Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Description of the file types and file extensions in Menta. Environment Menta Vista Lonmaker .AUT, .TLG, .MCB, .COD, .XLG, .ESP, .OPE, .OPC, .ESP, .BIN, .CHR, .COD, .XIF, .MTA, OPDOC.GOP, .SPT, .BIN, OPDOC.SPT, OPDOC.TMP, .BPR. Cause Description of the filetypes in Menta. Resolution The following data files are involved when creating a Menta application for a Xenta 280/300/401 device. .AUT Text file with application program source code and data including graphical block diagram. .TLG The trendlog definition. .MCB Macro block file (Group of blocks). .COD “Machine code” file in ASCII format for downloading to the TAC Xenta controller. .XLG The compiled trendlog definition. .ESP Specification file with public signals, their attributes etc. generated by TAC Menta. This file contains input data to the OP configuration tool. .OPE A file with an empty tree, i.e. an OP tree without a specification file. This is the kind of file that is created when the OP configuration tool is run from the program manager. .OPC A mix of an .OPE and an .ESP file. This file is created by the OP configuration tool when it has been invoked from TAC Menta. .BIN Binary file with OP menu tree data for downloading to the TAC Xenta controller together with the .COD file. .CHR National character set file for downloading to the TAC Xenta controller together with the .COD file. .XIF External interface file containing a standardized description of all network variables/ objects of the application program. The .XIF enables binding and communication with LonWorks nodes from other manufacturers. .MTA Menta project file, which can include all files (all types mentioned above except for .MCB and .OPE) related to a certain application. Once a file (for example .AUT or .OPC) has been inserted (saved) in the project file, it can be extracted (opened) anytime as an .MTA file. The .MTA file can be stored directly in the TAC Vista database. Note: The .MTA file can be stored in the TAC Vista database even though it can not be compiled. An .MTA file which is not compilable will not, of course, be possible to download into a TAC Xenta device. It must be correct and compilable before download is possible. In addition to the files listed above, the following data files are involved in the creation of the .BIN file. These files are placed in a specific directory for temporary files. OPDOC.GOP An ASCII file created by the OP configuration tool when the Generate command is executed. This file is converted to an .SPT file, which in turn is converted to a .BIN file OPDOC.SPT Intermediate ASCII file generated from the.GOP file. OPDOC.TMP Intermediate ASCII file generated from the.GOP file. BPR The Network Neighborhood file, describing the TAC Xenta device’s surrounding network nodes and groups. This information was taken from the TAC Menta Technical Manual.

Issue Can not view OGC graphics in Vista 4.5.0, only a white screen is shown when the graphic is opened. It is possible to edit the graphic and create new graphics but not view any OGC graphics. Environment Vista 4.5.0 Windows 2003 server Cause The folder C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Temp\TemporaryGraphicsFiles is missing, this is where the cached OGC files should be saved. Resolution Create a new Windows user Log into Windows with that user Start Vista with that user The cache folder is created and it is now possible to see graphics again

Issue A loggbackup file is not copied from $bkp in the Vista database to the place specified in the backup object. Environment Vista 5.1.5 Windows XP SQL 2005 express Cause When the SQL server is finished with the backup it tells Vista, and Vista then copies the bkp file from $bkp in the Vista database to the place specified in the backup object in Vista. In this case the SQL server succeeds with the backup but fails to put it in the history log called dbo.backupfile in the MSDB database. So Vista never gets the message that SQL is finished and doesn't move it to the right location. Resolution The dbo.backupfile table in the msdb database was corrupt and needed repair. Contact PSS or have a SQL expert check the msdb database.

Issue Does Continuum support multiple object trend reports? How can I display a report that shows the trend data for multiple objects. Environment Continuum CyberStation BACnet TrendLogs Cause While trend data for a single BACnet point can be reported from the TrendLog object by selecting View Report from the Data page of the TrendLog object editor, it is usually necessary to display comparative trend data from multiple points. Resolution Since BACnet points themselves do not store trend data the way Infinity points do, BACnet requires that another object, the TrendLog object, be used to store this data in the controller.  The trend data for a single object can be viewed by selecting View Report from the Data page of the TrendLog object editor to which the point is attached.  Continuum Report objects can be used to view BACnet trend data. Unlike Infinity points, BACnet points are not added to the Report objects member list  since BACnet points contains no trend data.  Instead the TrendLog object which has been configured for, and to which the BACnet point has been attached, is added to the Continuum Report TrendLog member list. Multiple TrendLog objects can be added to the member list of a Continuum Report. The member list is the Trend Log window found on the Filter page of the Report object editor.   The configuration of the Report object editor should be as follows. Data Source: Current Value Report Type:  SnapShot of Trend Log buffer contents. Chart Type:  Text (data schedule)  or Trend (graph)

Issue What is the switching level resistance for a digital input to be seen as 1 in a Xenta 411/412 I/O modules Environment Xenta 411/12 Cause Integrating third party devices with Xenta 411/412 I/O modules. Resolution The switching level resistance for a digital input to be seen as 1 in a Xenta 411/12 is around 2000ohm

Issue When attempting to install the Web Server software directly onto a site PC, an error is indicated and the installation fails. The error message is as follows; Unknown Error - 0X80042000 Environment Sigma. Web Server Installation. Antivirus Software. Cause The Antivirus software sees the installation as a threat and stops it. Resolution Disable the Antivirus software while the installation of the Sigma Web server takes place. This may require that the site IT department get involved.

