Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue MNB-V2 functions as a standalone controller – can it be flow balanced without an UNC/ENC or MNB-1000 controller? Environment MNB-V1, MNB-V2 Cause Controller is standalone Resolution Yes, it is possible to run WorkPlace Flow Balance Tool without an UNC/ENC.  The MNB-Roam-IA, RS485 to RS232 Bluetooth adapter can be used for this purpose.  The adapter converts RS-485 signals to either RS-232 or Bluetooth protocols.  It allows for communications between a PC (desktop or laptop) and I/A Series MicroNet BACnet Controllers.  The supplied adapter cable provides the necessary connection between the RoamIA and the MS/TP jack of a MNB-V1 or MNB-v2 controller. An external USB Bluetooth adaptor must be purchased for systems that do not currently have Bluetooth capability.  The Belkin USB, Model F8T017 - UPC Code: 7 22868 67681 3 is the only external adaptor that has been approved and tested to for use with WorkPlace Tech. Although other external adapters may work, use of this adapter is required for resolving product support issues. The MNB-Roam-IA can be purchased through our Purchased Product division.  The Belkin USB, Model F8T017 Bluetooth adapter will have to be attained through other sources.

Issue An I/STAT or M/STAT plugged into a Xenta 102-AX will display the room temperature but it is not possible to enter service mode -- none of the buttons do anything. Environment Xenta 102-AX M/STAT I/STAT Cause There are different versions of the I/STAT and M/STAT for the Xenta and I/NET product lines. Resolution For use with a Xenta 102-AX, use an I/STAT-A or M/STAT-A For use with an I/NET MR-VAV-AX use either an I/STAT or I/STAT-A, or M/STAT or M/STAT-A

Issue The option to purchase a permanent license of WorkPlace Tech, is not selectable in the WorkPlace Tech Purchase software. Environment WorkPlace Tech (all Versions) Cause N/A Resolution Correcting this issue will require the assistance of Product Support Services.

Issue PIN on card reader keypad is not working and no access event is created. Environment All ACX and AC-1 products with doors configured to Validate PIN or with General Code selected, i.e., PIN only or card plus PIN.  ACX5740, ACX5720, CX9900 or CX9940 with AC-1, AC-1A, AC1-PLUS, ACX700, ACX781 Cause This situation can be the result of either cardholder error or can be due to incorrect keypad configuration. Resolution If the problem is due to cardholder error it is likely that the cardholder is forgetting to press the keypad # key after entering his/her PIN. The # key is what sends the PIN to the controller for validation. If the keypad is configured incorrectly it may not be sending the PIN correctly, even if the cardholder is pressing # after the PIN. This is because the keypad data needs to be sent as an 8-bit burst in order for the NetController or ACX to correctly interpret it. Some card reader/keypads can be reconfigured with a special configuration card from the manufacturer (such as HID iClass). Check with the manufacturer if you think the keypad data output configuration is incorrect. 

Issue How does controller part number relate to the controller type Environment Continuum 1.7 onwards for bCX Continuum 1.74SP2 onwards for NC2 Cause Require details on Controller type, these detail are available in the Operation and Technical Reference Guide Resolution Part Number Type NC2  9680 bCX1-R-?? 4000 bCX1-CR-??? 4040 bCX1-CR-???-INF 9640 The actual type can be confirmed by logging on to the controller web page Full details from relevant guide CX9680 NetController II with optional Network Security code linked with firmware, although the code may not be activated at run-time. This option provides secure, encrypted communication between the controller and a workstation. CX9681 NetController II without optional Network Security code linked with firmware. bCX4000 BACnet Router and BBMD only .. bCX1-R-64 = 64 MS/TP Nodes No xP module support No PE Driver support BACnet/IP, BACnet/Ethernet bCX4040 BACnet controller with MS/TP Bus xP expansion bus for up to 2 I/O modules + 1 Display module 1 MS/TP port and 1 RS232 port BACnet limitations are indicated by the bCX1 part number, and include: .. bCX1-CR-0 = 0 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-8 = 8 MS/TPNodes .. bCX1-CR-32 = 32 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-64 = 64 MS/TPNodes .. bCX1-CR-127 = 127 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-0-SA = 0 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-8-SA = 8 MS/TP Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-32-SA = 32 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-64-SA = 64 MS/TPNodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-127-SA = 127 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming bCX9640 Full function controller with Infinet Bus xP expansion bus for up to 2 I/O modules + 1 Display module, 1 Infinet and 1 RS232 port Infinet bus limitations are indicated by the bCX1 part number, and include: .. bCX1-CR-0-INF = 0 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-8-INF = 8 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-32-INF = 32 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-64-INF = 64 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-127-INF = 127 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-0-INF-SA = 0 Infinet Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-8-INF-SA = 8 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-32-INF-SA = 32 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-64-INF-SA = 64 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-127-INF-SA = 127 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming The bCX can have XDrivers on comm1, comm2 or both ( add -X1, -X2 or -X12)

