Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A project calls for an ETR503-LCD which I can purchase though the Schneider Electric iPortal. Is this a programmable smart sensor? Environment Continuum field controllers ETR500 ETR501 ETR502 ETR503 LCD ETR Cause A project calls for an ETR503-LCD which I can purchase though the Schneider Electric iPortal. Is this a programmable smart sensor? Resolution The ETR503-LCD is not a programmable "smart" sensor. It's a wall-mounted 10K thermistor sensor with an override pushbutton and setpoint slider. These points can be programmed as inputs and Plain English can be used to perform control or alarming but the LCD is fixed function - just displays the temperature. There are no terminals or jack for extending the RS-485 network for a field service tool. The data sheet  and manuals can be found on the iPortal website. https://iportal2.schneider-electric.com/

Issue Cannot ping the MNB-1000 to test network connectivity.  Looking for an alternative method of network diagnostics, possibly by use of the second Ethernet port on the MNB-1000. Environment MNB-1000 (firmware 1.510 and later) Also can be used, but not required, with earlier firmware versions. Cause All Ethernet functions except for BACnet UDP messaging and router management functions has been disabled in the MNB-1000 firmware versions 1.510 and newer.  This prevents the use of Ethernet ICMP messaging (PING command, etc.) for diagnosing the Ethernet connection to the MNB-1000 controller. Resolution A computer can be plugged into the second (lower) Ethernet port on the MNB-1000 to allow network troubleshooting, device configuration and programming.  Plugging in a computer into the second port and assigning it an address on the same subnet as the MNB-1000, you can then ping other devices on the network to verify outgoing network connectivity.  Since the ICMP messaging has been disabled in the MNB-1000 itself, you can also ping the computer on port 2 from other computers on the Ethernet network to verify incoming connectivity.  NOTE: When performing troubleshooting in this manner, you need to remember that the MNB-1000 itself still will not respond to PING commands but will pass the ping commands and all other Ethernet or IP messages through to the second ethernet port. 

Issue A project requires iClass cards and readers. Are these available in Infinity 37 bit format and are they compatible with Continuum? Environment CyberStation ACX57xx AC-1 family ACX7xx Cause A project requires iClass cards and readers. Resolution HID iClass cards with the Infinity 37 bit format are commonly used with Continuum. If you use the iClass cards you must use an iClass reader since the operating frequency is different than standard prox (13.56MHz vs. 125KHz). Continuum does not know the difference between a standard prox Infinity 37 bit and an iClass Infinity 37 bit card. All Continuum cares about is the data stream from the reader. In Continuum you just set the card format in the door editor to Infinity 37 bit for either type. The iClass cards and readers can be ordered from Schneider's iPortal. You must fill out a form that asks for various card attributes - just like standard prox cards (quantity, start card number, site code, if you want card number printed on it, if you want a slot punch, etc)

Issue STR-250 is connected to a Xenta 102-AX and displays the space temperature but any attempts to modify the setpoint or override the occupancy is unsuccessful. Environment STR-250 Xenta 102-AX Cause The wiring between the Xenta 102-AX and the STR-250 must comply with the installation instructions: 18-24 AWG three conductor cable or shielded, twisted pair (Belden 9184 equivalent) 30 m (100ft) maximum from the controller. Total capacitance may not exceed 4000 pF. Resolution Ensure that the cabling matches the documented requirements. Note: with lower gauge wiring the resistance increases and you might need to reduce the distance between the Xenta 102-AX and the STR-250 thermostat to ensure proper communication.

Issue The Video Server cannot be connected in Chinese OS. Environment Vista Chinese OS or the Language/Region setting is Chinese Cause The odd digits password of Video Server will change to even digits in Workstation in Chinese OS. For example, 5 digits password will change to 4 digits. 1 digit password will change to blank. Resolution Change the Language and Region setting to English.

