Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The Xbuilder device editor by default only allows 200 lines, and some integration efforts require more than 200 points to be programmed. Environment Xbuilder Device Editor Cause The device editor only has 200 rows by default. Resolution The device editor is designed with excel functionality meaning, new rows can be added to allow for more points to be programmed. To add rows to the device editor follow these steps: Open the device editor. Right click on the row number. Choose insert row. Type in the desired number of rows (up to 100) If more than 100 are needed repeat steps 2-4.

Issue Is there a way to keep resending alarm notifications until they get acknowledged in R2? Environment R2, WorkPlace Pro (all versions) Cause N/A Resolution R2 does not provide a way to resend an alarm, already in an alarm state, until it gets acknowledged.  Resending alarms is possible in G3

Issue A power failure at the site causes all CyberStations to shut down, will the CX controllers buffer access events? what happens if the controller resets as a result of power glitch? Environment Cyberstation CX9702 CX9900, CX9940 CX9680 ACX5740, ACX5720 Cause -Power failure or controller reset due to electrical noise during thunder storm. Resolution 1. All controllers will buffer access events when they lose communication with the primary and secondary access server. 2. If the controller resets as a result of a power loss that exceeds the UPS capacity or due to a glitch or spike in the power line then whether the events will persists or not depends on the controller type. CX9702, CX9900 and CX9940 Access events in controller buffer will be lost CX9680, ACX5740 and ACX5720 Internal battery will keep RAM intact for up to 30 days Controller will warm start after a glitch or spike in the power line and maintain the events in its buffer. *** NOTE If controller has to cool start (restore its objects from flash memory) then the access events in the buffer WILL BE LOST. 

Issue When a SQL query is run on taclogdata to view events or trend logs, the time stamps returned differ by an hour or more from the those of the same events when viewed in Vista. Environment TAC Vista 4.3 and higher MS SQL Server Cause All time stamps are stored in taclogdata as UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) regardless of your local time zone and DST (Daylight Saving Time) settings. When you view events or trend logs in Vista, the Time Zone and DST settings of your Workstation are added to the UTC time so that you see time stamps synchronized with your local time. This does not occur when a SQL query is run directly on taclogdata. Resolution If you need to query the Vista SQL database directly, you could use the DATEADD function to calculate your local time from the UTC values, e.g. in SQL Server Management Studio run the following query to show the EventId, UTC time and local time for all events that occurred in the last 24 hours. USE taclogdata; SELECT EventId, EventDatetime, DATEADD(hour, datediff(hour, getutcdate(), getdate()), EventDatetime) AS LocalTime FROM Event WHERE EventDatetime > DATEADD(day, -1, GETUTCDATE()) Please note:  DATEADD adds a fixed offset to the input time.  It does not compensate for start and end dates of DST. 

Issue An end-customer purchased WorkPlace Tech 4.x several years ago and is retiring the computer.  The new computer will have the latest version of WorkPlace Tech.  Which part number applies to this upgrade from 4.x to 5.x? Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause Host computer is being replaced. Resolution In the "Purchase WorkPlace Tech software" program, choose the part number:  WP-TECH-50U. When submitting the unlock code request, ensure that the original order number and/or PO number is included so that Customer Service can confirm that it is an upgrade, and invoice using the lower cost upgrade cost.

Issue A Cisco Mediator controller is connected via BACnet/IP to a Niagara R2 UNC.  The UNC station provides data to and receives commands from the controller.  The Cisco Mediator controller can read BACnet values but when it attempts to overwrite setpoints and issue commands, they do not work. Environment Niagara R2 all versions Cause The installation contains 3rd party BACnet controllers that must share data and commands. Resolution To allow other BACnet controllers to write values or issue commands to exposed Niagara objects, a special "BACnet" user is required for the station. To create this special user, follow the steps listed on pages 4-6 & 4-7 of Tridium's BACnet Integration Guide.

