Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Controller is unresponsive and does not respond to a hard reset or power cycle with the battery disconnected..  CPU light remains on constantly. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment InfinityController, b3 Controller NetController II, CX9680 ACX57 bCX Cause Controller stopped functioning after power cycled. Resolution Test controller with a known working PS power supply and/or test the supply voltage is correct If the controller still does not respond to a hard reset then return for repair. See the appropriate manual for reset instructions

Issue The RUS.exe utility throws the following error when an attempt is made to activate a license for the first time on a host machine. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Hasp Sentinal Continuum Virtual License Cause While it is not clear what causes this error, Product Support has occasionally run into cases where a change to the host machine configuration in some way taints the license fingerprint.  In such cases the license activation file (.v2c) is no longer applicable to the host machine, even though it was created produced from a license information file (.c2v) that was created on the same host. Resolution   There must be no configuration changes made to the host machines on which Continuum will be licenced from the time that the license information file (.c2v) is created until the time when the activation file (.v2c) is received and applied using the RUS.exe tool. This includes the following virtual machine settings... Memory allocation Processor Hard Disk Network Adapter This the following hardware on the physical machine that hosts the virtual machine. Hard drive Network Adapter Memory Processor In some cases when a Cloned host error is occurs upon applying the license activation file (.v2c) to the host machine, rebooting the virtual machine has cleared error.  In cases where rebooting the virtual machine does not resolve this issue, the virtual machine instance will have to be deleted and a new vm created on which the license software can then be installed.    A charge will apply in cases where it is necessary to generate a second activation file (.v2c).     

Issue Guidance is needed for creating a PE program for announcing access by VIP to a door Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Net Controller II Continuum ACX 2 Controller Continuum ACX 4 Controller Cause Need a way to identify a sub-set of credential holders, (Personnel Objects), with access to the site and take some action when one of those individuals gain access to a door. Resolution The subset of credential holders is defined via the Department Code which is an attribute of the personnel object.   PERSONNEL CONFIGURATION   Any person with a Department Code of 600 will be identified as VIP by the PE Program.   DOOR CONFIGURATION  The door(s) need to be configured with a department point (InfinityNumeric)  *** In this example we are only doing the entry side of the door, the program can be easily modified to handle the exit side of a door as well. Upon valid access, Continuum will automatically place the department code from the personnel object in the value of the InfinityNumeric configured at the door for department point.   INFINITY PROGRAM CONFIGURATION (Program resides at the controller)  ***In this example an alarm is sent when VIP enters a door, program/configuration can be easily modified to take other actions such as sending email, sounding an audible alarm, etc.   Here is the code for the InfinityProgram  'This program monitors the Front Lobby door for access by VIP individuals 'an alarm is dispatched upon door access by VIPs 'Program is LOOPING/AUTOSTART Object theDOOR Numeric theCODE Object theDepPOINT Line INIT theDOOR = MainLobby 'PUT THE FULL PATH TO THE DOOR TO MONITOR HERE theDepPOINT = theDOOR LastDepEntrdPnt theCODE = 600 'PUT THE DEPT CODE THAT DENOTES VIP HERE Goto MONITOR Line MONITOR VIP_Flag = False If theDOOR ValidAccess then If theDepPOINT Value = theCODE then Goto SendALM Endif Line SendALM VIP_Flag = True Goto MONITOR Line E If TS > 0 then Goto INIT

Issue Some of the fieldbus controller Output values presented on the Infinity controller's webpage do not agree with those values when viewed from Cyberstation and WebStation.  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum webClient Server Cause Some controller outputs configuration are limited to specific output types.  On the b3920 for example outputs 9 through 16 cannot be configured as digital outputs.   The ElecType (the outputs electrical type) stored in the Continuum database should match the output configuration in the controller's database.  But this is not always the case.  This can happen when the output configuration was imported from a text file.      Controller output configuration viewed while the workstation is in Online mode   Controller output configuration viewed while the workstation is in Offline mode     When the controller webpage is displayed in a browser, the parent controller (cx9900, cx9680, bcx4040, bcx9640) makes a call for the point value to the fieldbus controller.  If the ElecType for the output which is stored in the Continuum database is incompatible with the controller's output type, the parent controllers' call for the output value will fail. Resolution Switch CyberStation to Offline mode Correct the outputs ElecValue to an appropriate type for the controller output Return CyberStation to Online mode Reload the fieldbus controller

