Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Where are the reports of fixed issues/bugs for the various product lines located? Product Line TAC Vista, TAC INET, Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert, Access Expert, Security Expert Environment Technical Product Announcements Cause TPAs contain information of changes made per version of the different product lines. A TPA may report enhancements and/or broken functionality. Resolution Navigate to Exchange Extranet to view all TAC Vista documents tagged as TPA. The documents will be listed in reverse chronological order. Log in to view these documents. See Register for The Exchange Download Center for more information on registration.

Issue Xdriver is enabled,   Open the BCX1 editor, click "options" tag, display comm port attribute as"Xdriver comm1: 00000009", but there is no "xdriver" listed from the drop down menu when click the arrow on the right of default type of the comm port. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX1-CR-X, 4.500065 Cyberstation 1.81 Cause Continuum support xdriver with BCX1-CR(BCX4040) from 1.82, any version earlier than 1.82 not support xdriver with BCX1-CR controller. Resolution Upgrade all the Cyberstation to 1.9X. To determine if a controller comm port is Xdriver enabled, refer to Determine if a controller comm port is Xdriver enabled.

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 How to setup automatic table truncation on Single-User SQL Express systems. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Single-User SQL Express SQL Server 2005 Cause Only the ExtendedLog table is automatically truncated on an Single-User SQL Express Continuum system. The other tables that can fill up quickly and need to be truncated regularly are not catered for (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent). Resolution IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform a full SQL Database backup before attempting to make any changes to the database. (See Move / Backup / Restore a database on a Single User SQL2005 Express system for details on how to backup your database and, if not already installed, where to get Management Studio from) Use the attached file SQLExpress to add table truncations.zip, to configure your Single-User SQL Express system to automatically truncate these tables when it does the ExtendedLog truncation. After downloading the file, follow the steps below. There are three files in the archive, these need to be copied to your Continuum folder on your Single-User system running SQLExpress as the database engine. LogTruncate.SQL This file is the SQL script that performs the truncation of the four tables (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent) to the number of days you specify - I have selected 90 days as my default but you can change this to whatever you require for each table. CS_LogTruncate_OneOff.bat This batch file will run the LogTruncate.sql script once when manually executed. You will need to change the server name "PC3" to whatever your PC's name actually is on your system. CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat This is the batch file that will be renamed and replace the existing "CS_Hrly.bat" file currently located in your Continuum folder. This is the same as your current file except it has added the LogTruncate.sql script so that this will now be executed every hour along with the rest. Backup "CS_Hrly.bat" file in Continuum folder by renaming the file to something like "CS_Hrly ORIGINAL.bat". Rename "CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat" to "CS_Hrly.bat", copy into (overtop the existing file if you haven't renamed it) the Continuum folder, and change the server name "PC3" to your PC's name. This should now execute this table truncation script along with the other database maintenance scripts every hour.

Issue Is there a limitation to the size the database can be on a Single User system in Continuum? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Single User Continuum system MSDE database Cause Microsoft has put a limitation in the size of the MSDE database. Once you hit this limitation your Single User Continuum system will not operate properly. Resolution The size limitation is 2 Gb. It may be possible to recover after hitting this limit by removing un-needed log entries from the database, but this is not always a guarantee you will be able to recover the database. Another way to recover from this is to back up the database, if you can, and restore it to standard SQL installation. From this point you can remove any unwanted logs and shrink the database. Then you can back up the database and restore it back to the Single User system. Another way to recover from this is to back up the database, if you can, and restore it to standard SQL installation and convert the Single User system to a LAN installation. Finally if all the above do not work for your system you will have to restore from the last known good backup of the database. See Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum for SQL Express information.

