Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is the wiring for the RS-232 A, RS-232 B, RS-485 A, RS-485 C, and 10Base-T ports on a Xenta Server? Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 BACnet/IP BACnet MS/TP M-Bus C-Bus Lon Modbus Cause The wiring and pin outs for the Xenta Server hardware is detailed in chapter 2.1.2 of the TAC Xenta 500/700/911/913 Product Manual . Resolution The ports and wiring is unique for each port. RS-232 A port For serial communication it is typical to only connect the RX, TX, and Ground pins. Pin 3 4 5 Serial Cable RX TX Ground  RS 232 B port   10 Base-T port (Web connection) Note: The Xenta 913 also supports BACnet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP on this port. RS 485 A port (Modbus) Note: The Xenta 913 also supports BACnet MS/TP on this port. If two wire communication is being used then only use pins 5 and 6. Pin 5 6   + - If four wire communication is being used then all four pins will be used. Pin 5 6 7 8   TX + TX - RX + RX - RS485 C port (I/NET) This port is used for I/NET communication. Pin 19 20   + -

Issue Making connections in Xbuilder for graphics, connection objects, alarms, Menta programs, or trends can be tedious due to the organization and tree structure of the System pane window. Do logical units in the system pane have to be used when making bindings? Environment Xbuilder 5.0.2 - 5.1.x Cause Both logical and physical objects can be linked (though some unit issues might cause one method to be preferable to another) to graphics, alarms, connection objects, Menta programs, and  trends. With the use of the Filter View the system and network pane can be presented in a single window filtered to only display objects which work together. Use of the Filter View will provide a user friendly connection process that avoids the need for users to scroll up and down the system pane to drag and drop signals. The filter view toolbar also provides the ability to fix the view and connect objects without having to drag and drop them into the system pane. The Filter View is only available in Xbuilder version 5.0.2 or higher. Resolution Highlight the object you want to make a connection with in the System Pane. Select the Filter View tab in the middle pane. Select the signal from the combined list of System and Network panes. Use the Connect button on the Filter View toolbar to finish the connection.

Issue Want to create a database to show / sort a list of the I/NET system configuration. Environment I/NET Seven 2.2x and above Cause Need to display a summary or generate a report showing each level of the I/NET configuration, Host, Link LAN and subLAN. Resolution You can display the I/NET System Configuration as follows:  From the I/NET Menu, select  Summary, Configuration. Select the level you wish to report / display Host; Link; Station; UC;  MR; DPU As you select each of these buttons I/NET will interrogate the network and display the necessary hardware at each of these levels. After selecting the level you want to report on, click on the Report Button The System Report selection box is then shown: Select the available options: All Devices or Select device Output Type – Comma Separated Values or Text Output destination The dialog box also displays the current level, by default this will always be Host If the Auto launch option is activate, the report file will automatically open. Otherwise, you can navigate to the Output destination folder and open the file manually As the report is being generated, a temporary status window will appear showing what devices are being queried. At any time while this window is visible you can click its Cancel button to stop the reporting process. When the report is complete, this status window will automatically close.

Issue Configuration instructions for setting up a communications VX Log in the Xenta 5/7/9xx for communications troubleshooting. Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 VXI Cause Configuration instructions for setting up a communications log in the Xenta 5/7/9xx for communications troubleshooting. Obtaining the communications log for a Modbus or BACnet network is crucial in finding communications errors, or other unforeseen problems with integrating to third party devices. Resolution Step by step instructions for creating the communication log for troubleshooting or for data analysis: Log In to the Xenta 5/7/9xx controller and navigate to the Utilities Folder:   Click on the Target System Folder and choose VXI Web Shell Commands:   The command line should appear with VX populated in the command line:   Logging to file in the Xenta controller will first need to be enabled to by typing VX L 1 and press submit:   VXI Web Shell Commands should return a messing indicating logging has been enabled for 1 hour:   After logging has been enabled, the verbosity will need to be set in order to capture each layer of communications on the wire. In the command line type VX V 9 and press submit:   VXI Web Shell Commands should return a messing indicating the verbosity has been set to 9 and what messages you will see with this verbosity level :   Let the communications log run for 5-10 minutes. Create as many changes on the 3rd party wire as possible to get various data changes to and from the Xenta Server.   In the command line type VX O and press submit:   This command will output the communications log the Xenta Server has collected. Highlight this entire output log and copy, then paste it into notepad for archiving or emailing:   To set the communication logging back to default type "vx V 1" or power cycle the Xenta Controller. To stop the logging to file, type "vx L".   For TCP/IP logging you can only monitor one client at a time: Complete Steps 1- 8 above Enter "vx d" This will display a list of the TCP available devices Enter vx d # where # is the number corresponding to the deice you wish to monitor To view the log, follow steps 9 and 10 above

