Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When viewing a graphic (or other object requiring a Java plugin) in Google Chrome you get the message "This plug-in is not supported" where the graphic should have been shown Environment Webstation Xenta Server I/A Series G3 version 3.8.xx or earlier Cause Google Chrome has disabled Java in version 42 and above Resolution 1: Open Google Chrome 2: In the address field, enter the following: chrome://flags/#enable-npapi 3: Click on "Enable" to enable the feature so it looks like this 4: Click on relaunch to restart Chrome   More information from Java's web site

Issue When a graphic is dragged out of the kitPxGraphics module, the image location on the px page shows ‘file:^px/’ and the path.  Sometimes the image displays, sometimes is does not display.  It behaves like this on some laptops but on others, it’s fine.   Environment Niagara G3 / AX 3.8.37 server stations and soft jaces Cause There could be an issue with a recent Windows update. Resolution The work-around is to exclude a line from the system.properties file:   niagara.ui.px.maxImageModuleFileSize=2047 Place a '#' sign in front of this line and the module path is used instead of the px file space.

Issue Does the Valve & Actuator Selection Tool work on Windows 8? Environment Valve, Actuators Cause Current desktop, laptop, and tablets are installed with Windows 8 Resolution Until a newer version is released, the following work-around will allow the Tool to operate in a Windows 8 environment: To install, the program will need to detect .Net 2.0.  To do that, ensure some .Net features are on.  Internet access is required.   1.  Go to Control Panel - Programs - Programs and Features and in the upper left will be a link to "Turn Windows Features on or off"  -  click that. 2.  From the Windows Features Screen, make sure there are check boxes next to .Net Framework 3.5 and the two boxes below it as shown here: 3.  Restart Windows and then install the Valve & Actuator Selection Tool 4.  Turn off User Access Controls in Windows.  Go to User Accounts and Family Safety (Control Panel) - User Accounts  - click the link to "Change User Account Control Settings".  In the dialog that follows - move the slider to the bottom (Never Notify) 5.  Right-click on the Valve & Selection Tool icon on your desktop (from the installation in step 3) and choose "properties". 6.  On the Compatibility Tab - check the box to run the program in Windows 7 compatibility mode and the box to run the program as administrator. 7.  Run the Valve & Selection Tool program.

Issue Getting error message: “Login Failed - Could not connect to fox server. Check that fox and web SSL settings match or try connecting using https.” when trying to connect to G3 station via a web browser. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment In Niagara G3, Version 3.7.106 Cause Security setting for the Web browser and Fox Service do not match, or the FOX or FOXS port is being blocked. In Niagara G3, Version 3.7 and later, users can set up SSL for both HTTP and FOX connections. The intention is that, when using the applet, SSL settings for HTTP and FOX must match (i.e. HTTPS/FOX or HTTP/FOXS are not allowed). In Niagara G3 3.7 update1 and earlier, users can connect to the applet using the invalid HTTPS/FOX combination. In addition, when loading the applet while using HTTP/FOXS, users are redirected back to the login screen with no error message. In NiagaraAX 3.7 update2 and later, users attempting to use the applet with an invalid HTTPS/FOX or HTTP/FOXS connection will be redirected to the login screen. An error message will appear indicating what went wrong. The Web and Fox settings do not match. They must be set to either HTTP/FOX or HTTPS/FOXS. We’ve found that there is a condition where the error message still displays even though both Fox Service and HTTP match. Reason being is during login to a station via web browser, a check is performed to determine if the Fox Service match the HTTP setting be used. If accessing via HTTP, then port 1911 (FOX) is checked. If accessing via HTTPS, then port 4911 (FOXS) is checked. We found that the corresponding, FOX or FOXS, port were not opened.  Resolution Open the needed FOX or FOXs port: Depending on if HTTP or HTTPS is used, the correct port must be opened for the corresponding FOX or FOXS connection. Port 1911 needs to be open if using HTTP/FOX connections, and if using HTTPS/FOXS, port 4911 needs to be open. Port need to be open to bidirectional TCP traffic.

Issue MicroNet Heat Pump / Fan Coil Controller Diagnostic Table Environment MicroNet 2000 MN-HPFC Cause Quick reference table with corrective action Resolution This table is an excerpt from the MicroNet Heat Pump / Fan Coil Controller Reference Manual (F-26174):

Issue When adding MNL controller in Workstation for Projects, it will show up an error: Object type is not supported. Environment SmartStruxure 1.5 Workstation for Project PCS MNL controller Cause When using the Project Configuration Server, you cannot create MNL LonWorks devices and applications. Accordingly, the WorkPlace Tech Editor option does not display in the Control Panel. Resolution MNL LonWorks devices can be added in an Enterprise Server or Automation Server after deploying a project to one of these servers.

