Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue On an InVue client computer, alarms are not being received. When opening Windows 2000 DDE shares and selecting Shares/DDE Shares, an error pop-up window appears: Environment Wonderware for Intelligent Buildings (WIBS) 1.1 Windows 2000 Cause NetDDE service is not running. Resolution Access the Services in Windows 2000 and start the NetDDE Service.  Modify its properties so that it runs automatically on bootup of Windows.

Issue When using the User Entry option in a Graphic to enter a value, the decimal place in the number is dropped. Entering a 1.5 in the Graphic User Entry results in 15 showing up in the linked object, entering 0.5 results in 5. Fig.1 - Configuring User Entry   Fig.2 - Inputting value in User Entry "calculator"  Environment Continuum Cyberstation Windows Regional Settings Cause The decimal symbol in Regional Settings was set to a comma (,) instead of a period (.). The Region and Language Format was set to French (Canada) which by default uses a comma as the decimal symbol. When using the User Entry "calculator" to enter a decimal number the correct decimal symbol needs to be used. Using a period when it is set to a comma in regional settings results in the symbol not being typed at all. Resolution Check the Region and Language settings to see what the Decimal symbol is set to and use that symbol in the User Entry in a Graphic or change this to the symbol you want to use. French Format Setting with Comma Decimal Symbol   English Format Setting with Period Decimal Symbol

Issue Getting I/A Series G3 javax.baja.xml.XException error when attempting to configure proxy extension conversion as Generic Tabular. Environment I/A Series G3, ENC, JACE Cause The conversion selection Generic Tabular provides a way for a VoltageInputPoint or ResistiveInputPoint to support a non-linear responding signal on a universal input (using point Facets other than temperature).  Generic Tabular uses a "lookup table" method similar to the "Thermistor Tabular" conversion, but without predefined output units.  Selection provides a popup Tabular Conversion Dialog in which you can enter a custom source-to-result" non-linear curve, including the ability to import and export response curves.  Use of Generic Tabular requires the kitIo module to be installed. Resolution Use the Platform Software Manager to install the kitIo module into the target ENC or JACE.

Issue Changing alarm priority level in Workstation or Menta does not work even after a download. Environment Xenta 280/300/401 controllers under Xenta Servers Vista Version before 5.1.8 (5.1.8 is included) Cause This issue only happens if having a free programmable controller (Xenta 280/300/401) under a Xenta Server (Xenta 5/7/913). When updating the priority level information in Menta or Workstation, Xenta Server does not get updated which caused the old alarm information appears when the alarm is activated.  Resolution This issue will be solved in the future release of TAC Vista. Currently, the work around is: Method 1: Right click on the free programmable controller which contains the alarm object that needs to be changed, then choose “Edit” to open Menta editor. Double clicking on the alarm block that needs to be changed. Change the priority level to a desired value. Change the alarm object block name to a different name. -->force Xenta Server to notice a change in the Menta. Save the Menta file and do a “commission and download” of the related controller in Workstation. Right click on the corresponding Xenta Server and do a download in Xbuilder. Method 2: Right click on the corresponding Xenta Server and select “Edit” to open Xbuilder. Find the alarm object under Lonworks Network in the Network panel and select it. In the Property panel, change the priority level to the desired value. NOTE: Though Method 2 may be a faster way to change the priority level, it will cause Xbuilder object does not match the Menta file which is not recommended.

