Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Sigma data logging  has stopped recording. Environment Sigma all versions Logging Logged data Cause Data being logged is no longer being recorded. Resolution Assuming data has been correctly logged prior to this event, then it is reasonable to assume the general configuration is correct. Have any changes been made to the Sigma server PC responsible for the logged data configuration? changes such as; IP Address PC Name Changes to the network configuration; If any of the above changes have taken place, then all controllers must be updated with the correct configuration files, This would generally affect more than one controller. If the missing logged data is from one controller, then this may suggest one of the following; The controller is unable to pass the logged data back to the Sigma server requiring the data. This may be due to mis-configuration. Network issues. Alarms or other data destined for a different Sigma server is preventing the data from being passed. The controller does not have the logging configuration present, and therefore does not log any data.   Suggestions for checking a controller that is not logging data. Can the controller be communicated with from the Sigma logging server? Using the System Diagnostics request "Logging Servers" from the controller. The above screen shot shows you the following; Num Log Buckets - Number of objects being logged in this controller. Num of Log Records in use - Number of tracks either being used, or already full and waiting to be transmitted. Num of Log Records Free  - Records available to be used. Num of Log Records Waiting Transmission - Full records waiting to be returned to the Sigma server. (Will always show zero, when on the same network as the Sigma server). Server - This is the record of Log configuration received. Using the System Diagnostics request "Logging Objects" from the controller. The "Logging Objects" report shows the object numbers being logged and their associated data sets.  If the objects are not shown in the above list, then the log configuration should be downloaded to the controller again. The object will not be shown until the first log action has taken place.

Issue Creating a new menu command that will open PDF files. Environment User Menu Popup Menu Menu Commands Cause A command to open PDF files is not available. Resolution To create a new "Pop-up Menu Command" carry out the following. From the Sigma System Manager window open "Sigma System Setup" Select "General" and "Pop-up Menu Commands" Select "File" and "New". Enter an appropriate name for this command Select the command you have just added User Access - If required select using the browse function. Select "Built In" functions if required, and select the function adding the record name. External functions Executable Path - enter the full path to the programme you require, in this case the programme is Adobe and the path is C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe Command line Options -  This option allows the user to specify the command being used and the path to the required file, in this case the command line is C:\Sigma\Data\Graphics\Drawings\Test File {Graphic Num}.pdf This command is to open files with a name of "Test File" and a number which corresponds to the number of the graphic associated with an object.. Therefore if a Sigma object has a graphic of 10 programmed, this command will open a file called Test File 10.pdf Notice that the Command Line Option includes {Graphic Num} this entry is achieved by selecting "Graphic Number" in the "Formal Fields" options box and then choosing "Select". Having saved the new command configuration, it can now be added to the required menu.

Issue BACnet Multistate is showing the numeric value of the selection, instead of displaying the text associated with that selection. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment TGML Graphic BACnet multi-state-value Cause If BACnet multi-state-value text values are required to be shown on a graphic, rather than the integer value, then  the DynamicText option is needed to be used rather than DynamicValue option when creating the graphic. Resolution Below shows what happens when you use DynamicValue for a MultiState Bacnet points Below shows what happens when you use DynamicText for a MultiState Bacnet points NOTES 1. If WebStation still shows only the Integer value rather than the correct text, it may be network routing/firewall related. In this case check the WebStation graphics from different addresses and test direct to the AS and logged on via the ES to gain a better understanding of the issue 2. Graphics can be created using translation/substitution, this may be a workaround, if the network routing/firewall cannot be adjusted

Issue How can  the number of decimals for values on a report be changed? Environment TAC Vista TAC Vista report generator Cause Want to be able to change the number of decimals presented. Resolution This has to be changed in the regional settings for the computer.

