Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Rehosting is defined as the process of moving a license from one machine to another. Is there a limit to the number of rehosts allowed per year? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,TAC Vista Environment Building Operation Licensing Cause Re-hosting means that the license bindings to the physical hardware or its substitutes on a Virtual Machine are moved i.e. the host ID is changed. This can be required if the license is moved to a new computer or Virtual Machine.  A maximum of 4 license re-hosts are allowed in 12 months. Resolution If the re-hosting limit is exceeded and further re-hosting is justified and necessary, the policy can be overridden by Product Support. When contacting support please provide the entitlement details so that the license policy can be overridden.

Issue Looking in the controller error log, what does this error indicate and how do I troubleshoot it? 0x00006c0e 0x00002600 0x020a8536 0x00000000 0x00000000 error transmitting (LAN_ERR_TRANSMIT_ERROR) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Controllers ControllerErrorLogTool error log report Cause This error can be the result of comms buffers being too full to transmit data to the LAN. Resolution Check the following: Check the scan rate of the controller to see if it is high. If high (above 1.0 scans/sec), stop programs to see which may be causing problems. Are there a lot of remote points being read or written from/to this controller? Try minimizing this traffic by limiting the number of points per program line, set COV Increment values, etc... If writing to 3rd party controllers, check how often your programs are doing this. Are they being sent each scan or only once when the value is required? Many BACnet writes per second can saturate the communications buffers and cause communications bottlenecks. Run a Wireshark capture by mirroring the controller's NIC card. This will show the traffic that is making it to the controller's NIC. See if there is traffic from 1 or more IP addresses that could be affecting the system and eliminate or reduce that traffic.

Issue Why is "B" shown in the Concurrent license feature list in the License Server Interface (http://localhost:8888) Dashboard?   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation License Server Cause The Flexera framework requires at least 1 licensed feature to be present when installing a license server for it to start correctly. In this phase there aren't any licensed features so a dummy feature is created. Resolution It can be ignored as it is just a dummy license used for the installation.

Issue No official internet download available unless you have user name and password access to Schneider Electric websites. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet Environment VisiSat Engineering Guide  Installation and User Guide 1.2 2.1  Cause Not available for download online Resolution Further information regarding this object can be found in the VisiSat help file and engineering guide. VisiSat V1.2 Engineering Guide This document provides details for IAC 400, IAC 420, IAC 600 and IAC Touchscreen configuration. VisiSat V2.1 (185) Engineering Guide (This document contains details for configuring the MicroNet range of controllers. MN300, MN440, MN500, MN 620, MN350, MN450, MN550, MN 650, MNLCD and MN Touchscreens). VisiSat V2.1 (196) Engineering Guide (This document contains details for configuring the MicroNet range of controllers. MN300, MN440, MN500, MN 620, MN350, MN450, MN550, MN 650, MNLCD and MN Touchscreens). VisiSat V2.1 Installation and User's Guide VisiSat V2.1 data sheet VisiSat V2.1 Release note Related Articles: MicroNet 100 series controller MLi's and Data sheets MicroNet 50 series controller MLi's and Data sheets Where can VisiSat software and license be purchased and what Version/Build is supplied?

Issue Trend Chart shows dotted line across the screen instead of expected chart data. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause Chart is waiting for a new record possibly caused by incorrect time in the Enterprise/Automation Server Resolution When waiting for a new record, the trend chart draws a dotted line (1) from the last recorded value and forward.  When a new value is recorded, the dotted line between the last and the new record is replaced by a solid series of lines.  Please see Trend Charts. Check the start time (2) and end time (3) period being observed in the chart includes data readings.  Additionally, ensure the Network Time is set appropriately .    

Issue When installing Building Operation software i.e. License Administrator, Workstation, etc. the following error may show: "This software requires .NET Framework version 4.7.2" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation installers Microsoft .NET Framework Cause Building Operation requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or greater to install and function Resolution Most Windows machines have the latest version of Windows installed and updated for security reasons. If for some reason an older version of Windows hasn't been updated then it may show the error until .NET has been updated.   Here is a Microsoft article that shows how to determine what version of the .NET Framework is installed on the Windows PC. How to: Determine which .NET Framework versions are installed There are several methods, this is the registry method:   Windows 10 version 20H2 includes 4.8 as part of its default components. It is recommended to upgrade Windows to this version or greater.   Once the version of .NET Framework is upgraded, the error dialog will no longer appear

