Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue If 3 rd party integration platform wants to use momentary release of door through Modbus, how to realize it? Environment StruxureWare Building Operation I/NET Cause Sometime this kind of application is needed. Resolution Here I/NET and SmartStruxure are used to realize this function. Follow the steps below: Create an I/NET interface in ES, and upload all the I/NET points into ES. Create a Modbus TCP Network, Modbus TCP device for momentary release to connect to 3 rd party integration platform. Create a Modbus point in the Modbus TCP device, named Momentary Release. 3 rd party software can access this point to control the door. Create a Script program, to type the sentence below:   Bind the "ModbusOut" to Value property of the Modbus TCP point, "Out" to the PvControl property of the door point, while bind Value property of the Modbus TCP point to the "Release", shown as the picture below:   Test the effect. When change the value of the Modbus point from "0" to "1", the door will open for five second, and return to lock status. The door lock time can be changed in the script program. Maybe there will be several seconds delay. After the door returns to locked, the Modbus point will return to "0", so there is no need to change the value back to "0" manually.

Issue An AS has failed and there is no backup. Can the SD card from the broken AS be used in a new AS Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Cause AS has failed without any backup and there is a need to get the information to the new AS Resolution The SD card in each AS is encoded for that specific AS. The information on the SD card can only be read by that AS. AS's are now replaced by the AS-P, however if an AS can be obtained, then a backup can be recovered as follows:   It is possible to put the SD card from the damaged AS into a non damaged AS and do a backup. Then the backup can be restored into a new AS-P. The AS-P does not use a SD card. Important note: The version of the bad AS / SD card needs to match the donor AS used to make the backup. To remove the memory card push the metal retainer in towards the centre of the PCB The metal retainer will disengage its locking catches The metal retainer is hinged and can then be opened The memory card can then be lifted out for replacement Replacement is the reverse of the removal process.

Issue SEZ7000 Commercial zoning systems Environment Need for commercial application with zone controlling Cause What does the SEZ7000 series unit provide? What would be a comparable replacement for an obsolete Trend IQ222 Resolution The SEZ commercial zoning system has been specifically designed to bring a simple scalable solution to mid-market commercial applications without the cost associated with a typical DDC zoning system. Models include roof top and heat pump units controlling analogue heat, CO2 levels, and indoor air quality. Zoning controllers that provide floating and analogue damper control are also available. A single central controller unit can support up to 64 individual zone controllers. All zoning system controllers can be ordered with an on-board passive infrared (PIR) occupancy sensor cover that allows for advanced occupancy strategies, enabling greater energy savings to zones during scheduled events when no occupants are present.

Issue The vertical scale (y-axis) in an R2 chart/log is limited to the range of 0 - 0.2, but the values in the log/ table are of a much wider range; e.g. 0.66 - 87.33. Environment R2 chart/ log data Cause Initial testing shows that the y-axis scaling issue is caused by data value of NA in the log table. Resolution As a work around, backup the station, export the .xml file. Search it for data = NaN.  Edit the line in the file so the data no longer shows NaN.

Issue How can a link be added to a Niagara R2 graphic that will display a pdf file? Environment Niagara R2 Cause Easy access to documentation via the graphic Resolution Here are the steps: Create a new folder within the running station's folder:  \niagara\ \stations\ .  Label it "Documents" (any name is fine). Paste a copy of the desired pdf file to this new "Documents" folder. Open the desired graphic in Workplace Pro, and create a new GxText object. In the Local Library, navigate to the "Documents" folder.  The pdf file should be listed below it. Right-click > Copy, the pdf file. In the Properties > Visual tab of the GxText object, place the flashing cursor in the 'hyperlinkURL" box and press + V.  This will paste the SWID of the pdf file in the box. On this same screen, for the "hyperlinkOnClick" setting, choose URL. Apply all changes. Note:  The pdf file will not actually display if viewing the graphic in Workplace Pro.  It will appear when viewing the graphic in a web browser.  

Issue TC300 Series & accuracy Environment BMS Site Cause TC300 Series & accuracy Resolution The TC300Series-HotelApplication Stand-alone Digital FanCoil Thermostat specifications are as follows: There are two sensors possible for the unit. An embedded sensor is NTC100K, and for the external sensor as (below picture) it is NTC10K (3950). This chart defines the NTC Sensor accuracy (not the Control Accuracy which is in the specifications above):   The RS-03 10k NTC Remote Sensor-3m (Meters). Sites that want to extend further than the 3m, should know that the maximum length is 20m, we don't suggest more, but doesn't mean >20m have issues. The problem depends on the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Compatibility (EMC) in the field. Every site is different, and it is suggested to try in the field and see if it works fine. (When a remote sensor is connected (terminals S1 & S2) this remote sensor is automatically used. The internal sensor is ignored.) Note: TC300 thermostat supports Modbus RTU only. If you require LON, consider the SE7000 series controller. TC300 series replaces the DEGA 006905432 which is obsolete as of March 2004.  To control multiple fan coils with one ST300, a connection called the ST-2 is required. This expands the control up to 4 fan coils simultaneously but is not recommended since it may lead to uncomfortable temperatures in building area. For more info, visit The Exchange with search keywords TC300. The TC300 is only listed in the EMEA and AsiaPAC market. They are not UL approved.  

