Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Xenta 121 temperature calibration precision problem Environment Xenta 121 ZBuilder Cause Calibration of a temperature input on a Xenta 121 controller is limited to whole increments in degrees Celsius. Resolution To allow greater precision in calibrating thermistor inputs on the 121 in either Fahrenheit or Celsius do the following. Note: Any LonMaker drawings or LNS databases that are open ought to be closed (and backed up) before doing this. In the file C:\LonWorks\types\User\TAC\Xenta100.fmt, find the following three consecutive lines: UCPTIOOffsetB1: text("%d"); UCPTIOOffsetB2: text("%d"); UCPTIOOffsetU1: text("%d"); Replace with the following six lines: UCPTIOOffsetB1#SI: text("%f"); UCPTIOOffsetB1#US: text("%f", *1.8+0(0:855)); UCPTIOOffsetB2#SI: text("%f"); UCPTIOOffsetB2#US: text("%f", *1.8+0(0:855)); UCPTIOOffsetU1#SI: text("%f"); UCPTIOOffsetU1#US: text("%f", *1.8+0(0:855)); This will allow precise calibration in the user's default temperature format. 

Issue Can third party BACnet/MSTP devices be placed under a MNB-1000? Environment MNB-1000 Third party BACnet/MSTP Cause MNB-1000 documentation doesn't show integration with third party BACnet/MSTP. Resolution Due to the diversity, volume, and continuous revisions to third party BACnet/MSTP devices, none are tested with the MNB controller line.  If the devices are BACnet Testing Labs (BTL) compliant, they should function.  However, they will not be supported.  The use of third party devices will be at your own risk. Refer to BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide (F-27360) for additional configuration recommendations

Issue Cache Time for Record Changes - Xenta 527 for Vista - I/Net systems. Environment I/NET Seven integrated under Vista Xenta Server 527 / 731 Cause When using the Xenta 527 Web Server to view records in Vista from I/Net Seven, changes that are made do not show up immediately. Cached data does not reflect any recent changes made in the original SQL Host database. Once data has been stored in the local cache, the Cache timeout must expire before the data can be updated by retrieving it from the SQL Host. The default time is set to 720 minutes, which allows the device to store data read from the SQL host for twelve hours.   Resolution The default time is set to 720 minutes, which allows the device to store data read from the SQL host for twelve hours. If the user wants to see the changes made and not wait for that period, they can connect to the device and change the Cache Time. If the system is large, this may affect performance and cause slow down because of the volume of data that is coming through. Choose a time that is best suited for the application. However, by restarting the device it also gets an update from the SQL Host.

Issue Deny Entry Tenant Message on an SCU Environment I/NET site with Access Control Cause Messages in AMT Resolution Programming an SCU 1284 for the first time on an I/Net Seven System would more than likely give a Deny Entry Tenant message in the Transaction Window when a card is read at the reader. This would usually occur if the Card Number equals individual scheme is being used. Although all the normal parameters have been checked, there could be one of these that would have been overlooked. Access the doors that are on the SCU, and then modify them. When the editor comes up, there is a Check box for Card Translation. This comes up checked by default, uncheck it, hit the OK button and then read the card again. A Valid Card Read or Reader Entry Message should show up in the Transactions Window. Perform a software and database download, then an SLI and DPU Restore to the DPU in question.  

Issue Xenta 102-AX effective setpoint output is perpetually offset by a fixed unadjustable amount Environment Xenta 102-AX Cause There is a variable in the memory of the Xenta 102-AX that can offset the space temperature setpoint.  It is set when adjusting the space temperature setpoint with an M/STAT and pressing Enter -- which is not a step required to make the adjustment.  From then on, this other variable will feed the M/STAT/STR-250 adjustment. Resolution The only way to clear the invisible offset is the same way it was set: Configure the setpoint display to show normalized.  This will stop the setpoint from shifting between heating and cooling setpoints while it is being adjusted. Connect the M/STAT and adjust the setpoint to the intended, non-adjusted value and hit Enter again. Once the problem is corrected, remember not to hit the Enter key when adjusting the setpoint from the M/STAT.  This shouldn't be an issue for customers since the STR-250 doesn't have an Enter key.

Issue First Key Auto/Unlock Environment SCU 1284 Cause The first key Auto Unlock feature that was available on the SCU 1284 is not displayed on the Door Editor, in revisions 3.22 and above. This can only be seen in revisions 3.21 and below. Resolution To access the feature, the following steps need to be followed: Select the door from the list and then click on the Modify button. Select the ATS button and select the first Entry. Select the first schedule and click Modify. Select First Key Mode and click on the drop down box. Select the Unlock option and then click on the OK button. Close the editor and then read a valid card to ensure that it is working properly.

