Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue TGML graphic do not work Graphics are displayed OK but no values are displayed (crossed out in red) Webstation ports usage No values in webstation Environment Vista Webstation Internet Explorer Cause When the graphic are working but no values are shown it most likely because webstation do not have access to create subscription with TACOS. The function Rendering cache are meant to handle this Subscription Rendering cache are a function that can be changed under "TAC Vista web setting" and it need to be associated with a user that have read write access to the system. Another reason for this issue, can be that the Windows user "ISUR" that is the one used when accessing Webstation ("Anonymous" in Windows terms) for some reason doesn't have the appropriate user rights on the PC Resolution [Option 1 - rendering cache user] For a normal installation you can reach the function by Start - program - Schneider Electric - Tac Vista webapplication (Depending on what version are installed) Click the tab "Performance" Add a  user that have read/write access in Tacos In TAC Vista Web Settings 5.1.8 this Rendering Cache and Security setting is under Graphics>TGML Viewer   [Option 2 - "Anonymous" access user (IUSR)] Open the IIS manager through Control Panel - Administrative tools Edit the properties for "Webstation" In directory security, define a local user on the PC with high user rights NOTE: Also make sure port 80 is open in firewalls/routers, since this port is used to transfer HTTP data. For HTTPS port 443 is used. See attached "Webstation port usage"

Issue When using the IC_LON Plug-in an error is reported indicating that the SNVT is not supported. Unknown SNVT Type:  92 Environment Sigma IC-LON Version 1.E Cause The Sigma IC3-LON corresponds with version 11 of the LONMARK Resource files. Not all SNVT types are supported. Resolution Not all SNVT types are supported, please confirm which SNVT’s are supported by viewing the IC3-LON release note.

Issue "Invalid attribute property" error when trying to create NetController II in Continuum v1.74 SP2 as Controller Type "9681". Environment Continuum v1.74 SP2 NetController II Cause Trying to create new NetController II device object with a "Controller Type" of "9681". "A Guide to Version 1.74 Support for NetController II and ACX 57xx" states that there is only one NetController model, the CX 9680. Please ignore references to the 9681. Resolution Create the Netcontroller II as  a Controller Type "9680" as stated on page 15 in document number 30-3001-1001 "A Guide to Version 1.74 Support for NetController II and ACX 57xx".

Issue I/NET uses a different "large number" hexadecimal format to represent individual cards.  To convert to a Continuum system, these must be decoded into Facility Codes and Card Numbers. Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Security converted to Continuum Cause Different representations of individuals in the two systems. Resolution Download the "ZIP" file here conversion Excel spreadsheet. Press the "Clear Values" button to zero out the inputs. Select the correct format between the four options: 26-Bit Wiegand 32-Bit Wiegand Format (CSI) 35-Bit Wiegand Format 37-Bit Wiegand Format Enter the hexadecimal value and the Facility Code and Card Number will populate automatically.

Issue What is the SubLAN and what is the C-LAN in regards to Ethernet and termination resistor information? Explanation of termination resistor, RS-485, baud rate, token passing, and polling method. Is the Host LAN above or below the Ethernet LAN? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Network Cause A better understanding of the I/NET network architecture and communication components can help to avoid the need to troubleshoot issues later. Resolution When defining the network in I/NET, the chart below helps to explain which components communicate to others including resistor termination. This is a simple explanation on where the various I/NET components are located in an I/NET Seven Network. C-LAN & Sub-LAN Wiring Specifications are available here as a PDF document. Selecting the link Network Definition CLAN SubLAN downloads and opens the pdf document shown below.

Issue How should I engineer my BACnet project? What are some of the pitfalls and what is best practice? What work can be done offline in the office prior to going to the jobsite and what has to be completed when online on site? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet systems Cause There are multiple ways to engineer a system. Often project timescales do not allow for all of the engineering to start after the system goes live on site.  Resolution Engineering Continuum BACnet Systems V5.pdf is designed to provide guidance for the Sales and engineering teams when designing a BACnet system. It details how to engineer some of project tasks offline and what must be done at the job site. Then a Hints and Tips section gives further assistance with links to other helpful articles.

Issue Controller repeatedly cold starting Environment V53 Processor Boards, Image 5s Cause The controller has been working satisfactorily for a period of several months and then begins to coldstart. Upon coldstarting only part of the pntfle.rec is taken and another coldstart is initiated. Resolution Check the controller with pocket terminal that the controller has the correct default gateway address (GW). If no gateway address is required then this should be set to 0.0.0.0. See PIB: 050803_3+Sigma+V53+Processor+Card+_+Initial+Set_up.pdf Download the latest image release 6a (for UNC632/496/596 and DNN) and switch the image so that it is the active version.

