Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is it possible to synchronize the time in a Continuum system to an external Time Server? Environment Continuum Cyberstation and webClient Cause No known cause Resolution The only way to synchronize a Continuum system time to an external time source is to synchronize the Primary Access Server (or desired Cyberstation)  with an external time server or time source using Windows or some other time synchronization program, then using the Cyberstation to sync its time with the controllers on the network.

Issue The minimum activation value for a terminal load exception mode is 14.0 and minimum reset value is 32.0. Environment Zbuilder 5.1.5-5.1.6 Xenta 121-FC Xenta 121-HP Cause In Zbuilder 5.1.5 the option to use an exception mode based on terminal mode exists (Restricted to Exception mode 7 and 8). The units for the activation and reset values are treated as temperatures. If Zbuilder is displaying values in US units then it will restrict your minimum values as 14.0 F activation, 32.0 F reset value, and the reset value must be below the activation value if using the above condition. The unit is actually using a Celsius value to store the settings and this is being converted to F. Resolution Change the configure to display values in SI and then set the activation and reset values as a 0-100% value. Then you can change the units back to US and have it convert the value automatically. Warning: Note that even though terminal load is -100% to 100% the exception mode will ignore the sign of the terminal load. Use the "Controller is in cooling mode" and "Controller is in heating mode" check boxes to restrict the behavior to a positive or negative terminal load.

Issue Alarm entry in Active Alarm Viewer shows point's alias instead of name. Environment CyberStation Cause Problem with enhanced alarm logging and enhanced alarm delivery. Resolution Shut down ALL CyberStations From the Continuum Database Initialization in the Server tab de-select Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery then update the database. After update database completes, put back the Enhanced Alarm Logging/Delivery and update the database once again.

Issue Created new bCX and can't see any of the system objects like system variables Environment CyberStation bCX4040 ACX57xx Cause CyberStation failed to fully create the new controller object in the database.   Resolution Delete the newly created controller from the ContinuumExplorer. Restart CyberStation. Create the controller again.

Issue XBuilder project was upgraded and OGC graphic pages were converted to TGML using the automatic conversion. The same names were used for the graphic pages, but they will not display in the web interface. Java console reports: java.io.IOException: Wrong file format feature < 0 or reature > 7  at se.tac.applet.graphics.ogc.OGCStreamHeader.load(Unknown Source)  at se.tac.applet.graphics.ogc.OGCPicture.loadPicture(Unknown Source)  at se.tac.applet.graphics.GraphicsViewer.go(Unknown Source)  at se.tac.applet.graphics.GraphicsViewer.init(Unknown Source)  at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2Manager$AppletExecutionRunnable.run(Unknown Source)  at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source) java.lang.NullPointerException Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment XBuilder 5.x.x Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 711, 731 Cause The graphic object was properly converted, but the graphic page is still using the old template (Graphics.html) which is designed for OGC graphics instead of the new graphics page template (TgmlGraphics.html). This causes the java to interpret a TGML graphic file as an OGC graphic file. Resolution This can be resolved two ways Manually edit the Template property of the Graphic page objects in XBuilder to be TgmlGraphics.html. Delete the graphics page in XBuilder and recreate it. When the graphic object is linked to the graphics page it will properly assign the correct template based on the type of graphics file type.

Issue Getting error message when reloading a Continuum controller: "Unable to reload attributes for \ \ . Reload Object's Type mismatches with object's in WCU Controller. Please Reload WCU Controller." Environment All Continuum controllers Cause The most common cause of this error message is duplicate alias names. For example, a controller object named "W Lobby" and a door object in the controller named "WLobby" (without the space) will have the same alias (WLobby). Resolution Rename one of the duplicate objects so that the alias is unique to the system.

