Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue TCP/IP ports used in Niagara G3 (AX), various drivers, features, and functions - Quick Reference Table Environment Niagara G3 all versions Cause quick online reference for the ports used in Niagara G3 Resolution

Issue Clarification regarding Vista's OPC server and OPC client functionality. Incorrect configuration can cause unexpected results and crash the system. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Vista OPC Server Cause There is some confusion as to the usage of the OPC server object in TAC Vista workstation. Resolution TAC Vista OPC Server TAC Vista OPC Server is an add-on module to TAC Vista Server, which enables third party OPC-compliant presentation systems to interface with TAC products. All objects and signals in the TAC Vista Server database can be read and changed via the OPC Data Access interface. Vista OPC Server is implemented as a Windows service and can be started from the Computer Management console.  A license is required, but no configuration is necessary in workstation TAC Vista OPC Client The TAC Vista database has to be programmed and configured as an OPC client, using the TAC Vista OPCTool. Simply browse the available OPC servers, select the objects to be added to TAC Vista and then from the tools menu select "Create/update TAC Vista objects...". When the dialogue opens up, browse to the appropriate location and select the OPC server object to be updated. If this is a new OPC client, right-click in the dialogue and select New->Device-OPC server. The object's properties will then be set by OPC tool after clicking on the select button. !!Do not create an OPC server object in Vista and set the program ID to TACOS.OPCServices.DA.1 and the Class ID to {7EA83597-0B54-4BAF-9EE5-D30AA9EB4D6D}. This will create a loop in the system and cause unexpected behaviour. There should be no OPC server objects in Workstation if TAC Vista is the OPC server!! read and changed via the OPC Data Access interface. to interface with TAC products.

Issue Current rating of the analogue outputs is not documented Product Line Field Devices Environment TC907-3A4LAB TC907-3A4LMAB TC907-3A4DLSAB TC907-3A4DLMSAB TC907-4FMSAB TC907-3A4DPSAB TC907-3A4DPMSAB TC907-3A4DPMSA-24B TC907-4FMSA TC907-3A4LMA TC907-3A4LA TC907-3A4DPSA TC907-3A4DPMSA-24 TC907-3A4DPMSA TC907-3A4DLSA TC907-3A4DLMSA Cause The maximum current information is required for connecting controlled devices. Resolution The analogue output has a maximum output of 40mA (minimum impedance 250Ω).

Issue Link test fails when selecting graphics folder path in Pinpoint Options. Internet Explorer throws the following error when a graphic is launched.   Environment WebClient IIS Server Web Pinpoint Pinpoint Graphics Cause When specifying the location of graphics files in WebClient, the share must be a virtual drive as IIS not use a physical drive. Resolution Use the virtual drive share name when configuring the graphic file location under WebClient in Pinpoint options.

Issue Not able to select the Find New BACnet Device option in the BACnet folder, to bring new devices online. Environment BACnet Cause Not able to bring online new BACnet devices. Resolution The "Find New BACnet Devices" option should be selected by right clicking on the Root folder. You can not perform this operation from under the BACnet Devices folder.

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 SevenReports Error when attempting to open report directly from Windows Explorer or Graphics link Error received: Error in command line parameters: Report Type: 255 Duration: 255 Error Text: C:\INETSevenData\Reports\xxxxxxxx.rpt   The Icon for SevenReports is incorrect: Environment SevenReports Windows7 Cause File association has some how become corrupt or it has been associated with the SevenReport.exe file after installing the SetupCrystalReportsXI.exe. Resolution In most cases the file association will occur automatically and there is no need to manually do this.  Best practice is to restart the computer after installation, this should stop this error from occurring. Should this error still occur then this will require manually repairing the .rpt file association within the registry. Edit the following Registry keys so they appear as shown below: 1. HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.rpt If there is an additional sub-key (folder) under the .rpt entry called UserChoice; then delete this key. 2. HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.rpt\OpenWithList If there are any other entries here they should be removed and this entry must match exactly as shown in this screen. 3. HKEY_CURRENT_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.rpt\OpenWith\Progids 4. Close the registry editor and Windows Explorer (if opened) 5. Re-open Windows Explorer, browse to the INET Seven Reports folder (default "C:\INET Seven Data\Reports") and see that the ICON has changed back to the correct type and that double clicking on any of the reports now opens correctly.  If not please contact Product Support.

