Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue With the same time interval as the trend log, the traffic on the LonWorks network increases for a short period. This can be seen by a spike in the LPA log when viewing the bandwidth. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Lonworks Cause The LonWorks traffic increases with the same time interval as the trend log. Resolution To ensure we could log values in the trend log from a LonWorks device, a subscription is set up about 30 seconds before the value should be logged. After the value is logged, the subscription is removed until the next log interval. A good solution to flatten a spike caused by this issue is to stagger the times of the LonWorks trend logs. This will ensure the subscription for all the logs do not happen at the same time.

Issue When comparing values of Modbus registers within WorkStation and Modscan the values do not match. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server. Building Operation Automation Server. Cause The third-party Modbus device does not support single register requests. Modscan was set to poll 10 registers as a group poll and giving the correct responses. The Modbus request in the Enterprise Server or Automation Server was polling individual register one at a time. This resulted in incorrect responses from the third party device Resolution Add a Modbus register group to the Server then add the Modbus points to this group. This will cause the Server to poll multiple registers in 1 request and get the correct response from the third party Modbus device.   For more information on Modbus grouping refer to the EBO Webhelp Modbus Register Groups topic

Issue How to read individual bits from a Modbus Holding Register that holds a 16-Bit Word and represent each Bit as a separate Digital point Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P, AS-B) Modbus TCP/IP Modbus RTU (RS485) Cause There is a requirement for a Modbus Holding Register that is a 16-bit unsigned value, each bit represents a digital state in the Modbus device and to replicate this as 16 separate digital states in EBO. The 16-bit unsigned value is an integer with a range of 0 to 65,535 and needs to be converted into 16 digital values. Resolution Use a Modbus Digital Input point for each bit required. Each object will be configured to read the same Modbus register address, but with a different bitmask value applied prior to evaluating the value. For example: Read Modbus Holding Register 40123 with a value of 32769 (16-bit unsigned) and decode bits 0, 8, and 15 as three separate Digital points Since the actual Value of 32769 being read at address 40123 is shown in Binary as 1000000000000001 it can be seen that Bit 0 and Bit 15 should return TRUE while Bit 8 should return FALSE Configure each point as follows: Modbus Digital Input Point 40123 bit 0 Register number 123 Register type 16 bit unsigned Read function code 03 Bit mask - enable only Bit 0   Modbus Digital Input Point 40123 bit 8 Register number 123 Register type 16 bit unsigned Read function code 03 Bit mask - enable only Bit 8   Modbus Digital Input Point 40123 bit 15 Register number 123 Register type 16 bit unsigned Read function code 03 Bit mask - enable only Bit 15   Additional information can be found in the EcoStruxure Building Operation - Technical Reference Guide - Search for Bitmask.   If you need to break this bit information out for programming this can be done with a FB application and just binding the full 16 bits to the FB as shown here.

Issue When looking in the EcoStruxure Building Operation Architectural Guidelines for the maximum number of Xenta and LonWorks devices per server, is a TAC Xenta I/O module placed under a TAC Xenta 300/400 counted as a LonWorks device? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause The SmartX Server or Enterprise Server doesn't know that the TAC Xenta I/O module exists if it is placed under a TAC Xenta 300/400. The SmartX Server or Enterprise Server only communicates with the TAC Xenta 300/400 and not the TAC Xenta I/O modules under it. Resolution The TAC Xenta I/O module does not count as a LonWorks device in the EcoStruxure Building Operation Architectural Guidelines if placed under a TAC Xenta 300/400. This also means a TAC Xenta I/O placed under a TAC Xenta 300/400 does not count as a  Hosted Node or Connected Product.

Issue Need to configure SMTP settings to use a Google SMTP server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause There is no SMTP settings configured by default Resolution Note: As of May 30, 2022 please also consult Less secure apps & your Google Account 

Issue How to decrease the amount of LonWorks network traffic by using throttling. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Cause EBO servers could generate a lot of communication on the LonWorks Network. Throttling could be activated to decrease the amount of traffic. Resolution To decrease the amount of LonWorks Network traffic, it is possible to activate Basic Bandwidth Throttling. The setting is found under the Advanced tab for the properties for the Lonworks Local FT-10 Interface.   Picture showing default settings.   This video will show how to activate Basic Bandwidth Throttling and what impact this could have on the amount of LonWorks Network traffic.   At the end of this session you will be able to: Set up Basic Bandwith Throttling for the LonWorks network  

Issue Checking if a port is open Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution It is possible to check if a port is open in a network by issuing the Telnet command. Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet. If a port is open, a blank screen will be seen after issuing the command: telnet [domainname or ip] [port] where [domainname or ip] is the domain name or IP address of the server being checked [port] is the port number the server application is listening on For example: telnet 192.168.0.20 9001 (to a closed port would display a connect failed message)   telnet 192.168.0.20 9003 (to an open port would display a blank screen)   To exit the Telnet session, type Ctrl + ] and then type "quit".   For how to enable Telnet in Windows 7 please see Enable Telnet Client on a Windows 7 PC

