Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue I have an older model DCX-250 that the touchscreen has dead spots on the screen but the main board and power supply are working fine. It was wondering if the newer touch screen is compatible with the main board and power I have for the older model DCX-250 Environment DCX - 250 Cause When replacing DCX250 Touch Screen in the field you must check compatibility of your Main board. Resolution The black inverter located on "U6" of the Main Boards PCB was changed out to a newer inverter.  The old style inverter will not work with the Touch screen. If you have the older inverter labeled E205-E821D then this will need to go back to repair to fix because the Touch Screen will not work with this older style inverter. If you have the black inverter that is labeled E2536 it is newer and you can just order a new touch screen from customer care.   Customer Care ordering website http://iportal2.schneider-electric.com Repair Department Contact Information Email: industrialrepair@schneider-electric.com

Issue Database exchange with third party databases such as CRM, Oracle's PeopleSoft, SAP, HR Data Manager, OPC Server, Automatic Number Plate Recognition ANPR, or DataCard's ID Works Images and thumbs or thumbnail .jpg pictures and ID Works folder structure Product Line TAC INET Environment Campus' with LAN network with multiple departments keeping individual user information. Cause Need to streamline the individual's information into multiple databases or changes such as removing SSN with Employee ID number, or interface with third party software/database. Resolution I/NET works with a software called ID Works which is a product from Datacard. ID Works allows the database in I/NET to be viewed and individuals to be added, updated, and deleted. As far as extracting the data from datacard to any third party software, such as Peoplesoft, HR Data Manager, or SAP, that is out of the range supported by PSS.  The need for constant interchange of the data for new card production, deletion, and update of individuals in the  I/NET database is easy to setup and link to the tables for each category. Altering the tables in the database would void any support with the I/NET product. Imports and additional information from CSV (comma separated value) or a spreadsheet for example, can be added to existing tenant groups. Keep in mind that tenants groups cannot be added from ID Works. Imports usually run in a script program designed by Expert Services on a cost basis. Scripts that run between the I/NET database and third party databases need to be constantly running in the background and replicate personnel changes on campus.  Images and ID Works Images which are brought in from ID Works via a camera are put in a folder for example C:\IDWorks\Images. Make sure you specify the thumbs directory under the Images folder for example C:\IDWorks\Images\thumbs so that when you go into ID Works Production and it creates that thumb nail, it puts it in this thumb folder and not the Images folder. If you have both going into the same folder, there will already be an image there with the same name. INET does not have an OPC Server. One of the main uses of the OPC Server was to run a TAC I/NET system in the background with a TAC Vista front end as an initial attempt to migrate to a newer system platform. The introduction of the Xenta 913 allows the communication of TAC I/NET to Modbus and BACnet which became the preferred replacement of the I/NET OPC Server.

Issue Get error message "Create fail for Windows TAC Graphics Editor,0,tadrawMain" when trying to start the OGC editor in a Windows 2008 server 64 bit. Environment Windows 2008 server 64 bit Vista 5.1.5 Cause Data Execution Prevention (DEP) settings are incorrect. Resolution Open Properties on "My computer"" Click the Advanced tab Click on Settings for Performance Set Data execution Prevention" to "Turn DEP on for essential Windows programs only"

