Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How can the Sigma server that is normally run as a service be run as an application? There is need to run ModBMS DDE connection on Windows 7 (or Windows 2008 server). Environment Sigma 4.05 and above Windows 7 Windows 2008 server Windows XP Windows 2003 server Cause This is needed to run the ModBMS DDE connection to Sigma on Windows 7 (or Windows 2008 server) operating systems because they do not support services. Resolution Using Windows START- RUN option the following commands can be used; To run Sigma server as an application (after installed as a service) "C:\Sigma\bin\SigmaSvr.exe" /regserver To run Sigma server as a service (if previously set as a application) "C:\Sigma\bin\SigmaSvr.exe" /service It is possible to check the current Sigma Mode, by going to the computer services. If Sigma server is running as an application "SigmaSvr" will no longer be present as a service. If Sigma server is running as an server "SigmaSvr" will be present as a service.  

Issue MN-CI revision 4.1 returns an error 511 when sending a “Reset” command to a MicroNet 2000 controller. The controller does reset as commanded. Environment MN-CI rev. 4.1 software, MN-FLO, MN-FLO3T, MN-HPFC Cause The problem is caused because MN-CI rev. 4.1 sends the “Reset” command twice, and temporarily loses communications with the controller. Resolution The error is considered a nuisance and can be ignored.

Issue When accessing the VEO group of an LCM or GCM with XPSI revision 4.1 Terminal Mode, the data is displayed normally for about 90 seconds before it starts to become garbled. The problem begins at the top line of the display and progresses from the top down, one line at a time.   The arrow keys are not operable, cannot move the cursor to select attributes. Environment XPSI rev 4.1, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista Pro, Network 8000 GCM, Network 8000 LCM Cause Unknown Resolution A work-around is to use a different terminal emulator instead of XPSI revision 4.1; possible alternatives are HyperTerminal or PuTTy.  PuTTY.exe can be downloaded at http://www.putty.org/.  Select putty.exe for Windows on Intel x86.

Issue In XPSI 4.1 Terminal Mode, there is a noticeable delay in the action of the “Escape” key when backing out of a Current Status or VEO group display screen. Environment XPSI rev 4.1, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista Pro, Network 8000 GCM, Network 8000 LCM Cause Serial communications are slower with the Microsoft port controls used with XPSI version 4.1. Resolution The “Escape” key will work, it just takes a few seconds longer in version 4.1 than it did in earlier versions, such as 3.13.

Issue The customer can log off of Continuum, but he can't shut down Continuum. Environment CyberStation WebClient Cause Permission to exit Continuum has not been granted to the Continuum User. Resolution Right click on the Continuum icon in the Windows Active Icon tray Select Security Navigate to the appropriate object class or folder.  In this case navigate to the Miscellaneous folder. Look for the row named Terminate Continuum. Move left horizontally along the row until you get to the icon associated with the user group you wish to grant the permission to.  (The user group indicator will appears when the arrow is over each lock or key icon). If there is a lock icon, the permission is currently denied.  Click on the lock and the icon changes to a key.  The permission is now granted. Log Off of Continuum and log on with a user from the modified user group to test the permissions. NOTE:  There are cases when multiple permissions must be granted to allow a user to access specific functions.  For example, you can grant a user permission to reload a controller, but he will not be able to do so unless you have granted him access to launch Continuum Explorer.

Issue Attempting to access the infinet service tool using a bluetooth connection gives an "unable to wake up roamIO" error.  The bluetooth device was successfully paired with the laptop and the port has been changed to match this port in the infinet service tool preferences, but the device will not connect with the infinet service tool. Environment Infinet Service Tool Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Roam IO2 Cause Unable to establish bluetooth connection with the Infinet Service Tool Resolution Upgrade the infinet service tool version to 1.1 Use a version of the bluetooth software for the laptop or PDA that allows specific configuration of the comm port in order to assign it to a port that is less than 9. Note: The 1.1 version of the infinet service tool allows for comm ports greater than 9 (i.e. comm39), but earlier versions would only allow up to comm9.  Some versions of the laptop bluetooth software differ allowing configuration of the bluetooth comm ports to a lower comm number.