Issue Need to know the maximum length of a DNS name for an EcoStruxure Building Operation server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Enterprise Server EcoStruxure Building Operation Automation Server Domain Name System (DNS) Cause Configure DNS names for EcoStruxure Building Operation servers and need to understand if there are any limitations Resolution Domain names (including the names of domains, hosted zones, and records) consist of a series of labels separated by dots. Each label can be up to 63 bytes long.  The total length of a domain name cannot exceed 255 bytes, including the dots. Please see the Address section of EcoStruxure BMS Server Communication for additional information. 

Issue Delete Lonworks Device Templates Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server LonWorks devices Cause Some templates are preloaded with the software; if the particular device does not have a supplied template, you can upload an XIF file. This is done by selecting File/LonWorks import/Device Template and then importing the XIF from the manufacturer. An unused Device Template causes no harm to the system; however, there may be a desire to remove a Device Template. Resolution EBO 3.x and later Device Templates can be added and deleted in all device types using the Resource Manager - Device Templates tab SBO 1.x and  EBO 2.x Device Templates cannot be directly deleted from Building Operation WorkStation, however, they can manually be deleted from the  Enterprise Server file system. When a device template is imported, you should understand if the template should be located in the Enterprise Server or an Automation Server.   If the device template is located in an Automation Server, it can only be removed by upgrading the Automation Server using the Device Administrator (you can stay with the current release). If the device template is located in an Enterprise Server, it can be removed using the following process. Locate the template path in the Building Operation database (e.g., C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.3\Enterprise Server\db\UDT\public\public\lon\devicetemplates) Note: in newer releases, the path has changed slightly, e.g., For V1.8.1: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.8\Enterprise Server\db\UDT\pu\public\lon2\devicetemplates   Delete the two template files named Pidxxxxx, where xxxxx are the numbers or letters in parenthesis behind the device template's name visible in WorkStation. After deleting the templates, you may need to restart the Enterprise Server.

Issue Unable to log into Workstation because the user password is unknown. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P, or AS-B) Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause The password for an Automation server or Enterprise server/Central has been forgotten. Resolution IMPORTANT: The session ID is unique for this session of WorkStation. You cannot close WorkStation until the password has been reset. If you close WorkStation, before the password has been reset, a new session ID is generated that cannot be used with the temporary password provided by your local Schneider Electric Buildings support team.       The following are the steps to populate the session ID, which is required for doing the password reset.   For servers with EBO older than V3.1.X In the WorkStation logon page, while holding the shift key, left-click the area near the EcoStruxure Building Operations Icon.   This will populate the Session ID. Copy the Session ID.   For servers with EBO V3.1.X:   In Device Administrator, select the server you need to perform the reset to. Check the box and click the hyperlink   From the top bar select Password Reset Select OK when you get the “Password reset token created” pop-up Now, on the WorkStation logon page, while holding the shift key, left-click the area near the EcoStruxure Building Operations Icon. This will populate the Session ID. Click the Copy button.    For servers with EBO V3.2.X and higher In Device Administrator, select the server you need to perform the reset to From the top bar, select the “Edit Connection Password/Reset password” and press OK Now, on the WorkStation logon page, while holding the shift key, left-click the area near the EcoStruxure Building Operations Icon. This will populate the Session ID. Click the Copy button.   NOTE (for servers with EBO V3.1.X and higher)  For the Automation Server password reset, ensure that the Automation Server is connected to your PC machine via a USB cable. For the Enterprise server and Enterprise Central password reset, add the server to the Device Administrator using the “Add Server” button on the top bar. Please note even if you enter the wrong password, the Server would still be added to the Device Administrator.     After having the Session ID:   Send the Session ID to your local Schneider Electric Buildings support team Once PSS provides you with the unlock key In WorkStation, ensure that the Session ID is still visible, enter: User Name: admin Password: paste the result from the webpage Domain: Local and click Log On This will pop-up the Change-Password form Fill in the “old password” field with the unlock Key Put in a new password you want to use and then enter the new password in again. Click OK   NOTE:  When attempting to reset the password and unlock with the sessionid/temp password, you receive the error: "Your account has insufficient permission to use the system. Contact your administrator. "  Open a case with your local Product Support group and submit a request to unlock the user.   NOTE: WebHelp article 6749   The following video shows the password reset procedure for EBO older than V3.1.X. It covers most of the important steps for newer versions. Quick-Help video    

