Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Knowing the type of cryptographic protocols that Vista uses for communication security. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Server TAC Xenta Server SSL Cause Some systems will require to know the security protocols that TAC Vista uses in order to ensure communication across their network.  Resolution At this time TAC Vista only supports Secure Socket Layer version 3 (SSLv3) to ensure data integrity and security for network communications. More specifically the SSLv3 cryptography algorithm is: SSL_RSA_WITH_RC4_128_SHA This security protocol is hardcoded into the server and is not adjustable. Note: Be aware of other SSL-related issues, mentioned in the following articles: TAC Xenta servers are going offline in TAC Vista Error connecting to Xenta Server in browser using HTTPS

Issue Users or engineers may be unsure of how to obtain the Smart Connector itself, as they are not generally available for download from the Exchange Download Center or the Smart Connector Forum on the Community. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SBO/EBO and general integration projects SXWSWSCDL100001 Cause Smart Connectors are not freely available and will require a license obtaining in order to download and use them. As Smart Connectors can be developed by a number of teams around the world that are not part of R&D, these teams will define the costs and requirements for using their software. Resolution A Product Announcement PA-00546 is available that details the concept and use of Smart Connectors. To order the Smart Connector Framework for a project, use part number: SXWSWSCDL100001  Then go to the Smart Connector Server licensing portal to obtain your required license for the specific Smart Connector you require. The URL for the License Portal is: https://www.smartconnectorserver.com/ A login is required for this portal which can can be obtained through the "Sign Up" button. Once logged in the user may browse through the available Smart Connectors and request to download a license. For support information on Smart Connectors, see the article "Support route for Smart Connector Framework issues".

Issue Configuring the Workplace Tech encrypted LON Tunnel Client  Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech 5.10.4 Click for WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 information I/A Series N4 Jace Cause How to handle the encrypted LON tunnel for single and multiple LON networks in the latest version of Workplace Tech, 5.10.4.  Understanding possible errors during tunneling. Resolution The following video will help us, Apply the Encrypted LON Tunnel in an N4 Jace Configure the Tunnel Client for use with multiple LON Networks on a single Jace Understand the change in workflow from Workplace Tech 5.9.4 and 5.10.4

Issue CXR5805 CXT5605 and CZT5305 Climatronic Controller display flashing. Environment Satchwell CXR5805 CXT5605 CZT5305 Cause Manual Override Switch is set in a mode other than AUTO (Clock symbol) Resolution Reset Manual Override Switch to AUTO (Clock symbol) mode. N.B. Details of this and other Manual Override Switch mode options and associated selection / de-selection may be found in the respective Climatronic User Guides. CXR5805 User Guide may be viewed here. CXT5605 User Guide may be viewed here. CZT5305 User Guide may be viewed here.

  Issue Using active directory with Change Control  feature does not authenticate when signing  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation release 3.1 and above Building Operation Enterprise Central  Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation SmartX Controllers Cause The interaction of Active Directory and Change Control is not clearly defined in the documentation when both are in use.  Although Active Directory within Building Operation Domains can use both the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) and Netbios Windows Domain names it is recommended that only the Netbios Domain name be used if Change Control is implemented. Refer to EBO Known Issues & Solution topic  Change Control and Windows Active Directory not authenticating - Communities (se.com)  for updates.   Resolution When using Active Directory with Change Control only add the Windows Netbios name to the Building Operation Windows domain name entry:   Using the Full DNS Domain Name (examples include - apa.gad.schneider-electric.com ; pss.apa.local etc.) although these will allow user accounts to log on to servers it currently does not work when used to authenticate change control.    The easiest way to identify which domain name to use is to open WorkStation and refer to the name shown next to:  Log on as:    Secondly when authenticating change control actions with active directory user accounts, irrespective of the Default Building Operation Domain selected, the user account name must be prefixed with the Windows Domain Name 