Issue Need to order packing Kit for the MZX valve Environment MZX Valve packing kit Cause Valve leaking Resolution The specification number for the packing kit for valve size half inch to two inches is 626-9-204 

Issue After a loss of memory and subsequent send to controller the values do not reset to their previous value. Environment Cyberstation 1.9X NetController II Cause The Numeric value when controlled by a program will not save the last value to the database. Resolution Edit the Numeric and set the value. In order for the value to persist, the setpoint flag must be set to true. Perform a backup to flash.

Issue Running an ActivityEvent ListView with filter longer than one week (example - One MonthToNow).  Listview returns 13621 events. When trying to page down the list,  CyberStation locks up. There are 3 popup windows that occur in this order: Error: Continuum has detected an internal error. If you continue experiencing problem, it is recommended that you shutdown and restart Continuum. Reason Code: 4 ListView: It is illegal to call out while inside message filter. CONTIN~1: The RPC Server is unavailable. At this point CyberStation must be shut down via ContinuumProcesses.exe and then restarted. Environment CyberStation v. 1.81 Windows XP   Cause RPC error occurs and CyberStation locks up when running a large listview. Resolution Increase Windows virtual memory for the workstation from the default value (set by Windows) to a custom size. The "Initial Size (MB)" should be set to a minimum of 1000MB (per the CyberStation Installation Guide). For fastest performance do not set the Maximum Size (MB) to more than the amount of RAM. This will avoid using the hard disk for the virtual memory and RAM is faster than disk drives. If necessary to run the task, increase this setting beyond the amount of RAM. To change the virtual memory settings open Control Panel. Then System>>Advanced tab>>Performance Settings>>Advanced tab>> Virtual Memory Change.

Issue Points are configured to display video using Video Monitor when they go into alarm but the video is not being displayed on alarm. Live video is working fine when opening the Video Layout. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation v 1.93 Cause Points are configured to display video using Video Monitor when they go into alarm but the video is not being displayed on alarm.   Resolution Check the following: In the Security Editor for the workstation (the one with all the Locks & Keys) make sure all the CyberStation users have a group that includes, at a minimum, the "View" key in VideoLayout class, the "View" key in VideoServer class and the "Run Video Monitor" key in the Miscellaneous folder. On the Preferences tab in Workstation editor, for all workstations that need to pop alarm video, make sure the following are set: 27. Use Video Monitor; 28. Process Video Events : True and 29. Process Video Alarm Points : True. Check the event notification that Display Video' action is selected

Issue Error Getting IIS object: IIS://LocalHost/W3SVC/1/Root/webclient. Automation error Invalid syntax when installing webclient Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows 7 Cause IIS must be installed prior to webclient or the webclient applications cannot be created Resolution 1. Install IIS prior to the webclient install (See the installation guide section Pre-installation Microsoft Tasks) 2. If IIS is already installed, run the following command from a DOS prompt (Start>Run>cmd) CD\ + enter Cd \Windows\Microsoft.net\Framework\v2.0.50727> aspnet_regiis.exe -i + enter Reboot the PC and reinstall webclient Windows 7: Ensure that all the specific IIS components are selected according to the webclient installation guide See the section Configuring IIS for Windows Vista and Windows 7. There are specific components that must be selected in order for the webclient applications to work properly. If a component was missed, select it, then restart IIS and Continuum.

