Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Error 503 when testing for SOAP service availability using URL:   http://localhost:8030/SecurityExpertSOAPService/service.svc  Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause Application pool in IIS not running.   Resolution In IIS Application Pools, start the pool associated with the Security Expert site.

Issue Performing a firmware upgrade on a reader expander module via the SP-C's web page will fail with the message: "Error - The module failed to restart in boot mode" Firmware update failure Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment SP-C, SP-RDM2, SP-MRDM2. Cause Cause 1 There was an intermittent communications fault hindering the update process. Cause 2 There are Smart Card Readers connected to the reader expander module, which are set to RS485 communication. This appears to be causing RS485 communication issues between the SP-C and the reader expander which is hindering the firmware upgrade process. Resolution For Cause 1 Run the module upgrade process again. For Cause 2 Physically remove all connected RS485 Smart Card Readers from the reader expander module being upgraded. Run the module upgrade process again. Once the reader expander firmware has been successfully upgraded, reconnect all Readers.

Issue Security Expert does not run correctly after installation Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause While Security Expert will install and run correctly on a supported platform, there are occasions when an installed security policy will prevent the correct operation of Security Expert.  In the example below, the installation went smoothly, but when the user tried to log in to Security Expert the error "Error - Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation" is seen. Thus the install could not be licensed. This example had SQL, Security Expert Server and Security Expert Client all installed on the same PC. Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation Resolution If the new install does not run correctly, then install the software on a clean Windows platform, this will allow the site to be set up and commissioned. In the above example, the customers extra security policies were applied one at a time until the policy that caused the problem could be isolated.  

Issue When using the Find function to search for specific records the default size of the Find window can mislead the user to think there are no records to select from. Find Button Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause The default size of the Find window is too small for some of the field values to be displayed which can lead the user to think there are no records to search for. Resolution Resize the Find window by pulling down on the bottom right corner which reveals a list of selectable records and the right-hand side scroll bar. Expanded Find Window

Issue When configuring an Input to control an Output in an Input Type, what are the differences between using the "Control Output" or "Input Control Output" options? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause When configuring Input Types there can be some confusion with the terminology used to describe the two types of Outputs that can be controlled from an Input event.  Control Output options on the Input Types Options (2) tab Input Control Output options on the Input Types Options (3) tab Resolution The "Control Output" options refer to the Control Output defined in the Input Type's General tab. Control Output The "Input Control Output" options refer to the Control Output defined in the individual Inputs General tab. Input Control Output An explanation for a related example would be: If a common output for all inputs of the Input Type then; On the Options (2) tab enable the Activate Control Output On Alarm and Deactivate Control Output On Restore. On the Configuration tab of the Input Type, set the Control Output to the output you want to trigger. Else if each input has a separate output then; On the Options (3) tab enable the Activate Input Control Output On Alarm and Deactivate Input Control Output On Restore. In each Input set the Control Output to the output you want to trigger.

Issue When a disabled card is presented to a reader the Door name of that reader is not included in the User Record Disabled events.  Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Disabled User Card Cause Once the user has been disabled the User object no longer resides in the controller. Resolution The information in the User Record Disabled event can be used to determine which reader the user has badged at. The Controller column has the controller that registered this event and the Description will tell you the Reader Expander and Port on that Expander. Record Disabled Event In the above example event, we can determine Bill has badged at Reader Port 1 of Reader Expander address 1 on controller QCA02 - ADM.

Issue Need to delay an Input from going into alarm before sending that alarm to an email recipient. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Have a requirement to email alarms for Door inputs that are not actually tied to Door records. Resolution One method of configuring this is to use an Area: Add the Input to the Area to trigger an alarm Configure that alarm event into an Email using an Action.  See the following detailed steps:  Under Programming: Inputs Configure the Alarm Input Speed option for the Input. This will be the delay time before the input triggers an alarm event. Set this to how long the door needs to be open before the alarm is generated. Under Events Create an Event Filter and add Area <Area_Name> Alarm Activated Create an Alarm and add the Event Filter to it. Create an Action. Configure the Type as Send E-mail Configure the Event Filter to that created previously. Set the Email Settings as required. Under Programming Create an Area On the Configuration tab set all timings to 0. Within the Input On the Areas and Input Types tab add this new Area to Area 1 field Set the Input Type 1 to Instant. In the Options enable Log to Event Buffer so the activations are reported. This setting can be reverted after testing.