Issue Infinet to MP or RP controller communications Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Infinet Controller i2 i1 SmartX IP RPC RP-C, MPC, MP-C, MPV, MP-V Controller Cause The power cycle and bandwidth requirements need to be considered when setting the parameters for Infinet to MP/RP communication Resolution First ensure a good understanding of "Infinet Under the hood" article. A direct binding can easily be made between an Infinet controller object like an Analog Value and an MP/RP Controller object like an Analog Value. The whole communication path is not BACnet so a "Value transfer settings" window can be opened that controls part of the EBO communication process. This default configuration (Infinet to MP/RP) will usually result in the Infinet Value being collected every 10 seconds, this value will then only only be written to the MP/RP when the value changes. To ensure the value is correct following a power cycle either enable Guaranteed transfer and set to 1 minute, or use the retailed level on the MP/RP object   If there is a listview, graphic or watch window containing the Infinet Object, this causes the value to be collected every 500mS, as seen in the screenshot below   If the Infinet Object is "exported", (see "Infinet under the hood" for details) then the communication can be much more efficient as the values are only sent when there is a change (greater than the object threshold for analog inputs).   If the communication is from the MP/RP Object to the Infinet controller Object, then a BACnet COV subscription will be set up by the EBO server to the MP/RP Controller, this will be renewed if either is reset/power cycled. It needs to be remembered that the "Value Transfer settings" is an EBO property and in this case the communication is controlled by the EBO Server with Infinet in one direction and BACnet in the other. So the communication to the MP'/RP controllers will either be a write or a COV subscription from the EBO Server.

Issue What binding methods can be used and how is the data transferred when binding objects between two b3  or Infinet controllers? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server, AS, ASP, ASB BACnet b3 Infinet controllers i2 Cause When binding objects between b3(infinet) devices/controllers, the type of Objects being bound will effect the properties of the binding. Resolution When binding between two Controllers, several methods can be used: Value/Point to Value/Point - The data goes via the Automation Server and the speed/rate is set in the Transfer Window, thus more bandwidth used and communication is lost if the Automation Server fails. Script to Value/Point - The data goes direct using BACnet COV subscriptions, thus less bandwidth is used. NOTE - The BACnet b3 and Infinet controllers, have no facility for direct binding of Value/Point to Value/Point, thus if a direct binding is made within the same controller, an EBO binding will be created. This will cause data packets on the MSTP or Infinet network. This should usually be avoided, as it can easily overwhelm the network. Bindings should usually be made from scripts. See Infinet under the hood for more details on Infinet setup

Issue Users or engineers may be unsure of how to access the best support for issues with EBO Smart Connectors, especially where site specific Smart Connectors have been developed, or believe the issue is with the underlying framework. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Integration Cause Unlike EBO, which is a standard EcoStruxure product that falls under normal R&D, the Smart Connector (formerly known as Mongoose) was developed by Schneider Electric Buildings Labs and a separate R&D Team.   Resolution If using a Smart Connector developed specifically for a project by a separate Integration Team within Schneider-Electric, then it is always best to go back to that team with your technical issues. In all other cases, the Smart Connector Framework is now supported via normal Product Support channels by raising a support case with your local Customer Care Centre, just as you would for any other EcoStruxure Issue.   The  SmartConnector Developer Forum: can still also still be found on the community.  

