Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Trying to add B3 controllers to BCX and they are not coming online. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX 4040 Continuum 1.9X B3XXX  controllers Cause BacNet wiring can not be in a star configuration. There can not be more than two terminating 120 Ohm resistors. Resolution The Bus must be wired in series with end line 120 Ohm resistors. Install a B-Link if the bus path cannot be wired in series. Please see the BacNet Technical Reference manual for wiring examples.

Issue Is it possible to access the Pelco Video Server through TAC Vista Webstation Environment TAC Vista Webstation Pelco Video Server (Digital Sentry) Cause The Pelco Video Server can not be accessed through TAC Vista Webstation. Resolution No, It is not possible to access the Pelco Video Server through TAC Vista Webstation. It is only possible to access Pelco video viewers through TAC Vista Workstation. In TAC Vista Workstation activates a special program which allows viewing of this video. Note: TAC Vista supports only for Pelco - Integral Digital Sentry Video System.

Issue Is it possible to determine if a TGML graphic is being run in Workstation or Webstation? Environment TGML Graphics Editor 1.1.X Vista 5.1.X Workstation TacWebApps 5.1.X (Webstation) Cause There are differences in the rendering of graphics between Workstation and Webstation. Sometimes this leads to the necessity of creating two sets of components depending on where the graphics will be presented. By being able to programmatically determine the environment, one set of components can be used regardless of the presentation, reducing engineering time. Resolution The results of the JavaScript function Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty can determine whether the viewer is currently in Vista Workstation or not.    Note: This is not a supported function in TGML. Because it is unsupported, it is subject to change without notification, and should be used accordingly at your own risk.   Create a document-level script tag that runs OnDocumentLoad. Determine the current Vista version (and keep potential future upgrades in mind as well). The implementation of the property changed in an upgrade from Vista 5.1.4 to Vista 5.1.5. If the system is Vista version 5.1.4 and prior, use the following function: if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") == "ActiveX Scripting Host") If the statement is true, then the graphic is being run in Workstation. If the system is Vista version 5.1.5 and later, use the following function if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("java.runtime.name") == "IKVM.NET") If the statement is true, then the graphic is being run in Workstation. The following script can be run for any version of Vista 5. /*   returns what browser Tgml is viewed in (Workstation==false,Webstation/Webserver==true)  */ var getBrowserType = function() {    var browser = false; // initiates browser indication variable as Webstation/Webserver  if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") != null) { // checks Vista version   // evaluated for Vista is 5.1.4 or earlier   if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") == "ActiveX Scripting Host") {       browser = false;   // indicates variable as Workstation   } else {      browser = true;    // indicates variable as Webstation/Webserver     }  } else {   // evaluated for Vista 5.1.5 or later   if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("java.runtime.name") == "IKVM.NET") {    browser = false;   // indicates variable as Workstation   } else {    browser = true;    // indicates variable as Webstation/Webserver   }  }   return browser;     // returns browser indication } 

Issue Is there a specific amount, or percentage of free memory that must be maintained for Continuum controllers to operate? Environment NetController CX9900 CX9940 Infinet i2 ACX2 b3 Cause Is there a specific amount, or percentage of free memory that must be maintained for Continuum controllers to operate? Resolution There are no published metrics or guidelines regarding the use of Continuum controller free memory. For most of the Continuum controllers there is no required minimum amount of free memory in order for the controller to function properly. The notable exception to this is the CX99xx. Remote validation will stop working in the CX99xx if freemem goes too low. This is because the system memory and the user memory come from the same heap. Also, in the CX99xx, if a Plain English program uses a commport to read and write data, and the controller has insufficient memory to switch from a RAW port to AutoSet, the controller will lock the commport. A safe target for freemem is 15% of the total. These issues were fixed in the NC2/ACX2 by having separate heaps for memory allocation by the system and OMS (object management system). The newer IP level controllers and the i2/b3 controllers can be loaded up until there is no freemem but be aware that as you load up the controller memory with programs, the scan time will typically increase.