Issue Trying to create a new Filter in I/NET AMT but the icon is grayed out. Trying to create a new Filter in I/NET AMT but Edit>Filters is missing from the menu bar. Environment I/NET Seven Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 AMT Cause I/NET will not allow you to modify, or apply filters when any of its preset filters are active. This includes Alarm Windows, All Messages, or All Transactions. The Filter Edit icon can only be used when there is an Event Window selected, or there is no window open. Resolution Click on the blue icon to create a New Event  Either add a new event or click on the OK button Once the editor closes, the Filter icon becomes available and it is now possible to create or modify accordingly.

Issue The Exchange Download Center contains all of the assets you once accessed through the Buildings Extranet are now available on a brand new platform. It's easy to search and fast to download. Stay tuned for more great features as we roll this into the all-new extranet solution for Buildings. We ask that you register for a new account on The Exchange.   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Exchange Download Center Cause You can utilize the new Buildings web experience from The Exchange. Resolution Navigate to https://ecoxpert.se.com/ * Use a modern browser for the best experience: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer version 8 or later. If you receive the following error in Internet Explorer despite using version 8 or later, the browser displays the page in Compatibility View. Click here for more information on Compatibility View and how to disable it. The Download Center will not function properly in Compatibility View.   On the header bar, you will see the option in the top right corner for “Login / Register.” Click it.   If you are already registered, enter your email address and password. If this is your first time registering, click the link for “New to the Download Center? Register here!”   Answer whether or not you are a Schneider Electric employee using the radio buttons. If you are a Schneider Electric employee, enter your SESA ID and your desired password for The Exchange. Click to accept Schneider Electric’s Terms and Conditions and hit “Create Account.” * The first time you register, you must be connected to the Schneider Electric network or connected via VPN. This is only required at registration. All future logins can be done externally. If you are not a Schneider Electric employee, enter your first name, last name, company name, location, business email address, and desired password for The Exchange. * It is important to use your business email address if you are a licensed partner. Your email address is used to automatically validate your Partner status and assign the correct permissions to your user profile.   An email is sent to your designated inbox with a link to click through and validate your email address. Once this is done, your login is created, and you are ready to start using the Download Center. * If an error is displayed when trying to validate your authentication code, please try to log in. This happens when an email address has already been verified and oftentimes does not indicate an error with the registration.   Once logged in, you can search and download assets available to your user profile. If you attempt to download a file that you do not have access to, you will be given a chance to report if this is in error. Your username, email, and the asset you are trying to access are recorded. Please enter a message if any further description is required and hit “Submit.” A member of our team will get back to you promptly with a resolution. Web Site Support For any issue regarding The Exchange Download Center, please contact us at exchangesupport@schneider-electric.com.

Issue Upgrading from EBO 2.0.x to 3.0.x causes I/NET to become incompatible. After upgrading to 3.x the I/NET controllers do not come online. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation (version 3.0.1 and later) I/NET Seven Software (version 2.44 and above) Cause I/NET Seven Software is built using a 32-bit interface. Starting with EBO 3.0.1, EcoStruxure requires the use of a 64-bit interface. Resolution For INET seven to operate with EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0.1 it is necessary to obtain a 64-bit DLL from the Exchange and install it in the INET installation prior to the upgrade. Search for INET IPortAPI64 - Software on Exchange.  Download the IPortAPI64_EBO.dll. Unzip the DLL and copy the DLL to the same folder as the 32bit INET install, by default this will be C:\Program Files (x86)\INET Seven folder. Note: if INET was installed in a different folder this can be found by examining the Windows registry key ”INETSevenPath” at HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\CSI - Control Systems International\I/Net 2000/Configurations. Install EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0.1 When the ES restarts the InetPlugIn will connect to InetIoSrv via the 64-bit IPortAPI64_EBO.dll.

