Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue I/A Series R2 Soft JACE part numbers Environment I/A Series R2 Cause Enables a computer to function as a JACE for BACnet IP, oBIX, Modbus TCP, OPC Client and SNMP integrations. Resolution Here are the part numbers to purchase the Soft JACE. TRD-SJ-1M Soft JACE software package with installation instructions and license key (USB), 1,000,000 Java resource count limit. TRD-SJ-3M Soft JACE software package with installation instructions and license key (USB), 3,000,000 Java resource count limit. TRD-SJ-2M-U Upgrade for TRD-SJ-1M to increase Java resource count to 3,000,000 resources total. TRD-SJ-UI Web browser support for Soft JACE TRD-SJ-DB-MSDE Database Services via Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine database (MSDE).  MSDE Server is not included.   Additional drivers' part numbers can be found in the Soft JACE License Request Form. BACnet IP and oBIX are included as standard features in the license. Modbus TCP, OPC (client) and SNMP features require separate purchase(s). Contact your local Schneider Electric sales office for pricing and availability.

Issue How can you determine what standard drivers are included with the basic I/A Series G3 hardware product license? Environment I/A Series G3 (Niagara) hardware License (ENS, ENC, NXT, etc.) Cause Product data sheet is not clear in regards to what license options are included with the standard basic license for an I/A Series G3 hardware products. Resolution Refer to the TAC I/A Series G3 Hardware License Request form. In the "I/A Series G3 Drivers" section of the form there is a box that contains text beginning with "Standard drivers for the xxx include".  This box lists the complete set of standard drivers included with the license for associated hardware product. For example, at the time this is written, the ENC-520 Series TAC I/A Series G3 Hardware License Request form shows the following: This box indicates that the following drivers are included with the standard license for an ENC-520. LON BACnet-IP / BACnet-Ethernet (Client only) BACnet MS/TP oBix Client / Server The ENS-1, ENC-410 and JACE-NXT have similar lists of included drivers.  Refer to the license request form for the hardware product for the list of included drivers.

Issue What I/A Series G3 driver can be used to directly interface a McQuay MicroTech OPM with Microtech legacy controllers to the ENC-520? Environment I/A Series G3, ENC-520 Cause The existing system includes McQuay legacy products (e.g MicroTech 1 controllers) communicating to a MicroTech OPM (Open Protocol Master) panel.  The system does not support open protocols such as BACnet or LonWorks. Resolution The McQuay driver communicates to the MicroTech legacy devices through the McQuay OPM.  The driver is compatible with I/A Series G3 versions 3.4 and higher.  The part number through Schneider Electric is ENC-DRV-MCQ. Click here to download the Niagara McQuay Driver Guide.

Issue I/A Series R2 UNC-600 and UNC-610 BIOS Settings and CMOS Battery Replacement Environment I/A Series R2 UNC-600 and UNC-610 Cause NA Resolution The following publication describes the BIOS settings required when replacing the CMOS battery in the UNC-600 or UNC-610.  Be extremely cautious when replacing the battery as the battery holder can become very brittle with age. TB06-05_UNC6x0_Bios_settings_and_CMOS_Battery_Replacement.pdf

Issue What is the accuracy of the wall sensors used with the Micronet 2000 controllers?  The sensor model numbers are:  MN-S and MN-SDK. Environment Micronet 2000 Cause Required for a job submittal Resolution Click here to view Technical Bulletin 97_35 which provides sensor accuracy details.

Issue Offline generation of MNL-800 database in G3 Niagara Environment G3 Niagara Cause Offline generation of MNL-800 database in G3 Niagara Resolution G3 Niagara provides the XML tool to import XIF files to the G3 environment.  For complete steps click on the link below: How to create MNL-800 devices offline

Issue What 10K Thermistor sensors are compatible with the I/A Series R2 UNC-410 and G3 ENC-410? Environment I/A Series R2, UNC-410, I/A Series G3, ENC-410 Cause Specification information Resolution Compatible sensors include the TS-5700, TS-5711, TS-57011, TS-57031, TS-6700, TSMN-90110 Series, or any sensor that matches the resistance to temperature curve for a 10K Thermistor Type G.  The input has a range of -10 to 135 °F (-23.3 to 57.2 °C) with an accuracy of ±1% of span. Note: Network 8000 sensors (10K with the 11K shunt) are not compatible. US Sensor 10K Thermistor R-T Curve Type G

Issue Can alarms in an Enterprise Network Controller (ENC) station 'pop up' on a computer without an Enterprise Network Server? Environment I/A Series G3 Cause Alarms configured in an ENC station are normally sent to the Enterprise Network Server's Alarm Portal for alarm notification. Alarms in the ENC are required for to 'pop up' on a computer not installed with the Enterprise Network Server. Resolution The Alarm Portal can be separately installed and licensed on a computer without the Enterprise Network Server. The installation package for the standalone Alarm Portal can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center. Access the Alarm Portal installation package within The Exchange Download Center. Locate the version and download the Alarm Portal installation zip file. The part number for this standalone alarm client is ENS-ALM-CON-G3. Install the Alarm Portal to generate the hostId and request for a license using the Alarm Console License Request Form.  The Alarm Portal can also function as the Alarm client for an Enterprise Network Server station.