Issue Is there any way to connect two smart sensors (TTS-SD-LCD-1) to one VAV controller b3855-V or other BACnet control board? Environment CyberStation Bacnet b3855-V Smart Sensor Cause Customer wants two smart sensors per b3 controller. Resolution Two smart sensors should not be connected to a single b3 controller. The smart sensor uses a 3-wire connection to the controller. The controller communicates with the keypad and the display of the Smart Sensor device over a single wire (the PWR connection). The RET line is the return for both the communications line and the internal thermistor. The input signal is the active lead from the Smart Sensor thermistor. This input must be configured as a general Temperature input. Among other possible problems, the temperature reading would be incorrect if two sensors were connected to one controller.

Issue In XBuilder there is a setting called "Max number of HTTP sessions" that can also be found using the web interface by navigating to Configuration > Servers > HTTP Server. What does this setting do? Does it limit the number of users who can log in simultaneously? Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 XBuilder Cause This setting is somewhat vague and is sometimes believed to be a limit on the number of simultaneously logged-in users. Resolution The Max. number of HTTP sessions is set to a default value of 15 and can be set to anywhere from 10-20. This setting does not limit the number of simultaneously logged in users, however. The TAC Xenta Server - TAC Networks Technical Manual explains this setting as follows: HTTP The Xenta Server is an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server. Several users can view the web pages at the same time, but they are limited by the number of HTTP sessions allowed. Max. simultaneous HTTP sessions, choose a number from the list. The default setting is 15. Several users can view files at the same time. What is an HTTP Session? Internet Explorer is an HTTP client, sending requests to the Xenta Server. The HTTP server in the Xenta Server receives the request and, following any necessary processing, the requested file is returned. An HTTP session is the connection that exists during data communication between the web browser and the Xenta Server. The session ends when all the data has been received. Rules of Thumb Each web page (values page, alarm page, and the graphics page), sets up a full HTTP session. When loading a web page, a number of sessions may be used simultaneously, depending on the number of sessions available.

Issue Need requirements for email notifications Environment Continuum Cyberstation Email Eventnotification Outlook 2007 (32bit Only) Outlook 2010 (32bit Only) Cause Requirements for sending email notifications with Continuum Resolution Here are some requirements for forwarding Continuum workstation alarm events via email and paging: The Continuum workstations that have been designated primary and backup email and/or page handlers must have a MAPI-compliant email client such as Microsoft Exchange or Outlook. The email client application must communicate with an existing email server application, such as MS Exchange Server. The primary or backup email/paging workstation must be running Continuum at the time an alarm is generated. Each EventNotification object associated with the alarms that you wish to email or page must have its own email distribution list in the personal address book of the client email application using a specified naming convention as outlined in the table below. This email distribution list must be stored in the first address book shown in the list of available address books in the email client application. For example, if you create an EventNotification distribution list in the Personal Address Book in Microsoft Outlook, then the Personal Address Book must be the first one showing in the address list dropdown box when you open the Address Book. How to Create an EventNotification Distribution List Note: The following steps are based on Microsoft Outlook(32bit). Other mail applications may have different menu names and choices but the general procedure is the same. Open the Address Book for the email account on the Continuum workstation that will be providing the email/paging services. Your toolbar may have a button for this. If not, use the Address Book option of the Tools menu. Select New Entry from the Address Book File menu. Select the entry type Personal Distribution List and put this entry in the Personal Address Book. In the Name field enter a name for the distribution list using the following format: For E-mail: ACC.name For Paging: ACC.page.name where name is the name of the EventNotification. Add members (the email addresses or pager and service numbers of those to whom the notification of the alarm will be sent) to your personal distribution lists. Set address book options so that the address book where your personal distribution lists are stored is the first one to be searched when sending emails or pages. ** Ensure that there are not 2 PCs using the same email account for Outlook.

Issue Error when starting Seven Reports getting an error "Copy of prompt.dll failed Error Code 2". Environment All versions of I/NET Seven and Windows OS. Cause Administrative privileges on the PC needed to run Seven Reports. Resolution Log off of I/NET and I/O Server. Shut the PC down and restart it. Log back in as an Administrator and run the Seven Report again.

