Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How is the time synchronized between the Automation Server and Xenta Programmable Controllers? If the time synchronization is offline, what can be done to correct this? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Building Operation Workstation Cause Time Synchronization occurs between the Automation Server and the Xenta Programmable controllers during two events: When the Xenta programmable controller is commissioned. Periodically the time is synchronized (default 10 minutes, but configurable). For the time synchronization to work properly it is critical to ensure that the time zone of the automation server is correct and the date/time of the automation server is correct. Resolution Walk through these steps to troubleshoot the synchronization of the Automation Server and Xenta controllers.   Check that all Xenta devices are at software revision 3.74 or higher Check the local time of the Xenta programmable controller by accessing the properties of the programmable controller and using the "Xenta" property tab group. The local time is listed there. Check the time zone of the automation server. By default the "Factory time zone" needs to be changed for proper operation. Check the server time of the Automation Server in the Basic property tab of the Automation Server. Check Time Synchronization Interval setting of the LonWorks Network object under the advanced tab in the Xenta General section. Default is 10 minutes. Either wait for the interval to elapse or manually commission the controller to synchronize the time and check the local time of the controller to ensure it completed properly.   Note: Keep in mind that the time displayed time in Workstation reflects the time zone of the local machine. If you are logging into an Automation Server in a different time zone, the alarms and events will be displayed in your local time, not the time of the Automation Server's time zone. For more information on Time settings and Synchronization see Time Synchronization of the ES and AS.

Issue Configuring the Xenta 102-AX to accept a 4-20mA CO₂ sensor input on Universal Input 3. A negative value is required on the CO₂ offset value, but it is not possible to enter a negative value. Product Line TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Xenta 102-AX 4-20mA output CO₂ sensor Cause The Xenta 102-AX universal inputs are designed to work with a 0-5V input. The best option is to always buy a CO₂ sensor that is compatible. However, if 4-20mA CO₂ sensors have already been purchased and installed, they can be made to work. Resolution In this example, a 4-20mA CO₂ sensor with a 0-2000ppm range is assumed. In the Xenta 102-AX Plug-In > Hardware Configuration Tab, set Input 3 Selection to CO₂ Sensor Wire a 250Ω resistor across U3 and M. This converts the 4-20mA signal to 1-5V. In Vista Workstation, navigate to the 102-AX > UnivIn3_Sense. Open SCPToffsetCO2. This value needs to be -500, but negative values cannot be entered. To get around this: Change Value to 0 Change Scaling > Offset to 500. This alters the display of the offset value. Click OK. Open SCPToffsetCO2 a second time. The value is still 0, but it is being displayed as 500, due to the scaling offset. Change the value to 0 (because of the offset, 0 represents -500). Click OK Open SCPTgain. Set multiplier to 2444 Set divisor to 1000 Click OK. This value comes from 2000 (range of sensor) + 500 (offset) / 1023 Note: An input of 0V (a sensor that has not been wired yet) will result in an nvoCO2sensor value of 65535 (invalid). Also see Using a 0-10 volt CO2 sensor with a Xenta 102-AX to configure the Xenta 102-AX to accept a 0-10 volt CO₂ sensor input on Universal Input 3.

Issue What is the maximum character length a value (object) name can have? What is the maximum character length an alarm name can have? What is the maximum character limitation on the Description? What is the maximum character limitation on the Alarm and Reset messages? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation (all versions to 1.3 SP1  (1.3.0.10100))  Cause Require an understanding of what character limits are applied within Building Operation Workstation Resolution There is no documented limitation, the following numbers are those that have been tested: An object and alarm name: 1900 character limit. An object and alarm Description:  No found limit here, either in entry or saving. An Alarm message and Reset message - no found limit here, either in entry or saving. It is important to note these are limitations on StruxureWare objects only, when the actual object is also represented in another device, like a BACnet or LON device, then there may be restrictions at that device. A b3 is an example of this where you can make the object name with 1900 characters but the BACnet name will be limited to 32. Also refer to StruxureWare Building Operation object names limitation on what characters are allowed to be used.

