Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Sigma configurable Data location. Environment Sigma 4.05 SEB Sigma 4.06 RAM Remote Alarm Manager 1.2 2.0 Data location Cause Although Sigma 4.05 SEB and 4.06 support a configurable Data location, RAM does not. Resolution When using the Remote Alarm Manager version 1.2 with Sigma 4.05 SEB, the Sigma Data location must not be changed from the default of C:\Sigma\, as this is not supported by RAM version 1.2. Please note that the release note suggests that a "Compatible" version will be available, this is not the case. When using the Remote Alarm Manager version 2.0 with Sigma 4.06, the Sigma Data location must not be changed from the default of C:\Sigma\, as this is not supported by RAM version 2.0. To access the release notes for the releases mentioned above, please visit the Schneider Electric's Exchange/Download Center.

Issue Older, now obsolete controller cards for the CX9400 Eclipse supported direct connection of 2 and 4 wire RTD sensor element, how can these sensors be used with the current controller range? Environment All controllers with Universal / Analogue (Analog) inputs Measurement of high temperatures for applications like boiler flue gasses. Cause RTD sensors are often required for measuring high temperatures, how can these be used with Continuum controllers? Resolution The older CX9400 Eclipse controller cards used to support the direct connection of a Platinum RTD sensor element, but all of the current controller ranges will require the use of a 3rd party 4-20mA or 0-10V converter/ transmitter. The transmitters will then amplify and convert the sensor temperature range to 4-20mA or 0-10V for reading on any Continuum controller. The controllers with 10V universal inputs would be preferable as they have higher accuracy 12bit A/D Converters. In Summary All  of the current controller ranges (bCX, ACX, NC2, b3, i2) will require the use of a 3rd party 4-20mA or 0-10V converter/ transmitter for Platinum RTD sensors (including PT100, PT1000) The Schneider Electric Foxboro RTT80 range may be suitable. These sort of sensors can have a higher degree of accuracy than a simple thermister input, however due to their large temperature range (eg -200 to 850 degC), this accuracy is likely to be lost when used with the simple 10bit A/D converter found in some of the smaller field controllers.

Issue Programmable Points using the + add function to totalise alarms Alarm Integrator 10 XFlo = POINT 0|14 ALARM + POINT 0|15 ALARM + POINT 0|16 ALARM 20 YFlo = POINT 0|17 ALARM + POINT 0|18 ALARM + POINT 0|19 ALARM 30 RETURN VIA TEXT 91 VALUE XFlo + YFlo Environment BAS Sigma B2S Upgrade Alarm Integrator Cause The following point was used in BAS to calculate the number of alarms. 10 XFlo = POINT 0|14 ALARM + POINT 0|15 ALARM + POINT 0|16 ALARM 20 YFlo = POINT 0|17 ALARM + POINT 0|18 ALARM + POINT 0|19 ALARM 30 RETURN VIA TEXT 91 VALUE XFlo + YFlo Resolution The point compiles and runs in the prog point editor however the point in does not work in the Sigma controller.   The programmable point will require re-writing. Depending upon the number of alarm points that were originally monitored, more than 1 point may require writing as there will be insufficient tokens. 10 XFLO = 0.0 20 IF POINT 0|14 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 30 IF POINT 0|15 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 40 IF POINT 0|16 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 50 IF POINT 0|17 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 60 IF POINT 0|18 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 70 IF POINT 0|19 ALARM THEN XFLO=XFLO+1.0 80 RETURN VIA TEXT 91 VALUE XFLO If more than 1 point is required to be written, then the final point required to combine all the alarm totals and is written as follows: 10 XFLO=(POINT 0|a + POINT 0|b + ......) 20 RETURN VIA TEXT 91 VALUE XFLO

Issue How many digits can the PIN number be when using card + PIN entry? Also how can it be viewed as it is displayed as stars in the Personnel Manager? Environment Access Controllers Card + PIN entry or exit Display PIN number Cause Leading zeros on a PIN number are not saved and how long can the number be? Also as the number is shown as * characters how can the number be seen? Resolution The PIN number for a personnel object can be in the range: 0 to 4,294,967,295 inclusive for the NC2 (9680) and ACX2 (ACX5720/40). For all other older controllers the PIN range is 0-65535 You are not allowed leading 0’s in a PIN number, they will be removed. i.e. 0010 will save as 10 0000 will save as 0 To view a persons PIN number, use the "Command Line" application and from the folder where the personnel are stored enter: P PersonName PIN This will print the value of the PIN attribute for the person named "PersonName".

Issue Locating partners Environment Partner Vista Cause Require engineer to visit for maintenance, servicing, installation or advice. Resolution Click here to be linked to the available UK and Ireland Vista partner list.

Issue Locating partners Environment Partner Sigma Cause Require engineer to visit for maintenance, servicing, installation or advice. Resolution Click here to be linked to the available UK and Ireland Sigma partner list.