Issue Does Niagara G3 provide a way of importing existing ENC PxViews into an ENS?  Environment Niagara G3 version 3.5 or later Cause Importing existing ENC PxViews into an ENS is a time saving process. Resolution Niagara G3 does provide a way of importing existing ENC PxViews into the ENS with the use of exportTags, specifically PxViewTags. Open the exportTags in the Palette Drag and drop the SupervisorExportTagNetworkExt to the NiagaraNetwork of the ENS (server). Drag and drop the SubordinateExportTagNetworkExt to the NiagaraNetwork of the ENC. Enable the joinProfile in ENC: Expand the NiagaraNetwork of the ENC  Expand the ENS’ station. Double-click on the Join Profile and select Enable - Save. Setup the ENC’s PxViex File Structure: Expand Files Folder in the ENC and then expand joinProfile Expand ENS_profile.bog file and then expand niagaraStation Double-click the Points folder (The ENC’s PxViews will be setup here) Right-click in the ViewPane and select New Folder You may want to give the folder the same name as the PxView being exported The Folder structure should be the same PxViex folder structure as in the ENC’s PxView structure. Add folder for each PxView to be exported to the ENS Right-click on ENS_profile.bog and Save. Placing PxViewTags in PxViews PxViewTags are placed in each PxView being exported to the ENS. From the Palette, open exportTags and expand the Extensions folder Drag and drop a PxViewTag into the ENC’s PxView folder to be exported Configure each PxView’s Property sheet to point to the folders you created under Points in the ENS_profile.bog file. Double-click on the PxViewTag to set its properties For Supervisor Station, select ENS from the drop-down menu. - Save For Station Slot Path, click on the folder to display the “Select Parent Target” window. Expand NiagaraStation and then expand Points.  Select the corresponding PxView Folder and click OK For Px View, select the PxView to be displayed Click Save to save changes. Repeat steps for each PxView being exported to the ENS Do a Join to export PxView to ENS Once the above is setup a join can be performed.  A join can be accomplished in two ways. Join #1 Expand the NiagaraNetwork of the ENC Right-click on SubordinateExportTagNetworkExt, select Actions and then Join Join #2 Expand the NiagaraNetwork of the ENC and expand the ENS station Right-click on Join Profile, select Actions and then Join If everything was configured correctly, messages stating that both the Supervisor and Subordinate joins were successful will be displayed. If all goes well, then the ENC’s PxViews should appear in the Point folder of ENC under the ENS’ NiagaraNetwork. Notes: There were no provisions for importing the nav file during development of the exportTags. The file structure will also change once the ENC station.bog file is loaded on the Supervisor. For more detailed information on PxViewTags reference the NiagaraAX Export Tags Technical Document. This document is located in docs folder of the Niagara build root directory.

Issue If you edit a TGML graphic whose parent folder has had its authority changed from the default, bindings and links on the graphic may not work any more. Say you have a graphic that you only want to make accessible via a link on another graphic i.e. it should be invisible in the Folder View.  The graphic has dynamic elements that must update, setpoints that must be adjustable, and links to other graphics. One way to achieve this is to give the Authority of the parent folder an Access level of 'None' for Everyone, thereby hiding the folder and its contents.  You then grant individual users or groups - 'System' for example - an Access level of 'Change' as you want to be able to select the graphic to edit it after it has been created.  The bindings and links on the graphic must always have a 'Change' Access level for them to update dynamically. You log on as System to create the folder structure, graphics, bindings, links etc. - all with the default authority Access level ('Change').  You then edit the Authority for the parent folder of your graphic, giving it an Access level of 'None' for Everyone.  You leave the two checkboxes, 'Change access level on subunits' and 'Change access level on existing objects', unticked as you do not want to change the access level of the folder contents. This works as expected.  Log on as 'Field', for example, and the folder and its contents are not visible in the Folder View.  The hidden graphic can be opened via a link from another graphic.  Once open, dynamic values update, setpoints can be adjusted and links to other graphics work. Log back on as System to modify the graphic.  As System you are able to select the graphic from the Folder View and launch the TGML Editor.  Modify an object on the graphic (it could be some static text, not necessarily a dynamic object). Save the graphic.  At this point the TGML editor crashes with a COMException error 'Access denied'.  The changes have been saved, however. But now, if you log on as System, Field or any other user the modified graphic does not work.  Dynamic values are not updated and any attempt to select a dynamic value or link produces an 'Access denied' error. Environment TAC Vista 5.1.6 Windows 7, XP 32 bit and 64 bit Cause Bindings and links to graphics are saved in the database as hidden object types TGML_DYN and TGML_LINK in the same folder as the graphic they belong to.  However, when they are created they inherit the authority settings of the parent folder, not the graphic.  These settings can be changed, but a peculiarity of Vista means that when the graphic is saved the authority settings of the bindings and links revert to those currently existing for the parent folder.  If this happens to be Access level 'None' the graphic will not work for any user. Resolution Log on as System.  Before editing the graphic, change the authority access level of the parent folder, including its subunits and existing objects, to 'Change' for Everyone and System. Edit the graphic, save and close the TGML editor. Change the authority access level of the parent folder, but not its subunits and existing objects, back to 'None' for Everyone.