Issue Using BACnet Multistate points within Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet Cause Can't use Multistate points values to trigger graphics or other objects Resolution A third Party Multistate BACnet object needs to be mapped to a Continuum Infinity Numeric before it can be read as number. A third Party Multistate BACnet object may be read as State 1, State 2, state 3 or On, Off, -On or other values These should be either mapped to Infinity Strings or Numerical to be displayed or measures as required. eg. ContinuumNum = BACnetFullPath\PointName (if a number is required) Then a ContinuumString can be set based on the ContinuumNum value if the text read from the third party point requires modifying. Other MultiState Bacnet Notes When setting the value of a third party Multistate Bacnet Objects eg "Heat", "Cool", "Auto", "Off", try using an integer ie WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, 4, 1) rather than WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, Heat, 1) Note: Some 3rd party bacnet devices default their multi-state values to 0 instead of 1. Cyberstation will not accept a default value of 0. Get the 3rd party vendor to set the default to 1 if possible.

Issue When configuring an Infinity Schedule, why can't I select an object from another controller for the Occupancy Point? Environment Continuum CyberStation WebClient Schedules InfinityController Cause Trying to configure a schedule to control a remote point. Resolution Infinity Schedule objects must control points that reside in the controller in which the schedule resides. Continuum will not allow you to browse to or select points that reside in controllers other than the controller that the schedule resides in.

Issue Decommissioned devices in a LonMaker database which was converted from a NL220 database; however, did not get LNS credits back. Environment LonMaker NL220 Cause Converting NL220 database into LonMaker database is not simple. The major issue is to recreate the Visio drawing. In addition, Since the database was created in NL220, LonMaker will not be able to give those credits back even user decommission those devices. Resolution Decommission devices in a LonMaker database which was converted by NL220 WILL NOT let users get the LNS credits back. For additional information, please contact ECHELON and NEWRON SYSTEM. ECHELON product support: lonsupport@echelon.com NEWRON SYSTEM product support: hot.line@newron-system.com

Issue In some situations, netcontrollers including BCX,CX, and ACX controllers will go offline when doing "teach" and then go back online after a couple of minutes. When reloading the controller, during the period of "teach", controllers go offline. Controller is online with Cyberstation but goes offline during the reload, reloading by class (Numerics, inputs etc) works fine. Environment Cyberstation 1.90~1.93 Windows XP sp3, Windows 7 professional. Cause 1. Some offline cyberstation has same IP address or Network ID as the cyberstation which you are doing the "teach" 2. Also caused by Cyberstation configured for DHCP instead of static ip address Resolution SOLUTION  1: Get rid off the offline cyberstation in the system, or modify ID address and Network ID of your cyberstation. Restart Continuum SOLUTION 2: Assign static IP address to the Cyberstation.

Issue I/NET freezes, everything works properly after rebooting the PC. Running Windows XP SP3 and I/NET version 2.31 build 2227. Possible problem is with igrph.dll. Environment I/NET 2.31 build 2227 on a computer running XP SP3  Cause Experiencing that I/NET often freezes but can get the software to work properly after rebooting the PC. Possible problem with igrph.dll shown in event log. Resolution A stand alone computer or a computer which is primarily used for administering the I/NET network will have this issue.  1.Check the video drivers being used. In I/NET, what is happening with the graphics pages? 2. It the computer on a particular graphics page when it continually locks up or the main page perhaps? 3. If it is a particular page, check that page for corruption. 4. Consider removing the graphics pages, see if computer continues to freeze. Perhaps the video card or video drivers are conflicting. What anti virus is running. 5. Look for an Adobe or other popup causing a freeze. 6. 2.31 with build 2227 is widely used, very stable and rarely cause graphic problems or graphic freeze. 

Issue Decoding information from the door's DoorFault attribute value. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9702 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 ACX701 ACX781 Cause The door's DoorFault attribute value is a weighted bit map that encodes information about a problem with the door as a whole or with one or both sides of a single reader/dual reader door. Resolution The attribute is a bitmap that contains the following data: Door Fault Codes BIT VALUE DESCRIPTION 1 1 ACX Database Fault 2 2 Entry Keypad Tamper 3 4 Exit Keypad Tamper 4 8 Entry Reader Bit Fault 5 16 Exit Reader Bit Fault 6 32 Bond Sensor Violation 7 64 Unused 8 128 Unused   For example, a value of 2 indicates a keypad tamper at the entry reader, a value of 4 is a keypad tamper at the exit reader, 6 is keypad tamper at both readers and so on. Note: The AlarmEnrollment Alarmed Attribute has a dropdown box that includes Doorfault. Ignore that. Set The AlarmEnrollment Alarmed Attribute to be Value and the Expression to be DoorFault = 2 in order to alarm a keypad tamper at the entry reader.

