Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Continuum / Vista / I/NET / StruxureWare etc will not connect to any of the controllers on the LAN when using a Windows 7 and above PC. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment I/NET 2.4x Continuum Vista StruxureWare Windows 7 8 8.1 10 Cause This is due to Microsoft improving their security in Windows 7 and above that will now block many types of connections across a network. Resolution To enable communications across the network; Disable all firewalls and any Anti-Virus software on the PC. (SE laptops, right click on McAfee shield, Quick settings and un-tick everything, this will temporarily disable the AV and firewall) Disable User Administrator Control (UAC) (As per Disabling administrator rights messages in Windows 7 OS and above) Re-install I/NET Seven / Continuum / Vista etc

Issue Improper wiring can damage controllers. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All i2 and b3 24VAC-powered controllers. Cause Improper wiring, such as reversing the conductors, may result in damage to one or more controllers. Resolution Each i2/b3 low voltage powered controller must have its own 24 VAC step down or isolation transformer. X2 of the transformer must be connected to earth ground AND to the terminal marked with the ground symbol on the controller. X1 of the transformer must be connected to the terminal marked "L" or "24VAC". Here's an example of the proper wiring - the i2_b3+887+Installation+Instructions.pdf. Please reference Field bus (Infinet or MSTP) will shut down as soon as device is connected for more information on why the RS485/MSTP will go down if power is wired incorrectly.

Issue Continuum worked fine and after a reboot of the workstation, now not receiving alarms and/or controller online/offlines. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation CX controllers Continuum alarms Cause Communications issues between cyberstation and controllers. Resolution Continuum supports only one network card (NIC) in a Cyberstation. Dual NIC configuration not supported. Note: The issue with dual NIC is that when  PC is rebooted there is no guarantee which NIC will become #1 or #2. Please see Cyberstation Access Event Views do not show live events but work on other Cyberstations as well.

Issue At the end of an alarm delay if the point is still in alarm, Continuum will generate the alarm notification regardless of how many times the point has "return to normal" (RTN) during the delay period. If the point goes in to alarm again, Continuum will generate the alarm soon. There is a perception that the alarm delay calculagraph should be cleared when the point has RTN. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation IP level controller Field Controller Cause The behavior of the alarm delay calculagraph in some situations is not what would be expected. Resolution Create an infinityNumeric  point to trigger the alarm Create an program to set the alarm point to on/off For Example: The original alarm point is Fanfault, and delay time setting in the AlarmEnrollment is 60 seconds. Create an infinitynumeric named "Fan_alarm" and attach an AlarmEnrollment with a delay. Create the program below:  Line detecting: Fan_alarm=off if Fanfault is on then go to setting Line setting if Ts>=60 then Fan_alarm=on if Fanfault is off then goto detecting Line E state=enabled if ts>1 then go to detecting For more detail about AlarmDelay Operation, see AlarmDelay operation.

Issue The Area schedule assignments from "Loose" Areas (ones that are individually attached to the Personnel object) can interfere with those assigned through a Template. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Access Control Cyberstation Cause Wish to remove the "loose" Areas so that those assigned by the Template take over. Resolution Here are two methods to do this that will resolve this issue. For large numbers of affected Personnel, use the Personnel Import Utility for this by removing the areas you do not want from the import file. You may need to re-apply the template you want after this as well. See How to conditionally assign areas to personnel objects using the Personnel Input Utility XSLT transformation file that describes this method.  For smaller numbers of Personnel the manual method may be better. For each Personnel object. Clear out template assignment. Save the object. Remove all Areas left assigned. Save the object. Re-assign the previous template. Save the object.

Issue What are the main differences between Continuum v1.94 SP1 and Continuum v2.0? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum v2.0 Cause Required a quick list of differences between the versions of Continuum to evaluate if a site upgrade to v2.0 was beneficial. Resolution The main features that Continuum v2.0 has over v1.94 are listed below. Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 32 bit support SQL Server 2012  Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 32 bit support Software licensing Support. See Software Licensing for Continuum 2.0 and StruxureWare Solution. Email SMTP Support. See SMTP Email Alarm Configuration in Continuum 2.0. Extended Custom Wiegand Card* (ACX Series Only). See Extended Custom Wiegand features available for ACX57xx controller released in V2.0. Support for new door attribute 'ValidAttempt' see New Door attribute 'Valid Attempt' added in Cyberstation 2.0 for more information. You can also find more details in the v2.0 Feature Blast. And further information on Continuum v2.0 with the links in Continuum 2.0 Product Announcement, Feature Blast, Compatibility Matrix and Installation Guides.