Issue How to disable credential access on Doors at different controllers using a single variable. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Access Control Cause Require a method of securing multiple Doors at the same time. Resolution The best way to secure a number of Doors from a single variable is to use the Door Force Lock Schedule attribute in the Door object. This is accomplished by adding a numeric to the attribute on the Options tab of the Door object; IMPORTANT: The attribute name Door Force Lock is misleading, it DOES NOT lock the door in any way, all it does is disable credential access at the door. For Area/Door Lockdown refer to the linked KB article And also on the Entry Reader or Exit Reader tabs, ticking the checkbox under either Normal and/or Comm Fail for Door Forced Lock Schedule. Setting this Door Force Lock Schedule field to a local or remote InfinityNumeric point will provide the following conditions: When the Numeric is on, access is permitted to all personnel by card swipe and/or keypad entry. (Allow use of the door.) When the Numeric is off, card reader and keypad access are denied to all personnel. (No Access) You could have this numeric located in a central controller and all the rest of the controllers reference this numeric from the Door objects. No other points or plain English is required. If you want to ensure that the updates are received, you can force the IE entry for this numeric to update on a regular interval, see Use just one schedule to control doors or access to areas across different controllers that discusses how to accomplish this.  

Issue How to do alarm escalation in Continuum? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment PEAlmFunction, PERtnFunction Cyberstation Alarm Workstation PE function Cause The customer requires the ability to time how long an alarm is active, and based on its status (acknowledged-unacknowledged), escalate the active alarm, by email or other means. Should the alarm be acknowledged in time, the escalation does not occur. Resolution One method is to use the PEAlmFunction and PERtnFunction in a Workstation Program to capture the various alarm conditions off the alarm stack to trigger the activity that you want. As an example, the PEAlmFunction could be used to initiate a timer for the alarm by recording the time of the alarm and the alarm point. The PERtnFunction is then used to clear this recorded information if the alarm is acknowledged. A Workstation program is then used to constantly monitor this alarm information and comparing the recorded alarm time to the current time, if this is above the escalation time then a numeric is set to trigger another alarm that is then escalated. For details on how to configure the PEAlmFunction and PERtnFunction, consult Can Plain English interact with the Continuum Alarm Engine?

Issue Database initialization completes with errors Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation installation Cause When running database initialization you will need full access to all of the database. Otherwise you may see errors similar to the following: Installation Error! <[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The SELECT permission was denied on the object 'syscategories', database 'msdb', schema 'dbo'.> Installation Error! <[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Cannot drop the procedure 'dt_IsColumnDifferent', because it does not exist or you do not have permission.>   Resolution Ensure that the Andover97 account has DBO privilege to the ContinuumDB, if not run the "Change DB Owner" query to restore Andover97 as the DBO, see Unable to Initialize Continuum Database following installing no SQL instance.   The above errors relate to setting up the SQL Server Agent Jobs that are held in the MSDB part of the database. Check that Andover97 does have the user mapping to this part of the database as per the following screenshot:     Also ensure your Windows User account has the required Administrator privileges to allow full access to the SQL database and its files.

Issue MFC errors when starting or running Cyberstation or Webclient Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Windows 10 Windows Server 2012 Cause Microsoft Function Class (MFC) errors are typically caused by missing, damaged or altered files that an application is looking for and is having problems using. Resolution There can be a number of reason why MFC errors are being received. Here are a few causes related to Cyberstation startup. Check the Continuum compatibility matrix. If you are using a version of Windows Operating System that has not been qualified for a specific version (i.e. Windows XP SP2 with 1.93) then this can cause MFC errors. Viruses and Malware can also affect MFC files. Be sure to run both types of scans on Cyberstation, but this should be done after the Cyberstation or Webclient PC has been installed. If these types of products are active during an install, they can flag some of the files that would normally get installed as suspect and cause problems with the operation of Cyberstation even if it appeared that the installation was successful. Removing Continuum, rebooting, running scans and then disabling the active scans at the time of the Cyberstation install will often resolve these issues. Windows XP, Vista and Windows7 have restore points that you can sometimes go back to in order to restore to a point earlier where the MFC errors were not happening. As a last resort, you may need to reformat the hard drive on the PC, reinstall the Windows Operating System including the appropriate service packs and hotfixes and then install Cyberstation or Webclient. Links to other MFC related articles: MFC errors on Continuum startup after moving a database to another PC MFC error on Continuum startup or Continuum won't start on HP PC Running a listview is giving a MFC error