Issue When upgrading a BCX Inf to BCX BACnet or vice versa , the BCX could lose any node count or X Drivers added using a post shipment factory *.upd cookies. The settings return if the controller is flashed back to the original model type. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.xx 2.xx Windows Infinet  BACnet Node Count, X Driver, X-Driver Cause This is because the cookie upgrade to add the node count (or other features) will be sent out for the format it is intended for, i.e. if the controller was BACnet then the file will be sent as BACnet, and if the controller was Infinet then the cookie will be Infinet Resolution New controllers shipped from the factory can be flashed either way between a 4040 and 9640 and it will not affect the settings for Node count, X Drivers or other options. If a controller was to lose additional setting when it is convert from BACNet to Infinet or vice versa, there is a need to re-apply for the cookie upgrade file for the new model type. (it would of originally been ordered as additional options for the controller) To re-apply for the cookie, contact your local repairs department with the controller details i.e serial number, controller type, etc, this will enable them to find your order and reissue the upgrade in the version it has been changed to.

Issue Too much LON communications traffic can cause LON communications errors. Environment MNL-50, MNL-100, MNL-150, MNL-200, MNL-110, MNL-130, MNL-VxRVx controllers Cause Sending output LON SNVT values too frequently or more often than reasonably needed. Resolution In a particular application the engineer needs to consider the amount of data being transmitted on the LON network due to LON network bandwidth limitations.  On an FTT-10 LON network, the bandwidth is limited to approximately 72 packets (messages) per second.  Because the LON network is operating using CDMA (Collision Detect, Multiple Access) communications techniques, data collisions will reduce the practical data limit to approximately 1/2 of the maximum.  Typically the LON network designer will limit the packet transmission rate of 30 to 35 packets per second.  There are a series of NCI (configuration) objects that control the transmission and reception of these data values on the LON network. The nciSndHrtBt determines the maximum amount of time that is allowed before all bound NVOs are updated, that is, the data is marked to be "re-sent" to all bound nodes.  This value is typically set to 120 seconds, causing all bound NVO SNVT values to be transmitted at least once every two minutes. The nciRcvHrtBt sets the fallback timer value for each NVI object.  If a value is not received via a binding in this time period, the NVI object will revert to its application defined default value.  It should be noted that this value does not directly affect the LON bandwidth but it does affect how the controller handles the loss of the bound data communications.  This value is typically set to about 2.5 times the nciSntHrtBt to allow for occasional lost communications packets and delays due to data collisions occurring on the network. The nciMinOutTm controls how often a bound NVO value will be transmitted when the value is changing within the controller.  Each specific SNVT type has a specific data resolution and any time the data value changes by one count, the value will be sent.  For example a temperature value bound through a NVO as a SNVT_temp_p type has a resolution of 0.01 degrees Celsius.  If bound this temperature NVO will be transmitted each time the value changes by 0.01 degrees C.  The setting of the nciMinOutTm throttles this bound NVO value transmission by forcing the controller to ignore any changes to that NVO value for a specific time interval each time it is transmitted.   The nciMinOutTm value defaults to NA causing the bound NVO value to be transmitted each time it changes.  Typically the nciMinOutTm is set to a value in the 1 to 5 second range causing the controller to throttle the transmission of the changing NVO values.

Issue An error pops up 'Video Launch has stopped working' when previewing in Video Administrator, selecting a camera in Video Layout or when a video alarm comes in. AppCrash on TAC.VideoLaunch.exe Environment Continuum Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause A standard VGA driver is being used on the Video card instead of the manufacturer's video driver Resolution Install the manufacturer's video driver. i.e. Nvidia, Ati, etc.

Issue AVG Internet Security Suite Business Edition 2012 has been installed on Enterprise Network Server computer at customer site.  After the installation, no connection can be made between either the ENS or Workbench from that computer even though all Windows firewall functions have been disabled. Environment I/A Series G3 ENS installation on Windows computer. Computer protected with AVG Internet Security Suite Business Edition 2012 Cause The Link Scanner function of the AVG Internet Security Suite Business Edition 2012 acts as a smart firewall Resolution The Link Scanner function of the AVG Internet Security Suite Business Edition 2012 must be configured to allow point to point Ethernet connections between the ENS/Workbench computer and each ENC used on the jobsite.  Refer to AVG Internet Security Suite Business Edition 2012 documentation for more information and instructions.

Issue When do I need the -U (unlimited I/O) option enabled on my Continuum Security Key? Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Ordering new Continuum Security Key for existing site. Unsure if -U option is require if specific Workstation is only going to be viewing less than the 1000 I/O limit, even though there are more than 1000 I/O on this entire site. Resolution If your site has more than 1000 combined inputs and outputs then you will need to use the unlimited (-U) option for the Continuum Security Key to be able to see all I/O. Without the -U option, the Workstation will be limited to the first 1000 input and output points. You are unable to pick and choose which 1000 points you wish to see at each workstation, if your site has more than that defined then you will need to order the -U option on your Continuum Security Key.  

