Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When accessing an I/A Series R2 or I/A Series G3 station web page, a popup window is displayed warning of a possible security vulnerability. The popup warning is displayed differently depending on the browser version and Java version installed on the computer used for viewing the graphics. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- With Java 7 update 11 or newer, and Internet Explorer 8 or 9, the following popup windows is displayed (location string will vary):   Note that even if you check the "Do not show" checkbox, you will receive additional prompts because the prompt is displayed for each Java applet encountered in the current browsing session.  Likewise, if you close the browser and reopen it, navigating to the same site, the prompts will again be displayed. If accessing I/A Series G3 graphics, the following screen may be displayed: A variant of this message is as follows: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If using a recent version of the Firefox web browser, the following message is shown in the graphic applet window: "This plugin has security vulnerabilities.  Click here to activate the Java(TM) Platform SE 7 U Plugin."   --------------------------------------------------------------------- When using the Mozilla Firefox browser to access I/A Series G3 graphics, the following security warning may be displayed (Click "I Understand the Risks" and follow prompts to continue):   Environment Windows computer Internet 9 or Firefox web browser Cause Known security vulnerabilities with the Java JRE software Resolution Since the issue is being reported by the Java software or the Java plugin in the browser, there is nothing we can do to directly resolve the issue. There are several workarounds possible, depending on how the site deals with browser security issues. The most secure approach is to allow the applet to be run each time you are prompted. If using Internet Explorer, click the [Run] button on the security warning popup window. If using Firefox, two actions may be needed.  First if the warning "This connection is untrusted" is displayed, click the "I Understand the Risks" Unfortunately, this is a Java issue, not an I/A Series R2 software issue. Oracle has added this popup to its browser plugin to warn the user that a downloaded Java applet may be unsafe to execute. According to information published by Oracle, it may take them up to two years to correct all the known security issues in the Java-JRE. Many of the known issues date back to before Oracle assumed ownership of Java. The only workaround at this time is to downgrade the Java-JRE to a version that does not notify its user that the Java applet to be executed may pose a security risk. We did some testing on Windows 7 with IE9 and found that Java 1.7.0.9 (Java 7 update 9) does not cause the prompt to be displayed. In addition, we found that in some cases we were able to greatly reduce the number of times the prompt appears in Java 1.7.0.17 by setting its security setting to Low (Java control panel applet, Security tab). On one of the virtual machines that we tested this on, the prompt would be displayed the first time you accessed the site and would not be displayed again until you closed the browser and reopened it. On a second computer, the prompt would be displayed each time you accessed a new site or re-opened the connection to the same site but not on multiple screen accesses from the same site. We are not sure at this time why some systems exhibit this different behavior. Note that when using Firefox 19.0.2 and Java 7 update 9 or earlier, a different message is displayed when the web page attempts to open a java window. This window is not displayed when using any version of Java that includes its own security warning popup. The security warning popup I am referring to is the same one displayed when using Java 7 update 17 and other recent versions on Internet Explorer 9 or Firefox 19. This message is designed to notify the user that there is a known security vulnerability with the addon being used, in this case, the out-of-date Java plug-in. There is a workaround published on the mozilla support site that documents a procedure for disabling these warnings when using the earlier versions of Java 7. This workaround does not solve the Java popup warning issue for the Firefox 19.0.2 / Java 1.7 update 17 combination. I did not test it with other combinations other than Firefox 19.0.2 / Java 7 update 9. Here is the configuration change for Firefox 19: Open Firefox Open a New tab Browse to about:config i.e., enter the string in the browser address bar Accept the security warning In the displayed list, right click on extensions.blocklist.enabled In the selection window, click Toggle to change the entry to false Close and reopen the browser. This will disable the security warning for all browser plugin applets, including Java 7 update 11 and earlier, Java 6 Updates 31-38, Adobe Flash Player 10.2.*, 10.3 or 11.0-11.4, Microsoft Silverlight 4.1 and earlier or 5.0/5.1, and about two dozen other plugins that have known security issues. At this time we have not found any workarounds for disabling the Java security warning popup that occurs with Java 7 update 12 and newer with either Internet Explorer or Firefox. As additional information regarding this issue becomes available regarding Java and Internet browser updates, this article will be updated as required.  Depending on site security restrictions, it may be necessary to disable Java when not using it for accessing I/A Series R2 or G3 systems.  See the following instructions from the Java web site: To disable Java - http://java.com/en/download/help/disable_browser.xml To enable Java  - http://java.com/en/download/help/enable_browser.xml In some cases, you may be able to bypass the warning but all your graphics pages do not  load.  This issue is sometimes caused by a security issue with some of the cached java temporary files.  There is a workaround, as follows: In the Windows Control Panel, open the Java applet. Under the "General" tab, "Temporary Internet Files"  section, click [Settings] Uncheck the box "Keep temporary files on my computer" Click [Ok] to save the change then click [OK] to exit the Java control panel.

