Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue An attempt to flash the firmware in the controller results in error, "The UPREV code could not communicate with the specified controller." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Uprev operation attempted using the wrong flash file. Resolution Re-try the operation using the flash file that matches the model number in the controller. Note that regardless of what the model number reads from the InfinityController editor in CyberStation, the verification is done at the controller level. Do not go by what you see in the CyberStation as this user configured field could have been entered incorrectly. Verify the model number from the controller's web page configuration.

Issue Want to view and change all COVIncrement values through one listview but the attribute is not showing up in the drop down list. Environment Continuum BACnet AnalogInput AnalogOutput AnalogValue Cause Selecting the wrong object class for the Listview. The COVIncrement attribute is only applicable to the BACnet points AnalogInput, AnalogOutput, and AnalogValue. Resolution In the ListView object, change the object class to one of the following: AnalogInput, AnalogOutput, or AnalogValue. Now the COVIncrement attribute can be selected from the attributes on the Columns tab. Note: If you need to change the COVIncrement values, you can do a mass change by selecting all the ones you want to change from the Listview and then right-click -> Set attributes.

Issue Can Continuum Engineering Units be changed and/or added to? Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Infinity Controllers Continuum BACnet Controllers Cause Want to change or add an Engineering Unit as the unit I require is not present. Resolution Engineering Units are handled differently depending on the type of controller being used. Infinity Controllers are able to have there units defined to be whatever you want (defined as up to 12 digits of text) in the Units field of the Input or Output object.   BACnet Controllers Input and Output Units are predefined by the BACnet specification and are chosen from a set list of Engineering Units. These cannot be changed or added to.  

Issue When browsing for an object to attach to a control in the Graphics the object is seen in the Browse window yet when the object is selected the system generates the error 'Object Not Found' Environment CyberStation PinPoint Cause There is a 'space' or other non alpha numeric character in the name of one of the objects that form the full path to the object being selected. The offending character can be in the Network name, Main Controller name, Field controller name or the name of the object itself. Resolution The exact root cause of this problem is under investigation as the space character is valid in Continuum object names. In databases that have exhibited this problem the solution has been to remove the space (or other offending character) from the name. It has also been noticed that once the problem is fixed the original name can be restored to the object and the problem does not come back.

Issue Comm4 on the NC2 is RS-422, will this operate as RS-485 if the TX & RX lines are linked? Environment CX9680 NCII with Modbus RTU X Driver XDriver Cause Linking the TX & RX lines can cause the transmitted data to be fed back into the transmitting controller. Resolution Yes, you can use comm 4 as a Modbus RTU X Driver to talk to 3rd party RS-485 devices. The Netcontroller II Comm 4 is defined as an RS-485/ RS-422 port and the X Driver will close off the RX port using the RTS line while it is transmitting. The loopback required for a 2 core screened cable is: Connect TX+ to RX+ Connect TX- to RX- Use shield connection Note: If communications are still not able to be established, confirm that the Comm4 configuration in the Netcontroller II's web configuration page has been changed from the default RS-422 to RS-485.

Issue Are DDC Controllers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified? Environment Site wanting Green Building Council Certification Cause Are DDC Controllers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified? Resolution The USGBC does not certify particular devices or controls systems such as I/NET, Continuum, or Xentas. LEED focuses on the design of the building and not on its actual energy consumption, and therefore it has suggested that LEED buildings should be tracked to discover whether the potential energy savings from the design are being used in practice. Five basic categories make up the design points system. Totaled together, these points determine your certification level. The level of certification depends upon the total number of points. As you can see, energy and atmosphere along with indoor environmental quality factors make up half of the available basic points. Five categories for accumulating points 1. Sustainable sites.... 26 Points 2. Water efficiency ....14 Points 3. Energy and atmosphere ....35 Points 4. Materials and resources.... 10 Points 5. Indoor environmental quality.... 15 Points 6. Innovation and Operations.... 6 Points 7. Regional Priority.... 4 Points Subtotal: 100 Points LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 100 base points; 6 possible Innovation in Operations and 4 Regional Priority points Certified 40–49 points Silver 50–59 points Gold 60–79 points Platinum 80 points and above The U.S. Green Building Council is a national, non-profit organization that works to “promote the design and construction of buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work” (USGBC Mission Statement). The USGBC created the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design® (LEED) Green Building Rating System. LEED was fashioned to provide a standard of measurement for defining a “green” building. It takes a whole building approach that encourages and guides a collaborative, integrated design and construction process. The program evaluates and recognizes performance of your buildings in accepted green design categories—Energy & Atmosphere, Water Efficiency, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Sustainable Sites. Buildings are given a certification rating based on the number of points they receive in their evaluation. The four levels of LEED certification include: Certified Level, Silver Level, Gold Level, and Platinum Level. By becoming certified, building owners are given third-party validation of their contribution environment; qualify for various state and local government incentives; contribute to the growing knowledge base; receive a LEED certification plaque and official certificate; and receive marketing exposure through the USGBC website, case studies, and media  