Issue A TS-58011-774 Platinum RTD sensor is wired to a DMS Microsmart MSC-MPC controller. What is the maximum and minimum offset value considered acceptable for the sensor to operate accurately? Can the maximum wire length exceed 200 feet? Environment DMS Microsmart controllers Cause A large offset of almost 6 degrees must be used to make the reading accurate with a handheld temperature calibration device. Resolution There is no maximum and minimum offset value.  However, the length of wire used should not exceed 200 feet.  The recommended wire type is Belden #9501 (AWG24).  If these two wiring requirements are met, then the offset value used will not be "large". Below is a link to the sensor's installation guide.  Review "Software Setup" starting on page 3 to understand how to calculate the amount of error introduced to the temperature reading by the installed wire.  Use the temperature/resistance table on page 5 to verify that the sensor is accurate then use an appropriate offset value to eliminate the error introduced by the sensor wire. If necessary, use SOCALC on page 4 to develop custom SCALE and OFSET values. F-24874 TS-58000 Series Platinum RTD Room Sensor Installation Guidelines

Issue Does an End-User License Agreement exist for legacy software?  (Example:  SIGNAL and TreeTech) Environment Legacy software (SIGNAL, TreeTech) Cause Required for submittal on GSA projects. The legacy software is used to perform database backups. Resolution The link below provides a single page agreement branded with Schneider Electric which can be used with legacy software. F-26731 - Schneider Electric Buildings Software End-User License Agreement It is also available for download from the Publication Zone (on iPortal).

Issue Basic test of communication port on the Carrier DataLink, as accessed by the Network 8000 SIM-CCN. Environment Carrier DataLink communication gateway to a bus with CCN controllers Network 8000 SIM-CCN (Systems Integration Module for Carrier Comfort Network) Terminal emulator, such as HyperTerminal Click here for the SIM-CCN Installation Instructions, F-26167-2. See Figure 6 for detail of the serial cable required. Cause In some cases it is necessary to verify that third-party equipment is functional, independent of the SIM-CCN. Resolution Unplug the serial cable from the SIM, leave the other end connected to the Carrier  DataLink. Set up HyperTerminal: 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, 9600 baud, no flow control. Type " RT 1 DPTCONFG",  expect a "?" prompt.  If a prompt is returned, the port on the DataLink is functional; if no prompt is returned, the port may not be functional. If necessary, change the baud rate used by the terminal emulator to 300, 1200, 2400, or 4800 bits per second and repeat the test step 3. If the test fails at all of the possible baud rates supported by the DataLink, the port may not be functional.

Issue I/A Series Integration to BACnet PTP protocol Environment I/A Series R2 I/A Series G3 Cause Supported I/A Series BACnet integrations are only BACnet Ethernet, BACnet IP and BACnet MS/TP protocols. There is no driver for integration to BACnet PTP devices. Resolution Schneider Electric solution: Using the TAC Xenta 913 LonWorks Gateway - The Xenta 913 is able to connect to a BACnet PTP half router. Data can be mapped to LonWorks or BACnet IP which are standard protocols in I/A Series. Knowledge of the Xenta 913 and TAC XBuilder is required to configure the Xenta 913. Third party solution: Use a 3rd party BACnet PTP to BACnet IP, BACnet Ethernet or LonWorks gateway. A company which has the gateways for this is Field Server Technologies. See there BACnet FieldServer Drivers here.

Issue Network administrator needs a document explaining the impact of GCM NIM communications on his Ethernet network. Environment GCM-86xxx with GCM-ETH-001 network interface Cause Customer wants to know impact of adding GCMs to his Ethernet network. Resolution GCM NIM configuration information and general Ethernet networking information is in the "NIM Networking and Configuration Guide", F-25955-4.  This document is available via the Publication Zone on iPortal. Bulletin 96-42, provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the GCM NIM communications. NOTE: This information is based on the use of firmware version 11.2T in the GCM-NIM-001 interface.

Issue My computer has USB ports, but it does not have serial or com ports. Can I use USB ports? Environment For I/NET, Host computer that either Direct Connects (cable 072) or you need to connect to a controller such as a 7798C (cable 082) Continuum, Vista, Sigma, I/A Series, Pelco, DVR, DS, Com Port, Com, PTZ Control, Serial Port, Comm, Comm Port Cause USB to Com has issues downloading or communicating with system. Resolution The generic drivers which came with your USB to Com adapter do not allow two-way communication.  Prolific driver often helps resolve this issue. Download driver HERE or for the latest driver use link below: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx    you will need to logon as GUEST  

Issue A UNC was upgraded from version 431 to 5xx and polled GCM objects update more slowly.  What settings can be reviewed to ensure they are set at recommended values? Environment Niagara R2 UNC-520 (all revisions) Cause The older revision of the UNC and the age of the installation could play a role in the station settings, for the GCMCommService, not being set at recommended values. Resolution Appendix B of the Niagara Network 8000 Serial Driver Engineering Guide (F-27070) reviews the recommended settings of the GCMCommService.  Below is Figure 48 illustrating the General - Config tab of the GCMCommService properties with the required changes from Technical Bulletin 03_03:     Below is Figure 52 illustrating the Poll - Config tab of the GCM object.  Use a cycleTime of 0 ms to synchronize the GCM's Poll Cycle with that of the GCMCommService.  It is best to use the same cycleTimes for both the GCMCommService and the GCM object itself.

