Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Error "Not enough space in RTI device"   Product Line TAC Vista Environment Aladdin Privilege Administrator 2.01 Vista IV Licensing Cause Memory in PSU is corrupt. Resolution Run Dongleutil, a dongle reset utility software. This utility resets the memory in the PSU that is connected to the PC. You need to install the license file again after this operation. This problem is usually seen when Inhouse PSU is used. In TAC Vista version 4.10 and later, it’s no longer necessary to install the engineering file when Inhouse PSU is in use. Just connect the PSU to the PC, and everything should work fine.

Issue TGML numeric presentations rounded to integers with no decimals displayed. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Vista Server   Cause Depending on the component being used to display the numeric data, it may be as simple as a property not set to display decimals. It may also be due to presentation values. Resolution If using the default Numeric Presentation from the provided Snippets library, change the property in TAC Graphics Editor for 'Decimals' to the number of decimals to be presented i.e. 4 decimals = .0001, 2 decimals = .01, etc. If not using this Snippet, check to see if getPresentationValue() is being used in a script, or if the binding itself has the Format attribute set to Presentation instead of None. Presentation value will inherit all formatting from the Vista database and not from the TGML source file.

Issue There was a problem with the SQL server and the logs and events were queued in the $Queues folder.  The SQL problem is resolved but the $Queues folder has grown so much that it can't be opened to check. Is there a way of checking if Vista has restarted logging to SQL? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Server Microsoft SQL Server Cause When a problem occurs with the SQL server, the log values and events are saved in the $Queues folder in the TAC Vista database, so that no information is lost. As long as there is no connection to SQL, the logs and events will be queued in $Queues. Once a connection to SQL is re-established, Vista will start logging all the values in the $Queues folder, gradually emptying the folders, although this may take some time if the SQL server has been down for a while. Resolution Query the SQL database and check for logs with today's date. Download & install Microsoft SQL management studio (2005 or 2008 depending on which version of SQL is being used) Query the trend log table for logs using the following query: Start SQL management studio and log in to the TACVISTA sql instance. Click on New Query and type in the following query: use taclogdata go select * from TrendLogValue where LogTime > '2011-11-03 00:00:00.000' Note: if you have a custom configured SQL database change taclogdata to your database name. -Change the date to today's date and execute the query. If the query doesn't return any matches, change the date to an earlier date and repeat.   -Keep going until the date when contact with SQL was lost. If no matches are returned, check that the service TAC DSS writer is running. If it is then it maybe that the Vista is till trying to clear the backlog. Try again later.

Issue How many Modbus TCP Clients can be connected to Vista via an Xenta 913? Product Information TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.1.X Xenta 913 5.1.X or later Xenta 511 5.1.5 or later Xenta 701 5.1.5 or later Xenta 711 5.1.5 or later Xenta 721 5.1.5 or later Xenta 731 5.1.5 or later Cause When planning a system it's important to know how many devices are required. Resolution A maximum of 40 Modbus TCP clients are supported when communicating via a Xenta 913, Xenta 511 or Xenta 700. Each TCP Client may have up to 100 Modbus devices (see page 4 in the datasheet).  

Issue What new features are planned for inclusion in future product releases? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Access Expert, EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment All product ranges Cause Information required on future Product Marketing plans. Resolution This document is no longer published on the Download Center by Product Management. For further information on the future product planning please contact the Product Manager for the specific product in your region. Americas: Americas.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com EMEA: EMEA.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com Asia Pacific & India: AsiaPac.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com

Issue What is the maximum binding count per graphic when polling OPC tags? Product Line TAC Vista   Environment Vista Server Vista OPC Server Cause There is no limit to the number of OPC tags, but performance may be affected when a large number of binding are used. Resolution The load on the Vista server should be considered. E.g. datatypes and the update period: Does an outside air temperature tag need to be updated every 10 seconds or is 10 minutes maybe more appropriate? Can binary signals be combined into a single register?

