Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue An override command was applied to a Network 8000/DMS standard point on a SIGNAL graphic. The graphic now shows the point is in override but the actual point in field panel is not in override. Environment Network 8000 SIGNAL Cause When override commands in SIGNAL do not apply properly, the actual point in field panel will not be in override. Resolution it is best to clear the data file and try applying them again. Follow these steps: Shutdown SIGNAL and open up Windows Explorer. Find the override.dat file in the C:\Windows\Override directory and delete it. Re-start SIGNAL. Apply override commands again. (The override.dat file will be re-created)

Issue Can SIGNAL software communicate with MNL controllers? Environment SIGNAL software MNL controllers Cause Use SIGNAL software to read and write to MNL controllers Resolution Yes. SIGNAL can be interfaced to a LNC-100. This controller is very similar to a GCM-86000 but it contains a LON trunk connector and block types that allow for communication to MNL controllers. By creating APT & DPT blocks in the LNC-100, SIGNAL can read from and write to blocks in the MNL controllers.

Issue Can the Robertshaw DMS T99 sensor be connected to a MNL controller using the curve fit object? Environment WorkPlace Tech Robertshaw DMS T99 MNL controller Cause Site require the use of Robertshaw DMS T99 sensor with MNL controller. Resolution The T99 sensor is a 2000 ohm silicon-based RTD with linearity similar to the Balco. Wire this sensor to the MNL controller's UI with a parallel 2000 ohm 1% shunt resistor and use the AI object's Balco type selection. The AI object's output temperature values can then be corrected by using a Curve Fit object. Set the Curve Fit X and Y data points as follows. The X points reflect Balco temperatures and the Y points reflect the corrected T99 sensor temperatures. Note that the A/D degree per count resolution is twice the Balco's which calculates to approximately 0.15 Degrees F per A/D count change. X Data Points 1 to 6 are 52.5, 61.6, 70.0, 78.4, 86.6, and 94.8. Y Data Points 1 to 6 are 32.0, 50.0, 68.0, 86.0, 104.0, and 122.0.

Issue Intrinsic Alarms - (InfinetStatus & IOModuleStatus) What are they and How do they work Environment Continuum workstation Cause Information on Intrinsic alarms feature. Resolution Intrinsic alarms are built-in alarms on each Continuum workstation. The event notifications for these alarms are located under the templates directory in the Continuum Explorer. The event notifications for these intrinsic alarms will need to have recipients added to them and configured in order to deliver alarms to a workstation. These 2 intrinsic alarms function the same as regular alarms since it's the Netcontroller delivering the alarm. Meaning that they do not need to have a recipient in the eventnotification setup to LOG the alarm in order for it to be entered into the database.

Issue Upgrading Smartphone/PDA to Mobile 6 for use with Roam I/O 2 Environment Smartphone Handheld PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Roam I/O 2 software Cause Upgrade existing Smartphone/PDA to Windows Mobile 6 Professional. Resolution If upgrading a Smartphone or PDA device to Microsoft's Mobile 6 from a device that was previously used to install the Roam I/O 2 software on to the Smartphone or PDA you'll need to remove the BacnetServiceToolPPC and the InfinetServiceToolPPCusing using the add or remove programs located in the PC's control panel. If you are installing the Roam I/O 2 software from a machine that has not previously had the BacnetServiceToolPPC or InfinetServiceToolPPC installed then there is no need to remove. Since Mobile 6 was not available when this tool was released, the Roam I/O 2 Pocket PC Requirements do not list that Mobile 6 is supported along with Active Sync 4.5 which is required to synchronize with Mobile 6. We've run some preliminary tests on this platform and find that the functionality remains the same as earlier supported versions of Microsoft's Mobile 2003 & 5.0 which were tested before releasing the Roam I/O 2. *****************NOTE*********************** There are two different versions of Windows Mobile 6 Windows Mobile 6 Professional --- WILL WORK Windows Mobile 6 Standard --- WILL NOT WORK The big difference is that the standard version doe not have touch screen ability which is required with the Roam IO/2 software.