Issue When creating a third party device template with a given XIF file, NL220 displays an error LN#12. Environment NL220 Given XIF file Cause Echelon explanation: The file containing the external interface information of the device has been corrupted, or is missing. The device manufacturer should be contacted to provide a valid XIF file, or the file should be re-built using the Neuron C compiler and linker. Alternatively, the device could be installed using an "Ad-Hoc" installation scenario, in which XIF files are not required. This requires the device to be available, online, functioning, and not having the self-documentation features disabled. Resolution Trying to get the XIF file from the device In the device template panel, creating the template From Network.   If step one failed, in the subsystem try Create Node from Network.   NOTE: when trying to upload the XIF file from the device, the device need to be connected and be online. If all steps above failed, please contact product support and provide the XIF file for investigation.

Issue Dimensions for the back plate (part # ENCL-300-BKP) used with the ENCL-300-TUB. Environment General Hardware Cause Dimensions not listed in iPortal Resolution Length = 28"     Width = 22.5"     Depth (thickness) = 0.5"

Issue  Error  'Communications failure due to device not online' during personnel distribution Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9702 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 ACX701 ACX781 Cause By default CyberStation will try to speed up the personnel distribution as much as possible in order to expediently distribute all the card records to the controller. There may be situations where the controller may be overwhelmed,  100MB NIC in the controller  versus a 1Gig NIC in the Cyberstatom and by the amount of traffic caused by multiple CyberStations distributing multiple records simultaneously. Resolution Continuum contains some facilities available in the General Preferences window where adjustments can be made to throttle the personnel distribution. Lines 12 and 13 are the settings used to throttle personnel distribution going to field devices such as ACX701 or ACX781 Lines 14 and 15 are used to throttle personnel distribution going to LAN controllers such as the CX9680 (NC2), ACX5740 (ACX2), CX9900 etc The interval between personnel distribution is in milli seconds, a reasonable value to start at when issues are encountered is 50 milli seconds. Ex. Line 15 change from 0 to 50 Increase by 25 milliseconds after that to get better results. Ex. 50, 75, 100

Issue Can the default names for security groups (Group1, Group2 etc) be changed? Environment CyberStation Cause Documentation Resolution The default names for security groups can be changed to user specified names. To rename security groups.. In the Windows tray right click on the Continuum icon then select 'Security' In the Security window go to the 'Group Names' tab To re-name a group, double click in the name itself, the text control will become editable to allow the name to be changed in place.  

Issue How do I print out an online chart in colour? Environment Vista 5.1.X Workstation Cause The default setting is to print out in black and white. Resolution - Right-click on the online chart and select print preview. - Check the Force Colors check-box. - If required, check the Use as Default check box and then click on OK - Right-click on the chart and select Print.  - Select the desired printer and print out.

Issue No Lon interfaces are shown under the Device discovery tab Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation LConfig Cause One reason can be that there is a NIC-IP/RNI that are enabled but not defined   The easiest way to check for this is to look in the registry, HKEY_LOKAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\LonWorks\DeviceDrivers See if there are any "extra" NIC_IP entries. Resolution Go to Start and type in regedit Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\LonWorks\DeviceDrivers See if there are any "extra" NIC_IP entries. Don't change anything! Just note the name of the extra entry. Open LConfig, click on the NCI-IP/RNI tab Select the extra device in the drop down list Uncheck Enable device Select the active device Make sure the active device has a device name Click OK Now your real devices should show up in the list

Issue Can more than one Room Temperature Sensor be connected to a MicroFlo II? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Network 8000 Microflo Cause Site changes / retrofit Resolution The only supported configuration is one Room Temperature Sensor for up to four MicroFlo II controllers (see below). TAC Hardware Installation Practices TS-90250-850 Communication/Sensor wiring for up to 4 TAC Microflo lls sharing a single Room Temperature Sensor. Room sensor includes a 11K ohm resistor and setpoint with ASD communications. Do not add another 11K ohm resistor when installing. The ASD communication wiring MUST be isolated from the sensor/setpoint wiring. Use separate shielded cables for each. Connect the SHIELD DRAIN wire to the SHLD or GND terminal at the controller. If a ground is available at the room sensor, connect the DRAIN wire to ground. If a ground is not available, tape the DRAIN wire back at the external device only. A 120 ohms resistor (part number 40-1758) must be installed across the ASD terminals at each end-of-line (EOL). Total overall wire length between TAC MICROFLO lls and the room sensor MUST not exceed maximum distance specified. Set each address switch to uniquely identify each TAC MICROFLO II controller (refer to the job drawings). Set the MASTER/SLAVE jumper pins to the correct position (factory shipped as MASTER units). I/O Wiring - TAC MICROFLO