Issue A 4 Channel xP Module such as an xpBD4 appears to reserve 8 channels in Security Expert Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment xP Expansion Modules Cause xP Expansion Modules were originally created for the Continuum Access control system but through transitions are now being used with Security Expert as well. When used in Continuum, a 4 digital channel xP Module would reserve 4 channels only. However under Security Expert that same 4 digital channel xP Module will reserve 8 channels instead.   Continuum ACX5740 plus xPBD4 plus xPD18 ACX5740 Inputs 01 -12 First 12 channels xPBD4 Inputs 13 -16  Next 4 channels xPDI8 Inputs 16 - 24 Next 8 channels Security Expert SP-ACX plus xPBD4 plus xPD18  (Note all SP-ACXs have ACX 5740 I/O counts) SP-ACX Inputs 01 - 12 First 12 channels xPBD4  Inputs 13 - 20 Next 8 channels xPDI8  Inputs 21 - 28 Next 8 channels Resolution Some of the channel reservation under Security Expert has changed relative to how it used to be handled in Continuum, so now even for a 4 digital channel xP module such as an xPBD4, 8 Channels are automatically reserved by design even if only 4 of those channels are actually used. To check all Input, Output, Digital and Analogue xP Channel reservation scenarios under Security Expert please refer to AN 310 Security Expert - xP Module Configuration - Application Note  (for this digital input example, page 7 shows the relevant channel assignment).

Issue Need to configure a door to unlock on REN (Request to Enter) only during business hours Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Controller Cause Guidelines needed on how to configure the door's REN input to unlock the door only when a specified schedule is active. Resolution Do not configure a REN input in the door, instead follow the steps below: Create a virtual output. Create the input that will be used for Request to Enter (REN) Create the schedule that the REN should follow. Create a dummy area   A virtual output is one with no association to a physical channel. In the screenshot shown below, you see an Output configured with module address 100, since there is no physical expander using that address, VO1 is a virtual output.   Create Input Type Set Operating Schedule to the schedule created above. (REN Input Schedule) Set Control Output to the virtual output created above. (VO1) Set Control Output Time to the desired lock activation time when triggered by REN In the Options (2) tab, make sure to tick Activate Control Output on Alarm Edit the input created above and add the area and input type. Create a Programmable Function Set type to Door Control Set State to Running In Door Control> Set Door Function Mode to 2-Follow Pulse On Output Set Door Control Mode to 0-Emulate Unlock Menu Set Output to Check to the virtual output. (VO1) Set Door to Control to the door. MAKE SURE TO START THE FUNCTION Disarm and re-arm the dummy area The input will now trigger the virtual output ONLY when the schedule is active, the virtual output in turn will make the door unlock for the amount of time specified in the Input Type.

Issue The Optimum Stop feature of the OPT function block in Menta / Building Operation Function Block Editor does not auto-adjust, even when the auto-adjust parameter is enabled. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment Xenta 281 Xenta 301 Xenta 401 Menta FBD Cause This behavior is by design, although it is not made clear in the Menta documentation.  The auto-adjust feature only works with Optimum Start, not Optimum Stop.  The optimum stop time is calculated from a fixed Outside Air Temperature vs time curve.  As some compensation, both end points of the curve are manually adjustable for both time and temperature.  For the optimum start, only the time parameters of the curve end points are manually adjustable. Resolution The optimum stop curve must be manually adjusted over succeeding days until an acceptable stop time is achieved.

Issue Can not get my TAC Xenta 300 controller, which does not have the /N/P, online in TAC Vista. How can I download the application to a TAC Xenta 300 device that does not have /N/P? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Vista Workstation Xenta 301 Cause TAC Xenta 300 devices that are not marked with /N/P could not come online in TAC Vista. Resolution Even if the TAC Xenta 300 devices that are not marked with /N/P (does not have Network or Presentation system functionality) could not come online in TAC Vista, it is still possible to download the address and application to it, by the use of TAC Vista. Just add the devices as normal, and select download to the device. The device will however not come online in TAC Vista, but you could still download the application. Please do not forget to store a backup of your project.

Issue Samsung’s Knox security protection on your phone or tablet data is out of date. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation SmartX Advanced Display v2 Cause   One of the security features contained within the Android operating system is Samsung Knox which the Advanced Display uses. Samsung Knox needs to get security updates periodically and needs to be online to the Internet to receive these updates. As a security feature if Samsung Knox is out of date it can stop the operation of some of the apps. For further information, see the Samsung’s Knox website. If Samsung Knox security needs an update when the AD-Link is launched then one or both the following messages may appear on your display.   Resolution Firstly, if the Advanced Display v2 is not running SmartXKiosk v8.2 and SmartX AD-Link v8.0.apk, then the latest versions are not installed and a request can be made by raising a case with your local product support team for the latest releases. To resolve the Samsung Knox issue, carry out the following procedure: Connect the Advanced Display to a WiFi network that has Internet access. Re-start the device. Confirm the phone or tablet still has an internet connection. Launch AD-Link. (several license windows will appear on your display). The SmartX AD-Link app should now run.