Issue Setting up the override value to show the damper feedback on an i2/B3 866-v Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment i2/B3 866-V Plain English Script Cause Activate the damper position feature in the 866-V. Resolution SBO: See this video on creating a program that calculates damper feedback position.  Also reference the article How to show damper feedback for an i2/b3 866-V which describes what needs to be done to show damper position and calibrate the damper. Sample objects, code and images showing configuration are supplied.   Continuum: There is a description in the 866-V installation manual on how to activate the damper position feature, but there are some additional pieces of information that this article has been created to address. This was initially to just get the feature working as mentioned in the next section below. Getting the damper feedback operational: Once the end stops are determined initially during the Learn process, the controller can then determine the position of the damper. Create a PE program to set the DamperOutput LCDState = Disabled and back to Enabled in the next line. This will run through its stroke to determine the end stops. ‘Example program named "damperstate" Fall thru, auto start ‘a 2 line program to initialize the stops Line 1 Set damper LCDstate to disabled goto 2 Line 2 Set damper LCDstate to enabled stop To run from the command line Run damperstate Note that the Feedback will not start working until the Damper has gone full stroke in both directions. This will take several minutes. Set the damper point to on or –on depending on the position so it will move Print Damper OverrideValue from a command line or display it on a listview of the damper output after adding the overridevalue column Self Calibration - The LCDState toggle actually activates the "self calibrate" process. It doesn't just enable the feature. It is necessary to know this because you will need to activate the self calibration again whenever the damper is manually moved using the red actuator clutch release button. Using the clutch can cause the damper position to be reported incorrectly. Periodic re-calibration should be as a part of normal procedure for the controller. Once the clutch is used, the damper position will still report, but the value may be incorrect. Re-calibrate recommendation- Use a PE program that recalibrates the damper (i.e. LCDState as mentioned in Section A) on manual command by the service technician on a power cycle or at the end of an occupancy period. Note: For controlling the Damper motor output create an Infinity Output point of type Triac on Channel 1. It can then be opened / Closed like any other Triac output with the use of On, -On or Off commands

Issue Need sample Plain English code that creates custom web page(s) served by the controller. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX99xx CX9702 CX9640 CX968x ACX57xx Cause Continuum CX controllers allow user created custom web pages to be served directly from the controller's web server, this functionality requires embedding HTML in a PE program. The purpose of this article is to provide sample custom web pages for illustration. Resolution Get the sample code from the links below Home.txt  Home2.txt Home3.txt IMPORTANT: Some strange characters (i.e. 　) added to the code during upload to this site MUST be removed to make the code compile. Read the instructions on the document below Instructions for using sample code to create a custom web page menu system in the CX controller

Issue Since Generation 1 controllers do not have a controller webpage, how can I access the controller configuration to set up the controller or access controller information. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Hyper Terminal CX9900 CX9940 CX9400 CX9410 CX9200 Cause 1st Generation Controllers do not have an embedded webpage. Resolution Find information about the pin configuration of the direct connection cable in PinOuts for the RS-232 Connection of the older 1st Generation CX controllers. The following document describes how to log into a generation 1 controller via a PC with a terminal emulation application: CX Operators Guide.pdf

Issue Need information on securing a building automation system. Environment Best practices Cause End user has requested assistance for their IT department to secure the building automation system. Resolution Click here to get a copy of Best_Practices_for_Securing_an+IBMS_WP.pdf,  a white paper written by Schneider' Electric's Buildings BU IT Security Group. This also located on the Download Center here

Issue The TA210U controller is obsolete since many years, but the manual is sometimes still requested Product Line Field Devices, TAC Vista Environment TAC210U TA210U 2107030QRW 2107030QRT 0844427005 0844428005 Cause Old controller Resolution The (Swedish-only) manual can be found here: TA210U Controller User Manual (L3238001.pdf).

Issue Some actuators manufactured by Belimo are also available from Schneider Electric Environment Various Belimo Actuators: AF 230 AF 230-S AF 24 AF 24-S AF 24-SR LF 230 LF 24 LM 230 A LM 230 A-S LM 24 A LM 24 A-S LM 24 A-SR NM 230A NM 24A NM 24A-SR SM 230A SM 24A SM 24A-SR Various Schneider electric actuators, part no: 875-0000-010 875-0010-010 874-0000-010 874-0010-010 877-0000-010 875-0003-000 874-0003-000 875-1001-000 875-1003-000 875-1005-000 875-1007-000 875-1009-000 875-1011-000 875-1015-000 875-1019-000 875-1021-000 875-1025-000 875-1029-000   Cause Cross reference between various actuators of Belimo and Schneider Electric Resolution A cross reference table for these actuators can be found here (.xls).