Issue Attempting to run a station with BacnetNetwork already added will result in the station not being able to start successfully. The station status in Application Director will continuously be shown as 'Starting'. The following error messages can be seen in the station's output messages. # A fatal error has been detected by the Java Runtime Environment: # #  EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION (0xc0000005) at pc=0x0e953cc4, pid=2912, tid=3104 # # JRE version: 6.0_16-b01 # Java VM: Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (14.2-b01 mixed mode windows-x86 ) # Problematic frame: # C  [platform.dll+0x33cc4] # # An error report file with more information is saved as: # c:\niagara\niagara-3.5.34\daemon\hs_err_pid2912.log # # If you would like to submit a bug report, please visit: #   http://java.sun.com/webapps/bugreport/crash.jsp # The crash happened outside the Java Virtual Machine in native code. # See problematic frame for where to report the bug.   When you try to add the BacnetNetwork to a running station, the station will disconnect. The BacnetNetwork is not added after you re-connect to the station. Environment I/A Series G3 versions 3.5.25.4 and later Windows XP Chinese (Taiwan) Edition Cause The BACnet module is unable to correctly process the unicode character set of the computer's Ethernet adapter name. This this case, the Ethernet adapter name contains traditional Chinese characters. Although it has not been tested or verified, the same problem may occur on computers installed with other unicode languages versions of Windows (Japanese, Korean, Thai etc.). Resolution Current workaround is to rename the computer's Ethernet adapter name to 8-bit characters (English etc.). In Application Director, 'Kill' the station that is 'Starting'. Rename the Ethernet adapter. Start the station in Application Director.

Issue During the menu configuration process, the ProView for LON configuration wizard will provide a list of LON devices commissioned into the G3 station database.  The MNL-800 controller appears in the list, however,  the MNL-800 device object cannot be expanded to display the nvi, nvo, and nci objects for selection. Environment I/A Series G3 (all versions), MNL-800, ProView for LON, MNL-PROV-WAL Cause None Resolution The MNL-800 will not display network variable nvi, nvo, and nci objects unless the device's self documentation is modified to provide what the wizard considers a valid LonMark and function block reference. Open the properties for the MNL-800 (Dynamic Device) and expand the Device Data. Locate the Self Doc property and configure the value as follows: 3.3@8000; Launch the Ec Dis Wizard and the MNL-800 will now expand to display the nvi, nvo, and nci objects for selection.

Issue Choosing the wrong shape from the Loytec stencil set for L-IP and L-Switch routers can result in devices on the far side not coming online even though the Loytec routers are apparently configured correctly. Environment Vista, Lonmaker Cause Loytec provide a set of Visio shapes for use with their L-IP and L-Switch devices in Lonmaker.  Each device has two shapes associated with it - a (Router) and a (Switch). The (Switch) shape should only be used if the Loytec device is to be used in "Smart Switch Mode".  If the (Switch) shape is used with a Loytec device intended for use in "Configured Router Mode" it will not work, even though the device properties are correctly configured in Lonmaker and the DIP switches on the device are correctly set (DIP1 OFF and DIP2 OFF). Resolution For a Loytec device to be used in "Configured Router Mode", choose the appropriate (Router) shape, set the Router Type of the selected port to "Configured" (each port must be set individually) and ensure the DIP switches are correctly positioned (DIP1 OFF and DIP2 OFF)

Issue What is the difference between Vista Upgrade Package vs. Vista 5 Package? Environment Vista 5 installation Vista 5.1 Software Packages - Standard, Manager, Professional, Enterprise Cause Each Vista 5 licensing package has an analogous Upgrade version (marked -UPG).  When ordering the license, it may not be known what that -UPG means or when to order an Upgrade versus a regular license. Resolution The Vista Upgrade packages are the same delivered product as the typical Vista Packages. There is no check for previously installed software during the installation of the upgrade package. The installation of both are the same. However, because the upgrade packages are offered at a discounted price, Order Entry personnel restrict the purchase of upgrade software for sites where a record of a previous Vista installation does not exist, Upgrades are not meant for new site installations, and are only available for upgrades from latest previous version, i.e. 5.0 to 5.1.

Issue After installing Continuum, intermittent Communication issues on BACnet and Infinet BCX controllers, graphics are not updating, and points may or may not be edited. Each of 3 workstations are exhibiting similar issues, but not with the same controllers. Workstation 1 may be able to edit points in BCX1, but not BCX2.  Workstation 2 may edit points in BCX2 but not BCX1. Environment LAN with SQL Server 2008, all workstations with XP service pack 3. Cause The workstations were initialized with Node ID's that were conflicting with the BCX node ID's. Resolution With one workstation logged into Cyberstation, the workstation objects were exported from a workstation that was logged out of Cyberstation. Once all required exports were completed, that workstation was deleted from the object tree. That workstation was then initialized with ID's that would not conflict with the BCX ID's. Cyberstation was then started on the newly re-configured workstation and graphics were tested, and points were edited without issue.