Issue Having trouble Linking to a File from a TMGL Graphics page in Vista Workstation Environment TGML Vista Workstation Cause Most likely cause is not using the correct button type or script feature.  Below is the most basic means to link to a file. Resolution Add the "FileButton" object found in the Basic Controls Component Library to the TMGL file Select the object In the Properties Window, scroll down to the heading "Custom" and the property "File" Type in the complete path and filename. Example C:\Vista_Files\TGML.pdf Save the TGML graphics page Test the link in Vista workstation

Issue User limitations in a Xenta Server Environment Xenta Server Cause Setting up User rights on a Xenta Server Resolution Web Users: Web Users are created only from the Web Interface, not XBuilder The limitation on web users is based only on available controller memory A normal user should use less than 100 bytes Excess numbers of users will limit your potential use of controller memory Simultaneous Users: In XBuilder, click on the Xenta Server object Scroll down to TCP/IP Settings and select "Max. number of HTTP sessions" the default if 15, but this number can be modified to between 10 and 20 users. FTP Users: In XBuilder, click on the Xenta Server object Scroll down to FTP settings and select "Max Users" The default number is 4, and the maximum is 5 users.

Issue Will the Sigma Web Client work correctly on an Apple iPad, iPhone, or Android mobile app? Environment Sigma Sigma Web Client iPhone iPad Cause The iPhone and iPad does not currently support ActiveX components. Resolution Currently the iPhone and iPad do not support the ActiveX components which are used in Sigma Web Graphics, therefore these devices cannot be used.

Issue Get the following error message when trying to access TAC Vista Webstation on a Windows 2008 server: HTTP Error 500.22 - Internal Server Error An ASP.NET setting has been detected that does not apply in Integrated managed pipeline mode. Environment Vista 5.1.5 Windows 2008 server Webstation 5.1.5 Cause TAC Vista webstation can not handle "Managed Pipeline Mode" integrated for the application pool in the IIS. Resolution Open IIS Click on Application Pool For the Application pool used by Vista webstation set it to "Classic" instead of "Managed Pipeline Mode" 

Issue Between the second Sunday of March and the last Sunday of April, the I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server clock is one hour earlier that the time shown on the host computer. Between the last Sunday of October and the first Sunday of November, the I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server clock is one hour later that the time shown on the host computer. The noted times apply to the North American time zones.  Similar errors may also be seen in other time zones. Environment Any supported Windows operating system. I/A Series R2 (Niagara) software release 522 or newer Cause The Windows operating system has not been updated with the current daylight savings time rules update. The I/A Series R2 (Niagara) software, release 522 and newer includes the updated daylight savings time rules.   Resolution Download and install the appropriate Microsoft Windows operating system software update, per the Microsoft Knowledgebase article 955839 to update the computer's daylight savings time rules. The update can be downloaded from the Microsoft support web site at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955839.  This Microsoft  Knowledgebase article contains links to the downloadable upgrade file for each of the affected versions of the Windows operating system as well as any related installation prerequisites.

Issue If a wireless system with a BCX is setup on comm2 and a few wired controllers are needed, can the wired controllers be added to comm2? Environment BCX Wireless Continuum Windows XP  Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Wireless and wired communication cannot be used on the same comm port. A comm port that has wireless selected is a different protocol than infinet or bacnet mstp. The comm port can only speak one protocol at a time. Resolution To use a wireless and a wired solution at the same time, 2 comm ports are required by using one of the following configurations: 9680 (1 comm port for wireless and 1 for wired) 2 different controllers (2 BCXs with 1 having comm2 enabled for wired, the other BCX with Comm2 for wireless)

Issue Upgraded CX9200 chips and not able to load Bacnet PTP xdriver Environment Continuum Cyberstation CX 9200 Bacnet Xdriver Cause Upgraded chips on CX9200 and cannot load the Bacnet PTP xdriver. Resolution Use the latest Bacnet PTP xdriver version BacnetPTP1.00001.xdr

Issue Can I add a NC2 9680 controller to Continuum 1.74 Environment Continuum 1.74 CX 9680 NC2 Cause CX 9680 compatibility with Continuum 1.74 Resolution Controller NC2 9680 is supported on Continuum Cyberstation with 1.74 service pack 2 Go to the Buildings Exchange Extranet Download and install SP2 for each Continuum workstation on site. Follow the directions in the readme file located in the service pack.