Issue Unable to locate data sheet for the MD-S1 and MD-S2 auxiliary switch Product Line Field Devices Environment MD-S1 auxiliary switch MD-S2 auxiliary switch Cause No data sheets can to be found. Resolution Data sheets for the MD-S1 and MD-S2 auxiliary switches are not available. To review the MD-S Auxiliary Switch Installation Sheet, please click HERE.

Issue Is there a way to reset the password for web access to a BCX? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site with passwords other than the default Cause The password was changed by mistake. Resolution Restore the controller's user names, passwords and configuration settings to the original factory values (Reset IP button using a two stage operation) The location of the Reset button and the Reset IP button on the controller board. Page 124 in appendix A of the Technical Reference Guide. If you cannot get into Continuum Explorer and edit the controller user under that controller and set the password. You will have to reset the controller and then re-commission and then reload.  Try acc/acc first and then after that the following: Using the Reset IP button The Reset IP button has two stages of operation: Stage 1 is initiated by depressing the button for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, the IP address, and all network-related addresses entered on the Network Configuration page, are returned to the original factory default values. Stage 2 is initiated by depressing the button for 35 seconds. After 35 seconds, the database is cleared and all persistent configuration data is erased, with the exception of the error log. Note: Depressing the button for 35 seconds performs both operations, setting the IP address back to the factory default setting and clearing the database. When you initially depress the Reset IP button, the CPU Indicator LED will begin blinking. At 5 seconds, the LED will stop blinking and remain lighted in a continuous state. If you release the button before 5 seconds has passed, no changes are made. If you release the button after 5 seconds, but before 35 seconds, stage 1 is executed, but stage 2 is not. The IP address has returned to the original factory value, but the database has not changed. Please see Default IP address for BCX, ACX57xx, CX9702 and Netcontroller II for information on default IP addresses.

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 Selecting the appropriate IO system on a Continuum Net Controller (NC1 or NC2) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CX9900 CX9940 CX9680 Cause Controller configuration Resolution Continuum Net Controllers can support three different IO systems, ACC-LON, LonMark XDriver and the legacy LBus. Only one IO system can be selected, the controller must be re-started after the selection is made. The document Selecting IO system in Continuum NetController has instructions on selecting the desired IO system for the controller.

Issue Tooltip feature for TGML Graphics was hotfixed in Vista 5.0.3 (Hotfix 20) and was disabled later versions of TAC Vista based on customers requirement. Refer to TPA-MALI-08-0007.01 for more details Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.0.3 and later versions. Cause By default, the tooltip feature in TGML Graphics was removed. Resolution To enable the Tooltip option in TGML graphics following these steps: The Tooltip snippet is available under Snippets > Basic Functions > Tooltip. If the editor does not have this snippet, download the attached Tooltip.zip snippet. Close all the TGML windows and Install the tooltip snippet Open the TGML editor and you can find the tooltip snippet under My Snippets Drag and drop the tooltip snippet on to the graphic objects window to see the tooltip feature. After drag and drop the tooltip snippet on to the graphic, the Metadata – TooltipContainer will be added to the object properties. Tooltip will now be available for this graphics Object. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each other graphics Object.

Issue The PID controller object provided as part of the MPM software does not allow for any means of programmatic override i.e. forcing the loop output to 0%, 100% or other user defined position.  If you force the referenced Manipulated Variable (output) to a particular position by programmatically disconnecting it from the PID object, there can be a large overshoot when the PID output is reconnected.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Cause If you force the referenced Manipulated Variable (output) to a particular position by programmatically disconnecting it from the PID object,  the PID controller will be 'open loop' and any integral parameter will wind up the output to its max or min position.  This can cause a large overshoot when the PID output is reconnected.   Resolution One option is to write a Lua script that forces the Controlled Variable and the Setpoint Reference to receive the same value when you override the loop output. This would freeze the output of the PID controller and prevent any integral wind up. There would still be a 'bump' when you remove the override, but it should be reduced.   Another option is to replace the PID controller object with a Lua script that provides the same the same functionality but with the addition of an override mode. You can find a sample Lua script here