Issue Can the AS, work independently or together without an ES? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site, any version Cause Are bindings or other communication between two AS possible if there is no ES?  Resolution The AS, is designed to work independently or in conjunction with others, or in conjunction with an ES.  Points, Bindings, Schedules, etc. can be setup on the AS using the Workstation. With the ES service stopped, the Points, Bindings, etc. on the AS continue to reflect the values on themselves or if the Bindings interlink between multiple AS.  For multiple AS configuration check the AS are listed in the Communication tab of each other. From your workstation highlight the AS and the tabs shown are List View, Device Discovery, Date & Time, Communication, and Properties. Under Communication the other AS devices should be listed as well as the ES. For information on a Automation Server alone at a site and licensing requirements, see License requirements for AS alone at a site

Issue When attempting to edit a graphic through WorkStation, the Graphic Editor crashes with the following message: "Font xxxxxx does not support style xxxxxx" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Graphics Editor Font Cause When a Graphic object is edited, the editor does not open and an error message is presented, this error is caused because the font is missing. Resolution Dependant on the Windows operating system in use, the process for confirming that the "Tahoma  Regular" font is missing will vary. Windows XP Open the Control Panel and select "Fonts" and confirm that the font is missing. Windows 7 Select the Windows button and then search for "Font". Choose "View Installed Fonts" and review the fonts to see if Tahoma - Regular is available. If this font is missing, then copy it from another PC, download it, or visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314960 which deals with adding / removing fonts. If Workstation is crashing when you see this error, please see WorkStation crashes when opening some TGML graphic pages following a Windows update.

Issue Missing "restore" option when right-clicking on my Enterprise Server even though logged in as admin user. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure 1.3 and above Cause The admin user is member of multiple groups. The software permissions within that group have deny access set to Server Restore as well as other commands. Resolution Move the 'admin' (or Administrator) user to only be a member of the Administrator group and not any other groups otherwise you need to ensure that the correct permissions are set to each group and the correct users are assigned to those groups. For further detail of User Permissions in SmartStruxure Solution refer to following How software permissions work in SmartStruxure.

Issue WorkStation crashes when opening some TGML graphic pages following a windows update Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Windows 7 64 bit SBO v1.6.1.5000 with KB3045171 windows update Cause Windows Security update KB3045171 can cause WorkStation to crash if some fonts have been used within the TGML graphic The example seen was using font "Dotum" Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3045171) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3045171 If this does not resolve your issue see Graphics Editor will not open and causes a font related error. Resolution Microsoft have produced a fix for this problem (KB3065979) see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3065979 The PC must be rebooted following this update before the problem is corrected.

Issue When restoring I/NET database backup from another server in DBcreate, it shows an error: Error dropping PRIMARY KEY 'PK_DvrServers': Could not allocate space for object 'sys.sysserefs'.'clust' in database 'InetDb' because the 'PRIMARY' filegroup is full. Create disk space by deleting unneeded files, dropping objects in the filegroup, adding additional files to the filegroup, or setting autogrowth on for existing files in the filegroup. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET Environment I/NET SQL Server Cause Each SQL express version has its own database size limit. Refer to SQL and version compatibility for Filemaster, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Limitations of SQL. If the database size limit is reached, I/NET database will fail to update. The backup of the database will be fine, but when trying to restore onto another computer, it will also fail. Resolution 1. If the original I/NET server is still running, try to enable archive function to shrink the database in I/NET. And also follow Archiving and SQL database size keeps growing to set the database cap. 2. If the original I/NET server can't run, or the original database has been deleted, try to use SQL server version with higher size limit or full version SQL server which hasn't physical size limit. Like try to restore the backup from SQL 2005 Express (4GB limit) to SQL 2008 R2 Express (10 GB limit) or Full version of SQL 2005/2008. Refer to How to Troubleshoot on DBCreate for more issues about DBCreate.

Issue Transitioning from Continuum to Struxureware Building Operation and replacing bCX's with Automation Servers.   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3865 Struxureware Building Operation Cause Unsure if the older belimo style VAV controllers are compatible with StruxureWare Building Operation. Resolution All of the b3xxx controllers (including both the -V and non -V) will work with the Automation Server under it's MSTP network. Also check out the b3 VAV Quick Start Video on the Community.

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 StruxureWare Building Operation Extended trend logs have an incorrect unit associated with the measured value. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.3.x Cause It is possible to create extended trend logs by selecting multiple trend logs and using the right click option to create extended trend logs. The software incorrectly associates all of the created trend logs with the first trend log object's associated unit even if the other trend logs in the selection use different units. Resolution The cause of the problem is resolved in a forthcoming release (1.4.0) however if the system is in the state currently additional steps must be taken. The method to resolve this problem depends on the need to maintain the existing extended trend log data or not. 1. Accept loss of data Delete the extended trend logs that have incorrect units and create each extended trend log individually and avoid multiple selections. 2. Avoid loss of data Export the trend logs in StruxureWare Workstation. Modify the export file and edit the unit value for the Extended trend log The unit will need to be validated with another export that contains an object of the correct unit type. Example of Units % - 0x200001 F - 0x280003 no unit - 0x10001 inH20 - 0x230005 ppm - 0x200002 kW - 0x3210001 Import the modified file and when it detects a naming conflict allow it to rename the Trend log with a "2" notification. Stop the data collection on the original trend logs and once the retention levels of the new trend logs meets your site requirements delete the old trend logs with the incorrect data. Please be aware this issue could impact meter reports from WebReports detailed in Energy Reports not working in 1.3 and earlier

