Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to use the Known Occupancy Count (KnownOccupCount) number of an Area in Plain English (PE) programming. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Access Control Cause Need to be able to retrieve the Known Occupancy Count number of an Area for use in Plain English programming for limiting access to an Area. The attribute does not show up in the list of attributes in  the Area Listview. Resolution Even though we can't see the attribute in an Area Listview, you can use the "KnownOccupCount" attribute at the command line or in Plain English programs. Example 1 - Print Known Occupancy Count to command line. print AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Example 2 - In a Workstations Program, set a pre-defined AnalogValue to the Known Occupancy Count of an Area. Area1KnownCount = AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Note: The Known Occupancy Count will not function with Entry only doors. Both Entry and Exit readers are required on the doors within the Area. See Known Occupancy Count number does not increase when Personnel enter the Area on this.

Issue Controllers IP address needs to be changed but any attempt to do so results in the IP address reverting back to what it was previously configured for. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CX9702 BCX controllers NC2 controllers ACX57xx controllers Cause The Controller has hit the Flash writes circuit breaker and is no longer able to save any changes to Flash. This includes updating Device settings such as IP address and ACC Node ID. The controller error log may also contain an error similar to below when attempting to make any such changes.   10/08/2014 19:00:22.00 0x00004406         0x03b76100        0x0004cb68         0x003e2000        0x000007d1                                         DEVICE_ERR_ERASE_LIMIT      (Flash circuit breaker tripped. CX97XX code base) Resolution One of the two methods to reset the Flash circuit breaker listed below should then allow the controller to write to Flash again.   1. accstatusbackup = accbackupenable   For more information see Caution when using PE programs to perform an automatic flash backup on a controller.     2. INFFlashDisabled.   Create a numeric in the controller with the following name and alias:   INFFlashDisabled   A value  greater than 0 usually indicates that the flash circuit breaker had tripped, though in some cases you may find these errors occurring when INFFlashDisabled = 0. In either case, once the value of this numeric is set to 0 and applied,  the flash circuit breaker errors should stop.

Issue Where can I obtain the technical information, manuals, guides or other documents on Continuum? (or other product lines) Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Continuum Cause Manuals and documentation can be used for training or self-help troubleshooting for Continuum. (or other product lines) Resolution Review the course notes The notes and document gathered during training can be very useful and a great source of information. Technical Documentation is available on the EcoBuilding Download site at: https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/ For technical data/PDFs installed with Continuum, Go to Start > All Programs > Continuum > Documentation The discs and downloaded zip files that are used to install Continuum also include technical PDFs. Some of these are installed when Continuum is installed. (CONTINUUM) Most of the online help is context based, thus if you click help within a InfinityNumeric, then InfinityNumeric help is given. This help file can also be searched in the normal way. It is an excellent source of information. (CONTINUUM) Bookmark this Knowledge Base:  https://community.se.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/tkb-p/knowledge-base_public New articles are added daily and should be used as a first stop for self help. The Exchange Community site has a community space just for Continuum, SmartStuxure, Sigma, Vista etc.  for posing questions, sharing solutions, https://community.se.com/ (CONTINUUM) The Continuum catalogue also provides a good overview of the product range Some documentation is freely accessible, see https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/work/products/building-automation-and-control.jsp If an end user has problems on site, they should first contact Schneider Electric local support or service department (In the UK contact Support Bureau 0870 606 2800, cs.bureau@uk.schneider-electric.com) SmartStruxure For Building Operation help can be found online at: http://help.sbo.schneider-electric.com/home/index.castle?locale=en-US&productversion=1.8   CONTINUUM ONLY Always ensure the site fits within the Continuum Compatibility Matrix, this includes:  For PC requirements see the relevant Installation Instructions included with the Continuum Software Controller firmware (Continuum, BACnet, Infinet), use the most up to date available (of the correct version) Workstation operating systems, service packs and .NET framework versions SQL versions See Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of I/NET, Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell Sigma, I/A Series, and StruxureWare Building Operation for other system data The Continuum.chm file found in the Continuum directory include the "online help" It is usually worth ensuring the latest Continuum service pack is applied to ALL workstations on site (Cyberstation and WebClient) Click Here