Issue Microsoft Visual Studio causes Just-In-Time Debugging Environment Windows Operating System Cause Visual Studio is installed on the PC and when attempting to perform a task, an error appears claiming Just-In-Time Debugging.  Resolution To disable Just-In-Time debugging: On the Tools menu, click Options. In the Options dialog box, select the Debugging folder. In the Debugging folder, select the Just-In-Time page. In the Enable Just-In-Time debugging of these types of code box, select or clear the relevant program types: Managed, Native, or Script. To disable Just-In-Time debugging, once it has been enabled, you must be running with Administrator privileges. Enabling Just-In-Time debugging sets a registry key, and Administrator privileges are required to change that key. Click OK.

Issue Some Alarms are not being sent as Emails, while others on the same site are being sent properly. Environment Continuum BACnet bCX1 b3xxx Cause Some EventNotification objects were not configured properly to enable email on alarm. Resolution Ensure that each EventNotification is enabled to allow alarms to be sent as Emails. There are two options that need to be enabled in each EventNotification.   1. Actions tab - Enable "Email on Alarm".     2. Delivery tab - In the Recipient, enable "Primary Email".

Issue How to find the MAC address / Physical Address of a computer. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Other, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment All computers Cause The MAC address of a computer may be required when working on licensing issues. MAC stands for Media Access Control and is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. Resolution Go to the Start > Run.   Type "cmd" into the Open field. In the CMD window, type the command "ipconfig /all". Locate the connection that the computer is currently using (For this example it is the Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection). You will find the Physical Address (MAC address).

Issue Need to perform autosensing on an ethernet port but do not have a cross over cable. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Ethernet connection to an Automation Server Xenta device ACX BCX Auto-Sensing, Auto Sensing direct connect Auto uplink and trade Universal Cable Recognition Cause Need to direct connect with a straight through or normal patch cable from a computer or laptop to the AS, Xenta, BCX, ACX  Resolution Since 1998, the distinction between uplink and normal ports and manual selector switches on older hubs and switches are obsolete. If one or both of two connected devices has the automatic MDI/MDI-X configuration feature there is no need for crossover cables. Now you can plug your laptop right into the Ethernet port of the device with just a regular patch cable. 

Issue What is the Continuum 1.94 feature 'Editable SQL Admin Credential' as stated in the release notes? Environment Continuum Cyberstation v1.94 Cause No explanation in the Release Notes or Product Announcement to explain what this new feature actually does. Resolution This new feature, is a change that allows a system to use an SQL admin account other than the SA account (built-in SQL system administrator account) to create a Continuum Database. In older version of Continuum this could only be accomplished with the SA account. Now in Database Initialization, you have the option to select the SQL Admin user that you wish to use with the added Admin Username field. As per the image below.  

Issue Telnet does not come enabled on Windows 7 PCs Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows 7 OS Cause This feature does not come enabled in Windows 7. Resolution Click on the Start Icon and type Programs in the Search Window Click on Programs and Features Click on Turn Windows features on or off When the window becomes populated, check the box for Telnet Client   Click on Ok to apply change, exit Programs and Features window Type Telnet at the prompt and start your session

Issue Getting the following error when trying to create the Continuum database. Environment CyberStation SQL Server Management Studio Cause SQL server authentication not properly configured. Resolution In the SQL server properties, set the authentication mode to mixed (SQL and Windows)

