Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How do you determine which version of Access Expert being used Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Unsure which version of Access Expert is installed Resolution When opening Access Expert new users may not know what version they are currently running. The following differences can help to identify the version being used.   Version 2: Uses a url e.g. http://seba.accessxpert.com The Hardware tree is on the left pane when selected Only five tabs on the header Icons are larger on screen No Folder View  Version 3: Uses an app that needs to be installed The hardware tree is on the right Seven tabs on the header depending on the license Icons are much smaller Folder view when enabled  These are just a few of the differences that are visible to help determine which version is being used.

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. 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 Instructions needed to perform a Factory Reset for Upstream Mercury Controllers Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert software Hosted V3 Cause Instruction steps are needed to reset Upstream Mercury controllers to Factory Default settings Resolution Bulk Erase Configuration Memory: The bulk erase function can be used for the following purposes: Erase all configuration and cardholder database (sanitize board) Update OEM default parameters after OEM code has been changed Recover from database corruption causing the board to continuously reboot   Bulk Erase Steps (Factory Reset): Do not remove power during steps 1-8   Set S1 DIP switches to: 1 & 2 "ON", 3 & 4 "OFF" (see DIP switch location and diagram below) Apply power to the board Watch for LEDs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 to alternately flash at a 0.5 second rate Within 10 seconds of powering up, change switches 1 or 2 to "OFF". If these switches are not changed, the board will power up using the OEM default communication parameters LED 2 will flash indicating that the configuration memory is being erased Full memory erase takes up to 60 seconds When complete, only LEDs 1 & 4 will flash for 8 seconds The board will reboot 8 seconds after LEDs 1 & 4 stop flashing (no LEDs are on during this time)  All other switch settings are unassigned and reserved for future use. Factory Default Communication Parameters: Network: static IP address: 192.168.0.251 Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1 DNS Server: 192.168.0.1 Host port: IP server, no encryption, port 3001, communication address: 0

Issue How to set up a controller for Elevator Controls. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Win Server 2012 and above Cause Steps to configure Elevator Controls from the beginning. Resolution To achieve this the following steps need to be followed: Open Access Expert Click on the main controller (SSC) Add interface - MR16 Out Set the address of the interface (dip-switches 1-5 on the panel) Add Reader interface and name accordingly (Elv Flr 1) for example Select the Elevator Tab and make the appropriate selections Go to the Elevator Tab Associate the MR16 Out (Floor Relays) Set Floor Relays (1 through 16) Create an Elevator Access Level - this would be used for floors that have access to this level An Elevator Override Access Level can be created as well if an Unlock Schedule is required Create the Door Group and assign the necessary  reader or readers Go to General Configuration and select the System Settings Select the Hardware Tab On the Elevator settings, change the Elevator Relay  Time and Elevator Push Button times from 1 to 5 seconds Once configured, select the elevator reader, right click and choose the Pulse option to test the relays If correct, the assigned readers will Pulse Assign users to the Elevator individually or through the User List.   Note: Please keep in mind that if there are multiple readers for multiple floors, it is best that a reader be associated with its own MR16 Out, it is best practice as the relays cannot be shared between the readers. Meaning that if Reader 1 uses relays 1-8 the second reader would not be able to use 9-16 on that same MR 16 Out. It would need its own MR16 out for those floors. Note 2: When creating Elevators in Access Expert, the outputs used on the MR16Out should not be added as an Output once defined in the Reader. These are automatically assigned, if they are added then the Floor selections will not function properly. 

Issue Valid cards are being denied access at doors with "Read Raw" events seen in the Status Page. Read Raw Data Read Raw Data Events Read Raw Credential Data Read Raw Credential Data Events Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause The credential being supplied to the doors reader can be read but is not able to be matched to a valid User in that controller. There could be a couple of reasons for this: Pending downloads have not yet gone through to the respective controller The User in question does not have access to any of the Doors in that controller. Resolution Wait for downloads to complete or manually perform a download to send any pending User updates down to the controller. If the User is supposed to have access to the door they are badging at then confirm they have been assigned an Access Level that includes that door. To hide the events refer to Do Not Display Read Raw Data Message. To display a different message for the event refer to  Add Users to a Controller so all Card Events are Associated.

Issue When using Project Configuration Tool (PCT) in Server mode and connecting from a remote PCT client, it is not possible to transfer backups or exports. The transfer gets stuck, and a complete reboot is required to start using the project again. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause In the "Settings for Project Configuration Tool" the Notification and Listening port defaults to 0. Port 0 means that PCT will ask the OS for an available port. But if network policies prevent PCT from communicating using that port, PCT cannot detect that.  Resolution In "Settings for Project Configuration Tool" Change the port number for the Notification port and Listening port to a port that is available to use.

Issue In TAC Vista, we had a function for the OGC graphics called standard graphic. Do we have something similar in Building Operation? Product Line EcoStuxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation 2.0 and above Graphics  Cause All graphics connected to the standard graphic in TAC Vista changed if the standard graphic was changed. This is a very useful function when having many similar graphics.    In Building Operation, a new object was implemented in version 1.8 labeled shared Graphics, Custom Types superseded this in version 2.0, and this function is similar to shared Graphics but not identical. Resolution There is no direct function like this in Building Operation.  Custom Types is the only similar feature available in the currently supported versions of Building Operation. Additional information can be viewed in the online help topic Custom Types Overview.  

Issue How to configure two room sensors in ZBuilder. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment ZBuilder Cause It is possible to configure TAC Xenta 121 or TAC Xenta 122 to use two room sensors via the ZBuilder tool. Resolution In Zbuilder, under the tab Configuration, under Room unit, select the type of sensor you are going to use. Select the tab I/O Setup,  Right click on the sensor and select Duplicate. Move the sensors to the input you are going to use.   At the end of this session you will be able to: Configure TAC Xenta 121/122 to use two room sensors. Understand that the nvoSpaceTemp value is calculated as average value of the two sensors. Understand that it is not possible to see the actual value of a single sensor when using two sensors.    

Issue How to read and understand the accuracy and repeatability on CO2 sensors. The sensors shows 380 ppm, is it defect? Product Line Field Devices Environment CO2 Sensors Cause Accuracy +- 30ppm +-2% of measured value Repeatability +- 20ppm +-1% of measured value Resolution   Accuracy The accuracy of a unit is defined as the tolerance between the actual absolute gas concentration and the measured value. For example, if a unit has a specified accuracy of ±30ppm, this implies that the displayed value will be within 30 parts‐per‐million of the actual gas concentration under standard ambient operating conditions. If the gas concentration in a room is 400ppm, then the sensor is operating within rated parameters if it reads anywhere between 370ppm and 430ppm on average.   Repeatability Repeatability is closely related to precision. Repeatability is defined as the variance in measured values of a known, unchanging gas sample upon repeat measurements. To put it another way repeatability is the range of acceptable values the sensor will read, relevant to a previous measurement, when measuring a gas, independent of the actual gas concentration.  For example, if the gas concentration in a room is 400ppm and the sensor has a rated repeatability of ±10ppm, then if originally the sensor reads 420ppm, upon future measurements the sensor will read between 410ppm and 430ppm.  Repeatability is generally specified as having a tighter tolerance than accuracy. Even if a sensor is reading a value that is slightly high when compared to the actual gas concentration, it is likely that it will read close to the same slightly higher value upon repeat measurements.   How to understand the accuracy and repeatability Accuracy +- 30ppm +-2% of measured value Repeatability +- 20ppm +-1% of measured value Accuracy at 400ppm:                     Min =  – (30 + 400*0.02) = -38                     Max = + (30 + 400*0.02) = 38 Repeatability at 400pm:                     Min = - (20 + 400*0.01) = -24                     Max = (20+400*0.01) = 24   This means that in a 400ppm environment, the sensor output can vary between                     400-38-24 = 328 ppm                     400+38+24 = 462 ppm Finally, based on the explanation given above, 380ppm would still be in spec. However, another reason could be that the calibration was done in an environment that was not the “purest” and by doing so, an offset was created on the 400-baseline explaining why values below 400ppm are reported.   As said 380ppm is still in spec but the customer could try to recalibrate the CO2 sensor to see if it changes anything.

Issue Read Raw Data events for valid cards without access are shown but do not identify the User or indicate the door is not allowed Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause If a User does not have an access level for at least one object on an SP-C controller then the user record is not downloaded to the controller.  Therefore, when the user swipes their card at a reader for a door on the controller a Read Raw Data message is received. Resolution This resolution requires creating an access level so the information about doors any users do not have access to are downloaded to the controller.  This will then display an indication that the door is not allowed.   Create an Access Level and give it a name, in this example it is called Door Not Allowed Access Level.  Select the Outputs tab for the access level and add at least one output from each of the controllers that contain the doors where the Read Raw Data event occurs.  It does not matter which output as it will not be used for any control.  Adding the output means the access level will be download to that controller. Navigate to Users and select the user(s) that require an indication that the door is not allowed rather than a Read Raw Data event.  Add the access level, e.g. Door Not Allowed Access Level, to the users.  Save the newly added option.   As can be seen in the image below, in comparison to the same sequence of events shown in the Issue section, the Read Raw Data event is replaced by a Door Not Allowed event.  The User is also identified. Note: The Read Raw Data event will still occur for any User that does not have the access level applied (or any cards that are not in the system).   

Issue Read Raw Data events are being shown in the Event view when a valid card is presented at a reader Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause If a User does not have an access level for at least one object on an SP-C controller then the user record is not downloaded to the controller Resolution If the requirement is to stop the message appearing there is a setting on the Reader Expander that can be unset.  If using this method, there is no indication the user has attempted to access the door.   Navigate to Expanders -> Reader Expanders and select the appropriate Expander.  Select the Reader tab for the door that the Read Raw Data event should be removed from.  At the bottom under Misc Options un-check the ‘Display Card Detail when Invalid’ option. This option will need to be set for each reader connected to a door where the Read Raw Data event is to be removed. In this example the option was un-checked for the Office 01 Entry door and as seen in the image below, in comparison to the same sequence of events shown in the Issue section, the Read Raw Data event is only recorded for the Office 01 Stores door and not recorded for the Office 01 Entry door. Note: When the ‘Display Card Detail when Invalid’ option is enabled (by default) the reader expander will send the details of any unrecognized card (facility and card number) to the controller.  Un-checking the option means that Read Raw Data will not appear for that reader.

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 Instructions needed for batch importing Users into Access Expert Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Steps are needed to import Users from another system Resolution Batch Import   When converting a site, all user records and information needs to be imported into the new system. For Access Expert here are the steps in order to accomplish this:   Log on to the instance Once it opens up select the Access Control Tab and choose the Batch icon When this editor opens up select the Download Default Example file This will give a sample of the format that is expected when the Upload CSV is needed From the original application, if there is a dump file (Continuum) or an existing csv, copy and paste into an excel file or use the template and rename it accordingly. Choose the relevant columns to match from the list. Once satisfied with all the entries and fields, save the file then return to AccessXpert and select the Upload CSV as mentioned in Step 3. Select the file to open and once completed, all the users will then be displayed.

Issue Card being denied access at a Reader when attempting Simulated Card Read Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Card format is not assigned or created in the Controller Resolution To resolve an Access Denied Invalid Card format, the Card Format must be present in the System and assigned to the controller. The following steps shows how to accomplish this: If the card is read, a Message will show up on the Live Monitoring Window with the Raw Data from that card Use the Raw Data to decipher what format the card is as well as the Facility Code and Card Number From the Access Configuration Tab, Click on the Card Format to Create a new Format Assign it to the Controller, then reboot it to push the changes down Note: If there are multiple card formats, please ensure there are not more than 8 assigned. Add the necessary Access Levels for that card as well as the user To test use the Simulated Card Read function in the Reader Right Click on the Reader, Simulate Card Read Enter the values and card number and verify in Live Monitoring that the card has worked Once presented to the Reader, an Access Granted message would show in the Live Monitoring Window, depending on Hardware Configuration for Door Contacts etc.

  Issue Extending a User/Cardholder Expiry Date Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Steps needed to Extend an Expiry date for a cardholder Resolution In Access Expert, there needs to be a way to extend cards that are about to expire after the default time has been entered initially. This can be done for single users or badge types depending on the circumstances. The following steps describe how this can be accomplished:   Open and log on to the Users instance Once opened, select Access Control and click on the List Tab then select View Expiring Cards A list will appear that shows all the cards that are about to expire based on the parameters entered When this list comes up, Select the Extend All button to bring up the Editor that will extend the time Enter the New Expiry Date that allows the card to function accordingly Click OK and the cards listed will then have the New Expiry Date listed    

  Issue Understanding the EP1501 and LP1501 downstream device limitations Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Downstream device limitations determine how many upstream controllers are required when using these controllers Resolution When choosing to use the EP1501 or LP1501, knowing the limitations of the downstream devices plays an important part in determining the number of controllers needed for a job. The limitation is 8 I/O devices, so if the downstream controller is an MR 50 then a total of 9 readers including the onboard reader can be utilized. Keep in mind that no matter what the mixture is, including MR51e's or MR52's, a total amount of 17 readers can be used or licensed on these controllers  

Issue On many occasions with PC upgrades and replacements, there is the need to re-download the link for the application software as it gets somewhat difficult to know where to go and find it from the Feenics website Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted software V3 Cause Unable to find the correct link Resolution The following steps show the URL address that is needed as well as how to log on to the instance once the software is downloaded and installed: 1. Enter https://www.feenics.com/training/lesson/downloads/ on internet browser as seen  2. Once completed and installed, launch the app and log on the instance

Issue Extended Logs have stopped updating on the Enterprise Server. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Extended Trend Logs Cause Extended Trend logs have been set up on the site for some time and have operated correctly. Now some of them have stopped updating.  Resolution This issue can be caused by a Server backup being restored. Trend logs and Extended Trend logs are allocated sequence numbers, and if the sequence numbers do not follow the correct sequence, the Extended Trend log may not update. To confirm that this is the issue; Trend Log. Navigate to the Trend log and open it in a "Trend Log List" view. Add an additional column to show the Sequence number. Note the highest sequence number used. Extended Trend Log. Navigate to the Extended Trend log that is referencing the above Trend Log. Open it in a Extended Trend Log properties. Press and hold down the "ALT" key and click where the dot is indicated on the screen shot below, (just below the Basic tab).       This will show some more properties for the Extended Trend Log, the one you are interested in is “Last transferred sequence number”.   If the last transferred sequence number on the Extended Trend Log is higher than the Trend log’s highest sequence number, then that is why the Extended Trend Log has stopped. How can this issue be resolved? Increase the sample interval of the Trend log until it has caught up. The Extended Trend Log will only fetch new records that has a sequence number higher than the last transferred sequence number. So until the sequence has caught up, you will not see any new records in the Extended Trend Log, and only records created after you have caught up in sequence numbers will be fetched. Re-create the Extended Trend Log. The new Extended Trend Log will fetch every record the log has and continue from there, but you will lose the records the old Extended Trend Log had that the log does not have anymore. Backup / restore on the AS. The Trend log will be cleared but the Extended Trend Log will start fetching new records.    

Issue Is it possible to let the ES directly write the write to file notification into the Windows event database? Is there a rotation for the Write To File Notification file so that a new file is written when the file is bigger than xMB?   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation  Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation - ES Cause Write to file notification can only be written to a file in the "db / notifications" folder on the server where the notification object is located. Unfortunately there is no rotation either. Resolution At this time it is not possible for an Enterprise Server to write directly to the Write to File notification in the Windows event database. There is also no rotation for the Write to File notification file so that a new file is written when the file is bigger than xMB.

Issue Frequency of Zigbee device SED-CO2-G-5045 sending its values. Product Line Field Devices. Environment Zigbee SED-CO2-G-5045 CO2 sensor with room temperature and humidity Cause Unsure how frequently the sensor updates it's values to the network. Resolution The sensor has a Transmission Period (writable) that sets how often the device will send a measurement. Default value = 150 seconds Minimum period = 30 seconds maximum period = 600 seconds   Note that there is also a “Night Mode” to help extend battery life. During “Night Mode”, the transmission period is multiplied by 4.   Night mode is entered when the CO2 level falls below the “Comfort Limit Value”, which is 600 ppm by default.  

Issue Frequency of  Zigbee device SED-MTH-G-5045 sending its values Product Line Field Devices. Environment Zigbee SED-MTH-G-5045 Motion/Humidity/Temperature Sensor Cause Unsure how frequently the sensor updates it's values to the network. Resolution Motion Transmitted immediately on sensing of motion. Temperature  Transmitted, by default at least once every 10 minutes. If it has changed by 0.5 C or more, than it will be sent immediately with a limit on sending no more often than every 2.5 minutes. Minimum interval = 2.5 minutes Maximum interval = 10 minutes Reportable Change = 0.5 degrees C Relative Humidity Transmitted, by default at least once every 10 minutes If it has changed by 0.5%RH or more, it will be sent immediately with a limit on sending no more often than every 2.5 minutes. Minimum interval = 2.5 minutes Maximum interval = 10 minutes Reportable Change = 0.5% RH   These reporting rates are configurable for the sensor.  

Issue 3rd party BACnet device can send a reinitialize device request to an EBO server. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause EBO servers support the "ReinitializeDevice-B" Bacnet device management service. This allows BACnet clients, such as BACnet browsers or operator WorkStations, to initiate ReinitializeDevice requests, i.e. Warm Start or Cold Start. Resolution EBO currently does not support passwords for the ReInitializeDevice service. It is possible to create a whitelist for the EBO server and exclude a 3rd party BACnet device from that list, but this will block all communication with the 3rd party BACnet device.