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Label: "andover continuum"

View in: "Building Automation Knowledge Base" | Community

2197 Posts | First Used: 2018-09-06

Building Automation Knowledge Base

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.

Issue Upgrading from older Continuum version using parallel dongle. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause The old style hardware key cannot be attached to newer machine that do not have a parallel port. Resolution It is not necessary to have a hardware key plugged into Continuum workstation pc when the c2v file is created. If you are able to read the key information and/or identify the serial number for the existing key, contact the EcoBuilding upgrade department at Upgrades.Continuum@schneider-electric.com and provide them with the serial number of the hardware key and a c2v file that was generated on the Continuum workstation. If you are unable to read the key information or identify the S/N from the old dongle, contact the EcoBuilding upgrade department at Upgrades.Continuum@schneider-electric.com. It may become necessary to sent the hardware key to the EcoBuilding Upgrade Dept to so that they can extract the serial number and key information themselves. See also Software Licensing for Continuum 2.0 and StruxureWare Solution.

Issue Video integrations with Cyberstation want to bring in Pelco based alarms Product Line Andover Continuum, Pelco Environment Pelco DVR/SRV and encoders Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Pelco devices have alarm abilities, but not all can be brought into Continuum Resolution Offline and motion alarms can be brought into Continuum. Any other Pelco hardware related alarms (i.e. dry contact or alarm inputs) cannot be brought into Continuum. See Video Monitor is not popping up video on alarm for troubleshooting motion or offline alarms.

Issue Continuum runs very slowly. Taking up to two minutes to first startup. Generally opening up Continuum Explorer and any other objects are seen to be slower than normal as well. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum v1.94 and above Cause There was no Security Key connected and Continuum was running in Demo mode. This symptom can also be caused by a missing or corrupt driver for the Security key, see Re-install of Continuum system and security key is not being recognized for details on re-installing the Security Key driver. Resolution Install valid Security Key and restart Continuum. Note: Want to know what features are supported in Demo mode? See How do we run Continuum in Demo mode and what features are available?

Issue Alarms or Events are not being received as soon as they occur and there is a large delay before they are written to the Database. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cause Review the controller error log. If there are 6c0e errors, this indicates the comms buffer is filling up (see Controller error log: error transmitting (LAN_ERR_TRANSMIT_ERROR)). Another indicator is in the ACCTRace logs. Check if Alarms are being logged in the Database when the WS thread is receiving them. The time in the ACCtrace may be logged as the TimeOfLog. Investigate the programming to see if it is polling data from a BACnet controller constantly. There may be no delay in poll requests which can overload the controllers comms buffers. This will in turn delay some Alarms from being delivered to the Workstation to be displayed and logged in the Database. Resolution Fix programming so there are wait lines between each poll. Also see Controller error log: error transmitting (LAN_ERR_TRANSMIT_ERROR).

Issue How to upgrade from Continuum v1.4 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause What are the steps in upgrading from Continuum 1.4 Resolution For a smaller site it may be quicker and more reliable to install the current Cyberstation version, then upload from the controller, this has the advantage of ensuring you have a clean database. The alarms, workstations etc, would needs to be rebuilt from scratch. If the current database is clean (Passing continuum analyzer is NOT proof of a clean database, only a helpful initial step) and it is decided to upgrade the existing database from 1.4, you will first need to upgrade to v1.5x, then follow Upgrading Continuum from 1.5x to Continuum 1.9x. The overall process can be a little complex as various operating systems need to be available/installed. See the Continuum Compatibility Matrix for details for the PC and Controller firmware requirements Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of I/NET, Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell Sigma, I/A Series, and StruxureWare Building Operation See the Continuum installation guides for the PC hardware requirements The v1.4 graphics could be .pan or .pin files. The .pan would need to be re-drawn as .pin files, in order to be compatible Run Continuum Analyzer before/after each upgrade, also run Continuum to ensure it runs correctly.

Issue When running a listview on the alarm log it appears there are instances where the alarm was acknowledged before the timestamp. How can this happen? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Time Sync Cause This issue can occur if the Continuum system is not properly time synchronized. In order to properly sync the system time, it's helpful to understand where the various alarm time attributes are set: TimeStamp comes from the controller's time TimeofLog comes from the SQL Server's time TimeofAck comes from the Acknowledging CyberStation's time Resolution Make sure all the components of the system are properly time synchronized. Methods of synchronizing server and workstation times may vary based on the workstation operating system and if your network is using active directory. Refer to the network administrator to verify if time sync is being done, and under what conditions (logon only and/or a schedule) and how often. If Continuum is on an isolated network refer to http://support.microsoft.com and search on network time synchronization to learn about the different options for the particular network configuration. As for the workstation-to-controller time sync, Time sync controllers to workstations includes a program to which will sync the workstation time to the controllers. TimeOfLog and TimeStamp columns in an Alarm or AccessEvent listview are different covers a couple of conditions where the TimeStamp and TimeofLog may vary considerably. Periodically, verify that all the components are in sync.