Issue Can not connect to a Remote RAS Controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment RAS Connections to: CX9900, CX9940, CMX9924, CX9400, CX9200 Controllers with HyperTerminal support Modem connections, Dial Up Cause Can not dial up remote site over RAS connection What settings need to be checked? Resolution For assistance with troubleshooting RAS connections download the v1.9 Continuum Remote Communication Configuration Guide For older versions of Cyberstation also check out the RAS guide installed on the Cyberstation along with the Continuum software. The following settings/ configuration should be checked to help isolate the issue where a site can not be connected: Verify phone line is giving correct cadence ring tone that can be detected by the modem, some internal phone/ exchange lines give non standard tones and may not be answered by the modem . Using another External phone line verify can log on to the controller with hyperterminal using the Baud rate chosen at front end (usually 19200). See the link below for details on using the Command Terminal interface.  If Modems do not answer - Check the correct AT commands have been sent to the modem at the selected baud rate, also verify the cable is 9 cores and a DCE - DTE (Straight through cable). Ensure AT settings have been saved in the modems non-volatile memory. Verify all commport setting match the front end database settings and match any other working sites. Typically 19200 baud, 8 data bits No parity 1 stop bit. Ensure this matches the front end settings when checked using command line as on older versions of Cyberstation the comm ports screen does not always show the correct values. Verify "Track CXD" is selected and "Direct Connect" is not. Verify the Comm port "DefaultBaud"  attribute is set to the same value as the Baud rate used, so that the connection can be made following a power fail. Verify comm port flow control matches the front end, typically hardware & software XonXoffCtsRts Once successfully connected with Hyperterminal and all settings match front end ensure the port is logged off before trying to connect from the Cyberstation. If Cyberstation can not connect to any remote site, first connect a Laptop running Hyperterminal to the front end modem and dial it up from another line to verify the modem & cable are operating correctly. Then go through the software and remote site configuration as detailed in the RAS Guide. Verify Cyberstation is running on XP or Win2000 operating systems as appropriate from Compatibility matrix - See RAS is not supported in Microsoft Vista and Windows 7 for use with Continuum. Also see Continuum controllers and Remote Access Communication for information on controllers that support RAS as an Access point.  For testing with Hyperterminal, download the Command Terminal Configuration Guide

Issue Is there an updated list of all tested devices using the M-bus Xdriver? Environment Xdriver Cause Would like to know what devices have been successfully tested with the M-bus Xdriver. Resolution The current M-bus Xdriver Manual lists several devices that have been tested. The question of what devices have been tested with various Xdrivers comes up now and then. The group that develops Xdrivers is not chartered to continuously test new devices with the drivers and does not maintain a list of devices that others claim to have successfully implemented. There are likely dozens of other M Bus devices our branches/partners have used successfully but we do not capture/verify this info.   There two best options for attempting to get this information are: 1. Ask on the Continuum Community Forum (https://community.se.com/community/bms/continuum) or 2. Obtain the product and bench test it.

Issue Since Generation 1 controllers do not have a controller webpage, how can I access the controller configuration to set up the controller or access controller information. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Hyper Terminal CX9900 CX9940 CX9400 CX9410 CX9200 Cause 1st Generation Controllers do not have an embedded webpage. Resolution Find information about the pin configuration of the direct connection cable in PinOuts for the RS-232 Connection of the older 1st Generation CX controllers. The following document describes how to log into a generation 1 controller via a PC with a terminal emulation application: CX Operators Guide.pdf

Issue Upgrading the operating system (OS) to Windows 7 on an old PC. Product Line Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Older PC's Windows 7 Cause Some older PC's are not suitable for upgrading to Windows 7. Resolution When considering upgrading to Windows 7 with an older PC, it must be first checked for suitability. Run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before upgrading. To review the Schneider Electric Software and Firmware compatibility matrix please see Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines.

