Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The Remote Alarm Manager sends a message to the recipient indicating that an alarm has been inactivated. The screen shot below shows how a typical message will appear on the receiving mobile phone. Product Line Other, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Remote Alarm Manager version 1.2 Cause An alarm message is generated, and the Remote Alarm Manager processes it in the normal way. After three days and at midnight, the Remote Alarm Manager will send a inactivation message to the on-call recipient, indicating that this alarm has been inactivated. Resolution This is not a fault with the system, it is operating as designed. When a new alarm is received by the Remote Alarm Manager, it is acted on in the way the configuration dictates. If the alarm remains on the system, without being retransmitted, then after three days the inactivation takes place. The 3 days is the default setting and can be changed if required.

Issue Confusion over behavior of the Xenta 121 when using a occupancy sensor. Environment Xenta 121-FC Xenta 121-HP Cause When an occupancy sensor is not defined in the configuration of a Xenta 121 controller the effective occupancy will follow the command given by nviOccManCmd. However, when an occupancy sensor is defined, either as a network bound point or a hardwired sensor, the effective occupancy of a Xenta 121 will behave differently. Resolution The Xenta 121 operates as follows when using an occupancy sensor: The most notable difference in how the Xenta operates are: When nviOccManCmd is in either the OC_UNOCCUPIED or the OC_STANDBY modes then the Xenta 121 will ignore the state of the occupancy sensor. When nviOccManCmd is in the OC_OCCUPIED mode the Xenta 121 will follow the state of the occupancy sensor. Note that this means that the controller could actually enter the unoccupied mode even though nviOccManCmd is set to be occupied. When nviOccManCmd is in the Oc_Nul mode the effective occupancy of the Xenta 121 will Oc_Standby until a signal is received from the occupancy sensor at which time it will change to be Oc_Occupied. This behavior should be taken into consideration when deciding on how to implement an occupancy sensor. It may be desirable to set the nviOccManCmd to Oc_Nul whenever the occupancy sensor should be considered and to set it to Oc_Unoccupied when the occupancy sensor should be ignored. This effectively utilizes the occupied, unoccupied and standby modes as three distinct modes of operation to maximize comfort and efficiency.

Issue Events in the Events monitoring page, and executing the reports fail with an error.   In The Windows event logs, the following entry can be seen: Could not continue scan with NOLOCK due to data movement. Product Line Security Expert Environment Microsoft Windows Server 2016 and later Microsoft Windows 10 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and later Cause The message visible in the Event log indicates a corruption of the database. Security Expert is not able to read data from the database, and cannot write events to the database either. Any events occurring after the corruption are lost, and not recoverable. Resolution Contact Product Support for assistance as soon as you notice this issue.

Issue Maximum logon attempts: - If the maximum number of failed logon attempts is exceeded, the user is temporarily locked out for an undocumented period. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P or AS-B) Building Operation Enterprise server Cause Exceeding the maximum logon attempts configured for the domain. Resolution When the user is locked out the first time, the user needs to wait 1 minute before re-trying. Then the wait time is increased by 1 minute, for each new failed attempt, up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Restarting the server will clear the lock-out.

Issue How fast does the software run in an AS? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P or AS-B) Cause Knowledge about application cycle time is important when designing project solutions. Resolution Both Function Block and Script programs run at a speed defined by the specific time task they are linked to, the available tasks are: Task 1 - 100mS Task 2 - 500mS Task 3 - 1 Second Task 4 - 5 Seconds Task 5 - 10 Seconds Programs that are not cyclic or time based can be run from a main or executive sequencing program. The AS cycle speeds are comparable to other Building control systems, but the power of the AS allows many more programs to be run in parallel at higher speeds. See also the WebHelp topic Application Scheduler for more information.

