Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue VTState value displays 204 before the phone is answered. When a message is played the VTState goes directly to 301 when it should wait until the message has completed.   Environment I/O Module Continuum CyberStation CX9900 CX9680 Cause The cause of the problem is unknown, but flashing the firmware will typically resolve the issue. Resolution Flash upgrade VT-1 IO to most recent firmware. If the most current firmware is already installed, reflash the unit with the same version firmware. Buildings Business Extranet Software

Issue Access Events not displayed at door Access Events tab or in event viewer. Environment CyberStation AC1 AC1 Plus ACX57xx Access Server, AccessServer Cause Access Server system variable not set to a workstation ID or to the ID of the controller. Resolution Edit the controllers AccessServer System Variable. Set the value of the AccessServer System Variable to equal the ACCID of the primary access server, the primary access server is the Cyberstation that will receive the access events and will handle remote validation requests if the personnel record is not found in the controller. There may be cases where remote validation needs to be disabled (i.e. RAS sites), when this is the case set AccessServer to the ID of the controller.

Issue Removing or deleting a SNVT programmed within a Xenta Device that is no longer required in the application. By removing SNVT you increase the chance of having difficulty of getting the LonMaker Template to synchronize correctly with the modified Menta file. Understand the ramifications of deleting a SNVT and only do it when the benefits outweigh the complications. Environment TAC Vista TAC Menta NL220 or Lonmaker Cause Removing a SNVT will upset the SNVT binding order, by causing the index numbers in the XIF file to be corrupted. In this case it is not advised to delete SNVTS Changing a SNVT name or type will also cause indexing problems. The Vista object name can be changed to reflect that the SNVT is spare and not used If you have no SNVTs bound in LonMaker, the cost of deleting a SNVT is potentially having difficulty getting your LonMaker device template to synch up with the Menta file. If you have a few bindings, the downside of deleting a SNVT also includes redoing all of the bindings -- with one or two that's not a big deal. If you have 200 bindings, it can be a huge deal. Leaving a SNVT in the Menta file that isn't being used anymore just consumes one network variable input ... which can usually be dealt with easier than deleting it. So it's just weighing the pros and cons, but don't just go through without knowing what will happen. Resolution If the SNVT is no longer required in the Menta Application then carry out these steps. Disconnect the SNVT from the logic in the Menta application Allocate an area in you Menta application for unused SNVTs Move your unused SNVT into this area Label this area with the Text "UNUSED SNVTS DO NOT DELETE" Remove the public check box from the point if you do not want it visible in Vista Download the Menta application to the Xenta controller. Note: If the Xenta Application is standalone (Classic) and not in a LNS database SNVTs can be deleted without a problem

Issue Xenta 555 –Configuration of the Ethernet Communications settings, using HyperTerminal. Environment Connection to the site Ethernet network Cause A requirement to change the Ethernet connection settings Resolution This operation will allow the user to modify the settings, as detailed below.   Connect the laptop to the Xenta RS-232 port B, using the RJ45-to-RJ10 Cable and DB9/Female-to-RJ45/Female Adaptor.   Run HyperTerminal on the laptop and configure as follows;   Run Hyper Terminal and configure as: - Baud             9600 Data bits       8 Parity            None Stop Bits       1 Flow Control   None   Press ‘Enter’ to display activate the command prompt.   Xenta555 Website name…    Session-id: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Enter the Username: root Enter the Password: root At the prompt - Dsh/> - Enter setip   DHCP Yes/No  As appropriate (A fixed IP address is easier) IP Address     As appropriate Subnet Mask  As appropriate Default Gateway       As appropriate (This would be the address of the main network router, it will be the same as the PC uses) Dns     xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (Again, if it is used then it will be the same as the PC uses) Website Name   As required (This can be entered now, or downloaded via Xbuilder) Domain Name  (Used for information only) Host Name     (Used for information only)   Change Root password yes/no        no Do you want to restart the IP Interface. yes/no        yes After configuring the 555 controller details, Enter: Dsh/>restart   The above information is also available in the TAC Xenta 500/700/911/913 Product manual, section 2.2.2.