Issue Using the correct URL to launch webclient and there is only white space Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause ActiveX controls were not installed from the Server onto the browser PC. Certain versions of browser (IE8) disable unsigned activex controls which we use for webclient Resolution It is possible that if this is happening on a domain that there is a group policy in place restricting access. Try the browser on the webClient PC or a laptop directly connected to the webClient PC. Check the compatibility matrix to see if the version of your browsers are supported with that version of webClient. Ensure the Activex controls were installed Turn Off Pop-up blocker.  Internet Explorer> Tools>Turn Off Pop-up blocker Internet Explorer> Tools> Internet Options> Security> Select the correct Zone (i.e. Internet, Local, trusted). Click Custom Level button Select Enable for Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls Select Enable or Prompt for Download signed ActiveX controls Select Enable or Prompt for Download unsigned ActiveX controls Click OK, OK Close Internet Explorer and try again. If it is still not working, clear the cache (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/260897) and try again. If the PC is 64 bit and the webclient version is not 1.94 and above, that could also cause this. In extreme cases removing and reinstalling .net, IIS and webclient may be necessary. Verify that the version of SQL Server is compliant with the version of Continuum that is being used. Ex. SQL Server 2000 with SP3 (instead of SP4) isn't compatible with webclient 1.93 Check Removal of MS KB2858725 Dot Net 4.5.1 causes issues with Web Servers IIS Functions related to .Net 4.5 Reinstall webclient Lastly, a reformat of the hard drive an complete reinstall. Note: If the white space happens in just the personnel area and this is 1.74 remove .net version greater than version 2 In IE 9 and IE10 use compatibility mode IE11 is not currently not supported in a 1.94 SP1 ** Webclient 2.0 new alarmview is blocked by IE setting "Block pop-ups" ** If you receive "Internet Explorer blocked a popup from webClient IIS" after logging into webclient then turn of the pop-up blocker for this or all sites. Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Turn off Pop-up Blocker

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue There may be cases when the personnel distribution table in the ContinuumDB becomes corrupted and must be truncated. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Table corruption issues. Resolution WARNING: Unless knowing exactly what you are doing, deleting entries from your database can cause irreversible harm to your database and can potential cause corruption. Make sure to perform a full SQL Database backup before attempting to make any changes to the database. (See Move / Backup / Restore a database on a Single User SQL2005 Express system for details on how to backup your database and if not already installed, where to get Management Studio from) Should an issue arise in Continuum that requires a cleanup of the PersonnelDistribution table in the Continuum database follow this procedure to truncate the table and re-populate it. Make a backup of the Continuum database as a precaution. Close ALL CyberStation workstations. In SQL Management Studio execute the following query. truncate table PersonnelDistribution Once the table is truncated it must be re-populated by one of the following methods... If the total number of personnel objects is reasonably small (in the hundreds) launch Continuum and bring a list view of all the personnel objects, select all then right click and perform a 'Send to controller' OR In SQL Management Studio Invoke the stored SQL procedure that initializes the PersonnelDistribution table using the query dt_DIST_Init_Personnel_Dist_Table IMPORTANT: Truncating the PersonnelDistribution table will remove all pending personnel distribution including personnel deletions; controllers could potentially continue to allow access to doors for the deleted personnel until reloaded. Conversely, removing a pending personnel distribution could potentially cause a person to be denied access at a door until a distribution is performed to the controller.

Issue Report setup to automatically save to unique files in an output directory is not working. When ReportCmdLine.exe is used to save the report output (see Automatically Running Continuum Standard Reports) only a single file is created and overwritten each time. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Report object Cause The name of the Report object being run has a period (.) in its name. Resolution Rename the Report object removing the period from its name. The Report output will now save a new file with date and time in the filename each time it is run.

Issue The customer (or others) have performed Ethernet penetration tests and some controllers have reset Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Ethernet Controllers Netcontroller Cause Some earlier versions of firmware include vulnerabilities to broadcast storms or DOS attacks. Resolution The following firmware versions have fixes that relate to resetting of controllers due to unusual Ethernet Activity. Those shown are not always the latest version and it is best practice to use the latest firmware available on all sites. The following controller versions and above: bCX 4040 (BACnet) bCX1-INF 9640 v1.200025 Netcontroller CX99xx v1.5300026 Netcontroller NC2 CX9680 v2.100035 ACX57xx v1.100037 CX9702 v1.200036 All firmware compatible with Continuum v1.90 and later. Previous versions not shown, but all the information required is available from the firmware release notes See Continuum controllers go offline during a broadcast storm

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue How can duplicate Handle errors be fixed? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All versions of Continuum CX, i2 and infinet Controllers Cause An SQL database gives every object a unique handle that is used internally to reference that object. If Continuum requests a value from an Input point that has handle 1234, but that controller has handle 1234 for example as a TimeDate point, then problems will ensue. Every object in the DB has a unique handle. This includes all classes: points, programs, graphics, reports, schedules, etc. Duplicate handles can be caused on sites where engineers use multiple databases during commissioning on new panels (maybe a Single User on their laptop), It can also be caused by importing dump files with handles created from other databases, or just from database corruption on the server from failures etc. It can also be caused by the use of an Infinity LSX280 see Handle mismatch issues. Resolution Usually reloading the controller will re-sync the controller and all of its object handles back to the site database. If the DB has become corrupted, run the analyzer and try to fixup (Clean) any issues You may even have to manually delete the offending objects, running the Import Export Fixup utility (See How to run the Import/Export Fixup Utility) Follow this with a controller reload Worst case would be to revert to a backup DB if it is found to be corrupt. To avoid issues altogether, it is best to engineer a project all from a single DB and take care when importing dump files.

