Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Event Enrollment shows Event State in alarm but the alarm notification is NOT delivered to CyberStation in the Event Notification recipient list. Environment CyberStation bCX4040 b4920 b3s Cause Download To BACnet Device option NOT selected when adding recipients in Event Notification object. Resolution When an Event Notification object resides in a controller (bCX or b3) the recipient information MUST be downloaded to the controller in order for alarm delivery to work. If in the list of recipient an entry has the Download field set to false remove the recipient from the list and add it again making sure the Download To BACnet Device checkbox remains checked.

Issue Get server error in '/webClient' Application when attempting to connect with the WebClient Environment WebClient 1.93 Windows 7 Cause Bad installation Resolution 1. Run aspnet_regiis.exe -i (This is done from a DOS prompt, C:\Windows\Microsoft.net\Framework\v2.0.50727)  2. Re-install Continuum WebClient

Issue A controller with only 2 available outputs is being used to control a 3 stage device. Environment Three stage device control where lower stages must remain active. Cause Hardware or space limitations may prevent there from being enough outputs to control a three stage device. Resolution Two controller outputs in conjunction with a DPDT (dual pole, dual throw) relay can be configured to control a three stage device. This will allow you to activate stage 1, stages 1 and 2 or all three stages by activating either one or both of the controller outputs. An example of when this might be used is to control three stages of heat or a three stage fan. A standard "ice cube" type relay can be used (IDEC RH2B or similar) and should be wired as shown in the diagram below.   The controller should be programmed to activate only output 1 for stage 1, activate only output 2 for stages 1 and 2 and finally to activate both outputs for stages 1, 2 and 3. Note that certain application specific controllers may not allow the outputs to be configured in the way described above and thus cannot take advantage of this setup.

Issue Is there a way to capture CyberStation transactions so that I can debug workstation issues. I have been asked to send an ACCTrace capture file to Schneider Product Support.  How can I capture an ACCTrace record? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Workstation Continuum ACCTrace Extended logging Alarm delivery Alarm Logging Cause Some alarms are not being logged in continuum. Extended log data is missing or non existent. Resolution ACC Trace is a utility that can be used to capture the transactions CyberStation makes with controllers and with the Continuum database. ACCTrace.exe can be found in the Program Files\Continuum folder of the workstation PC. Once it is running, either use the default file name for the ACCTrace file, or a folder path and custom file name.  The extension should remain ".csv".  Note: ACCSniffer is a tool PSS generally does not use.  Once the capture file information is entered, select Start Trace.  Once the capture has been started, exercise the Continuum operations that are being tested.  Once the test is completed, select Stop Trace. The ACCTrace file is a complex record which cannot be readily interpreted by someone who does not have an advanced knowledge of Continuum software. It is often a good idea to include a Continuum Activity Log and Continuum Error log and possibly a Continuum Event log for cross analysis.

Issue An error was detected while attempting to set an attribute in a remote Infinity object Infinity Controller error: No response from I/O module Environment 99xx 9680 Continuum Cause FTT-10 IOU modules are not compatible with RS-485 Netcontrollers RS-485 IOU modules are not compatible with FTT-10 Netcontrollers Resolution There are a few ways to determine what bus topology type was built into a IOU module or Netcontroller  Take a look at the original purchase order which will indicate the type Look at the inside cover of the IOU module(s) and in the model description RS-485 or FTT-10 may be indicated Inside the cover of the Netcontroller and the IOU module there is a black component on the circuit board that has Echelon FTT-10 on it near the comm bus connector if it is FTT-10 Get the serial number of each of the IOU modules and the Netcontrollers and let Product Support know what they are, PSS can cross reference the number to determine the topology scheme from when it was manufactured If this isn't the issue then try the IOU with only that IOU connect in a different part of the IOU bus or by itself on the Netcontroller Under the cover RS-485 version - CX9900 Netcontroller 1   Under the cover FTT10 version - CX9900 Netcontroller 1

Issue After configuring a BACnet Schedule in a BCX or a b3 controller, it goes into Fault with its Reliability field showing "ConfigurationError". Environment CyberStation WebClient BCX40xx b3 BACnet Schedule Object Cause Configuration of BACnet schedule Incorrect point type used to configure BACnet schedule Resolution For each object type within BACnet (input, numeric, trendlog, etc.) each object property identifier (property) has an associated data type.  A list of data types for the each property can be found in Chapter 12 of the BACnet spec under the section for each object type.  The correct data type to configure in the schedule is determined by the Object property that is being controlled by the schedule object.  When using a schedule to control the value of a BinaryInput, BinaryOutput and BinaryValue objects, the Data Type that should be used is Enumerated. When using a schedule to control the value of a AnalogInput, AnalogOutput and AnalogValue objects, the Data Type that should be used is Real. When using a schedule to control the value of a MultiStateInput, MultiStateOutput and MultiStateValue objects, the Data Type that should be used is Unsigned Integer The Schedule object can be tricky to configure, however. There are several properties (Weekly_Schedule, Exception_Schedule, Schedule_Default) that must contain the same data type for all events. Since Enumerated is the “default” data type, the user may need to manually remove any existing events with the Enumerated type and replace them with the desired data type. If while configuring the schedule a message similar to the one above is displayed and accepted  all the events MUST be deleted otherwise a configuration error will result.