Issue Creating Folder Structure to Organize Reports Environment SmartStruxure StruxureWare for Building Operation Report Server Cause A large number of reports may result in difficulty navigating the report tree.  The following processes allow you to sort the various created reports. Resolution Creating folders to store the saved reports.  Log into the SQL Report manager from the reports Server using the URL http://localhost/Reports   or  http://localhost/Reports_SQLEXPRESS     Open the folder you wish to add new folders to.  For this example I will use the Production reports folder.   Click "New Folder" Name the Folder and click OK NOTE: In order for the Folder to show up in the reports Server, it will have to have at least one object inside of it. You can move any report to the new folder by clicking on the drop down beside it and selecting "Move". Updating the StruxureWare reports Server to display the new folders  Connect to the StruxureWare Web Reports interface, using an account that is part of the Reports Administrators group. Click on Report Packs. At the bottom of the Screen click "Synchronize" This must be done to apply any changes made in the SQL Report Server Web interface to the StruxureWare Reports Server Saving a Reports parameters for quicker access.  You may wish to save a report to quickly run last months Trend Data. This type of saved report is referred to as a "Dashboard Report" Run the report you wish to save, using the desired parameters Above the report, click Save As In the Report name Field, type the Folder name and report name that you wish to use. NOTE you are limited to 30 characters for the report name. Be sure to check the "Dashboard report" option. Without this option checked you will be making a duplicate of the original report. The Dashboard Report option saves the parameters you have selected. Click "Save as"

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 Some objects are protected by default in Vista requiring that changes be made to the authorities of the object in order for it to be deleted. Protected database objects will be in gray text whereas unprotected objects are in black. Additionally, the Delete option when right-clicking a protected database object will be grayed out. Text on protected database objects is gray   Text on objects that are not protected are black Environment Vista Workstation Cause Even though administrators have full control to read or write any database objects, some objects are protected so that they are not accidentally deleted. An administrator must remove the protection before deleting the object. Resolution Ensure that you are logged into Vista as an administrator then perform the following steps to delete a protected database object: Right click the protected database object and select Authority. In the Authority dialog box check Change access level on subunits and Change access level on existing objects. The two check boxes for Require signature on database object change and Protected database object at the top of the dialog box will likely change from check marks to dark boxes. Click on these boxes until they are empty.   Click OK.   Refresh the window by pressing F5 or clicking the refresh button. The database object should now have black instead of gray text and can now be deleted.

Issue Is it possible for 3rd party software to access Vista's SQL log database (taclogdata)? Environment Vista 5.1.x SQL 2005/2008  Cause There are many sites where the customer wishes to collect information from different systems and present them in a standard format such as excel or a custom application. By accessing the raw log data from Vista this can be presented in a format the customer is familiar with. Resolution Assuming that Vista and SQL are installed and running, start by downloading the appropriate version of SQL Management Studio i.e. if you have Vista 5.1.8 with a standard installation of SQL 2008R2 Express then search for "SQL 2008 R2 Express management studio" to come to a download link. Once downloaded and installed:  -Start Management Studio and connect to the instance of SQL being used (default is localhost\TACVISTA) -Go to the security folder in the Object explorer and expand it. -Right-click on "Logins" and select "New Login". -Fill in the details as desired ie name, password and SQL authentication. -Under User Mapping settings select the taclogdata database and grant at least db_datareader rights. -Click on OK. This user name and password can then be used by third party applications to query the SQL database.  

Issue Energy Reports not working in 1.3 and earlier Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Web Reports StruxureWare Reports Server Cause For 1.3 and earlier, in order for a log to be tracked as an energy report it must have a units type that indicates it is a metered signal. Resolution For any logs that do not have Units set.  Add one of the possible Unit types shown below. You should not change units on a log that is already running.  If you have entered the wrong type of units you will need to delete and re-create the logs. If this is not possible.  Use the following directions: In the System tree pane, browse to System>Report manager View the metering log filter property to see all unit types that will be interpreted as Energy logs.  The energy objects must all reside within a single Energy folder. In the event that you have already set unit on a log, you should be able to add the unit to the list in this field.  Note:  It is not necessary to include the prefix / suffix of the same unit.  That is if you are using MWh or kWh then this is covered by the unit Wh in the Meter log filter.  You must make sure that the units are defined in the monitor point (object), trend log and associated extended trend log for the values to be shown in the Energy Reports.