Issue Database maintenance has been keeping the event and extendedlog tables trim and someone decides they want to see data from a period of time that has been truncated from the Database. Environment Continuum Cyberstation SQL Server ActivityEvent AlarmEvent ErrorEvent ExtendedLog Cause Table truncation scripts have removed the events that a report is to be populated with. Resolution We can run reports on user activity and access event activity going back only as far as the information that is stored in the Continuum Database. This information is stored in specific tables that are normally truncated on a regular basis. The amount of time this information is saved for may be different for each installation.  (See articles Stand Alone Continuum using SQL Server 2005 Express is not purging the ExtendedLog table and How to setup automatic table truncation on Single-User SQL Express systems on how this is setup on a single-user system.) However, there is one possibility to being able to provide this information. If there has been a vigilant database maintenance schedule maintained and there have been periodic backups of the ContinuumDB, then the information stored in those backups can be retrieved and reports can be run. This would require a setup of a separate Continuum system (SQL Server and Cyberstation) that is able to have these backed up Databases restored to it. Restore each backed up copy of the ContinuumDB Run the required reports against this offline version of the Database. Do this one Database at a time until all the required data has been gathered.  

Issue In earlier releases of continuum Pre Windows 7, The Badge software would attach to the cameras and import a photo directly to the Badge without any additional cost. Canon's SDK for the Powershot cameras is not compatible with Windows 7 Canon's SDK for the EOS line of cameras is compatible with Windows 7 but requires  a license in order to import photos directly into the badge. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows 7 Continuum 1.94 Cause There are a limited selection of cameras that are supported and qualified with Epi Canon's SDK for the Powershot cameras is not compatible with Windows 7 Canon's SDK for the EOS line of cameras is compatible with Windows 7 Resolution See related article, An Epibuilder Plugin is necessary for some badging devices to work. Camera (Face) Options: Canon EOS Camera (high end cost / higher functionality) Tested on Windows XP Pro SP 3 & Windows 7 Pro Models currently tested: EOS Rebel XS and EOS Rebel T3 Interfaces through the EPI Canon EOS capture plug-in license

Issue Both comm ports can be enabled for RTU, but is this a recommended configuration? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 9900 9940 9680 9640 5740 5720 Xdriver Cause 2 port can be enabled for RTU Xdriver on a netcontroller, but is this a recommended configuration or will this be too much of a strain on the Controller? Resolution According to the Xdriver developers, it is NOT advisable to use 2 Modbus RTU Xdrivers on the same Controller  The Modbus RTU Xdriver is the only 'poll on demand' type xdriver and this dual configuration has the potential of holding the CPU for longer and could cause the polling to become irregular. It is recommended to add an additional Controller to handle the additional devices and points required. Also see BCX Controller can use Comm 1, Comm2, or both ports for Modbus RTU X-Driver Can two comm ports be enabled when using the RTU Xdriver?

Issue Has the AC256 Xdriver been qualified or modified to work on any second generation controllers (NC2, bCX)? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCx9640 CX9680 Xdriver AC256 LA-1 Cause With the obsolescence of the NetC (CX99xx), will the AC256 Xdriver be updated to work with NC2 and/or bCX controllers? Resolution There are no plans to upgrade the AC256 Xdriver for the NC2 and/or bCX. One option, if a site only has AC256 IOU boards, is to use the NC2 and the LA-1 LBus Adapter module or the NC2 with built in LBus support (on comm4 or comm1 with an RS232-to-RS422 converter) to communicate over the LBus with Plain English programming in the NC2. Note: If you configure the controller for Lbus (using the LA-1 or directly to comm1 or comm4) you cannot use Continuum IO modules on that controller. For further information on X Driver compatibility and how to request new drivers/ upgrades, please see Will Continuum communicate with a third party system?

Issue Have Cyberstations and BCXs and/or 3rd party devices on different subnets Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstations BCX 40xx 3rd Party MSTP/IP BACnet Cause Unable to communicate with B3 devices or get B3 point values. Resolution Review LAN configuration. Each separate subnet requires a single BBMD for communication. See BACnet documentation on line via Cyberstation or "Introducing BACnet" document in Cyberstation. See Simple BBMD setup.