Issue Trying to install CyberStation 1.9x.  It completes but then pops up 6 errors saying "Access denied" Environment CyberStation 1.9x Cause Microsoft hotfix KB942288-V3 is installed or files are not getting registered Resolution Verify that you are installing Cyberstation with Admin rights Uninstall MS hotfix KB942288-V3 .  To do this see below. Click on Start then settings then select Control Panel from the Windows menu.  Double click Add/Remove programs. In Add/Remove programs make sure the "Show Updates" checkbox on the top of the window is selected. Scroll through the list of installed item and find the Microsoft update named "KB942288-V3" Select the update and then click the "Remove" button. Once complete shut down and restart the PC and reinstall CyberStation. Note: If KB942288-V3 was slipstreamed into the image that was used to install XP SP3 then you will not see this in Add/Remove programs Please use the link below to download a batch file to register some of the files that aren't getting registered. Copy it into c:\Program Files\Continuum, unzip the text file. Open the file and "Save As" a batch file and then run it. AccessDeniedRegisterFiles191.zip

Issue How do you determine how large a database will grow when using Continuum? How do you know if a Stand Alone or LAN install should be used? Which version of Microsoft SQL Server is needed? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 MSDE SQL Express SQL Server Standard SQL Server Enterprise Cause A database will grow based on the number of objects and logging requirements for a project. Estimating how much a database will grow over time based on the number of controllers, points and logging should be done to determine which Microsoft Database solution is needed for the site. Microsoft has placed database size limitations on the free versions of their database engines called MSDE and SQL Server Express. The size limitations are 2 and 4 gigabytes respectively. If this size limitation is exceeded, it can produce unwanted results including database corruption. If the estimated size of a database over time exceeds these limitations then a full Microsoft SQL version must be implemented. Resolution An Excel spreadsheet has been developed to help evaluate the size of a Continuum database, to determine if a Stand Alone or LAN is needed and which version of SQL should be used. The Continuum database estimating spreadsheet takes into consideration 6 main areas: Extended Logs- total amount of logs, intervals and the number of days to retain  Access Events- total amount of access events and the number of days to retain Alarm Events- total number of alarms and the number of days to retain Error Events- total number of Cyberstation errors and the number of days to retain Activity Events- total number of Activity events of all Continuum users and the number of days to retain Continuum Database objects- Total number of Netcontrollers, Infinet, BCXs , mstp controllers, total number of inputs, outputs and numerics. Any of the objects not mentioned above. Consider all objects not mentioned above The number of data logs, extended log intervals, number of days to retain data and other estimation information can be inserted into the spreadsheet. The sheet will calculate the information and do the following: Estimate the space required for that object type and the sum of all object types Indicate if a Stand Alone or LAN system is needed Indicate which version of SQL Server is needed Download the Continuum Database Size Estimation Tool.

Issue Current transducers require an additional external resistor fitting to a Universal input to read the current flow, what resistor and input point settings are required? Environment All controller with Universal Inputs (both 5V and 10V). 4-20 mA Cause There is a requirement to define the resistor value to be connected across the input, also the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration. Resolution Download the attached Current Inputs.PDF file, although this was originally written for Infinity controllers it is fully applicable for i2 and b3 controllers. Controllers like the i2/b3920, i2/b3810 have 10V inputs other i2/b3 controllers have 5.12V inputs, check the product datasheet specification if you are unsure. The file details the value of the resistor to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0mA and 20mA, or 4mA and 20mA depending on your sensor output. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly. The UI-8-10-10V I/O Modules should be set to 0-5V input with the reference resistor On, then setup as per all other 5.12V input controllers. Note: The part numbers listed for the resistors are no longer available through Order Entry and should be sourced from your local stockist. Link to file: Current Input ISM.pdf   Suitable component resistors: For 10V inputs: RS 165-472 For 5V inputs: RS 165-185