Issue Multiple FLEXnet License File errors warn that the license file is about to expire or has already expired. Errors may be logged in Windows system log that may look something like this: (2372) Feature: Micronet.VisiSat.Core, expires on 30-apr-2011. This is a two week notice. Multiple errors may pop up at once or may only occur daily. Here are two examples of messages you might see. Event Type:      Warning Event Source:    taclic_LicenseServer Event Category:          FLEXnet License File Event ID:        718 Date:            30/04/2011 Time:            12:00:52 AM User:            N/A Computer:        BMSSERVER Description: (2372) Feature: Micronet.VisiSat.Core, expires on 30-apr-2011. This is a two week notice   Event Type:      Error Event Source:    taclic_LicenseServer Event Category:          FLEXnet License File Event ID:        716 Date:            5/17/2012 Time:            2:55:15 PM User:            N/A Computer:        G15HVAC Description: (2516) This license (Vista.Server.LNS) has expired. Environment FLEXnet License Server Cause A valid site license and demo license have been left in the Vista license directory. The system message is letting you know that the demo license will or has already expired. Resolution Remove or relocate the demo license once it is no longer required on site. This will prevent this error message from appearing in the Windows Event Viewer.

Issue Need to sequence several outputs to be on for 10 seconds then off for 15 then the next on for 10 and so on, but the site has specified no event sequences are to be used. Environment I/NET DDC Cause Need to sequence several outputs to be on for 10 seconds then off for 15 then the next on for 10 and so on, but the site has specified no event sequences are to be used. Resolution Create a DDC relay for output 1 that is an interval timer relay with the time set to 10 (time the device is on) Set the DI select to an input trigger point Create a second DDC relay to function as a delay before make relay. Set its time to 25 seconds, or the device on time plus the interval time before the next output. Set the output of this relay as a Line and the DI select as the trigger point. Copy the DDC relay from step 1. Change the DI select to the line from the previous step and the Output to the next device in the series. Copy the DDC relay from step 2. Change the DI select to the output triggered in the previous step and change the Output to a new line. Copy the DDC relay from step 1. Change the DI select to the line from the previous step and the Output to the next device in the series. Copy the DDC relay from step 2. Change the DI select to the output triggered in the previous step and change the Output to a new line. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have completed the series. If you wish for this to cycle in a loop, have the output from the last Relay trigger the DI point which starts the series. If this is an internal point you may want to add a calc to keep it equal to 0.

Issue Receive AccDataservice errors on startup. Environment Windows 7 Windows 2008 Server Continuum 1.93 Cause Security enhancements needs to be disabled during the install of Continuum. Resolution The list of services needs to be disabled before installing Continuum. These services can be re-enabled after the install completes. Windows Firewall.   Private, Domain and Public Windows Defender. Windows Software Protection Service. Antivirus Protection.

Issue InfinityInput (digital) not changing value when dry contact on relay changes state. Tried disabling and changing value but will not change. On bacnet side the point is set to out of service and will not change. New input points created on the UI4 are also out of service on bacnet side and will not change. Tried powering down expansion module - no luck. Tried deleting point on Infinity side and saving to database on bacnet - works fine. But when recreating the input, comes up the same way.   Environment bCX, 4040, bCX4040,  XP Expansion Module UI4, UI-4  Cause InfinityInput (digital) not changing value when dry contact on relay changes state. Resolution Replace UI4 with bCX powered off. Delete the point on Infinity side, save controller to database on Bacnet side. Drag & drop input from another bCX on Infinity side.  Save to database on Bacnet side. Point starts updating and is no longer out of service.  See also

Issue When a user logs off a Continuum workstation, they would like the workstation to login itself maybe via a program as a Guest so that the systems can be viewed (Guest Mode).   Environment Continuum Cyberstation and webClient (all versions) Cause Continuum is a security system, and as such, it requires a login for auditing purposes. Resolution There are no supported applications or features to provide auto-logins to Continuum.  Continuum is a security system, and as such, it requires a login for auditing purposes.

