Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to delay the intrinsic controller status alarms to accommodate controllers that are sporadically going offline for short periods of time due to known network problems. Environment Continuum BACnet Controllers bCX1 b3xxx Cause Need to delay controller offline messages to accommodate slow network communications or remote controllers. Resolution The intrinsic alarm for the controller status will trigger when the controller does not respond to communications from the within the probe time and would not be suitable for this delay. The only way to delay a controller offline alarm for an amount of time after the controller goes offline, is to monitor the controller offline status from the workstation with a program, toggle a variable that then has an AlarmEnrollment attached. This AlarmEnrollment would then have a Time Delay configured. See the attached sample screenshot below showing the program in the Workstation, the AlarmEnrollment, and the Active Alarm View showing the time delay between the intrinsic alarm and the new AlarmEnrollment with a delay configured. Example

Issue EL100DatabaseSetup.exe fails to execute correctly and will not build the EasyLobby database on the SQL server   Product Line Andover Continuum Environment SQL 2005 and SQL 2008 – All versions  Cause EasyLobby database creation via the .exe will not complete successfully due to a pathing issue with database file locations. Resolution Run the SQL script that is attached to this article via SQL Management tool. Make sure to double check the two lines near the top of the SQL script that specify the exact filepath(s) where the .mdf and .ldf files are to be created, as that could be unique on any given SQL Server. dbCreateSQLServer.zip Easy Lobby is available as a downloadable .doc: EasyLobby Schneider Electric Solution Guide. For all the add on products for Continuum, please visit this Exchange Extranet. For assistance with Add-On products, email COE.Support@buildings.schneider-electric.com Other add on software is Elevator Control, Reporting Modules for Continuum, Photo Album & Badge Printing App, Automatic Extended Log Archiver, Personnel Data Importer, Area Purge, Video Monitor, and Time Tracker. These products are available for a fee. PSS does not have pricing or availability for the programs. This can be found by contacting your sales representative for your region. Pricing is per machine rather than a site. Time Tracker for example,requires a software license and utilizes a software key, which is connected to the workstation’s printer port or USB dongle. A cookie is sent directly from the factory which updates the dongle used by the computer. Emailed instructions come with the cookie explaining how to install. Again, contact your sales representative to purchase a software license, software key, and activation code. EasyLobby Support: EasyLobby directly supports their software as well as the integration to Continuum. Please forward all EasyLobby support requests directly to them. support@easylobby.com (US) 001-781-455-8558  

Issue Access Control power supplies in UK are not available globally. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum ACX57 CX9702 PSU Power supply Continuum enclosures Cause Power supplies for access control systems (for powering of door locks/maglocks etc) should be purchased locally. Resolution All of the globally available enclosures are detailed in the Enclosure Family Datasheet. This includes ones suitable for Netcontrollers, ACX's, bCX's, i2 and VAV controllers. Power supplies for access control systems (for powering of door locks/maglocks etc) should be purchased locally to suit the site applications. Product Support Services does not keep records of the equipment that may have been purchased locally. e.g. in the UK a company called Dantech is used for Enclosures and power supplies, please contact them directly if PSU connection details are required. Dantech electronic engineering 3 Galliford Road Industrial Estate Heybridge Maldon Essex CM9 4XD Tel: +44(0)1621856850 NOTE: The Dantech PSUs often include FR contacts (Fire Relay) that need to be powered by 12Vdc to enable the supply.

Issue How to determine who is logged into the Continuum system and onto which workstation? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Is it possible to see via a Listview or Pinpoint who is logged into Continuum and onto which workstation?   Resolution There is no "live" means to see who is logged into what workstation. However, a listview of ActivityEvent filtered by today and action code 15 and 16 and auto-refreshing every 30 seconds is pretty close. This listview will show what user logged in and when to which workstation. It will show the same information for users logging off. So one can deduce who is currently on which workstation. Simply download and unzip this dump file and import it into the root of Continuum Explorer and run it.    