Issue Documentation on the MSC-P-1500 Series Microsmart controller. Environment Microsmart controller MSC-P-1500 Cause Obsolete controller Resolution Click here to view the installation instructions on the MSC-P1500.

Issue What is the part number for the battery in a Network 8000 GCM? Environment Network 8000 GCM-84000 series, GCM-86000 series, LNC-100, SIM-CCN, SIM-MTECH, SIM-TRANE, and SIM-YORK. Network 8000 LCMs. Cause Need to replace a discharged  battery in a GCM or an LCM. Resolution The part number for the replacement battery is E17-129. NOTE:  The E17-131 is a functional replacement for the E17-129 which is now obsolete.  The E17-131 can be found on iPortal   For a GCM-86000 series, LNC-100, SIM-CCN, SIM-MTECH, SIM-TRANE, and SIM-YORK, replace the battery according to F-25895, GCM-861X0 Series Global Control Module Installation Instructions, "Battery", "To Enable Battery", "To Replace Battery", and "Checkout" sections. For a GCM-84000 series or an LCM, replace the battery according to F-23116, "LCM / GCM Battery Installation Instructions".

Issue A DMS installation has nine controllers communicating properly.  However, only eight of them are listed as Microsmart controllers.  The ninth is identified in OPRIF as a "SAI" controller.  The DMS points for the SAI controller are updating with no issues.  How can its database be saved? Environment DMS (all revisions) Cause n/a Resolution The SAI controller was one of the first generation controllers developed for use with the DMS product line. It is referred to as a Slave AI Module. The old part number is N604-003 which may appear on a sticker somewhere on the controller itself. It takes six analog inputs. These controllers were installed with revision 8 firmware. On the printed circuit board, there will be an IC labeled with 8.x. The key to this controller is that it is NOT smart. It does not take a database. The Analog Input points MUST be created in the DMS. That's why it shows up as one of nine controllers but does not show up as a Microsmart controller.  There's no need to back up its database since it doesn't take one. Click here to view a figure of the Slave AI (SAI) Module.  

Issue Documentation on the MSC-V-400 Microsmart controller. Environment Microsmart controller MSC-V-400 Cause n/a Resolution Click here to view a datasheet on the MSC-V-400.

Issue Is the I/A Series R2 software compatible with a specific version of Windows? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software Windows 32-bit operating system Cause Only specific releases of the I/A Series R2 software have been certified compliant with specific versions of the Microsoft Windows software.  Resolution The following chart details the version compatibility between the releases of the I/A Series R2 software and the various 32-bit versions of the Microsoft Windows Operating System software.  NOTE: I/A Series R2 software cannot be installed directly in any 64-bit version of the Microsoft Windows Operating System. Virtual platforms such as VMware Server 2 or Microsoft Virtual Server 2008 are not supported in R2.   R2 522 R2 527 R2 529 R2 532 R2 535 R2Tunnel Clients TunnelAX Clients  VAS 2.50 VAS 3.92                     Windows XP Professional (SP3) (32-bit) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Windows XP Professional (SP3) (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N                     Windows Vista Business / Enterprise / Ultimate  (SP2) (32-bit) N Y Y Y Y Y N N N Windows Vista Business / Enterprise / Ultimate  (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N                     Windows Server 2003 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (32-bit) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Windows Server 2003 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (32-bit) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N                     Windows Server 2008 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (32-bit) N N N N N N N N N Windows Server 2008 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (32-bit) N N N N N N N N N Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard  / Enterprise (SP2) (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N                      Windows Server 2012 (All Versions 32-bit & 64-bit) N N N N N N N N N  Windows Server 2012 R2 (All Versions 32-bit & 64-bit) N N N N N N N N N                     Windows 7 Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate (32-bit) N N Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Windows 7 Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate (32-bit) (XP-Mode) N N Y* Y* Y* Y* Y N N Windows 7 Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate (64-bit) N N N N N N N N N Windows 7 Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate (64-bit) (XP-Mode) N N Y* Y* Y* Y* N N N                     VMWare Server (all versions) N N N N N N N N N Microsoft Virtual Server (all versions) N N N N N N N N N                     Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Y Y Y Y Y         Microsoft SQL Server 2005 N Y Y Y Y         Microsoft SQL Server 2008 N N N N N         Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 N N N N N         * Refer to PA-00163 for Windows 7 Support Info. NOTE: When selecting a computer on which to install the I/A Series R2 software, select one that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware for the selected operating system. For the larger Schneider Electric BMS offering please refer to Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of I/NET, Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell Sigma, I/A Series, and StruxureWare Building Operation