Issue It is possible to create a receiver group in XBuilder that can be edited by the customer through the web browser.  This will allow the customer to make changes without downloading a new project to the controller. Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 511:B, 527, 701, 711, 721 and 731 XBuilder Cause Edit receiver groups using your web browser Resolution It is possible to create a page that will allow your customer to view and edit the receiver group from the web page without using XBuilder.  Create the receiver group in the system pane of XBuilder Create a new Edit Alarm Page in the system pane of XBuilder Drag and drop the receiver group onto the new Edit Alarm Page Once this connection is made, the receiver group will be displayed on the Edit Alarm Page when the customer logs onto the controllers' website.

Issue What I/A Series G3 object can be used to retrigger a write a value to a Modbus controller? Environment I/A Series G3, Modbus Cause Various Modbus controllers require the rewrite of values to maintain use of remote values versus local values.  This fallback mechanism allows the local Modbus controller to maintain control in the event of a BMS controller failure or loss of communications. Resolution The I/A Series G3 Modbus driver utilizes Modbus preset components to perform the rewrite function.  Presets allow writing preset values to the target addressed data items upon right-click action (command). If required, the “Write” action of any preset container can be linked into other control logic. For example, the “Trigger” slot of a TriggerSchedule can be linked into a ModbusClientPresetRegisters container component for periodic writes of child registers defined under the parent.  The same is also true using a periodic trigger object found in kitControl.  Preset components can be found in the modbusAsync palette and modbusTcp palette in the “Presets” folder. Note: Modbus client preset components are not proxy points or proxy extensions.  Modbus client preset components are not polled and do not read data from the device.  Modbus client preset components are only used to write data to the device. Presets exist for both Modbus coils and holding registers. Reference the I/A Series G3 Modbus Guide (About Modbus preset components) included with G3 documentation for more details.

Issue After a new Menta application was downloaded through Vista the IO modules indicated offline with a fast flash of the green indication light. Environment Vista 5.x.x Cause The Xenta controller is using too much workspace memory. This can be seen from the memory allocation in Menta. Resolution The TAC Menta Technical Manual describes work area as the following: Work Area - Data created when executing the application program. For example, output status and time schedules.   Removing some of the time schedule holiday chart links will reduce the work area memory usage. Once this memory is in a positive free figure, the application can be downloaded and the IO will return to normal operation.

Issue A Niagara R2 UNC station fails to start, producing the following error in the standard output window: FATAL: Cannot boot station from sns java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: tridiumx.webuser.WebUserAdminService Full Error Message: Environment Niagara R2 Cause Missing a supporting jar file Resolution Install the webuser jar file and reboot the UNC.

Issue When creating a FB program and use WDAY, change the date on the AS or ES to Sunday, the WDAY changes the day to 0 (zero). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation and all compatible operating systems including Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and virtual machine environments. Cause Create a FB program and use WDAY, then change the date on the AS or ES to Sunday, the WDAY changes the day to 0 zero. Steps to reproduce problem: Create FB Program in AS or ES Use the WDAY While using the Graphics Viewer in the AS or ES, WDAY shows correct weekday (today is 2) Change the date on the AS or ES to a Sunday i.e. 12-09-16 which is Sunday,September 16, 2012 View FB program in Graphics Viewer, which now shows 0 as if today were now 0  The WDAY FB program should show 7 which is Sunday. Monday=1 Tuesday=2 Wednesday=3 Thursday=4 Friday=5 Saturday=6 Sunday=7 Resolution This will be resolved in a future release. Currently, there is a alternative: with an XPI block, make WDAY 0 = 7.A second alternative would be to add an if-statement: if(output = 0){output = 7}  

Issue There is no designated configuration setting to monitor fan run indication with a TAC Xenta 102-AX controller. Environment TAC Xenta 102-AX Plug-in Workstation Cause The Xenta 102-AX controller does not have a configuration option to monitor fan run indication. This can be achieved by using a universal input and converting the raw value to run indication. Resolution These configuration steps can also be done through Vista Workstation, just make note of the configuration point names and locations in parenthesis.   Setting Up Fan Run Indication on a Xenta 102-AX   Open up the TAC Xenta 102-AX Plug-in of the controller that will be monitoring fan run indication. Click on the Hardware Configuration tab. Any one of the universal inputs may be used to monitor fan run indication but Input 1 will be used in this example. Change Input 1 Selection to Universal Input (UnivIn1_Sense > UCPTselectUI). Click on the Status tab. Notice that the percent value of Universal Input #1 (nvoUnvInput1) is at 99.90%. This value may vary but when the fan is not running it will be near 100%. Override the space temperature so that the fan powered VAV box goes into heating (if using a parallel fan) or make sure the series fan is running. Notice that the value of Universal Input #1 dropped to 0.00%. Again this value may vary but it will be near 0.00%. This percent value is sent out of the Xenta 102-AX controller on nvoUnvInput1. In order to display this value in a binary state it will need to be converted using Menta or in a graphic page.  