Issue The property list for an Analog Input / Output or Binary Input / Output object in the WorkPlaceTech application shows a "Process Time" parameter: OR instead of a "COV Increment" parameter" Note that for Binary I/O objects, the COV increment is implied as any change of binary value and is not displayed. Environment MNB series controller WPT application file MNB series controller with firmware release 1.4 or newer WorkPlace Tech Tool software, release 5.5 or newer Cause Prior to firmware version 1.4, the MNB family of controllers did not support COV Subscription functionality. Resolution The existing I/O object must be deleted and recreated, using the WorkPlace Tech Tool software release 5.5 or newer, to allow the use of the COV Increment parameter.

Issue Can additional mounting clips for the MNL-VxRVx or MNB-Vx controllers be purchased? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment MNL-VxRVx or MNB-Vx controllers Cause Each MNL-VxRVx and MNB-Vx controller includes one mounting clip that can be moved from the factory shipped location (bottom) to the side of the controller base.  The mounting clip is also known as the mounting foot or pivot bracket. Resolution Replacement or additional mounting clips can be purchased using part number DVAV-242.

Issue Application Director output window and LON proxy point indicates fault: java.lang.ClassCastException: javax.baja.sys.BDouble ERROR [14:56:22 20-Aug-14 EDT][lon1] Could not decode nv update data Misc9:nvoSpaceTemp java.lang.ClassCastException: javax.baja.sys.BDouble    at javax.baja.lonworks.londata.LonFacetsUtil.makeLonQualifiers(LonFacetsUtil.java)    at javax.baja.lonworks.londata.LonFacetsUtil.getQualifiers(LonFacetsUtil.java)    at javax.baja.lonworks.londata.BLonData.primitiveFromInputStream(BLonData.java)    at javax.baja.lonworks.londata.BLonData.fromInputStream(BLonData.java)    at javax.baja.lonworks.londata.BLonData.fromNetBytes(BLonData.java)    at javax.baja.lonworks.BNetworkVariable.receiveUpdate(BNetworkVariable.java)    at com.tridium.lonworks.NvManager.receiveLonMessage(NvManager.java)    at com.tridium.lonworks.loncomm.NLonComm.routeToNvListener(NLonComm.java)    at com.tridium.lonworks.loncomm.NLonComm.receiveLonMessage(NLonComm.java)    at com.tridium.lonworks.loncomm.NLonLinkLayer$AppBufferReceive.run(NLonLinkLayer.java)    at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source) Environment I/A Series G3 (all versions) Cause This error is related to a mismatch between the lonworks module running on the ENC/JACE versus the version being used within the Workbench modules folder.  A different version of Workbench and/or lonworks module is being used to engineer the ENC/JACE. Resolution Review the versions between the Workbench and ENC/JACE and match the versions.

Issue After troubleshooting a communications issue, the DCM daughterboard (or piggyback board) was deemed defective.  Can it be removed and replaced with another in the field? Environment DMS MicroSmart controller (revision 9) -- Model numbers affected are DCM-UC, DCM-IOC, DCM-GPC Cause Internal board failure Resolution Yes, the DCM board can be swapped out.  Care must be taken not to damage the pins and clips (identified below in yellow).

Issue A GCM has been removed in the field and replaced with a newer product (i.e. a Niagara Jace or a SmartStruxure AS).  How can the GCM be disabled from communicating in TreeTech without actually deleting it?  Environment TreeTech (all revisions) Cause The GCM's programming logic will be used for a short period of time as a reference.  Then, the entire GCM will be deleted from TreeTech. Resolution Right-click on the GCM and go to Properties. Click the Offline Status tab. Select Offline from the drop-down menu. Close the window. Offline mode disconnects the GCM database in TreeTech from the field.  

Issue I/A Series R2 OPC integration to Gallagher OPC Data 3.0 Server: R2 is unable to discover the OPC objects. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series R2 version r2.301.529 and higher Cause I/A Series R2 OPC client supports integration to OPC data access server versions 1.x and 2.x. It has not been tested for DA server 3.x.  Resolution I/A Series R2 OPC Client does not support integration to OPC DA Server version 3.x. However, in this particular case, the OPC objects can be added manually and the integration works.  The OPC Server and group have been successfully discovered and added to the R2 station. However, the OPC Items are not shown when we run the ItemListManager. In the example below, the OpcClientStringInput objects have been manually added. To manually add the OPC Items: Go to the Group's WorkPlace Editor. In WorkPlace Pro, in the local library, go to 'tridiumx' > 'opcClient' > 'objects' Select the objects you need, copy and paste it to the OPC Group folder WorkPlaceEditor. Go to the properties of the OPC objects and configure the OPCItemFullName.