Issue Downloading to a 7920 MIP and it freezes up and stops communicating. Environment All versions of I/Net Software doing Access Control. Cause The software probably got corrupted during the download and needs to be cleared out to accept the latest bin file from the host. Resolution With Power on and the board mounted on the 7920, On Pin Header J4, connect Pins 1 and 2 Together, via jumper or whatever medium available Press the Reset button

Issue What must be done to write a program in an InfinityController to send raw text to another device via the controllers comm port. Environment NCI NCII BCX ACX5720, ACX5740 Cause Must interface with another controller device one to write a program in an InfinityController to send raw text to another device via the controllers comm port. Resolution A Plain English program must be created to send the text string formatted as required by the device which will be receiving the text.  On a NetController 2 Comm 1 or Comm 3 must be used. Initially the program must initialize the comm port parameters to match what the external device requires in terms of data speed and bit length, etc.  The following is an example of the parameters that should be considered. Set COMM1 Baud = Baud2400 Set COMM1 DefaultMode = AutoSet Set COMM1 DataLength = DataBits7 Set COMM1 Parity = Even Set COMM1 FlowControl = XonXoff Once the commport has been set, the Program must open the comm port in raw mode using a command similar to the command below. Open(COMM1) Once the comm port is open, data may be sent to the comm port using a print statement Print DataString.Str to Comm1 If the Comm port must be closed following transmission logic will have to be added to test for whether the comm port was opened successfully and for closing the comm port once the transmission is complete. (Note: If the CommPort is enabled for an XDriver, you may get an error, "Invalid mode for the comm port", when trying to set the CommPort defaultmode to AutoSet. If this occurs use a Commport or Controller that is not XDriver enabled.)

Issue DoorAjar alarms not showing up in an Access EventView even after hardware has been checked out and configuration is verified. Environment 1) Cyberstation Version: 1.90.0.20081030 2) Controller Type: ACX 5720 3) Controller Version: 1.000005 Event View Cause DoorAjar alarms not showing up in an Access EventView even after hardware has been checked out and configuration is verified. Resolution In this case the solution was to uprev the ACX to the latest version (ACX57xx v1.1000xx). The v1.0xxxxx firmware is used in CyberStation versions 1.81 and below and the v1.1xxxxx is used in v1.82 and above. Download ACX-57xx Series_v1.100013

Issue A door configured with entry and exit readers using AC1/AC1A will report door switch trouble after controller is reloaded. Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9680 AC1 AC1A NOTE: There is no problem if AC1Plus modules are used. Cause Configuration issue Resolution Attach resistors to exit side AC1's door switch, the resistor configuration on the exit AC1 must match the resistor configuration on the entry AC1. DO NOT wire the inputs on the exit AC1 to anything. Only the door switch has this requirement, the REX input does not require adding resistors to the exit AC1. See IO System Reference Guide  connecting a dual reader door for wiring information.

Issue Attempting to downgrade the ENC-410 or ENC-520 using the Commissioning Wizard can corrupt the ENC file system making the ENC become unusable. Environment I/A Series G3, ENC-410, ENC-520 Cause Attempting to downgrade the ENC-410 or ENC-520 using the Commissioning Wizard can corrupt the ENC file system making the ENC become unusable. Resolution Downgrading from one software release to an earlier release can present compatibility problems. This applies particularly to QNX-based ENCs, as binaries for the (QNX) OS are included in dist files.  However, at times it may be necessary to install an older release onto a ENC, or to restore a ENC to a known good state. To downgrade a ENC, or otherwise “wipe it clean to start over,” a clean distribution file must first be installed.  The following procedure is also detailed in the Niagara AX Platform Guide included with the G3 software. Installing a clean dist will wipe the file system and install an appropriate version of Niagara platform daemon, resetting the unit to a “near factory state.” Only the following settings are preserved: • TCP/IP settings • license files • brand.properties All other data is removed from the file system, including station bog files, Px files, modules, etc. In addition, a clean dist restores the factory-default platform credentials and port (3011).  Therefore before installing a clean dist file, make sure to backup station files plus any other modules on the ENC you wish to keep. Remember, that a “Station Backup” creates a dist file that (when restored) includes the same level of software installed at backup time, so instead of (or in addition to) this type of backup, you may wish to use the Station Copier. Note that after installing a clean dist, you must recommission the ENC, using the Commissioning Wizard. --- To downgrade a QNX-based ENC from any G3 3.x build to an earlier release: Step 1: Before installing a clean dist file, make sure you have backed up the station files plus any other data and modules on the ENC you wish to keep. Step 2: Start G3 3.x Workbench and open a platform connection to the ENC. Step 3: Open the Distribution File Installer and click Cleaning button for the !/cleanDist directory. Step 4: Select the appropriate clean dist file for the platform and install.  The file system clean will take a few minutes, then the ENC will automatically reboot. Wait for the reboot to complete. Note: After reboot from a clean dist install, the ENC is using default platform credentials and port (3011). Step 5: Re-install the software versions to the ENC. Use a version of Workbench that runs the same software versions that you want on the UNC, and use the platform Commissioning Wizard to install the desired software build. For details, refer to the section “About the Commissioning Wizard” in the JACE NiagaraAX Install and Startup Guide.