Issue Procedure for obtaining a Return Authorization (RA) for a defective I/A Series (Niagara) G3 ENC Environment ENC-410, ENC-520 Cause Unknown - ENC is not functioning and needs to be repaired or replaced Resolution To request a Return Authorization for a defective ENC controller, the factory will need to know the following information: The product part number (ENC-???-?-?) Is the unit still under warranty? Warranty note: Warranty on a new UNC is 2 years from date of manufacture. The date code format is yyww. Example:  0815 is  2008 week 15 Serial number Job name (site name for unit) Factory order number Project ID Host ID (in the license file) The reason for return Network settings (IP, Subnet, name) Username and Password Station DB Username and Password Any special shipping instructions Have a purchase order number ready when you call. Note: Customer Support Services sends/bills for advance warranty replacement units. When the customer returns the correct unit within 30 days, a credit is then issued., Call Schneider-Electric at 888-444-1311 and select option 2 (Product Support). Product Support will enter a support case identifying the unit and that an attempt to troubleshoot was done prior to issuing the RA number. The caller should request the Product Support Case number and RA number for future reference. An RA will be issued based on the following criteria: Credit AWR (Advance Warranty Replacement). Customer is sending back an inoperable unit to the factory for credit and needs a replacement unit right away. OOWR&R (Out of Warranty Repair and Return). Customer sends back an inoperable unit to the factory for repair and return. IWR&R (In Warranty Repair and Return). Customer sends back an inoperable unit to the factory for repair and return. NOTE: When issuing an AWR, hold the defective unit and use the packaging from the replacement to return the UNC board. This will help guarantee that the units are not damaged during shipment. When the units are received damaged and improperly packed, they are returned as received and no credit issued.

Issue How to configure a Niagara G3 ENC serial port for dialup modem. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment ENC-520-2 ENC-410-1 Cause Dialup modem setup. Resolution In the Station, under Platform Services, go to the SerialPortService In the Port Config field, change the setting to Com1_232_com2_modem. Save this setting. Now, go to the Platform of the ENC, and go to Dialup Configuration The Init String should look something like this: ATE0S0=0Q0V1X4&D2&K3\N3%C2&C1&Q5W2 Change the 0 just after the "=" sign to a 2.  This will tell the modem to answer on the second ring. Make sure that the Port field says COM2 Check the Enabled box next to Listen for Calls In the Local IP Address field, type in the IP address of the ENC In the Remote IP Address field, type in an unused IP address on the same subnet as the ENC. Type in a User Name (eg. invensys) Type in a password (eg. niagara) Save your changes, then click the Start button at the bottom of the page.  This will start up the dialup daemon. Re-boot the station in Station Director.

Issue Continuum add-on reports can be installed on the webclient PC, but can they display through a browser? Environment Continuum Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Continuum Add-On Report Suite were not designed to be displayed through a browser with webclient Resolution   Continuum Add-On Report Suite were not designed to be displayed through a browser with webclient. The reports can be installed and accessed on the Cyberstation part of the Webclient PC itself, but they will not display through any of the browser PCs that connect to that Webclient PC.

Issue When Remote Alarm Manager sends a SMS message via a GSM to a mobile phone, the message is truncated.  Environment Sigma, Micronet, BAS, RAM Cause Message type - Long Message (Descriptive multi line message) Output interface - GSM to mobile phone. If an alarm is sent from an output interface e.g Sigma to an output interface e.g SMS mobile phone, the end of the message disappears (truncated).  Resolution The message sent to the mobile device is too long. A maximum length of 160 characters is permitted - this is a SMS message characteristic. Consider changing the message type to a Normal message or Short message or The Index Title and Point Title are very long, can these be shortened. e.g change Temperatures to Temps.

Issue Unable to backup an R2 UNC-520 database, receive error  "java.net.ConnectException: Connection refused: connect at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.socketConnect(Native Method)            at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.doConnect(Unknown Source)         at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.connectToAddress(Unknown Source)            at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.connect(Unknown Source)            at java.net.Socket.connect(Unknown Source)   at java.net.Socket.connect(Unknown Source)   at java.net.Socket. (Unknown Source)           at java.net.Socket. (Unknown Source)       at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver$TcpSocketFactory.createSocket(SocketDriver.java:690)        at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver.create(SocketDriver.java:216)            at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver$ConnectThread.run(SocketDriver.java:510)" Environment I/A Series R2 UNC-520 I/A Series R2 WorkPlace Pro,  error reported in build r2.301.529 Cause The WorkPlace Pro cannot connect to the UNC-520 at the given IP address.  The error message stems from a bug in the Sun java, "The Socket constructor does not give an Exception on an unknown IP address. It just hangs."  http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=4232651 Resolution Verify that the UNC is capable of communicating at the IP address specified. For example, if the UNC is rebooting constantly, it will not be able to communicate.