Issue Continuum and Mantrap or Interlock Interval Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site with Access Control Cause Site needing to setup a Mantrap or Interlock Interval for higher security of an area Resolution What is a mantrap? A mantrap is a security device that monitors and controls two or more interlocking doors to a small room that separates a non-secured area from a secured area. These interlocking doors allow only one door to be open at any time. What are interlocking doors? “Interlocking doors” is a security term used to describe how two or more doors are interfaced with each other and locked. Doors that are interlocked cannot be open at the same time. Either door can be unlocked and opened as long as the other door is locked and closed, and no other alarm condition exists. What types of locations require a mantrap? Mantraps are used at high value or critical security areas where only authorized persons are allowed to enter. Typical areas include sensitive data processing areas, cash handling areas, critical research labs, security control rooms, and automated airline passenger entry portals. Why would my company consider a mantrap? Typically, security personnel are posted in high security locations to control access into the area. An automatic mantrap used in this same location would control the access to the area, allowing security personnel resources to be available for other tasks. What is the difference between a mantrap and an interlocking door control system? When speaking of controlling two doors within a vestibule, “mantrap” and “interlocking door controller” can be used interchangeably. Once the number of doors controlled by a single controller exceeds two then the term interlocking door controller should be used. Continuum Mantraps are accomplished by a PE Program. Interlock Interval is available at the bottom of this article. Here is a simple mantrap program written as a sample. ManTrap_A and ManTrap_B are the doors that make up the man trap ------------- 'This program implements a Man Trap that allows one person at a time in the man trap. 'Once a person is in the man trap no access is allowed until the occupant leaves the man trap via the REX. ' The occupant is allowed to exit at either door but once they have activated the REX at one door 'they are required to leave via that door. 'If occupant stays in the trap longer than TrapMaxOccTime and alarm can be sent via ManTrapStuck 'TrapMaxOccTime and ManTrapStuck are InfinityNumeric objects in the controller. 'Program is Looping and AutoStart TRAP_READY: ManTrap_A DisRdrKpAccess = False ManTrap_B DisRdrKpAccess = False ManTrap_A OpenOnExitReqst = True ManTrap_B OpenOnExitReqst = True If ManTrap_A ValidAccess or ManTrap_B ValidAccess then Goto TRAP_OCCUPIED TRAP_OCCUPIED: ManTrap_A DisRdrKpAccess = True ManTrap_B DisRdrKpAccess = True  If ManTrap_B ExitRequest then ManTrap_A OpenOnExitReqst = False Goto WAIT_EXIT_B Endif If ManTrap_A ExitRequest then ManTrap_B OpenOnExitReqst = False Goto WAIT_EXIT_A Endif WAIT_EXIT_A: If ManTrap_A DoorSwitch = Opened then Goto TRAP_READY If TS > TrapMaxOccTime then ManTrapStuck = On WAIT_EXIT_B: If ManTrap_B DoorSwitch = Opened then Goto TRAP_READY If TS > TrapMaxOccTime then ManTrapStuck = On 'Keep program from disabling due to run time errors E: if ts > 30 then goto TRAP_READY   For Interlock Interval please use this PDF. Interlock is hardware controlled, not through a PE.

Issue How to configure a Pinpoint button to open a PDF file. Environment CyberStation Cause How does one open a PDF from Pinpoint? Resolution Use an active button control. See attached screenshot for an example of launching the file c:\3.pdf with Adobe Reader X

Issue Using a door keypad to enter command codes to carry out commands such as arm/disarm system, extend door unlock on jet way etc. Environment CX9900 with AC1Plus CX9680 with AC1Plus ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Requirements Resolution Click here for a PDF document with instructions on how to configure the system to capture command codes using a keypad at a door.

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 Do you have a standard template listing all the actions that are possible for an operator on a Continuum Workstation.   Environment CyberStation Activity Log Cause A list of CyberStation user (operator) actions is required for a bid submittal. Resolution This list is available in the file Stsvc.txt which is located in the \continuum directory. Search that file for:  // SVC_ACTIVITY_EVENT Also attached is a copy of that file from v1.93.

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 What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Environment Infinet SCX920 SCX900 Cause What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Resolution See the attached 1995 INETGUID.pdf starting on page 4 for the LCD error code listing and troubleshooting tips. 

Issue Site requirement that all card holders' records be kept disabled and are only enabled when card holders enter the building. Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9702 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 ACX781 Cause Not known cause Resolution Click here to see sample PE programs that implement the use case.

Issue How to bring SX8000 objects to Continuum when upgrading. Environment Infinity SX8000 Continuum CyberStation Debug document Cause Upgrading from legacy Infinity SX8000 system to Continuum Resolution See Infinity to Continuum upgrade for information on how to convert Infinity SX8000 objects to Continuum.