Issue When running a listview, it stops inexplicably. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Listviews cannot be run on objects with no Device IDs. Resolution Remove the affected objects (those with no Device IDs) from the SQL database.

Issue Zbuilder will not launch from LonMaker on Windows Vista. If running LonMaker in elevated mode or with User Access Control disabled then trying to launch Zbuilder will result in an error: Unhandled exception thrown. Message: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. StackTrace: at TAC.Xenta100ConfigTool.Framework.LNS.LnsNetworkManager.OpenNetworkAndSystem(String network) at TAC.Xenta100ConfigTool.Framework.LNS.LnsNetwork.InitLNSPlugIn(String objectPath, String mode, String networkInterfaceName) at TAC.Xenta100ConfigTool.Program.RunAsLnsPlugIn(Assembly frameworkAssembly, String[] args) at TAC.Xenta100ConfigTool.Program.Main(String[] args) Environment LonMaker 3.2 Vista 5.1.0, 5.1.1, 5.1.2 Windows Vista Cause When the Vista Toolpack 5.1.0 was developed, LonMaker did not support Windows Vista limiting the ability to test for compatibility and all problems. As a result this problem is only experienced when launching Zbuilder from LonMaker. Resolution Upgrade the TAC Toolpack to version 5.1.3 or higher. If Vista Server is being used as well then ensure that the Toolpack and Vista Server versions are still the same revision.

Issue Equipment damage can occur when a common transformer is used to power non-isolated, half-wave rectifier and non-isolated, full-wave rectifier devices. Equipment damage also can occur if the I/O terminals of a device lack isolation from one another and I/O devices of varying rectifier types are connected to these non-isolated terminals and powered by a common transformer. Environment NetController ( CX99xx , CX9702 , CX92xx , CX9xxx ) InfinetController ( Infinet Controller ) BACnet Controller ( bCXxxxx , b4xxx , b3xxx ) Cause For example in wiring,  the control signal “-” output of the full-wave device is directly connected to one of the AC leads of the common transformer through the control signal “-” of the half-wave device. This connection places the D4 diode of the full-wave rectifier directly across the transformer secondary and causes shorting of the transformer every half cycle of the AC input. This condition can cause serious equipment damage. Resolution Non-isolated, connected devices of varying rectifier types require their own external isolation transformers. Use external isolation transformers for each device if there is doubt regarding whether an installation may cause equipment damage.