Issue Menta editor crashes when performing a copy/paste Function block editor crashes when performing a copy/paste Environment TAC Menta Function block editor Cause This happens if there are HFB IOs that are not connected to a HFB Resolution Delete any HFB IO that are not coming from an HFB

Issue Getting "Continuum Database Initialization" error message when trying to Initialize a new ContinuumDB on a system that has had multiple ContinuumDB's created. Environment SQL Express 2005 Continuum Single-User Database Initialization Cause This error indicates an issue with SQL Express. Seen when having four databases already created and getting the error when trying to create another. This is something to do with the five database limit for SQL Express, This has also been seen when four database had been created at some point, even after removing one of them you are still presented with the same error.   Resolution The only way I found to get rid of the problem was to remove all of the databases from SQL Express (right-click delete in Management Studio Express), and then I was able to create a new database successfully. Even freeing up space by removing one or two did not help, in the end all database needed to be removed before it would allow a new one to be created.  

Issue The following error dialog comes up when trying to change FIPS-PIV format in a door. Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause FIPS-PIV card formats have controller scope, in other word, the selected FIPS-PIV format (FIPS_PIV_75, FIPS_PIV_Full_FASC-N etc) applies to all the doors in the controller, once you have selected a FIPS-PIV format at a door, you must select the same FIPS-PIV format for all other doors in the controller. If the format has to be changed, you first need to de-select all the card formats on all the doors under the controller then re-assign the card formats. Resolution Edit EVERY door in the controller and de-select all the card formats. After all the doors have their formats de-selected, you'll then be able to re-assign the card formats.

Issue Several MN-FLO3 and MN-FLO3T VAV controllers are connected to a Micronet 2000 MicroSmart Integrator.  There is a mode control point in the integrator for each VAV controller.  Each mode control contains elements assigned to the various setpoints that are adjustable per VAV controller.  Which ones are they? Environment Micronet 2000 Niagara R2 & G3 Cause Trying to map the proper mode control 'element' to a shadow object in Niagara so as to provide a user with setpoint control via a Niagara graphic. Resolution There are seven setpoints that are adjustable.  They are assigned to the element name 'PVALU' along with a number from 1 to 7.  See table below. 

Issue Is there any way to prevent the Security alert pop-up when viewing a page from an Xenta Server in Vista? For example, if viewing a time object (created in an Xenta Server) in Vista the following dialogue appears: Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X Xenta Server 5.1.X Cause Vista uses SSL communication when communicating with Xenta servers. This type of communication creates an encrypted connection between the Xenta Server and Vista and requires a certificate from the Xenta server to identify the server as genuine. Resolution There are 2 ways to prevent this pop-up from appearing. 1. Use unencrypted communication (HTTP) Open the Xbuilder project for the Xenta Server and set the Web Security Settings\Security Level to low (available from Vista 5.1.8). 2. Create a self-signed certificate. Open Xbuilder and go to the Tools\Generate Certificate menu. Choose Self-Signed and follow the Certificate wizard. The first time you browse a page from the Xenta Server you will be asked to verify the certificate and import it. Once imported the Security alert will no longer appear. Update: option 2 will no longer work. Starting in September 2014, all major browsers will be disabling 1024-bit roots within their trusted roots stores. Any SSL certificates chained to a 1024-bit root will no longer work on any browsers that takes this action or one that relies on another’s root store (the self-signed certificate is 1024-bit).

Issue Configuring a BACnet Analog Value (Continuum) object as a Setpoint. Environment BACnet Setpoint Retain Level Cause Setpoints do not maintain their value when downloaded. Resolution The process of creating a BACnet Setpoint is as follows; Create a BACnet Analog Value (Continuum) as appropriate. Once created select the object in the system tree and review the "Basic tab". Set the Setpoint as "True" and select to "Save" the object. Select the "Configure" symbol which is located in the "Status Information" section of the "Basic" tab.  Confirm that the "Retain Level" is set to "Coldstart" (This is automatically set when "True" is selected for the Setpoint. General information about the Retain Level.

Issue An email alarm generated in Continuum in not sent on Outlook; the email remains in the Outbox. The attached error is displayed in Outlook:   Environment Continuum Cyberstation version 1.94, Outlook 2010 Cause In this instance, Outlook would not send the email because the PC was not part of the Windows Active Directory Domain. Resolution Add the PC to the Windows domain.