Issue UltiVist/DMS, how to remove all or parts of the E: Segment. Environment UltiVist/DMS Cause Delete the E: segment database using KILBRNCH. Resolution KILBRNCH is a powerful tool, before doing the following procedure, BACKUP THE DATABASE. In an OS/2 window, go to the FI directory and type SET NOFCS=TRUE (this command turns off communications so that the KILBRNCH command will delete only the elements in the UltiVist database set to 'offline'). Press Return. After getting x:\FI prompt back, type KILBRNCH FI (example KILBRNCH \FI\FI E:001.12.01.023).   This will delete (or kill) the database from that branch. E: is the Segment 001 is the Network ID 12 is the Panel ID 01 is the DCM ID 023 is the Controller ID After completion, go to FI directory and then type SET NOFCS=FALSE. Refresh the E: Segment.

Issue UltiVist/NETWORK 8000, how to remove all or parts of the E: Segment. Environment NETWORK 8000 Cause Procedure on removing a segment. Resolution KILBRNCH is a powerful tool, before doing the following procedure, BACKUP THE DATABASE. In an OS/2 window, go to the FI directory and type SET NOFCS=TRUE (this command turns off communications so that the KILBRNCH command will only delete the elements in the E: Segment set to 'offline'). Press Return. After getting the x:\FI prompt back, type KILBRNCH FI (example KILBRNCH \FI\FI E:000.GCM_00.XXX_00.xxxxxxxx). This will delete (or kill) the database from that branch. E: is the Segment 000 is the Network ID GCM_00 is the area controller number XXX_00 is the LCM/ASD device type xxxxxxx is the block type After completion, go to FI directory and then type SET NOFCS=FALSE. Refresh the E: Segment.  

Issue Use of Universal Input UI1 on a Microzone II as a pulse counter requires an external pull-up resistor. Environment Microzone II Cause High speed count input required a 10 K ohm shunt resistor. Resolution When UI1 on the Microzone II is used as a Pulse Counter, an external pull-up resistor must be added between UI1 and the 5.1 VDC output terminal. The resistor shall be a 10 K Ohm, 1/4 Watt or higher, +/- 10% tolerance or better. Universal Inputs UI2 - UI8 do not require the resistor.

Issue A known cause of communication problems with GCM Ethernet NIMs (GCM-ETH-001) is entering incomplete IP addresses in the NIM block. The NIM block requires full octets ( 3 digits) in all four fields of each IP address, e.g. 012.034.056.078 Environment Network 8000 GCM-86000 series Network 8000 SIMs, including LNC-100, SIM-CCN, SIM-MTECH, SIM-TRANE, and SIM-YORK (hardware based on the GCM-86000 series) Ethernet NIM, (Network Interface Module), part number GCM-ETH-001 Cause The NIM block in the GCM is used to program the NIM hardware, and it requires full octets for all IP addresses. Resolution When programming the NIM block for an Ethernet NIM (GCM-ETH-001) installed on a shared Ethernet LAN, the NIM block requires full octets (3 digits) in all four fields of each IP address. For example, if the network administrator assigns a unique Panel IP Address (PNLIP) of 194.86.47.6, the NIM block should be programmed with PNLIP = 194.086.047.006, where leading zeroes have been added in front of the significant digit(s) to fill each octet with the required three digits. The same rule applies to all IP addresses in the NIM block ( IPMLT, IPSUB, RTRIP, etc.). Refer to the NIM Networking and Configuration Guide, F-25955-1 for further information on the NIMs. Note that the IP addresses shown in the manual all have full octets, but the requirement for 3 digits in each field is not explicitly stated. Also note that the UDP Port (UDPPT) address is a hexadecimal number, leave at the default value of ( 1234 hex + NetN hex). For example, if the Network Number of the GCM is 219 decimal, the UDPPT should be (1234 hex + DB hex ) = 130F hex.

