Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How can a button be added to a Pinpoint graphic or Continuum menu page that open Explorer with a specific controller of folder expanded. Environment CyberStation WebClient Pinpoint Cause Customer desires a graphic link that will launch Continuum Explorer pointing to a specific path. Resolution While Continuum Explorer can be launched from a button on a pinpoint graphic or menu page, it is not possible to add an argument that will direct it to open with a specific node selected.

Issue Can individual terminals be purchased for the MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx controller? Environment MNL controllers; MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx Cause Replacement parts ... Resolution The individual terminals are not setup in the system for purchase.  The MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx controller base assemblies are available for purchase under the following part numbers (MNL-BASE-100, MNL-BASE-150, MNL-BASE-200).

Issue Windows 7 SP1 support for Continuum and Webclient. Environment Windows 7 Continuum v1.93 and above Webclient v1.93 and above Cause Microsoft released Windows SP1 and it is not listed on the Continuum compatibility matrix. Resolution Continuum / WebClient v1.93 QA has not tested and qualified v1.93 for use with Windows 7 SP1. Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 was not released at the time of the Continuum 1.93 release. Note: Some Partners and Branches have installed Windows 7 SP1 and have not reported any specific issues running Continuum or Webclient 1.93.  Some PSS engineers are also running SP1 without issues.   Continuum / WebClient v1.94 QA has tested and qualified v1.94 for use with Windows 7 SP1. The note of this qualification was omitted from the Compatibility Matrix that was first released. The Matrix will be updated to reflect this new qualification for Continuum / WebClient v1.94.

Issue Updated license to add additional BACnet MSTP ports on the ENC and rebooted. After rebooting the added MSTP port could be enabled but the port settings could not be changed. Environment UNC 520 UNC license file shows "numberOfBACnetMSTPTrunks=2" (or 3 or 4) Cause Failure to reboot the UNC after enabling the BACnet MSTP port in the UNC Resolution Reboot the UNC after enabling the BACnet MSTP port. The UNC's BACnet service will automatically detect any saved BACnet port configuration changes and will apply the changes immediately.

Issue Does WorkPlace Tech 5.8 operate in the Visio 2003 and the Windows XP environment? Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.8 Windows Visio 2003, 2007, and 2010 Windows XP Windows 7 Cause NA Resolution WorkPlace Tech 5.8 will run on the Windows XP (sp3) and Windows 7 (sp1) 32 bit version operating systems. WorkPlace Tech 5.8  is compatible with Visio 2003 sp3, 2007 sp1 and 2010 sp1.

Issue Customer wishes to shunt a motion sensor alarm during the day when the building is occupied. Does this require PE code or is there an easier way? Environment Continuum Cause Looking for an easier way than writing Plain English code to shunt a security alarm. Resolution Use an Alarm Point. In this example, attach the schedule occupancy point in the Alarms tab of the InfinityInput editor for the motion sensor. The alarm algorithm expression for the AlarmEnrollment object will be: Value = On and Point1 = Off (assuming AlarmPoint1 is used). In this way, if the motion sensor is on and the occupancy schedule is off, the above expression is true, and the point will go into alarm.

Issue The following error is showing up in the Application Director of the ENS: ERROR (09:45:06 26-Jul-11 EDT)(alarm) Cannot write alarm. java.lang.NullPointerException… Environment G3 (Niagara) ENS Cause The number of alarms in the system have exceeded the capacity defined in the AlarmService. Resolution By default the “capacity” for the AlarmService is set to 500.  Increasing this to a value greater than the number of alarms in the system will correct the error, however consider doing periodic Alarm Db Maintenance to keep the number of alarms at a manageable level.