Issue An alarm is configured to be triggered by an event and when the event occurs, the Sound Effect (.wav) file configured for the alarm does NOT sound. Playing the .wav file on the PC outside of Access Expert works and it also works within the Access Expert Sound Effects Window.  Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted v3 Cause The site IT may have blocked one or more ports Resolution Ensure that the Sound effect can be played from the Sound Effects window in Access Expert. If not, test the .wav file(s) in a different program i.e. Windows Media Player to make sure the PC can play sound files. Windows contains quite a few standard .wav files that can be used to test and they are located in the  C:\Windows\Media folder.   If all the above steps work then ensure that these ports below are not blocked as they are needed for Access Expert to function. download.feenicshosting.com tcp/443 keepevents.feenicshosting.com tcp/443 ocsps.ssl.com tcp/80 crls.ssl.com tcp/80 keepapi.feenicshosting.com tcp/443 connect.feenics.com tcp/443

Issue Values from a third party BACnet device display the question mark character (?) instead of the correct engineering unit. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise/Automation Server Building Operation Workstation Third party BACnet device Cause The BACnet Standard revisions support a list of engineering units as enumerations, as shown in the extract below: - Enumeration Unit Unit type 0 square-meters Area 1 square-feet Area 2 milliamperes Electrical 3 amperes Electrical …. …. …. The question mark (?) placeholder is used when Building Operation reads an unknown BACnet unit enumeration identifier.  It is either a unit from a later revision of the standard, that has not been implemented by Building Operation yet, or it is a unit that is proprietary to the devices vendor. Resolution Based on different BACnet revisions, Building Operation can interpret the enumeration of units but proprietary units may not be handled correctly since these can vary by vendor, model and even the software version.   Any lookup is specific to the vendor, model and software version. The vendor of the third party equipment should be approached to modify their implementation according to the BACnet standard.  Additionally please see Points from an MPM display ? 

Issue DHCP server is required to assign addressing to IP devices Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment I/A Series Jace 8000 I/A Series ScheniderMPx Modules Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV  Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 24 V Building Operation IP-IO Cause When working with the SchneiderMPx modules for engineering Spacelogic devices, the Jace can be used as a DHCP server for the field devices. Resolution This video discusses how to; - Configure the second IP network port for DHCP server use - Add an additional IP Port to the Jace station  

Warning COMPLEX PROCEDURE REQUIRED. The resolution of this article has many complex steps that may result in unforeseen results if not performed correctly. If you are at all unfamiliar with the requirements, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue In some situations, when doing a learn on the CX/BCX controller, the learn process aborts and an error prompt pops up, "Can not learn this controller, it contains an unknown model number." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation CX/BCX I2/B3 Cause Learn process has been executed more than once and at least one has not completed. Some controllers that reside in the CX/BCX have not been cleared and have a duplicate infinetID with some controller in the database. Reloading the CX/BCX controller will indicate which controller has the duplicate InfinetID. Resolution It is recommended to create I2/B3 controllers manually (not by learn) to avoid this problem. If this problem happens: Open the BCX/CX controller and click "reset" Reload BCX/CX controller, from the distribution properties window to find out which controller has the duplicated InfinetID Go to the Continuum Explorer, right click the i2/B3 controller which has the duplicated InfinetID and then select "send to text file" Open the text file, change the infinetID for this controller to another number that does not exist in the database. Delete the i2/B3 controller which has the duplicated ID and import the text file. Reload the CX/BCX controller, there will be no more error. Do learn again on the commport of BCX/CX controller, that should execute successfully. For any other installation issues that also result in this error, please refer to Unknown model number error when learning I2/b3 device