Issue How to enable Continuum site for use with Endura DVRs and cameras. Product Line Andover Continuum, Pelco Environment Continuum V1.91 and above Pelco Endura DVR See the Video Compatibility matrix for supported Pelco Endura products on the various Continuum versions, Cause Want to enable Continuum for use with Endura but unsure which security keys support the addition of the option and what the option provides. Resolution Why is this option required? The Endura -E option for Continuum security keys is required to be able to: Configure VideoServer objects in Continuum to use Endura DVRs. Use VideoAdministrator and VideoMonitor to configure and view Endura cameras. It is not required to be able to configure and view cameras from DigitalSentry DVR's or to view Endura cameras using VideoLayout objects that have already been configured. Which Workstations can have the option added? SU and LAN Cyberstation security keys can be enabled with the Endura -E option. This option cannot be added to the WEBC key for WebClient Servers. If configuring Endura cameras is required, a Cyberstation with the -E option must be used. WebClient browser users are able to use the VideoLayout to view DigitalSentry and Endura cameras. The Endura option is only available through the upgrade process through Repairs. There is no part number to specify to enable Endura at the time of ordering the security key. Once you have the serial number of the key, contact Repairs below. Email:  upgrades.continuum@schneider-electric.com How to tell if the option is enabled? If the system is operating normally (not in Demo Mode), open up a Video Server object. If the key is video enabled it should look like this: If it is not enabled, the Pelco Endura option is not available:

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue Is there a way to globally change the path of active animation controls so that each control does not have to be edited manually? Pinpoint graphics will be very slow to open if the image file is on a network drive that is no longer available. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause A method to make the change globally in one operation is required system the design does not provide a way to do it. Resolution As of version 1.94 Continuum does not provide a mechanism to globally change the path of image files in active animation controls in Pinpoint. This can be a problem when a large number of active animation controls have been created using a given path and the image files then need to be moved. If the image files must be moved, every effort should be made to retain the path that was used in the controls, otherwise the path to the files will have to be manually changed in each active control that references the path in the graphic panel. With the above said there is a way to go in the Graphic PIN file and change the path, it requires a hex editor such as HxD. Using a hex editor the path for a control like this Can be found and changed in the PIN file itself, like this... *** Warning *** Please note that the length of the new path string must be the same length (i.e. take up the same number of characters) as the original path string, otherwise the file may become corrupted. As an example the following cannot be used replacing C:\Program Files\Continuum\NewGraphicsFiles with E:\Graphics, but the following could replace C:\Program Files\Continuum\NewGraphicsFiles with E:\Program Files\Continuum\NewGraphicsFiles   Notes: If a system is upgraded (new PCs) or a network drive that contains the image files is no longer available, then the graphics can be very slow to open.

Issue After upgrading SQL Server from SQL 2000 to SQL 2005, unable to restore SQL 2005 Database to the server. Get an error in SQL Management Studio that states "The backed-up database has on-disk structure version 611. The server supports version 539 and cannot restore or upgrade this database." Environment SQL Server 2000 SQL Server 2005 Continuum Cause Both SQL2000 and SQL2005 versions of the SQL service were installed and running on the server. When restoring the database it was trying to restore an SQL2005 database to an SQL2000 server, which is not supported by Microsoft. Resolution Un-install SQL2005 Un-install SQL2000 Re-install SQL2005.

Issue SQL error: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The transaction log for database 'tempdb' is full. To find out why space int he log cannot be reused, see the log_reuse_wait_desc column in sys.databases Product Line Andover Continuum Environment SQL Server Cause Low disk space or unreasonably low maximum size for tempdb database growth. Resolution SQL Server allocates a database called tempdb, primarily for worktable / #temp table usage. Sometimes, you will encounter a transaction log full error   Causes    Usually, tempdb fills up when you are low on disk space, or when you have set an unreasonably low maximum size for database growth.    Many people think that tempdb is only used for #temp tables. When in fact, you can easily fill up tempdb without ever creating a single temp table. Some other scenarios that can cause tempdb to fill up:  any sorting that requires more memory than has been allocated to SQL Server will be forced to do its work in tempdb;    if the sorting requires more space than you have allocated to tempdb, one of the above errors will occur;    DBCC CheckDB('any database') will perform its work in tempdb -- on larger databases, this can consume quite a bit of space;    DBCC DBREINDEX or similar DBCC commands with 'Sort in tempdb' option set will also potentially fill up tempdb;    large resultsets involving unions, order by / group by, cartesian joins, outer joins, cursors, temp tables, table variables, and hashing can often require help from tempdb;    any transactions left uncommitted and not rolled back can leave objects orphaned in tempdb;    use of an ODBC DSN with the option 'create temporary stored procedures' set can leave objects there for the life of the connection.   Short-term fix    Restarting SQL Server will re-create tempdb from scratch, and it will return to its usually allocated size. In and of itself, this solution is only effective in the very short term; assumedly, the application and/or T-SQL code which caused tempdb to grow once, will likely cause it to grow again.      Long-term prevention    Here are some suggestions for maintaining a healthy tempdb:  Make sure that tempdb is set to autogrow -- do *NOT* set a maximum size for tempdb. If the current drive is too full to allow autogrow events, then buy a bigger drive, or add files to tempdb on another device (using ALTER DATABASE) and allow those files to autogrow. You will need at least one data file and at least one log file in order to avoid this problem from halting your system in the future. 

