Issue Customer database server crashed with no backup. Customer needs to re-create the access control database. What data can be recovered from the acx781's? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Netcontroller ACX781 Hyperterminal Terminal mode Cause Customer database server crashed with no backup. Customer needs to re-create the access control database. What data can be recovered from the acx781's.? Resolution Using terminal mode into the NetController the customer can dump out from the controllers all the doors, numerics, inputs, outputs and PE code. The personnel records are not retrievable, however, as they are not stored in text format in the controller.

Issue With no CyberStation or network controller available, need to load application programs into controller. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment RoamIO2 Cause This item is not in the documentation. Resolution The RoamIO2 does not have the ability to load a dump file into a controller.

Issue The programs Run Times are running fast. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.82 BCX-4040 Cause Internal Programming corruption Resolution Verify the System variable time on the controller Reload the controller

Issue Continuum NetController fails when a port scanning tool runs a network port scan on the ethernet network where the controller is connected. Some of the controller failures that have been reported to Product Support Services include controller scan locked, controller resetting, hanged, stuck in bootloader etc. In some cases the controller may be running but exhibiting very strange symptoms due to its tasks scheduling being disturbed by the scanning traffic and/or due to memory corruption. Product Line  Andover Continuum   Environment Continuum CX Gen 1 Continuum Net Controller II Continuum ACX 2 Controller Continuum ACX 4 Controller Continuum bCX4040 (BACnet) Continuum bCX4000 (Router) Continuum bCX9640 (Infinet)   Cause The legacy Continuum controller's network stack is not able to handle some of the packets generated by network scanning tools, most such tools explicitly point out that older internal systems may not be able to handle the port scanning traffic and may fail during the process.  The controller error log may show some variation of the following errors...   219 I 08/10/2024 13:14:53.35 0xbadd0018 0x00002500 0x001783f0 0x40602004 0x0017eeb4 Reset (Spurious interrupt)   4914 I 09/14/2022 09:00:54.00 0xbadd0002 0x00002600 0x02001bd4 0x48082600 0x020ffbb8 Reset (access error) Resolution The Continuum NetControllers are now legacy systems no longer in active development, therefore, the only known solution is to add  the controller's IP address to the tools white list so that no port scanning packets are directed to the controller.   It is important to note that NONE of the Continuum NetControllers listed above use Windows or Linux based OS, this makes them less vulnerable to the typical hacker attacks.    Andover Continuum is a legacy Schneider Electric product. We strongly encourage upgrading your system to the more secure and feature-rich platform, EcoStruxure Building Operation. 

Issue Using a Security Expert SX-RK-XW reader to work with Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 2.03 ACX 5740 CX9702 Cause It can be useful prior to a transition from Continuum to Security Expert to use Security Expert readers with Continuum Resolution Minimal functionality testing was done using the Security Expert reader model SX-RK-XW Continuum 2.03 ACX5740 with firmware: 1.100013 and 1.100052 CX9702 with firmware: 1.200036 Tested with Pin Only mode by setting up a door, a card holder and entering in the appropriate PIN code   5740 with SX Reader ACX 5740 PIN Only Active Event View CX 9702 with SX Reader CX 9702 PIN Only Active Event View

Issue Graphics updates are very slow, it takes over 1 minutes to load a graphic, Opening objects from Continuum Explorer is slow, sometimes it will failed to open an object if clicked too frequently. When using the BACnet path for objects on graphics it is fast. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment b4920 version 4.2000026 b3s version 4.5000035 Cyberstation 1.81 or above Cause For the old BACnet IP controller b4920, versions prior to 4.200029 could have some communication issue with b3s MSTP enhance mode not enabled on b4920, Resolution Upgrade b4920 to version 4.2000029 or above, preferably the latest version  Go to the webpage of b4920, check "MSTP Enhance Mode" and then click submit Wait for b4920 to go back online and test graphics operation

Issue Continuum operation unacceptably slow. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation All CXs, i2s and b3s Cause Wireshark capture shows lots of SMB traffic between the machine running CyberStation and the server. The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is a network file sharing protocol, and as implemented in Microsoft Windows is known as Microsoft SMB Protocol. Resolution Identify the application/service responsible for generating this traffic and stop it or relocate it to a different machine where it will not interfere with CyberStation operation.