Issue Need to protect Continuum Workstations from Virus and Malware threats. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Workstation Cause There are many Anti Virus applications on the market, how to choose which one to use on a Continuum Workstation machine. Resolution We do not qualify any specific Anti Virus applications or definitions for use with Continuum software. You can use whatever Anti Virus you want on the machine Continuum is installed on as long as Continuum was installed when that Anti Virus was disabled as this can hinder files from being copied, dll's from being registered, and registry entries from being created / modified. If there are conflicts with Continuum and the specific Anti Virus application being used, you may need to add the Continuum folder and / or the Continuum processes to the exclusion lists. For details on specific environments that have been qualified with Continuum see Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines.

Issue Error Codes: Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1631 E 04/05/2012 10:55:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000  Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1632 E 04/05/2012 10:57:30.00 0x00001c0b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x0000640b 0x00000000  Error Code Meaning: GLB_ELOG_DUP_START Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Site with BCX Controllers and an Error Log Cause Crash of BCX and log reveals: Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1629 E 04/05/2012 10:51:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1630 E 04/05/2012 10:53:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000  Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1631 E 04/05/2012 10:55:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000  Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1632 E 04/05/2012 10:57:30.00 0x00001c0b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x0000640b 0x00000000  Error Code Meaning: GLB_ELOG_DUP_START Resolution It is in the range of “Global System errors” that is usually not good, either faulty controller or need reloading of the O/S. Cold start and update O/S with the latest version supported by the Cyberstation version. Then run it on a test rig with different ID and see if it still crashes, if so will need to be repaired or replaced.

Issue Are Standard and Enterprise Editions of Windows Operating Systems supported for use with Continuum / WebClient Software? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum WebClient Continuum SQL Server Cause The Compatibility Matrix does not stipulate if the supported Operating Systems are Standard or Enterprise editions. Resolution You can use either Enterprise or Standard Editions of the various supported Operating Systems with Continuum / WebClient. See Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines for the current Compatibility Matrix showing supported Operating Systems.

Issue The user logged into Windows doesn't have permissions to the folder that contains the Continuum.mnu file,  the file is set to read only or the path in the continuum.mnu is incorrect. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Permissions are restricted to the Continuum.mnu file or the path in it is incorrect. Resolution One of the follow solutions will resolve this: Click to download an edited default path Continuum.mnu and Menu.bmp  (links for the default path C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum) Copy these files to each workstation that has an incorrect path Manually edit the file yourself if you have a path that is other than (C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum) Grant permissions to the folder. The folder that contains the Continuum.mnu can be located by editing the Cyberstation in Continuum Explorer. WS Edit> Preferences tab> The file name of the main menu  Ex. c:\program files\continuum\userprofile\continuum.mnu Right click on Continuum.mnu and select properties. Deselect Read Only if it is selected. Change the path to the Continuum.mnu file to a folder that you have access to and copy the continuum.mnu to it. Ex. c:\program files\continuum\continuum.mnu While in edit mode, right click on each of the buttons and select Properties Use the browse button to select the correct x86 path (C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum) Repeat this for each of the buttons and then save the Continuum.mnu file Copy these files to each workstation that has an incorrect path Also see Continuum.mnu file with C:\program files (x86) on 64 bit PCs points to C:\program Files and shows a blank screen.

Issue The option is not available to read card data in. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause An enrollment reader hasn't been configured or the data being read in is duplicated. Resolution Wire a typical reader to an CX9680 with an AC1/AC1Plus or ACX57xx. This will not be attached to a physical door. Configure the enrollment reader in Personnel Manager. For details see Configure an enrollment reader in Continuum. See the attached document from the Continuum help system for additional help on using the enrollment reader to read card info.