Issue After migrating a TAC Vista export containing TAC Xenta IO modules to SBO, some or all TAC Xenta IO modules are missing the neuron ID's Environment Migration TAC Xenta IO module Cause During the migration, the TAC Xenta IO modules are matched on their name. If the name in TAC Vista differs from the actual name in the associated Menta file, the match can't be made and the properties on the IO modules can not be set. Example of this scenario In TAC Vista   In TAC Menta Resolution 1. Edit the Menta application through TAC Vista Workstation 2. Rename the IO modules in Menta 3. Save to Vista 4. Device gets dirty and need download - download to get rid of the dirty mark 5. Export database in through TAC Vista Workstation 6. Convert to SBO using the Conversion Tool

Issue Require details on how to setup two inputs to pop up a camera window when both inputs are True. Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Unsure how to setup programming for two inputs to display video from one camera when both inputs are set to true. Resolution Need to create: 3x Virtual Outputs 1x Programmable Function 1x Input Type 1x Area 2x Inputs 1x Event Filter 1x Action   Instructions: Virtual Outputs Under Programming | Outputs create three (3) new outputs. Set Module Type to "Output (PX)" Set module address to "31" or greater. Set Module Output to "1", "2" and "3" respectively. Save the changes.   Programmable Function Under Automation | Programmable Functions create a new Programmable Function. On General tab select Type "Logic Control". On "Logic Control" tab select Logic Function Mode "7 - Follow Logic AND". First Output To Check, your first created output. Second Output To Check, your second created output. Output To Control, your third created output. Save the changes. Right click the new Programmable Function you just created and select "Start".   Input Type Under Programming | Input Type create a new Input Type. On Options (1) tab select Generate Alarms, Generate 24HR Alarms. On Options (3) tab select Activate Inout Control Output On Alarm, Deactivate Input Control Output On Restore. Save the changes.   Area Under Programming | Areas create a new Area. Important: Ensure this Area is always armed. Save the changes.   Inputs Under Programming | Inputs create your two inputs (or edit two existing inputs). On General tab set the Control Output of your first input to the first virtual output you created earlier, the second input to the second virtual output. On First Assigned Area, Areas and Input Types tab set Area to the area created previously, Input Type to the Input type created previously. Save the changes.   Event Filter Under Events | Event Filters create an Event Filter. On Event Types tab unselect "Include All Event Types" and add "Output On By Programmable Function" (both of the options) that show under All Output Events. On Record tab Add a new record. Select Device Type to be "Output", Controller to your controller, then select the third virtual output you created and press "Add". Save the changes.   Action Under Events | Actions create a new Action. Set Type to "Popup Camera Window". Set Event Filter to the event filter you created earlier. Set Popup Camera to "Select Camera from List". Set Camera to the camera you want to show video from. Save the changes.

Issue Advanced Display in "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode stops access to some device functions. Unable to escape Sealed or ProKiosk mode as the password is unknown. Environment Advanced Display V1 Advanced Display V2 Cause Sealed (Android version 5 and earlier) or ProKiosk mode (Android version 6 and later) is a feature of Android that is used by the AD-Link application to lock down functionality of the device, ensuring that only the allowed application runs. The user can't use the device for other purposes (games, etc.) or to change the settings. When the AD-Link Application is running and the connection activated "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode is enabled. Resolution Open the AD-Link application and press the Disconnect button The "Sealed or "ProKiosk" mode is disabled and full access to the device is enabled. To re-enable the IP over USB connection in order to access a SmartStruxure server via USB press the Connect button in the AD-Link App. Note that this will also activate "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode again

Issue A door value is reported as unlocked when it should be locked, is there a way to confirm the physical state of the relay output without going to the panel and looking at the hardware? Environment CX9680 ACX5720/40 CX9900 CX9702 Cause Need to verify the physical state of the relay controlling the door lock remotely. Resolution In Continuum, output points (including doors) have an attribute called 'OverrideValue' that reads feedback in the hardware to report the physical state of the output. The overridevalue flag can be printed from the command line as seen in the screen shot below. In the example above, a door configured with default strike time of 10 seconds reports the physical state of the relay output after a valid access or Exit Request transaction.

Issue Can you have two multiplexed Wiegand readers and two multiplexed RS-485 readers on the same Controller or Reader Module? Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert SP-C SP-RDM2 Cause Unsure if two reader protocols could be used on the same reader module. Resolution For this you will need to use another reader module. One module (this could be the SP-C) for multiplexed Wiegand readers, and another for multiplexed RS-485 readers. When using multiplexed Wiegand readers you will need to connect the D1 cable from the exit reader to the opposite reader port. So in multiplex reader mode you can have 4 Wiegand readers, or 4 RS-485, but not two of each. If Wiegand is being used both reader ports are setup as Wiegand. See details on this in the SP-C System Controller Installation Manual starting on page 28. The wiring for multiplexed RS-485 readers doesn't require any connections to the opposite reader port.

