NODEUTIL> (R)eboot 3150 node Enter node id for reboot (0-2) [2] :2 *** Neuron 3150: Rebooting will reset comm. params, node state on-chip EEPROM variables and buffer configuration Are you sure you really want to do this? (Y/[N]): Successfully rebooted node NODEUTIL> A second solution has been provided by a customer and could be considered if the above suggestions does not provide a solution. Alternative reset procedure provided by a customer is as follows: - 1. Removed the IC LON from both the LON and the Sigma network. 2. I used SCDU tool to re-node the ICLON to a random IP address, which I believe cleared the database and the files etc. 3. I removed the power form the ICLON and then removed the LON daughterboard card from the ICLON mainboard. 4. Re-instated power and re-installed the LON daughterboard card. 5. Connected with NODE Utility as per the product data-sheet below. And cleared the LON comms buffers as the suggested method. 6. Checked that the red constant service light ceased from the constant illumination. And witnessed that the Green LON heartbeat LED was operational. 7. Re-Node the ICLON to the original IP and check operation. * The Sigma IC-LON plug-in card can be purchased using the part number S-LON. The S-LON has been discontinued as of 29th December 2017 and it is now in the service period (limited quantities available for purchase). Refer to PA-00528 for details.

Issue When opening Lonmaker a license error indicates that the license has not been activated or expired. LonMaker License Wizard This license has not been activated, or has expired. Applications using the license will not function unless you register the license. The information below shows the current usages for this license. Click Next> to activate the license: Environment NL220 Lonmaker Cause Corrupted LNS Credits on your PC Resolution Occasionally, software errors may prevent the licensing mechanism used by the LonMaker tool or LNS Applications from working properly. Use the license checking procedure below to locate your license problem, then download and install the LNS License update 2006 This will NOT fix your already corrupted license files; however, this will help prevent the license from becoming corrupted in the future. To fix the problem, use one of the following procedure : Procedure -- Checklic command: Open a Windows command prompt. To open a command prompt, click Windows Start > Run, and type cmd for Windows XP and Windows 2000, or type command for Windows 98. Then click OK. Type in the following commands, depending on the software product you are fixing (you can execute this command from any location). Press the Enter key at the end of the command:   Product Command  LNS Application checklic nsseng.exe An example of a working license is shown below. C:\>checklic nsseng.exe If you get an error in this screen Click Here for a list of errors and related repairs.

Issue When using the STR-350/351 as an I/O module in Menta (Options > Device Specification > IO Expansion and Wall Module Table) some programming consideration must be made to keep the occupancy and setpoint in sync between the stat and the program. Both STRIN and STROUT Menta simple blocks should be used for the most robust synchronization. Environment STR-350/351 as an I/O Module Menta Cause The STR-350 takes roughly 30 seconds to recover from a power failure. The Xenta is much faster than that resulting in reading an invalid setpoint from the STR-350 on a power cycle. By storing the last known setpoint in a DELR block with the "backup" option set, the setpoint will be restored (provided the power has not been off longer than 3 days, in which case it would default back to the initial value of the backed up value). Resolution Click the pictures of the Menta macro below to download the source file. Occupancy To control occupancy from the programmable controller time schedule, the occupancy must be sent to the STR-350. In order to allow for local override commands from the stat, the occupancy must be read in from the STR-350. By allowing the programmable controller to control both the schedule and the override, the stat stays in synch with the program. Setpoint The setpoint requires a little bit of extra programming to account for a power failure. The stat will report invalid setpoints for the first 30 seconds, which will cause it to come back in an undesired state. By letting the programmable hold onto the last known setpoint, and write it back to the stat on power up, there is no change in the setpoint after a power loss. Looping the setpoint in/out from the stat keeps everything in synch with the program, including stat adjustments. Note: This code protects against unwanted behavior following a power failure. A download the Xenta base unit will not trigger the Reset block protection and will cause the stat to go outside the bounds of, and then be limited by, either the high or low setpoint limit. Precaution should be taken following a download to manually reset the setpoint to the desired value. Additional logic for controlling the setpoint remotely could be incorporated into this code. If these macros are going to be used with a STR-350/351 set in degrees Celsius; make sure to change all initial values within the setpoint range. If the initial values are outside of the setpoint range, then the setpoint will always default back to the last known value.

Issue Is a license required for the S4 BACnet to N2 Routers? Environment S4 BACnet to N2 Router-16 S4 BACnet to N2 Router-32 S4 BACnet to N2 Router-64 S4 BACnet to N2 Router-128 S4 BACnet to N2 Router-256 I/A Niagara R2 I/A Niagara G3 I/A BACnet Metasys N2 network Cause Additional information on 3rd party router Resolution No license is required. But you will need to fill out the S4_Group_Order_Form and send it to CCC at the time of ordering. Link to S4 BACnet to N2 Routers for additional information