Issue What graphic editor do you recommend for creating backgrounds for pinpoint graphics? Environment CyberStation Cause What graphic editor do you recommend for creating backgrounds for pinpoint graphics? Resolution One may get a different answer to this from everyone asked. Personal preference and familiarity with one graphics editor over another affects the answer. So does the desires of the end user - both cost and complexity. Some are happy with simple 2D drawings; other want (and will pay for) 3D renderings and more advanced backgrounds. Some people swear by good old MS Paint. There are tricks which you can learn that make it more powerful than most of us know. Often the backgrounds are done as BMPs and then saved as JPEG (smaller size = faster load time). Another nice thing about Paint is that it is always on every workstation. Two other common applications are Adobe Photoshop and JASC PaintShop Pro. They are powerful but they cost money, and if you develop graphics in their proprietary formats offsite, you'll probably want to buy the program for the site workstations, or at least for all the employees who may need to tweak the native files.  

Issue 7798B replacement with 7798C Environment I/NET Cause The .sav file for the 7798B and the 7798C are identical.  Resolution Perform a station save on the 7798B Remove the 7798B and replace with a 7798C Save the 7798C in Netcon Select Edit>Host Computer Software Download the Software to the 7798C Connect to the controller Perform a station restore

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? This is a simple office application but the spec requires Smart sensors for VAV boxes and a few large zones have two sensors controlling one box. Environment CX bCX b3 smart sensor, TTS-SD-LCD Cause Is there any way to connect two smart sensors (TTS-SD-LCD-1) to one VAV controller (b3855-V) or other BACnet control board? Resolution More than one smart sensor connected to a Continuum VAV box will present some issues. The smart sensor uses a three wire connection to the controller smart sensor port as follows: 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. Its connection is labeled according to a controller-specific input assignment. This input must be configured as a general Temperature input.   The controllers are not designed for more than sensor - having only the one smart sensor connection.  You'll only have one temperature input and the reading will be incorrect if you wire two thermistors to the one input. If you are just trying to display the same info and/or provide a second location for override, that may work. You'd need to test it - and it would not be a supported configuration.

Issue Personnel with area link schedules fail to distribute to all Controllers if they are not on the same logical network. Environment Continuum Cyberstation CX9900 CX9680 CX9702 ACX5720 / ACX5740 Cause The Continuum Access Control system is not designed to allow Areas to cross logical networks. An object from one network is not able to be referenced in another network. When trying to share area link schedules across networks, the data can not be shared and the personnel with those links are not distributed down to all controllers.  Resolution The solution for this is a user workaround where the access control site is re-designed so that there are no longer areas that span multiple networks. EXAMPLE: Suppose we have an installation with sites in NYC and LA, two logical networks have been created in the Continuum db, NYC_Acme and LA_Acme, access to the different areas is controlled by personnel schedules and the requirement is that the users have the same access whether they are working in New York or Los Angeles. The solution is to create two sets of areas and two sets of schedule points, such as.... NY_Lobby, NY_Lab, NY_Cafeteria, these areas will be associated with the doors that are physically located at the New York city location. LA_Lobby, LA_Lab, LA_Cafeteria, these areas will be associated with the doors that are physically located at the Los Angeles location.  NY_LobbySCH, NY_LabSCH, NY_CafeteriaSCH, these schedule points are created in one of the controllers under the NYC_Acme network and assigned ONLY to the set of areas specifically created for the New York location so that everything is contained within the logical network. In the same way, LA_LobbySCH, LA_LabSCH, LA_CafeteriaSCH are to be created and used within the LA_Acme network.  