Issue Communication issues with the UNC when ASD devices in the station are not physically connected to the ASD bus. Environment UNC and ASD controllers Cause Avoid a known cause of communications problems between a UNC and the ASD controllers by disabling polled controllers that are not physically connected to the ASD bus. Resolution The polling is enabled / disabled by a check box on the Config tab of the ASD controller. With polling disabled, the poll scheduler will skip that device, resulting in more efficient communications with controllers that are actually online. This issue has been seen on jobs where the ASD network has been engineered offline, with a large number of controllers with polling enabled, but the actual device not yet physically connected to the ASD bus.

Issue Does installing WorkPlace Tech version 5.6 load all of the Bin files required to upgrade the firmware of MNB controllers to rev 1.4x? Environment WorkPlace Tech version 5.6 MNB Controllers Cause The WorkPlace Tech version 5.6 doesn't contain all the require Bin files to upgrade the firmware of MNB controllers to rev 1.4x. Resolution No, installing only WorkPlace Tech version 5.6 will include only the bin files current at the time of its release. Additional Bin files are needed to upgrade firmware to the latest revisions. To load all necessary Bin files, load WPTech 5.6, then download the following two self-extracting Bin files: MNB Series v1.423 Firmware Pack.exe MNB v1.41 Firmware Pack – BTL Compliant To verify the minimum necessary Bin files have been loaded, compare the following list of Bin files to your C:\Program Files\Workplace Tech\Firmware folder. The list of Bin files on the computer may be longer, depending on how Bin files have been installed since originally installing WPT 5.0. MNBP01-011F -0120.bin MNBP01-0120 -0121.bin MNBP01-0120 -0130.bin MNBP01-0130 -0131.bin MNBP01-0131 -0132.bin MNBP01-0132 -013F.bin MNBP01-013F –0140.bin MNBP01-0140 –0141.bin MNBP01-0141 –01411.bin MNBP01-01411 –0142.bin MNBP01-0142 –01421.bin MNBP01-01421 –01422.bin MNBP01-01422 –01423.bin MNBU01 –0141.bin MNBU70 –0141.bin MNBV01 –0141.bin MNBV02 –0141.bin

Issue NPR's Giving you "Host Lost - Host Restore" Messages Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET site Cause NPR's Giving you "Host Lost - Host Restore" Messages resolution Resolution There is a windows registry setting that allows you to increase the communication response time. To do this go into the Start>run>regedit mode, then select the following registry location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > CSI-Control Systems International > I/Net 2000 > Configurations > YOUR_ACTIVE CONFIGURATION where YOUR_ACTIVE_CONFIGURATION is the name of the configuration in use at the site. In the right pane of this window there will be listed an entry of " Ethernet Timeout". Double Click the "Ethernet Timeout", in the next popup window change the "Base Function" to the "Decimal" Mode. In the "Value data" box put in value from 1000 to no more than 1500. After making this change, return the "Base Function" back to the "Hex" mode. Then close out of the registry and reboot the PC to make this change active.

Issue How do I verify that the File Equalization DLL file is current? Environment I/NET site Cause Checking to make sure the File Equalization DLL file is current Resolution You need to go on the PC to the following location: C:\Program Files\Inet Seven Scroll down the list of files until you find this "DLL" file, "INetEqzCR.dll". Highlight this file and do a right mouse click. In the next popup window choose the "properties" option. In the next window select the "Version" tab. Verify that version listed matches the Host load and the build number of the I/NET Seven.