Issue EBO 3.2.x SNMP Engine ID seen in EBO 3.2.x is not the one used by the EBO 3.2.x system. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation (from v3.2) Building Operation Automation Server (AS-P and AS-B) (from v3.2) SNMP Cause EBO 3.2.1 introduced a new SE3Linux operating system for the AS-P and AS-B servers. The engine ID: seen in Device Administrator or Workstation is the engine ID: contained in Linux, this is not the one used by EBO 3.2.x Resolution The SE3Linux engine ID:  “0x80001f8803005006042bd7” viewed using the Device administrator: The SE3Linux engine ID:  “0x80001f8803005006042bd7” viewed using the Workstation The engine ID used by EBO for this example would be: 0x80002a1d03005006042bd7 The difference is always 2a1d compared to 1f88 and the rest of the bytes are the same. For further information see the attached document SNMP SBO 3.2.x Engine ID Explained.

Issue Online Device shows "0" for one scan, but the device is still online from TAC Vista. This is enough for the unit to stop and close dampers. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Xenta 281 Xenta 301 Xenta 401 Cause The Online Device function depends on your network.  If two controllers are within the same TAC Xenta group, there should be no extra traffic the asking device could just check in the online table if the other device has sent out its poll lately. If it is outside the actual TAC Xenta group, it will be like a TACNV connection, within the limits for TACNV. However, there are no re-sends. A single missed message will result in an Offline status. If there is a lot of traffic, there could be a collision on the network traffic and this could result in an Offline status. The next scan time, the messages might work correctly again, and resulting in online status. Resolution The best solution is to have a Delay block in the TAC Menta code, to get a delay-off (when the value goes from Online (1) to Offline (0)). Make sure the device is offline for at least a few program cycles before taking any action in the application program logic.  

Issue There is a problem after upgrading the SystemDB to N4.10. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Jace 8000 N4.10 I/A Enterprise Server N4.10 Cause In Niagara 4.10, we upgraded SystemDB from Orient v2 to v3, and as a result of that change, any customers that are utilizing SystemDB on their Supervisor stations will need to re-index accordingly upon upgrading to 4.10. Resolution In Niagara 4.10, the SystemDB has been upgraded from Orient v2 to v3.  Because of this change, customers that are utilizing SystemDB on their Supervisor stations will need to re-index upon upgrade to 4.10.  Please note, re-indexing can take a considerable time upon upgrade, and the DB will not have accurate information when queried until the index upgrade is complete. After upgrading to 4.10, invoke the actions that force system indexing.  Be aware that re-indexing can take some time, and that the DB won’t have accurate information when queried until the index is complete. The following image shows how to invoke execute on the Local System Indexer: If the Station has a DB configured to contain information about points on other stations, the Niagara Network System Indexer should be used, rather than the Local System Indexer.  Additional details regarding indexer actions can be found in the Niagara System Database and System Indexing Guide.

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue Using the ribbon cable provided with the Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreens & Satchwell MicroNet LCDs to supply power from a MicroNet 50 series controller that is powered with 24VDC. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet Environment Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreens Satchwell MicroNet LCDs Satchwell MicroNet 50 series controllers Cause The Satchwell MicroNet 50 series controllers were built on new hardware. MN350-ARC, MN350-NCP, MN350-LON MN450-ARC, MN450-NCP, MN450-LON MN550-ARC, MN550-NCP, MN550-XCOM, MN550-LON MN650-ARC, MN650-NCP, MN650-XCOM, MN650-LON This new 50 series hardware design added support to the controller to be powered by 24 VAC or 24 VDC The Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreens & Satchwell MicroNet LCDs displays used an adaption of the 100 series hardware, which does not support being powered by 24VDC. Resolution The MicroNet 50 series range MN350, 450, 550, 650 LCD, and Touchscreen have been withdrawn from sale. The IAC 420, 600 and Touchscreen have now also been withdrawn from sale. No direct replacement is offered. Further information on these changes can be found in PA-00495 - Notice of Withdrawal - Satchwell Sigma and PA-00528 - End of Commercialization - Satchwell Sigma. When using a Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreens or Satchwell MicroNet LCDs on Satchwell MicroNet 50 series controllers that are being supplied with 24VDC, the ribbon cable cannot be used to supply the Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreens or Satchwell MicroNet LCDs with power. A separate 24VAC transformer should be used to power the Satchwell MicroNet Touchscreen or Satchwell MicroNet LCD. The MicroNet 50 series controller MLi's and Datasheets are available to download by searching for the article “MicroNet 50 series controller MLi's and Datasheets” The MicroNet 100 series controller MLi's and Datasheets are available to download by searching for the article “MicroNet 100 series controller MLi's and Datasheets”