Issue Unable to start the DSS writer service. Get a message that "certain services stop automatically when not in use". Environment Windows 2008 server 64-bit Vista 5.1.4 Cause Vista 5.1.4 is not compatible with 64-bit operating systems. Resolution Run Vista 5.1.4 on Windows 2008 server 32-bit or upgrade to Vista 5.1.5 which can be run on Windows 2008 server 64-bit.

Issue What do I need to order to upgrade Continuum or add a feature to Continuum Environment Continuum Security key keys dongle Cause How to upgrade versions on a Continuum Security Key (Dongle) How to enable a feature in Continuum   Resolution The security keys (USB Dongle) requires upgrading if going between versions (eg 1.8x to 1.9x), contact your local order intake/Upgrade/Repair for costs. (or adding a feature/option, eg. enabling "Add-On Reporting Modules")  The order must include the security key (USB Dongle) serial numbers, you will receive back upgrade "cookies", these are used to upgrade the dongles. Use Cyberkeywriter2 available on The Exchange Download Center to update the security keys (USB Dongle) The Continuum Cyberstation software can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center and the site upgraded. You should also check the Compatibility Matrix and installation guide before installation (ensure the workstations hardware is capable of running the newer software) Check the compatibility matrix for SQL version requirements (LAN versions) All upgrades are handled through the Repair Department. Contact your local Order Entry / Repairs & Upgrades department. NOTE A LAN dongle can be used on a SU/SA (Single User Stand Alone) site for the main SQL PC, a LAN dongle is required for all other Cyberstations on a SU/SA site (max. 2 units) A Dongle enabled for 1.9x can be used on all sites with 1.9x and before (eg v1.94sp1, v1.82, v1.74)

Issue Setting up clients to communicate to multiple server sites. Environment Sigma, server and clients. Cause Routing Resolution You can only connect a Sigma client to one Sigma server at a time. The Start Sigma Client utility is available allowing you to select which Sigma server to connect your client to.

Issue For doors with long wire run to the controller it is very important to follow the recommendations as far as resistor tolerance and wiring distance and gauge is concerned.  If a door still exhibits door switch trouble issues due to length etc. one possible solution is to use a resistance decade box to determine what value resistance should be used instead of the standard 10K ohms Environment AC1 AC1Plus CX9702 ACX5740 ACX5720 ACX701 ACX781 Cause Doors with extra long run to the IOU module / controller may produce trouble condition on the supervised inputs due to wiring issue; in some cases it may be necessary to replace the 10K ohms resistor with a different value to compensate for wiring. Please follow the procedure outline below to determine the correct resistor value to use. Resolution If a door exhibit supervised input trouble issues due to wire length etc. one possible solution is to use a resistance decade box to determine what value resistance should be used instead of the standard 10K ohms, when doing this it is important the find the resistance value in the middle of the range, this will avoid random trouble due to temperature variations etc if the value happens to be right at the edge of the range. To find the correct value use the following procedure: With the door closed start with the resistance decade box at 10K ohms. While monitoring the value of the input modify the resistance (either up or down) until the input reads CLOSED. Write down this resistance value. (VAL1) Continue to modify the resistance in the same direction until the input reads trouble again, write down this value. (VAL2) Pick a resistor value that is in the middle between VAL1 and VAL2 and use this value at the door instead of the standard 10K Ohms NOTE: for series/parallel resistor type it may be necessary to use two decade boxes to find the correct resistance value.

Issue When a valid card is presented at a reader connected to an AC1 module, the reader’s LED will blink green for a fraction of a second then go solid red. Environment AC1 AC1Plus CX9702 ACX5740/20 ACX701 ACX781 Cause Incorrect wiring of card reader LED line. Resolution If card reader has two led lines make sure the right one is wired to the AC1/Controller. Typically when the undesired LED behavior is observed, swapping the LED line takes care of the problem.

