Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue After creating a new Project and a new E: Equipment Database in TreeTech, the following error message appears when adding a new Network: Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Windows 7 TreeTech Cause TreeTech requires administrative rights to the Windows user account Resolution Right-click on the TreeTech shortcut Select 'Run as Administrator'

Issue Auto Generated Reports not running in 64-bit Environment Environment I/NET 2.43 64-bit I/NET 2.42 64-bit Cause Issue with windows scheduler is causing Auto Generate reports to fail. Resolution Modify existing or newly created auto generate reports. Click on the Recurrence button On the "Task" Tab, modify the "Run" string. At end of the string you will notice sch=<ScheduleName>. Add the characters"/T0" or "-T0" as shown below Before:   After:

Issue When point goes in alarm nothing is displayed in the active alarm viewer but when the point returns to normal the RTN shows up in the alarm viewer. Environment CyberStation Cause The Alarm Enrollment allows you to specify the transitions that gets sent to the active alarm viewer, make you the appropriate check boxes are checked. Resolution Configure the alarm enrollment to deliver both the alarm and the RTN

Issue Key for the standard Door Control Graphic Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Door Control Graphic PinPoint Cause Require a key for the standard Door Control Graphic Resolution

Issue Integrating several MNB-300 controllers to a UNC-510.  Bias resistors are available on the UNC-520 but not the UNC-510.  How can bias resistors be added to this MSTP trunk? Environment Niagara R2 UNC-510 Cause The UNC-510 was not designed to include built-in bias resistors for a BACnet MSTP trunk. Resolution The MNB-300 has built-in bias resistors that are disabled by default.  Remove the cover and enable them with the jumpers provided.  Keep in mind that no more than two sets of bias resistors are to be enabled for any MSTP trunk.  For more information, see the MicroNet BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide (F-27360).  

Issue How to change the update rate for variables read from an OPC server in Vista server.  Vista in this case is running as the OPC client and therefore determines the request rate from the OPC server. Environment Vista 5.1.X OPC client (built in in Vista) 3rd party OPC server. Cause To optimise communication loads and efficiency it may be desirable to set the update interval for values read from an OPC server. A user may wish to reduce the update from a couple of milliseconds to 1 minute for example for values that don't fluctuate that much. Resolution The default value (which can be found on the Properties tab for the OPC server object in Vista under "Requested Update rate (ms) ) is set to 0ms. This is effectively "update as often as possible" and the actual update rate can be seen under the "Actual Update rate" property. To select another update interval, simply set "Requested Update Rate (ms)" to the desired value.

Issue How to configure individual alarm viewers for users. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation 1.3.0 Cause If all users workspaces are connected to the same alarm view then if one user changes the filter the alarmview will change for all users. This is because they are all links to the same object. To have individual filters you have to create multiple alarm views and attach them to the workspaces. Resolution Create a new alarm view by In workstation Right click and select new-view Select Alarm View Type in a name, click create Attach the alarm view to a workspace. Open the control panel in Workstation, click on account management Select the workspace you want to add the alarm view to in the drop down list under Workspaces Click on content. Click on the alarms pane (or add one) and click edit. In the field "initial path" browse to the alarm view you created before. Click close

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.