Issue After installing WorkPlace Tech, the Purchase program is accessed with no issue.  All the information is added including a Field Office Information, Shipping Information, End Customer Information, a WIBS serial number and a Part Number from the Package List.  When clicking on the Add to Order List button, a pop-up window indicates that the program cannot open the License File.   The license file does not accept any attempts to write to it. Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Windows 7 Cause A Windows user account setting is preventing proper operation of executable files. Resolution If the user account settings cannot be modified, then right-click on the executable file and select "Run As Administrator".  Right-click on the executable file and go to Properties > Advanced and select the checkbox for "Run As Administrator".  This applies the "Run As Administrator" setting always.  Now just double-clicking on the executable file is sufficient.

Issue When running TreeTech revision 3.1 or 3.2 attempts to open projects and edit object properties could result in the following error messages: "Failed to start viewproperty.exe. Verify path is correct" "Failed to start propeditor.exe. Verify path is correct" Environment TreeTech 3.1, 3.2 Windows XP,Vista, 7 Cause In TreeTech 3.1 the default path for projects was changed to support newer operating systems. Operating System Default Path Windows Xp\P C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\TAC\TreeTech\Jobs\ Windows Vista/7 C:\ProgramData\TAC\TreeTech\Jobs\ In revision 3.2 the path changed to use Schneider Electric.  Operating System Default Path Windows Xp\P C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Schneider Electric\TreeTech\Jobs\ Windows Vista/7 C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\TreeTech\Jobs\ This can be seen live by creating a new project in TreeTech and observing the default path. Resolution Due to the fact that any previously created projects will not be moved when installing TreeTech revision 3.1 or 3.2 these files must be moved manually to the new default path. Once the project has been moved it will function normally without the error messages.

Issue Are replacement covers available for the MicroNet 2000 wall sensors (MN-S, MN-SO, MN-SDK)? Environment MicroNet 2000 wall sensors: MN-S MN-SO MN-SDK Cause Customer wants replacement covers. Resolution As of February 28, 2013 replacement covers are available, part number MNA-STAT-1. Contact Customer Service to confirm price and availability, as they are subject to change.

Issue After creating a new Project and a new E: Equipment Database in TreeTech, the following error message appears when adding a new Network: Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Windows 7 TreeTech Cause TreeTech requires administrative rights to the Windows user account Resolution Right-click on the TreeTech shortcut Select 'Run as Administrator'

Issue Integrating several MNB-300 controllers to a UNC-510.  Bias resistors are available on the UNC-520 but not the UNC-510.  How can bias resistors be added to this MSTP trunk? Environment Niagara R2 UNC-510 Cause The UNC-510 was not designed to include built-in bias resistors for a BACnet MSTP trunk. Resolution The MNB-300 has built-in bias resistors that are disabled by default.  Remove the cover and enable them with the jumpers provided.  Keep in mind that no more than two sets of bias resistors are to be enabled for any MSTP trunk.  For more information, see the MicroNet BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide (F-27360).  

Issue Getting distribution file installation (no core software) error when attempting to commission the JACE-6E.  The error states "No core software was found that can be installed to the remote host." Environment I/A Series G3, JACE-6E, TRD-J-600E Cause Attempting to install an I/A Series G3 version that is not compatible with the JACE-6E platform (e.g. versions below 3.6.47). Workbench not set up to be an installation tool (required distribution files are not available within the Workbench environment). Resolution Attempting to install an I/A Series G3 version that is not compatible with the JACE-6E platform (e.g. versions below 3.6.47). The TRD-J-600E is compatible with I/A Series G3 version 3.6.47.1 or later. The I/A Series ENS with Workbench files are available for download from The Exchange Download Center. Workbench not set up to be an installation tool (required distribution files are not available within the Workbench environment). Re-install the I/A Series G3 software and enable the checkbox that configures Workbench to be an installation tool. The checkbox indicates "This instance of TAC I/A Series Enterprise Network Server will be used as an installation tool." The distribution files related to each of the platforms will be installed on the computer.

Issue In I/A Series G3, is there an object that provides a BooleanStatus output reflecting the overridden status of a Boolean Writable or Numeric Writable? Environment I/A Series G3 Cause Need to detect and / or act upon the status conditions of a Boolean Writable or Numeric Writable object. Resolution A StatusDemux object can be linked to the Boolean Writable or Numeric Writable object to provide a Boolean output for each of the status flags (Alarm, Down, Fault, Null Status, Disabled, Overridden, Unacked Alarm, and Stale). Within the Wire Sheet that contains the Boolean Writable or Numeric Writable object: Insert a StatusDemux object (from the kitControl pallet, Util folder). Link the "Out" from the Boolean Writable or Numeric Writable object to the StatusDemux "In Boolean" or "In Numeric" input.