Issue A Plain English program is disabling with the error "attribute does not apply to the item". Environment CyberStation Controller Plain English Cause The controller database did not match the CyberStation SQL server database Resolution Reload the affected controllers

Issue Can audible alarms be delivered to a webclient browser? Alarms can be seen in a webclient browser, but no sound can be heard even when the event notification has the action 'beep on alarm' selected. Alarms in Cyberstation from this same alarm configuration beep normally. Environment webClient Windows XP Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Internet Explorer 6 Internet Explorer 7 Internet Explorer 8 Cause Webclient browsers do not support audible alarms. Resolution Webclient browsers do not support audible alarms. An enhancement request for this feature has been made, but at this time it has been decided not to implement this feature. You can silence an alarm through a webclient browser, but no audible feedback is received.

Issue The PCID changes from the original registered code. Environment Sigma WinCE PDA devices. Cause This can be caused by leaving the Sigma WinCE device connected to a PC/Laptop. Resolution When registering the Sigma WinCE software ensure that the PDA is disconnected from the PC or Laptop. When starting the WinCE software ensure that the PDA is disconnected from the PC or Laptop.

Issue Unable to login in to the I/NET SQL database using the default password for login name  INetThirdParty. Seven ODBC Settings can not be changed using the INetThirdParty login, receive 'SQL Login Error: 18456' What is the I/NET third party password? Environment Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 7 I/NET Seven 2.40 and above Cause The I/NET Seven INetThirdParty password needed to comply with security requirements for Windows 7 and SQL 2008. Resolution The INetThirdParty password is now PassInetDb3p_SE (case sensitive). for  I/NET Seven 2.40 and above For Inet 2.31 and below its PassInetDb3p

Issue Alarms not showing up in the alarm list. Environment TAC Vista Workstation TAC Vista Server Cause The alarm could be disabled. The alarm might have priority 0 (info). There might be a filter in place in the alarm list. Resolution The alarm could be disabled, in workstation go to View > Disabled alarms to see the list and enable again. The alarm might have priority 0 (info). No Alarms with priority 0 is shown in the alarm list. There might be a filter in place in the alarm list, in the alarm view you are using right click and select filter to check this. A good practice is to set the "Date and Time" tab settings to reflect "Tripped " and "Last change" to show all alarms. This is done by checking the four checkboxes for "First alarm" and "Last alarm" allowing all alarms to be viewed.  

Issue Can Continuum software be run as a service Environment Continuum Cyberstation (all versions) Webclient (all versions) Cause Is Continuum software running as a service supported Resolution The Continuum Cyberstation  and Webclient Software cannot run as a service.

Issue The option to browse outside of bacnet controllers to select Event Enrollments and Event notifications is grayed out. Infinity Alarm Enrollments and Event Notifications can be created in folders and used with many controllers. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Bacnet BCX Controller B3 Controller Cause The Bacnet alarm protocol differs substantially from the Infinity system for alarming. The option to browse out beyond the controller has been disabled. Resolution Bacnet Event Notifications and Event Enrollments must be created in the bacnet device, so the option to browse out beyond the controller has been disabled.

Issue Received error on CX reload "Infinity controller error: Copy protection violation has occurred" Environment CX 99xx model controllers Continuum Cyberstation Cause Flashing the controller with the wrong flash file will cause the error "Infinity controller error: Copy protection violation has occurred" Resolution When selecting the firmware to flash to your controller, there is are two versions for each CX99 controller. If you are not using SNMP alarming uprev your firmware to the "SNMP Not Set" version.

Issue Configuring an enrollment reader to automatically enter access card information in personnel objects. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation NC1 - CX99xx NC2 - CX968x ACX2 - ACX57xx ACX7xx Cause Automate data entry for personnel object's credential information Resolution You MUST use the Personnel manager in order to configure an enrollment reader.  Edit a Personnel object in order to launch the Personnel Manager Select “Configure” (bottom left) Select the “Settings” tab Check the “Enrollment Reader” check box and then browse to the Door that you intend to use as the enrollment door/reader. Typically a controller is located next to the Workstation that will be used as the enrollment WS, this controller has a dedicated door/reader for the purpose of enrollment. Click OK to save your changes. You are now able to get card information automatically into any personnel object by first presenting the card at the enrollment reader and then in the personnel object selecting the “Read Card Info” button, from the “Card Information” window click the “Insert Data” button to transfer the data into the personnel object.