Issue Need to filter on access event type such as Invalid Attempt Environment CyberStation Cause Documentation Resolution 1. Create a List View of AccessEvent or edit an existing one. 2. Go to the 'Qualifiers' tab 3. Configure a qualifier as per the screen shot below 4. Save the list view When the list view runs it will display a list of access events, select the one you wish to filter on

Issue When you start Vista workstation that is receiving an license to run from another PC the path to this PC is lost each time Vista workstation is shut down. Environment Window 7 Server 2008 Cause The User Account Control Setting is set too high preventing the license path being saved. Resolution Drop the user account control setting level down to allow the license server path to be saved. From the Windows Start menu option type "User Account Control settings" in the "Search programs and files" Then decrease the security level.

Issue What type of Viconics sensor is a SE7600H5045E?  It maps to another model number of VT7600H1018E (which is on the label affixed to the packaging). Environment Viconics controllers Cause Documentation not readily available Resolution Below is a 'Product Matrix Selector' for the SE7600 Series Staging and Heat Pump Controllers.  It was obtained from the installation guide.

Issue How to reset a CSC 5 series controller Environment CSC5352 CSC5252 Cause The CSC controller has become non operational and has frozen. How to reset a CSC 5 series controller? Resolution This procedure will clear any settings and return values to defaults. Switch OFF the power. Press and hold down the ENTER key, turn the power ON. The controller will display "reset" followed by the firmware no. The controller will now display "dflts". Release the ENTER key. The controller will display "reset" again, followed by the firmware no. The controller will now go into Review mode. Re-enter the site parameters.

Issue Software Administrator shows red outline (box) on the Communication Ports (HTTP / HTTPS) Enterprise Server service is not starting - log displays ..The server has made to many unsuccessful attempts to start... Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause The Enterprise Server service will not start if the ports assigned during installation are already in use by another software package. Resolution To rectify this the port numbers in the Software Administrator need to be changed from their current value. Open the Building Operation Software Administrator Under the Communication Ports change any port that is highlighted or surrounded by a red box After making these changes select the Apply button Attempt to start the service.

Issue Minimum display is 1024x768 which is too small for proper screen size Environment SmartStruxure up to release 1.3 Cause Release notes for 1.3 in 9.2.1 state the Minimum display is 1024x768 which is too small for proper screen size. In the screen capture below, a simple schedule is created, and then a New Schedule Event is selected which opens the window. the window is larger than the screen size, missing the top and bottom. Resolution Adjust the screen resolution to a larger size which is suitable. Size is dependent on hardware specifications.

Issue I/NET Controller in StruxureWare Building Operation has a blue circle with a white down arrow on top of it. Environment I/NET Integration StruxureWare Building Operation Cause Any change to the I/NET controller will result in this indication requesting an upload. Changing a configuration in a time schedule or updating a calc extension on a point are two examples of what might cause this. Please note that the Upload DOES NOT complete the same action as a Station Save in I/NET. Upload will sync the StruxureWare Database with the I/NET database. To perform a station save from StruxureWare, right click on the Controller and select "backup". Resolution Expand the I/NET Interface network object Right click on the offending controller Select Upload Wait a few seconds. A refresh of the System Tree may be required.