Issue Can you import a csv file to create infinity controllers. Environment CyberStation Personnel Objects CSV Excel Cause To create objects in Continuum by importing a text file. Resolution A CSV import file can be used to create objects of most classes.  The CSV file must contain the at least three lines A line establishing the class of the objects that are to be created A header line describing the order of the attributes in subsequent lines with each attribute name separated by a comma. A line stating the value of each attribute separated by a comma.  If objects of more than one class are created a new section of the CSV file must be created beginning with the objects class. 

Issue VeederRoot on BCX comm1:  failure to communicate. Environment Continuum CX X-Driver VeederRoot Cause Cannot establish communication with VeederRoot controller via X-Driver. Resolution The VeederRoot controller must have the correct Firmware version in order to communicate via x driver. 

Issue Alarm message received "Trend Log Object [Object Name]. Could not transfer log values automatically. Try Manually" Environment Vista Server Xenta Controllers Cause Log space set to 0 seconds or minutes for trend log. Communication breakdown between Vista and Xenta Controllers. Resolution Set Log Space to minimum 10 sec or 1 min per trend log Communication between Xenta and Vista should be normal.

Issue ABB drives connected to UNC-520 on BACnet MS/TP network do not update automatically; an upload needs to be performed in order for the points to be updated. Environment I/A Series R2 BACnet, all versions Cause By default, R2 sets the readPropertySupported flag to True.  ABB drives do not support the Read Property Multiple feature. Resolution In R2, in the Properties of the BACnet device, set the readPropertySupported flag to False.

Issue What file formats can be used in Pinpoint? Environment Continuum Pinpoint Cause There are many image file formats available so there is a need to know which ones are supported in Pinpoint Resolution 1. Proprietary Pinpoint Files .pin    Proprietary file format for pinpoint graphic files .bck   Proprietary backup files for graphics panels 2. Image Files .jpg    Joint Photographic Experts group created this file standard .bmp  Bitmap image file .ico    Image file for icons in Microsoft Windows .emf  Enhanced metafile, 32-bit version of the 16-bit WMF (Windows Metafile) format .dib   Device independent bitmap file .html hypertext markup language files used for web browser controls 3. Video Files .avi    Audio video interleave is a multimedia container format .mov  An Apple QuickTime media container format .mpg  An audio video file format know as MPEG designed to compress video and audio (MP3) Pinpoint comes with a number of backgrounds and image files. Adobe Illustrator and other image file software programs can be used to create additional files in the above formats which can be used in Pinpoint.

Issue The following error message is seen when attempting to launch the I/A Series R2 WorkPlace Pro or Enterprise Server : "This product requires a valid license. Missing license file: /nre/lib/license.properties." Environment I/A Series R2 (all versions), Enterprise Server, WorkPlace Pro Cause The computer has file extensions hidden, causing the license.properties file to actually be named license.properties.properties. Resolution Use the Windows Explorer to navigate to the directory that contains the license.properties file (typically \niagara\r2.301.xxx\nre\lib). If running Windows 7,  select Organize then Layout and check "Menu Bar" to enable the Windows Explorer menu bar.  This menu bar is the same as the Windows Explorer menu bar found in earlier versions of Windows. Select menu item Tools - Folder Options ...  Select the View tab and locate the checkbox for "Hide extensions for known file types." Uncheck the checkbox and select OK. Rename the file to license.properties and save.

Issue Wants to have LO-2 with external momentary input switch works with schedule object of Continuum. Such as, when the input is ON and the schedule is ON then the PE program turns the lighting output to ON. Environment NetController(CX99xx & CX9680) IOU module (LO-2) Cause LO-2 provides 2 inputs (the 2 Class II Low Voltage override inputs) for direct control of lighting relays but no input signals are not available on LO-2 or NetController.  Resolution Use other input IOU modules such as UI8 or DI8 for the lighting control switch input, and create a PE program to check the input together with the schedule numeric value before turning the lighting control output value to ON or OFF.

Issue How to interpret a M-Bus point details in a VX communication log such as External Temp [C] {1:0:0}. Environment Xenta Server 913 Cause The  External Temp [C] {1:0:0} message is providing important information about the point. External Temp = Field Type [C] = Unit {1 = Storage # :0: = Sub-Unit 0} = Tariff # Resolution Use the details of the communication log message to correct configuration problems in the device editor. MVAL External Temp [C] {1:0:0} value not required This message provides device details that a point exists, but the Device Editor is not looking for it. !MVAL External Temp [C] {2:0:0} =not received A point is expected but was not found.