Issue Can Extended Log data be removed from the Database by de-selecting the extended logging option in the point being logged or by deleting the point all together? Environment Continuum Cause Need to reduce the size of the Database by removing stored Extended Log data. Resolution Any point data logged as Extended Log data will only be removed from the Database during an automatic purge or manual truncation of the tables. This extended log data does not get removed when extended logging is disabled or the point is deleted from the database, this data remains until removed. To setup automatic purging you'll need to go to your Continuum General Preferences. Right-click Continuum icon in task tray and select General Preferences, you will find an entry for "Extended Log Automatic Purge Interval (days)". This needs to have a number assigned to it to determine how many days of ExtendedLog data is retained in the ContinuumDB. If this is 0 then nothing is deleted and all data is retained (the suggested value for this is somewhere around 30 -90 days depending on your DB size restrictions and retention requirements).

Issue When attempting to run reports it fails and generates an error. Receive "unrecoverable Error!" when trying to open Continuum Reports package after fresh installation or re-install of Reports. Error can be similar to below image.   This error is also generated if you try to run the Reports password reset batch file.   All other functions of Continuum Cyberstation function fine, only the Reports application is affected. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Reports Cause The Continuum_Reports folder security privileges are not set properly. Resolution Login with a windows user that has administrator privileges. Edit the properties for C:\Program Files\Continuum_Reports. Click on Security. Scroll down the list of Users and select "Everyone". Enable (check off) the missing properties (Modify and Write).  

Issue How to set up M-Bus for Heat meters using Westermo AD-01 Environment Continuum Cause The M-Bus Xdriver is often loaded on Comm1 of a NC, NC2 or bCX (RS-232) this if often then connected to a Westermo AD-01 M-Bus adapter. How is this set up Resolution Westermo Connection Details Westermo web site AD-01 1. The Westermo unit requires a separate power supply, see AD-01 datasheet for power supply connection details (Nominally 230Vac) 2. Connection to an RS232 Controller comm port (NC2 or bCX comm1 used in this example) NC2      AD01    or     AD01 RJ45     DTEtop        9pinD RJ45     Slave           (Female) 5-SG     1-SG             5-SG 6-RD     4-RD            2-RD 8-TD     3-TD             3-TD bCX      AD01     or     AD01 9pinD    DTEtop        9pinD (male)   Slave            (Female) 5-SG     1-SG              5-SG 2-RD     4-RD             2-RD 3-TD     3-TD              3-TD 3. AD-01 Connection to an MBus network Heat Meters. (AD-01 METER BUS MASTER Terminals 4 & 5 to Terminals 24 & 25 on heat meter (Kamstrup or SE unit) MBus Card) The MBus baud rate is often set to 300 when the heat meters are powered by battery, the baud rate is set on the comm port of the bCX or NC2, this is automatically used by the heat meters so these do not require setting up. The heat meter address can be found in the meter menu See the XDriver guide and software for further details of controller set up NOTE To test it is often best to leave parameter 3 at zero, to ensure the standard telegram is sent, then set parameter 2 to one. The value seen is usually the Meter Customer number. (It has been seen with some issues of this Xdriver, that the controllers needs to be reloaded before the telegram is received and populates the Numerics correctly) Typical Screens