Issue Daylight Savings time changed in the U.S. and methods are needed to synchronize time Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Methods for synchronizing controller time Resolution The following document was email out when Daylight Savings changed in the U.S. and contains 2 methods for synchronizing time Click Here to download the pdf document.

Issue What is the bCX and NCII required bandwidth? 10Mb, 100Mb Network Connections, GSM Modems. Environment Continuum Ethernet level controllers: ACX57xx, Netcontroller II and bCX1 Cause IT Departments often ask for the required IP Network bandwidth for the CX and bCX controllers; as it is not listed on the datasheets. Is there a bandwidth calculator available? Resolution The Network usage of a bCX/ CX/ ACX controller will vary constantly depending on what is happening on the system at the time. It will be affected by user commends, Graphics, Plain English programming, Access events, reloading or re-flashing controllers and time triggered events. The 2nd generation controllers network connection supports a 10Mb half duplex or 100Mb full duplex auto sensing permanent connection. Note: Older 1st generation controllers (CX9200, CX9400, CX9900 series) only support 10Mb half duplex. So a corresponding up to 10Mb or 100Mb connection would be ideal. GSM Modem or other packet based communication networks are unlikely to be able to provide the continuous data throughput required by Continuum. In terms of bandwidth an absolute minimum of 1Mb in both directions is recommended but this will depend on the specific site requirements you have, for example if there is a requirement to update graphic or alarm values within a specific time then a 10Mb connection would be more appropriate. The following Bandwidth Calculator can be used to determine the % network usage on a 10Mb network connection. This was created specifically for typical Access Control projects, so for HVAC applications the following should also be considered: data logging, PE programs passing data, IP based X Drivers. Fill in the appropriate values in Column D for the system: Bandwidth Calculator.

Issue Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Environment CyberStation Modbus RTU Xdriver Liebert CRAC Units bCX and CX controllers Cause Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Resolution Using a PE program you can efficiently poll one register and update multiple alarm points in Continuum. The attached program polls the Modbus Xdriver to get the value of an xdriver point just once and then sets the value to the local numeric ReadRegister###.  The individual bits of the ReadRegister### are then written to the alarm points. This reduces the number of polling requests to the xDriver for the same point A dump file for the points referenced in the program is also included in the attachment.

Issue How can I use more than four site codes in Continuum? Environment Continuum Access Control ACX57xx CX9900 CX9680 CX9702 ACX781 Cause Continuum will only support four site codes. Resolution A workaround to this is to use the Custom Wiegand card format to create unique card numbers. To do this, we will set the custom format to allow a unique 24-bit card number to be created from the existing 8-bit site code and the 16-bit card number. Download Instructions

Issue What is the part number for a flying lead temp sensor for Continuum? Environment Measuring air temperature in fan coil applications or exhaust ducts Cause On site or inability to find the HVAC Sensor Catalogue Resolution STD550 The 550 is intended for measuring air temperature in fan coil applications or exhaust ducts. The sensor, which are made of stainless steel, is delivered with a 2m (6.5 ft.) cable, PVC sheathed overall. Mounting details such as screw and clamp are included with the product. Description Duct Temperature Sensor STD550 Order Code 5123058400 Part Number STD550 For Continuum Systems   HVAC Sensor Catalog in pdf format

Issue Personnel are not deleting properly using a stand alone database in 1.82 and above Environment Continuum 1.82 Continuum 1.9x SQL Express 2005 (Stand Alone) Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause There is a different mechanism used to delete personnel in SQL Express than was used in previous versions of Stand Alone databases (MSDE). The SQL agent is no longer available in SQL Express so a combination of batch files, SQL queries and Microsoft scheduler are used to accomplish this task. Resolution Several things to check: Ensure all controllers are online (a controller offline can cause deletions to not happen) A personnel listview with the deletepending attribute indicates True A controller was not deleted No areas were deleted Expiration date is not greater than 2031 Check the access distribution view for any errors At times for permission issues not all the components for deletion are configured by the Cyberstation installation and it's necessary to troubleshoot those components. Click here for a Word document describing these components to help troubleshoot.

Issue Dumping or reloading a NetController using HyperTerminal. Environment Windows HyperTerminal CX9900 CX9400 CX9200 Command Terminal Configuration Guide Infinity and Continuum Window Interface Cause Not known cause. Resolution Click here for instructions on using HyperTerminal to dump or reload controller.  For full details on using the Window interface as used on Infinity and 1st Generation Continuum controllers, you can download the Command Terminal Reference Guide.