Issue Disable alarm using the status of another object / point Environment I/A Series G3 Workbench Cause Alarms are not required to be generated when equipment is not running. As an example, alarms should not be generated when the equipment is not running after hours.  Resolution Object alarm extensions have an 'Alarm Inhibit' property which a Boolean object can be linked to. A true value at the 'Alarm Inhibit' prevents alarm generation due to any transition or state change.  The Alarm Inhibit property is within the alarm extension. As such, it is not visible on the parent object and therefore, unlinkable. We can expose properties of an extension by using the 'Composite' function. After adding an extension to a Control object. Right click on the object and select 'Composite'. The Composite Editor window will appear.   In the Composite Editor, expand the object and the extension.   Find 'Alarm Inhibit' and double click on it. Alarm Inhibit will be added to the right of the Composite Editor window. You can rename it if required. Click OK.   The Alarm Inhibit property will now be available on the parent object and linkable from a Boolean object. 

Issue On an InVue client computer, alarms are not being received. When opening Windows 2000 DDE shares and selecting Shares/DDE Shares, an error pop-up window appears: Environment Wonderware for Intelligent Buildings (WIBS) 1.1 Windows 2000 Cause NetDDE service is not running. Resolution Access the Services in Windows 2000 and start the NetDDE Service.  Modify its properties so that it runs automatically on bootup of Windows.

Issue Getting I/A Series G3 javax.baja.xml.XException error when attempting to configure proxy extension conversion as Generic Tabular. Environment I/A Series G3, ENC, JACE Cause The conversion selection Generic Tabular provides a way for a VoltageInputPoint or ResistiveInputPoint to support a non-linear responding signal on a universal input (using point Facets other than temperature).  Generic Tabular uses a "lookup table" method similar to the "Thermistor Tabular" conversion, but without predefined output units.  Selection provides a popup Tabular Conversion Dialog in which you can enter a custom source-to-result" non-linear curve, including the ability to import and export response curves.  Use of Generic Tabular requires the kitIo module to be installed. Resolution Use the Platform Software Manager to install the kitIo module into the target ENC or JACE.

Issue What type of Viconics sensor is a SE7600H5045E?  It maps to another model number of VT7600H1018E (which is on the label affixed to the packaging). Environment Viconics controllers Cause Documentation not readily available Resolution Below is a 'Product Matrix Selector' for the SE7600 Series Staging and Heat Pump Controllers.  It was obtained from the installation guide.

Issue In Niagara G3, the ProView wizard does not recognize folders that exist in the station under the Lon Network. Environment Niagara G3 Cause The wizard cannot identify 'regular' folders. The wizard also does not identify a folder with a space character in the folder's name. Resolution Use Device folders as created from the Lon Device Manager.   Use an underscore character instead of a space character for the folder name.

Issue A new Niagara R2 UNC is installed with a license. The license installs correctly. After a reboot, the station fails to start. The standard output window displayed a fatal error as illustrated below: Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara R2 Cause Certain foreign characters are not recognized by Tridium's License Generator.  In this case, a French character (with a symbol above the letter) was used in the customerSite name.  When the license was generated, the French character converted to a question mark (?): customerSite=Rotondle des S?urs The ? symbol is not recognized by Niagara.  So, when an UNC is rebooted, it will read the license file and stop when it comes to the customerSite name. Resolution Contact the factory to have the license modified. After correction by the factory, the customerSite line in the license example above reads: customerSite=Rotondle des Seurs

Issue Just installed  WorkPlace Tech (WPT) 5.8.2 on a Windows 7, 32-bit laptop,  but cannot start it. Received an error,  "The program cannot start because WPTUtility.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem."   Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool, Revision 5.8.2 Cause The software installer was not able to install the  WPTUtility.dll. Resolution 1. Uninstall WPT 5.8.2 2. Make sure user is logged in as administrator 3. Turn off UAC (User Account Control)  until WPT is installed, then turn it back on when finished.       a. Go to the Windows Control Panel and select User Accounts       b. Select Change User Account Control Settings                c. Slide the selector to "Never Notify".  You may want to change this back to your original setting after installing WPT. 4. Install WPT 5.82 as admin, there's a r-click option for it   5. If  steps 1-4 don't work, you might need to disable anti-virus on the laptop, then repeat  steps 1-4.  