Issue How to control an output with one or more inputs. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Unsure how to program one or more inputs to directly control an output. Input Control Output Resolution The below guide details how to use an Input to activate an Output on Security Expert and SP-C-WEB systems. An output can be assigned to the Input Type and to the Input allowing many to one and one to many configurations.   In order for an Input to activate an Output it needs two things: To be inside an always armed area - This can be an Automation/Dummy area with its only purpose being to activate the output. To have an Input Type that tells it to activate an Output   Single/Multiple Input Activating the same Output If one or more inputs are required to activate the same output, this output can be defined by the input type. The below is a simple scenario where when the Input turns ON the Control Output turns ON, when the Input turns OFF the Control Output turns OFF. Other types of output activations can be configured if required. Creating the Area Navigate to Programming > Areas Add a new area and name it Automation Area, set the Entry and Exit Delay Times to 0. All other settings can be left default. Creating the Input Type Navigate to Programming > Input Types. Create a new Input Type Set the Control Output to the required output Under Options 2 enable the required control options for your scenario e.g. to have the output follow the input exactly enable Activate Control Output on Alarm and Deactivate Control Output on Restore. To have the output activate for a time simply enable Activate Control Output on Alarm and set the Activation Time under the General tab of the Input Type Menu (Control Output Time) For more details on the option see The difference between using "Control Output" and "Input Control Output" Set any other options that may be required Configuring the Input Navigate to Programming > Inputs select the Input and set the following: Set the Area to the Automation Area created in Step 1 Set the Input Type to the Input Type created in Step 2 Testing Check for any related health status messages that need to be resolved Arm both portions of the Area Activate the Input to confirm Output Activates   Multiple Inputs Activating Different Outputs When multiple inputs are required to activate different outputs, one input type can be used and the outputs can be defined at each input. The below is a simple scenario where when the Input turns ON the Control Output turns ON, when the Input turns OFF the Control Output turns OFF. Other types of output activations can be configured if required. Creating the Area Navigate to Programming > Areas Add a new area and name it Automation Area, set the Entry and Exit Delay Times to 0. All other settings can be left default. Creating the Input Type Navigate to Programming > Input Types. Create a new Input Type Under 'Options 3' enable the required control options for your scenario. e.g. to have the output follow the input exactly enable Activate Input Control Output on Alarm and Deactivate Input Control Output on Restore. To have the output activate for a time simply enable Activate Input Control Output on Alarm and set the Activation Time at the Output itself For more details on the option see The difference between using "Control Output" and "Input Control Output" Set any other options that may be required Configuring the Input Navigate to Programming > Inputs select the Input and set the following Set the Control Output to the appropriate Output Set the Area to the Automation Area created in Step 1 Set the Input Type to the Input Type created in Step 2 Testing Arm both portions of the Area Activate the Input to confirm Output Activates

Issue "Access Denied - Invalid Card Format" in live monitoring when the Door Relocks There is no error when the card is presented and the door unlocks normally Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause There is some type of electromagnetic interference affecting the reader Resolution There are at least 2 different situations where this has been observed: 1. When using entry and exit readers that are very close together 2. A strong LED light that was close to an entry reader. In this case, there was no exit reader   The resolutions are to move/remove the device causing the interference or in the case of the LED light to ground the shield wire of the reader to the panel. This stopped the error from happening.

Issue Is EBO External Log Storage with PostgreSQL and TimescaleDB tested on Linux? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Timescale Database Cause Need to install External log storage with PostgreSQL on Linux. Resolution Quality assurance testing has been performed by Schneider Electric with TimescaleDB and PostgreSQL installed natively in Windows enviroment. Other deployment scenarios have not been tested by Schneider Electric. For tested Windows versions, check: Information Technology System Planning Guide

Issue When trying to connect to a Controller via FTP or Telnet the connection is failing even with known working usernames and passwords. Cannot ping controller after upgrade to 4.3.x Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment SP-C-Web SP-C SP-ACX SP-AC1 Cause When connecting with FTP via an application such as Filezilla the error 'Bad username/password' is returned. Via Telnet the error is simply 'Logon Incorrect' and the connection once again fails to complete    Resolution FTP and Telnet have been intentionally disabled on the Controllers for Cyber Security purposes and will not be possible to use from firmware version 2.08.1234.  Please see firmware release notes version 2.08.1234. As mentioned in the Controller firmware release notes version 2.08.1018, Ping is disabled by default and can be re-enabled via Controller Commands: EnablePing = true

Issue When attempting to edit a graphic on an SBO/EBO ES or AS the Graphics Editor, Function Block Editor or Script Editor reports it has lost connection. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause A second instance of the workstation is running on the same computer The firewall is blocking the connection. The password was recently changed during the same session Workstation is connected via HTTPS but there is no valid certificate Resolution Solution 1 If using Remote Desktop (RDP) to access the SBO/EBO ES remotely, a second instance of the workstation could be initiated. Close the workstation on both the remote connection and at the SBO/EBO ES. Then open the workstation either at the SBO/EBO ES or via remote connection, not both.   Solution 2 Check if the firewall has been enabled while logged in to the SBO/EBO ES or AS, and disable the firewall Here is an example for McAfee   Solution 3 Make sure the network information (such as gateway) for the PC is entered correctly.   Solution 4 If you just changed the password of the logged in user, log out and in again   Solution 5 Workstation is connected via HTTPS but there is no valid certificate. Ensure that certificates are installed and trusted on the workstation/server so that no certificate warnings are received or use HTTP to connect to the server.   Solution 6 Update the Certificate Revocation List as described in First time a TGML graphic is opened after logging in it takes a long time for the graphic to load.