Issue Analog Producer value located in an RP-C controller cannot command light object(BACnet type: crs-lighting-output) or blind object(BACnet type: crs-blind-output) located in another RP-C's CRS expansion module. Analog Producer Value, Status flags: Fault and Reliability: communication-failure.     Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 24 V Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 230 V Cause Light and Blind objects support only two priorities (1 - Force, 2 - Normal). An error will be returned by the RP if the Priority in the Write request from the Producer Value is outside this range, ex. Priority 16. Resolution In the Analog Producer Value, set the default priority for writing to 2 (normal) or 1 (Force), as shown in below screenshot:  

Issue External resistors are required for Biasing and Terminating RS-485 trunks connected to an Automation Server (AS) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Automation Server (AS) with  RS-485 trunk(s) under it. Field controllers on the RS-485 trunk; for example, the Network 8000 ASD controllers (MZ2, PEM1, etc)  Cause Bias and terminating resistors are not built into the AS hardware. Resolution External resistors are required for Biasing and Terminating RS-485 trunks connected to an  Automation Server (AS). See the Technical Reference Guide, revision 1.3, pages 2723, 2724, and 2771. Also check out the SmartStruxure-RS485-Network Installation Quick-Help video on the Exchange. Biasing and Termination details are now found in the "RS-485 Communications" chapter of SpaceLogic - Hardware Reference Guide

Issue The extended trend log contains approximately 50% of the configured storage capacity. For example, only 250 entries are in the Trend log view even though the ETL is configured for 500 entries.   After the ETL runs long enough to fill up the 500 entry capacity, ONLY 250 entries are shown in a Trend log list view. (see below)   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause An extended trend log (ETL) includes an equal number of internal entries hidden from view; these entries are overhead incurred in the operation of the ETL. For example, each time a transfer takes place, an internal entry is added. Depending on the specifics of the configuration (i.e., Maximum Transfer Interval), the percentage of internal entries for a given ETL relative to its full size varies. From EBO 3.2.3, the internal entries of an ETL are hidden, and no information is provided to give any visibility into how much storage is being used by internal entries. Resolution The solution is to increase the size of the ETL to ensure there is enough storage capacity for data and overhead. Typically, the size must be doubled (in this case, 1000) in the particular ETL to make sure 500 entries of data can be stored.  Although these transfer events are hidden, it is possible to identify these events by adding the Sequence number column in the trend log list.  It is also possible to decrease the overhead amount stored in the ETL by increasing the "Maximum transfer interval" in the ETL properties, as shown in the screenshots.  Here it can be seen that by increasing the Maximum transfer interval to 1 hour for an interval log of 5 minutes that ONLY 1 'overhead' record (sequence # 565) is added per 10 entries.   Using this or a similar setting will allow to reduce the storage requirement of the ETL.

Issue When a Zigbee device is imported to EBO there is a lot of different configuration settings for the device, like the below settings for the Wiser Radiator Thermostat: How do I know what the different settings do? Do we have any documentation explaining that?  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) Cause The different objects under the Zigbee device like "Thermostat" and "Power Configuration" is coming from something called clusters and a cluster is defined in the "Zigbee Cluster Library Specification". For example the "Remote sensing" attribute for the "Thermostat"   Look like this in the "Zigbee Cluster Library Specification" When joining a Zigbee device it will specify what cluster it support and that information is what will be used when building the import file which is imported to EBO. Resolution EBO doesn't know anything about the functionality of the Zigbee device. Instead it gets information from the device what clusters it supports, and will make sure the correct objects and attributes for the different clusters are created in EBO so it is possible to set all configuration parameters in the device. So to know what the different settings actually do in the device please contact the manufacturer of the device.

Issue RP-C-16B-230V Transformer 24Vac output Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartLogic SmartX IP Controller RPC-16B-230V Cause More details about the internal transformer power supply required. Resolution The voltage regulation of the transformer is around 15%, thus if the "230Vac supply" is towards it's upper tolerance (230Vac +10%, 253Vac) the no load voltage of the "24Vac output" can be about 30Vac. If the RPC power supply is 230Vac, then the no load voltage of the 24Vac output will be around 28Vac With the 224Vac output" half loaded, the voltage is around 26.5Vac With the "24Vac output" fully loaded the voltage is around 24Vac See SpaceLogic - Hardware Reference Guide