Issue In a G3 station, BACnet Device Manager, not able to Discover any MSTP devices. Environment ENC with a BACnet MS\TP trunk under it, all revisions Cause There are multiple settings that must be made before BACnet communications will be enabled on the MS/TP trunk. Resolution 1. The Object Id of the BACnet Local device must be set to a value other than -1. 2. The BACnet Network must have the Enable flag set = true 3. The MSTP port itself must be enabled. Right-click on the MstpPort in the tree, select Actions / Enable. 4. Verify that the MSTP port Enabled flag is "true", and the port is enabled. 5. Verify that the Port Name (COM3 in this example) is an active RS-485 port on the ENC. 6. Verify that the Baud Rate (19,200 in this example) matches the baud rate of the MSTP controllers. In the case of MNB- series controllers, the network baud rate is established by the WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool. 7. Remember that the MSTP Network number must be unique on the BACnet internetwork.  In this case, the MSTP network number  = 7966, which is not a likely default value, so minimizes the possibility of being duplicated by another vendor.

Issue On a Niagara R2 UNC, a DNS server will be used. What is the 'node' name or 'computer' name for the UNC on the Microsoft network? Environment Niagara R2 Cause End customer requirements Resolution The Computer Name on the Network Settings tab in Admin Tool will appear as the node name on the Microsoft Network.  See image below. The Computer Name is modifiable.

Issue A specification for a power meter states that it provides KYZ pulse outputs. What is a KYZ pulse output? Product Line All Product Lines Environment Utility Meter with KYZ pulse outputs Cause Some meter specification sheets may state that the device outputs KYZ pulses. Resolution KYZ is a designation given to a relay used to create pulses for electrical metering applications. It is commonly a Form C relay (SPDT). The term KYZ refers to the contact designations: K for common, Y for Normally Open, and Z for Normally Closed.

Issue A Niagara G3 Microsmart driver is being used to integrate an existing system of Microsmart controllers. Mode control points are used to command heating stages at different setpoint values.  How can the stage setpoints be modified (identified as the PVALU element) from the Niagara G3 station?  They are learned into the Niagara G3 station as Numeric Points and do not have the option to be writable. Environment Niagara G3 Microsmart driver Microsmart controllers Cause Modification of stage setpoints to be provided to the customer on the system graphic. Resolution 1.  Add the PVALU element for the specific Mode Control point to the database:     2. Add text to the Command String and modify the Index value to match the specific PVALU element to be changed (ie: Index = 6 maps to PVALU,6 in the Mode Control point):   Now, a right-click on the numeric point provides an action item and the ability to change the PVALU element for the Mode Control point down in the Microsmart Driver.

Issue During initial setup, the incorrect ethernet IP address or subnet mask was entered. Now when rebooting the ENC/JACE, I cannot reconnect to it using the I/A Series G3 Workbench. How can the incorrect information be corrected? Environment ENC-520-x, ENC-410-x, JACE-600, JACE-600E, JACE-7 Cause Network connectivity cannot be established if the IP address or subnet mask was entered incorrectly. Likewise, if an invalid subnet mask is entered, the ENC/JACE may not boot completely (or at all). Resolution The following information is provided in more detail in the section "About JACE serial shell mode" subsection of the "JACE Niagara AX Install and Startup Guide", provided with the G3 software. This document is provided with and installed with the I/A Series (Niagara) G3 software. This document can be displayed by selecting "Doc - JACE Startup" from the documentation index. Required hardware: Serial Cable Terminal Emulator software on computer (such as "Hyperterminal" or "Putty") Procedure: Configure the Terminal Emulator.  ENC-410 and ENC-520 at 57600 baud, 8 bits, one stop bit, no parity, hardware flow control.  JACE-6xx and JACE-7xx at 115200 baud, 8 bits, one stop bit, no parity, no flow control.  Jumper the upper two pins of the Console "MODE" connector,  located in the upper right corner of the ENC410 and 520 circuit board (See photo at right).  JACE-6xx and JACE-7xx remove cover and configure serial mode select jumper as labeled. For ENC-410 and ENC-520, connect the terminal emulator via a UNCC-405 serial cable to port COM1 on the ENC and power-cycle the ENC.  For JACE-6xx and JACE-7xx, connect the terminal emulator via a standard DB-9 null modem cable to port COM1 on the JACE and power-cycle the JACE. Wait for the ENC/JACE to complete its bootup process (do not break out of the boot process). At the login prompt, enter the platform user name and at the password prompt, enter the platform password.  The JACE System Shell menu will then be displayed. Select option 2 to display and, if needed, update the ENC/JACE's network settings. The network parameters will be displayed, one at a time.  To change a value type in the corrected value and press the key.  To keep an existing value, just press the key. When all parameters have been displayed, a confirmation screen will be displayed.  Press to save the changes.  When the information has been saved to the ENC/JACE a prompt will be displayed. press the key to continue. Press 7 to reboot the ENC then press to confirm the reboot request.. Disconnect the serial cable and remove the jumper installed in step 2.