Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue b3 controllers sometimes get stuck in bootloader mode (refer to Why do Continuum controllers go into bootloader mode). In b3 devices, this is indicated by the CPU LED blinking at at about half the rate of normal CPU LED blink rate. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,Andover Continuum Environment All b3 devices Cause Need a way to recover b3 stuck in boot loader in the field. Resolution Disconnect the b3 device from field bus and connect RoamIO directly to device. In the BACnet Service Tool, de-select the view by Networks option then click the green 'Connect' icon Observe the RS-485 LEDs, both on the b3 device and the RoamIO, if the connection is established the green connect icon on the service tool will have changed to red but no device will be shown since the application is missing in the device, the TD and RD LEDs will be blinking rapidly indicating the RoamIO is communicating with the boot loader in the device, if this is NOT the case then stop, recovery will not be possible, otherwise proceed to next step. In the 'Tools' menu, select 'Update all B3s', then send the appropriate firmware file for the device. After the update operation is complete, re-start the b3 device  

Issue b3/i2 885, 885-V,, 887 and 887L needs Internal Resistance values for voltage inputs but some devices like SpaceLogic SLA do not publish these values Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3885, b3885-V, b3887 and b3887L i2885, b2885-V, i2887 and i2887L Cause These controllers have a pull up resistor that cannot be disabled, unlike most of the i2/b3 range The below is taken from the b3 technical manual. Resolution Not all devices publish the Internal resistance,  for example the SpaceLogic SLA, this device has a varying Internal Resistance, but using a value of 25 Ohms, will ensure the maximum error is less than  0.3% of full scale (5ppm for CO2, 0.15 degC) Generally for most devices, where the internal resistance of a device is not available, it can be calculated by noting the voltage on the output device unconnected, then connected to the i2/b3 device and also noting the actual reading (Temperature, CO2 level, Humidity)

Issue The motion sensor on the secure side of an access control door is not fast enough in sending the request to exit signal to the controller which result in nuisance (forced entry) alarms. How is this prevented in Continuum?  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation ACX5740/ACX5720 AC-1 family ACX781 Cause The motion sensor on the secure side of an access control door is not fast enough in sending the request to exit signal to the controller which result in nuisance (forced entry) alarms. How is this prevented in Continuum?  Resolution The channel tab of the Continuum door editor has a field for this purpose. It is called ForcedEntryDelay. Simply enter the number of seconds. The delay will allow more time for the request to exit signal to be seen by the access controller, avoiding the nuisance forced entry alarm. 

Issue Need to use Mobile Apps to access EBO. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Webstation Building Operation Commission mobile application Building Operation Engage mobile application Cause What are the mobile apps available to use with EcoStruxure Building Operation sites? Resolution WebStation: WebStation is a web-based user interface for day-to-day operation in an EcoStruxure BMS. WebStation, V2.0 or higer, improves user experience by automatically adapting the user interface to the resolution of the device being used: desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone, using Windows, Linux, Android or iOS, out-of-the-box using standard web browsers, without the need to install additional applications.  WebStation replaces the obselete Technician Tool app. Refer to: WebStation Overview Building Commision: EcoStruxure Building Commission mobile application (requires EBO V2 or higher, formerly eCommission) is designed to help airflow balancers, electricians, and technicians carefully and quickly pre-commission and commission SpaceLogic BACnet/IP devices and RP controller expansion modules. The Commission mobile application does not require a license for activation and is available at no cost to the user. It is designed for use with Android, iOS (Apple), and Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, and is available for download from Google Play, Apple App Store, and Microsoft Store. Refer to: Commission Mobile Application Engage: The Engage mobile application (requires EBO V3.1.2 or higer) enables control of room temperature, fan speed, lights, and blinds/shades directly from a smartphone. A user can manage these settings when the application is connected to the RP-C controller. The Engage mobile application connects easily via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to the RP-C controller. The application is compatible with RP-C (HVAC) and RP controller expansion modules (lights and blinds). The Engage mobile application is free and available for download from Google Play and Apple App Store.  