Issue How do you configure the I/A Series R2 LON Tunnel for operation with the WorkPlace Tech Tool software? Environment I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software, release 4.31 or later WorkPlace Tech Tool Software release 5.x Cause Need information on the entire process of configuring the I/A Series R2 LON tunnel software to work with the WorkPlace Tech Tool software running on Windows XP. Resolution There are four parts to configuring LON Tunneling. A. UNC configuration The UNC must be licensed for vlon (in the features line) Install the VLON jar file into the UNC using the Configure Modules function within the Admin tool Installation Wizard. There are no configuration requirements for the VLonService in the UNC. B. Check for an available LON port in WorkPlace Tech Open WorkPlace Tech but do not open a project. From the "Tools" menu, select "Configure Communications" Select the Lonworks radio button then click [Change] Click the pulldown arrow in the "Select a network interface device driver" selection box. Make a note of the LON ports currently defined.  This list will be used when configuring the tunnel on the PC. Click [Cancel] to close the communications configuration process then close WorkPlace Tech. C. Niagara LON Tunnel configuration on PC Download the "NiagaraLonTunnel.exe" module from The Exchange Install the NiagaraLonTunnel service on the Windows XP PC by running the downloaded NiagaraLonTunnel.exe program. From the Windows Control Panel, open the "Niagara App Tunnel" applet and select the LON tab if more than one tab is displayed. In the LON port name field, select a value not identified in step B.5, above. In the Host Address field, enter the IP address of the UNC. You may enter a UNC station User Name and Password in the two fields or those fields may be left blank. If you have entered a User Name and Password, the Silent Mode checkbox may be checked to prevent the LON Tunnel connection window from being displayed each time the connection is established. Click [OK] to close the Niagara Application Tunneling window. In the Windows Control Panel, double-click on Administrative Tools then double-click on "services". In the displayed list, locate "Niagara LON Tunnel", right click on that entry and click "Restart" in the displayed list. Wait for the Service to restart.  If Windows reports that it cannot restart the service, it will be necessary to close all application windows and restart Windows.  After restarting Windows, continue with part D, below. After the service restarts, close the Services window and close the Windows Control Panel. D. Configure WorkPlace Tech Communications. With the WPT application open,  select the "Tools" menu, then select "Configure Communications". Select the Lonworks radio button then click [Change]. Click the pulldown arrow in the "Select a network interface device driver" selection box Select the LON# port name entered in step C.4, above. Check the "This is a VLon device" checkbox. Click [OK] to save the settings. When you attempt to establish communications with the LON network, the "Niagara Lon Tunneling Logon" window will be displayed if "Silent Mode" was not selected in step C.7. If "Silent Mode" was selected in step C.7 and the UNC login failed, the "Niagara Lon Tunneling Logon" window will be displayed to allow entry of a different user name & password. The connection via the LON tunnel is available for use. 

Issue After testing a Niagara G3 Soft Jace using a USB adapter and connecting a BACnet/MSTP trunk of controllers, a customer would like to install the same configuration on a jobsite.  The test involved using a TIP license which contains all features/drivers but is not intended for use on actual jobsites. Can the customer purchase a Soft Jace and have it properly licensed for a BACnet/MSTP integration? Environment Niagara G3 soft jace Cause A successful BACnet/MSTP integration to a Niagara G3 soft jace on a testbench.  Can this configuration be supported on a jobsite? Resolution Tridium will only allow a Niagara G3 soft jace to be licensed for BACnet/IP.

Issue Station Address conflict Error in I/NET after adding a controller Environment I/NET Cause Each Station must have a unique Station Address Resolution Check Network Configuration at the host workstation for an available Station address Using the HHC, change the station address to an open address.

Issue Dehumidification using Xenta 121-FC Environment Xenta 121-FC Xenta 121-HP Cause Some aspects of how the dehumidification mode in the Xenta-121 operate are undocumented. Resolution The dehumidification feature of the Xenta 121 can operate either by turning on external dehumidification equipment using one of the digital outputs or, if no external equipment is provided, it will use the cooling for dehumidification. In the latter scenario, the heat continues to be operational when the cooling is forced for dehumidification. Additionally, if there is an outside air damper, it will be controlled to its minimum position before forcing the cooling on. When is external dehumidification enabled? For On/off cooling, cooling is enabled for dehumidification when the nvoDehumidActive value is greater than 10% and is disabled when the nvoDehumidActive value drops below 5%. For all other types of cooling, nvoCoolPrimary is set to match the nvoDehumidActive whenever it is a greater than cooling PID output + 5% or whenever the cooling PID output is less than 5%. The dehumidification feature can be configured using the ZBuilder configuration tool. However, the individual features can also be accessed via the points listed below using either Vista Workstation or another Lon management tool such as LonMaker: Applic UCPTappOptions Bit Usage If FALSE If TRUE Additional notes 5 Dehumidification control enable Not active Active   6 Dehumidification type Internal External Only applicable if bit 5 = true. External control can be hardwired or via SNVT. Internal will force cooling as a dehumidification method. 7 External dehumidification active on Open contact Closed contact Only applicable if bits 5 and 6 are both true. UCPTappOptions2 Bit Usage If FALSE If TRUE Additional notes 7 External dehumidification type Digital Analog If true then the RH reading is mirrored to the analog output (0-100% = 0-10V). Only applicable if UCPTappOptions bits 5 and 6 are both true.