Issue When deploying Automation Server or Enterprise Server from Workstation for Projects under PCS, it will fail. The error shown in the Progress view window is "The live server is not empty." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Project Configuration Server Workstation for Projects Enterprise Server (ES) Automation Server (AS) Cause A project can only be deployed to a server when the server has an empty database and not has been part of a multi-server system. A server is considered empty when it does not contain any user-created objects, such as programs and graphics. Resolution The server database can be emptied in different ways depending on if it is an Automation Server or an Enterprise Server: Reinstall the Enterprise Server. Upgrade the Automation Server with a new database. For more detail about how to deploy AS or ES, refer to Offline Engineering with Project Configuration Server (PCS).

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 Many alarms showing up during site commissioning for controllers that were not configured properly. Some duplicate id's and controller offline alarms for controllers that are no longer online and the alarms can't be removed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server SmartStruxure 1.3 Cause Alarms are orphaned in the database and are not removed once the duplicate id issue is resolved. Resolution The first thing to do is to attempt deleting the PersistedData.dat file (Purge Alarm from SmartStruxure Building Operation Database) and restarting the AS. If the orphaned alarms are still showing up then the next option is to completely clear the AS. Backup the AS, configuration only. Clear the AS and commission. Once it comes back up, restore the configuration.

Issue When trying to log into SBO Workstation receive the following error: Invalid returned data from license server system. (Error code: -12) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Enterprise Server Cause This error has been caused when a Workstation license is present but no Enterprise Server license is present. Resolution An Enterprise Server license must be purchased and added. Please see EcoStruxure Building Operation License types for license options and part numbers.

Issue When there are dual NICs on the computer, you will get host number conflicting error. The IP address causes this conflict is just the local IP address. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET Environment I/NET prior to Version 2.44a Win 7 or higher OS Cause When there are two NICs on the computer, I/NET needs to know which NIC is used for communication. I/NET support for dual Network Interface Cards (NIC) can be used for dual NIC configuration for I/NET. But under Win 7 and higher OS, wireless NIC can't be recognized in I/NET, which makes it impossible to choose wireless NIC to be used for I/NET. In the I/NET configuration, it just shows 0.0.0.0. Resolution I/NET will fix this issue in the new release. For I/NET prior to version 2.44a, there are two workarounds for this issue currently: Refer to I/NET support for dual Network Interface Cards (NIC) to choose onboard NIC to be used for I/NET communication. Disable onboard NIC or just disconnect it from the network. Then you will see the option for choose NIC for I/NET communication will be grayed out. That will force I/NET to communicate with wireless NIC. Remember to reboot I/NET I/O server after this to make it take effect. 

Issue When using SQL 2008 or SQL 2008 R2, I/NET will crash randomly. Referring to the system Event Log, you can see a SQL error happened just before I/NET crashed, called "There is insufficient system memory in resource pool 'internal' to run this query." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,TAC INET Environment I/NET SmartStruxure Cause According to Microsoft Knowledge Base, this problem occurs for all the following reasons: There is a bug in the code that is used to evaluate how many rowsets are required to perform a sorting operation. Therefore, the code greatly overestimates the numbers of rowsets. The required grant estimate in full-text is 64 pages for each rowset that is required to sort. There is a large request that blocks the system from using the memory that is reserved for the full-text query. Resolution Install the newest SP to the SQL 2008 or SQL 2008 R2 being used. Download Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express Edition or Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2  Express Edition from the Microsoft website. If this doesn't help, please follow Create Error Log for I/NET to turn on the error log for I/NET and then send the log in to your local country product support group for further troubleshooting.

Issue Workstation displays power in Btu/s when VA is required. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Cause The units displayed in Workstation are based on the Regional and Language Options settings in Windows Control Panel as talked about in Metric vs. English (Imperial) Operating System. Resolution The Unit Conversion Exception tool can be used as a solution for this issue. This is located in the Domain portion of Workstation's Control Panel. For more information on the Unit Conversion Exception see Unit Conversion Exceptions feature or the Online help located here. In the situation where VA has been set as the power unit but Btu/s is still displayed, the unit conversion shown below will resolve the issue. Note: If your desired value units have a prefix, then this needs to be done in the Unit Conversion Exception as well (kVA). Note: WebStation (as of v1.3 SP1) does not use the Windows OS setting because the AS does not currently have localization - it uses only the International System of Units (SI) - not the Imperial or US units.