Issue How to create a workspace with a banner and a TGML graphic as the home page.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause A graphical overview of a building or area containing a number of buildings can be a logical way for a customer to navigate around a site in Workstation. Resolution Preparation Create a folder to contain the graphics and banners to be used. Create a Panel object Right-click the folder and select New->Panel. Set the initial path (ie. the home page) to the desired graphic.   Add a graphic pane to the panel. Edit the graphic pane and select the banner graphic to be used. Set the desired layout settings such as Default dock position to Top.   Create a workspace Click on the control panel icon. Select User Accounts - Account Management and then under the Workspaces section click on Add. Select the desired security and authority settings. Add a Panel Pane to Workspace. Edit the Panel Pane and set the initial path to the Panel object created in step 2.   Assign the workspace to a user group Under the Select User accounts - Account Management menu in the control panel select the User Group that is to use this workspace. Edit the User Group and go to the Workspaces tab. Highlight the appropriate workspace and add it to the Select Workspaces pane by clicking on the arrow.   Test the workspace Log in with the appropriate user and confirm the layout is as desired.

Issue Using a Lon Binding in EcoStruxure Building Operation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Binding LON objects to LON objects using the SmartStruxure Variable Connector can cause increase traffic on the LON FT-10 network. Resolution To correctly Bind the LON objects: Edit this bindings of the node object, (not the SNVT object) Use the binding Browser to navigate to the appropriate node/SNVT to bind to Drag and drop the object to create the bind When you are finished you will see a Hexagon button, which will allow you to edit the Lon Binding Properties. This is the indicator that you are using a LON binding and not a Variable Connector object, which would be represented by a gear and pencil icon. Click the Hexagon to edit the Lon Binding properties Do not use the default of Acknowledged Profile.  Unless the device has a specific reason not to, the best option is to use Unacknowledged Profile.  Please see below for the explanations of the LON Message ServiceTypes. Message Service Type You can specify one of the following message service types for each connection description. The message service types vary in reliability and resources consumed. • Acknowledged - means that the sending device expects to receive confirmation from the receiving device or devices that a network variable update was delivered. The sending application is notified when an update fails, but it is up to the developer of the sending device to handle the notification in the device application. While acknowledged service is very reliable, it can create excessive message traffic, especially for large fan-out or polled fan-in connections. When acknowledged messaging is used, every receiving device has to return an acknowledgment.  Acknowledged messaging can be used with up to 63 receiving devices, but an acknowledged message to 63 devices generates at least 63 acknowledgements—more if any retries are required due to lost acknowledgements. • Repeated - means that the sending device sends out a series of network variable updates, but does not expect any confirmation from the receiving device. Repeated service with three repeats has a 99.999% success rate in delivering messages. Repeated service provides the same probability of message delivery as acknowledged messaging with the same number of retries, with significantly lower network overhead for large multicast fan-out connections. For example, a repeated message with three retries to 64 devices generates four packets on the network, whereas an acknowledged message requires at least 64 packets • Unacknowledged - means that the sending device sends out the network variable update only once and does not expect any confirmation from the receiving device. This message service type consumes the least amount of resources, but is the least reliable.

Issue License requirements for standalone Automation Server at a site Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Cause Question on License requirements for standalone Automation Server at a site Resolution EBO 2022 or higher: Standalone Automation Server need software bundle license in addition to add-on option license if required, check Part Number Summary and Hardware Software Matrix. Webstation license is included in the embedded server license. EBO 3.2 or lower: A standalone Automation Server where no web services, Technician Tool (discontinued), SNMP, MQTT, Personal Dashboards and TimeScale DB  are used does not require a license. Use of one of these features requires license which means the use of a single Automation Server or multiple Automation Servers without license is a legal breach.