Issue Communications between a DMS-3500 and a Niagara R2 UNC-520 is slow.  Points are updating very slowly.  What are some settings that can be verified and/or optimized? Environment Niagara R2 UNC-5x0 DMS-35, DMS-350A, DMS-3500 Cause There could be several variables:  high count of polled objects, lower than optimal baud rate between the UNC and the DMS, non-optimal settings for the DMS Comm Service, etc.... Resolution Review the Best Practices section of the DMS Serial Driver Engineering Guide (F-27071) and apply as many of the suggestions as possible.  Among them, here are the suggestions that do not require a hardware modification or an architectural change: Use the maximum allowable baud rate for the DMS serial port (38.4kb for a DMS-3500) Adjust the property settings of the DmsCommService to match the following: intermessageDelay = 1500 timeoutHostMsg = 215000 timeoutHostFragment = 110000 maxReadValues = 10 downDeviceRecoveryInterval = 1 maxMultipleMsgs = 3 autoCycleTimeOn = TRUE deltaCycleDifference = 10 deltaCycleChange = 25 globalCycleTime = 15000 Ensure any DMS point alarms, that are no longer required, are programmed to not annunciate to the serial port being used to interface to the UNC. Optimize polling by customizing the minimumPollInterval setting for each shadow object.  The default setting is 1000 ms.  A space temperature sensor, for example, changes very slowly.  Its setting can be modified to be anywhere from 30000 ms to 60000 ms. Keep the number of Poll-Always points below 600 if they are polling at 1000 ms.

Issue Xenta Group and Xenta Programmable Device specifications for an LNS system Network communication errors Environment Vista NL220 LonMaker Vista System Plug-in Cause Improper configuration of Xenta Programmable controllers will result in poor network performance Resolution Design Each LNS database within the following limits A maximum of 400 Xenta Programmable devices A maximum of 30 Xenta Groups A maximum of 30 devices with-in each Xenta Group Xenta groups should not have members separated by a router

Issue Looking for support for Schneider Electric Lighting Control products such as Clipsal, Powerlink, and SERP relay panels  (non-Continuum or Infinity products).   Environment Not Continuum Not Infinity Lighting Integration Cause Looking for support for Schneider Electric Lighting Control products such as Clipsal, Powerlink, and SERP relay panels  (non-Continuum or Infinity products).   Resolution Technical Support, Start-up Assistance and Troubleshooting OCC Sensors, Powerlink, C-Bus (Clipsal): Tech Support Group, 615-287-3591, option 1 Or email to:lightingcontrol.support@schneider-electric.com Cassia, Relay Panels: Tech Support Group, 888-387-2212, option 2 Or email to: lightingcontrol.support@schneider-electric.com M-F, 7:30am-5:00pm Central.  24 hour emergency response is available at 888-SQUARED.

Issue Upgraded LAN system from 1.74 SP2 to 1.93. Click on any existing schedule or try to create a new schedule - no response from the system, i.e no error message and no editor is launched. Environment LAN CyberStation v1.93 SQL 2000 SP4 Windows XP SP3 Cause 1.93 installation "over-the-top" of 1.74 appeared successful, but was not. Resolution Originally, the upgrade installation was done "over the top" of the existing CyberStation. The problem was seen. The installation was done again over the top. The problem persisted. The problem went away after uninstalling CyberStation, deleting the Continuum directory and Continuum Utilities directory, rebooting and reinstalling CyberStation.