Issue Where can I obtain the technical information, manuals, guides or other documents on Continuum? (or other product lines) Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Continuum Cause Manuals and documentation can be used for training or self-help troubleshooting for Continuum. (or other product lines) Resolution Review the course notes The notes and document gathered during training can be very useful and a great source of information. Technical Documentation is available on the EcoBuilding Download site at: https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/ For technical data/PDFs installed with Continuum, Go to Start > All Programs > Continuum > Documentation The discs and downloaded zip files that are used to install Continuum also include technical PDFs. Some of these are installed when Continuum is installed. (CONTINUUM) Most of the online help is context based, thus if you click help within a InfinityNumeric, then InfinityNumeric help is given. This help file can also be searched in the normal way. It is an excellent source of information. (CONTINUUM) Bookmark this Knowledge Base:  https://community.se.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/tkb-p/knowledge-base_public New articles are added daily and should be used as a first stop for self help. The Exchange Community site has a community space just for Continuum, SmartStuxure, Sigma, Vista etc.  for posing questions, sharing solutions, https://community.se.com/ (CONTINUUM) The Continuum catalogue also provides a good overview of the product range Some documentation is freely accessible, see https://www.schneider-electric.com/en/work/products/building-automation-and-control.jsp If an end user has problems on site, they should first contact Schneider Electric local support or service department (In the UK contact Support Bureau 0870 606 2800, cs.bureau@uk.schneider-electric.com) SmartStruxure For Building Operation help can be found online at: http://help.sbo.schneider-electric.com/home/index.castle?locale=en-US&productversion=1.8   CONTINUUM ONLY Always ensure the site fits within the Continuum Compatibility Matrix, this includes:  For PC requirements see the relevant Installation Instructions included with the Continuum Software Controller firmware (Continuum, BACnet, Infinet), use the most up to date available (of the correct version) Workstation operating systems, service packs and .NET framework versions SQL versions See Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of I/NET, Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell Sigma, I/A Series, and StruxureWare Building Operation for other system data The Continuum.chm file found in the Continuum directory include the "online help" It is usually worth ensuring the latest Continuum service pack is applied to ALL workstations on site (Cyberstation and WebClient) Click Here

Issue After a power failure, the Automation Server has a designed procedure to restore script programs in to a particular state. This process should be taken in to consideration when designing the system.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Cause Automation Server loses power and restarts, unsure where script programs will start from once the Automation Server comes back online. Due to the onboard "super cap" saving the database to flash on power loss, are the last script program line and variable values retained for when the Automation Server starts back up? Resolution The Automation Server saves it's current active database to flash before losing power completely, the super cap has enough power for it to do this one last task before the Automation Server loses power completely. See AS Power supply interruption or failure on how this is accomplished. On startup from power fail, any script Programs in the Automation Server will start scanning at the first program line. Make sure to keep this in mind and write your programs so that the first line sets your control values to the default "safe" value before moving on to further control logic.

Issue SE7300 series BACnet controller does not come online in StruxureWare Building Operation if the communications address is greater then 127. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices Environment StruxureWare Building Operation BACnet Cause The communications Address of SE7300 series BACnet controller can be set between 0 to 254. In StruxureWare Building Operation the highest address can be set only up to 127. Resolution Set the communication address less than or equal to 127 for SE7300 series BACnet controllers. Please refer to the Default Device ID / Device Instance of SE7000 series BACnet controllers to know the default Device ID / Device Instance of SE7000 series BACnet controllers.

Issue Trying to run a Script program from a Graphic but getting error Read Only Property. The control in the Graphic has been bound to a VALUE object, in the Script program an output variable (ManualChange in the code below) is bound to the same VALUE object. The program is supposed to toggle the value of 'theOutput' when triggered by setting 'ManualChange' from the Graphic, this works in versions prior to 1.4. Numeric Output theOutput, ManualChange LEAD_CHANGE:   ManualChange = Off Goto WaitForManualCHG WaitForManualCHG:   If ManualChange = On then   if theOutput = on then theOutput = off else theOutput = on   Goto LEAD_CHANGE endif Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation Automation Server - AS Enterprise Server - ES Cause Starting in version 1.4, SmartStruxure does not allow more than one write reference to the same VALUE, once a write reference is defined for a value or other references to the same value are READ ONLY. (See Reference Guide and References beginning with 1.4.x) Resolution Change the ManualChange variable in the Script to a PUBLIC and then from the Graphic bind directly to it. Numeric Output theOutput Numeric public ManualChange LEAD_CHANGE: ManualChange = Off Goto WaitForManualCHG WaitForManualCHG: If ManualChange = On then if theOutput = on then theOutput = off else theOutput = on Goto LEAD_CHANGE endif   See screen shot below of the binding in the Graphic