Issue It is possible to use Thermistor Inputs in Xenta 281 Environment Xenta 281 Thermistor Inputs Cause The Xenta 281 does not have any special thermistor inputs. Resolution Yes, it is possible to use the Xenta 281 Universal Inputs for Thermistor Inputs. Click HERE to see the procedure.

Issue Loading or upgrading new firmware into a 102-AX VAV controller that resides under a Jace controller Environment Jace Vista Xenta 102-AX Firmware Cause Updating firmware in a 102-AX VAV controller that has previously been commissioned into an existing network Resolution Please click here to see a step by step procedure document on the recommended procedure for this task.

Issue Is it possible to connect a number of Vista servers to the same SQL server instance? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X in a multi server environment. Cause Customers with larger sites may wish to collect the log data from TAC Vista on one SQL server for ease of maintenance and security reasons.  Resolution There are a couple of conditions to observe when doing this: Each Vista server must have it's own database (ie. taclogdata1, taclogdata2, taclogdata3 etc). The SQL server machine must be able to handle the increased load. There must be sufficient space for all the databases. A maintenance plan must be put in place - regular defragmentations and rebuilds (See White Paper - SQL Server Best Practices).

Issue The tod_event SNVT is a structured SNVT that uses three fields; current state, next state, and time to next state. Environment  Vista Menta Cause When creating a tod_event SNVT in Menta, it is necessary to create the three separate fields. Resolution Here is an example of how a tod_event SNVT needs to be created. Click the picture of the Menta macro below to download the source file.

Issue Is it possible to upgrade Vista's log database directly from SQL 2000 to SQL 2008? Version 5.1.7 no longer supports SQL MSDE or SQL server 2000. Environment Upgrade to Vista 5.1.7 from a vista version running with SQL 2000. Cause Upgrading older Vista sites to run with Vista 5.1.7 (or future versions). Resolution The simple answer is yes, it is possible to upgrade from SQL server 2000 but SQL server 2000 SP4 needs to be installed first. Follow the link below to go to Microsoft's download site: SQL 2000 SP4 There are a number of considerations which are explained in the attached White Paper from Microsoft.

Issue Which SQL query can be used to identify the database layout being used? Environment Vista 5.1.X log database Cause With the release of Vista 5.1.7 came a new logdatabase layout which is designed to improve performance especially in the area of trend and event log management. This means that there are now 2 possible logdatabase configurations. It can be important to know which version is being used before running any queries or accessing the external log data with external tools. Resolution The following query will return the database layout version when run in SQL management studio: select taclogdata.dbo.DSS_SchemaVersion() More information can be found in the Vista 5.1.7 release notes.

Issue How does the dynamic updates property work in TGML? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 TGML graphics. Cause A graphic can contain numerous bindings to values that you want to be able to display in the graphic. When there are numerous bindings, reading the values can be time-consuming and can slow down the performance of the graphic. By setting the DynamicUpdates attributes in the Bind elements of the graphic to either disabled or enabled, you can control which values are updated (which values the graphic subscribes to) when the graphic is opened. Resolution Created a Bind object in the TGML Graphic Editor Look at the Properties for the object. Under Behavior, the property DynamicUpdates is set to Enable by default. This can be set to Disabled and a Script can be added in an appropriate object which follows the following format: Example - activate a binding by clicking on a button function Click(evt){ button = evt.getTarget(); //Identify the target that has been clicked. parent = button.getParentNode(); //Find the parent node. binding = parent.getChildRecursive(""); //Identify the binding to be activated. binding.setAttribute("DynamicUpdates","Enable"); //Activate the DynamicUpdate property. } A simple example is attached. Click to download DynamicUpdate.zip.

Issue Should the Modbus master (eg Xenta 913) also be terminated if it is in the middle of the Modbus bus? Environment Xenta Server with Modbus capabilities Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause There are a number of installation possibilities/restrictions that may mean that the Modbus master does not always end up at one of the ends of the communication field bus. Resolution Only the ends of the bus should be terminated (see below).   More information is available for Modbus.org at the following link: Modbus over serial line specification and implementation guide V1.02.

Issue Cannot update the Vista database using the Vista system plug-in when importing a Menta file.   Environment Vista 5.1.4 Xenta Programmable Controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Windows 2003 Server Cause The object name for the "alarm control" object was misspelled in the Menta alarm block.   Resolution The object name for "alarm control" must match the alarm control object name in the HMI. *In the example below the spelling is correct in both places. Download images for better review: ALM_Block and NMI_Name

Issue How to use SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta Environment TAC Vista 5.1.6 TAC Menta 5.1.6 SNVT_switch_2 Cause Though the SNVT_switch_2 is added into LonMark SNVT Master list. This SNVT is not included in TAC Menta to use. But there is a work around to use this SNVT. Resolution The work around to use this SNVT_switch_2 in TAC Menta is as follows: Click here to download the required files. Shutdown the TAC Vista Server. (If the Vista Server running as a service, stop the service and shut down) Copy the "tac_snvt.xml" to folder "C:\Program Files\Common Files\TAC Shared" Copy the "taxif.ini" to folder "C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Menta 5.1.6" Please look in the example for usage, Especially the member "setting", have to scale depends on usage. Bind the LON device with SNVT_switch_2 to a Xenta with the Menta file. For reference, please look into enclosed "demo_sw2-MTA" file.

Issue In certain situations, LonWorks devices, such as Viconics thermostats, have the ability to display the current year/date/time on the display. The only way to ensure the time is correct to these time capable LonWorks devices is to send the year/date/time information to them via a time_stamp SNVT. Environment Lonworks Menta Viconics thermostats Cause Time stamp needed by LonWorks devices via SNVT binding. Resolution Please download and insert this SNVT_time_stamp Menta macro into the Menta application.

Issue Xenta controllers are 1 hour ahead of PC  time. All controllers and PC are in the same timezone and have the same daylight offset time. Environment Windows XP Service Pack 1 and 2 Cause Windows daylight times are incorrect for the current dates. The PC time is in normal time not Daylight time even though the update daylight saving automatically is selected. Resolution Install windows update KB955839. This updates the daylight dates in windows. Click here to download this update

Issue Is it possible to set a startup delay for TAC Vista server? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X 32-bit Windows operating systems Cause Delaying the startup of the Vista Server is typically done to allow for other software to get up and running first. Example: LConfig needs to be running prior to Vista Server. Resolution There is two ways of adding a delay, either you do it manually like described below. Or there is a tool you can use called "Tacos Startup Delay", see community post TACOS Startup Delay Open the registry editor. Click on Start\Run and type regedit. Locate the TAC Vista 5.1.X registry key (where 'X' is the installed version of Vista) My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TAC AB\TAC Vista\5.1.X Add a string value named "TacosStartupDelay" Enter a value in seconds for the startup delay.     Additionally, this helpful utility can be used to set the delay without going into the registry editor.

Issue An STR-104 can be used to monitor space temperature with a Xenta programmable controller. If a zone override is also required, the most straight-forward solution is to wire the override button to a digital input on the same controller. However, if those wires were not installed, or sufficient inputs are not available on the controller, the override button can be sent via the temperature sensor wires. Environment STR-104 Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause If enough wires were not run, or sufficient inputs are not available on the controller, the override button can be sent via the temperature sensor wires. Resolution The override signal sent via temperature sensor wires is accomplished by shorting the temperature sensor reading to ground. The Menta application senses this short and interprets it as a zone override. On the STR-104, short terminals 12 to 14 (Therm to Switch) On the STR-104, short terminals 11 to 15 (M to MX) Terminals 11 and 12 on the STR-104 go to M and B1 on a Xenta programmable (for example). Download this Menta macro for use in the programmable Menta application. While the button is pressed, the temperature will jump to a failed-shorted value of 300+ °F.  The attached Menta app will read in this jump, filter it out from a failed sensor, and enable an override for an adjustable duration.

Issue When integrating I/NET into Vista; by default I/NET alarms do not show the station name, link name, or device name (point name). Environment I/NET Seven Vista 4.5 and up Cause The settings on the $AlarmColumns object in Vista do not have the I/NET column fields checked by default. Resolution To customize the Vista alarm queue with the proper fields for I/NET alarms please follow these steps. Click on the root level TAC Vista object in the Vista tree. Right click on the $AlarmColumns object and choose properties. Check the desired boxes in the Columns fields. Note: The link name selection will display the I/NET link name that the alarm originated from. Example: Link 5 South Campus The station name field will display the I/Net station name that the alarm originated from. Example: AHU5 The device name field will display the physical point name programmed within the I/NET controller. Example: OA Damper The site field is only needed when using DLA (distributed link architecture) and will display the name of the DLA site Example: Site 1 North Campus

Issue Self-Registration Error while installing Remote Workstation (some of the "dll" files are not installed). The following files did not self-register or unregister. Environment TAC Vista 5.0.X Remote Workstation Cause When uninstalling the TAC Vista Remote Workstation some of the "dll" files will not un-install from "TAC Shared" folder (Find the TAC Shared folder in "C:\Program Files\Common Files). Due to this, while reinstalling the Remote Workstation pop-up an error-"Self-Registration" and few "dll" cannot install, then the Installation terminates. Resolution Uninstall the Remote Workstation. Delete the TAC Shared folder from C:\Program Files\Common Files Reinstall Remote Workstation. Note: Install .NET Framework 2.0 before installing the Remote Workstation software.

Issue How can a communication heartbeat time be detected in Menta? Can you detect if a value has not changed for more then a specified time period? Environment Menta Cause There are multiple methods to detect a timeout scenario and which method to use will likely depend on the specific criteria of your application. The included examples are intended to indicate some of the options available that can be built upon to customize your application. Resolution These methods can be used to detect if another device has stopped communicating or if another portion of your process logic is stuck. Timeout Simple (Click image for AUT file) This macro block will output a value of one when the input value has not changed for the DelayOn time period and you do not require the previous value for processing. Timeout Complex (Click image for AUT file) This macro block will preserve the last value for use in your process logic if that is necessary.

Issue Trend logs that are stored in a Xenta Programmable must be uploaded to the Vista Server at certain intervals/when certain capacities of memory are reached. If there are many Xenta Trends all trying to upload to the server simultaneously, it can bog down the network and cause communication problems. This utility will help diagnose these situations by providing a summary of all trends and flagging any areas of concern. Environment Vista Server Xenta Programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Xenta Trend Logs Cause Setting a Xenta trend to log values too frequently Setting a Xenta trend to upload at too low of a memory capacity Resolution This utility was created by Benjamin Roswall at Schneider Electric Denmark. It is not an official release, nor is it supported by Schneider Electric. While it has been tested and used successfully, it should be used at your own risk. Click here to download the TAC Vista Check Log Utility. Run the .exe file Choose Open File on a .des file (instructions for generating the .des shown below) Choose Check Logs, evaluate any highlighted line items. Create a network description (.des) of Xenta Trends Open the Database Generator In Vista Workstation, click on Tools > TAC Vista Database Generator Or go to Start > All Programs > Schneider Electric > TAC Tools X.X.X > Database Generator Log in to TAC Vista Server   Select Database > Export Data from Database...   Click on Browse in the Object box   Select Device navigation and select the TAC Vista node you want to analyze. Click OK.   Click on Browse in the Object type box. Select "Trend Log - Xenta" in the drop down box. This is VERY important. The check log program will crash if you choose anything else.   Leave the text boxes in the Object data box as they are. This is also important. Click on OK.   Your export should be generated. Click on OK.   Save the .des file with File > Save As... You can now open the TAC Vista Check Log utility to analyze the trend logs.

Issue Large libraries of jpg and bmp graphics exist that have frames of damper movement, or different colors for a pump depending on status. How can these be brought into TGML and used in the same way that they were once used in I/NET gpg or Vista IV OGC graphics? Environment TGML Cause TGML has a rich set of animation and rotational tags for vectored images, however if a large library of jpg or bmp files exists, it can be imported into TGML and used like it was before in other graphics programs. Resolution Click here to download a sample TGML graphic that contains the two examples below. They use jpg images to represent a damper at different angles of rotation. The first example deals with an open/close damper and the second with an analog output. The four images used are: 0° 30° 60° 90° In TGML, these would be imported using the "Insert Picture" tool and then stacked on top of each other. Open/Close Damper A 0° image on the bottom, 90° image on top. Binding on the 90° image toggles the Visibility attribute of the fully open image using ConvertValue tags. If the value equals 0 the "open" image is hidden, displaying the closed image. If the value is 1, the "open" image is visible, hiding the closed image below, and showing the damper fully open. Analog Damper A 0° image on the bottom, stacked on top with 30°, 60°, 90° images. Instead of using SignalEqualTo attribute of ConvertValue, used SignalMoreThan and SignalLessOrEqualTo to create "bands" around which each image would become visible. Because of how they are stacked on stop of each other, only one will ever show.

Issue How is an active Orion Stack license transferred to another PC? Environment Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Loytec network interfaces Cause If you need to move your databases from one workstation to another then you must follow these procedures.  Resolution You will need to deactivate the License form your existing PC first. To carry out this follow these steps. Run up the LConfig application Select the register deactivate button Select the Deactivate NIC852-SW button Save the *.lac file on your PC Email this file to sales@loytec.com Once the license has been deactivated you can send an activation code request for the new PC. This procedure is described in the Loytec manual. Here is the NIC 852-SW extract   8.2 Product Activation When purchasing a LOYTEC product, which must be activated (e.g. NIC852-SW), you will have to go through the following steps for activation: - Start the LConfig Tool, click on 'Register / Activate'. The dialog as shown in Figure 36 will open. - If you have already purchased a NIC852-SW license, please enter your Serial Number (shipped with the NIC852-SW product) and click on ‘Request Activation File by Email’. Alternatively, write an e-mail to sales@loytec.com with both the Activation Target ID and your Serial Number in the subject. - If you have not yet purchased a NIC852-SW license, you can still send the e-mail as described in the previous point. Just click ‘not purchased yet’ before generating the email or indicate the missing Serial Number in the e-mail body. - You will receive a LOYTEC Activation file, which you import by clicking on ‘Activate NIC852-SW License...’. - Click on ‘OK’, close the LConfig tool with ‘OK’ and re-open the LConfig tool. - Configure the new NIC852 as described in Section 3.6. Here is a link to the Full NIC User manual