Issue When we open query wizard for building up any query after the year 2010, the maximum end date can be selected up to 2010 only. Environment Vykon Alarm Service  client version 2.4 Cause The Vykon Alarm Service client version 2.4 query range contains a maximum query year of 2010 within the software code. Resolution New VAS Clients (2.50 and 3.92) along with associated release notes have been placed on The Exchange Extranet website.  Please note that you must be a licensed BMS Partner to download the assets. For non-partner, please contact your Schneider Electric local branch or Partner for access.  The VAS_2.50_Client.zip file contains the VAS 2.50 Client Installer and associated Enterprise Server vas service module (vas-2.301.532.v2.jar). VAS 2.50 is for use with Enterprise Servers that utilize database management systems including Cloudscape, MSDE, Microsoft SQL, or Oracle. If currently using VAS 2.4x, upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v2 jar and VAS 2.50 client. If currently using VAS 3.xx, do not install this version. Download and upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v3.jar and VAS 3.92 client. The VAS_3.92_Client.zip file contains the VAS 3.92 Client Installer and associated Enterprise Server vas service module (vas-2.301.532.v3.jar). VAS 3.92 is for use with Enterprise Servers that utilize MSDE, Microsoft SQL, or Oracle database management systems only. VAS 3.92 Is not compatible with Cloudscape. If currently using VAS 3.xx, upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v3 jar and VAS 3.92 client. If currently using VAS 2.4x, do not install this version. Download and upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v2.jar and VAS 2.50 client.

Issue Some system administrators wish to set up very limited privileges for certain users but need those same users to be able to do a controller reload. What are the minimum user security "keys" required to set this up? Environment Continuum CyberStation Cause Incorrect user security settings (locks vs. keys) will not allow a logged on user to reload a controller. Resolution In order for a limited user to be able to reload a controller, that user must have user security settings to reset, teach, create, and edit (if applicable) every item inside that particular controller (i.e., InfinityNumerics, Infinity Inputs, schedules, groups, etc.) as well as  the same privileges for controller object itself. See also the CyberStation Online Help System under Security Editor topic.  

Issue I connected the new cable and the netcontroller immediately reset and lost memory. I reloaded the Netcontroller and before it was completed it reset and lost memory. Environment NC9680 LA1 Xdriver Veederoot Cause Improper Veederoot point configuration. Corrupted Veederoot point objects. Resolution Deleted all of the Veeder-Root points. Manually entered the points one at a time. Reloaded the Netcontroller.

Issue Want to update only the events not the commanded variable or configuration points. When using the copy option, this command also change the configuration points. When copying a schedule with only a few events added, the schedule in the target controller has all other events cleared.   Environment Cyberstation Schedules Cause The limitations of Mass Create and Mass Change. Resolution In order for the copy function to work, the schedules have to be configured identically. When a copy operation takes place Continuum tries to resolve the object name with respect to the target controller. If it cannot find the same numeric in the target controller, since schedules can only be configured to control numerics or outputs in the local controller, the name cannot be reconciled. When this happens the configuration point link is dropped. Continuum cannot be configured to ignore the name the Occupancy point, the Occupancy start DateTime or the Occupancy Stop date time. Continuum will not merge schedule events within the source schedule with schedule events existing in the target schedule. It simply replaces all events with the events from the source schedule.