Issue What is extended lon talk? Is there no support for connection objects in TAC XBuilder 5.1.5 and 5.1.6? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.5, TAC Vista 5.1.6 XBuilder Xenta Server Cause In the release TPA-VSTA-11-0013.00 for Vista 5.1.6 it says: Extended LonTalk It is not possible to write to Extended LonTalk devices within XBuilder. Connections have to be engineered using NL220, Lonmaker or TAC Vista Workstation through object transfers. This can be misunderstood as connection objects are no longer supported. "Extended LON" means a newer type of neuron chip that has more address and domain tables (e.g. Loytec's LISA chip). The support for this was added in TAC Vista 5.1.5 but it is not added to the Xenta Servers. So support has not been removed for anything, just added support in TAC Vista. Resolution "Extended LON" refers to a newer type of neuron chip that has more address and domain tables (e.g. Loytec's LISA chip) There are no change in the use of connection objects in TAC Xbuilder 5.1.5 and 5.1.6

Issue When attempting to run the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool using the BACnet-IP or BACnet-Ethernet protocols, the search stops immediately and the "sweeping flashlight" is not displayed.  No BACnet devices are found. Environment Windows 7 Professional operating system WorkPlace Tech Tool software version 5.7.4 through 5.7.7 and 5.8 Cause The WinPcap ethernet communications driver could not be started causing the network search to fail silently. During the installation of the WinPcap software, the installer presents an option to start the WinPcap driver at boot time.  Due to potential security concerns, it is suggested that this driver be configured not to start automatically when the computer is booted.  When the WinPcap driver has been installed in this mode and the user does not have system administrative rights, the driver cannot be started automatically when needed.  This issue and the required actions were documented in the WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.7.4 and 5.7.5 release notes. Resolution As published in the release notes document, there are two different ways the issue can be handled. Turn off Windows U.A.C. (Not recommended for security conscious users) Open the Windows control panel and select User Accounts.  If the control panel display is organized in the "Category" view mode, select "Add or Remove user accounts" then select the "Go to the main User Accounts page" link. Select "Change User Account Control Settings". Drag the displayed slider to the bottom position, "Never notify" then click [OK] to save the setting and exit.   Configure the three WorkPlace Tech Tool programs to run with administrative rights. (May not be allowed on some customer owned computers).  NOTE: When the WorkPlace Tech Tool programs have been configured in this manner, the User Account Control screen stating "Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer" will be displayed each time one of these programs is run. It is necessary to click the [Yes] button to allow the program to run. From the Windows start menu or from the desktop select "Computer". Navigate to the folder "\Program Files\WorkPlace Tech" on the local disk C: (or the local disk where the WorkPlace Tech Tool software was installed. Right-click on the application WPCT (may be shown as WPCT.exe) and select Properties from the displayed list.  Click on the "Compatibility" tab then click the button [Change settings for all users].  In the "Privilege Level" section, check the box "Run this program as administrator".  Click [OK] to save the change and close the "All Users" compatibility options window.  Click the [OK] button to close the properties window. Right-click on the application WPFB (may be shown as WPFB.exe) and select Properties from the displayed list.  Click on the "Compatibility" tab then click the button [Change settings for all users].  In the "Privilege Level" section, check the box "Run this program as administrator".  Click [OK] to save the change and close the "All Users" compatibility options window.  Click the [OK] button to close the properties window. Right-click on the application WPTech (may be shown as WPTech.exe) and select Properties from the displayed list.  Click on the "Compatibility" tab then click the button [Change settings for all users].  In the "Privilege Level" section, check the box "Run this program as administrator".  Click [OK] to save the change and close the "All Users" compatibility options window.  Click the [OK] button to close the properties window. Close the Windows explorer window. In the event that a customer's security policy prohibits either of these methods of security permission control, the alternative is to uninstall the WinPcap program and reinstall it (by running the WorkPlace Tech Tool installer), configuring WinPcap to start automatically when the computer is booted.

Issue Error received when compiling a large program. Environment Windows XP Cyber Station 1.8X and  1.9x Master Controllers Infinity Controllers Cause The following limitations apply to programs: For Workstation or Infinity programs, the maximum text length is 32000 characters For Infinet programs, the maximum text length is 16000 characters Resolution Create smaller programs. Span across multiple programs. Remove comments as needed.