Issue How to set up extended logging. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Extended Log Cause Configuration of extended logging. Resolution Sample configuration for extended logging. This example would create enough entries for a 24 hour period. Create an Infinity Numeric Select the logs tab Number of entries (96) Type will be LogInstantaneous (Stores the current value of this point at the beginning of every interval) Interval will be 15 minutes (15 minutes in a 24 hour period is 96 which is what we set for the Number of entries) By default the Workstations are setup for 5 minute checks to the controllers to see if there are extended logs to enter into the database. For more in-depth configuration of extended logging, please review Extended Logs in the Continuum Online help system.  For performance and load balancing please see Extended Logging gaps, performance and load balancing.

Issue Downgrade SQL 2008 to SQL 2005 Restore from SQL 2008 to prior version. Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment SQL 2008 used by Building Management Software Cause Have database loaded on one machine using SQL 2008 and would like to move or change to SQL 2005 Resolution Golden Rule: A SQL 2008 database cannot be downgraded or restored to a SQL 2005 version. It is not possible to downgrade a database or a database backup. The SQL schema will not allow it.  For your current version of SQL: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server \80, \90, \100 Folders are the client tools. 80 = SQL Server 2000 90 = SQL Server 2005 100 = SQL Server 2008 How ever, it is not a rule. Since 2008 creates both 80, 90. The only way to find what versions are installed (besides regedit) is by the Sql Server Configuration manager.    For other SQL options related to I/NET, please visit SQL and version compatibility for Filemaster, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Limitations of SQL.

Issue IT departments want to install just the client software without attaching to the webclient server and want to know if there is a way to accomplish this. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment webClient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Webclient deploys activex controls using several .cab file from the C:\program files\redist folder on the webclient server. These files must be delivered to the browser PCs with admin privileges on the client PC in order for webclient and webpinpoint to work. Here is a list of the .cab files and ActiveX controls that get installed AccWebUtils.cab - AccDotNetBootstrap Control, Crypto Class (Used for  regular webclient use) WebclientPinpointSetup.cab - PPBrowserMgr Control (WebPinpoint) WebclientVideo.cab - TACVideoControl.VideoControl (Viewing Video layouts) ** The other piece that doesn't get installed are the permissions for the caspol commands that must be set for zones in order to run schedules. See webClient schedules getting error 'request for permission of type' system.security.permissions or .net control error on Webclient reports related to webclient schedules and running the caspol commands 1.94 SP1 requires that Microsoft VC++ 2005 Redistributable SP1 x86 to be installed for webpinpoint, it prompts to install when accessing a graphic the first time Resolution There is no client side webClient PC installation. The method for delivering the necessary activex controls and files are triggered by the browser PCs access to the webclient server PC and then the files are delivered to the client.  Some IT departments use Microsoft  SMS or Active directory to deploy software in a locked down environment. To deploy webclient to these types of browser PCs, they would have to logon with Admin privileges to perform the one time install of these files. The only other method if the IT group has InstallShield or WISE package creation software would be to capture the browser PC installation and use the produced .msi file for client delivery. This is informational only and has not been tested by Schneider Electric.

Issue Is there a template to help create the custom AccessFormat array? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Creating a Custom Card, Access Format array for non standard Wiegand formats Cause As there is sometimes confusion on the way that the bits are counted from 0 or 1 and how to use a Plain English program to initialize the array an easy way to lay out the data would be useful. Resolution The attached Excel spreadsheet works as a template to enter the Access Format data. Click here to download Format Template.xls. Enter your required Wiegand format bit definition in the box at the top, then this will allow you to define the numbers to go in the AccessFormat array lower left, which automatically fills in the example program on the right. Also see: Setting up a custom Wiegand format access cardfor information on setting up an AccessFormat array. Determining Custom Card formats on Deciphering Custom Card formats. What is the range of Wiegand Card numbers and Site Codes I can use on Continuum? on maximum card numbers.