Issue Is it possible to use Control Description (command) delays on MR controllers? MR (Micro Regulator) DO points not turning ON (or not turning OFF) - sticking. Environment I/NET Seven MR (Micro Regulator) Controllers Cause The Control Description command delay was not implemented in the MR as it was not intended to be used for control of multiple high power devices, which this feature was designed for; also, the MR does not have the memory capability to support the timer queue to handle it. Note: The Control Description command delay does function within the SLI (7793 / 7798B1 / 7798C) although this function is supported here it is not intended for the control of multiple subLAN devices, such as the MR.  You should not rely on this control function from the SLI.  Undesired results can be expected if this is implemented and is not supported. Resolution The Control Description Command Delay is not supported within subLAN devices and should not be implemented.  Alternative methods of delaying startup of control devices are: Using Time schedules; the Master / Slave time schedules feature.  Within the slave schedules you are able to delay / adjust the start time by minutes. The combination of using Master / Slave ATS and Host ATS provides a powerful and simple user interface in modifying all the Master Schedules from a single location. Refer to TCON 300 Chapters 4 and 7. MR Functions (DDC); If your control delays are required within the MR, a method available to use is the MR-DDC Relay modules are the delay before break (DDB) or delay before make (DBM) timers.  An even simpler method would be to stagger scan rates (using prime numbers) within your MR Function DDC modules.  Refer to TCON 300 Chapter 13. The DDC modules have there own scan rates and control the point based on this scan rate and will override any Resident I/O Point scan rate defined on these output points. Programmer timers from within the SLI which the control critical items of plant and require a staggered startup procedure.

Issue The Niagara shortcut does not appear on the desktop after installing Workbench.  Also the shortcuts do not appear in the Niagara folder under Start - All Programs. Environment Niagara G3 (all versions) Cause The setup file was run from the compressed file. When downloaded, Niagara builds are saved to the computer’s hard drive as a compressed folder.  Resolution Compressed files must first be extracted before the setup file should be run. Right-click and extract all files from the compressed folder Uninstall the version of Workbench with the shortcut issue Run the extracted copy of the setup program.   The shortcuts should now appear on the desktop and in the Niagara folder under Start – All Programs.

Issue Merging controllers from different Continuum DB Environment CyberStation All CX controllers Cause Due to various reasons it is sometimes necessary to bring into the Continuum DB a controller and its object (points, programs and possibly children controllers such as b3 or Infinet controllers) that have been configured in a different Continuum DB. Resolution Create the Controller object in the Continuum database and ensure controller comes online. Set the 'Send To Database Options' appropriately, for example make sure to select 'Save attached objects and controllers' to bring in field devices. Perform a save to database by right clicking on the controller and selecting 'Save to' \ 'Database' If BACnet controller (bCX4040), perform a 'Find new BACnet device from the root then do a send to database on the bCX and b3s to get the BACnet objects into the DB

Issue WorkPlace Tech (WPT), application will not compile. Running the “Rebuild Application” feature does not resolve the errors. Are there other workarounds to fix the application? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech 5.x Cause Some of the shapes are corrupt. Resolution Following is workaround to fix corruption: Open the project and the application that has the problem shapes in WorkPlace Tech. Perform a File, Save As, and select the file type to be “XML Drawing (*.vdx)”, and click Save. Respond “No” when asked “Do you want to save this application to the current project?” Close WorkPlace Tech and respond “Don’t Save” when asked if you want to save the application. Navigate to the user’s “My Documents\WPT Documents\My Projects\” folder. Right click the problem application “.vsd” file, select “Properties”. In the properties dialog, uncheck the “Read only” checkbox, and then click OK. Open the application “.vdx” file directly into Visio. Perform a File, Save As, and select the file type to be “Drawing (*.vsd)”, and click Save. Click “Yes” if prompted to replace the current drawing. Close Visio. Open the project and the application in WorkPlace Tech. Launch the Hardware Wizard and click “Finish”. Perform a “Rebuild Application”. Click “Save”. 