Issue Individual Point Display on a Remote Client Environment I/NET site with Remote Client Cause Further understanding of Remote Client with message management Resolution When converting from a Filemaster with Equalized Clients to a Server with Remote Clients, the ability to use message masking to route messages to a specific host is lost. If the points that were being routed were in consecutive, a filter could be created to select them in AMT. However, if the points are not consecutive, there is no method to select them in a Filter. An Alternate to a filter that will accommodate this function, would be to create a Graphic Page. The following steps should allow the user to accomplish this task: 1.Create a graphic page and pick the relevant points for the application, group points accordingly, e.g. Generator Alarms 2.Right Click on the properties and check the Automatic Page Display option. This will allow the page to automatically come up when any of those points goes into Alarm. Note: Do keep in mind that this page will be scanned at the refreshed rate of the page. The more points that are put on a graphic page, the more burden is put on the C-LAN traffic. This burden can be reduced by increasing the refresh interval on the Host Configuration Editor and change from the default of 5sec in the Monitor Settings. The operator can also close the graphic page after getting the needed information to reduce traffic on the LAN>

Issue Using the same power supply (transformer) for a Xenta 527 and a 7798 I/Site LAN comes down and there is no communication to any other devices. Environment Xenta 527 7798 I/Site 7798C 7798B Cause This is because it has blown the RS-232 expansion board on the 7798 I/Site due to a voltage overload The Xenta 527 must be powered with either half wave AC Power or DC power.  (Half wave power connects earth ground 1 leg of the AC power to the controller.) The 7798B and the 7798C can use either full way power or DC power. It is recommended to use a separate power supply for each device Resolution If required you can power the 7798C and the Xenta 527 on the same DC power supply, provided all devices are properly grounded.  This is not recommended as each devices specifies a separate power supply. To correctly wire these devices follow these instructions. You will need to send your damaged 7798 in for repair Add a second transformer or power supply to power the 7798 controller Ensure that the Xenta 527 is properly grounded. Please reference TCON190 (page 15)  for the 7798B or TCON311 (page 9)  for the 7798C wiring diagrams.  Reference this cut sheet for the Xenta 527 which shows that G0 must be grounded.

Issue Xenta 527 has stopped communicating with I/NET Environment Xenta 527 I/NET Cause There is one thing that needs to be verified to ensure that there is nothing wrong with the device itself. Resolution  The following steps needs to be followed to get this corrected if IP Filtering has been enabled and needs to be reset: Verify that IP Filtering is not enable at the host, if it is, then the range that is specified does not include the Xenta 527. If the Xenta 527 is included, then you’ll have to connect to it via the ftp site and reset its filter. Connect to the device ftp://IP address of the device, using Windows Explorer. Open ConfigDB/inet/delete filter xml. This will reset your filter, shut down I/Net and I/O Server to reinitialize its connections then restart them again.

Issue What is the Actual SCU Power Requirement and Battery Life expectancy Environment I/NET site with Access Control Cause SCU Power Requirement information SCU Battery Life information Resolution The current power ratings listed in TCON312 & TCON313 are the indicate maximum power consumption for Agency markings and recommended transformer sizing. All of the SCU models all have the same supply circuits. All three models can deliver up to approx 1.2 amps of 13.6V, and .2A of 5V, along with the onboard 3.3V logic load. The SCU1200 and SCU1280 provide two terminal blocks (TB4 & TB5) which can deliver 13.6V and 5V power out to miscellaneous sensor/detector loads. The SCU1200 and SCU1280 also support an external a lead acid battery backup. When this battery is discharged, application of AC power can call for maximum power from the 13.6V supply with the onboard supply limiting 13.6V to the battery and external load to currents up to approx 1.2 amps. Even if you are not using the external power for sensor/detector power, the battery can pull maximum power during recharge. If you are NOT using an external battery backup, and you are NOT using the external 13.6v connection (on TB4 & TB5), and you are NOT using the external 5V connection (on TB4 & TB5), then you could assume a reduced 24VAC power consumption as follows. For the SCU1200, the 24VAC power input would be approximately .1A (2.4VA). For the SCU1280, the 24VAC power input would vary from about .1A with no relays on, up to approx .3A (7.2VA) with all 8 relay outputs energized. SCU Battery information: SCU1284 NiMh Battery Life The Varta battery datasheet lists the life expectancy for trickle charge applications (which is what the SCU uses) as 6 years (at temp of 20C) and 3 years (at temp of 45C) So in typical access control environment we should be around 25C so around the 6 year expectation would be appropriate. Also, the end of life is frequently interpreted as reaching ½ capacity on a NiMh battery, so it still has memory retention, even at end of life. 