Issue Some b3 system variables have been renamed in StruxureWare as have some of the special labels. Environment StruxureWare WorkStation b3 BACnet devices Cause System design Resolution When programming the b3 devices care should be taken to use the StruxureWare Building Operation name of system variables and special labels to avoid compiler errors. All system variables that in Continuum have the prefix ACC in the name have been re-named to remove the prefix so that ACCStatusBackup is StatusBackup and ACCStatusFlash is StatusFlash. Also all value labels that in Continuum have the prefix ACC have been re-named to remove the prefix so that ACCBackupNeeded is BackupNeeded and ACCBackupNow is BackupNow.

Issue Why doesn't Schneider Electric Product Support publish the Microsoft part numbers that correspond to the descriptions of the Operating Systems and SQL Server products listed in the Product Compatibility Matrix?  Environment CyberStation SQL Servers IIS Servers Cause Customer's IT Department wants partner to provide Microsoft part numbers, instead of descriptions, for required operating systems and SQL Server. Resolution One reason (and there may be more) why Microsoft part numbers are not documented with the Product Compatibility Matrix is that Microsoft has volume license agreements and other variables that cause the part numbers to be different for what Schneider Electric views as the same product.

Issue Procedure to Change Imperial to SI units in VAV Controller in Classic Network System. Environment Xenta 102-AX VAV Controller TAC Vista (Classic) Cause In classic Network System, when trying to change the Xenta 102-AX VAV units from Imperial to SI, it is not changing. Resolution It is possible to change the Xenta 102-AX VAV units from Imperial to SI, in LNS System using the plug-in, But in Classic Network system, it requires some system settings to take the effect. Follow the below steps to change the Xenta 102-AX VAV units from Imperial to SI: Make sure that these setting are checked in the Administrator account. I some cases there may be two or more administrator accounts that require these setting checked Go to Control Panel -> Open "Regional and Language Options" -> in Standards and formats, change from English (United States) to English (United Kingdom). Note: - If the units are required in Fahrenheit set the English language to United States. - If the units are required in Degree Celsius set the English language to United Kingdom.   Change the Location to your local region.   Go to Advanced TAB -> change from English (United States) to English (United Kingdom). Note: - If the units are required in Fahrenheit set the English language to United States. - If the units are required in Degree Celsius set the English language to United Kingdom.   Click on "Apply all Settings to the current user account and to the default user profile".   Click on "Apply" and then click on "OK".   Re-Start the Computer.   After the computer has restarted, open the TAC Vista Server and Work Station. Then Right Click on "VAV Controller", go to its properties, and reload the XIF file, then press "OK".   Commission and Download.   It should now be possible to change the units of the device.

Issue What are System Messages and how to stop them from coming into AMT. Environment All versions of I/NET Seven Cause System Messages provide information about events occurring in the system. Resolution A message can be generated when a point changes state, goes into alarm or even when a user logs on or off to the system. There are several things that the user needs to keep in mind. The set up and programming can be seen in https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/search#keyword/TAC%20INET%20Documentation%20Error%20Correction%20in%20TCON%20300%20-%20TPA-DALL-09-0001.00/tab/documents Chapter 3 System Messages.

Issue How do you sort the displayed list of applications and folders within a WorkPlace Tech project?  There does not seem to be any order to the displayed files and folders. Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool version 4.x WorkPlace Tech Tool version 5.x.x Cause The initial display order for the folders and files contained in the WorkPlace Tech project is a function of Windows and its searching processes.  Files added to the project as a group appear in alphabetical order, top to bottom.  Folders added to a project as a group are added in reverse alphabetical order.  Any new folders and or files will automatically be added to the top of the project list.  When a group of folders or files are added to the project, they will be ordered as described above.  There is no option for reordering the order of the files and folders in the displayed contents of an existing project Resolution The easiest solution to this issue is to import the existing group of application files and folders into a new project.  Use the following procedure: Open WorkPlace Tech (WPT) and create a new project. Close WPT Open the existing project folder using the Windows Explorer. Select all files and folders in that project folder and copy them to the new project folder. Open WPT and open the new project. Add the existing files and folders to the new application using the following steps: Open "Add Application To Project". Select the "Unassigned File" tab Make sure all files shown are selected. Click the [OK] button to add the selected applications and folders to the project. This process orders all application files in alphabetical order and all folders into reverse alphabetical order.  All applications contained in folders are also placed in alphabetical order.