Issue Types of TAC Erie Pop Top valves and actuators available from Schneider Electric in the UK  Product Line Field Devices Environment Pop Top Valves Pop Top Actuators Cause Actuator Part no's available in the UK Valve Part No's and connection types available in the UK ZY valve and actuator replacement Resolution   Actuators AH13U230 - High Close Off - Spring Closed 230Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead AH13U23A - High Close Off - Spring Closed - 230Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead + Aux Switch AG13A230 - Spring Closed - 24Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead AG13A23A - Spring Closed - 24Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead + Aux Switch AG13U230 - Spring Closed - 230Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead AG13U23A - Spring Closed - 230Vac Actuator c/w 36" Lead + Aux Switch AG23U230 - Spring Open - 230Vac c/w 36" Lead AG23U23A - Spring Open - 230Vac c/w 36" Lead + Aux Switch AG23A230 - Spring Open - 24Vac c/w 36" Lead AG23A23A - Spring Open - 24Vac c/w 36" Lead + Aux Switch Valves (Note:NPT is American connection) VT2222 - 2way - 1/2" NPT 2.5Cv VT2223 - 2way - 1/2" NPT 3.5Cv VT2231 - 2way - 1/2" BSP 1.0Cv VT2232 - 2way - 1/2" BSP 2.5Cv VT2233 - 2way - 1/2" BSP 3.5Cv VT2325 - 2way - 3/4" NPT 5.0Cv VT2327 - 2way - 3/4" NPT 7.0Cv VT2332 - 2way - 3/4" BSP 2.5Cv VT2333 - 2way - 3/4" BSP 3.5Cv VT2335 - 2way - 3/4" BSP 5.0Cv VT2337 - 2way - 3/4" BSP 7.0Cv VT2437 - 2way - 1" BSP 8.0Cv VT3231 - 3way - 1/2" BSP 1.5Cv VT3232 - 3way - 1/2" BSP 3.0Cv VT3233 - 3way - 1/2" BSP 4.0Cv VT3332 - 3way - 3/4" BSP 3.0Cv VT3333 - 3way - 3/4" BSP 4.0Cv VT3335 - 3way - 3/4" BSP 5.0Cv VT3337 - 3way - 3/4" BSP 7.0Cv VT3437 - 3way - 1" BSP 8.0Cv Erie™ PopTop™ Series Valve Bodies and Actuators - Installation Instructions.pdf for the VT and VS valve, AG and AH actuator. Note: Only those listed above are available in the UK.

Issue BASEDON keyword and Plain English Programming BASEDON key word fail Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site with up to release 1.3 Cause Below is a sample program which uses the BASEDON keyword. Also, here are the steps to use that program: Create script program using keyword BASEDON (Below) Create an input and output for the program (below program that is EntreeBase and SortieBase) Set the input Entreebase to 1,2,3,4,5 and program errors out. Set input to 6 and program runs   Numeric Input EntreeBase Numeric Output SortieBase Line Debut basedon Entreebase goto 1,2,3,4,5 goto 6 Line 1 SortieBase=1 goto Suite Line 2 SortieBase=2 goto Suite Line 3 SortieBase=3 goto Suite Line 4 SortieBase=4 goto Suite Line 5 SortieBase=5 goto Suite Line 6 Sortiebase=6 goto suite Line suite if sortiebase<1 then Sortiebase=20 if ts<5 then goto suite else goto Debut Line E Sortiebase=10 goto Suite  Resolution BASEDON keyword has been submitted as an issue and expected to be corrected in a future release.

Issue When trying to open/edit a XBuilder project in workstation the following error is given: Environment TAC Vista Workstation TAC Vista XBuilder Cause Vista has multiple instances of the same XBuilder project open at the same time. For some reason if a XBuilder project opened from Workstation was not closed normally, workstation will not allow the user to open/edit the XBuilder project. Resolution First, check if there is already a XBuilder window open. If there the same project is already open then close the window. If there is no other XBuilder window open then follow these steps: Close TAC Vista Workstation and Server Restart TAC Vista Server and Workstation. After the reboot the user should be able to open XBuilder editor.

Issue After commissioned in Vista Workstation, all the nvi values in the LonWorks device become to default value of in the Vista database. Environment Vista   LonWorks device Cause When commissioning LonWorks device in the Vista Workstation, there are three options. In this situation, the option "Download default parameters from XIF file to device” is probably selected. Resolution If the nvi value wants to be kept, the “Upload parameters from device to Vista” should be chosen instead of “Download default parameters from XIF file to device”

Issue Although a new Report - Chart object can be created in Vista, there is no documentation that explains how to make it work or what it does Environment TAC Vista 4.2.0 Workstation and newer Cause The Report - Chart function was removed in Vista 4.2.0 although it can still be created up through Vista 5.1.8 Resolution Although it was possible to create a new Report - Chart object in Vista 4.2.0 - Vista 5.1.8, the objects were not functional. The Report - Chart object was replaced with the Trend Chart object and instructions on how to set up Trend Chart objects can be found in the Vista documentation.