Issue Instructions and programming example for using SNVT_Switch as an input or output in Menta Product Line TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Menta Function Block Cause The attached programming example is intended to clarify how to properly use SNVT_Switch in Menta. SNVT_Switch is a structured SNVT with two attributes, or members, State and Value. Programmatically this will be one SNVT in the device template, but it will be programmed as two separate analog points in Menta. These two public blocks will have different names in Menta, but they will share the same SNVT name with the exception of one of the points being the state member, and the other being the value member. It is important to remember that these points must always be programmed as analog points in Menta. AI's for input points, and AO's for output points. The state attribute is intended to be used for a binary on-off signal, but also contain the value -1 for Invalid value. The value attribute is intended to be used as a 0-100% signal. This SNVT is typically used in the market for starting and stopping a VFD drive and sending a speed reference with the same SNVT. The 0,1 value on the state member will start and stop the drive, and the value member will send a 0-100% speed signal. Resolution Please see the attached Menta macro as a guide to using SNVT_Switch in Menta. This example shows you SNVT_Switch as an input and as an output to the Xenta controller. To use this macro please follow these steps: Download the attached macro from above. Unzip the file and extract the SNVT_Switch.MTA from the archive to the local hard drive. Open Menta Right-click in Menta and click Load Macro Browse to the SNVT_Switch.MTA on the local hard drive and open it. It should import into the Menta file that is open.

Issue Active sensors that have a 0-10V output can not be directly connected to a controller with a 0-5V input, what resistors and settings are required? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All i2 and b3 controllers with 5V inputs, not applicable to the controllers with a 10V input i.e. the i2/b3920 & 810 which directly support the 0-10V sensors I/O Module UI8-10 XP Modules xPUI4, xPBD4, xPBA4.   Cause There is a requirement to calculate the appropriate potential divider resistor values and the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration Resolution Download the Voltage Inputs LSM document, this document details the value of the 2 resistors to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0V & 10V. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly.

Issue Instructions listed in the webclient installation guide have been followed. Accessing Webclient pinpoint from any browser, the following error occurs when Webclient is installed on Windows Server 2008 "Unknown Error. Server:http://ServerNameDNWACserverFactory/WACSERVER Factory.soap" Environment Webclient Windows Server 2008 Cause The 1.92 Webclient installation instructions do no include all the instructions to configure Webclient Pinpoint for Windows Server 2008. This has been corrected in 1.93. Resolution The 1.92 Webclient installation instructions do not include all the steps needed to configure Webclient Pinpoint for use on Windows Server 2008. The complete set of instructions are included in the 1.93 release of Webclient. Click here for the 1.93 instructions for Server 2008 Click here for a sample web.config file

Issue Is a Vista license necessary for I/NET Host tool features or is the I/NET CD key sufficient? What is the difference in the I/NET Integrated and I/NET Security licenses? Environment Vista Server I/NET Host Tool Cause The I/NET Host tool requires a Vista license file to run. Certain editors and features in the I/NET Host Tool are common to both the Integrated and Security license. Some features are specific to the Integrated or Security license. To have all of the features purchase of both licenses is necessary. AMT is not included with the I/NET host tool product as Vista is expected to handle alarms messages and transactions Common Features System features Change password Connect/Disconnect Logon/Logoff Quit Work offline Host features Host configuration editor Host password editor Host phone numbers editor Host software restore editor Netcon function editor Network configuration editor System view Tap features Host, link, and site tap configuration Site tap remote configuration Site tap save/restore Controller features 7720 configuration editor Action messages summary Alarm extension editor Calculation editor Control description editor Conversion coefficient editor DCU configuration editor DCU save editor DCU restore editor DCU password editor DPU configuration editor Engineering units editor Event extension editor Event sequences summary I1/I2 state parameters editor Lighting circuits editor Lighting zones editor LCD page definition editor Lookup table editor MCU configuration editor MR configuration editor Resident point editor Special days editor State descriptions editor Time schedule extension editor Trend extension editor Trend plot view dialog Summaries Configuration summary Controller summary Disabled points summary Off-normal points summary Reporting features SevenReports (operates in view-only mode if no I/NET CD key is installed) I/NET Integrated only Controller features Consumption extension editor DDC modules summary Demand control extension editor MR DDC summary Override billing equipment mapping editor Override billing extension editor Override billing parameter editor Runtime extension editor Temperature control extension editor Unitary control configuration editor Unitary control extension editor I/NET Security only Controller access features Elevator extension editor DCU AIC editor Door extension editor Personnel schedules SCU parameters editor Host access features Access control options editor Access control wizard AIC editor Door extension editor Groups editor Individuals editor Key translation editor Personnel schedules Pin generation dialog Recycle bin SCU editor Tenant editor User search Summaries Door tenant summary Resolution Purchase of an I/NET Host Tool license is necessary for the integration with Vista Workstation to function. Use the feature list to determine if only one license or both licenses are required by the customer. Attached is the PA for all the required software Here

Issue Part number for remote switch unit for DC1100 or DC1400 Environment DC1100 And DC1400 Cause Obsolete Resolution Refer to datasheet for wiring instructions