Issue What are the basic steps when doing a conversion from TAC Vista to EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO)? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Vista Server Cause When doing a conversion from TAC Vista to EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO), a tool called TAC Vista Conversion tool is used to build the EBO database using an export file from TAC Vista. Resolution This video shows a basic conversion of a TAC Vista database to EBO, and the steps that needs to be taken for a successful conversion.

Issue Mobile or Cellular companies may require the modem's IMEI number to issue a SIM card for the device. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert SP-4G-USB Cellular Modem Cause The IMEI number is not displayed on the device labelling. Resolution The IMEI number is printed on the label on a chip inside the SP-4G-USB module. IMEI number This can be seen when looking up close through the slots in the module case and looking down through the top of the module. IMEI through bottom vent Use a phone camera to take a photo of this label so the number can be properly identified. IMEI through bottom vent

Issue When viewing the "Device Properties" of an MNB device in the Workplace Commissioning Tool (WPCT) the controller status indicates "Operational, Read-Only"? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment BACnet MNB controllers WorkPlace Commissioning Tool all versions Cause The MNB-xxxx series controllers contain circuitry that is designed to protect the integrity of the embedded flash memory under low-voltage or questionable input voltage conditions.  In the event of a controller-perceived low-voltage condition, the controller will set a read-only flag and lock out all writes to memory, as well as turn off controller outputs. Resolution The Read-Only status can help serve as an indicator that the input voltage to the controller may be questionable. Attention should also be paid to the wire distance between the central transformer and the secondary loads, especially in the case of half-wave input devices like the MNB-70, MNB-V series and MNB-300 controllers and the MNB-1000-15 remote I/O module. With half-wave type input devices, significant AC input current spikes can occur during the positive half-cycle of the AC input. Large resistances due to the wire lengths can cause significant voltage drops as seen from the controller AC input. In extreme cases, the controller may enter the read-only mode at apparent AC voltages exceeding 20 Vac due to the asymmetrical nature of the AC input voltage waveforms. In these cases, reducing the load on the transformer, reducing the wire length between the controller and the transformer, and using higher current rated wire will correct the problem.  For complete wiring guidelines consult the Micronet BACnet, Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide. Once the power issue is resolved cycling power to the controller will clear the read-only portion of the status. 

Issue During certain situations, it may be required to switch from a hardwired to a wireless connection or wireless to a hardwired. In addition, you may be required to replace a failed NIC card with a new variant that may or may not be the same in terms of connection type. Other more rare situations where a technician travels with a laptop that has PCT "SERVER" mode installed would also be affected. Example: PCT Version - 1.1.2.57 Server mode was set up on a physical server that has two NIC cards. The initial setup was performed on NIC1 and now we are required to utilize NIC 2 which is wireless as a temporary solution. NIC card 1 is disabled and NIC card 2 is set up with the same IP details as NIC card1. In addition, the wireless network is an extension of the original network that was configured in NIC card 1. The server then gets rebooted. Once the server is up you start PCT and attempt to open a project. You receive the following errors: "VBoxManager.exe: error: Nonexistent host networking interface" "Failed to open project."    Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Windows Client versions (64 Bit Only) Windows Server versions (64 Bit Only) PCT SERVER versions (64 Bit OS Only ) SBO Project Configuration Tool All versions Cause During the initial setup of Project Configuration Server mode, you are prompted to select a network interface card from a list of available NICs. PCT requires that you continue to use the same interface and if you change your connection type at the windows level PCT has no method of knowing this and will not be able to connect to previously created projects. PCT will produce the following complaint as seen in the log below: "Nonexistent host networking interface"   You can find the log path as follows: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\loggermodule "ProjectsModule.log"   Resolution There are two solutions to address this: Revert your connection type back to the original Network Interface Card. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project. If the idea is to stick with a different NIC, you would simply need to reinstall PCT and select the new NIC during "SERVER" mode setup. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project.

Issue After setting up a REST gateway in SmartConnector, how can it be tested to see that it is working using the built in test client called Swagger? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central SmartConnector   Cause Swagger is a built in test REST client which can be used to read and set values in EBO. So it can be used instead of a "real" REST client to test the REST gateway in the SmartConnector and test that the connection between SmartConnector and EBO is working. Resolution The objective in this video is to set up a REST gateway in SC and show how we can test that the gateway is working using the built in test REST client called Swagger. Please see video.