Issue After transitioning an INET security system to Security Expert, SCU1200 and SCU1280 controllers do not come online Product Line Security Expert, TAC INET Environment Security Expert Controller (SP-C) I/NET SCU1200 I/NET SCU1280 Cause The INET-to-Security Expert transition brings each SCU1200/1280 into Security Expert as an Input Expander but there is a known issue that causes the devices to remain offline. R&D is working on a fix. Resolution The workaround for bringing a SCU1200/1280 controller online in Security Expert is to create a Reader Expander and then edit the inputs and outputs associated with the SCU1200/1280 to point to the Reader Expander you’ve just created.   Important:  Create a backup of your Security Expert database before proceeding with the instructions that follow.   For a transitioned SCU1200/1280, create a Reader Expander as follows: In Security Expert, navigate to Expanders > Reader Expanders. Choose a Controller from the drop-down list. Click the Add icon. Define a Name for the expander.  The transition tool would create a name like SCU1200 <703503> for the expander.  In this example, the SCU’s link address is 70, its station address is 35, and its point address is 3. When manually defining the name of the new expander, you may wish to use this naming convention to keep the system uniform. Set the Physical Address of the expander.  This address should be 1 higher than the point address of the SCU.  So, for SCU1200 <703503>, the point address is 3 (703503) and so the physical address of the expander should be set to 4. Set Port 1 Network Type to “Third Party Generic”. Set Port 2 Network Type to “Third Party Generic”. Expand the Commands section and enter the following commands:       PortOne=INET       HardwareType=INET Navigate to the Reader 1/2 tabs and perform the following steps: Set Reader 1/2 Keypad Type to “None”. Uncheck Allow Reading Opened/unlocked. Uncheck Display Card Detail when Invalid. Navigate to the Reader 1/2 Options tabs and perform the following steps: Uncheck Door Sense Enabled. Uncheck REX Enabled. Uncheck Invert REX Input R1/2. Uncheck Always Allow REX R1/2. Save the expander. When presented with the Configure Module wizard, perform the following steps: Set Inputs to 0. Set Outputs to 0. Uncheck Add Trouble Inputs. Uncheck Add Doors. Click Add Now.   Edit the inputs associated with a transitioned SCU1200/1280 as follows: In Security Expert, navigate to Programming > Inputs. For each input associated with the SCU1200/1280, change the Module Type to “Reader (RD)”. Save the input.   Edit the outputs associated with a transitioned SCU1200/1280 as follows: In Security Expert, navigate to Programming > Outputs. For each output associated with the SCU1200/1280, change the Module Type to “Reader (RD)”. Save the output.   When you have finished with all of the steps above, perform a Module Update on the Reader Expander.  Repeat these steps as necessary for other SCU1200/1280 devices.  Once you have verified all SCU1200s/1280s are working properly, you can delete the Input Expanders that were created by the transition tool since they are now unnecessary.

Issue Transferring an I/NET Seven system from one PC to another Product Line TAC I/NET  Environment I/NET Seven Site Cause Customer needs to transfer I/NET between two computers Resolution Perform the following steps: Install I/NET Seven on the new PC. Using DBCreate.exe, create a backup of the I/NET database. Copy the backup to the new PC and restore it using DBCreate. If the database needs to be upgraded it will prompt you.  Proceed with the upgrade.  Copy the save files, graphic pages, archives, any custom reports, custom symbols, and custom BIN files (ICI bin files) to the new PC using the same directory path as the previous PC to guarantee that graphic links will still work. The following are default paths for these files assuming it was not an upgrade from I/NET 2000. If it was an upgrade from I/NET 2000 please consult TCON298 the Getting Started guide which includes I/NET 2000 paths. Default location for Archives: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Arch\ Default location for BIN Files: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Data\ Default location for Reports: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Reports\ Default location for Save Files: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Sav\ Default location for Bin Files: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Data\ Default location for Graphics: C:\Program Files\INET Seven\ Take a screen capture or write down the active configuration profile in I/NET configuration and manually fill this information into I/NET configuration on the new PC and make it the active configuration profile. Transfer the communication medium to the new PC (serial cable or Ethernet cable) and if communicating via NPR’s set the IP address of the new PC to match that of the old PC and remove the old PC from the network to avoid IP address conflict. Start up I/NET, login, and edit the Host Computer->Network Configuration to verify that the PC is communicating with the controllers.