Issue Unable to add a new user in a G3 (Niagara) ENC station accessed via web browser. There is no "New" tab displayed under the Services / UserService / right-click, User Manager page. Environment I/A Series ENC-520, ENC-410 Embedded Workbench feature, part number ENC-WB Cause The ability to add a user to the ENC via web browser requires the Embedded Workbench feature be enabled. Resolution To determine if the ENC has the Embedded Workbench feature enabled, open the Platform, License Manager, view the license, and the feature name = "web" ... ui.wb.admin = true indicates that the feature is enabled.  See the high-lighted lines in the screen capture below. If the feature is not enabled, it can be ordered and added to the ENC license.  

Issue A Niagara G3 DMS driver is being used to integrate an existing DMS system with Microsmart controllers.  Setpoint values are provided to LOOP points in the Microsmart with Application Type 7 points (AP7) which can also be referred to as Chain Calculation points.  The AP7 points are not linked to the DMS database.  They are learned into the Niagara G3 station as Numeric Points and do not have the option to be writable. How can this be achieved? Environment Niagara G3 DMS Microsmart Cause Microsmart AP7 points are learned into a Niagara G3 as Numeric points and are not writable. Resolution Learn the AP7 point's PVALU element into the database: Go to the Property Sheet of the object above and add a Command String: An action option will now appear on the Wire Sheet (transferable to a graphic):

Issue How to configure a TAC Xenta server in Lonmaker when also being used as the communication port in TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Lonmaker TAC Xbuilder TAC System plug-in Cause Needs to use the Xenta Server as a lonworks device and the Network Interface in TAC Vista. Resolution Using Xenta Server 7xx and LonMaker   Create the Xbuilder project using “stand alone Xbuilder” Add the IO modules that the Xenta Server is using and assign neuron Ids Create the SNVTs for the Xenta Server. Send the project to target.   Create LonMaker and TAC Vista database Create you LonMaker database, register the necessary plug- ins. TAC System plug- in and TAC Device plug- in are used for the Xenta Server. Add the nodes on you Network including the Xenta Server but not the IO modules. You can use a generic template for the Xenta Server and browse in the XIF file. Open system plug-in. Right click on The Xenta server and select “Configure…”. Browse in the Xbuilder project. Click on the “add and mach IO”. Click ok. Go to TAC Network – Settings, Set the Vista communication port to the correct Xenta server type. Also select if you want the IO modules to be commissioned in LNS. Click Ok   Still in the system plug in right click on the Xenta Server and select “set as network interface”. Update TAC Network. Start the server and update TAC Vista Database form the system plug in. Create group bindings if you have any Xenta 401, 30x, 28x controllers. Close the system plug in. Resynchronize the drawing to database. Commission devices. Create bindings. Open TAC Vista workstation, right click and edit the Xenta server (This can also be done form the system plug in configure command). Send the project to target.

Issue What are the part numbers for the IOU module terminals? Environment Netcontroller Netcontroller II IOU Modules (all) Cause Need to wire a remote or third party power supply to a Netcontroller; or to wire remote IOU modules. Not sure what parts need to be ordered for the module terminals. Resolution There are two separate terminals available, a male power supply connector  and a female IOU module connector.  Male Power Supply Connector (Left Hand Side)   01-2050-285  (Male Connector for PS NetController)            Female IOU Module Connector (Right Hand Side) 01-0010-840  (IOU Module Connector, BOX OF 20)       