Issue Databases often have to be moved around or upgraded, especially on engineers laptops where they may do offline engineering. What is the best tool to use for this? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Single User (Standalone) Version 1.82 and above with SQL Express (2005) Stand alone DB SQL Server Management Studio Express Cause The WinSQL software as used with previous Continuum versions with MSDE (2000) does not operate with SQL2005 and another method of accessing the database is required. Resolution After installing Cyberstation with a blank database and verifying correct operation, the next thing to install is the “SQL Server Management Studio Express” software a free Microsoft download, see link below and use the 32 bit version: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c243a5ae-4bd1-4e3d-94b8-5a0f62bf7796 This will provide the same user interface as provided on a full SQL2005 installation as used on a LAN system. For Continuum V2.0 and above SQL2012 Express is used, both 32 and 64 bit versions of this are available from the following Micosoft download: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35579 There are 2 methods to transfer your database from one system to another, using a. Backup/ Restore or b. Detach/ Attach, both options are covered below. Alternatively you may already have one or other formats on backup media. To use Backup or Detach you will also need to install SQL Server Management Studio Express as per 1. above on the original computer. Backup Method - you will need to perform a full backup and then restore of the ContinuumDB on the original computer: Using SQLE Management Studio, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Backup, add a destination where you want to save the .BAK file, Click OK. Detach Method – Detach (or stop the SQL) to allow the files to be copied on the original computer: Using SQLE Management Studio, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Detach, Click OK. On your new system, make sure you have already created a new ContinuumDB using Database Initialization. If not, do this now - this creates the Database, SQL jobs, stored procedures, adds Andover97 as an admin and a lot of behind the scenes security settings. Stop Cyberstation if it is running. If you are using the Detach / Attach method b. then: Using SQLE Management Studio on the new computer, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Detach, Click OK. Copy the backed up files to the Data directory your new server. It is advisable to take a copy of the blank database first. Path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data Using SQL Management Studio, now restore or attach the backed up database depending on which method is being used. Restore Method - Restore the backup over the top of the ContinuumDB on your new system: Right click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Restore -> Database. Select "From device:" and add your Database file, making sure to tick the Restore checkbox to select the source. Next, go to the Options page and select "Overwrite the existing database" and press the "OK" button. Attach Method - Using SQLE Management Studio on the new computer, Right-click on Databases -> Attach, Press “Add” and select the ContinuumDev.mdf file, Press OK. The .mdf and .ldf files will be shown, press OK. The ContinuumDB will appear in the tree. Change the db owner with the below query using the sp_changedbowner stored procedure. Select "New Query" and copy the query text shown below. Run the query. use ContinuumDB go sp_changedbowner 'Andover97' go Run Database Initialization and update the newly restored database. Using Database Initialization from each Cyberstation, initialize your Workstations into the new Database. Run Cyberstation on all Workstations.

Issue Site has 26 Continuum workstations at 1.74 and wants to install SP2 for 1.74. Does this service pack need to be installed on all 26 Continuum workstations. Environment Continuum Cyberstation 1.74 Service Pack 2 Cause Continuum workstation and service pack compatibility Resolution When a Continuum service pack for specific versions is applied to one workstation, it will need to be applied to all workstations. Please review the readme file located in all service pack zipped files.

Issue Vista compatibility for video integration in Workstation. Product Line Pelco, TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Integral Digital Sentry 4.1/4.2, 7 Cause To pull video into a Vista Workstation front end, the digital recorder software version must be of the correct type and version. Resolution Download TAC Vista Compatibility Matrix for a complete list of Vista compatibility.  < <   5.1.8 5.1.7 5.1.6 5.1.5 5.1.4 5.1.3 5.1.2 5.1.1 5.1.0 5.0.3 5.0.2 5.0.1 5.0.0 Integral Digital Sentry 4.1/4.2 X X X X X X X X X         Integral Digital Sentry 7 X X X X X                   Only Pelco Integral Digital Sentry DVRs are compatible. Individual DVRs are not listed for Vista compatibility because Vista is actually communicating with the Digital Sentry software, which is running as a Video Server.  Ensure the software version is Digital Sentry 4.1, 4.2, or 7, depending on the Vista version.

Issue Updated Continuum from 1.74 to Continuum version 1.92   After Continuum upgrade to version 1.92 Continuum Schedule editor failed to open. Environment Windows XP Continuum 1.9X Cause Ten Systems all have Microsoft Security Essentials installed Microsoft Security Essentials also installs "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Resolution Disable "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Open Control panel Open Services Stop and disable "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Upgrade Continuum Enable and start "Microsoft Antimalware Service" 

Issue Components library disappearing if the TGML graphic editor is closed and then reopened. When adding a custom folder to the components library, the new folder shows up in the graphic editor, but if the editor is restarted, they disappear. Environment Vista TGML Editor Cause TGML can not handle a dot "." in the naming When creating a folder in My components its important to not have a "." dot in the name. When restarting the editor it will try to reread the folders but will stop because of the "." To correct this remove the "." in the name of the folder Resolution Remove all dot's in the name of the Components folder Wrong: My own components V2.0 Right: My own components V2

Issue Can the time format be changed to military time format HH:MM:SS Environment Windows XP Cause Military time format HH:MM:SS Resolution Time format can be changed on the workstations and this will reflect with Continuum time. Steps to change time format on a workstation. Open up windows control panel Select Regional and Language Options Select Customize button from the Regional Options tab Select the Time tab and change the Time Format to HH:mm:ss Save these changes and view your time format in Continuum. NOTE: Continuum workstation reads it time and format from the machine being viewed from.