Issue Effects of leap year with schedules and BMS Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET Environment I/NET Site Continuum Site Time, calendar, Gregorian Calendar Cause Leap year adjustment in calendar Resolution I/NET: I/NET will not be affected by Leap Year occurrence if DST and Time Sync is correct in the host computer. For Time Sync errors, please refer to Time Sync Error, Daylight Saving setup, please refer to Configuring Daylight Savings Time. Continuum: Continuum will not be affected by Leap Year occurrence to controllers or scheduling if the Cyberstation has the correct time. There have been no incidents in the past with regards to leap year. Leap year is no different than some months having 30 days, others having 31. More information on time sync of controllers check Time sync controllers to workstations. To sync Continuum to an external time clock read Synchronize Continuum system to external time clock.

Issue Enabling XDriver on the first generation of controllers, 9200, 9400, 9940, 9900 including the enabling of TCP/IP Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Older Continuum sites Cause Connectivity to third Party devices using the old NCI or First Generation Controllers requires an updated file. Resolution For 1st generation controllers, a .upd file is needed to turn on the bit for the Comm port. There is 1 bit per port to enable X Driver then a second bit to enable IP X Driver support required for the Modbus TCP/IP driver. The same principle applies to the generation1, 9200, 9400 controllers.   These controllers have flash memory just for things like the Serial number, model num, & X Driver settings, even though the controllers have EEPROM's for the firmware   As far as loading these drivers using hyperterminal, apart from firmware, one can load the X Driver file/ code through hyperterminal if required, but easier to do through Cyber'.   These files which enable the Xdriver for the Comm port, and TCP/IP are available by filling out the Driver Request Form, then they will be emailed directly to the customer from the factory in U.S.   X Driver list (Search for 'Third Party Driver List') and Order Forms (Search for 'xdriver order form') are located on the Exchange Download site  Difference between first and second generation controllers, visit What is the difference between 1st and 2nd Generation X Drivers. For information on Physical Ports, visit What controller ports and physical standards are supported by the Modbus X Drivers?  For Second Generation Controllers, visit How to order a controller with or upgrade a controller to have XDriver support.

Issue Cameras have learned in successfully but live video shows as black or the Video Administrator shows the preview as black. Product Line Andover Continuum, Pelco Environment Continuum Endura Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Live video is showing black because of a configuration issue. Resolution There can be a number of reasons why live video is showing as black in Continuum. Here are some steps to correct or troubleshoot this: Time between devices is not synced. Verify that the controller(InfinintySystemVariable Date), Cyberstation(DateTime Date), and the Endura system(SM) time are all synced. Video Driver or Card. To allow for Sarix cameras in 1.92 changes were made that could cause a standard VGA driver to not display video. Update the standard driver or change the video card. (Test with a different PC which uses a different card) Multicast traffic. Check that the switches on the LAN are broadcasting traffic using multicast. Run the Sherlock utility which is a free codec utility to determine the codec on the Cyberstation and send the results to Product Support. It can be found at the following web site: http://www.free-codecs.com/Sherlock_The_Codec_Detective_download.htm Ensure that the cameras were renamed from the default name in Endura (defaults to camera, but it's actually a null). Ensure that each camera has its own unique non-zero input/channel number. Both of these two items can cause the Continuum camera learn to not be successful and cause issue when trying to access video. Video.log files. Configure the video.log files per How to create a log file for troubleshooting video integration issues in Continuum. Send these files to Product Support for analysis.