Issue When Continuum Explorer is launched it takes a very long time to update.  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation WebClient Continuum Explorer Cause When Continuum Explorer is launched it must populate all objects that reside at the root.  When there are a very large number of Personnel objects or other object types in the root, Continuum Explorer will be slow or unresponsive until this population process is complete. Resolution Create a Folder under the Root of Continuum Explorer and move personnel objects to this folder. Consider doing this to other objects that exist in large numbers.

Issue Do the light emitters in the I2-210 Fiber repeater use an LED or LASER light source Product Line Andover Continuum  Environment I2-210 Fiber repeater Cause Fiber optic modules light source type Resolution The transmitter in the B-LINK-F is LED; it is specified as an AEL Class 1 LED light source and is considered "eye safe"

Issue Required a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or statement of accessibility for the Andover Continuum System. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Andover Continuum Cause The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a document that evaluates how accessible a particular product is according to the Section 508 Standards. It is a self-disclosing document produced by the vendor which details each aspect of the Section 508 requirements and how the product supports each criterion. VPATs are used by buyers to determine how accessible a product is and where any potential deficiencies are. They are required by some buyers before a purchase is made. More Information can be found from the below public links: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) Overview of Technologies and Formats WHAT IS A VPAT AND HOW IS IT USED? Resolution Schneider Electric does not have a VPAT document for Continuum.

Issue How to decode BACnet errors when they are encountered in the following products. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Andover Continuum, TAC IA Series Environment EBO Error Log Tool Continuum bCX4040 (BACnet) Continuum b3s Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller (MPC/V) Building Operation Room Controller (RPC/V) Building Operation IP-IO EBO Trace and System logs Cause Documentation is unavailable for these errors when reviewing log files against any captures.  Resolution The error in log files is composed of two fields, BACnetErrorClass and BACnetErrorCode. The BACnet Error Class (BEC) field is made of the high 16 bits and the BACnet Error Code (BE) of the low 16 bits.  0x800 indicates the error class and error code are in Hexidecimal format. Error Class 0x8001, when remove 0x800, 1 decodes to Object Error Code 001f decodes to Unknown Object Therefore, the error code is Object_Unknown Object, where the device indicates it has no knowledge of the object, either it does not exist or the device does not have the expected program/database installed. For b3, it could be memory was wiped on power failure and needs to be reloaded. It could mean the expected application needs to be downloaded for other devices.   The following are a subset of BACnet errors defined in the specification. If you have questions or encounter ones not listed, please contact Product Support Services.   Error Class List High 16 bits of Error. See BACnet spec clause 18. May not include 0x8000. (Example: could be 0x5002B instead of 0x8005002B for COV subscription failed) Error Class Hex(0x800) Dec Notes device 0 0   object 1 1   property 2 2   resources 3 3   security 4 4   services 5 5   vt 6 6   proprietary     64 is the first available code for proprietary error classes client 7FFD   0x7FFD0000 Reject 7FFE   0x7FFE0000 (error code is BACnetReject) Abort 7FFF   0x7FFF0000 (error code is BACnetAbort)   Error Code List Low 16 bits of Error. See BACnet spec clause 18. Error Code Hex (0x) Dec other 0 0 authentication_failed 1 1 configuration_in_progress 2 2 device_busy 3 3 dynamic_creation_not_supported 4 4 file_access_denied 5 5 incompatible_security_levels 6 6 inconsistent_parameters 7 7 inconsistent_selection_criterion 8 8 invalid_data_type 9 9 invalid_file_access_method A 10 invalid_file_start_position B 11 invalid_operator_name C 12 invalid_parameter_data_type D 13 invalid_time_stamp E 14 key_generation_error F 15 missing_required_parameter 10 16 no_objects_of_specified_type 11 17 no_space_for_object 12 18 no_space_to_add_list_element 13 19 no_space_to_write_property 14 20 no_vt_sessions_available 15 21 property_is_not_a_list 16 22 object_deletion_not_permitted 17 23 object_identifier_already_exists 18 24 operational_problem 19 25 password_failure 1A 26 read_access_denied 1B 27 security_not_supported 1C 28 service_request_denied 1D 29 timeout 1E 30 unknown_object 1F 31 unknown_property 20 32 removed 21 33 unknown_vt_class 22 34 unknown_vt_session 23 35 unsupported_object_type 24 36 value_out_of_range 25 37 vt_session_already_closed 26 38 vt_session_termination_failure 27 39 write_access_denied 28 40 character_set_not_supported 29 41 invalid_array_index 2A 42 cov_subscription_failed 2B 43 not_cov_property 2C 44 optional_functionality_not_supported 2D 45 invalid_configuration_data 2E 46 datatype_not_supported 2F 47 duplicate_name 30 48 duplicate_object_id 31 49 property_is_not_an_array 32 50   Common BACnet errors you may see: Error Code Translation Notes 0x8000001e Device + timeout likely something is offline 0x8001001f Object + unknown object likely b3/AS memory was wiped in power fail 0x80020020 Property + unknown property   0x80020025 Property + value out of range likely writing 0 to a multistate object 0x80020028 Property + write access denied   0x8002002c Property + not cov property trying to subscribe to non COV property  0x8002002e Property + invalid configuration data likely configured a change-of-value alarm on non-analog 0x80030000 Resources + out of memory   0x80050007 Services + inconsistent parameters   0x80050019 Services + operational problem   0x8005001D Services + service request denied   0x8005002B Services + COV subscription failed (0x5002B may show, not including the 0x800)   In Wireshark, using the display filter bacapp.type == 5 one will see errors dissected in the APDU packets in Decimal format. In this example, the BACnet device returns an error for Device (0) and operational problem (25) when responding to a readPropertyMultiple.

