Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How is Continuum configured to validate FIPS 201 PIV card credentials? Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 Cause Questions on how to configure a Continuum physical access control system to validate FIPS 201 PIV credentials at the door. Resolution Configuring Continuum for FIPS PIV card credentials Click here for instructions on creating a custom FIPS-PIV card format Versions needed for FIPS-201

Issue InfinityInput configured as counter does not count any pulses. Environment i2 devices B3 devices IOU modules Cause Here are two common reasons why the counter input may not be counting as expected: 1. No accumulation logic used with input. 2. Signal from the count source does not conform to specifications. Resolution 1. No accumulator logic used with input. The value of a counter input is reset to zero at every scan, in order to maintain the count value an accumulation strategy must be used, this can be accomplished via a conversion at the input or by using a PE program to accumulate the count in an InfinityNumeric object. a) Enter the following conversion in the counter input’s conversion field: Value + ElecValue Or b) Use the following logic in a PE program CountAccumulator = CountAccumulator + WaterMeterCount  (Where CountAccumulator is an InfinityNumeric object and WaterMeterCount is the name of the counter input)   2. The signal from the count source (Water meter, Power meter etc) does not have the minimum pulse width required by the input. For example, Infinet 2 devices (i.e. i2687) only support counter signal with a maximum frequency of 4 hertz and a minimum pulse width of 125 milliseconds. The DI8 IOU module has 2 channels that support counts of up to 10Khz with a pulse width as short as 50 microseconds. XPUi modules support counter inputs with a frequency up to 140 Hz and a minimum pulse width of 3.5 milliseconds. Refer to the manual for your count source (Meter) and verify the signal generated by it complies with the requirements of the Continuum hardware. For more information see the attached Infinity Technical Journal article. It describes several ways to reset the counter.   Note: Some meters will put out a pulse with a voltage equal to the supply voltage. In this case add a relay so the controller sees a dry contact per pulse.    

Issue How can I run Windows programs from a workstation plain english program? Environment Cyberstation Plain English Windows programs Cause Launching windows programs from Continuum Resolution Please see this link for information on using the Shell plain english function NOTE A Plain English script can be added to some graphics objects (Plain English Script tab), so for example you could run a batch file (in the continuum directory) from a graphics button using Shell "test.bat"

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue When setting up Continuum Security levels is there an easy way to set up the different Security Groups? Sites that have upgraded from Infinity SX8000 may require the same security settings. Environment Cyberstation all versions. Cause It can be time consuming and complex setting up multiple user security levels. Resolution In the Workstation you can edit the Security settings to define the access (keys) and blocking (padlocks) for each group against each object class. You can also import/ export these security settings with *.SDF files, attached is a file Default Security V1.sdf that defines a default set of 8 security levels as per the Infinity SX8000: Click here for default security file Administrate Program Configure Enable/Disable Change Values Acknowledge Alarms View Only No Access Click here for a description of each of the above levels (Source: SX8000 Programmer's Guide). To add the "Default Security V1.sdf" file to your Continuum you will need to do as follows, in the bottom right hand corner of your screen there is the Continuum icon, right click on the icon and select Security... then under the Actions tab, right click next to "Access Distribution View" and click import All... then all you do is select the "Default Security V1.sdf" file you have already downloaded and then click open, this will now install the new default security options. Warning! Always make a database backup before attempting to change the security setting so that if a mistake is made you can always revert back to the backup.

Issue I cannot logon to an AC256 or AC8 controller. My AC256 Xdriver has stopped communicating with the AC256. Environment AC256 AC256+ AC8 AC8+ Cause Unable to establish communications with an AC256 type controller. Resolution The attached document contains a thorough set of procedures for troubleshooting communication issues between an AC256 controller and a computer that is running a terminal emulator program such as ProComm or HyperTerminal. This requires that the computer have a available serial port or a USB to serial converter.  Troubleshooting AC256+ Comm Issues.doc

Issue How do I format a Comma Separated Variable file (CSV) to create personnel objects via import that will include area assignments and photos. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Need way to mass create personnel objects. Resolution Typically personnel information is provided from Human Resources in a MS Excel file, the data can be saved as a CSV file and easily formatted for import into the Continuum system which will automatically create one personnel object per row using the information (LastName, FirstName etc) included in the file. Assigning areas during import is accomplished by specifying a personnel template (previously created using Continuum). Different areas can be assigned to different personnel objects as a template can be specified per row. When the personnel object is created via the CSV import, it will be assigned all the areas found in the specified template. Importing a photo for the personnel object is accomplished by specifying an image file in the PhotoFile column. Click Here for a sample CSV file.