Issue Device Manager Upgrade and Hard Drive Requirements Environment StruxureWare Building Operation using Device Administrator for upgrade of Automation Server Cause A question has been raised following the training regarding the ability to upgrade 32 AS databases simultaneously, what storage space does the off server upgrade need, since it is now possible to upgrade 32 AS databases at once this could impact HDD space required, what about RAM, what about bandwidth requirements when downloading the converted DB to the AS? Device Administrator 1.3.0 Update (12 Mb) was available Feb 1, 2013. This add-on significantly reduces the time it takes to upgrade an Automation Server from 1.2 to v1.3. It cannot be used for any other upgrade paths. For more information, please read Product Announcement PA-00249, and Release notes StruxureWare Building Operation v1.3 - UPDATE which is available on The Exchange Download Center.   Resolution Please take into consideration the number of Automation Servers to be upgraded and count 200 Mb of disk space on the Computer Hard Drive per Automation Server.

Issue The 50 series version of the LCD unit can fail to re-poll analogue values when used in conjunction with an old series MN controller, this will only occur after the controller has been power cycled. This problem does not apply to the 50 series controller range.   Product Line  Satchwell Sigma Environment MicroNet 50 series LCD connected to 100 series controller. Cause With older controllers, although the initial poll from the LCD brings back the controller analogue values, the LCD changes the displayed value to zero. This issue does not affect digital state displays or the analogue values contained within the controller’s scheme. Resolution A temporary workaround is to ensure the controller is not power cycled after its configuration has been downloaded. Firmware version MNLCD5W is now available for correcting this issue. If you require updated firmware for your MN50-LCD or MN50-LCDP units. Please contact the Product Support Services department. Specification numbers affected: MN50-LCD  (Firmware version MNLCD5V) MN50-LCDP  (Firmware version MNLCD5V) This issue will only affect the MN50-LCD or MN50-LCDP when used with the MNN-30-100 MNN-44-100 MNN-50-100 MNN-62-100 Liberty (All variants) This problem does not apply to the 50 series controller range. Firmware version MNLCD5W is available from Product Support By supplying the site name, and the number of MN50-LCD firmware EEPROMs required.    Procedure to change the MN50-LCD firmware. Observe standard electrostatic precautions. Power the MN50-LCD/P and MicroNet 100 series controller down. If MN50-LCD remove the LCD from the controller and unplug the ribbon cable. If MN50-LCDP remove the power/communications plug from the LCDP, then remove the back cover. Remove the MN50-LCD/p's firmware EEPROM from IC13 socket. (Highlighted in the below image in blue) Carefully line up the legs of the new EEPROM with the socket. Press the new MNLCD5W firmware EEPROM into the socket. Restore the power to the controller Download the controller and LCD program to the controller. Restore the power and plug the MN50-LCD/P into the controller and allow it to upload is configuration. Check all analogue readings are now reading satisfactorily. Updated June 2019 The MicroNet 50 series range MN350, 450, 550, 650 LCD and Touchscreen have been withdrawn from sale. The IAC 420, 600 and Touchscreen have now also been withdrawn from sale. No direct replacement is offered. Further information on these changes can be found in PA-00495 and PA-00528  A limited number of MNLCD5W firmware EEPROMs are available.

Issue Getting distribution file installation (no core software) error when attempting to commission the JACE-6E.  The error states "No core software was found that can be installed to the remote host." Environment I/A Series G3, JACE-6E, TRD-J-600E Cause Attempting to install an I/A Series G3 version that is not compatible with the JACE-6E platform (e.g. versions below 3.6.47). Workbench not set up to be an installation tool (required distribution files are not available within the Workbench environment). Resolution Attempting to install an I/A Series G3 version that is not compatible with the JACE-6E platform (e.g. versions below 3.6.47). The TRD-J-600E is compatible with I/A Series G3 version 3.6.47.1 or later. The I/A Series ENS with Workbench files are available for download from The Exchange Download Center. Workbench not set up to be an installation tool (required distribution files are not available within the Workbench environment). Re-install the I/A Series G3 software and enable the checkbox that configures Workbench to be an installation tool. The checkbox indicates "This instance of TAC I/A Series Enterprise Network Server will be used as an installation tool." The distribution files related to each of the platforms will be installed on the computer.

Issue How to work out the part number of a NC2 / NetController 2 Environment Continuum  Cause Don't know how to work out what the part number is for a Netcontroller 2 Resolution The below image has been taken from the Continuum product catalog, which shows what numbers you need to use for number of NODES etc. I.e if you need a Infinet NC2 with 32 Nodes you will need the following NC2-R-032000000

Issue Internet Explorer - Security Warning error when logging in to Enterprise Server via Webstation Error message: Windows has blocked this software because it can't verify the publisher.  Environment StruxureWare Building Operation WebStation up to version 1.4.1. Internet Explorer 8 *Note - StruxureWare Building Operation WebStation 1.5.0 and newer does not support IE8 Cause Internet Explorer security settings Resolution In Internet Explorer, go to 'Tools' > 'Internet Options'.  Click on the 'Security' tab, select the appropriate zone for your system and then select the 'Custom Level' button.  Ensure that you have the following settings for 'ActiveX controls and plug-ins'. Allow previously unused ActiveX controls to run without prompt (Enable) Allow Scriptlets (Enable) Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls (Enable) Binary and script behaviors (Enable) Download signed ActiveX controls (Enable or Prompt) Run ActiveX controls and plug ins (Enable) Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting (Enable)

Issue MODBus XDriver is communicating with device but the data read is not what is expected. For example,  when requesting the voltage between phase 1 and neutral (StartChannel = 3926)  from a PM1200 the value received is the following: VPhase1toNeutral [1] = 17085 VPhase1ToNeutral [0] = 65890  (This last value varies constantly because it is the least significant part of reading). This value should be between 110V and 120V  or  220V and 240V depending on location. Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9640 bCX4040 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Function code used reading raw data from register(s) without conversion. Since, when you request information from a Modbus RTU device you receive the exact value that is in the register, Andover Controls has provided some special function codes that will help to convert some of the common engineering values into usable values.  The listing in the x-driver documentation shows the special function code, what is expected from the third party and the equivalent function code that is truly sent to the device.   For instance if a point is a Intel float and resides in the 40,000 range then function code 245 would be used in the Andover Controls x-driver.  This will still send out a function code 3 in the Modbus message but the x-driver will take the value sent in from the third party device and convert it into a usable float. Resolution Use Continuum special function code to convert the raw value to a readable value.

Issue Backup and Restore Process for WebReports Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WebReports Reports Server SQL Server 2008 R2 Cause Need detailed backup process Resolution Refer to Online Help Topic for details Backing Up the WebReports Database  On the Windows toolbar, select Start, and then click SQL Server Management Studio. Click Connect.   Note: When using a remote computer to connect to the Report Server SQL database, the Windows Accounts must exist on both machines and have administrative rights for the SQL database otherwise a successful backup will not occur.  In this instance, it is recommended to use the SysAdmin 'sa' login / password details when connecting in remotely.   Expand the Databases folder. Right-click StruxureWareReportsDB, point to Tasks, then click Back Up. Under Destination, click Add. Click OK. In the Destination on disk box, select the backup destination. Click OK. Click OK.   Restoring the WebReports Database Ensure the Enterprise Server is up and running with the correct database.  Stop the SQL Server Reporting Services and WebReports Agent (if installed).  Note: If moving the WebReports Database it is recommended to restore the database then Install WebReports.  Then when Installing WebReports select Upgrade existing (as shown) and NOT New database  Restore the WebReports database to recover reports data from backup.  This will include any Dashboard reports saved. On the Windows toolbar, select Start, and then click SQL Server Management Studio. Click Connect. Expand the Databases folder. Right-click StruxureWareReportsDB and select Tasks, then select Restore, then select Database. In the Restore Database dialog box, select the database set(s) that you want to restore. Click OK. Click OK. If not already installed now complete the installation of WebReports 

Issue Every time an alarm comes in to Workstation, the Alarm View pop up window opens up. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Alarm View Window Cause This is a setting that can be turned off and on as desired. Resolution Right click anywhere inside of the alarm queue (either on an actual alarm or in the white space below the alarms). Go to "Alarm view settings." Check or uncheck "Display alarm view" to turn on or off the pop-up feature.

Issue How can the IP address of an Automation Server be determined if DHCP is being used Environment Automation Server Building Operation Device Administrator Cause The setip command does not display the IP address when configured as DHCP. Resolution To see the IP address of an Automation server connect to the device with a USB cable and start the Building Operation Device Administrator program. Right click on the AS and select the Network Settings option. This will display the IP address in the Current IP address field. The IP address can also be reached with additional statistics in the PuTTY interface (login is required) by using the ifconfig command. The inet addr is the IP address of the device. This provides additional details such as bandwidth and problem packets.

Issue In the Personnel Manager, the template field shows an error: "Error in datagrid DataGridViewComboBoxCell value is not valid." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.93 and below Personnel Templates Cause Error occurs while attaching the Personnel Templates to a personnel from the Personnel Manager. The selected Template is not in the default template folder (Personnel Templates). Note: It is still possible to attach the templates through the method of CSV importing/exporting of personnel. If the Templates are created under the "Templates" Folder, this error occurs. The Personnel Templates should be created under "Templates\Personnel Templates". Resolution Select all the Personnel Templates and move them (Right Click + Drag) to "Personnel Templates" Folder. It will give you an option to "Move Here". See the below screen shot. Click on "Move Here" to complete moving the Personnel Templates. Alternatively: Go to the "Properties" of the Template, then change the path of the Owner.

Issue BACnet alarm Change Of State 'Alarm On' field is blank in the Algorithm page. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX4040 b3s Cause BACnet alarm type must match the type of point that is associated with the alarm in the AlarmEnrollment object. For example, a Change Of State alarm requires a binary point. Resolution Make the object BACnet object type match the alarm event type (Change of State, Change of Value, Out of Range etc). In this example of a Change of State BACnet alarm, when the appropriate binary point is associated with the alarm, the 'Alarm On' field looks like this:

Issue Enterprise Server and the B-OWS capability Environment SmartStruxure site Cause Enterprise Server and the B-OWS capability for viewing BACnet Operator Workstation Resolution The Enterprise Server is a native BACnet/IP protocol operator workstation and controller with a built-in web server. The Enterprise Server also serves as a BACnet/IP Broadcast Management Device (BBMD). The Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS) document details the BACnet Interoperability Building Blocks that are supported in StruxureWare Building Operation. The PICS are available from the BACnet International labs for BACnet Operator Workstation (B-OWS) Continuum 1.9x The below screenshot is of a StruxureWare Building Operation 1.3 Release and the desired connection using B-OWS to a Continuum 1.94 Release. Workaround is on the BACnet Interface of the ES, highlight the IP Network then Add New BACnet Device. 1. Suggested name would be the Cyberstation Name 2. Upload from BACnet device 3. Instance ID is the Device Node ID (Right-click/Edit on the Cyberstation) 4. Create Then perform an Upload from the newly created Cyberstation. Resulting View from the Enterprise Server: (Note that Cyberstation owned objects are not available in the Enterprise Server) There is an “official” document on Continuum and StruxureWare Building Operation BACnet communication that was produced specifically for this issue. It is a TVDA produced by the Buildings StruxureLab and it is Andover Continuum BACnet with StruxureWare TVDA 1.02

Issue What is the difference between Subnet/node addressing and neuron ID addressing in Xbuilder Environment TAC Xbuilder Cause If neuron ID addressing is set the Xenta server will use the neuron ID the first time it contacts the device to ask for the subnet/node. When it get the subnet/node it will use that address until it loses contact with the device. When the Xbuilder is connected to a TAC Vista database this is set as default set and cannot be changed. With this setting you can change the addressing of the device without downloading the subnet node address. But if you replace a device then the Xbuilder project have to be updated and downloaded again. If subnet/node addressing is set then the device will only use the address to communicate. Resolution If neuron ID addressing is set the Xenta server will use the neuron ID the first time it contacts the device to ask for the subnet/node. When it get the subnet/node it will use that address until it loses contact with the device. If subnet/node addressing is set then the device will only use the address to communicate.