Issue EPI Builder will not run even though the security key is enabled for badging Get error Badge Manager Cannot init license after clicking on Create/Edit Badge in Personnel Manager BadgeManager Cannot init license Environment Continuum EPI Builder Windows XP Keywords: account, admin, administrator, user, account, dongle, permission Cause The logged in user account does not have enough permission to run EPI Builder Administrator account runs EPI Builder OK Resolution Give the required user account enough permission to run EPI Builder Eg. Windows "Users" account may not have enough permission to run EPI Builder, where Windows "Power Users" normally have enough permission to run EPI Builder

Issue BCX not showing up on infinity side but shows up on the Bacnet side. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Explorer Cause View options in the Continuum Explorer were set to view the Continuum Bacnet device as Bacnet Only. Resolution In Continuum Explorer, select the menu item View Select Show Continuum Bacnet Device As Select Infinity Controller and Bacnet Device

Issue webClient browser will not log on to Single User system, shows "Waiting for ServerName/WebClient/LogOn.aspx" in Internet Root\ " ". Then check out the Workstation (Single User) screen, this will show error message: "The root path name could not be read, the root path name will be set to "Root\ " " See Screenshot: Environment Continuum webClient Single User V1.81 running on Windows XP SP2 Note: This scenario could also occur if a LAN Cyberstation were to be run up on the webClient IIS Server, but this is not a valid installation. Check out the webClient Installation guide on the software CD for valid LAN webClient configurations. Cause As the webClient IIS connections use the Cyberstation software to access the system SQL database, limiting the Cyberstation functionality will stop the additional webClient users from accessing the system. Resolution Ensure any users logged on to a Single user system have full system access or are logged off when connecting using the webClient Browser. Also use the inactivity timer in the User configuration to automatically log off users not active on the system. This issue does not apply to LAN systems where the webClient server is not used as a regular workstation.

Issue What is the b2 and i2 Controller Object Format property used for? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Continuum Conversion i2 Controller objects b3 controller objects Cause i2 and b3 Controller objects include a a Format field for objects created using the Continuum Conversion tool. What is this used for and how does the value effect the operation?     Resolution These Format values are propagated through the Continuum Conversion Tool for reference only and have no impact on operation in EBO. The values cannot be modified. In EBO there are two ways to configure numeric display formats. -In WorkStation property pane and watch window, the number of decimals displayed to the right of the decimal point is inherited from the WorkStation PC's regional settings. This setting applies to all values displayed in WorkStation except for values in graphics. -In graphics, the number decimals displayed to the right of the decimal point is configured value-by-value in the Graphics Editor.   The format value is not stored in an EBO export and if objects are manually created, then standard formats are used for the type of object created .

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 for assistance. Issue When restoring a Continuum database the process fails with a Cannot show requested dialog error message. Index was outside the bounds of the array. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Microsoft SQL Server Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Cause The version of SQL Server Management Studio is not compatible with the Microsoft SQL Server version. In this example the error occurred when attempting to use SQL Server Management Studio for SQL Server 2005 Express to restore a database on an SQL Server 2012 Express server. Resolution Uninstall the incompatible version of SQL Server Management Studio and then install a compatible version. The database can then be restored.

Issue The Exchange Download Center contains all of the assets you once accessed through the Buildings Extranet are now available on a brand new platform. It's easy to search and fast to download. Stay tuned for more great features as we roll this into the all-new extranet solution for Buildings. We ask that you register for a new account on The Exchange.   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Exchange Download Center Cause You can utilize the new Buildings web experience from The Exchange. Resolution Navigate to https://ecoxpert.se.com/ * Use a modern browser for the best experience: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer version 8 or later. If you receive the following error in Internet Explorer despite using version 8 or later, the browser displays the page in Compatibility View. Click here for more information on Compatibility View and how to disable it. The Download Center will not function properly in Compatibility View.   On the header bar, you will see the option in the top right corner for “Login / Register.” Click it.   If you are already registered, enter your email address and password. If this is your first time registering, click the link for “New to the Download Center? Register here!”   Answer whether or not you are a Schneider Electric employee using the radio buttons. If you are a Schneider Electric employee, enter your SESA ID and your desired password for The Exchange. Click to accept Schneider Electric’s Terms and Conditions and hit “Create Account.” * The first time you register, you must be connected to the Schneider Electric network or connected via VPN. This is only required at registration. All future logins can be done externally. If you are not a Schneider Electric employee, enter your first name, last name, company name, location, business email address, and desired password for The Exchange. * It is important to use your business email address if you are a licensed partner. Your email address is used to automatically validate your Partner status and assign the correct permissions to your user profile.   An email is sent to your designated inbox with a link to click through and validate your email address. Once this is done, your login is created, and you are ready to start using the Download Center. * If an error is displayed when trying to validate your authentication code, please try to log in. This happens when an email address has already been verified and oftentimes does not indicate an error with the registration.   Once logged in, you can search and download assets available to your user profile. If you attempt to download a file that you do not have access to, you will be given a chance to report if this is in error. Your username, email, and the asset you are trying to access are recorded. Please enter a message if any further description is required and hit “Submit.” A member of our team will get back to you promptly with a resolution. Web Site Support For any issue regarding The Exchange Download Center, please contact us at exchangesupport@schneider-electric.com.