Issue Can a LA-1 L-Bus adapter be used on the Netcontroller II? Environment Netcontroller II (9680) Cause In order to communication on a port other than Comm 4, an LA-1 must be added. Resolution The Netcontroller II (9680) comes with direct L-Bus option already on Comm4 without having to use the LA-1 adapter. However if you would like a different port to support L-Bus instead of Comm 4 the LA-1 can be added to Comm 1. Note: When using L-Bus you will not be able to connect IOU modules.

Issue   Xenta 700 Menta viewer in Internet Explorer displays some blocks at half-size Environment Xenta Server Xenta 701, 711, 721, 731 Menta Internet Explorer Cause Illegal characters in the description field of the point has caused problems with the web interface live Menta viewer. Resolution Verify that there are no strange characters in the description field of the point. In the most recent case, the = sign caused the block to shrink.

Issue TAC Xenta 280/300/401, the Menta application could stop due to one of the Week charts or Holiday charts in a TSCH block Max set to 0 (zero). Environment Xenta programmable controllers up to version 3.74 Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Menta TSCH block Cause Setting the maximum number of either Week Charts or Holiday Charts to 0 will cause this error. Resolution Make sure that you set Max to at least 1 for both the holiday and the week charts, even if you only are going to use one of the charts.

Issue For the MicroNet sensors MN-Sx and MN-SxHT, what is the drift factor per year? Environment MN-Sx MN-SxHT MicroNet Controllers Cause There is slight temperature drift with MicroNet Sensors. Resolution The non-humidity units (MN-Sx) use a glass encapsulated thermistor sensor that has a maximum drift of .022ºC in the first 30,000 hours (about 3.5 years) and is basically stable after that. The electronics uses precision resistors as references that are powered at less than 1/100 rated power. Using the shelf life specification for drift of 100PPM / year for the reference resistors would add another .022ºC / year. A conservative number of 0.03ºC / year would cover it. The humidity units (MN-SxHT) have a solid-state sensor with a humidity drift of 0.5%RH / year and a temperature drift of 0.04ºC / year maximum. The sensing chip communicates digitally with a microcontroller so there is no electronics related error.

Issue How can a remote BACnet/IP network be accessed using the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool (WPCT)? Environment BACnet/IP network WorkPlace Commissioning Tool (WPCT) Cause Remote connectivity is needed to access a BACnet device that exists on an outside network where WPCT resides. Resolution When WPCT starts, it sends out a "whoIs" (broadcast) message. The responding devices send the reply ("iAm") using its IP address. If the responding device is on a private IP network that is using NAT or Port Forwarding to access the Internet, it is this private IP address that is populated in the "iAm" response. After the response, WPCT starts using directed messages using the address it received from the responding device. Private IP addresses cannot be routed through the public Internet. Therefore, NAT or Port Forwarding cannot be used to access remote BACnet/IP networks using WPCT. There are two ways around this issue: Use a public IP address in the internal BACnet network Use a VPN to access the network For more details, consult the I/A Series Micronet BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide (F-27360).

Issue Why the Netcontroller 9680 can't be connected via Hyperterminal. How to commission the NC2 and ACX2 (5720/5740) Environment Netcontroller 9680 Hyperterminal NC2 ACX2 5720 5740 Cause The Netcontroller 9680, usually called the NC2, does not have a Hyperterminal interface in which to commission the controller. Resolution To commission the NC2 and the ACX2 please follow the directions below. Note: Check with your system administrator for assistance. Disable the DHCP Services on your PC. Disconnect your computer from the network and set your IP address to 169.254.1.2 and your subnet mask to 255.255.0.0. Using a CAT5 cable (straight-through or crossover), connect the PC Ethernet port to the ACX 57xx Ethernet port.  Run your web browser, then go to URL: http://169.254.1.1 to display the Andover Continuum Embedded WebServer page in the ACX 57xx Series controller. Select Controller Configuration from the WebServer page. Log on using the default Andover Continuum user name and password. Enter relevant configuration parameters on the WebServer Configuration web pages. After entering the parameters, click the Commit Changes/Restart Controller button on the WebServer page. (Restore the PC, and connect the controller to the network when it reboots.)

Issue Epi-Builder display of expiration date workaround Environment Epi-Builder Cause The problem lies in the format of the expiration date in the Epi-Builder software. Resolution Epi-Builder display of expiration date workaround. Recently discovered was a minor issue with the display box of the expiration date field on print pre-view and while printing a card with this attribute. There are multiple formats to select from ie.. mm/dd/yyyy or mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss etc... but even though you may have selected just to display the mm/dd/yy. What would be displayed is the format mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss. A simple workaround is to resize the box that houses the attribute when editing the badge layout to only show the desired mm/dd/yyyy.  

