Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When sending Xbuilder Project to Xenta Server, an error will prompt that the Xbuilder project of hardware version 3 will be sent to a hardware version 2 controller, which is not allowed. Environment Xenta 500/700/913 Hardware version 3 Cause The hardware version setting in the Xbuilder doesn't match the real hardware version of Xenta Server. Resolution There is a hardware version option in the property window of Xenta Server. Check the hardware version of Xenta Server on the label of the controller, and choose the right hardware version in the Xbuilder to match the controller.   For more information about the hardware 3 Xenta Server, refer to TPA-VSTA-12-0029.00.

Issue How to change the update rate for variables read from an OPC server in Vista server.  Vista in this case is running as the OPC client and therefore determines the request rate from the OPC server. Environment Vista 5.1.X OPC client (built in in Vista) 3rd party OPC server. Cause To optimise communication loads and efficiency it may be desirable to set the update interval for values read from an OPC server. A user may wish to reduce the update from a couple of milliseconds to 1 minute for example for values that don't fluctuate that much. Resolution The default value (which can be found on the Properties tab for the OPC server object in Vista under "Requested Update rate (ms) ) is set to 0ms. This is effectively "update as often as possible" and the actual update rate can be seen under the "Actual Update rate" property. To select another update interval, simply set "Requested Update Rate (ms)" to the desired value.

Issue How can  the number of decimals for values on a report be changed? Environment TAC Vista TAC Vista report generator Cause Want to be able to change the number of decimals presented. Resolution This has to be changed in the regional settings for the computer.

Issue What is the difference between Subnet/node addressing and neuron ID addressing in Xbuilder Environment TAC Xbuilder Cause If neuron ID addressing is set the Xenta server will use the neuron ID the first time it contacts the device to ask for the subnet/node. When it get the subnet/node it will use that address until it loses contact with the device. When the Xbuilder is connected to a TAC Vista database this is set as default set and cannot be changed. With this setting you can change the addressing of the device without downloading the subnet node address. But if you replace a device then the Xbuilder project have to be updated and downloaded again. If subnet/node addressing is set then the device will only use the address to communicate. Resolution If neuron ID addressing is set the Xenta server will use the neuron ID the first time it contacts the device to ask for the subnet/node. When it get the subnet/node it will use that address until it loses contact with the device. If subnet/node addressing is set then the device will only use the address to communicate.

Issue Information on Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels Environment Site wanting to use Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels Cause Need information pertaining to the Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels. Sometimes referred to as HMI or Human Machine Interface  Resolution Magelis Opti PC Touch Panels information is located on Exchange Extranet.  Magelis Opti PC Data Sheet Magelis Opti PC Installation Guide Opti PC User Manual Opti PC User Manual (other languages) For the latest HMI software and Release Notes for VijeoDesigner, please visit the following link VijeoDesign

Issue Only the first 2 rows of the Specific Data\Value column are saved in the Modbus device editor. It is however possible to edit all the cells in the value column. Environment Xenta server with Modbus interface; device editor. Cause This is by design -  these cells were not intended to be used. Resolution Only enter information in the cells adjacent to the Name and Description cells.

Issue How do the controller settings affect the Occupation Sequence in respect of temperature control. Environment Stand alone. Part of a system. Cause Customer is uncertain of how this process works, the rooms are cold. Resolution There are a number of settings that will affect this sequence, the screen shot below shows the sequence and the settings used.  

Issue Changing alarm priority level in Workstation or Menta does not work even after a download. Environment Xenta 280/300/401 controllers under Xenta Servers Vista Version before 5.1.8 (5.1.8 is included) Cause This issue only happens if having a free programmable controller (Xenta 280/300/401) under a Xenta Server (Xenta 5/7/913). When updating the priority level information in Menta or Workstation, Xenta Server does not get updated which caused the old alarm information appears when the alarm is activated.  Resolution This issue will be solved in the future release of TAC Vista. Currently, the work around is: Method 1: Right click on the free programmable controller which contains the alarm object that needs to be changed, then choose “Edit” to open Menta editor. Double clicking on the alarm block that needs to be changed. Change the priority level to a desired value. Change the alarm object block name to a different name. -->force Xenta Server to notice a change in the Menta. Save the Menta file and do a “commission and download” of the related controller in Workstation. Right click on the corresponding Xenta Server and do a download in Xbuilder. Method 2: Right click on the corresponding Xenta Server and select “Edit” to open Xbuilder. Find the alarm object under Lonworks Network in the Network panel and select it. In the Property panel, change the priority level to the desired value. NOTE: Though Method 2 may be a faster way to change the priority level, it will cause Xbuilder object does not match the Menta file which is not recommended.