Issue No data is sent from keypad to the controller, pressing keys multiple times do not produce an access event of any kind at the door Environment ACX5740 ACX5720 Cause Incorrect voltage configuration for channel. Keypad unit rated for 10-15 volts but jumper on the ACX57xx hardware configured to send 5 volts to the reader/keypad Resolution Use jumper on ACX57xx hardware to properly select the right voltage for the reader channel, each reader channel on the ACX57xx can be configured to send 5 or 12 volts to the reader/keypad.

Issue What keypads work with ACX781 controllers? Environment Continuum ACX781 Cause Require a keypad interface for ACX781 but do not know what to use. Resolution The ACX781 has only ever supported the "3x4" matrix dry contact keypads. The circuitry on this discontinued controller is unable to support a wiegand keypad (widely available) of any kind and will not work with a voltage matrix such as the "2 of 7" keypads (this reference in the ACX781 cutsheet is wrong).   The only solution is to use a keypad that supports the "3x4" matrix such as the Essex Keypad or HID model (5355AGS00). If wanting to use wiegand keypads only that do not support the "3x4" matrix then the only solution is to use a controller that does support a wiegand keypad - a new ACX57xx, CX9900 + AC1, or CX9680 + AC1.

Issue Upgrade Xenta I/O modules Environment Xenta 421A, Xenta 422A, Xenta 420A Xenta 411, Xenta 412 Xenta 491/492 Xenta 451A, 452A, 450A Xenta 471 Cause It is not very common to upgrade I/O modules. If it must be done, they are upgraded the same as any other LonWorks device without a host processor. Resolution Right click on the target file to store the file locally on the hard drive. To be able to download the NXE-file, you need both the NXE and the according XIF-file for the specific device. In LonMaker, select Replace or Commission, depending if the device are already in the database or not. If the XIF-file already exist in the database, select the correct Device Template. In the next dialog, select Load application image. Browse to find the directory for the NXE-file. Change File of type to NXE. Browse to find the directory for the XIF-file. Select Next to decide about source for CP values. Select Next, if you do a Replace, you could select the Neuron ID manually, and the old Neuron ID will already be in the dialog. Select Finish to download the new NXE-file into the device.

Issue Can I purchase a replacement battery for part number E17-140? Environment DMS 35, DMS 350A, DMS 3500, DCM, MSC-MPC Cause E17-140 battery is obsolete and no longer available for purchase. Resolution Purchase replacement battery E17-131. The E17-131 battery is specified for use with the DMS-35, 350, 3500, and DCM.  This battery may also be marked N100-5058.   The E17-140 battery is specified for use with the MSC-MPC and may be marked N100-5074.    Both batteries are rechargeable Nicads.  The E17-131 battery has a slightly larger mAh capacity and a wider temperature operating range.  The E17-131 battery can be used in in place of the E17-140. UPDATE MARCH 2016:  The E17-131 is no longer available for purchase.  Try this supplier:  www.tnrtechnical.com

Issue Changed sa user name as requested and unable to log in to DbCreate using that username Unable to use standard "sa" password for "sa" username Environment DbCreate I/NET Seven SQL Cause Due to new security requirements from Windows and SQL you are unable to leave the SQL admin password as the default: Username: "sa" and Password : "sa".  When installing I/NET you will be asked to provide a new more secure password.  The "sa" username cannot and should not be changed. Resolution When installing I/NET have a new username for SQL ready.  This must be something that can be recorded and available to technician when needed When prompted, enter the new password.  You will have to enter in twice to verify the text To run DbCreate us the username: "sa" and the password that you entered during installation.