Issue What does that controller/device look like Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Site with TAC or Schneider Electric Controller(s) Cause Questions concerning what a controller looks like, or if there are no labels on the controller which help identify. Are photographs or drawings available? (This is an article in progress. Have one that is not listed? Please help by taking a good picture(s) and including or send to Product Support) Resolution I/NET: 7728 7728 Left side 7728 Right side  7790 7790 side 7790 older model  7790 older model side  7798C Top 7716 7920 7920 side  MR-AHU MR-AHU left side MR-AHU right side P8UI8DO Expansion board  SCU1284 SCU1284 side Continuum: ACX5720 ACX5720 Open CX9702  b4920 b4920 Open BCX1 BCX1 open i2-600 Series i2.600 Series Open  i2_850 i2_850_Open i2_887_L_115  i2_920 i2_920_open CX9400 with three 32s and two 16s in 8 card rack CX9400 CPU front CAD Drawings for the Continuum controllers are also available on The Exchange Download Center: Link Here.

Issue Need to capture steps taken to reproduce a problem or a solution Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, OTHER, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows 7 Windows 10 Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016 Cause A series of screen captures will help to demonstrate the steps needed to reproduce a problem or a solution. You can use this tool to capture the steps you take as a problem occurs and send the output to someone so they can see a screenshot of each step. Resolution In Windows click on the Start menu button  Type "PSR" Windows 7Windows 7 Windows 10, 2012, 2016Windows 10, 2012, 2016 Open the Problem Steps Recorder Windows 7Windows 7 Windows 10. 2012, 2016Windows 10. 2012, 2016 Click Start Perform the desired tasks Click Stop Choose a location to save the file output The .zip file will contain a .mht file which can be opened in a web browser The screenshots will appear in order  This will be followed by a detailed output of keystrokes and mouse movements. For additional information please refer to Microsoft webpage on this topic: Record steps to reproduce a problem 

Issue Listview columns show a number but the meaning is not shown Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Listview Cause There is some data in a listview where the exact meaning of an integer is not clear. Resolution There is a text file called stsvs.txt located in the Continuum folder that can be viewed to explain the integer to text relationship for many types of object. An example is Activity "CallerCode" which only returns an integer value. Searching the "stsvs.txt" files shows the equivalent text.

Issue What is the limit to the number of objects that can be created in a Workstation? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Want to create a large number of AnalogValue's and BinaryValues in the Workstation for programming and display purposes. Resolution There are no limits to the number of variable objects that can be created in the Workstation. There may well be some practical limits based on the SQL limitations but for all intents and  purposes this limit will most likely not be reached on a full SQL install. There maybe issues with DB size on an SQL Express system but even then, the AV / BV objects don't actually take up that much physical space. As an example, tested this on a v1.94 system and have been able to create over 2500 AV's in my Workstation folder without any issues. NOTE - Running a large number of Programs on a CyberStation can cause issue. System control, etc. should be from a Controller rather than CyberStation.  

Issue Modem commands for the internal modem for the 9680 are needed Environment 9680 RAS Cause Troubleshooting the modem in the 9680 may require knowledge of the Microtech modem and the commands Resolution The Netcontroller II Operation and Technical Guide references "RJ Modem AT Commands Reference" in order to customize the modem initialization string Click her to download RJ Modem AT Commands Reference There is no option for changing the DTMF frequency Guide"

Issue Where can I get information and documents on the Building Analytics service? Environment Building Analytics Cause Information and documentation is required on this product. Resolution Available documentation is available on the Download Center A diagram of network architectures can be seen Here.

Issue Clarification on documentation which does not indicate the addition of an xPDI8 and an xPDO4 being a valid combination to add to a b3 or i2 controller.   Environment xP modules xPDI8 xPDO4 Cause An addition to a existing i2 controller with an expansion port requires (4) more digital outputs and (8) more digital inputs. However, the documentation does not list the combination of the xPDO4 and xPDI8 as valid. Resolution That combination of expansion modules is not a tested, valid combination. The only tested combinations are those in the attached pages from the i2 Technical Reference

Issue How to add Templates to new Personnel using the Personnel Import Utility. Environment Continuum Personnel Import Utility Access Control Cause It can be unclear as to how to add a Template to new Personnel when creating them from CSV file using the Personnel Import Utility (PIU). Resolution You will need to add the Template field to your attribute mapping list on the configuration tab and modify the XSL file to also include the RefTemplate field.   1. In the PIU attribute list, map the Template data source attribute to the RefTemplate Continuum personnel attribute.   2. Open the CSVToContinuumTransformation.xsl file (or the transformation file you will be using), search for the " " tag and at the tail end of this add the RefTemplate attribute as shown below.   3. Select the CSV file to import and press the Preview button then go to the Transformed Data Tab and you should see the RefTemplate field populated if everything was correct.   4. Upon importing the CS file you should then see the new Personnel with your defined RefTemplate assigned.   Here is a sample transformation and CSV import file