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 for assistance. Issue Need to backup or share the project with another user. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT)  Cause One way of sharing a project is to move it and another way is to Export the project. Resolution Move the project Stop all servers in each project and stop all projects. Close PCT application. Copy the “projects” folder from the PCT storage location and paste it to another storage location (suggested by WebHelp topic Move a Project) OR backup all servers through Workstation. Default PCT Project Folder Locations Versions prior to PCT 1.2 C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\storagemodule\projects PCT 1.2 or higher C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\storagemodule\projects Default PCT Template Folder Locations Versions prior to PCT 1.2 C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\templates PCT 1.2 or higher C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\templates   Export the project In Project Configuration Tool, in the Project view, select the project you want to export. On the Header toolbar, click the Export project button or right-click on the project and select "Export". On the Export selected project(s) dialog box, in the Folder box, browse to the folder on your hard drive where you want to save the exported project. Click OK. TIP: You can select multiple projects and export all of them at once. Note: In order to be more future proof, there is a new export/import format of PCT projects starting in PCT v1.3.2 with exports having an extension of '.pct_export'.  Projects exported at an earlier version have an extension of '.ppb' and they must be converted to '.pct_export' files before import into PCT v1.3.2.    Please refer to point 2.1 in the release notes.   Also prior to PCT v1.3.2 the project had to be stopped before export was possible.  In PCT v1.3.2 the project has to be running before it can be exported.    

Issue System was running fine with EBO version 3.2.3 and Active Directory (AD) integration. But after upgrading to EBO version 2022 no AD user could login to the ES. The Workstation Error when trying to login is: User_Not_Associated_With_A_Group And the error message seen in the ES trace log is: WinES\server\nsp_servers\csc\accountaccess\source\AccountAccess.cpp(486) Workstation Error: User_Not_Associated_With_A_Group (0xc002a) in module Account_Access(28).  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause The Windows AD integration performance in EBO was improved in version 2022 by storing and comparing the SID for the AD-groups. During the upgrade from version 3.2.3 to EBO 2022 all EBO groups should have been updated with an AD-connected group SID. This was not done as the AD server was offline when doing the upgrade of the ES. Resolution If turning on the below property in the properties the old way used in EBO version 3.2.3 of matching groups during logon will be used: In the "ES.properties" file usually placed in C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation 4.0\Enterprise Server\etc\config add and save: NspServer.Windows.Group.MatchByName = true   To utilize the AD performance improvement in EBO 2022 re-connect the AD group to their respective EBO group. This is done by changing the "Windows group name" property in the EBO group to anything else or an empty string and then change it back to its proper value, i.e. the AD group name. Doing so should correctly populate the hidden "External SID" property for the EBO groups that is missing as the upgrade was done with no connection to the AD server.  

Issue As per RFC 4510 The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet protocol for accessing distributed directory services that act in accordance with X.500 data and service models. Do EBO servers support LDAP protocol? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Cause Need to know if EBO supports LDAP protocol. Resolution EBO doesn't support LDAP protocol. EcoStruxure Windows based BMS servers (Enterprise Server/ Enterprise Central) support integerationto Windows Active directory. The Active Directory integration is not using LDAP directly, but the NetLogon service on the Windows OS that ES/EC is running on.  This connection enables inherited user account groups from the Windows Active Directory to EcoStruxure Building Operation software, and allows users to log on to WorkStation with their Windows user accounts. Refer to: Windows Active Directory User Groups and Integrating Windows Active Directory user accounts with EcoStruxure - Communities For EBO 2022 or higher, Authentication using SAML 2.0 is also supported (Edge Server, AS-P, AS-B, ES and EC) . This enables configuring WebStation to use single sign on (SSO) using Federated Authentication, refer to: Federated Authentication. SAML Authentication feature requires license.

Issue SLP Sensor Modbus RTU issue when used with RPC or AS Communication errors are seen during normal Values are updated very slowly, can take up to two minutes to populate/update the 15 objects within the SLP.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Modbus RTU RPC Modbus Automation Server + Premium  SLP SpaceLogic Sensors LSA_APP_REV2.03.19 and REV2.05.21 Cause Once the Modbus communication is set up between RPC (or AS) and the SLP,  although the values updates fairly regularly, multiple communication errors are also seen The SLP read speed needs to regulated to prevent overwhelming it The SLP Modbus transmission voltage is less than the AS Resolution Use with RP-C SLP struggles to respond to every request from the RP-C, changing the baud rate to 9600/19200 and increasing the "Silence characters" in the interface to 255 (maximum possible) should stabilize the communications.  The character spacing cannot be adjusted enough in the RP-C to allow communication at 38400 or 76800 Use with AS/AS-P  Adjust the “Poll point delay” in the Modbus Interface to 80ms The Silence characters and Transmit guard bits may also need to be increased Baud rate up to 38400 has been tested.  

Issue Can Enterprise Servers inherit licenses from a parent Enterprise Central? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Cause Need to know if Enterprise Central Licenses can be inherited by an Enterprise Server, and then, in turn by Automation Servers. Resolution An Enterprise Server cannot inherit its licenses from a parent Enterprise Central. Licenses can only be inherited from an Enterprise Server by the attached automation servers. Refer to WebHelp article Inherited Licenses and Knowledge Base article SmartX Server License Inheritance in EBO 3.x.