Issue How to read float type point using the Modbus RTU Xdriver Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Modbus RTU (RS484) Cause Which Xdriver function code to use. Resolution When polling for a point of Float type and using the Xdriver. Use one of the Special function codes available in the Xdriver parameter list. For Float type use function code 245 or 248. See User Guide for further details.

Issue Upon presenting valid credentials at the door and physically entering thru it, the event reported for the transaction is "Valid Access No Entry" instead of the normal Valid Access event. The door is properly configured with a door switch but the controller does not see the door switch open. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CX Gen 1 Continuum Net Controller II Cause For unknown reasons the door's entry and exit IOU are set to the same value, typically the GUI will not allow such invalid configuration. Resolution Edit the door and set the Exit IOU to zero (for a single-sided door) or to the appropriate IOU number associated with the AC1/AC1Plus on the exit side of the door. 

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue ACX5740 controller randomly re-boots and restore from flash, the controller does not attempt warm start but instead jumps directly to cool start.  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum ACX 2 Controller Continuum ACX 4 Controller Continuum Net Controller II Cause Door striker creating an electrical spike that can travel back down the output wiring to the controller. When this happens, it generally will not damage any of the hardware in the controller but it could cause it to reset or cause its memory to get scrambled. The fact that the controller does not attempt warm start but instead skips directly to cool start is a strong indication that memory corruption is taking place, on startup, the controller verifies RAM memory is intact and will not attempt warm start otherwise. Resolution Install Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV ) to add voltage suppression to the controller's output driving the door striker. (Put the MOVs at the end device and not the controller end)   Another option is to add an isolation relay to keep the electrical noise from reaching the controller's output. 

Issue AS-P that has infinet devices connected to it, crashes during the Spring time-change of daylight savings. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Andover Continuum, infinet devices Cause Infinet schedules are sent down to the controller on a weekly basis. Having changed from default to be on Sunday between the time of 2:00 AM and 2:59 AM causes issues during daylight savings time "spring forward" due to that hour time span not existing. This causes the AS-P to crash. Resolution If you have schedules being download differently from the default time interval, ensure that they are not being done on Sundays, between the time of 2:00 AM and 2:59 AM. If they are, update them forward or back an hour to avoid further issues.

Issue InfinityProgram that sets the value of a local string object from the value of a remote string object frequently gets disabled. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9702 CX9640 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 i2 field devices Cause Passing string objects between controllers does not use the system's Import/Export system, strings are passed by point to point operation which can produce large amounts of traffic on the Infinet field bus. The program will disable if not properly written to account for events in the field bus that will knock controllers offline (i.e. field bus reconfigurations) Resolution Care must be taken when writing the program to 1. Fetch the string value at a reasonable interval instead of in every scan 2. Keep the program from disabling due to communication errors, bus reconfigurations etc, typically an error line (E:) is added to the problem to handle errors graciously. If possible transfer the value via a numeric point so that the I/E system is used as opposed to point to point.

Issue Does Continuum have an interface to the KNX/EIB protocol? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment KNX Xdriver Cause There is a need to interface to a 3rd party device/system via the KNX protocol. Resolution There is no KNX Xdriver formerly listed for download on the Schneider Electric Exchange. However a Beta KNX Xdriver has been developed for a number of select sites and can be obtained via PSS or your local Customer Care Centre (CCC) There are also third party gateways available in the market that may be able to help with this connectivity. They can provide an interface from KNX to another protocol that Continuum supports natively such as BACnet.     Schneider Electric Wiser for KNX Loytec Universal Gateway

Warning Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue How to drive the IO on the DM-20 using an external pull up resistor and voltage source. Product Line Andover Continuum, Security Expert Environment Continuum CX Gen 1 Continuum Net Controller II Continuum DM-20 IO Module Security Expert Controller (SP-AC1) Cause DM-20 IO does not have built-in pull-up resistors.  In order to be able to drive the IO without the DIO-20, external pull up resistors must be used. Resolution Attach a 10K resistor between the + termination of the 24VDC at the bottom left corner of the DM-20 and the termination at the female connector corresponding to the input/output to be driven.   In1, in the screenshot above, can be driven by removing and inserting the other end of the resistor into the input termination. Out5, in the screenshot above, a voltage meter is used, when the output is turned ON/OFF from the software, the voltage across the resistor will change from GROUND to 24VDC  

Issue What utility in Windows XP can disable items in Startup? Environment Windows XP Cause Items that run on startup can sometimes make the boot up process for a PC very slow. Depending on which applications have been added to start automatically on startup, it can also cause problems if things load in the incorrect order. Resolution Click the Start button in Windows XP Select Run Type msconfig and click OK.