Issue Integration to the Veris H80xx Entercept power meter with the Xenta 5/7/9xx and Modbus RTU Environment Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721 (5.1.5 up) Xenta 731, 913 (all versions) XBuilder Veris H80xx Entercept Power Meter Cause Integration instruction and programming example for integration to the Veris Entercept power meter. Resolution Please use the following .dev files as a starting point and a guide to the integration of a 100 amp or 200 amp Veris Entercept meter. This .dev file contains a set list of registers that PSS assumed would be seen as critical and important to the integration process. If any other data is needed please see this supported document to make the necessary changes to the modbus mapping or this supporting document for data scaling changes. If mapping for larger amp meters is needed, please contact product support.   100 AMP .dev file 200 AMP .dev file   To use these files in XBuilder please follow these steps: Extract the .dev file from the .zip file in the link above, and place it on the harddrive. In Xbuilder, right click on the Modbus Master device and choose Add Device Browse to the needed .dev file and click Open. Rename the newly added device to a unique name within the Modbus Master network.   Disclaimer: This device template is intended to provide a starting point for an integrator, and is in no way written to be the mandatory points list for your integration effort. Product Support has written this device template in an effort to give our customers a starting point and solid example of how to develop a device template for the above product. The integrator will be responsible for any additions or modifications to this device template.  

Issue How to install and use I/NET with SQL located on a separate PC Environment I/NET 2.40 and above Full SQL Equalization, FileMaster, File Master, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Equalize, FM, EQ, RC, MSDE, Express, Full SQL, SQL, TCP/IP, Connection Cause The SQL database may be located on a separate server for IT, security, or backup requirements. Resolution Please see attached "RemoteServerandRCwithIO" Install full SQL on a PC and take a note of the IP address. Make sure the following criteria are met: The server must be on the Ethernet. Provide SQL services. Allow authorized clients to connect, and have an I/NET database. Setup I/NET on the Host PC as a Remote client and redirect it to the PC with SQL installed, IO server must be running on 1 of the remote clients (This Client will be in charge of updating AMT, Trends, Network Functions)

Issue TAC Graphic Clipart library is a collection of clipart to use as a starting point for an image based graphic page. There are pieces for building air handler ductwork, controlled equipment, dampers and actuators, and water side equipment. Product Line TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment I/NET gpg graphic Vista ogc graphic Cause Without libraries to build a background image for HVAC equipment, it can be difficult to create user-friendly graphic pages to display dynamic data.  In a graphic editor that relies on bitmaps or jpgs to build the airflow diagrams, floor plans, water side diagrams, etc, this library can be used as a starting point. Resolution Download the attached .zip file. Unzip the contents to a location on the hard drive of the computer that will be used to edit the graphic pages. Browse the contents of the .zip file.  It will be separated into logical folders.

Issue Manual override of the damper actuator position or the desired flow setpoint on a Xenta 102-AX can be accomplished with a network variable (SNVT) input. Environment Xenta 102-AX Cause There are times when the damper position or flow setpoint needs to be overridden from a supervisory controller.  It may be a special mode for Test & Balance, a smoke control sequence, or a special circumstance where the internal logic of the 102-AX must be ignored in some situation. Resolution Manually controlling the Xenta 102-AX damper position, and flow value can be accomplished using the VAV_Controller.nviManOverride SNVT. This is a three-part structured SNVT. Values for the state portion of the SNVT are: HVO_OFF disables override HVO_POSITION sets the damper position output to a desired percentage HVO_FLOW_VALUE sets the flow setpoint to a desired flow HVO_FLOW_PERCENT sets the flow setpoint to a desired percent of maximum flow HVO_OPEN fully opens the damper HVO_CLOSE fully closes the damper HVO_MINIMUM sets the flow setpoint to specified cooling minimum HVO_MAXIMUM sets the flow setpoint to specified cooling maximum Values for percent and flow are used according to the selected state. Click here to download a Menta macro for further clarification. It is important to note that in versions greater than 2.1.2 no other auxiliary control will function when using nviManOverride. Example: if nviManOverride is set to control the damper to a fixed position, the external hot water heat or electric heat will not function.

Issue Displayed temperature on the ETR is offset from the actual temperature reading of the controller. Environment ETR Thermostat Cause Factory calibration is offset from actual temperature. Resolution Click here to download the Installation and Operating Instructions Temperature Display Adjustments Temperature display may be adjusted by adjusting the ZERO or OFFSET Potentiometer (P2) as shown on the diagram.  Adjust P2 until the LCD Display reading, matches your controllers temperature reading if necessary. Note that all LCD Displays, are factory calibrated using an NIST Certified Glass Thermometer.