Issue Can Inovonics wireless equipment be used with Xenta Servers? Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause The Inovonics Frequency Agile product line which is compatible with the Xenta Server driver is being obsoleted by the manufacturer Inovonics at the end of 2011. Resolution If you have existing devices installed in the field then they should continue to work and function. New installations should explore other options for wireless sensors due to unavailability from the manufacturer. The ability to add a RS232 wireless Inovonics interface was removed from XBuilder beginning in version 5.1.8.

Issue The message “Error: Invalid compiled image file, please recompile and try again.” is displayed when attempting to download an application in WorkPlace Tech (WPT).  The same message is displayed after the application had been recompiled.  Also, the message “Unhandled exception during event” is displayed when opening an application in WorkPlace Tech. Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause The Workplace Tech application is corrupt. Resolution Use a backup copy of the application.  The application will have to be reengineered if a backup application is not available.

Issue Can not discover the proxy points for an UNC under the ObixNetwork of a Niagara G3 ENS.  Nothing shows up when a Discover is performed. Environment Niagara G3 Cause Obix Thread Pool count set too low in ENS Resolution Increase Obix Thread Pool count in the ENS ObixNetwork Property Sheet. Expand Drivers in the ENS Right-click on the ObixNetwork and select Property Sheet Expand the Thread Pool property Increase the number of threads

Issue Want to graph Group Objects and select the graphed points pen colors and symbols. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause The pen labels (color and symbol) are based on the sequence of the objectID of the graphed objects. The objectID is assigned to the object sequentially when it is created. Similar Group objects on different controllers will most likely not have the same Pen labels for graphed objects.   Resolution Unfortunately, there is no way to change the display order of the Pen Labels in a Group object. The pen labels (color and symbol) are based on the sequence of the objectID of the graphed objects. The objectID is assigned to the object sequentially when it is created. Similar Group objects on different controllers will most likely not have the same Pen Labels for graphed objects. As an example, the logic of how the Pen Label displaying order is decided is below: In Controller1, three inputs have been created in the order of Input01, Input02,Input03. In Controller2, three inputs have been created in  the order of Input03, input01, input02. The Group Graph in each controller will display these three input Pen Labels as the same order of their creations as below; Pen label order in the Graph of Controller1 : Input01, Input02,Input03 Pen label order in the Graph of Controller2 : Input03, Input01,Input02

Issue Offline Xenta 401 Not Generating Alarms Environment Xenta 401 Xenta Group Cause Xenta Group Master is offline Resolution Determine if the Group Master is offline In the Vista System Plug-in TAC Network Pane, the Xenta Group Master will be the only controller in the Xenta Group that is underlined Determine if this controller is offline in LonMaker or NL220 If the group Master or any of the Xenta devices in that Xenta Group show an " * ", you will need to download application and parameters Change the Group Master to a more reliable controller Determine which controller in the Xenta group has the least amount of potential traffic In the Vista System Plug-in TAC Network Pane, Right-Click on this device and select "Set as Master". Download Application and Parameters to any device that shows and " * " after this change.

Issue Xenta Servers are producing lots of Messages that contain the text "$COS#...#MA1 All Messages start with $COS# followed by an object ID and they end with #MA1 The messages are coming, although there are no trend log values missing. Environment Tac Vista 5.1.6 or older Cause This is a bug which is fixed in Vista 5.1.7. This message - $cos - is created every time Vista tries to retrieve an alarm from a Xenta controller and fails. Vista then tries again a couple of times. If successful, this message is removed. The problem is that the acknowledgement that should remove this log entry never arrives. Resolution Upgrade to Vista 5.1.7