Issue How to read float type point using the Modbus RTU Xdriver Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Modbus RTU (RS484) Cause Which Xdriver function code to use. Resolution When polling for a point of Float type and using the Xdriver. Use one of the Special function codes available in the Xdriver parameter list. For Float type use function code 245 or 248. See User Guide for further details.

Issue The 0–10 measured output voltage from the RP-C’s Ub terminals may not provide the expected voltage. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartX Controller RP-C Cause On the RP-C controller's the Ub return terminals although internally connected to each other are isolated from ground (-). Resolution Add a ground reference connection between ground and one of the return terminals of the controller. Example if the controller is stand-a-lone using terminal 3, which is an isolated terminal and can be used for the connection.  

Issue When attempting a device browse in Workplace Tech 5.10.1, an error pop up, "CoCreateInstance(CLISD_RTApplication) failed" is invoked A critical error with Rtmonitor.exe when running Workplace Commissioning Tool Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech => 5.10.1  Workplace Commissioning Tool => 5.10.1 Windows OS 32 bit Cause Environment Variables /variable/path includes the incorrect path to the LonWorks\bin.  This doesn't allow the rtmonitor.exe to be executed. Resolution When the Workplace Tech 5.10.1 bundle of applications are installed, the Environment Variables is modified to include,  %ProgramFiles(x86)%\LonWorks\bin In a 32 bit OS, this ProgramFiles(x86) folder does not exist.  This path has to be modified so the assets can be found. Remove the "(x86)" so the path appears as below. Note: This is only applicable for 32 bit operating systems.

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 for assistance. Issue Security Expert Data Sync Service is randomly crashing and there is an error 'Failed to GetTableSchema' in the DSS Log Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Application Server Security Expert Data Sync Service Microsoft Windows IIS Cause Memory may be consumed by IIS over time and crashes data sync service once the total memory approaches Microsoft's 4 GB limitation for 32-bit applications. Resolution There are a few items that can be configured in Data Sync Service (DSS) and in IIS to manage memory consumption which will prevent application crashes and DSS from not importing .csv contents Removal of additional table references  Removal of these tables in the Settings.xml configuration file located in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider  Electric\Data Sync Service will stop the Security Expert application event view errors from posting. Here is what is seen in the SX application event view. Each event will represent a different table.  The below example shows the Salto Calendars Make a backup copy of the settings.xml file Copy the settings.xml to a temp folder Edit the settings.xml in the temp folder using Notepad++ Admin mode and remove all unnecessary rows just below the <DataMapping> section. <RecordType238... <RecordType225... The example below removes all entries except *Users Before: After: Save the file Copy the settings.xml from the temp folder into the C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Data Sync Service  folder and select the Replace option (This ensures the older settings.xml file is overwritten) Close the DSS application and restart it. When the new settings.xml file is being used only *Users will have an asterisk in DSS. Also, as a result of this change, the errors in the SX application log will stop posting and no longer consume "extra" resources. Increase the IIS Worker Processes from 1 to 4 Open IIS Manager Select Application Pools Select DefaultAppPool Select Advanced Settings Change the Worker Process from 1(default) to 2, 3 or 4 (In at least one case, R&D recommended setting this to 4 in order to spread the processes and memory out) Select Recycle in the right-hand pane Recycling Condition Workers IIS by default sets application pool(s) to recycle after an interval of 29 hours (1740 minutes). This can cause issues when using in-memory sessions. Example: DSS application crashing about every 28 hours. Memory was being accumulated over such a long period without being recycled. Recycling every 8 hours reduces the time the memory accumulates. This setting is like a  Windows reboot, but specific to an application pool. Open IIS Go to Application Pools, select DefaultAppPool. In the right-hand pane select Recycling. Change Regular time intervals (in minutes) from 1740(29 hours) to 480 (8 hours) Click Next, Finish Select Recycle Summary: Making these changes will reduce the memory consumption that increases over time for the Data Sync Service application and prevent crashing of the application.