Issue Unable to log in to the report server via a web browser after successfully installing the WebReports package. No explanation is given as to why the login was unsuccessful.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Report Server Cause The most probable cause is that there is no connection with the ES. Without a connection to the ES, the Web Reports Server cannot confirm the account being used to log in is valid. Resolution Note: Report Server (WebReports) is not supported in EBO 2022 or higher.   Test the connection with the ES On the same PC as the ES is installed on, try logging on via Building Operation Workstation. If this is successful, try logging on to the Enterprise server from the same server as the Web reports server is installed on. To check the URL and port settings, open the Software Administrator on the ES server PC. If step 2 (above) is unsuccessful, go to step 3. Otherwise, go to step 4. Check the firewall setting on the 2 PC,s. Ensure that the ports used by the ES (Check the Software Administrator for information about ports) and the Web Reports Server are not blocked. Re-run the WebReports Installer (link to documentation). Pay particular attention to the Reporting agent section. Make sure that the Enterprise Server URL and port number are the same as that shown in the ES' Software Administrator. Once installation is complete, logging in to the WebReports web server should be possible. If there is still no contact with the ES the network should be checked. A network protocol analyzer (such as Wireshark) can be used to identify the cause of the problem.

Issue Is there a way to see what personnel objects are in the Netcontroller? Also, there is no way to send the personnel records (or area objects) from the controller into the SQL DB. Doing a 'Send to database' will NOT send personnel records or area objects. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All Access Controllers Cause Viewing personnel records Resolution There is no way to view the personnel records stored in a NetController.   Check to see if the personnel record has been distributed to the controller using the Access Distribution View filtered by the controller. Set to the controller's ACCNet Id for local validation only.  Use the AccessServer system variable on the controller (accnetid found in the controller's config page) and set it to the Accnetid of the controller, not a Workstation or the Primary Access Server (typically in the 191-254 range). Doing this specifies that the system looks only at the controller's internal database. If a cardholder can get 'valid access' to a door (associated with a specific controller) and local validation is used, then the cardholder record is in the controller's local database. If the cardholder can only get 'valid access' when a workstation accnetid is set for the AccessSystem variable in the controller, then the cardholder has not been distributed to the controller.

Issue Unable to activate the AD-Link on a SmartX Advanced Display Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Advanced Display V1 Building Operation Advanced Display V2 Cause Changes to the license server made current AD-Link software inoperable Refer TPA-SBO-17-0009.00 for details about the issue Resolution Note: Advanced Display V1 is discontinued. Effective July 31, 2023, Service Support for Advanced Display v2 will also be discontinued. The licensing server responsible for activating AD-Link and Kiosk features will be decommissioned. After this date, no new Advanced Display v2 could be commissioned as the mentioned server will be decommissioned. Advanced Display V3 can replace it. Refer to: PA-00923   The issue is solved in a new version of AD-Link To install a new version of AD-Link, there is a need to first uninstall the old version of AD-Link Go to the settings page on the SmartX Advanced Display Tap on "General" Tap on "Security" tab Tap on "Device administrators" Un-tick the AD-Link Uninstall the old AD-Link app   You will first need to uninstall the old version of AD-Link. To uninstall the old AD-Link you will need to un-tick the AD-Link in the device administrators tab,   In the settings page you will be able to go to the "General" tab and then "Security" tab, then "Device administrators"  In there you will see the AD-Link, untick it.  You should now be able to uninstall the old AD-Link app You will first need to uninstall the old version of AD-Link. To uninstall the old AD-Link you will need to un-tick the AD-Link in the device administrators tab,   In the settings page you will be able to go to the "General" tab and then "Security" tab, then "Device administrators"  In there you will see the AD-Link, untick it.  You should now be able to uninstall the old AD-Link app