Issue How to transfer data from one device to another in Xbuilder? If it is possible to bind SNVT values in through Xenta Servers? Environment Xenta Servers (Xenta 511, Xenta 527, Xenta 701, Xenta 711, Xenta 721, Xenta 731, Xenta 913) Cause For some reason, if a user need to transfer data from one device to another under a Xenta Server (mostly, from third party devices to third party devices without using NL220 or LonMaker), “Connection Object” feature can be used to achieve this request. Resolution This example is showing how to transfer a room temperature value from an IO module under a Xenta 721 to a programmed SNVT input in a Xenta 301under the same Xenta 721. Other applications should be in a similar manner. Under “System” panel, right click on the folder site. (Default name is “The site name”) Expand the connection object by clicking on the “+” button on the top left. A “From” signal and a “To” signal will be displayed as shown below. Drag and drop the value from the IO module in the “Network” Panel (in this case, it is the U1 Value) on to the “From” signal as shown below. Find the SNVT variable created in the Xenta 301. In this example, go to LON->LWNetwork->XG->DDC->SNVT->LonMarkObjects->Node_Object_1->NetworkVariables->nvi_SpaceTemp. Then drag and drop this signal onto the “To” signal as shown below. NOTE: Do not choose the signals under “Public Signals” folder. Those signals are NOT writable. Download the project into Xenta server, the biding should start working by this point. NOTE: It is strongly recommended to use NL220 or LonMaker to do SNVT bindings for better and more stable performances. Large amount of connection object communications may cause Xenta servers to go offline frequently.

Issue When a DELR or DELI block is used with a comparison operator to detect a change of value in the output of a function block, the output of the comparison operator should go ON for one scan when the source output value changes. If the source function block is a PVR or PVI this does not occur. For example: This code does not work This code works Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation version 1.3.0 or earlier Function Block Editor Cause There is a defect in StruxureWare Building Operation version 1.3.0 or earlier that causes this behaviour when writing to a public PVR or PVI block in a Function Block Program in the ES or AS directly from the Workstation. Resolution This defect has been logged with Quality Center and will be fixed in SmartStruxure version 1.4.0 Meanwhile, the workaround is to insert any compatible block immediately after the PVR or PVI.  For example: The inserted block could be an operator, an expression block or even another DELR. Although the workaround works, the preferred practice for new applications would be to replace the PVR with a RI and bind the RI to an Analog Value in the ES or AS. This defect does not occur in Menta programs in Xenta controllers, including those written in the SmartStruxure Menta Editor.

Issue Can the Execution Precedence determine the priority of a program binding to a value? Environment SBO Function Block and Script programs Cause Clarification on the function of Execution Precedence is required. Resolution In both Function Block and Script programs there is an attribute called Execution Precedence, this can be set in the program "Properties", Basic tab. For a Function Block program:    For a Script Program: Execution Precedence determines the order that the programs will be run, the lowest numbers will be run first. In the 2 screenshots above the Function block program (Value 1) will be run before the Script program (Value 20). This can be used for applications where a calculation is done to generate a value, that is then used in a second program e.g. Calculation of a compensated setpoint, that is then used in a PID control program as the reference value. The PID program must have a higher Execution Precedence than the setpoint calculation. Execution Precedence does not affect priority. If the outputs of 2 programs are bound to a single value, both programs will be trying to control the value and give an indeterminate result.   To combine the outputs of 2 programs the programmer must use the appropriate logic to determine how the 2 signals should be combined for the application. So for Binary values use one of the logical operators: AND, OR, XOR etc, For Analog values combine the 2 results with Max, Min, Average etc as required.

Issue The ES crashes during startup   SE.EnterpriseServer.exe - Application Error occurs, and the Building Operation Enterprise Server service cannot be started.  Error contains "The memory could not "written"".   The port fields in software administrator shows a red indication on one or more of the ports Environment Enterprise Server Software Administrator IP ports Cause A program is already using the ports defined for the Enterprise Server     In general   You can check which program it is, by entering the following command in a command prompt, replacing ":port number" with the number you want to check, e.g. "0.0.0.0:80" for port 80: netstat -aonb | find "0.0.0.0:port number"     Now in the task manager, enable the coloumn "PID (Process Identifier)", and look for the process ID you get to the far right when running the command above. That will show what program is taking the port.       Skype   If you are running Skype on the Enterprise Server PC there could be a conflict between the default IP port settings and the IP port settings in Software Administrator. The default ports for SmartStruxure Enterprise Server are 80 and 443. By default, Skype will "use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections" if the configured port is unavailable. When Skype is launched it appears to search for an open IP port. If it cannot find an open port within a period of time it may default to ports 80 and 443 as a backup. This behaviour appears to be intermittent.    TeamViewer In newer versions of TeamViewer this is no longer an issue, but it's good practice to select "Use UDP" in the advanced settings of TeamViewer Resolution In general, you can change the ports used by the Enterprise Server in the Building Operation Software Administrator.   If the issue is Skype do the following: In the Skype tools menu go to “Options…” Expand the “Advanced” settings on the left hand side. Click “Connection” in the Advanced section. Uncheck the setting that says "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections"