Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to Lockdown your facilities using Continuum area/door lockdown functionality. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5740/20 Cause Need a fast and efficient way to lock down multiple areas in one operation when a threat is perceived at a site. Resolution The Continuum Physical Access Control System supports an advanced feature that allows for quickly locking down parts of or an entire building or campus via the areas/doors that are under physical access control by the Continuum system. This functionality is available in second-generation access controllers such as the CX9680 (NC2) and the CX5720/5740(ACX2) In Continuum, lockdown of an area or door means that access to the area/door via the physical access control system is restricted in such a way that prevents the movement of individuals into the locked-down area/door as well as keeping individuals from leaving the area/door under locked down. Locking down an area automatically locks down all doors associated with the area; Continuum also allows doors to be locked down individually. When a door/area is locked down, all credential access attempts and exit requests are denied. The only way to gain access into the locked-down door/area is by the use of a credential that has been designated with ‘Executive Privilege’ in the system. Note though, that a person with executive privilege may gain access into a locked-down area/door via the credential reader but if the mode of egress from the area is via Exit Request then such person would not be able to exit the door thru the normal exit request mechanism as there is no way for the person to indicate her ‘executive’ privilege by any means other than presenting the proper credentials (card or PIN) at a reader. This document outlines several methods of implementing area lockdown for a building or campus such as a school, the methods outlined in the document are provided for illustration purposes only and are not to be taken as a complete solution but rather as general guidelines. On legacy controllers that do not support the Area Lockdown feature (CX99xx, ACX7xx), we can still secure the doors by setting their state to disabled which prevents the doors from processing credential access attempts as well as Request to Exit, please note that in this case, NO ONE (including executive privilege personnel) will be able to gain access to the door until it is re-enabled How to Lockdown your facilities using Continuum area lockdown outlines several methods of implementing area lockdown for a building or campus such as a school, the methods outlined in the document are provided for illustration purposes only and are not to be taken as a complete solution but rather as general guidelines.

Issue Cannot establish communications to Modbus RTU using BCX X-Driver on Comm2 Environment BCX 4040 Modbus RTU Cause Configuration of BCX to communicate with Modbus RTU device Resolution This excerpt from the Modbus RTU guide describes the parameters to configure the X-driver for Modbus RTU communications using the BCX. Click Here

Issue webClient schedules getting error 'request for permission of type' system.security.permissions Product Line Andover Continuum Environment webClient Cause Require to run the Caspol commands. Resolution Run the Caspol commands, here is a batch file that runs these commands without typing them in. Click Here to download the batch file   Rename the caspolwebclient.txt to .bat Run the batch file at each WS that needs to access webclient schedules. Below are the actual commands: The following command will add FullTrust to the Internet_Zone in DotNet 2.0: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Internet_Zone -zone InterNet FullTrust -name FullTrust The following command will add FullTrust to the Trusted_Zone in DotNet 2.0: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Trusted_Zone -zone Trusted FullTrust -name FullTrust This will result in output like: The operation you are performing will alter security policy. Are you sure you want to perform this operation? (yes/no) Then select Y and you should see: Added union code group with "-zone" membership condition to the Machine level. Success In some configurations, you may need to add the IIS computer into Internet Explorer as a trusted site for each browser. Internet Explorer > Internet Options > Security > Click trusted Sites > Click Sites Type in http://yourservername/webclient and click Add (Ex. http://tacweb/webclient) Deselect the checkbox for Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone. Click OK and Ok Close Internet Explorer and access webclient See Removal of MS KB2858725 Dot Net 4.5.1 causes issues with Web Servers IIS Functions if this is for 1.94 SP1 - Uninstalling KB2858725 * It may be necessary to give specific permissions in the registry if you are seeing system.permissions.UIPermission, mscorlib Make a backup of the From Windows, Start> Run> Regedt32.exe Expand the hives(folders) to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00B01B2E-B1FE-33A6-AD40-57DE8358DC7D}\InprocServer32\2.0.0.0 Right Click on 2.0.0.0 and select export, name the file and save. (This file can be used to restore the original settings of this branch)  Right click on this folder again and select permissions, select Users and add Full Control See below for snapshots

