Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to setup RAM to monitor multiple systems from one RAM Engine Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Sigma Vista Micronet Remote Alarm Manager Cause There are some instances where a site has multiple system. These can all be monitored from a single RAM Engine interface where the alarm actions are carried out. Resolution In the first instance you need to install and configure the RAM engine on the chosen master system. How this is done is detailed in the engineering guide that gets installed with RAM. In the example attached Sigma is the main system. Two remote BAS2800+ systems are also monitored with alarm actions setup on the Sigma master system. RAM also supports Micronet and Vista. These will be tested in due course and this article will be updated to include the setup.

Issue LonWorks Zone Controller SE7200F5545E Environment Site requiring information or literature regarding this zone controller Cause Cannot find information on: Part Number: SE7200F5545E Part Name: ZNCTRL LONWORKS 2X0-10V PIR Part Short Description: LonWorks Zone Controller :2 Analog 0-10V Outputs, PIR Cover Installed. Part Long Description: LonWorks Zone Controller:2 Analog 0-10V Outputs with PIR Cover Installed   Resolution Please find the following guides: SE7000 Series Room Controller Brochure SE7200 Series Room Controller Data Sheet SE7200 Room Controller with Integrated PIR Motion Sensor Data Sheet PIR Ready SE7200 Series Installation Guide SE7200 and SE7300 Series LonWorks Integration Manual

Issue Requirements / specifications on cables used in a LonWorks network Environment LonWorks Cable Wire Guide LonMark Cause There are special requirements on cables used for LonWorks networks between Lon devices. Resolution LonMark organisation is recommending cables according to their specification. An example of this is the Belden LonWorks cable guide. Also, Echelon has a Wiring Guideline and Users Guide.

Issue Is it possible to create a TGML slideshow in TAC Vista Workstation? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 Cause Some customer would like to have a dashboard that cycles through different TGML graphics - perhaps on a large flat-screen TV. Resolution Whilst we don't have this functionality built in to workstation, it is possible to utilise layers in TGML editor to create the effect of a slide show. When creating complex graphics, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the graphic figures in the work area. Graphic figures get hidden under one another and selecting becomes difficult. Layers provide a way to manage the graphic figures that make up your graphic. Layers can be regarded as folders that contain graphic figures. Layers are not supported in static TGML viewer in TAC Vista Webstation or in the TGML Viewer in TAC Xenta 500/700 Series.  Download the example graphic here.

Issue Is it possible to upgrade Vista's log database directly from SQL 2000 to SQL 2008? Version 5.1.7 no longer supports SQL MSDE or SQL server 2000. Environment Upgrade to Vista 5.1.7 from a vista version running with SQL 2000. Cause Upgrading older Vista sites to run with Vista 5.1.7 (or future versions). Resolution The simple answer is yes, it is possible to upgrade from SQL server 2000 but SQL server 2000 SP4 needs to be installed first. Follow the link below to go to Microsoft's download site: SQL 2000 SP4 There are a number of considerations which are explained in the attached White Paper from Microsoft.

Issue Which SQL query can be used to identify the database layout being used? Environment Vista 5.1.X log database Cause With the release of Vista 5.1.7 came a new logdatabase layout which is designed to improve performance especially in the area of trend and event log management. This means that there are now 2 possible logdatabase configurations. It can be important to know which version is being used before running any queries or accessing the external log data with external tools. Resolution The following query will return the database layout version when run in SQL management studio: select taclogdata.dbo.DSS_SchemaVersion() More information can be found in the Vista 5.1.7 release notes.

Issue How does the dynamic updates property work in TGML? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 TGML graphics. Cause A graphic can contain numerous bindings to values that you want to be able to display in the graphic. When there are numerous bindings, reading the values can be time-consuming and can slow down the performance of the graphic. By setting the DynamicUpdates attributes in the Bind elements of the graphic to either disabled or enabled, you can control which values are updated (which values the graphic subscribes to) when the graphic is opened. Resolution Created a Bind object in the TGML Graphic Editor Look at the Properties for the object. Under Behavior, the property DynamicUpdates is set to Enable by default. This can be set to Disabled and a Script can be added in an appropriate object which follows the following format: Example - activate a binding by clicking on a button function Click(evt){ button = evt.getTarget(); //Identify the target that has been clicked. parent = button.getParentNode(); //Find the parent node. binding = parent.getChildRecursive(""); //Identify the binding to be activated. binding.setAttribute("DynamicUpdates","Enable"); //Activate the DynamicUpdate property. } A simple example is attached. Click to download DynamicUpdate.zip.