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 After time settings have been confirmed as per "The time on the workstation is less than the time of one or more controller log entries"., some ExtendedLog points are not being gathered. The below time synchronization errors are seen in the Errors Listview. Extended logging time synchronization problem. The time on the workstation is less than the time of one or more controller log entries. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Due to the incorrect time settings previously configured, the controllers may have log events that occur in the future (as far as the Workstation gathering the logs is concerned). Resolution Reload the controller that has the ExtendedLog points showing this error, this will clear out the local log entries and allow the Workstation to gather new log entries.

Issue Determine if the DX Series of video recorders is compatible with Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Pelco DX Series Video Recorder Continuum Cause Sites may have existing DX Series Video or want to purchase them for their video needs and may want to integrate that video into Continuum Resolution Check to see if the  DX Series video recorder is compatible with Continuum Please see the following link for the Continuum and Pelco compatibility matrix in Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines

Issue Require Upgrade or Repair part number and pricing information Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET Environment Dongle / Security Key and Software upgrades Controller node count, X Driver or option upgrades Cause Part numbers are not listed for Upgrades or Repairs. Global Product Support do not provide pricing information. Resolution Repairs do not have part numbers, you should contact your local Order Entry department who will be able to provide an RMA form and pricing information.  (Note: An exception to this is if you are in Aus/NZ, repairs do have a part number. Repaired items are set-up in Pronto with the part number prefixed by “4-“. Process and form details for Aus/NZ repairs only.) Upgrades have now been allocated part numbers for all current products. The order forms and details of the new part numbers can be seen here. SAP and other quoting system have been updated with these upgrade part numbers. Contact your local Order Entry department to help you place an order and provide pricing information.

Issue Unable to edit Xdriver communication settings on a comm port for a 9680 or the stopbits show incorrectly as 1.5 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment 9680 Continuum 1.74 or 1.81 Webclient 1.74 or 1.81 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Under certain circumstances, there was an issue in version 1.74 and 1.81 where the comm port settings were disabled or grayed out. If the settings were not grayed out and an attempt is made to set the stopbits, it could get set incorrectly to 1.5. Resolution The issue is corrected in 1.82 and above.  The work around for versions 1.74 and 1.81 are to set the comm port from the command line. See Command examples to check controller comm port settings for Xdriver or other communication to set the parameters manually.

Issue Information is needed to set up the APC Xdriver modbus UPS integration with Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP  Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause There are a number of APC devices that support modbus and information is needed to get values into Continuum Resolution The following document, APCConfigExample.zip, is provided as an example and will not address every type of APC device. See Helpful Modbus register Information for helpful information on bring in modbus values.  

Issue Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Site Cause There are limitations to the size that a Continuum database can be. The limitations are Microsoft's limitations. Basically if you use their limited sized databases, these are good for smaller sites. Most of these smaller sites usually don't have extended logs or a heavy volume of access and alarm events either. Resolution Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum On large scale sites that have a lot of extended logging, heavy access traffic, alarms and do not want to monitor the size of the databases, it is suggested to go with a enterprise SQLversion. Microsoft DB Size Limitations MSDE version (SQL 2000) 2 Gig Limit - See Database size limitation and recover options on a Single User system in Continuum for more information (Cyberstation SU versions 1.81 and earlier). Enterprise version (SQL 2000) No Limit SQL 2005 Express 4 Gig Limit  (Cyberstation SU versions 1.82 to 1.94) SQL 2012 Express 10Gig limit  (Cyberstation SU version 2.0) Exchange Server 2003 before SP2 SQL 2005 Standard Edition 18 Gig Limit SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition 8 Terabyte Limit Server 2003 SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition 8 Terabyte Limit Research your operating system and determine the size limitations for your particular installation. There are other limitations when using limited versions of the SQL Databases like Standard addition. For instance limited number of processors, limited amount of memory used for allocation pool. Note: Do not use 2 database applications on a Stand Alone installation with Cyberstation being one of the applications. 2 SQL versions or 2 database instances has not been tested with a Stand Alone and is unsupported. This scenario can cause Cyberstation performance issues as well as application crashes.  