Issue How to run I/NET Seven Software as a local user Customer does not WIndows User logged in with Local Administrator rights to run I/NET Seven Software  Product Line TAC INET Environment Windows 7 Windows 10 I/NET Seven Rev 2.41 and above  Cause The IT department requires that I/NET Seven runs using a Windows "User Group" instead of the usual "Local Admin" Resolution   Define the Windows User Account Temporarily log into the PC with the desired User account using “Local Admin/Administrator” rights. Turn off the “User Account Control: (UAC) following the directions defined in this article Windows 7/10 User Account Control Settings  If this is not done then every time you try to enter an I/Net editor, using the “User” Group you will be asked to login as a “Local Admin” Change the User account back to the "User" Group I/NET Seven Feature Matrix: Review the following table showing all the editors both the “Local Administrator” and the “User” can access with their “Windows” Rights. Note: **The I/Net Editor “DbCreate Functions”. If you log into "DbCreate with the "SQL Server Authentication" then these items will be "Y". If you do not give the "Windows User" the SQL Username and Password then these items will be "NO"   User Account I/NET Seven Operation Administrator  User Install I/NET Y NO Remove I/NET Y NO Upgrade I/NET Y NO I/NET Configuration Y Y       DBCreate Functions     Create db Y Y ** Import I/Net 2X Y Y ** Verify existing db Y Y ** Remove existing db Y Y ** Backup db Y Y ** Restore db Y Y ** Import Docutrend Archive Y Y ** Upgrade db Y Y **       Seven Reports     View Y Y Run Y Y Configure Y Y Save Y Y Print Report Y Y Mount Archive Y Y View Archive Y Y Run Archive  Y Y Print Archive Report Y Y       Archive Configuration     Event Archive Configuration Y Y Run Y Y Trend Archive Configuration Y Y Run Y Y View  Y Y       I/O Server Configuration     Promote Filemaster Y NO Demote Filemaster Y NO Promote Client Y NO Demote Client Y NO  

Issue Importing Infinet devices into AS-P fails with the following error "Invalid Data Error: Invalid_Data (0x10000) in module Coml(11). "Invalid cast from null": CreateObjectRequest".  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Infinet devices have a space character within their names Resolution Remove the space character and use an underscore in its place.

Issue What utility in Windows XP can disable items in Startup? Environment Windows XP Cause Items that run on startup can sometimes make the boot up process for a PC very slow. Depending on which applications have been added to start automatically on startup, it can also cause problems if things load in the incorrect order. Resolution Click the Start button in Windows XP Select Run Type msconfig and click OK.

Issue How to find the IP address information on a PC? Environment Windows Operating Systems Cause Need to identify the IP address of the workstation (PC). Resolution For a Windows 95/98 PC, go to a DOS screen and run WINIPCFG. For a Windows NT / XP / Windows7 / Server 2008 PC, run a CMD window and run IPCONFIG.

Issue Change an IP address on Windows 8 to a static address. Product Line Other Environment Windows 8 Cause Changing the IP address of a PC is often done to ensure it resides on the same subnet and network as the system or devices it is trying to communicate with. Resolution From the Start Menu (Tiles), open the Charms bar by moving the mouse to the right bottom corner of the screen or press the Windows Key + C and click on Search. Highlight Settings. In the Search box type Network to search for any network related options From the list options choose Network and Sharing Center. From the View Your Active Networks section, select Local Area Connection. Go to Properties. Result: The Local Area Connection Properties screen appears. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties. Result: The Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties screen appears. Click Use the following IP address. Complete the configuration fields as shown below. This part of the configuration requires attention to detail, because one error will prevent you from getting on the network. Be sure you have this information at hand when you start to configure the TCP/IP protocol: IP Address: x.x.x.x Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default gateway: x.x.x.x  Enter these numbers in the appropriate fields and click OK. Continue to click OK or Close as appropriate until you return to the Network Connections screen. The Local Area Connection icon text should now say "Enabled". To test the new IP address: Open a command prompt in Windows 8 Swipe to show apps screen Scroll down and locate Windows system section heading Under Windows system, press or click on Command Prompt (a new Command Prompt window will open up on the Desktop.) You then can type in IPCONFIG then hit Enter and look for the new IPV4 address. You can also try to type in PING (IP ADDRESS) that should reply with the new IPV4 address if set correctly.

Issue Some helpful basic IP commands. Product Line Other Environment Computer with IP NIC or Network Cause Need for basic IP configuration or IP address Resolution Go to start, click run and type in "cmd". This takes you to the command prompt. Type in: "ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" to see if your device is online and its response time. Make sure you put the space between "ping" and "xxx". "ipconfig" and hit enter to get the info of the computer you are currently using. You'll get the IP address, subnet mask and the gateway. "ipconfig/all" and hit enter to get more info on the machine your using. It will give you all the above and then some including the DNS server addresses. "tracert xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" and hit enter and you can see the servers that you are going through to get to your destination. This can be used when connecting to a Loytec or a iLon and the IP address is being presented to the L-IP or iLon is unknown. Connecting through a firewall/gateway/NAT server, you are not presenting the PC's address - when you do the tracert you will go through your gateway and the next address will be the IP you are presenting- Use this in the iLon as the LNS server address.