Issue Personnel.csv file fails to import into Continuum No error message is shown Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum access control Keywords: CSV, Import, cardholder, personnel Cause CSV file gets modified by MS excel such that the import fails During the process of manually changing and saving a personnel.csv file within MS excel, a number of commas are added to the first line (corresponding to the number of column fields in the CSV) Resolution Use notepad or similar to delete commas before importing into Continuum as Microsoft Excel does not show up any trailing commas This will NOT import correctly Personnel,,,,, Name,FirstName,LastName,CardNumber,CardType,SiteCode Smith_Fred,Fred,Smith,10,Infinity_37,3701 This will import correctly Personnel Name,FirstName,LastName,CardNumber,CardType,SiteCode Smith_Fred,Fred,Smith,10,Infinity_37,3701 For more information on CSV imports Click Here For an example .csv file for testing Click Here Note: If importing X Driver points using a .csv file the comm port attribute "Port" must always be defined before the X Driver parameters Param1, Param2 etc. The Port must contain the full path e.g. "Network1\CXName\Comm1" Example X Driver Numeric: InfinityNumeric Name,Alias,Format,Description,Port,Param1,Param2,Param3,Param4 XDRPoint1,XDRPoint1,##,First X Driver Point,Network1\CX1\comm4,1,3,10001,1

Issue Current transducers require an additional external resistor fitting to a Universal input to read the current flow, what resistor and input point settings are required? Environment All controller with Universal Inputs (both 5V and 10V). 4-20 mA Cause There is a requirement to define the resistor value to be connected across the input, also the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration. Resolution Download the attached Current Inputs.PDF file, although this was originally written for Infinity controllers it is fully applicable for i2 and b3 controllers. Controllers like the i2/b3920, i2/b3810 have 10V inputs other i2/b3 controllers have 5.12V inputs, check the product datasheet specification if you are unsure. The file details the value of the resistor to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0mA and 20mA, or 4mA and 20mA depending on your sensor output. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly. The UI-8-10-10V I/O Modules should be set to 0-5V input with the reference resistor On, then setup as per all other 5.12V input controllers. Note: The part numbers listed for the resistors are no longer available through Order Entry and should be sourced from your local stockist. Link to file: Current Input ISM.pdf   Suitable component resistors: For 10V inputs: RS 165-472 For 5V inputs: RS 165-185

Issue BACnet b3 or Infinet i2 controller shows version 0.000000 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BACnet b3 Controller Infinet i2 Controller Cause The Controller is likely to be in bootloader mode, this can be confirmed by looking at the CPU flash speed. If you can count the flashes it is likely to be in bootloader mode see CPU LED flashing rate  Resolution Reflash the controller OS with the firmware compatible with the Continuum installation on site, using "Update b3 OS" or ""Update Infinet2 OS" NOTE - An ACX57 with Comm1 set to Infinet is unlikely to be able to communicate with an i2 device in bootloader mode, in this case an NC2 or other NetController may be required

Issue Are examples available to show how to write Plain English programs and create points for a Modbus RTU X Driver linked to Schneider Electric Power meters? Environment Modbus RTU X Driver Schneider Electric PM700, PM750 Power meters. Cause Requirement for some examples to see how Modbus RTU programs can be written to poll for the data in a 3rd party Modbus device. Resolution The attached example was written by an application engineer in the UK to extract data from the Schneider Electric PM700 and PM750 meters. This example provides the mapping of data for these 2 specific meters, but the polling principle utilized in the Plain English programming can be applied to any Modbus RTU interface Download file here. 

Issue What is the maximum MSTP cable length without a repeater? Environment Bacnet BCX B3 MSTP Cause Controller was not responding as online. Resolution Below is a document that explains the Maximum Cable Length for MSTP communications without a repeater. Click HERE for document.

Issue Getting "Commport is not XDriver enable" error when attaching the driver file to the comm port. Comm port has been flashed to enable XDriver operation. Controller Options shows Xdvr Comm2:00000009 (0000) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX NCI NCII B4920 XDriver Comm Port Cause Bad controller XDriver support flash file. Resolution 1. Take the Workstation offline, edit the comm port, and set the default mode to "XDriver". 2. Go back online and send the comm port to the Controller. 3. Attempt to attach the Driver file to the comm port, if the same error occurs then contact Schneider repair department for a new XDriver option flash file. See article Determine if a controller comm port is XDriver enabled - Communities (se.com) 

Issue Dumping or reloading a NetController using HyperTerminal. Environment Windows HyperTerminal CX9900 CX9400 CX9200 Command Terminal Configuration Guide Infinity and Continuum Window Interface Cause Not known cause. Resolution Click here for instructions on using HyperTerminal to dump or reload controller.  For full details on using the Window interface as used on Infinity and 1st Generation Continuum controllers, you can download the Command Terminal Reference Guide.

Issue How to bring SX8000 objects to Continuum when upgrading. Environment Infinity SX8000 Continuum CyberStation Debug document Cause Upgrading from legacy Infinity SX8000 system to Continuum Resolution See Infinity to Continuum upgrade for information on how to convert Infinity SX8000 objects to Continuum.

Issue While PSS does not write PE for partners we do in some instances provide sample PE code for guidance. This article provides sample PE code for optimized Start/Stop routines. Environment CyberStation All CXs All b3s All i2s Cause Complex PE routines may be difficult to implement without sample. Resolution See Self-adaptive Optimized Start and Optimized Stop Routines Sample PE Code.pdf

Issue Interfacing M-Bus meters to Modbus. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma IC3-Modbus Mbus Modbus Kampstrup Heat Meter Multical 601 Cause Multical 601 M-Bus meters are required to be interfaced with the BMS. Resolution A M-Bus/Modbus converter (RS-485, RS-232 or TCP) and configuration software are required. The converter  and software are available from SyxthSense or similar suppliers. Using the converter and software setup the M-Bus/Modbus system without the BMS system connected. The M-Bus/Modbus converter will automatically assign the M-Bus registers as Modbus registers. From the software note the tables and registers used. Create the Modbus registers as required for the BMS system used. For Sigma - Create the gateway.txt, connect and configure the IC3-Modbus. A sample of the gateway.txt can be downloaded here: MultiCal Modbus Gateway.zip. For further M-Bus information see M-Bus Protocol Information. 

Issue How to Logon / Logoff Continuum using a button on a Graphic or Menu page. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Want to be able to Logon Continuum with the click of a button from Graphics or Menu page and also bring up the Logon prompt the same way. Resolution ** DISCLAIMER ** This application is not a supported part of Continuum and is provided as-is. 1. Copy the "Logoff.tx_" file in this archive, here, to the Continuum folder (c:\Program Files\Continuum). 2. Rename the .tx_ file extension to .exe. 3. Create hotspots / buttons as below to call the program with the two available command line arguments; 1 will logon, 2 will logoff. Suggested usage: On the Main Continuum Menu page create two buttons, one for logon, one for logoff. (Pinpoint could also be used for Logoff but would not work for Logging back on - Pinpoint closes when the user is logged off.) For the Logon Button:                 Set control to:        Execute                 Open:                     C:\ProgramFiles\Continuum\Logoff.exe                 Arguments:             1                   Button Text:           Logon   For Logoff Button:                 Set control to:        Execute                 Open:                     C:\ProgramFiles\Continuum\Logoff.exe                 Arguments:             2                   Button Text:           Logoff

Issue Is there a list of activity action codes? Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Listview action code filters Resolution Click Here for the list of Activity Codes

Issue Where can information on programming and configuring the AC256 line of controllers be found.  Environment AC256 AC8 AC4+4 Cause Although the AC256 line of controllers has been discontinued, there are many live systems still in existence which need to be supported. Resolution The AC256/AC8 Configuration and Programming Student Guide can be found here.

Issue Configuring the Workplace Tech encrypted LON Tunnel Client  Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech 5.10.4 Click for WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 information I/A Series N4 Jace Cause How to handle the encrypted LON tunnel for single and multiple LON networks in the latest version of Workplace Tech, 5.10.4.  Understanding possible errors during tunneling. Resolution The following video will help us, Apply the Encrypted LON Tunnel in an N4 Jace Configure the Tunnel Client for use with multiple LON Networks on a single Jace Understand the change in workflow from Workplace Tech 5.9.4 and 5.10.4

Issue Setting up the override value to show the damper feedback on an i2/B3 866-v Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment i2/B3 866-V Plain English Script Cause Activate the damper position feature in the 866-V. Resolution SBO: See this video on creating a program that calculates damper feedback position.  Also reference the article How to show damper feedback for an i2/b3 866-V which describes what needs to be done to show damper position and calibrate the damper. Sample objects, code and images showing configuration are supplied.   Continuum: There is a description in the 866-V installation manual on how to activate the damper position feature, but there are some additional pieces of information that this article has been created to address. This was initially to just get the feature working as mentioned in the next section below. Getting the damper feedback operational: Once the end stops are determined initially during the Learn process, the controller can then determine the position of the damper. Create a PE program to set the DamperOutput LCDState = Disabled and back to Enabled in the next line. This will run through its stroke to determine the end stops. ‘Example program named "damperstate" Fall thru, auto start ‘a 2 line program to initialize the stops Line 1 Set damper LCDstate to disabled goto 2 Line 2 Set damper LCDstate to enabled stop To run from the command line Run damperstate Note that the Feedback will not start working until the Damper has gone full stroke in both directions. This will take several minutes. Set the damper point to on or –on depending on the position so it will move Print Damper OverrideValue from a command line or display it on a listview of the damper output after adding the overridevalue column Self Calibration - The LCDState toggle actually activates the "self calibrate" process. It doesn't just enable the feature. It is necessary to know this because you will need to activate the self calibration again whenever the damper is manually moved using the red actuator clutch release button. Using the clutch can cause the damper position to be reported incorrectly. Periodic re-calibration should be as a part of normal procedure for the controller. Once the clutch is used, the damper position will still report, but the value may be incorrect. Re-calibrate recommendation- Use a PE program that recalibrates the damper (i.e. LCDState as mentioned in Section A) on manual command by the service technician on a power cycle or at the end of an occupancy period. Note: For controlling the Damper motor output create an Infinity Output point of type Triac on Channel 1. It can then be opened / Closed like any other Triac output with the use of On, -On or Off commands

Issue Need sample Plain English code that creates custom web page(s) served by the controller. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX99xx CX9702 CX9640 CX968x ACX57xx Cause Continuum CX controllers allow user created custom web pages to be served directly from the controller's web server, this functionality requires embedding HTML in a PE program. The purpose of this article is to provide sample custom web pages for illustration. Resolution Get the sample code from the links below Home.txt  Home2.txt Home3.txt IMPORTANT: Some strange characters (i.e. 　) added to the code during upload to this site MUST be removed to make the code compile. Read the instructions on the document below Instructions for using sample code to create a custom web page menu system in the CX controller

Issue Since Generation 1 controllers do not have a controller webpage, how can I access the controller configuration to set up the controller or access controller information. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Hyper Terminal CX9900 CX9940 CX9400 CX9410 CX9200 Cause 1st Generation Controllers do not have an embedded webpage. Resolution Find information about the pin configuration of the direct connection cable in PinOuts for the RS-232 Connection of the older 1st Generation CX controllers. The following document describes how to log into a generation 1 controller via a PC with a terminal emulation application: CX Operators Guide.pdf