Issue When Zbuilder is opened from LonMaker the setpoints revert to default values: US - 50°F SI - 10°C Environment LonMaker 3.x Zbuilder 5.1.4 - 5.1.5 Cause If the Region format is English (United States) but the Measurement system is Metric then the value provided to Zbuilder from LNS server is handled improperly. Resolution Change the Region Settings Open the Windows Control Panel and access the Region and Language settings. Click the Additional Settings button to change the Measurement System to U.S. Change the format of the Setpoints Open the LNS browser for any Xenta 121 controller in this database. Find the scptSetPnts and right click and select Change Format. Change the format to scptSetPnts#US.

Issue What version of Datacard ID Works Software integrates correctly with I/NET Seven? Environment I/NET Seven Datacard ID Works Cause Usually the customer wants to integrate the Access Control of I/NET Seven with Video Badging software. He is faced with what version is the correct one for this purpose. Resolution The ID Works Standard Version is the product you should choose for this integration. However, there are two different options in this Standard version: The “Full” Version - ID Works 6.5 with the designer option included With this version, badge templates can be modified and badges can be printed. This version will integrate into an I/NET Seven system. (Please Note that you cannot order Datacard thru Iportal anymore) You have to order thru Datacard.   The “Production” Version - ID Works without the designer option This version will not allow you to change any of the badge templates. It only allows for printing of badges. This version will integrate into an I/NET Seven system. (Please Note that you cannot order Datacard thru Iportal anymore) You have to order thru Datacard.  

Issue Procedure for replacing an MR-VAV-AX Environment I/NET MR-VAV-AX Cause Hardware is in need of repair or replacement Resolution Ensure that you have a valid .sav file for the ASC.  Remove defective MR-VAV-AX hardware Copy DIP switch settings of the old MR-VAV-AX to the new MR-VAV-AX Re-verify hardware terminations to ensure that wiring did not cause the existing device to need repair Power up the new MR-VAV-AX At the I/NET workstation, connect to the appropriate Sub Lan Interface controller. Select Edit>Controller>ASC Parameters Click Update ASC Select the address of the replaced MR-VAV-AX and click OK Once the download is complete select the address of the replaced MR-VAV-AX Click Restore Once the download is complete verify controller function

Issue When adding an additional WS to an existing SU(SingleUser) SQLExpress PC, DBInit -> Workstation Configuration gets error message "SQL Server PC_Name does not exist or access denied. Workstation Setup Failed! Please try again or click Cancel to exit." Environment Continuum Cyberstation version 1.82 and higher with MS SQL Express. Cause MS SQL Express requires Instance Name as SQLExpress for Database connection. Resolution Set value of the Server Name in Workstation Configuration of DBInit to "SU_PC_Name\SQLExpress". For example, if the computer name of the existing SU Workstation is "MyPC01", you need to type "MyPC01\SQLExpress" in the Server Name attribute of the Workstation Configuration of the additional Cyberstation. Note: A SU SQL Express database can only support up to 2 additional Workstations.

Issue Running SevenReports a C++ Run Time error. Happens either in Archive data reports or database reports yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss Environment I/NET Seven version 2.16 to current Cause Scope of Data yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss Resolution    The C++ Runtime error or crash of SevenReports is due to a timeout problem because the archived data is so much information. What you will need to do is a couple of things listed below: Run the archive file SevenReport or ArchiveSevenReport file with the following steps in mind 1. If using Archived reports, mount the archive file with the desired dates to search 2. when the date range comes up on the screen, offering to search with date, hour, minutes, and seconds yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss limit the time range. The whole key here is to limit the time range. Example of range is below.   In other words, search for only 2 minutes on just one day. Do not put in three days, or three hours. Only search within a very limited search window. The crash occurs because there are huge archive or database entries with thousands of transactions that have to be sorted and searched through. The crash was due to the report program attempting to generate a report with to much data to sort through. Be patient. Even on old computers, with XP, 500MB or RAM, and limited resources, the reports will be produced.  Time and time again, this issue comes across. Using my old computer in the lab, the database from the customer is loaded, the archive files are loaded and still it works every time. The C++ Run Time error appears when expanding the search to more data and crashed the report. But limiting the amount of time to minutes or perhaps one hour, produces a report. (For an example of unusual examples: there have been 2 minutes of time for the search criteria, and 38,000 pages of report produced.)     2010-08-16 09:00:00 until 2010-08-16 09:02:00   One thing you may want to look into at your site if you are experiencing large amounts of data for reports is Scan Interval. Read TCON300 for more info. Information on Scan Interval and how this information is collected in the database. This is important because the more data you collect, the faster the scan rate interval, the more data will be in the reports. Input and Output Points Point Database Parameters   The Scan Interval field is used with all point types. Enter a number between 1 and 255. This is the length of time in seconds that elapses between point scans.   If the point is an external input point, the controller scans the point at the interval you specify here, and updates its state/value in RAM memory of the DCU.   If the point is an external output point, or an internal input or output point, the scan interval determines how often a calculated point equation controlling the point (if applicable) is processed.   If the point is an indirect input or output point, the scan interval governs the time it will take to go to the “old data” state.   The default scan interval is 10 seconds for input points and 60 seconds for output points. All points can have their own unique scan intervals. All external discrete input points are scanned for discrete contact changes at 100 millisecond intervals.   Note: Defining an individual scan interval reduces available RAM memory in the DCU by approximately four bytes. You can conserve DCU memory by using the same scan interval for multiple points.