Issue Why do Continuum controller MAC addresses have less than 12 digits as required by IT Departments? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment ACX, bCX, CX level controllers NC2 Cause Leading zeros are removed from the MAC addresses of all Continuum controllers Resolution The MAC address is listed as the attribute "Ethernet Id" in Continuum List views. The digits do not display leading 0's, so all Continuum controller addresses start 0:40:11.... To provide the 12 digit MAC address you will need to restore the leading 0's as required by IT departments. e.g.. 00:40:11:0e:00:00. See How to locate a computer's MAC address to obtain a computers MAC address.

Issue If remote buildings have an internet connection using DSL, will this configuration work with Continuum controllers? Are there any known issues? Is the connection fast enough? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Netcontroller 9680 Netcontroller 99xx BCX ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) Cause Buildings in remote areas may use DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) to access Netcontrollers instead of a corporate LAN. Resolution Netcontrollers can be used with a DSL connection. Two things to keep in mind when implementing this configuration are: Do not employ NAT(Network Address Translation) of any kind. Continuum requires a static IP. This can be requested from the ISP(Internet Service Provider) of the DSL line. All network ports required for Continuum operation will need to be opened. See Router required open port numbers to run a Continuum system for this information. DSL speeds are typically fast enough to not cause connection issues. Note: Where DSL lines have equal up and download speeds, ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) have upload speeds that may be 100 x slower than the download speed, typically 128K maximum and are unlikely to provide a reliable network connection.

Issue CyberStation and webClient on same computer. Second Security Key disables one or more features of the fist Security Key Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Andover Continuum CyberStation Andover Continuum webClient Cause Second Security Key inserted into USB port on workstation or only one computer to use. Resolution Only one Security Key (dongle, USB Key) per workstation(PC Computer). It is required that the key be installed to run the Continuum Cyberstation or WebClient server. Never install Cyberstation and webClient on the same workstation. Even on a LAN environment, there needs to be separate computers for Cyberstation and Webclient.  Note: webClient has some services disabled to allow for a more robust web capabilities. To see what is enabled on a Security Key, check out How to identify what is enabled on a Continuum Security Key.

Issue Fluctuating temperature readings where they jump up to +327 randomly. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum controllers i2866-V Cause Readings like that are usually caused by wiring or power issues. There was also a Firmware fault that caused this in an old version of the i2866-V Firmware. Resolution Confirm the following wiring considerations:   That your input and output cables shield is wired to Earth ground at one end of the run only (preferably the controller chassis). That your controllers power supply is earthed on the secondary side of the 24vac transformer to ensure a proper controller ground to Earth. Confirm that the power supply is not being shared with any field devices, especially field devices feeding inputs back into the controller. One way to troubleshoot if it is a cabling or controller problem is to replace the sensor cable with a 10K ohm resistor. See Temperature inputs not reading the correct value for details. Also, in i2866-V controllers with firmware versions less than v3.501049, temperature inputs could randomly go to +327 when Analog Outputs were changing value frequently. Uprev your controller. See TPA-BOST-09-0007.00 for details.

Issue Personnel does not have access. Invalid Attempt messages stating "Personnel record is not yet active" seen in the Access Events. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Access Control Cause Personnel object Activation Date attribute is set to a future time. Resolution Open the Personnel object and confirm the Activation Date and Expiration Date fields are realistic. Make sure the Activation Date is in the past. Check that the time on the Controller and Cyberstations are synchronised properly. See Configure Time Zone and UTC Offset settings so that time is synchronized across your system for how.

Issue WebPinpoint crashes on "Failed to call piLiveData>GetLiveData(). AccdataServices has an error" on both WebServer and Client PCs. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment WebClient IIS WebPinpoint Pinpoint  Cause The asp_net account does not have permission to access the ILiveData interface. ILivedata is an internal engine that WPinpoint uses for polling points values.   Resolution In Workstation Preferences on the Web Server, increase the value of WPinPoint Continuous Polling Rate until  from crashes no longer occur.  If this is for a Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 or Windows Vista, make sure the web.config file has been edited. See also Error: "DNWacserverFactory/WACServerFactory.soap" when accessing Webclient 1.9x Pinpoint.