Issue How to install Vista/Xenta Language packs Product Line TAC Vista   Environment Vista Server TAC Xenta Server Vista Webstation Vista Workstation   Cause There are 4 different components that you can change the language on Vista server Vista workstation Vista webstation Xenta server's The files you need for this can be downloaded on Extranet, if your preferable language does not exist it might be because they are not done with the translation for that current version or the language does not exist. The most used one are Danish Finnish German Norwegian Polish Spanish Swedish The native language is English NOTE: Remember, in order to download the correct version, the language pack needs to be same version as the current software installed. Resolution There are 4 files that need to be downloaded and executed. The example below points to Swedish language pack files for version 5.1.6. To find the correct files search the download center for "Language Pack" as well as the desired language and version. The install order does not matter. TAC Vista Server 5.1.6 Language Pack Swedish TAC Vista Workstation 5.1.6 Language Pack Swedish TAC Web Applications 5.1.6 Language Pack Swedish TAC Xenta 700 5.1.6 Original Language Pack The first three files are straight forward.  After the install is complete, the language files have been changed and you can run the software with the new language (Vista software should be installed prior installing the language pack). The Xenta Server web interface will not change language until you download a project with the correct settings. When you do the download make sure you choose "Send all project and language files"  (see picture).     Note: For new Windows it sometimes require a multilingual file to be installed from Microsoft. Make sure the OS supports the language you want to install. After that file has been installed, change the Language for non-unicode program to the preferred language (requires a restart of PC).

Issue How to use the Telnet command to troubleshoot network connectivity and check for blocked network ports. Product Line TAC INET, TAC Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, Field Devices, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Other, Pelco, EcoStruxure Building Expert, Access Expert, Security Expert Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet.     Open Windows Command Prompt Enter :telnet <address_of_remote_server> <port_number>" - telnet 192.168.1.2 443 Result if Port open: blank window with blinking cursor Result if Port closed: error message displayed similar to "Connecting To 192.168.1.2…Could not open connection to the host, on port xx: Connect failed" The example above test for connectivity against the remote server that has the IP address of 192.168.1.2 over port 443

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 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 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

Issue Incorrect settings in the BCX will prevent BACnet communication. Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment BACnet MSTP BACnet IP BCX Xenta 913 Cause Because the Xenta 913 has a limitation of 127 addresses, the default BACnet Address will most likely be out of range. Resolution The BCX4040 must be addressed properly to allow BACnet communication to the Xenta 913. The setting can be changed on the BCX's Controller Configuration page by accessing the controller via IP address to its web interface. On this page, you will see a setting for BACnet Network ID Comm2 which is the device's BACnet address. This number must be unique on the BACnet Network and must range from 0-127.   To Enable BACnet IP communication: Modify the BACnet Ethernet settings from the web interface. Set the BACnet Ethernet Enabled to Yes Set the BACnet Network ID Ethernet. This is the device's BACnet address. This number must be unique on the BACnet Network. The BACnet Device Id is by default the last 7 characters of the BCX serial number and must be unique to all devices in the Continuum network. Many people try to set the BACnet Device Id field to represent a BACnet address but this is not correct. This setting does not affect the Xenta 913 in any way.