Issue Blank space in personnel photo, photo does not fill the photo area. Environment CyberStation Cause No cropping in photo capture adjustment. Resolution 1. In the adjust section in the Capture Photo dialog, set the appropriate cropping and/or photo size. 2. In the Image Enhancement dialog, select the area in the original image (typically a rectangle around the person's face) that will appear in the photo frame.

Issue I have an obsolete floating / proportional / two-position actuator connected to my controller.  Need to replace the obsolete actuator, preferably without modifying the controller or valve. How do I locate a replacement? Environment Obsolete electronic actuator Cause Find replacement parts for obsolete actuators. Resolution Use the Schneider Electric Cross Reference Tool

Issue Can I use a RS-232 converter to RS-485 Environment Modbus Cause Using a converter for RS-232 to RS-485 Resolution RS-232 converters to RS-485 have been reported to work in some cases, we do not support converting RS-232 to RS-485. There are a lot of different configurations that can be different from vendor to vendor that can cause communications issues. It is suggested to use a commport that can handle the particular protocol that is needed instead of using a converter to change the protocol. Another option is to use our own Infilink200 or B-Link as an RS-232 to RS-485 converter for use on Comm1 when loaded with an Modbus RTU Xdriver or similar RS-485 protocol.

Issue Sigma remote client appears to freeze when the printer cannot print. Environment Sigma 4.05 SEB Cause Printer is unable to print because of paper jam, no paper or has been switched off. Resolution To overcome this issue carry out the following: On the remote Sigma client, deselect the printer as the Alarm printer in the alarm manager. Delete any Alarm filters that have been created. Delete the printer driver.

Issue An ACX5740/CX9680 does not provide access events to Cyberstation 1.81. Environment Cyberstation 1.81 or earlier version SQL Server 2005  Cause The ACX 5740/CX9680 was running version 1.1xxxxx/2.1xxxxx firmware. This version of firmware is incompatible with Cyberstation versions 1.81 and earlier. Resolution The site was offered the option of upgrading the version of Cyberstation to 1.9x, or down-reving the ACX 5740/CX9680 to version 1.0xxxxx/2.0xxxxx. Flash down-reving the controller was chosen and did resolve the access event delivery issue.

Issue ACCTrace and Windows error log show multiple DBFaultDetection, SQLSTATE ERROR CODE:  S1000, ERROR MESSAGE:  [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Warning: Fatal error 823 occurred Environment CyberStation Cause Device (disk) error. Resolution Recommended course of action from Microsoft: Error 823 Severity Level 24 Message Text I/O error %ls detected during %S_MSG of %S_BUF. Explanation Microsoft SQL Server encountered an I/O error on a read or write request made to a device. This error usually indicates disk problems. The parameters in the error message refer to internal structures and don't often help determine which device is involved. However, additional kernel messages in the error log, recorded before error 823, should indicate which device is involved. Action Check the accessibility and condition of the device in question. After you have identified and corrected the problem, execute DBCC CHECKDB to ensure that no other damage was caused by the bad device. For information about using DBCC CHECKDB, see "DBCC CHECKDB" in Microsoft SQL Server Transact-SQL and Utilities Reference. Important If executing DBCC CHECKDB with one of the repair clauses does not correct the index problem or if you are unsure what effect DBCC CHECKDB with a repair clause has on your data, contact your primary support provider. In addition, run hardware diagnostics and correct any problems

Issue The I/NET Seven CD includes a readme file that lists each database build used for each version. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET documentation Cause Coordinating builds and versions avoids issues. Resolution Build File Date Host PC Revision 2259 Feb-18-2011 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.40A 2242 Jul-15-2010 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.40 2227 Jan-26-2010 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.31 2193 Dec-11-2008 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.21 2157 Jun-19-2008 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.16 2147 Aug-21-2007 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.15 2124 Dec-18-2006 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.13 2089 Jun-06-2006 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.12 2020 May-05-2005 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 2.01 977 Oct-15-2003 I/NET Seven Host Software - Rev 1.1