Issue Where can I find datasheets, install guides and other documentation on the HID SmartID, iClass, HID Proximity and Indala Proximity cards and readers? Product Line Andover Continuum, Field Devices, TAC INET Environment Electronic Access Control cards and readers for Continuum and I/Net products. Cause Additional product information from HID may be required that is not available on Schneider Electric's own websites. Resolution Schneider Electric supply a subset of the full HID range of cards and readers and these are detailed in the Electronic Access Control Catalogue or see How to determine the part number for the card format required for part number information. For HID product information this can be directly downloaded from the HID Global website. This contains  datasheets, installation guides, application notes, feature lists, brochures and other documentation. HID also have a "Knowledge Center" website that allows you to search for product information and help: HID Knowledge Base. Information on the specific ranges can be obtained from the following links: SmartID: SmartID Cards iClass: iClass Readers iClass SE Readers iClass Cards HID Prox: HID Proximity Readers HID Proximity Cards Indala Prox: Indala Proximity Readers Indala Proximity Cards

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 1. Cyberstation PC Windows Application Event Logs showing SQL errors about being unable to allocate space for each of the event tables. Similar to the below errors. Could not allocate space for object 'dbo.AlarmEvent'.'PK_AlarmEvent' in database 'ContinuumDB' because the 'PRIMARY' filegroup is full. Create disk space by deleting unneeded files, dropping objects in the filegroup, adding additional files to the filegroup, or setting autogrowth on for existing files in the filegroup. Could not allocate space for object 'dbo.ExtendedLogReservation'.'IDX_EXTENDEDLOGRESERVATION' in database 'ContinuumDB' because the 'PRIMARY' filegroup is full. Create disk space by deleting unneeded files, dropping objects in the filegroup, adding additional files to the filegroup, or setting autogrowth on for existing files in the filegroup. 2. Controllers are online but unable to modify existing objects or create new ones. In addition; all events were not being logged to the database. This was seen by reviewing the AlarmEvent, ActivityEvent, AccessEvent, AlarmEvent, and ExtendedLog tables not having any new events being recorded at all. reviewing the distribution properties after performing tasks in Continuum showed no entries at all. Normally, user events initiated from the Workstation are shown in the distribution properties window as they occur. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation SQL Server Cause 1. One of the Database files is set to not grow with Autogrowth set to none. This stops any new data from being able to be entered into the database. One example of this is when the ContinuumDev file was modified by the end-user to inhibit its growth by changing this setting to none. Check all of the following databases files (both the DEV and LOG file) to ensure that they are all set to either autogrowth or to an adequate restricted value so that they are able to write new entries. ContinuumDB MSDB TempDB   2. The disk where the database resides does not have enough available disk space. Resolution 1. Change this database file growth setting to "by 10MB, unrestricted growth" or to an adequate restricted value. Use SQL Server Management Studio Express, see Move / Backup / Restore a database on a Single User SQL2005 Express system on where to get this if it is not already installed on your SQL Server. It is highly recommended to backup the ContinuumDB before attempting any changes to the database, steps on how to do this are in the above article. Start up SQL Server Management Studio, or in my example, Management Studio Express. Log in with your SQL SA password or windows administrator. Expand the server tree, expand the Databases tree. Right-click on ContinuumDB and select "Properties" from the menu; this will show the Database Properties window. Select the Files tab on the RH side of this window and you are now where you need to be to check the Autogrowth setting.   2. If the problem is due to disk out of space your options are; a) Make room on the disk, b) Shrink the ContinuumDB,  c) Install a larger disk in the machine.