Issue Integration of the Schneider electric PM710 with the Xenta 5xx \ Xenta 7xx \ Xenta 913 and Modbus RTU Environment Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721 (5.1.5 up) Xenta 731, 913 (all versions) XBuilder Schneider Electric PM710 Power Meter Cause Disclaimer:  This device template is intended to provide a starting point for an integrator and is not meant to be a mandatory points list for your integration project. Product Support Services has written this device template in an effort to give our customers a solid example of how to develop a device template for the above product.  The integrator will be responsible for any additions or modifications to this device template. Please report any problems with this template to PSS at product.support@schneider-electric .com Resolution Please use the following this supported document to make the necessary changes.   To use these files in XBuilder please follow these steps: 1.  Extract the .dev file from the .zip file in the link above and place it in a convenient location on your harddrive. 2.  In XBuilder, right-click on the Modbus Master device and choose 'Add Device' 3.  Browse to the extracted dev file and choose 'Open' 4.  Rename the newly added device to a unique name within the Modbus Master network.

Issue Procedure to upgrade SQL database from TAC Vista 5.x.x to 5.1.7 Environment TAC Vista 5.x.x TAC Vista 5.1.7 MSSQL Express 2005 SP4 MSSQL Express 2008 R2 -SP1 Cause Revised TAC Vista SQL database layout: TAC Vista 5.1.7 introduces a revised and improved SQL database layout in order to improve the overall performance in the TAC Vista system with large databases. The revised database layout is utilized by default for new installations and current installations can be upgrade either automatically or manually depending on the installation type. SQL 2008 R2 Express SP1: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP1 is now included in the TAC Vista Server 5.1.7 installer. The TAC Vista Server installer can upgrade an existing SQL Server 2005 Express installation to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP1; only supported in a typical TAC Vista installation.     Resolution Follow the Instructions before Implementing this procedure: Take the Vista Backup and SQL DB backup before implementing this process. Shutdown the TAC Vista Server. If the Vista Server running as a Server, Stop the service and shutdown the TAC Vista Server. Open the “SQL Database Upgrade 5.1.7” (From Program Files [or] from Start Menu)   Check the Server and Database options.   Choose the correct type of Authentication. If the vista using SQL Server, choose the SQL Server Authentication, enter the correct Login details.   Click on “Test Connection” and “Test User access”. You should find Test Connection access and Test User access successful. If Vista and SQL DB backup has taken, check on the “Check Box”.   Click on “Upgrade”, then the following screen appear. Then Click on “YES” to upgrade.   After the upgrade is complete check the Vista Server has a connection to the upgraded SQL database. This is done from the Vista server setup. Use the test connection If the connection is successful you will see a message like this.   Now, the SQL database has been upgraded. Download this procedure in PDF Here .

Issue How to read the Modbus device's register and, via Menta in a Xenta 700, convert the value in to the 4 bytes required to bind these values to the SNVT_preset member Value. Environment Vista 5.1.X Communication with a Modbus device. Xenta 700 5.1.X (Menta) Cause SNVT_preset includes a member value[4] which is an unsigned long containing 4 bytes. Modbus contains only 16 bit registers. The SNVT member Value is shown as 4 separate bytes in Vista. Resolution Click here to download an Xbuilder project containing the correct Menta file to convert from a Modbus register to the 4 bytes that the member Value contains. Instructions: Download the zip file and extract the Xbuilder project. Open the Xbuilder project and change the IP address to your device's IP address. Download the project to the Xenta server and save to Vista.

Issue Should the Modbus master (eg Xenta 913) also be terminated if it is in the middle of the Modbus bus? Environment Xenta Server with Modbus capabilities Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause There are a number of installation possibilities/restrictions that may mean that the Modbus master does not always end up at one of the ends of the communication field bus. Resolution Only the ends of the bus should be terminated (see below).   More information is available for Modbus.org at the following link: Modbus over serial line specification and implementation guide V1.02.

Issue Cannot update the Vista database using the Vista system plug-in when importing a Menta file.   Environment Vista 5.1.4 Xenta Programmable Controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Windows 2003 Server Cause The object name for the "alarm control" object was misspelled in the Menta alarm block.   Resolution The object name for "alarm control" must match the alarm control object name in the HMI. *In the example below the spelling is correct in both places. Download images for better review: ALM_Block and NMI_Name

Issue Documentation for architectural design for illustration, explanation, sales presentations, or other medium Environment Schneider Electric office, partner office, or other site needing documentation Cause Inability to find literature and need to explain, illustrate, or define issues. Please find the links below for each of the product lines. Resolution Continuum: download architectural Flyer:  pdf   jpg  INET: download  architectural Flyer Vista:  download architectural flyer pdf   jpg  I/NET and Vista together pdf