Issue Xenta Server (527/701/721/913) graphics, time schedules not working on the webpage. Xenta Server (511/555/527/913) can not create Menta object. Xenta Server (701 and 913) does not work with Xenta programmable controllers (Xenta 280/300/401). Which Xenta Server takes I/O modules and how many? Which Xenta Server works with I/NET, MicroNet, or ModBus. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Xenta Server version after 5.1.5 (5.1.5 included) TAC XBuilder version after 5.1.5 (5.1.5 included) Vista, I/NET, LON, MicroNet, ModBus Cause Different Xenta Servers have different features. Using a different Xenta Server may result in missing features. Resolution Xenta Server 5.1.5 Major Features. Product LON I/NET MicroNet BACNet ModBus Web * I/O Modules Xenta Supp. ** Menta Supp. Xenta 511 X       X C   X   Xenta 527 X X     X C   X   Xenta 527-NPR   X       S       Xenta 555 X   X   X C   X   Xenta701 X       X ST 10   X Xenta 711 X       X C 10 X X Xenta 721 X       X ST 20 X X Xenta 731 X X X   X C 20 X X Xenta 913 *** X X   X X S       * S – Service. Means that the web interface is automatically generated in XBuilder and only contains values in value pages and is aimed for commissioning and service. NOTE: For Xenta 701 and Xenta 721, it is not possible to have any end-user web content, such as graphics, trend viewers, alarm viewers or value pages.  Xbuilder allows the user adding a Value Page in the Xbuilder project. It will not be displayed on the webpage though. T – Time Object Pages. Means that Time Object Pages can be added to the XBuilder project. These will only appear for Xenta Servers 701/721 in TAC Vista Workstation and can be used to control Xenta Server time charts from Vista Workstation C – Custom. Means that the web interface is totally configurable in XBuilder; navigation and all features for creating a full end-user web are available. ** Xenta Supp. – Xenta 280/300/401 support. Means that Xenta 280/300/401 can be installed on the LonWorks network beneath a Xenta Server and are fully supported by both the Xenta Server and TAC Vista on top of Xenta Server. *** The Xenta 913 also supports BacNet, M-Bus, and C-Bus. For Xenta Server 5.1.4 major features, please read Xenta Server 5.1.4 Major Features (Xenta 5XX/7XX/913 Capabilities with Graphics, Web Applications, and Migration to other systems).

Issue Can Newron NL220 or Echelon LonMaker systems run on a 64-bit operating system? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Windows 7 64-bit Windows Server 2008 64-bit LNS Newron NL220 4.5.12 Echelon  Lonmaker Turbo SR4 Cause Support is  provided for Newron NL220 4.5.13 on 64-bit operating systems. Lonmaker SR4 does provide some support for 64-bit systems. Resolution The current supported operating systems for this environment are as follows: Newron NL220 4.5.12 Windows NT Windows 2000 Windows 2003 Windows XP (32-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit) Windows 7 (32-bit)   Newron NL220 4.5.13 Windows XP (32-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit) Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit Server 2003 32-bit and 64-bit Server 2008 32-bit and 64-Bit http://www.newron-system.com/index.php?Page=soft&Traite=download&Prod=nl220te (Account needed to view this document) Lonmaker Turbo SR4 32-bit version of Windows 7, Server 2008, Windows Server 2003 R2 with MSXML 6.0 Windows Vista with Service Pack (SP) 1, or Windows XP with SP3.  http://www.echelon.com/support/documentation/datashts/370xx-324_LonMakerTurbo_SR4.pdf 64-bit versions For 64-bit operating systems, please refer to Echelon's Software Compatibility List for restrictions and approved configurations: http://www.echelon.com/support/downloads/detail.aspx?partNum=153-0339-01A   Lonmaker 3.1.3            32-bit version of Windows 98. Windows 2000. Windows XP. http://www.echelon.com/Support/documentation/datashts/370x0.pdf

Issue Xenta Server on a remote site locks up intermittently.  A power reset of the Xenta 527 is required to bring the device back online. Environment TAC Xenta Server 511, 527, 701,711, 721, 731, 911, 913 revision 5.1.4 and earlier. Cause This Issue has been noticed in earlier firmware revision Resolution Upgrade your Xenta Server to 5.1.4 sp1 or later. Please refer to TPA-VSTA-10-0007.00 for upgrade procedure.