Issue How to identify what ports are being used on a PC. Product Line All product Lines. Environment Any Windows OS Cause Running multiple applications on the same PC without managing TCP/UDP port assignments can lead to conflicts. Resolution TCPView will help you identify all ports and services to each application. Download from Microsoft's website http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897437.aspx Detailed instructions are available at the site.

Issue For various reasons sometimes it is necessary to clear the error log in the controllers.   NOTE: First generation controllers such as the CX9200 and CX9900 (NetController 1) and Infinet1 devices do not support the error log utility, this article does not apply to those controllers.   Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX9640 bCX4040 bCX4000 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 All b3 devices All i2 devices Cause Guidelines for clearing the controllers error log in the field. Resolution bCX4040, bCX4000, b3s Error log is cleared by setting the Errors system variable to 0 (zero)   IMPORTANT It s not recommended to set the errors system variable from within a Plain English program, doing so risks damaging the controller's flash memory which has a limited number of write/erase cycles. Only reset the errors system variable to 0 from the command line or from the system variable object editor.   If the Errors system variable has a non zero value all that is required is to reset it to 0   NOTE: In some older version of the firmware, if the Errors system variable is at 0 then it has to be changed to a non zero value before it can be reset to 0 One easy way to generate an error is to create an InfinityProgram that attempts a DIVIDE BY ZERO I.e. Program is AutoStart and FallThru Numeric N n = 1/0   Create the InfinityProgram above in the controller, once the program saves and runs it will be disabled and the Errors system variable will increment by one. Remember to delete the program as it is no longer needed bCX9640 CX9680, ACX5740, ACX5720 Use the controller error log tool to clear the error log.

Issue Continuum i2 and b3 devices share the same hardware platform, however, power consumption on the devices IO Expansion Port differs depending on the communication protocol firmware (Infinet or BACnet) running in the device. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment All i2 devices All b3 devices Cause Even though the hardware of an i2 device is identical to that of its counterpart b3 device, the difference in firmware causes variation in power consumption on the device's Expansion IO port, specifically, it has been observed that the b3 devices adhere more strictly to the 180 mA limit than the i2 devices, resulting in loss of operation on IO channels located on the Expansion Port if the power limit is exceeded.  Now that conversion of devices from one protocol to another is occurring in the field, it has become evident that there are cases where the 180 mA limit is exceeded in an i2 device without any negative results, but once the i2 device is converted to a b3 device, all IO on the expansion port stop working. Resolution Before converting an i2 device to a b3 device in the field, it is crucial to review the Expansion IO Datasheet (attached) to ensure that the configuration does not exceed the specified power consumption limit. If the configuration exceeds the 180 mA limit, take the following steps: Remove any additional xP module causing the limit to be exceeded. Reconfigure the xP modules to ensure that the configuration does not consume more than 180 mA.

Issue After 2000 backups an attempt to perform a backup to flash results in the error 'Flash backup for this controller has been disabled.' Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Andover Continuum Environment b3 controller i2 controller Cause Flash memory has a limited write count; Controllers implement a flash circuit breaker that trips after 2000 backup operations in order to protect the flash device from damage. Resolution (Applies to all b3 and i2 controllers) EcoStruxure Building Operation In EBO, a command has been added that will re-enable backup to flash after the circuit breaker has been tripped (2000 backups) From Workstation, in the object tree, right-click the i2/b3 device. From the context menu select, DEVICE->ENABLE BACKUP TO FLASH     Andover Continuum From CyberStation command line set the ACCStatusBackup system variable of the device to ACCBackupEnable. NOTE: The flash circuit breaker CANNOT be reset from Script/Plain English.  This is by design as it was deemed too risky to allow resetting it programmatically.  A poorly written program could very quickly cause damage to the flash device.