Issue What is the process for converting a Continuum Single User system to a Continuum LAN system. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CyberStation ContinuumDB SQL Cause Site wants to upgrade from Continuum Single User system to a Continuum LAN System. Resolution PRELIMINARY WORK Order Continuum Key Upgrades from all Continuum CyberStation workstations and WebClient Servers. Coordinate with customers IT department Order all TCP/IP node addresses Coordinate the purchase and installation of all software Order all necessary domain accounts Make sure all domain accounts have sufficient permissions to support the installed systems. PREPARE THE NEW CONTINUUM DATABASE ON SQL SERVER Set up your server and install SQL Server 2005 or 2008. SQL must be configured with the proper collation sequence.  (See CyberStation SQL collation) SQL must allow Name Pipes (See After installing Continuum 1.93 LAN, failure to initialize a new database) Install CyberStation on a service Laptop or PC . Disable all virus protection software Disable all spyware software Disable all firewall software. Install Continuum CyberStation Run Database Initialization on service laptop Create new Continuum database..  NOTE: The new database should be given a name that differs from the existing database. Create the service Laptop workstation with a unique Device ID and Network ID. Launch Continuum Logon and verify that Continuum appears to be running normally. MOVE FILES FROM EXISTING SU WORKSTATION TO THE SQL 2008 SERVER Backup PinFiles on original stand alone Cyberstation and move them to New Graphics Files folder on the new database server. Backup Background image files on original stand alone Cyberstation and move them to the background image files folder under New Graphics Files on the new database server. Backup the existing database and move it to the backup folder under SQL on the new Database server. Restore backup to Continuum database in SQL on the new database server.. Shut down all the Cyberstation workstations that are attached to the old database. Change DB Owner Run query on new Continuum database Enter the text SP_ChangeDBOwner Andover97 Execute this query.   Query should return Success. Run Database initialization on the service CyberStation and update the new SQL 2008 Continuum database. Launch CyberStation on the service laptop and verify that the system is fully functional. Shut down service laptop. CONNECT EXISTING WORKSTION TO THE NEW DATABASE SERVER Startup Existing CyberStation PC Launch Database Initialization Under Server, Update the new Continuum database with the same information entered via the service laptop..  Under Workstation update the server information and apply. Launch Continuum. Configure Graphic File Location From Start Programs Continuum, run Pinpoint Under the View menu select Options. Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Graphic (Pin Files) Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Image files Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Background files Select Check and verify that no errors appear (Red X) Ideally uninstall SQL Express or MSDE or at least stop the service from running. Delete the Windows Scheduled tasks: CS_Distn, CS_Hrly, CS_ Minute as these are now performed by Jobs on the SQL server. Test all Continuum functionality. Setup a scheduled automatic db backup routine in SQL. Setup a scheduled trend log truncation routine in SQL.

Issue Installation cable requirements Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cause Need to specify a cable type for a site Resolution Installation cables have to be chosen taking in to account the local regulations and legislation, the installation environment and the electrical requirements. The Continuum specifications give the electrical requirements. For this reason actual cable types, makes or Belden numbers can not be stated, only as helpful guidance as a cable that may meet the electrical requirements only. BACNET MSTP - See What cable type should be used for BACnet MS/TP communications?. INFINET - See What cable type should be used for Continuum Infinet bus communications. CARD READER - See the manufacturers requirements for the cables, also Maximum Cable Length Between ACX and Card reader. ANALOGUE and DIGITAL INPUTS - See the relevant Continuum specification eg. I/O Modules. See Andover Continuum IO System Reference (especially note screening and grounding requirements) I/O MODULE (RS-485 & LON) - See the relevant Continuum specification eg. I/O Modules See Andover Continuum IO System Reference For ETHERNET, LON, MODBUS RTU, OTHER THIRD PARTY BUS/NETWORK - See the relevant external documents

Issue Getting DCOM errors when trying to access WebClient and need to determine which of the various permissions have not been set properly. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment WebClient IIS Cause DCOM permissions have not been set properly. Resolution Open EventViewer, go to System Events, and note the DistributedCOM error. Open the error and find the CLSID that it is referring to. In the DCOM Config, look through all of the DCOM objects and find the one with the matching CLSID. Make sure that it has the correct permissions according the WebClient installation document. If this does not resolve the problem, you can also consult WebClient most common installation problems for further troubleshooting steps.