Issue Continuum general preferences show the system is configured to purge extended log data after X days, yet the extended log data is not purged. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause LAN System The SQL agent responsible for purging extended log data is missing or disabled. For Single User system see Stand Alone Continuum using SQL Server 2005 Express is not purging the ExtendedLog table Resolution LAN Systems (for Single User see Stand Alone Continuum using SQL Server 2005 Express is not purging the ExtendedLog table) In SQL Server Management Studio expand SQL Server Agent, then expand Jobs If ExtLog_Purge_ContinuumDB job is present verify its properties (see image below), make sure the job is enabled and properly configured to run. If the job does not exist it can be recreated by following these steps: Close ALL Continuum Cyberstations/Web Client From SQL Server Management Studio run the following query against the ContinuumDB update ACDBVersion set ACDBVersion = 0 Run Continuum DB Initialization and update the database from the server tab, when prompted to run the ImportExport fixup tool select NO Verify the job was created then run Continuum

Issue How to use the Known Occupancy Count (KnownOccupCount) number of an Area in Plain English (PE) programming. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Access Control Cause Need to be able to retrieve the Known Occupancy Count number of an Area for use in Plain English programming for limiting access to an Area. The attribute does not show up in the list of attributes in the Area Listview. Resolution Even though we can't see the attribute in an Area Listview, you can use the "KnownOccupCount" attribute at the command line or in Plain English programs. Example 1 - Print Known Occupancy Count to command line. print AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Example 2 - In a Workstations Program, set a pre-defined AnalogValue to the Known Occupancy Count of an Area. Area1KnownCount = AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Note: The Known Occupancy Count will not function with Entry only doors. Both Entry and Exit readers are required on the doors within the Area. See Known Occupancy Count number does not increase when Personnel enter the Area on this.

Issue Controllers IP address needs to be changed but any attempt to do so results in the IP address reverting back to what it was previously configured for. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CX9702 BCX controllers NC2 controllers ACX57xx controllers Cause The Controller has hit the Flash writes circuit breaker and is no longer able to save any changes to Flash. This includes updating Device settings such as IP address and ACC Node ID. The controller error log may also contain an error similar to below when attempting to make any such changes. 10/08/2014 19:00:22.00 0x00004406 0x03b76100 0x0004cb68 0x003e2000 0x000007d1 DEVICE_ERR_ERASE_LIMIT (Flash circuit breaker tripped. CX97XX code base) Resolution One of the two methods to reset the Flash circuit breaker listed below should then allow the controller to write to Flash again. 1. accstatusbackup = accbackupenable For more information see Caution when using PE programs to perform an automatic flash backup on a controller. 2. INFFlashDisabled. Create a numeric in the controller with the following name and alias: INFFlashDisabled A value greater than 0 usually indicates that the flash circuit breaker had tripped, though in some cases you may find these errors occurring when INFFlashDisabled = 0. In either case, once the value of this numeric is set to 0 and applied, the flash circuit breaker errors should stop.

Issue Need to protect Continuum Workstations from Virus and Malware threats. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Workstation Cause There are many Anti Virus applications on the market, how to choose which one to use on a Continuum Workstation machine. Resolution We do not qualify any specific Anti Virus applications or definitions for use with Continuum software. You can use whatever Anti Virus you want on the machine Continuum is installed on as long as Continuum was installed when that Anti Virus was disabled as this can hinder files from being copied, dll's from being registered, and registry entries from being created / modified. If there are conflicts with Continuum and the specific Anti Virus application being used, you may need to add the Continuum folder and / or the Continuum processes to the exclusion lists. For details on specific environments that have been qualified with Continuum see Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines.

Issue Error Codes: Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1631 E 04/05/2012 10:55:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1632 E 04/05/2012 10:57:30.00 0x00001c0b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x0000640b 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: GLB_ELOG_DUP_START Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Site with BCX Controllers and an Error Log Cause Crash of BCX and log reveals: Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1629 E 04/05/2012 10:51:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1630 E 04/05/2012 10:53:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1631 E 04/05/2012 10:55:30.00 0x0000640b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x00005c20 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: The Error Sys Var has been incremented Line Level Time Stamp Error Code TCB Addr Prg Cntr Data1 Data2 1632 E 04/05/2012 10:57:30.00 0x00001c0b 0x04dd8500 0x02124e26 0x0000640b 0x00000000 Error Code Meaning: GLB_ELOG_DUP_START Resolution It is in the range of “Global System errors” that is usually not good, either faulty controller or need reloading of the O/S. Cold start and update O/S with the latest version supported by the Cyberstation version. Then run it on a test rig with different ID and see if it still crashes, if so will need to be repaired or replaced.

Issue Are Standard and Enterprise Editions of Windows Operating Systems supported for use with Continuum / WebClient Software? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum WebClient Continuum SQL Server Cause The Compatibility Matrix does not stipulate if the supported Operating Systems are Standard or Enterprise editions. Resolution You can use either Enterprise or Standard Editions of the various supported Operating Systems with Continuum / WebClient. See Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines for the current Compatibility Matrix showing supported Operating Systems.

Issue The option is not available to read card data in. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause An enrollment reader hasn't been configured or the data being read in is duplicated. Resolution Wire a typical reader to an CX9680 with an AC1/AC1Plus or ACX57xx. This will not be attached to a physical door. Configure the enrollment reader in Personnel Manager. For details see Configure an enrollment reader in Continuum. See the attached document from the Continuum help system for additional help on using the enrollment reader to read card info.

Issue Determine if the DX Series of video recorders is compatible with Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Pelco DX Series Video Recorder Continuum Cause Sites may have existing DX Series Video or want to purchase them for their video needs and may want to integrate that video into Continuum Resolution Check to see if the DX Series video recorder is compatible with Continuum Please see the following link for the Continuum and Pelco compatibility matrix in Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines

Issue Require Upgrade or Repair part number and pricing information Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC INET Environment Dongle / Security Key and Software upgrades Controller node count, X Driver or option upgrades Cause Part numbers are not listed for Upgrades or Repairs. Global Product Support do not provide pricing information. Resolution Repairs do not have part numbers, you should contact your local Order Entry department who will be able to provide an RMA form and pricing information. (Note: An exception to this is if you are in Aus/NZ, repairs do have a part number. Repaired items are set-up in Pronto with the part number prefixed by “4-“. Process and form details for Aus/NZ repairs only.) Upgrades have now been allocated part numbers for all current products. The order forms and details of the new part numbers can be seen here. SAP and other quoting system have been updated with these upgrade part numbers. Contact your local Order Entry department to help you place an order and provide pricing information.

Issue Unable to edit Xdriver communication settings on a comm port for a 9680 or the stopbits show incorrectly as 1.5 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment 9680 Continuum 1.74 or 1.81 Webclient 1.74 or 1.81 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Under certain circumstances, there was an issue in version 1.74 and 1.81 where the comm port settings were disabled or grayed out. If the settings were not grayed out and an attempt is made to set the stopbits, it could get set incorrectly to 1.5. Resolution The issue is corrected in 1.82 and above. The work around for versions 1.74 and 1.81 are to set the comm port from the command line. See Command examples to check controller comm port settings for Xdriver or other communication to set the parameters manually.

Issue Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Site Cause There are limitations to the size that a Continuum database can be. The limitations are Microsoft's limitations. Basically if you use their limited sized databases, these are good for smaller sites. Most of these smaller sites usually don't have extended logs or a heavy volume of access and alarm events either. Resolution Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum On large scale sites that have a lot of extended logging, heavy access traffic, alarms and do not want to monitor the size of the databases, it is suggested to go with a enterprise SQLversion. Microsoft DB Size Limitations MSDE version (SQL 2000) 2 Gig Limit - See Database size limitation and recover options on a Single User system in Continuum for more information (Cyberstation SU versions 1.81 and earlier). Enterprise version (SQL 2000) No Limit SQL 2005 Express 4 Gig Limit (Cyberstation SU versions 1.82 to 1.94) SQL 2012 Express 10Gig limit (Cyberstation SU version 2.0) Exchange Server 2003 before SP2 SQL 2005 Standard Edition 18 Gig Limit SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition 8 Terabyte Limit Server 2003 SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition 8 Terabyte Limit Research your operating system and determine the size limitations for your particular installation. There are other limitations when using limited versions of the SQL Databases like Standard addition. For instance limited number of processors, limited amount of memory used for allocation pool. Note: Do not use 2 database applications on a Stand Alone installation with Cyberstation being one of the applications. 2 SQL versions or 2 database instances has not been tested with a Stand Alone and is unsupported. This scenario can cause Cyberstation performance issues as well as application crashes.

Issue Why do Continuum controller MAC addresses have less than 12 digits as required by IT Departments? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment ACX, bCX, CX level controllers NC2 Cause Leading zeros are removed from the MAC addresses of all Continuum controllers Resolution The MAC address is listed as the attribute "Ethernet Id" in Continuum List views. The digits do not display leading 0's, so all Continuum controller addresses start 0:40:11.... To provide the 12 digit MAC address you will need to restore the leading 0's as required by IT departments. e.g.. 00:40:11:0e:00:00. See How to locate a computer's MAC address to obtain a computers MAC address.

Issue If remote buildings have an internet connection using DSL, will this configuration work with Continuum controllers? Are there any known issues? Is the connection fast enough? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Netcontroller 9680 Netcontroller 99xx BCX ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) Cause Buildings in remote areas may use DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) to access Netcontrollers instead of a corporate LAN. Resolution Netcontrollers can be used with a DSL connection. Two things to keep in mind when implementing this configuration are: Do not employ NAT(Network Address Translation) of any kind. Continuum requires a static IP. This can be requested from the ISP(Internet Service Provider) of the DSL line. All network ports required for Continuum operation will need to be opened. See Router required open port numbers to run a Continuum system for this information. DSL speeds are typically fast enough to not cause connection issues. Note: Where DSL lines have equal up and download speeds, ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) have upload speeds that may be 100 x slower than the download speed, typically 128K maximum and are unlikely to provide a reliable network connection.

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