Issue Availability of IPSEC on older controllers which request higher security constraints on networksLAN sites which have Andover controllers and workstations on a "flat network" but want to merge the devices into the corporate network which has IPSEC enabled. Environment Network of IP level controllers communicating with Cyberstation Cause Higher Security constraints on networksLAN sites which has Andover controllers and workstations on a "flat network" but want to merge the devices into the corporate network which have IPSEC enabled. Resolution Older versions of Andover Continuum controllers do not support network security such as IPSEC. However, the new versions of CyberStation and the new controllers, such as NetController II 9680 and ACX57x0, can be configured to communicate with controllers that do not support network security.   Another point to take note of is whether or not your site has purchased the network security option for this NetController II 9680 or ACX 57x0 controller.   IPsec is an end-to-end security scheme operating in the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite. It can be used in protecting data flows between a pair of hosts (host-to-host), between a pair of security gateways (network-to-network), or between a security gateway and a host (network-to-host).   Network Security Configuration Guide (zip)

Issue Cannot establish communications to Modbus RTU using BCX X-Driver on Comm2 Environment BCX 4040 Modbus RTU Cause Configuration of BCX to communicate with Modbus RTU device Resolution This excerpt from the Modbus RTU guide describes the parameters to configure the X-driver for Modbus RTU communications using the BCX. Click Here

Issue Personnel.csv file fails to import into Continuum No error message is shown Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum access control Keywords: CSV, Import, cardholder, personnel Cause CSV file gets modified by MS excel such that the import fails During the process of manually changing and saving a personnel.csv file within MS excel, a number of commas are added to the first line (corresponding to the number of column fields in the CSV) Resolution Use notepad or similar to delete commas before importing into Continuum as Microsoft Excel does not show up any trailing commas This will NOT import correctly Personnel,,,,, Name,FirstName,LastName,CardNumber,CardType,SiteCode Smith_Fred,Fred,Smith,10,Infinity_37,3701 This will import correctly Personnel Name,FirstName,LastName,CardNumber,CardType,SiteCode Smith_Fred,Fred,Smith,10,Infinity_37,3701 For more information on CSV imports Click Here For an example .csv file for testing Click Here Note: If importing X Driver points using a .csv file the comm port attribute "Port" must always be defined before the X Driver parameters Param1, Param2 etc. The Port must contain the full path e.g. "Network1\CXName\Comm1" Example X Driver Numeric: InfinityNumeric Name,Alias,Format,Description,Port,Param1,Param2,Param3,Param4 XDRPoint1,XDRPoint1,##,First X Driver Point,Network1\CX1\comm4,1,3,10001,1

Issue Review of Windows event log, product event logs, or error windows during operation provides an error code number that is unreadable. Environment Microsoft Windows Cause Microsoft uses a standard list of error codes which programs can access. The display of these errors is typically in a decimal or hexadecimal format. Resolution Use the Windows Error Codes spreadsheet which allows the user to enter the code as either Hexadecimal or Decimal format and provide the text description for the error code. Use the error code description to further diagnose the problems being experienced. Guidance on whether a code is Hexadecimal or Decimal: 0x00000001 - Hexadecimal -214000000 - Decimal

Issue How can a schedule be added to a personnel records particular area? Environment Continuum 1.xx Cause Adding a schedule a one area in a personnel objects areas list. Resolution This link explains step by step how to add a schedule to a personnel objects area.

Issue Access denied pop up messages occur at the end of a Continuum or Webclient installation MFC error Environment Continuum Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause At the end of the Continuum or Webclient install an attempt is made to register a number of files and access is being denied. Resolution Reinstall Continuum or Webclient as a local Administrator with Anti Virus and any Firewalls disabled Download AccessDeniedReg.zip and follow the instructions in the RegInstructions.txt to run a batch file to register the files. Note: The workstation may require a reboot after running the batch file.

Issue "Invalid attribute property" error when trying to create NetController II in Continuum v1.74 SP2 as Controller Type "9681". Environment Continuum v1.74 SP2 NetController II Cause Trying to create new NetController II device object with a "Controller Type" of "9681". "A Guide to Version 1.74 Support for NetController II and ACX 57xx" states that there is only one NetController model, the CX 9680. Please ignore references to the 9681. Resolution Create the Netcontroller II as  a Controller Type "9680" as stated on page 15 in document number 30-3001-1001 "A Guide to Version 1.74 Support for NetController II and ACX 57xx".

Issue I/NET uses a different "large number" hexadecimal format to represent individual cards.  To convert to a Continuum system, these must be decoded into Facility Codes and Card Numbers. Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Security converted to Continuum Cause Different representations of individuals in the two systems. Resolution Download the "ZIP" file here conversion Excel spreadsheet. Press the "Clear Values" button to zero out the inputs. Select the correct format between the four options: 26-Bit Wiegand 32-Bit Wiegand Format (CSI) 35-Bit Wiegand Format 37-Bit Wiegand Format Enter the hexadecimal value and the Facility Code and Card Number will populate automatically.

Issue How should I engineer my BACnet project? What are some of the pitfalls and what is best practice? What work can be done offline in the office prior to going to the jobsite and what has to be completed when online on site? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet systems Cause There are multiple ways to engineer a system. Often project timescales do not allow for all of the engineering to start after the system goes live on site.  Resolution Engineering Continuum BACnet Systems V5.pdf is designed to provide guidance for the Sales and engineering teams when designing a BACnet system. It details how to engineer some of project tasks offline and what must be done at the job site. Then a Hints and Tips section gives further assistance with links to other helpful articles.