Issue Some sensors such as the SCR110-H CO2 produce a noisy signal even when wired according to the documented instructions. The following is a trend chart of the unfiltered raw signal from the sensor. Environment Automation Server Continuum controllers TAC Xenta Cause Noisy signal is typically caused by common ground wiring of AC power. Resolution SOLUTION #1 Signal noise can usually be eliminated by using an isolated transformer to power the sensor separately as opposed to using a common transformer that powers up several pieces of equipment. SOLUTION #2 For sensors that support  AC and DC input voltage, signal noise can usually be eliminated by using DC instead of AC power source to power the sensor. SOLUTION #3 Implement a Slew Rate to filter out the noise. As of version 1.7.1, StruxureWare Building Operation does not have a built-in slew rate functionality. Nevertheless, a custom slew rate can be implemented using Script programming. See HowToDebounceANoisySensorSignal.pdf SOLUTION #4 Add a filter (FILT) in a Function Block program after the signal input Description: The function block is a discrete time first order software filter. The filter time constant is specified in seconds with the Time Const parameter. The initial block output value is zero. The filter algorithm is y(k) = y(k-1) + 1 / 1+T/h (u(k)-y(k-1)) where y(k) and u(k) are the filtered and unfiltered values at time k, respectively,h is the sampling interval (i.e. the application program cycle time), and T is the filter time constant. If the time constant is less than or equal to zero, no filtering is done. To obtain a good filter function, the time constant should be set significantly greater than the application program cycle time. This filter algorithm is based on a straightforward backward difference approximation of the continuous time derivative operator. SOLUTION #5 Ensure you are not using older versions of the IO Firmware. As detailed in TPA-SBO-17-0006.00 the firmware should be at least V2.015 in the modules and is available on the Download Center.

Issue There are new versions of Continuum Reports, Archiver, Elevator Control, etc. that were updated by the Center of Excellence development team. These applications need to be upgraded prior to using Continuum 2.0 SP1 for sites that use these applications because of new memory mapping. Environment Windows 7 Windows Server 2008 Continuum Cause Continuum 2.0 SP1 uses a new memory mapping scheme that allows for better use of large memory addressing. The Continuum Add-on applications needed to be updated in order to work properly, so each of the applications has a new version. Installers need to know which versions to update. Resolution Below is a list of Continuum Add-on applications and versions needed to work properly with Continuum 2.0 SP1. Prior to installing Continuum 2.0 SP1, you need to upgrade certain Continuum Add-on Applications with new versions. It is recommended that you be prepared to rollback to Continuum 2.0 should critical applications fail to operate after the upgrade to SP1. You can download new versions of the following Add-on Applications from The Exchange at this URL: https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com Search on 'continuumreports' and locate the application.   Add-on Application 2.0 SP1 Compatible Version Access Groups 2.5.1 BioScrypt 4G V-Station Integration 1.12.1 CFR Extended Log Archiver CFR Access Event Archiver CFR Alarm Event Archiver CFR Activity Event Archiver Continuum Reports 23.0e Cogent MiY Integration 1.8.1 DVTel 6.x Video Integration 2.3.2 Elevator Control V2.6.6 2.6.7 EZ-GuardTour 1.2 EZ-Trap 1.9 Genetec Omnicast 4.8 Video Integration 1.1.1 Genetec Security Center 5.2 Video Integration 1.2.1 Personnel Data Importer Continuum Reports 23.0e Salient Video Integration 1.3.1 Stentofon Integration 1.8 Video Inquire 1.9.1   Customer-Specific Custom Applications Contact COE.Support@Buildings.Schneider-Electric.com for upgrades for the following customer-specific custom applications:   AckAlarm Area Templates PIM CADS DVTel Alarming Continuum-Excel Elevator Control V3.x Elevator Control V4.x Elevator - EasyLobby Integration Extended Log Exporter PIM 2.0 ScanShell Scanner Interface Surgard Integration Vicon Video Integration xTra    Legacy Applications Contact COE.Support@Buildings.Schneider-Electric.com for upgrades for the following legacy applications:   Area PIM Door PIM Elevator Control V2.4 Elevator Control V2.5 Unlisted Application       Download a pdf copy of this list click the following link:  Continuum Add-On Application version list