Issue What is the minimum pulse width for an MNB-300 universal input (UI) configured for pulse input. Environment MNB-300 Cause Product Specification Resolution UI1 (Fast Pulse) Minimum rate of 1 pulse per 4 minutes Maximum rate of 10 pulses per second (minimum pulse width 50 mSec) UI2 - UI6 (Standard Pulse) Minimum rate of 1 pulse per 4 minutes Maximum rate of 1 pulse per second (minimum pulse width 500 mSec)

Issue When opening I/NET and getting an Initialization failure error and unable to log on to start the program. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Revision 2.40 and higher on Windows 7 PCs. Cause There was a security update that disabled the Named Pipes and TCP/IP that is required for SQL to run. Resolution Start , All Programs select Microsoft SQL 2005 or 2008 Expand Configuration Tools and select SQL Server Configuration Manager Select SQL Native Client Configuration and expand it then click on Client Protocols Verify that TCP/IP and Named Pipes are enabled Click on SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration and click on Protocols for MSSQLSERVER Verify that Named Pipes and TCP/IP are enabled Open up Services and verify that SQL Agent, SQL Server and SQL Browser are all running and set to automatic. Start the I/O Configuration and verify that the connection is made to the correct database Restart I/NET again and it should allow you to start the program now. For Remote Client with I/O Configuration: Repeat the above on SQL Server PC Ensure that port 50069, 1433 and 1434 are open between the PCs

Issue Use L-IP and NL220 to compose Vista LNS database. How to move the database from the engineering PC to the site PC? Environment Vista 5.X.X LNS Network NL220 Loytec L-IP Cause Due to the complexity of LNS network, it is recommended to follow the steps listed below to move the LNS database and Vista database from an engineering PC to a site PC. Otherwise, it may result controllers offline, Vista database opens extremely slow or freeze. Resolution NL220+L-IP is the most common combination for LNS network. How to move the database completed on the engineering PC to the site PC? The following steps can be followed: The software needed to be installed on site PC: Vista Server, Vista ToolPack, NL220.   A NL220 dongle is needed.  (The dongle does not need to be locked to the site PC for moving database purpose; however, it is recommended to have the dongle locked to the site PC for future maintenance purpose.)   Backup the LNS database on the engineering PC. (Select “Backup Project” in the NL220.)   Make a copy of Vista database.   Copy both backups (LNS and Vista) onto the site PC. NOTE: It is recommended to keep the paths of both databases the same. Otherwise, it may results graphic pages lost.   Specify the folder path of Vista Server on site PC to the backup database.   Add the L-IP interface in the Control Panel.   Plug the NL220 dongle onto the site PC. Open NL220, create a new project and select the interface as L-IP.   Close the project, select “Restore Project” and specify it to the backup database for NL220.   Open the NL220 project again and select the System Plug-in.   Update the LNS database to Vista Server in the System plug-in again.   Select the “Commence Communication” to start the communication.   Open TAC Vista Workstation. Then the LNS interface in the Workstation should be online. NOTE: without a NL220 dongle plugged in the site PC, TAC Vista workstation should operate normally. However, it is impossible to make any change to the LNS database.