Issue Cannot do a backup to flash on bCX4040. Distribution Properties indicates "The flash for this controller does not need to be backed up." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX4040 Cause ACCStatusBackup is set to ACCBackupInactive when ACCRestartMode is set to ACCWarmStartOnly. This occurred when a bCX9640 was flashed to a bCX4040.  ACCWarmToCool is the default ACCRestartMode for the bCX4040. Resolution Change ACCRestartMode to ACCWarmToCool and then try the backup. For more information on the ACCRestartMode refer to Chapter 5 of the bCX1 Series Controller Technical Reference document # 30-3001-890.

Issue Verification of BBMD broadcast table list Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX CyberStation Cause Where is the location of BBMD broadcast table list. Resolution Using a web browser connect to the bCX using the IP address and login. Select the "BBMD Configuration" option to the left.  (If this in not available then BBMD is not enabled). The BBMD Configuration page lists the IP address, broadcast mask, and network port for each BBMD that the bCX knows of. After a successful "Save All To Flash" has been executed from the BBMD Configuration webpage the "Saved" buttons will be checked off. After a "Teach" has been executed from the BBMD Configuration webpage, the Teach Results webpage will be displayed. If there is an entry in the BBMD Configuration webpage that has a "rejected" status on the Teach Results webpage, either continue to troubleshoot until the teach is successful or remove that entry from the BBMD Configuration webpage.

Warning 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. 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. One way conversion: Conversion of b4920 to b3920 is not reversible, once the b4920 controller has been converted to b3920 device, it cannot be converted back to b4920. Issue A b3920 device has failed in the field and the only available replacement at hand is a b4920 Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Continuum b4920 Cause The b4920 is a Continuum BACnet router its hardware is almost identical to that of the b3920 device, the only difference is the Ethernet port in the b4920, which is not populated in the b3920. When a b3920 must be replaced, and the only available replacement is a b4920, use the steps outlined in this article to convert the b4920 to a b3920. Resolution Before starting the procedure, you need the following items: The b4920 device to be converted. The serial number of the b4920 device to be converted. Continuum Cyberstation with b4920 to be converted, configured, and online. (***) A RoamIO2 and BACnet Service Tool A special firmware b4920 application upgrade file provided by Product Support A b3920 bootloader file provided by Product Support Steps to convert b4920 into b3920 Contact Product Support and request the b4920 to b3920 conversion files. You will be provided with an application file (e.g. b4920toB3920B4.500077.upd) and a boot loader file (e.g. B3920BootB4.500077.upd). From Continuum Workstation, take note of the baud rate of the MSTP operating under the b4920 (In Comm1 settings) From Continuum Cyberstation, edit the b4920 controller object and take note of the BACnet Device ID and the controller Serial Number, typically they will be the same but this is not always the case. In the "General" tab, click 'Update OS' and send the Application file provided by PSS. Please note that once the application file has been sent and the controller re-starts, its MSTP will shut down and RoamIO2 is required to re-start the MSTP for operation as a b3920, the reason for this is Continuum uses mac id 0 (zero) for router controllers such as the b4920 and the bCX4040, in Continuum, b3 devices are not allowed to use mac id 0. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the b4920, the Ethernet port is now unusable. Connect the RoamIO2 directly to the b4920's Service Port then cycle power to the b4920. Start the BACnet Service Tool In the BACnet Service Tool, de-select View by networks, then click the connect icon, the conversion from b4940 to a b3920 causes the now b3920 device to come up with an unknown baud rate and an invalid (for b3s) mac id 0, so now need to find out the baud rate the converted b3920 is using From the "View" menu, select "RoamIO2 Properties and take note of the MAC ID the RoamIO2 is using   From the 'Tools' menu, select 'Set b3 baud rate' and set it to Baud9600, and click apply    From the 'Tools' menu, select 'Set offline b3 MAC id' and enter the serial number of the device and a valid MAC ID ( DO NOT ENTER ZERO NOR THE MAC ID IN USE BY ROAMIO2), then click on 'Apply'   If you get the message below, repeat the steps above for the next baud rate... when you have found the correct baud, you will see the message below after setting the MAC ID   Once the baud and MAC id have been set successfully, the device will automatically pop up in the tree, but it will only be partially online, to bring the device fully online, click the red disconnect icon on the BACnet Service Tool to disconnect from the device, wait about 30 seconds then  click the now green connect icon to reconnect the BACnet Service Tool to the device Right-click on the device, then select 'Update OS' and send it the appropriate boot loader file provided by Product Support Once the uprev of the boot loader has completed, click 'Done' button to dismiss, select the device, right-click and select 'Cold start device', and click 'Yes' on the confirmation window   You should now be able to commission the converted device as a b3920, either as a new device or as a replacement device, following the steps for replacing a b3 device. (those steps are not in the scope of this procedure) *** b4920 controllers are not easily defaulted to factory settings. If one gets an old b4920 from the shelf, use the steps below to find out the controller's current IP address and ACCNetId which are needed to put the controller online in Continuum. IP ADDRESS Upon start-up the b4920 sends a gratuitous ARP, use Wireshark to connect directly to b4920 controller using a crossover Ethernet cable, restart the controller, and inspect the gratuitous ARP to determine the IP address configured in the b4920 ACCNetID Once you have the IP address, use the attached utility tool to discover the ACCNetID of the b4920. Unzip the attached file and use the Windows Command Line to execute FindEnodeID.exe as seen below  