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 Some objects are protected by default in Vista requiring that changes be made to the authorities of the object in order for it to be deleted. Protected database objects will be in gray text whereas unprotected objects are in black. Additionally, the Delete option when right-clicking a protected database object will be grayed out. Text on protected database objects is gray   Text on objects that are not protected are black Environment Vista Workstation Cause Even though administrators have full control to read or write any database objects, some objects are protected so that they are not accidentally deleted. An administrator must remove the protection before deleting the object. Resolution Ensure that you are logged into Vista as an administrator then perform the following steps to delete a protected database object: Right click the protected database object and select Authority. In the Authority dialog box check Change access level on subunits and Change access level on existing objects. The two check boxes for Require signature on database object change and Protected database object at the top of the dialog box will likely change from check marks to dark boxes. Click on these boxes until they are empty.   Click OK.   Refresh the window by pressing F5 or clicking the refresh button. The database object should now have black instead of gray text and can now be deleted.

Issue Is it possible for 3rd party software to access Vista's SQL log database (taclogdata)? Environment Vista 5.1.x SQL 2005/2008  Cause There are many sites where the customer wishes to collect information from different systems and present them in a standard format such as excel or a custom application. By accessing the raw log data from Vista this can be presented in a format the customer is familiar with. Resolution Assuming that Vista and SQL are installed and running, start by downloading the appropriate version of SQL Management Studio i.e. if you have Vista 5.1.8 with a standard installation of SQL 2008R2 Express then search for "SQL 2008 R2 Express management studio" to come to a download link. Once downloaded and installed:  -Start Management Studio and connect to the instance of SQL being used (default is localhost\TACVISTA) -Go to the security folder in the Object explorer and expand it. -Right-click on "Logins" and select "New Login". -Fill in the details as desired ie name, password and SQL authentication. -Under User Mapping settings select the taclogdata database and grant at least db_datareader rights. -Click on OK. This user name and password can then be used by third party applications to query the SQL database.  

Issue When you start Vista workstation that is receiving an license to run from another PC the path to this PC is lost each time Vista workstation is shut down. Environment Window 7 Server 2008 Cause The User Account Control Setting is set too high preventing the license path being saved. Resolution Drop the user account control setting level down to allow the license server path to be saved. From the Windows Start menu option type "User Account Control settings" in the "Search programs and files" Then decrease the security level.

Issue When trying to open/edit a XBuilder project in workstation the following error is given: Environment TAC Vista Workstation TAC Vista XBuilder Cause Vista has multiple instances of the same XBuilder project open at the same time. For some reason if a XBuilder project opened from Workstation was not closed normally, workstation will not allow the user to open/edit the XBuilder project. Resolution First, check if there is already a XBuilder window open. If there the same project is already open then close the window. If there is no other XBuilder window open then follow these steps: Close TAC Vista Workstation and Server Restart TAC Vista Server and Workstation. After the reboot the user should be able to open XBuilder editor.

Issue After commissioned in Vista Workstation, all the nvi values in the LonWorks device become to default value of in the Vista database. Environment Vista   LonWorks device Cause When commissioning LonWorks device in the Vista Workstation, there are three options. In this situation, the option "Download default parameters from XIF file to device” is probably selected. Resolution If the nvi value wants to be kept, the “Upload parameters from device to Vista” should be chosen instead of “Download default parameters from XIF file to device”

Issue Although a new Report - Chart object can be created in Vista, there is no documentation that explains how to make it work or what it does Environment TAC Vista 4.2.0 Workstation and newer Cause The Report - Chart function was removed in Vista 4.2.0 although it can still be created up through Vista 5.1.8 Resolution Although it was possible to create a new Report - Chart object in Vista 4.2.0 - Vista 5.1.8, the objects were not functional. The Report - Chart object was replaced with the Trend Chart object and instructions on how to set up Trend Chart objects can be found in the Vista documentation.

Issue Xenta 7xx stuck in continuous reboot loop. If connected to Hyperterminal while booting may see error that says "Wrong number of IO's in <Menta file path>". Environment Xenta 701 Xenta 711 Xenta 721 Xenta 731 Cause Downloading Xenta 7xx with Menta files that contain test probe blocks will cause this error. Test probe blocks are for testing code only and should not be left in Menta programs once an XBuilder project is going to be downloaded. Resolution Locate all test probe blocks and replace with the appropriate programming. Search Menta programs for any test probe blocks (TPAI, TPDI, TPAO, TPDO) and delete all of them before attempting to download the device again.

Issue System does not respond correctly to "Off Duty" and "On Duty" messages. Environment RAM 1.2 Ram 2.0 Duty Roster Cause When a reciprocator’s Mobile sends an “Off duty message” to the RAM interface, a duty exception is created on the RAM console, but when the same reciprocator’s Mobile sends an “On duty message” to the RAM interface the duty exception is not cancelled. Resolution This issue will not be addressed at this time as a "Work Around" is available. To enable users to remotely issue an "On or Off duty" commands, their Local access needs to be set to ‘Privileged User’ or above. This is on the Users ‘Access page’ as shown below.  