Issue Converting the Velocity Pressure measured by the pressure sensor to Flow velocity (CFM) Product Line Andover Continuum,TAC INET,TAC Vista Environment Air flow measurement / balancing Cause Requirement for converting the velocity pressure to flow velocity (CFM) Resolution To calculate Air Flow in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM), determine the Flow Velocity in feet per minute, then multiply this figure by the Duct Cross Sectional Area. Air Flow in CFM (Q) = Flow Velocity in Feet Per Minute (V) x Duct Cross Sectional Area (A)   Determining Flow Velocity The easiest way to determine Flow Velocity is to measure the Velocity Pressure in the duct with a Pitot Tube Assembly connected to a differential pressure sensor. The Pitot Tube Assembly includes a Static Pressure Probe and a Total Pressure Probe. A Total Pressure Probe, aligned into the airflow, senses the duct velocity pressure and the static pressure, which equals the total pressure. A Static Pressure Probe aligned at a right angle to the airflow senses only the static pressure. The difference between the total pressure reading and the static pressure reading is the Velocity Pressure. If you connect the Total Pressure Probe to the HIGH port on a differential pressure sensor and the Static Pressure Probe to the LOW port on the differential pressure sensor, then the sensor’s output will be the Velocity Pressure, as shown in the figures below. The Flow Velocity is then determined with the following equation: V = 4005 x Sqrt(ΔP) V = Flow Velocity in feet per minute. Sqrt() = Square root of the number in the parenthesis. ΔP = The Velocity Pressure measured by the pressure sensor Example: Measuring a Velocity Pressure of .75” W.C. equals a Flow Velocity of 3,468 Ft/Min. V = 4005 x Sqrt(0.75) Sqrt(0.75) = 0.866 • 4005 x 0.866 = 3,468 • Flow Velocity = 3,468 Ft/Min   Determining Duct Cross Sectional Area After obtaining the Flow Velocity from the previous procedure, that figure is now multiplied by the Duct Cross Sectional Area to determine the Air Flow in CFM. There are two different equations for determining the Duct Cross Sectional Area, one for round ducts and one for square or rectangular ducts. The equation for a round duct is: A = π x r 2 A = Duct Cross Sectional Area π = 3.14159 r = radius of duct in feet The equation for square or rectangular ducts is: A = X x Y A = Duct Cross Sectional Area X = Duct height in feet Y = Duct width in feet. Example: An 18” diameter round duct has a Duct Cross Sectional Area of 1.77 Ft 2 A = π x r 2 or A = 3.14158 x .5625 18” diameter is 1.5 feet, therefore the radius is .75 feet • r 2 = 0.752 = 0.5265 • π = 3.14159 A = 3.14159 x 0.5625 = 1.77 Ft 2   Determining Air Flow in CFM After obtaining the Flow Velocity and the Duct Cross Sectional Area from the previous two procedures, the Air Flow in CFM is determined by multiplying the two: Air Flow in CFM (Q) = Flow Velocity in Feet Per Minute (V) x Duct Cross Sectional Area (A) Example An 18” diameter round duct with a Velocity Pressure of .75” W.C. has an Air Flow of 6,128 CFM The Flow Velocity is 3,468 Ft/Min. V = 4005 x Sqrt(ΔP) V = 4005 x Sqrt(0.75) Sqrt(0.75) = 0.866 • 4005 x 0.866 = 3,468 • Flow Velocity = 3,468 Ft/Min The Duct Cross Sectional Area is 1.65 Ft 2 A = π x r 2 π = 3.14159 • r 2 = 0.752 = 0.5625 Duct Cross Sectional Area (A) = 3.14159 x 0.5625 = 1.77 Ft 2 The Air Flow in CFM is 6,128 Ft 3 /Min Air Flow in CFM (Q) = Flow Velocity in Feet Per Minute (V) x Duct Cross Sectional Area (A) Air Flow in CFM (Q) = 3,468 Ft/Min x 1.77 Ft2 = 6,128 CFM

Issue Inovonics Wireless Interface problem Product Line Andover Continuum,TAC Vista Environment Inovonics FA7403 receiver Inovonics EN4000 Universal Serial Receiver Cause Inovonics provides an interface to access wireless temperature sensors. The FA7403 receiver can be used to interface with Xenta equipment or Continuum equipment, however these interfaces use different protocols. Resolution The Xenta equipment requires a hexadecimal protocol which corresponds to the FA7403 receiver. The Continuum equipment requires an ASCII protocol which corresponds to the FA7403-ASC receiver. If you have the wrong receiver for the equipment you are trying to interface with then contact Product Support for steps to reconfigure this device. Note: Inovonics EN4000 Universal Serial Receiver**, REPLACES FA7403  

Issue Xenta 913 Device Template cannot map to "native" BACnet using 485 Virtual Link Layers. Product Line Andover Continuum,TAC Vista Environment Xenta 913 BACnet Cause The Xenta 913 cannot connect to anything below the IP layer. "Virtual Link Layer" is not able to be used if the points are not exposed at the IP level there is not a way to address defined modules below. Resolution Any point that needs to be exposed at the IP level must have the ability to be mirrored in the BACnet IP device. If the IP device does not have the ability to mirror the 485 layer points, the 913 will not be able to map them.                              

Issue TAC Webstation is very slow open graphics and browsing folders. Especially if the graphics and folders are located on other TAC Vista servers than where the Webstation server is installed. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.5 TAC Vista Webstation 5.1.5 Cause The problem is the red icon which looks like an exclamation sign placed to the far right in the bar above the graphic or the folder page. If the mouse is placed on the icon, you will see the amount of alarms and disabled alarms in the system. To gather this information, the alarms, and disabled alarms in the system is what takes time. Resolution This problem is fixed in Hotfix 83 for Vista 5.1.5 and fixed in the Vista 5.1.7 release.

Issue Chinese characters in TGML graphic become odd characters in WebStation, but display fine in WorkStation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Webstation EcoStruxure Building Operation WebStation Chinese OS Cause The encoding method of WebStation is different from the one used in WorkStation. So the font of the Chinese characters should be changed. Resolution Change the Chinese character to Chinese font, like YouYuan or SimHei, etc, then it will work fine.