Issue Unable to open graphics that are on a shared network drive Product Line INet, Continuum, Access Expert, Security Expert Environment Windows 10 Chrome Windows IE Cause A registry setting is overridden or needs to be reset that was not previously not there. Resolution This is a Microsoft Issue. Here is a link that describes the resolution: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/mapped-drives-not-available-from-elevated-command

Issue Complexity of SQL and which version is compatible  Product Line TAC INET Environment TAC I/NET Seven and congruent Windows Operating System. File Master, Filemaster, EqualizedClient, Compatibility, SQL, SQL 2008, Full SQL, SQL 2005, SQL2008, SQL2005, SQL Express, Express SQL, MSDE, 2.31, 2.40, 2.40a, 2.41, Server, XP, Windows 7, 7, 32-bit, 64-bit, Microsoft SQL, Service Pack, SP Cause Filemaster and either Equalized Client or Remote Client is desired. Problem is to know which versions of SQL are compatible. Resolution Below is a handy chart designed to help in determining what versions of SQL are compatible in I/NET Seven. Pertains to MSDE, SQL Express, SQL 2000, 2005, 2008. File Equalization Chart       Note: 1. Do not mix versions of SQL server among equalized or client/server workstations in your TAC I/NET Seven system. Ensure that the edition of SQL server installed on each workstation used in a client/server or equalized setting are based on the same version of Microsoft SQL, either 2000, 2005, 2008, or 2008 2. It is strongly recommended that you defragment the PC’s hard drives on a regular basis. Severely fragmented hard drives can cause poor system performance and in some cases can introduce data errors. 3. The use of any edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2005, 2008, or 2008 R2 will require that the PC have at least 2 GB of RAM. 4. No Express edition of Microsoft SQL Server can be used on a TAC I/NET Seven filemaster. Golden Rule: You cannot move the db or downgrade from I/NET db SQL 2008 to I/NET db SQL 2005, see Downgrade SQL 2008 to SQL 2005, What version is used? 

Issue What is Remote Client with I/O in the Workstation Type in the I/O Server? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/Net Seven version 2.4x with need for Remote Client configuration using a Remote SQL Server. Equalization, FileMaster, File Master, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Equalize, FM, EQ, RC, MSDE, Express, Full SQL, SQL, TCP/IP, Connection Cause Remote Client changes with I/Net Seven version 2.4x  Resolution The new option of Remote Client with I/O for the Workstation Type begins with 2.4x version of I/Net Seven. This option is for a SQL Server which is not located on the Filemaster or Standalone but rather a separate Server. The Remote Client with I/O must be running for other standard Remote Clients to get the features such as AMT, Trends, and Network Functions. Network Functions can be found in I/Net on the pull down menu Edit/Host Computer/Network Functions. The configuration is in the I/O Server under the current profile and can be found in the Workstation Options.  HINT: Exit the I/O Server (and I/net) and select Start/Programs/I/Net/I/Net Configuration to be able to setup the Remote Client. Remote Client is not show unless you exit I/O Server. Clicking the link below will open a pdf document which will show how the communication should be setup if selecting Remote Client with I/O. I/Net version 2.4x Remote Client with I/O Clicking the link below will open a pdf document which will show how the communication should be setup if selecting Filemaster, Equalized Client, or Remote Client. I/Net version 2.4x Filemaster, Equalized Client, or Remote Client Suggestions for further info: To install the SQL, go to Installing I/NET Seven on a 64-bit operating system. For more on how to set up that Remote Client with I/O to use that SQL database, see Unable to connect Remote Client to Standalone Server. 

Issue Power to devices are Full Wave or Half Wave. Device is connected to 24VAC and begins to smoke because the voltage power input from transformer is not wired correctly. Product Line TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Devices such as a Xenta Router or a controller which is powered by an external 24VAC transformer. Cause Devices such as a Xenta Router or control board is connected to 24VAC and begins to smoke because the power input from transformer is not correct. Resolution Download Full Wave Half Wave.pdf which illustrates the transformer to device wiring configuration. PoE is not supported for any of the Ethernet ports on I/NET devices.  

Issue What is the SubLAN and what is the C-LAN in regards to Ethernet and termination resistor information? Explanation of termination resistor, RS-485, baud rate, token passing, and polling method. Is the Host LAN above or below the Ethernet LAN? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Network with integration of the FOI or Fiber Optic Interface  Cause How the Fiber Optic Interface (FOI) fits into an I/NET site. Resolution When defining the network in I/NET, the chart below helps to explain which components communicate to others. This is a simple explanation on where the various I/NET components are located in an I/NET Seven Network. C-LAN & Sub-LAN and the integration of Fiber Optic or FOI. The FOI Spec sheet is available here, as well as TCON087. Click the image below to download as a PDF document.