Issue Information on Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels Environment Site wanting to use Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels Cause Need information pertaining to the Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels. Sometimes referred to as HMI or Human Machine Interface  Resolution Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels information is located on Exchange Extranet.  Magelis Opti PC Data Sheet Magelis Opti PC Installation Guide Opti PC User Manual Opti PC User Manual (other languages) For the latest HMI software and Release Notes for VijeoDesigner, please visit the following link VijeoDesign

Issue Uninstall Process for Web Reports Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Web Reports Server StruxureWare for Building Operation Web Reports Server Cause After a re-install of webreports, certain features will not function if the original version was not completely removed. Resolution To uninstall WebReports: In Windows Control Panel, point to Programs and then select Uninstall a Program. Right-click StruxureWare Report Pack Installer and then click Uninstall. Right-click StruxureWare Reporting Agent and then click Uninstall. Right-click StruxureWare Reports Installation and then click Uninstall. Right-click StruxureWare WebReports and then click Uninstall. Right-click StruxureWare WebReports Service and then click Uninstall. In your Web browser, type the URL for SQL Server Reporting Services Report Manager. If you have installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express, the URL is http://localhost/reports_sqlexpress Click Details View. Select the folders that contain the WebReports reports including Data Sources. Click Delete. Click OK. Click Close. Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (type SQL in the Start menu Search box). Expand the Databases folder. Right-click StruxureWareReportsDB and then click Delete. In the Delete Object window, select StruxureWareReportsDB. Select Close existing connections. Click OK. Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager (type IIS in the Start menu Search box). In the Connections pane, expand Sites, expand Default Web Site, and then expand SchneiderElectric. Delete each virtual directory in the specified order: - Right-click WebReportsService and then click Remove. - Right-click WebReports and then click Remove. - Right-click SchneiderElectric and then click Remove. - In the Connections pane, select Application Pools. Right-click SchneiderElectric.WebReportsAppPool and then click Remove. Right-click SchneiderElectric.WebReportsServiceAppPool and then click Remove. Exit Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager. In SQL Server Reporting Services Report Manager (see previous steps), click Folder Settings. Select the NT AUTHORITY\IUSR check box and the [PC NAME] \appuser check box, and then click Delete. Exit SQL Server Reporting Services Report Manager. In Windows Control Panel, select System and Security, then select Administrative Tools. In Computer Management, expand Local Users and Groups and then select Users. Right-click appuser and click Delete, then follow any further prompts to complete the deletion. In Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, expand Security and then expand Logins. Right-click the appuser account and then click Delete. In the Delete Object window, select appuser. Click OK. Click OK again. Right-click NT AUTHORITY\IUSR and delete it in the same way as you deleted the previous (appuser) account. Right-click [PC NAME] \appuser and delete it in the same way as you deleted the previous (appuser) account. Exit SQL Server Management Studio. In Windows Explorer, expand Program Files (x86) and then expand Schneider Electric. Right-click StruxureWare Reports Installation and then click Delete. Right-click StruxureWareReports and click Delete, then follow any further prompts to complete deletion.

Issue Inventory and Serial Numbers for each of the Host Computers Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET sites or Multiple I/NET sites under your responsibility Cause Desire to be organized and have site information quickly available Resolution The easiest way to collect the Serial Number and Version is from Help > About INET. Request a screen capture of each workstation with I/NET installed. This will give you the exact release, build, User/Site names and the serial number. Below is the splash screen which is seen when I/NET is opened: Then organize in a spreadsheet or folder structure which is kept up to date with any changes in the field. The trick is to have the correct screen capture from the correct computer. Designating as a File Master, Equalized Client, Remote Client, or Stand Alone would also be beneficial to have. Host Number for each Host Computer and a Static IP address would be excellent to keep in the spreadsheet.