Issue What are the three serial tunnel clients included with the latest release of Niagara G3? Environment 3.6.47 and higher Cause How to choose which serial tunnel client is required. Resolution For Windows XP SP3 32-bit, use Install_Serial_Tunnel.exe   For Windows 7 32-bit, use InstallVserialAx2.exe   For Windows 7 64-bit, use InstallVserialAx2_64bit.exe  

Issue Unable to import and install an ENC/JACE license using I/A Series G3 Workbench 3.8.37 by requesting through the license server. The result is a dialog box with information on where to email host ID information to obtain a license. Environment I/A Series G3 Workbench 3.8.37 only Cause A parameter within the brand.properties file has been inadvertently set to bypass the online request. Resolution Modify the parameter within the brand.properties file as follows: Use the Windows Explorer and navigate the \niagara-3.8.37\lib directory Open and edit the brand.properties file with a text editor Modify the following line: license.onlineRequest=false to license.onlineRequest=true Save and close the file Close and open Workbench

Issue On a old MNL project, a MNL-MI device was found. Is it required to integrate into SmartStruxure? Environment SmartStruxure with MNL Cause Outdated LON product Resolution The MNL-MI provided network-level management functions for a network of MNL controllers.  An RS-232 port on the MNL-MI provided for a connection to a computer running the MicroNet Tech Tool or MicroNet View software (both obsolete).  It is not required for a SmartStruxure integration and can be removed from the LON trunk.

Issue An existing Niagara R2 Enterprise Server was upgraded to 535 but the Vykon Alarm Client (version 2.5) cannot connect to the server. Environment Niagara R2 Cause The Server Name in the Vykon Configuration Utility must be the server's IP address and NOT the station name nor the Windows' Computer Name. Resolution See the VAS_InstallationConfiguration Guide for more details.

Issue The first time a WB-profile user connects a web browser to an I/A Series G3 station, the user is prompted to download software from Oracle. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 (AX), version 3.8.xxx Cause An earlier version of I/A Series G3 used an open-source library for 128 or 256-bit encryption.  I/A Series G3 version 3.8.xxx migrated to the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) that requires the installation of add-on files from Oracle. Resolution Download the required files from Oracle. Depending on your version of Java, download either ... JRE8 ... http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jce8-download-2133166.html JRE7 ... http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/jce-7-download-432124.html Otherwise, navigate to the Oracle download website and search for the links to "Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files" for your Java version ... http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html Accept license and download. This may require registration or sign in to Oracles website. Locate the Correct Java Folder on Your PC Where the Software Must Be Installed. Launch... Windows > Control Panel > Java In the Java Control Panel, navigate to the "Java" tab, and then click "View" to see the installed Java version. The name of the folder where Java is installed precedes the "bin\javaw.exe" in the text. "JavaHome" is what this document will call that folder, no matter what the full name is. In the example below, the folder name appears as "C:\Program Files\Java\jre?" -- the obscured last character will be 7, or 8, or some other number, depending on the installed Java version. Install the Files on Your PC Use Windows (File) Explorer to navigate to the Java jre folder path as shown in the step above. From the jre folder, navigate to the lib\security\ folder. Copy the local_policy.jar and US_export_policy.jarfiles contained in the Oracle download and replace the older version files. Clear the web browser's cache Delete the contents of the C:\Users\username\niagara folder. Clear the java cache (Control Panel => Java => Temporary Internet File "Settings" => Delete Files => check installed apps and applets => OK Re-start the web browser NOTE: This procedure will need to be performed on each computer accessing the I/A Series G3 station via a web browser.

Issue Is there a way to determine which version of Operator Interface is installed without actually running the program? Environment DMS Operator Interface Cause Determine the version without running the program Resolution Open the file LANGUAGE.TXT in the DMS folder using Notepad and line 12 will indicate the version installed:

Issue The Niagara Tunnel service in Windows 7 indicates that it is started; however the tunnel window will not pop-up Environment Niagara R2 version 5.35, Windows 7 32-bit. Cause The Interactive Services Detection service is disabled. This service must be enabled for the tunnel client to work.  Resolution Verify that Interactive Services Detection is started.  Set the service to automatic, start it, and re-boot the computer.   

Issue Station down station up alarms are constantly generated even though the Enterprise Server and UNCs are not actually down. A station up alarm for the same station was generated within a short period of time (seconds).  Environment I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server and Universal Network Controllers Cause A station down alarm will be generated if the station does not respond within the timeout configured for the station.  Resolution In a station's AddressBook, the entry for a station has a 'Monitor' checkbox. A station down alarm is generated if the station does not respond within the timeout configured for the station in the AddressBook entry. The timeout by default is 1 minute. This can be increased if false station down alarms are being generated. You can also disable the station monitor if required.