Issue When adding a duplicate card into Access Expert, an error is generated. Environment Access Expert Hosted Instance (cloud) Premise Windows Server 2012 SQL 2012 R2 Version 2 Version 3 Cause Existing customers who may have multiple Tenants using multiple card formats and Facility Codes run into the the problem where there are duplicate cards that may have been ordered or handled differently. In Access Expert, when the card is added an error shows up indicating that the card is already assigned and cannot be added to another person. Card offsets can be introduced in order to ensure no overlapping card number values. Resolution In order to resolve this issue, the following steps need to be followed: 1. Create a new Card Format using the same Tenant Information 2. Add a card number offset, which is added to the original value. ie. a Card Offset of 1000 would make card 100 read as 10100.   3. Save and Close 4. Reboot the controller

Issue Binding to Security Expert values through EWS results in "Type does not exist" error when attempting to save a binding. Environment SmartStruxure Security Expert Cause The value being bound was coming through and mistakenly being created by SBO as an enumerated value which is not supported. The value is actually an integer. Resolution A hotfix has been created to resolve this in SBO 1.9.1.6700.   There is also a workaround that works for previous versions of SBO.   If you update (configure) the value type of the EWS ValueItem property Value with the system.pt.Int32 it will work to do bindings.   1. Open the propertydialog of the EWS ValueItem and click the configuration button of the Value property.    2. Check the Type checkbox which already contains the value type system.pt.Int32. 3. Press Ok and save the change in the dialogproperty. 4. Now it's ok to do bindings with this Value.

Issue Prior to configuring and setting up an Access Expert system, it is imperative that the designated ports required be tested to ensure communications can be established. Product Line Access Expert Environment Premise Install Hosted Server 2012 Cause When configuring an Access Expert system to communicate to either a Hosted or Premise Instance, there are several ports that needs to be opened to establish communications to the server wherever it may be. If these are not opened then the system and the controller's statuses would not be able to be seen when opened from a web browser. Resolution To verify the port settings, please follow these steps: Download the Feenics Network Utility tester from Feenics Download. Note: You must be a registered subscriber of the Feenics website to access the files: https://www.feenics.com/training/lesson/v2-downloads/feenics-network-utility-firewall-port-tester/ Save and run the utility from respective media *** IMPORTANT Run the utility from a PC located in the same network as the AX-SSC, remember, we are trying to see if ports are open for communication between the AX-SSC and its server. Insert the Server address into the location and click on the Test button The results will indicate which ports are opened and which ones are not At least ports 3001 and 4502 need to be opened to get your AX-SSC online with the server. Notes for on premise setup: In the Server Address enter the name or IP address of the on premise server If the tool indicates the port is not opened, check that the Mercury Service is up and running at the server.

Issue Mag stripe on Badge will not encode after upgrading Windows and Cyberstation Environment Windows7 Cyberstation Fargo Printer Cause Badge printers use different printer drivers and configurations that can cause features to not work from one version of Windows and Cyber Resolution EpiBuilder>Tools>Printer Card Encoder Setup Magstripe tab> Current Magstripe Encoder - Custom selected and working on the older printer, but not on the newer printer Changed the selection to Fargo and now the encoding is working on the new printer (See image below)

Issue The documentation does not specify how many  objects can be added in the filter tab of a report. Environment Cyberstation Workstation creating a Report Cause Adding too many objects produces the following error: "There are too many objects in the filter Member Objects lists." Resolution The maximum number of member objects you can add to a report is 150 objects. Exceeding 150 will produce the above error.

Issue How to configure a user to be able to arm and disarm the entire site using the SX-KLCS-B Keypad. Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert SX-KLCS-B Keypad Cause Unsure how to program Security Expert to allow control of multiple Areas from one PIN code entry. Resolution Below are instructions for how to configure Security Expert to arm/disarm a group of Areas whenever a particular code is entered at the keypad. v4.2.201 There was a new Function Code added in v4.2.201 that allows easier setup of arming/disarming from a keypad. This only allows controlling a Door, Area or Output with this function code. You aren't able to disarm an Area Group but you are able to select multiple Areas with the same Function Code which will provide the same result. Navigate to the Sites > Function Codes. For each Door where you want to use the Function Code, you must add the Function Code in the Function Codes tab of Programming|Doors. You must also have controller firmware 2.08 b780 or later. v4.2.194.7 If there is not already a System or Automation Area, one will need to be created. This Area will not report to monitoring, or activate bell outputs onsite. The Area is for internal automated functions within Security Expert. Set the Entry and Exit time to 0 for the Automation Area. Create an Area Group that includes all the Areas you would like to Arm/Disarm. Create a Virtual Output (example name: 'Area Control VO'). Virtual Outputs are programmed in the same way as Physical Outputs, except they only exist in the software (not the hardware). By convention, address Virtual Outputs to Output Expander 32, as per the image below. Create a Programmable Function which links the Virtual Output to the Area Group. This Programmable Function should be of type “Area Group Control”. It should have the Virtual Output as the Output you want to check, and specify the Area Group you created in step 2 (in the screenshot below, the function is controlling a group called 'All Areas'). Set up a Virtual Input to control this Virtual Output. The Virtual Input will need an Area, and an Input Type – so create an Input Type (example name: 'Area Control Input Type'). In the General tab, set the Control Output to your Virtual Output. In the Options (1) tab, enable 'Generate Alarms' and 'Generate 24hr Alarms'. In the Options (2) tab, enable 'Toggle Control Output State On Alarm'. Create a Virtual Input (example name: 'Area Control VI'). As per Virtual Outputs, by convention assign Virtual Inputs to Input Expander 32. In the 'Areas and Input Types' tab, place the Virtual Input in the Automation Area and assign it the Input Type you created in step 5. Create a second Virtual Output (example name: 'Access Level VO'). Assign this to Output Expander 32. Create a Programmable Function that links the 'Access Level VO' output to the Virtual Input. This Programmable Function should be of type “Input Follows Output”. It should have the Virtual Input as the Input Follows Output, and the 'Access Level VO' as the output to check. Create an Access Level. In the General tab, set Time to Activate Output to 5 seconds, and enable 'Keypad Access Activates Output'. In the Outputs tab, add the Virtual Output created in step 7 (example name: 'Access Level VO'). In Expanders|Keypads, go to the Options(1) tab and select 'Activate Access Level Output'. Do this for every Keypad from which you want users to be able to Arm/Disarm the Area Group in this way. Create a User, give them a PIN, and assign them the Access Level you created in step 9. Make sure your Automation Area is Armed. Finally, start both of the Programmable Functions you created. To do this, right-click on the Programmable Function and select Start.

Issue When trying to create a mirrored network variable or manually create a SNVT binding the error "Service Not Changeable" is given.  Environment Building Operation Workstation LonWorks Interface Cause If the "Changeable binding type" property of a network variable that is being bound is No, then there are only specific binding types that can be used.    To check the "Changeable binding type" property, right click on the network variable > click Properties > click on the Extended Settings tab.  Resolution Manually creating network variable bindings Make sure that the correct binding profile is chosen which complies with the device template of the controller.  Creating mirrored network variables If the "Service Not Changeable" error is given when creating a mirrored network variables, it is because the default binding profile does not comply with the network variable properties. To change the default binding profile, see WH#11229.

Issue Importing a .CSV file into Access Expert gives the following error: Product Line Access Expert Environment .CSV File Cause During the import the Excel doc holds the file open and causes a sharing violation in Access Expert. Resolution Close the Excel .CSV file during the import. This will happen with the sample file from Access Expert or one created manually with the appropriate fields.

Issue Gaining access to doors that are in Lockdown Mode Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Win 8.1 and above SQl 2012 R2 SQL 2014 Cause When doors are in this mode, access cannot be granted to anyone without special privileges Resolution To resolve this issue, the following steps need to be followed: Create a Door Group called Lockdown Go to Sys Settings and select this for Lockdown Option Create a new trigger per the screen shot and save Reboot the system for it to take effect and test the procedure.

Issue Setting up a Lockdown Sequence in Access Expert Product Line Access Expert Environment Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 SQL2012, R2 SQL2014 Cause Creating a Lockdown Schedule and it is not working because the Option in the Sys Settings need to be created first. Resolution The following steps need to be followed to get this to work properly:   1. In Access Expert, create a Door Group called lockdown for the necessary Doors in Access Configuration   2. Open up the General Configuration, System Settings, User Interface tab and select the Door Group Dropdown Option 3. Select the Door Group from Step 1 and save it   4. Reboot the system for it to take effect and test the Lockdown procedure