Issue In versions of Cyberstation prior to 2.0 there was no way to determine if a valid attempt had been processed by the access engine in the controller before granting access to the door. This limitation made it impossible to implement custom access control sequences such as 'Two-Man Rule' or 'Man Trap' sequence unless the door was configured WITHOUT a door switch. Not having a door switch configured in the door made the implementation awkward as well as less secure, since the status of the door (Closed/Open) could not be determined. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation ACX57xx controller CX9680 controller Cause Door 'Valid Attempt' flag not available before has been added to Continuum in Cyberstation 2.0, ACX57xx 1.100042 and CX9680 2.100042 Both the new version of Cyberstation as well as the new version of the controller firmware are required to get the new functionality. Resolution In order to improve the physical access control functionality in Continuum a new flag has been added to the door object. The name of the new flag is 'ValidAttempt' The value of 'ValidAttempt' is set to true when the access engine has processed a credential presented at the door (card or card & PIN) and has determined the credential can be granted access to the door. The value of the 'ValidAttempt' flag is reset to false after one scan. HOW IS 'ValidAttempt' DIFFERENT FROM 'ValidAccess'? When a door is configured with a door switch 'ValidAttempt' is set to true immediately after the access engine validates the credentials, determines that they are valid and  grants access by unlocking the door, the 'ValidAccess' flag will remain FALSE until the person gains access by opening the door as detected via the door switch. Click HERE to see a sample program demonstrating the use of the new 'Valid Attempt' functionality. In this example a bank has specified that access to the bank's vault must follow these rules: Not one is to be allowed alone in the vault. Access to the vault is by two people at a time, no more than two people are allowed in the vault. Vault's door must be configured with door switch in order to alarm on forced entry as well as door ajar.

Issue From Continuum version 1.94 when you enable the Operator text when acknowledging alarms prompt, the messages will not save Environment Continuum Alarm acknowledgement Windows  Cause This was caused by a defect in the software which includes version 1.94 to version 2.0  Defect #368 = Alarms - Operator text entered before ACKing an alarm, is not stored in regions other than US. Resolution There is now a hotfix which corrects this issue which you must apply after you have Continuum 1.94 SP1 This hotfix has also been applied and tested successfully on version 2.0  Please download this file and replace the file as instructed in the READ ME.txt document 

Issue What NEMA or IP rating is a specific product? Environment All devices Cause Is a product protected against water and access by foreign objects? Resolution The Degrees Of Protection document details both the IP rating and NEMA Enclosure charts. The IP rating is made up of 2 digits, the first is the level of protection to foreign objects, the second is the level of protection to water. If a product does not specify any rating for water ingress in it's datasheet then the the second digit will be 0. The first digit relates to the size of a foreign object that can be inserted into the product. Typically many Buildings products will not allow the insertion of a finger (12.5mm approx' 1/2") and offer no water protection, so they would be rated as IP20, however it would be IP10 should they have holes of up to 50mm (approx' 2").

Issue There are "Local Network: and "By Network" options that allow to just connect to the local network or just a b3 Environment RoamIO2 Bacnet Windows7 Windows 2008 Cause By default, the RoamIO2 Bacnet Service Tool has "Local Network" and "By Network" options which may attempt to access all bacnet devices across the entire bacnet network depending on what is selected. This includes all controllers connected to a routing device (BCX/AS/ES). The amount of controllers and the size of the network can cause a long delay in bringing up controllers. Resolution Ensure that the RoamIO2 firmware has been updated to V1.110002 or greater. This version introduced the "Local network" and "By Network" selections in the Bacnet Service Tool. Download details of the Network Targeted Search with snapshots Download the firmware RoamIO2Appl2.000002) Download the Bacnet Service Tool and user guide(1.110003) (Download Center)

Issue What track is used for ABA data? Environment ABA Magnetic stripe cards and readers. Cause Card format information required. Resolution ABA data is usually stored on Track 2 and requires a track 2 reader to decode the data. ABA Magnetic Stripe Format.

Issue iClass Reader consolidation Environment Electronic Access Control Continuum & I/Net readers Cause HID has discontinued some of the iClass readers. Resolution The following 2 links cover the parts obsoleted and their replacements: PA-000336: Schneider Electric Part Numbers PA-00172: HID Part Numbers