Issue Bacnet Schedules stopped working due to "Effective To Date" Environment Bacnet Schedules Cause When creating a bacnet schedule on a bacnet controller the default "Effective To Date" is one year from the creation time. Bacnet schedules will stop working if the bacnet schedule exceeds the "Effective To Date." Resolution Always consider the "Effective To Date" when creating Bacnet schedules.

Issue The Network 8000 GCM-84000 series has two RS-232 communication ports. Which one is PORT1 and which is PORT2? Environment Network 8000 GCM-84000 series Cause Use the RS-232 ports to connect personal computer-based graphical operator interfaces, VT-100 class terminals, and/or auto-dial/auto-answer modems for remote telecommunications. Dual RS-232 ports can be used to connect personal computer-based graphical  operator interfaces, VT-100 class terminals, and/or auto-dial/auto-answer modems for  remote telecommunications. Dual RS-232 ports can be used to connect personal computer-based graphical  operator interfaces, VT-100 class terminals, and/or auto-dial/auto-answer modems for  remote telecommunications. Dual RS-232 ports can be used to connect personal computer-based graphical  operator interfaces, VT-100 class terminals, and/or auto-dial/auto-answer modems for  remote telecommunications. Resolution PORT1 is the top port and PORT2 is the bottom port. PORT2 is designed with better data buffering and should be the first choice when connecting a computer to the GCM for any type of data exchange. See the Network 8000 Service & Troubleshooting Manual (F-23024, page 88).

Issue I/NET Utility Patch - Upgrading I/NET 2.14 and above. Environment I/NET Cause Two directories are required C:\Program Files\INet Seven and C:\INet Seven Data. These changes occurred as a result of requirements for future release revisions of I/NET and Microsoft Vista - Microsoft 2005 Server Operating System.   Resolution When upgrading I/NET Seven revision 2.14 and above to the later versions using the patch on the web, you are required to run the utility patch twice. Note: When I/NET is compatible with MS Vista and MS 2005 Server a release announcement will be published. Caution: You should always perform a data base backup before you start any upgrade process. A new install of 2.14 will create the data directory in a different location than prior revisions. An upgrade install will not move the data directory from its current location. The patch utility is unable to determine that the data directory has moved. Therefore, it needs to run against both the program directory and the data directory. The following steps should ensure this is done properly: Using the patch utility, point to the program directory by selecting C:\Program Files\INet Seven and execute. Once completed, run the utility again and now point to C:\INet Seven Data and execute. This ensures that both the program files and bin files have the correct version for that revision. Note: Prior to starting I/NET force an upgrade on the database using the DBCreate Utility.

Issue Unable to create new OGC graphic pages in Xbuilder 5.0.2 or later.  The edit option has been grayed out and I cannot open the OGC graphic editor. Environment XBuilder TGML Graphics Editor Vista Cause In Xbuilder 5.0.2 the system was changed to support UTF-8 character encoding. Since OGC Graphics pages cannot support this change all new graphic pages added to XBuilder will be forced to be TGML pages which support the UTF-8 character encoding.  Resolution OGC graphics created in earlier versions of XBuilder will still display properly when those projects are upgraded to newer versions of XBuilder but they can no longer be edited. If changes need to be made to these files you can follow one of the two options listed below:  #1. In order to make changes to these graphics the files must first be upgraded to TGML graphics. This is done by opening the OGC graphics with the TGML editor and the graphics will be automatically updated. #2. It is possible for 2 versions of XBuilder to reside on one PC. You can download the 5.0.2 version of XBuilder and use this version of the tool to make the necessary changes. Once the changes are made you will save the project and open the edited project in the newer version of XBuilder.  

Issue Can Sigma Logging Database be merged? Environment Sigma version 4.03 and 4.04 Cause There are currently no tools available on the open market suitable for merging the database as it's proprietary not "off the shelf." Resolution At Version 4.03 and 4.04 there are no means of combining Sigma Logging Databases.

Issue What is the replacement communication card for a MNA-R10 or a MN50-MI-RTR? Environment MNA-R10 MN50-MI-RTR Cause Part number is needed to replace the communication card. Resolution The MNA-R10 Router is obsolete but the ArcNet Card is still a current product MNR-C (ArcNet Plug-in Card) and NOT MNA-C. This is detailed on the MN50-MI-RTR datasheet.

Issue Can a USB connected printer be used a as a Live Alarm Printer configured for continuous printing? Environment Live Alarm Cause To provide the continuous printing function Sigma maintains a connection between the print queue and the printer, therefore keeping the port open and available at all times. Due to the way they operate, it is not possible for USB ports to remain open. Resolution It is not possible to use a USB printer for continuous printing.  The USB "Page Printing" option operates correctly. Please also refer to TPA-LOND-08-0012.00