Issue Unable to open a time chart via TGML graphic in webstation. The same graphic works in workstation. Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X - workstation & Webstation TGML Editor 1.1.X Cause Binding to the PV value of a time chart isn't the correct way to do this, but workstation is unable to display a dialogue for an object that has multiple properties and so displays the complete time chart. Resolution A link should be used that is linked to the time chart object Attached is a TGML component adapted from the standard analogue clock component that explains how to do this. The binding should be bound to -your time chart- .PV and the link should be linked to the time chart object. Time_Chart_Link.tgml        

Issue My computer has USB ports, but it does not have serial or com ports. Can I use USB ports? Environment For I/NET, Host computer that either Direct Connects (cable 072) or you need to connect to a controller such as a 7798C (cable 082) Continuum, Vista, Sigma, I/A Series, Pelco, DVR, DS, Com Port, Com, PTZ Control, Serial Port, Comm, Comm Port Cause USB to Com has issues downloading or communicating with system. Resolution The generic drivers which came with your USB to Com adapter do not allow two-way communication.  Prolific driver often helps resolve this issue. Download driver HERE or for the latest driver use link below: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx    you will need to logon as GUEST  

Issue How to use SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta Environment TAC Vista 5.1.6 TAC Menta 5.1.6 SNVT_switch_2 Cause Though the SNVT_switch_2 is added into LonMark SNVT Master list. This SNVT is not included in TAC Menta to use. But there is a work around to use this SNVT. Resolution The work around to use this SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta is as follows: Click here to download the required files. Shutdown the TAC Vista Server. (If the Vista Server running as a service, stop the service and shut down) Copy the "tac_snvt.xml" to folder "C:\Program Files\Common Files\TAC Shared" Copy the "taxif.ini" to folder "C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Menta 5.1.6" Please look in the example for usage, Especially the member "setting", have to scale depends on usage. Bind the LON device with SNVT_switch_2 to a Xenta with the Menta file. For reference, please look into enclosed "demo_sw2-MTA" file.

Issue In certain situations, LonWorks devices, such as Viconics thermostats, have the ability to display the current year/date/time on the display. The only way to ensure the time is correct to these time capable LonWorks devices is to send the year/date/time information to them via a time_stamp SNVT. Environment Lonworks Menta Viconics thermostats Cause Time stamp needed by LonWorks devices via SNVT binding. Resolution Please download and insert this SNVT_time_stamp Menta macro into the Menta application.

Issue When running TAC Vista in a Network environment, there are several ways of setting up the license system. Sometimes, TAC Vista nodes (Vista users) "steal" license modules for each other. Environment Vista in network Flexnet license Cause When various TAC Vista systems are pointed to the same license server, one server can take or "steal" e.g. an OPC Client license which another server should use. Resolution For a complete explanation about the license system and how to setup the system and control licenses, refer to this video. A useful tool to use is the Options file, with the .opt file extension. Located in the License files folder, its easily monitored in a text editor, and could be used for Reserving or Excluding license modules for other TAC Vista nodes. Other features available for the Options file can be found in the Flexnet Licensing End User Guide. 1: Make a file called taclic.opt and place it in the same directory as the license files. 2: Edit the file with notepad and make the reservations you need. The syntax for each line in the file is "command amount feature HOST host". The feature names can be seen in the license files. Here is an example on how to reserve an OPC Client license for a PC called "BMS_SERVER_1" RESERVE 1 Vista.Server.OPCClient HOST BMS_SERVER_1 3: Restart the license server.

Issue Example Menta Programming using a STR as Setpoint adjustment to an Xenta I/O Module Environment Adjustable 10k Thermostats Menta STR-102 STR-103 STR-104 STR-105 STR-106 STR-107 STR-201 STR-202 STR-203 Cause Interfacing a STR to Xenta I/O Resolution Program an Analog Input to a Universal Input of an I/O Module Click on the HFB above to download this .MTA file.   The Expression Block is taking the hard coded -9 to 9 input and making it adjustable from the front end.   In simulation with a Calibrated Range of 5 the following setpoint results are produced: Analog In -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Setpoint -2.5 -2.2 -1.9 -1.6 -1.3 -1.1 -0.8 -0.5 -0.2 0 0.2 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 Note: This example is for a non-linear input, with a setpoint adjust of +/-9. For a metric calculation, use a setpoint adjust of +/-5  and change the calculation in the expression block to A*B/10.  

Issue Xenta controllers are 1 hour ahead of PC  time. All controllers and PC are in the same timezone and have the same daylight offset time. Environment Windows XP Service Pack 1 and 2 Cause Windows daylight times are incorrect for the current dates. The PC time is in normal time not Daylight time even though the update daylight saving automatically is selected. Resolution Install windows update KB955839. This updates the daylight dates in windows. Click here to download this update