Issue What is NIC709-IP's IP address How to use a NIC709-IP in TAC Vista Classic network Environment Tested with Windows XP SP3, Windows 7 computers. LConfig version is 4.2 Cause NIC709-IP looks similar to L-IP, however its configuration is totally different. The NIC709-IP's configuration is similar to NIC709-USB which requires the LConfig software. Resolution Scenario 1 If NIC709-IP address is know. Can change its IP address on its Webpage. Open the NIC709-IP webpage. Select the Config tab in the left menu bar. Select Port Config tab under the Config tab. In the main panel, choose the admin account, and type the password: loytec4u. Then click Login. Select the Ethernet tab on the top. Will need to enter the password again. In the IP Address field, type the desired the IP address. In this example, type 169.254.8.100. Then, click Save Settings.   Scenario 2 For brand new NIC709-IP, its IP address is 0.0.0.0. Please follow the steps below to set the IP address: Change the computer IP address to 169.254.8.X. X is any number between 1-255. In this case, the computer IP address to 169.254.8.1, and the subnet mask is 255.255.0.0.   Go to Start->All Programs->LOYTEC Network Interface->Lconfig.  Then Select NIC-IP/RNI tab. If the software is not listed, please go to LOYTEC website and download the most recent release version of Network Interface.     Check the Enable Device checkbox. Click on the Assignment & Config button. Device should be automatically found. If not click on the Restart Search button.   Select the device, then  click the Assign/Add button. Make the change to the IP address under IP/NAT  Address or DNS Name field if necessary. Then click on Assign Button.   Click OK button. Note, the IP address should be changed from 0.0.0.0 to the address just assigned. In this case, the IP address has been changed to 169.254.8.100.   Click the Test Device/Serial Number button to the connection. The pop-up window as shown below should be displayed.   The NIC709-IP device should be configured at this point. For testing, can type the NIC709-IP address in the browser. 

Issue How to reconfigure the IP address of a L-IP if not knowing its IP address? Environment LNS Turbo Lonmaker turbo Lonworks Network Interfaces Loytec L-IP Cause In order to use a L-IP, its IP address need to be known for configuration, otherwise this L-IP cannot functioning at all. Resolution Please follow the steps below to retrieve a L-IP’s IP address. 1. At first prepare a RS232 serial cable of which two sides are 9-pin female connector, or one side is 9-pin female connector and another side is 9-pin male connector. Then one side of the RS232 cable connects to the L-IP’s Serial port (See the red ring of the Figure 1) and another side connects to the PC Serial port (if PC is no Serial Port, the MOXA RS232 USB-to-Serial Adaptor can also be used).                                                         Figure 1：L-IP and PC Connection   2. Use a PC Hyperterminal with the communication settings set to 38,400 bps / 8 data bits / no parity / 1 stop bit / no handshake. On the L-IP use a serial cable (1:1 male-female or female-female cable) to connect COM port (like comm1) on the PC to the Console on the L-IP. Power up the L-IP or press Return if the L-IP is already running. The following menu (See the Figure 2) should appear on the HyperTerminal:                                                                                                                                    Figure 2:Main L-IP menu 3. Select 5 and press Enter, then the following menu (See the Figure 3) would appear on the HyperTerminal. The current IP Address, IP Netmask and IP Gateway of L-IP would be displayed in this menu.   Figure 3: IP Configuration Menu 4. If modifying the IP address, select 2 and press Enter, type in the new IP address behind Enter new IP address and press Enter button (See the Figure 4). Figure 4: Enter new IP address 5. If modifying the IP Netmask, select 3 and press Enter, then type in the new IP Netmask. 6. If modifying the IP Gateway, select 4 and press Enter, then type in the new IP Gateway. 7. After finishing all modifications, select X and press Enter, then save your modifications and return to the main L-IP menu. Please refer to the L-IP user manual for more detailed information.

Issue Using the SQL database upgrade program for Vista is it possible to connect to a "real" SQL server without a instance name which is installed on the same computer ? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 and later. TAC Vista SQL Database upgrade. Cause When specifying the server name the default is .\TACVISTA, the . is the PC name and the TACVISTA is the instance name. Resolution So if the SQL server is installed on the same computer and have no instance name just type .\ on the Server path.  

Issue A specification for a power meter states that it provides KYZ pulse outputs. What is a KYZ pulse output? Product Line All Product Lines Environment Utility Meter with KYZ pulse outputs Cause Some meter specification sheets may state that the device outputs KYZ pulses. Resolution KYZ is a designation given to a relay used to create pulses for electrical metering applications. It is commonly a Form C relay (SPDT). The term KYZ refers to the contact designations: K for common, Y for Normally Open, and Z for Normally Closed.