Issue Trying to install CyberStation 1.9x.  It completes but then pops up 6 errors saying "Access denied" Environment CyberStation 1.9x Cause Microsoft hotfix KB942288-V3 is installed or files are not getting registered Resolution Verify that you are installing Cyberstation with Admin rights Uninstall MS hotfix KB942288-V3 .  To do this see below. Click on Start then settings then select Control Panel from the Windows menu.  Double click Add/Remove programs. In Add/Remove programs make sure the "Show Updates" checkbox on the top of the window is selected. Scroll through the list of installed item and find the Microsoft update named "KB942288-V3" Select the update and then click the "Remove" button. Once complete shut down and restart the PC and reinstall CyberStation. Note: If KB942288-V3 was slipstreamed into the image that was used to install XP SP3 then you will not see this in Add/Remove programs Please use the link below to download a batch file to register some of the files that aren't getting registered. Copy it into c:\Program Files\Continuum, unzip the text file. Open the file and "Save As" a batch file and then run it. AccessDeniedRegisterFiles191.zip

Issue How do you determine how large a database will grow when using Continuum? How do you know if a Stand Alone or LAN install should be used? Which version of Microsoft SQL Server is needed? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 MSDE SQL Express SQL Server Standard SQL Server Enterprise Cause A database will grow based on the number of objects and logging requirements for a project. Estimating how much a database will grow over time based on the number of controllers, points and logging should be done to determine which Microsoft Database solution is needed for the site. Microsoft has placed database size limitations on the free versions of their database engines called MSDE and SQL Server Express. The size limitations are 2 and 4 gigabytes respectively. If this size limitation is exceeded, it can produce unwanted results including database corruption. If the estimated size of a database over time exceeds these limitations then a full Microsoft SQL version must be implemented. Resolution An Excel spreadsheet has been developed to help evaluate the size of a Continuum database, to determine if a Stand Alone or LAN is needed and which version of SQL should be used. The Continuum database estimating spreadsheet takes into consideration 6 main areas: Extended Logs- total amount of logs, intervals and the number of days to retain  Access Events- total amount of access events and the number of days to retain Alarm Events- total number of alarms and the number of days to retain Error Events- total number of Cyberstation errors and the number of days to retain Activity Events- total number of Activity events of all Continuum users and the number of days to retain Continuum Database objects- Total number of Netcontrollers, Infinet, BCXs , mstp controllers, total number of inputs, outputs and numerics. Any of the objects not mentioned above. Consider all objects not mentioned above The number of data logs, extended log intervals, number of days to retain data and other estimation information can be inserted into the spreadsheet. The sheet will calculate the information and do the following: Estimate the space required for that object type and the sum of all object types Indicate if a Stand Alone or LAN system is needed Indicate which version of SQL Server is needed Download the Continuum Database Size Estimation Tool.

Issue Current transducers require an additional external resistor fitting to a Universal input to read the current flow, what resistor and input point settings are required? Environment All controller with Universal Inputs (both 5V and 10V). 4-20 mA Cause There is a requirement to define the resistor value to be connected across the input, also the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration. Resolution Download the attached Current Inputs.PDF file, although this was originally written for Infinity controllers it is fully applicable for i2 and b3 controllers. Controllers like the i2/b3920, i2/b3810 have 10V inputs other i2/b3 controllers have 5.12V inputs, check the product datasheet specification if you are unsure. The file details the value of the resistor to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0mA and 20mA, or 4mA and 20mA depending on your sensor output. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly. The UI-8-10-10V I/O Modules should be set to 0-5V input with the reference resistor On, then setup as per all other 5.12V input controllers. Note: The part numbers listed for the resistors are no longer available through Order Entry and should be sourced from your local stockist. Link to file: Current Input ISM.pdf   Suitable component resistors: For 10V inputs: RS 165-472 For 5V inputs: RS 165-185

Issue Active sensors that have a 0-10V output can not be directly connected to a controller with a 0-5V input, what resistors and settings are required? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All i2 and b3 controllers with 5V inputs, not applicable to the controllers with a 10V input i.e. the i2/b3920 & 810 which directly support the 0-10V sensors I/O Module UI8-10 XP Modules xPUI4, xPBD4, xPBA4.   Cause There is a requirement to calculate the appropriate potential divider resistor values and the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration Resolution Download the Voltage Inputs LSM document, this document details the value of the 2 resistors to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0V & 10V. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly.

Issue Instructions listed in the webclient installation guide have been followed. Accessing Webclient pinpoint from any browser, the following error occurs when Webclient is installed on Windows Server 2008 "Unknown Error. Server:http://ServerNameDNWACserverFactory/WACSERVER Factory.soap" Environment Webclient Windows Server 2008 Cause The 1.92 Webclient installation instructions do no include all the instructions to configure Webclient Pinpoint for Windows Server 2008. This has been corrected in 1.93. Resolution The 1.92 Webclient installation instructions do not include all the steps needed to configure Webclient Pinpoint for use on Windows Server 2008. The complete set of instructions are included in the 1.93 release of Webclient. Click here for the 1.93 instructions for Server 2008 Click here for a sample web.config file