Issue Values for a MODBus address are not coming in while using the MODbus RTU X-Driver Environment Controller MODBus X-Driver Cause The data type configured in the X-Driver point did not match the data type from the address on the third party device Resolution Review the data type from the third party documentation and configure the X-Driver point with the correct data type

Issue Has Bomgar been tested with Continuum and is it supported Environment Continuum Cyberstation Bomgar Cause Compatibility of Bomgar remote desktop software with Continuum Resolution Bomgar has not been tested with Continuum and therefore is not supported. NOTE: This is not to say that it will not work. It appears to be a remote desktop type of software. The issue with remote desktops, is that most will work for accessing a system. But where things go wrong are installations of software over remote connections. Also there can be video and graphic issues with remote desktop applications.  

Issue Can the backplane, which consists of the Power Supply, Automation Server, and I/O Modules be installed in the cabinet horizontally or vertically? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation hardware installation in a cabinet with limited space. Cause Customer would prefer vertical installation rather than the typical horizontal installation. More than one Automation Server per Power Supply** Resolution What could happen if you mount the system vertically? Due to the lack of ventilation the temperature will increase, which will have negative impact on component life time. The operational temperature is defined up to +50°C. At this temperature, the horizontally mounted system will fulfill the specified lifetime of the different electrical components. In a vertically mounted system the temperature will be higher inside the modules, having negative impact on the component lifetime. Unfortunately it is not a linear relationship between temperature and lifetime - the lifetime decreases rapidly with increased temperature. Not all modules are generating the same amount of heat, and are therefore more or less sensitive to mounting direction. In my view, the most critical component is the AS. The CPU generates heat (even more important on the coming AS-P). In the AS there are also critical components that maintains power during shut-down. These component's life time is effected if the temperature becomes too hot. These components are, as stated, critical during power-down. How will this be visible to the user? During normal operation, there will be no visible effect. However, after some years when the AS goes through a power cycle, it will not restart. So, what to do if you have a cabinet with the conduits running vertically? The official answer is that the system shall be mounted horizontally. This is how the system is designed and tested. What can you do to minimize the risk you choose to take if not mounting the system horizontally? The key is operational temperature. If you are far from 50°C, then the risk is less. One thing you always should consider is to mount the PS+AS in the bottom of the cabinet horizontally, and then have the CIO modules vertically, connected via an S-Cable. This is even more important on AS-P. If you are close to 50°C operational temperature, you need to consider external cooling or at least ventilation in the cabinet in addition to mount the PS+AS horizontally.** To conclude - the system is designed for horizontal mounting and this is the only supported mounting. If you choose to mount it vertically it is at your own risk. Operational temperature is key - you need to make sure it is far from max to decrease risk. Always try to mount the PS+AS horizontally. Negative effect of not managing operational temperature is not visible short term, but can and will effect the life time of the product. **Ambient temperatures for operating should be taken into consideration. For vertical installations, ambient temperature should not exceed 35 C (95 F) and the load on the power supply should be reduced from 30 watts to 25 watts. Convective Air Cooling is used in the modules anticipating the currents of warm air being allowed to escape the confines of the module casing to be replaced by cooler air from the bottom. Since warm air normally rises, this method usually requires venting at the top and bottom of the casing to be effective. This is why horizontal installations are preferred. **One PS can supply one or more units connected to the backplane, consisting of several terminal bases connected together. At the moment you cannot connect more than one AS to the backplane though, because the backplane provides a path for communication between the connected units, and two AS cannot communicate on the backplane. StruxureWare Building Operation allocates 32 slots for the I/O Bus including the Power Supply and Automation Server. All devices can be installed on one linear section of DIN rail or they can be installed on multiple parallel sections of DIN rail by using connector cables*. Be reminded an empty position (back plane without module) will still keep a position (slot). As a general rule, there are 10 I/O modules followed by a Power Supply, then 10 I/O modules followed by a Power Supply and 8 remaining slots for I/O modules.Please keep in mind the I/O Bus backplane requires a particular order. Position 1 is always the Power Supply, Position 2 is always for the Automation Server, and then up to 30 remaining I/O devices interlaced with additional Power Supply modules.

Issue MSMQ error message: "Appears to be a problem with configuration of system please check to make sure you have MSMQ correctly installed" Environment Continuum 1.9X Windows XP and 2003 Server Cause Message Queuing Not installed Resolution Open Control Panel Select Add and Remove Programs Select Add / Remove Windows Components Select Message Queuing Restart System and test.