Issue There is a concern about the Amp draw through the SCU's on-board relays using a Von Duprin EL35 door strike Environment I/NET site with Access Control Cause issue with Von Duprin lock Resolution The Von Duprin lock has 2 stages of solenoids: The first solenoid is very low impedance (high current) The second solenoid is a lower (more typical) current draw and serves to hold the lock after moved by the high current solenoid. This creates a mechanical movement interval where the locks power requirements are very large while the first solenoid is active. The Von Duprin power supply has specific specially designed circuitry to accommodate high pulse current output. Altronix also has such a supply especially designed for the Von Duprin lock. Their model StrikeIt1 is rated 24Vdc @ 1 amp continuous - with a special provision for 15 amp surge for 300ms. The basic operation is as follows - As the standard continuous duty regulator folds back under current limiting, they will momentarily switch on the raw DC from the input bridge rectifier to allow direct current draw from the diode bridge and input power transformer. The combination used in this product accommodates 15 amp for 300 milliseconds. This is applicable to 24V output only and it depends on switching ON the raw DC which is typically setting around 28 volts. This is an unusual power requirement, and it takes usual power supply to accommodate.  There are two potential solutions: Use the Von Duprin power supply to power the Von Duprin locks. Use the Altronix StrikeIt1 power supply which was specially designed for the Von Duprin lock Both of these power supplies have a built in relay that switches the high amp current to the door strike. This power supply relay is the one the SCU relay will fire, thus removing the High Amp draw through the SCU on-board relay

Issue Clear the IP routing tables of a Xenta 913 Incorrect or non-existent online Links appear in I/NET which can not be connected too. Environment I/NET Xenta 913 Cause Incorrect or non-existent Links, Hosts, and IP addresses can occur if a laptop was used to connect to the system from a different network or from the outside. Once connected, its IP table is broadcast to the other devices like PCs and NPRs, thus populating the table with entries that does not belong or is non-existent for this location or system. The Xenta 913 does not have the same I/NET command line in the web interface like the Xenta 527, so the steps to clear the IP routing tables are different. Resolution Connect to the Xenta 913 with the HyperTerminal interface Log into the Xenta 913 as the root user. At the dsh/> line type "inet delall" to delete the entire IP routing table, or "inet ipdel" to delete single IP entries. Below is the entire I/NET functionality within the Xenta 913. (Typing "inet help" or "inet" gives every I/NET option within the controller) inet - I/NET Help ip - Display IP table list ls - Display Link/Station table list cp - Display Compressed table list gp - Display Global Point table list mm - Message masking all - Display all lists ipadd - Add an IP address to the tables ipdel - Delete a single ip record delall - Delete all ip records

Issue Is there a Log file I can turn on to verify that downloads to controllers are working? Environment I/NET Site Cause desire to know if downloads to the controllers is working Resolution The BRDPEND Log, when it is activated will show you the listing of all items downloaded. The actual location of this Log file is in the following area on the hard-drive C:\Program Files\Inet Seven\Data. This log list all the DPU downloads, this to make sure all the entries actually get to the DPU's in the field. To activate this log requires you to get into the Windows Registry, I will list all the steps required to start and stop this log. BRDPEND steps: Go to the "run" section of windows and choose Regedit. Go to the Registry at this location – HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>CSI – Control Systems International>I/Net 2000>Host Configuration. 2) Highlight the file “AuditDWPendFlag” and do a right mouse click. Choose the Modify option Change the "0" to a "1" This will start the Log file To Stop this log file do the steps above again, except in step 4 change the "1" back to "0". IMPORTANT you have to shut down the PC and restart the PC before the Log will start running. When you turn off this log, copy it to an e-mail and send this log to Product Support. Remember - Do not to let this log file run more than a couple of days. I/NET rev 2.31 and above only downloads changes made in four areas Card Number Group Individual Info Access Level Below rev 2.31 downloads all individuals again with each change.