Issue SMS messages for alarms stop being sent after functioning for a period of time. The messages are stuck in the queue which can be seen in the SmsService's 'Queue Size' property. Messages in the queue are sent when the GSM modem is reset (power cycle). Problem will reoccur again after a period of operation. Environment I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Server Cause The GSM modem appears not to be able to handle the messages being sent from the I/A Series G3 SmsService. Resolution In the SmsService properties, increase the 'Inter Message Delay' time. In this particular case, the delay has been increased to 1 second. The 'Inter Message Delay' is defined as: The delay between each command send to the GSM modem. By default this is set to zero. However, some older GSM modems may require this to be increased if there are problems with communication.

Issue Xenta 527 showing error message "Packet no match on SeqChain type: 2" in HyperTerminal Environment I/NET HyperTerminal TelNet Xenta 527 Cause This error has been added as a means to aid in troubleshooting.  The specific Build of the Xenta 527 system program will change the meaning of this error.   In 5.1.6 the error indicates a request to the reference hosts for an updated routing table       Resolution 5.1.5 Contact the local IT department to find possible causes of corrupted IP packets You may need to use an ethernet capture device to determine the source of the corrupted packets 5.1.6 If the error is occurring only rarely it can be ignored.  You may see an increase in error traffic if there is a problem with TCP/IP communication Contact Product Support if further assistance is required

Issue Initiating a Find New Bacnet Device will not bring 3rd party device into the system. Can successfully find BACnet device using another front end system. Environment  Cyberstation Cause Workstation device node ID set to 1 Resolution The workstation Device Node ID must be set to a unique value and cannot be duplicated by any other device.  Best practice is to make the Device Node ID equivalent to the CyberStations ACCNetID when creating the workstation in Continuum Database Initialization.

Issue ENC is licensed for ASD but gets error "Unlicensed: javax.baja.license.FeatureNotLicensedException: tac_llc:tacasd" when attempting to access the ASD Network property sheet. Environment I/A Series G3, ENC-520 with TAC-LLC license installed. Cause When displaying the I/A Series G3 Platform details via the Platform Administration screen in the Workbench, the display shows the following for licensing: Licenses Tridium.license (Tridium 3.6 - never expires) TAC_LLC.license (TAC_LLC 3.6 - never expires) Certificates Tridium.certificate (Tridium - never expires) This information shows that the Tridium and TAC_LLC licenses have been installed but only the Tridium certificate. The TAC_LLC license will not be recognized unless the TAC_LLC.certificate is also installed (as shown in the following platform details display. Licenses   Tridium.license (Tridium 3.6 - never expires)   TAC_LLC.license (TAC_LLC 3.6 - never expires) Certificates   Tridium.certificate (Tridium - never expires)  TAC_LLC.certificate (TAC_LLC - never expires) Resolution There are two ways to resolve this issue. If you have previously installed the TAC_LLC.certificate in any other version of the G3 software, you can import that certificate into the version you are currently running. Open Workbench and connect to the subject ENC. Open the Platform then select License Manager. In the License Manager, select [Import] under the certificate section of the window. Browse to the "certificates" folder under any other G3 installation folder and locate the TAC_LLC.certificate file.  If the file is not found, check the "certificates" folder of another G3 folder.  Click on the TAC_LLC.certificate file name then click [OK]. The certificate will automatically be copied and installed.   If public ethernet connectivity is available or the certificate is not found, download the TAC_LLC certificate from The Exchange Download Center. Use Workbench to import the downloaded file.