Issue Modbus XDriver for BCX1-9640/4040 (ModbusRTU_bCX_xxxxxxx.xdr) on comm2 for RS-485 does not work even when the comm2 port says that the driver is installed, no errors and the comm parameters match the Modbus protocol device (ie, 19.2k, n, 8, -). Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX1-9640/4040 Controller Modbus XDriver Cause Check the Communication Configuration Point (Function Code 99) of the XDriver. Resolution Function Code 99 is used to select between RS-485 and RS-232 when using a bCX1-9640/4040 controller with Modbus XDriver installed in Comm2 port. Unlike the Modbus XDriver for CX ModbusRTU_2xxxxxx.xdr), the Modbus XDriver for bCX1-9640/4040(ModbusRTU_bCX_xxxxxxx.xdr) requires user to set correct value to the FileNumber attribute of Function Code 99 (Communication Configuration Point ). If the FileNumber attribute of the Communication Configuration Point is not set to "1", the Modbus XDriver for bCX1-9640/4040(ModbusRTU_bCX_xxxxxxx.xdr) uses the default value, which is "0". When the FileNumber attribute is set to "0", the Modbus XDriver for BCX1-96404040(ModbusRTU_bCX_xxxxxxx.xdr) considers the interface as RS-232. When the FileNumber attribute is set to "1", the Modbus XDriver for BCX1-9640/4040(ModbusRTU_bCX_xxxxxxx.xdr) considers the interface as RS-485. For detailed information, refer to the Modbus RTU XDriver User Guide on page15: Function Code 99 – Communication Configuration Point.

Issue Example programs for the xP Display and LD-1 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment XP Display LD-1, LD1, LD 1 ACSM Cause Need example code for these displays to act as a starting point for programming  Resolution example programs for the xP Display.  example programs for the LD-1.  Note: These applications were developed by a UK branch and should be used as a starting point for your specific application. Further information on the programming of these displays is available in The Exchange Download Center for the specific devices. xP-Display Installation and User Guide LD-1 Installation and User Guide

Issue Lost Entitlement ID when you want to rehost/return/modify existing license. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5 Cause When a rehost/return/modify of an existing license is required, the Entitlement ID is required. Resolution Contact support and provide the current Host ID (PC MAC address) /Dongle ID used, alternatively the current license file or Fulfillment ID. The directory that the License file is located in can be found using the License Setting tool. Support will then provide the Entitlement ID for license in question.  The Entitlement can also be found providing the original Purchase Order ID to the order entry department at 1-888-444-1311 if in the continental US.

Issue During step 9 of How to replace a Xenta controller in a LNS network it is possible to receive a warning with the following information: Warning: The device has no application file (MTA file) thus disabling the possibility of a download of application and parameters to the device. Please download via serial port any application file (MTA file) of your choice by using Menta before attempting to download to this device again. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Programmable Controllers 281, 282, 283, 301, 302, 401 & 401:B Cause Attempting to install a Xenta programmable device that does not have a Menta Application loaded into controller. NOTE: A new controller out of the box should have a simple MTA Application already loaded.  However, if you receive the warning above your controller may not have any Menta file and loading any simple Menta file (i.e. one PVR block) will suffice. Resolution You will need to direct connect to the new controller with a RS-232 cable to upload any simple Menta application (i.e. one PVR block) before the Vista System Plug-In will properly communicate and download the new controller.  The System Plug-In will not communicate with an applicationless device.

Issue Web pages opened in TAC Vista Workstation is shown in compatibility view. That might have unwanted impact on some web pages. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation Cause By default TAC Vista Workstation will use the newest version of Internet Explorer installed on the PC, but enable compatibility view. That might have unwanted impact on some web pages. Resolution Add a registry entry to define what version of Internet Explorer you want TAC Vista Workstation to use. Navigate to the following registry key: 32 bit OS: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION] 64 bit OS: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION] Add a new DWORD (32 bit) value Give it the name "TACVistaExplorer.exe" Give it the decimal value 11000 to set Workstation to use IE11 This ZIP file contains registry imports that will set the browser used to IE9, IE10 or IE11