Issue Problems adding i2 or b3 controllers to systems and causing the network to go down or devices to not learn on. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment i2 Controller b3 Controller Cause Duplicate ID's,  incorrect baud rates or faulty controller Resolution Infinet and BACnet field controllers have the capability to autobaud and auto correct duplicate ID's on a network. They do this by listening to the network on powerup and determining what Baud Rate and currently operating controller ID's are on the network. If an existing controller is on the network and the newly added controller has the same ID assigned, the new controller will zero out its own ID so as not to cause a network problem with duplicate ID's. Then learning or manually commissioning the controller will give it a unique ID. It is therefore critical that when adding a controller to a network, that the controller is connected to the network before the controller is powered up.  Failure to do so could cause network problems such as duplicate ID's or conflicting baud rates which could bring the network down. If the new controller causes these types of problems it is recommended to power down the suspect controller(s) and re-power them to eliminate these issues.  Run acctrace when the learn is being done and there will be an indication of what is happening.  Send a controller error log to PSS.   If nothing else works even with a clean database then replace the Master and if that works send the controller in to repair.

Issue When using mstpcap.exe to capture, it automatically stops after 65535 packets. Similarly, when using Wireshark, it will stop capturing if the dissector encounters an issue. This article provides a solution to continuously capture BACnet MS/TP traffic in a ring buffer and store it as files. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment Wireshark Any BACnet MSTP RS-485 network Cause Analyze BACnet traffic via capture files. Resolution Install Wireshark. Ensure TShark is checked when installing options.  Ensure Wireshark is installed with Npcap (default) or WinPCap has been installed by IA Series Workplace Tech. Install mstpcap.exe referencing BACnet MSTP Capture Application. Ensure that mstpcap.exe has been configured for the correct port and baud rate. Here is an example for Command Prompt and PowerShell: # Command Prompt cd "C:\Program Files\Wireshark\extcap" mstpcap.exe com3 38400 # PowerShell cd 'C:\Program Files\Wireshark\extcap' ./mstpcap.exe com3 38400 Run Tshark to determine the interface being used by mstpcap so that one can reference it by number. For this example, we are going to choose 9. COM3 (BACnet MS/TP on COM3). Please change the number below to the number of your interface.  Start Tshark capture by entering the following command, updating as needed. The commands below save Test01.pcap to the Username's desktop. Please store to a location that the user has access to write.  # Command Prompt cd "C:\Program Files\Wireshark" tshark.exe -i 9 -b duration:3600 -b files:72 -w "C:\Users\Username\Desktop\Desktop\Test01.pcap​"​ # PowerShell cd 'C:\Program Files\Wireshark' ./tshark.exe -i 9 -b duration:3600 -b files:72 -w 'C:\Users\Username\Desktop\Desktop\Test01.pcap​' Note: Change  -i 9  to the number of the interface on the capturing machine. Change  -b duration  to time in seconds (3600 is one hour). Change  -b files  to the number of files to cycle through (72 is 3 days of 1-hour captures, 3x24). Change  -w  to write to the location and filename you choose. Change  \Username\  to your Windows User, if you want to save to that user's Desktop Reference: tshark(1) Manual Page (wireshark.org)