Issue Controller buffering the access events as seen by the increment in the AccessLog system variables, the events stay in the controller's buffer and are not sent to Cyberstation. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9702 CX9900, CX9940 CX9680 ACX5740, ACX5720 Cause The most common cause of this problem is that the controller does not know who the primary/secondary access server is. Resolution Make sure a Cyberstation has been designated as primary access server (and a second one as secondary if applicable). Perform a teach on the primary/secondary access servers.

Issue Continuum Add-On Reports will not launch Environment Continuum Continuum Add-On Report Suite Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause The reports may not launch because of configuration issues or because the Workstation Instance in the database is corrupt. Resolution Ensure that Continuum Reports is installed in Add/Remove programs Check that the Programs are listed under the workstation after importing the Continuum_Reports.dmp file and that they contain the reports programming code. If they are empty, re-import or cut and paste the code from the dmp file and correct errors. Check that the programs are enabled, if not enable the report and try again. Test the report from the command line instead of launching from a button (Ex. Run Reports_Suite). The second to last line is a Shell command, check that the Reports.exe 0 ( the number represents each report) has a unique number. Reports_Suite=0, Alarms_Report=2. A duplicated number may not run correctly. As a last test, create a new program called TestCalc with the following one line of code: Shell "C:\Windows\System32\Calc.exe" Fall Thru, AutoStart=False Run TestCalc from the command line and the Windows Calculator should show. Usually if you are at this point, it will not start. If that is the case do the following to correct this. Get a database backup Go offline Edit Export everything under the Cyberstation to a text (dmp) file and verify it's contents. Delete the Cyberstation and it's folder  Exit Cyber (You will get an error that it cannot find the object in the database - click OK) Open Database Initialization and select Workstation and re-initialize the WS Create TestCalc as mentioned above and verify that Calculator opens (It should) Go offline edit and import the .dmp file that had been created for this Workstation and verify all is working. Note: If this is on a 64 bit system, the path may need to be changed. reset_password.bat  However, if you did not install Continuum Reports in the default directory, you must edit the Reset_Password.bat file and include the DOS installation path after “password” in the run string.  ie: reports reset password D:\Reports

Issue I/NET Reference Host Suggested Configuration Environment I/NET NPR Xenta 527-NPR Xenta 527 Xenta 913 Xenta 731 Cause There are many opinions about the correct use of Reference Hosts.  This is a suggested use which will be successful for most sites. Resolution  From TCON 298 A Reference Host is any TAC I/NET workstation, NPR, or Xenta 527/527-NPR that will serve as a source of IP addresses. Any of these devices attached to an Ethernet LAN can be used as a Reference Host.  Each time I/O Server is started on a workstation, it provides the workstation’s IP address to each remote host designated as a Reference Host. I/O Server also requests and receives a list of all host IP addresses that are known to the remote host at that time. I/O Server must be running on the remote host for this address exchange to occur. I/O Server compiles and maintains a list of all the remote hosts that it learns about. Ultimately, all hosts in the network will know the IP addresses of all the other hosts.  Ideally, you should determine 1 or at most 2 devices to serve as your Reference Host.  This device would ideally be a Xenta Server or an NPR, but a Host workstation that has I/O Server running 100% of the time will work as well.   All devices on the system will use this as a single Reference Host. No others are needed.  When the device comes online it will contact the Reference Host and get the site’s Routing Table.  The Reference Host can have an empty routing table.  Once the Routing Table is shared, Reference Hosts are no longer needed.  You can leave the single entry in place. This will allow a quick recover, in the event of a critical system failure.  Here are a few reasons for using multiple Reference Hosts: Temporarily add a new device as a Reference Host on the Sites Reference Host or a workstation to aid in bringing it online A large site may desire to have 2 Reference Hosts in case one is offline when a device comes online. An  I/NET site that spans multiple locations may wish to declare a local Reference Host for each building and a network Reference Host

Issue NetController or ACX57xx system variable called SystemStatus is toggling between Normal and NoComm.  This may happen as often as every minute. This can be seen in a system variable listview or access event view displaying a door on that controller. Environment CyberStation ACX57xx CX99xx CX9680 Cause Controller cannot communicate with either the primary or secondary access server workstations. Resolution Perform a teach from the primary access server workstation.