Issue In a Vista system how do you get alarm sounds on only selected alarms Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.x.x Cause It is not clearly defined how to associate alarm sounds to a specific set of alarms. Resolution To add alarm sounds to specific alarms in Vista follow these steps. Locate the alarms that are required to sound and alarm at the PC. Set a unique ID that will be able to be filtered on. A good example would be use a unique alarm priority. Priority 7 has been used in this example. Add a new Alarm Viewer in Your Vista  Database. Right click on the new Alarm Viewer and select properties then select the Alarm Priorities tab. Add the priority 7 to the viewer. This will allow only alarms with priority 7 to be displayed in this viewer.   Then set that Alarm Viewer to sound on an alarm. In the new Alarm Viewer right click in the alarm area and select customize. Then select the Miscellaneous tab and check the Alarm Buzzer option. This will result in a new alarm viewer that only receives priority 7 alarms and will trigger the alarm buzzer when an alarm is received. This Alarm Viewer will need to be added to the program settings of the user. To change the alarm sound use the Window's Sound option (found in Control Panel) and locate the Vista alarm sound. You can then browse to a new sound if required. A tool has been developed to streamline this process: TAC Vista Alarm Notifier

Issue It is unclear if the included client licenses work the same as WorkStation Standard or WebStation licenses when adding an Editors license (SXWSWEDIT00001). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation Cause It is unclear if the Editor license can work with the included licenses that come with Enterprise Server or Enterprise Central. Resolution The Editors license can be added to the included licenses and allow programming and graphic editing feature.  

Issue Belden Cables for LonWorks Networks Approved LonWorks cables Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,Satchwell, MicroNet,TAC IA Series,TAC Vista Environment LonWorks networks TP/FT-10, TP /XF-78 and TP/FT-1250 Cause The Echelon document 'Junction Box and Wiring Guideline for Twisted Pair LonWorks Networks' indicates Belden 8471 and Belden 85102 as the recommended cables from Belden for LonWorks networks. These may not be available from the local Belden office or the Belden distributor. Resolution Refer to Belden Technical Bulletin TB 102E 'Belden Cables for LonWorks Networks' for a list of Belden cables suitable for LonWorks communications. Take note of the difference in cable drop length and total cable bus length for the various cable models listed.

Issue Where to find the domain ID of a LonWorks Network underneath a LonWorks Interface in a Building Operation network. The domain can also be changed in this same location. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation workstation Cause If the domain ID of a LonWorks network needs to be changed or known for some reason it can be done through the properties of the LonWorks Network. Resolution Right click on the LonWorks Network underneath the LonWorks Local Interface. Click Properties. Click on the Advanced tab and look at the Domain table for Network Interface. The value in the first row of the ID column is the domain ID in decimal form. In order to change the domain ID, use the Addressing entry field "Domain ID Length" to enter the new Domain. Click OK.

Issue LonWorks point count recommendation for the Xenta 5/7/9xx series controllers What is the device limitation on the FT-10 LonWorks channel installed on a Xenta Server Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta 500 Xenta 700 Xenta 900 Cause The load point table can be found in Vista version Release Notes on The Exchange Download Center. When Xenta 700 was released the Product Announcement had a table with the recommended number of LonWorks devices attached to Xenta 5/7/9xx. Below you can see a small revision of the recommendations. The list applies to devices which the applications in the Xenta 5/7/9xx are interchanging data with. Other devices that are completely handled by TAC Vista through the LTA port of Xenta 5/7/9xx are not included in this calculation. These devices will influence the LonWorks network performance in a similar way as if they were connected through a Xenta 911 and have to be considered. Not following the design recommendations and adding too many LonWorks devices to a single channel will cause poor Xenta Server performance. Resolution Each device uses "load points" according to the table. As a general guideline the total "load points" on the network shall stay under 100 to get a reasonable performance. In reality the e.g. intensity of the traffic also has an influence as well as, of course, the expectations on response time. Type of device Load points I/O module 5 Xenta group master 280/300/401      20 Additional Xenta 280/300/401      in the group 2 Standard LonWorks device, including Xenta 100, polled 2 Standard LonWorks device, including Xenta 100, bound 0.75 Refer to The Exchange Download Center for future releases of Vista / Xenta Release Notes containing software and updated load calculations This information is usually found in the Appendix B - Engineer Information, and look for section titled LonWorks recommendation for the Xenta 500 and 700 series