Issue Although i2 infinet controllers were installed, when the site was built offline i1 Infinet controller objects were created. How can I change the Infinet controllers from i1 controllers to i2 controller?  Environment i1 i2 Infinet InfinityInfinetController Cause Programmer selects the wrong type of Infinet Controller objects. Upgrading from i1 Infinet controllers to i2 InfinetControllers. Resolution In Continuum 1.9 and up the Infinity controller model can be changed after the InfinityController object has been created.  Note: Some older versions of Continuum do not support all controller models.  Make sure the controller model you are installing is selectable under Controller Type in the controller editor. To upgrade to an i2 controller from an i1 Controllers Edit the controller Select the correct model number, enter the new serial number and apply. Reload the controller. Also consider any EMX Expansion modules fitted, these will need to be replaced by appropriate point count xP modules, the i2 controllers support a maximum of 2 modules.

Issue How do I calculate the pulse constant for an MNL-800 BI object configured for pulse input? The Pulse Constant is a user entered pulse scaling value used by the pulse algorithm for calculating the output based on a pulses per second frequency. The range of the Pulse Constant value is 0.1 to 1000. Environment MNL-800 Cause How do I calculate the pulse constant for an MNL-800 BI object configured for pulse input? Resolution Calculating the pulse constant requires the value to first be scaled to the equivalent pulse rate in seconds. Two examples are shown below. The first example represents a water meter that provides a pulse that represents cubic feet per minutes. The meter generates one pulse per minute that represents a rate of 10 cubic feet per minute. The pulse constant calculates on a per second basis so the first step is to determine what one pulse represents as a rate per second. 1 pulse per minute / 60 seconds = 0.0166666 rate per second Next, divide this value into the desired output when this pulse rate occurs. In this case, the rate value is 10 so the pulse constant is equal to 10 / 0.01666666 or 600. The second example represents an electric meter that provides a pulse that represents KW. The meter generates one pulse every 0.5 second that represents a rate of 15 KW. The meter will pulse twice every second (1 second / 0.5 second). The pulse constant is calculated by multiplying the rate value by 2 or a pulse constant of 30. A meter pulsing twice per second will generate an output of 30 KW. Reference the WorkPlace Tech Tool Engineering Guide - Binary Input object (F-26580) for more details.

Issue Most of the xDriver points provide bit (binary) information in a word(integer) point in order to save register address. In order to interpret/decrypt the bit information out of the word(integer) value, PE programming is required. Environment Net Controller (CX99xx, CX96xx) bCX controller (bCX4040) ACX5740/5720 Cause Bit information is displayed as a number in the controller when read in to.  Need to have PE function to decrypt the number in to each bit information. Resolution Create InfinityProgram in the Controller as below; ' = = = = = = = = = Numeric locNum1 Numeric nBit0, nBit1, nBit2, nBit3, nBit4, nBit5, nBit6, nBit7, Numeric nBit8, nBit9, nBit10, nBit11, nBit12, nBit13, nBit14, nBit15 Line ReadAndSet   locNum1 = CIAlarms ' Read the xDriver point and set to local point.   Goto AAA Line AAA   ' Decrypt each bit information from the locally mirrored point.   nBit0 = (locNum1 bitand 2 ^ 0) > 0     nBit1 = (locNum1 bitand 2 ^ 1) > 0    nBit2 = (locNum1 bitand 2 ^ 2) > 0  . . . . .    nBit15 = (locNum1 bitand 2 ^ 15) > 0    Goto BBB Line BBB   ' Do something here for each nBit0~nBit15 such as below   ' If nBit0 then   ' set InverterTempAlarm = On   'Set the global point to ON   ' Else   ' set InverterTempAlarm = Off   'Set the global point to OFF   ' Endif   . . . . . .    Goto CCC Line CCC   ' Wait for 15 seconds and send to the first line to read the xDriver point again.   If TS < 15 then Goto CCC   Goto ReadAndSet Line E   If TS < 30 then Goto E   Goto ReadAndSet ' = = = = = = = = =