Issue Is it possible to rebuild a  Continuum Database from the BACnet controllers in the field? Environment Continuum BACnet Cause The SQL server has failed and there are no acceptable backups of the ContinuumDB to restore once the server has been repaired. The controllers in the field are still functioning and have valid application programming. Resolution Although it is possible to recover the database from the field controllers, the best method of recovery is to have a recent backup of the ContinuumDB and to restore this once the Server gets fixed up. You can load the data from your field controllers into a new Database. Note that all objects will have their name now set the same as the alias, as this is what is stored in the controller. To load the bCX and attached b3's, do the following with a blank database. 1. Create and configure a network folder. 2. Create and configure you bCX1 device object to bring it online in the Infinet view. 3. Right-click on the bCX1 object in the Infinet view and select "Send to -> Database". 4. This will save the controllers database to a temporary dump file on the Workstation then load from this dump file, creating the objects and populating the database. 5. When done, this should have also found all b3's that were defined in the bCX1 and loaded their contents as well. 6. This will load the BACnet objects as well as the Infinet objects. Note: Recreating the Network from the field does not recreate any objects that were stored in Workstations or in folders off the root. These objects; such as listviews, programs, reports, etc...; are not stored in the controllers and will need to be recreated. 

Issue What is the replacement or repair options for the Model 7728 Series I/SITE I/O Controllers? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET site Model 7728 Series I/SITE I/O Controllers Cause Failure or issue with the 7728 controller. Resolution For repair there is a set price one can acquire from the repair department.  For replacement: Order a 7798B Put a CLX card on it Order a 7718 controller for the triac outputs It is complex, but the 7728 was a blend of all of these components.  For the 7728, here is the TCON114 and the Marketing Brochure.

Issue When opening one of the pre defined list views there are many entries and can not find text required. Environment List views Filter, Qualifier, Query Wizard, Wildcard. Cause Default list views show all entries, how to define a qualifier to only show required data? Resolution Create a new list view and define the Class and path, add in the required columns. In the Qualifier tab select the "Query Wizard", for text comparisons use the required attribute e.g. Description, and "Is Like" as the Operator, enter the comparison text between wild card * characters (e.g. *Test* for the objects which contain the word Test) and it will filter only on objects whose attribute contain that text.

Issue Bacnet Trend logs do not support array elements in Continuum. Environment Continuum Bacnet Trendlog Cause Trying to create a trendlog based off of array elements. Resolution Bacnet Trend logs do not support array elements in Continuum.

Issue At times there is a need to keep a door unlocked with a schedule, but this can cause a problem if there is extreme weather and no one is at the building.  Environment Continuum AC1/AC1A AC1 Plus ACX5740 ACX781 Cause Leaving a buildings door open when there is no one at the building is a security risk. This work around will take care of this problem. Resolution The way around the issue of having a door open from a schedule when no one is in the building due to inclement weather is to set up a Plain English program to set the Unlock InfinityNumeric On only if the schedule InfinityNumeric is On AND there has been a valid access to the door. InfinityProgram FlowType Loopin Objects required Door1 - the name of the door to control SchedNum - InfinityNumeric controlled by the schedule UnlockNum - InfinityNumeric linked to Door1 Door Unlock Schedule Code Example (This must be edited to reflect the door name and schedule numeric that has been created) WaitForSched:      UnlockNum=Off      If SchedNum=On then GoTo WaitForValid WaitForValid:      If Door1 ValidAccess is True then         UnlockNum=On         GoTo WaitForEnd      Endif WaitForEnd:      If SchedNum=Off then GoTo WaitForSched

Issue After successfully installing the Wireless Maintenance Tool on Windows 7 an attempt to launch is unsuccessful. The following error is received. 'Critical Error InitInstance() Reason : Access to the registry key  'HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.wmt' is denied. Environment Wireless Maintenance Tool Windows 7 Windows Server 2008 Cause User Account Control is restricting access to this portion of the registry needed to launch the Wireless Maintenance Tool Resolution Disable User account control If using Windows 7 Go to Windows Control Panel>User Accounts>Change User Account Control Setting link Drag the slider to the bottom Restart the PC Launch the Wireless Maintenance Tool without error If using Windows Server 2008 Go to Windows Control Panel > User Accounts> Turn User Account Control On of Off Deselect Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer Restart the PC Launch the Wireless Maintenance Tool without error

Issue When trying to add a point to a Group or graphic using the object browser in the object editor Continuum says the object is not available.  When an occupancy point is added to the configuration page of a Continuum schedule and  the change is applied and the editor closed, upon re-editing the schedule the point is no longer attached. Environment Continuum CyberStation Object Editor Browse Cause An object name violation has occurred. Resolution Check for objects that have been given the same name as the Continuum Network under which the controller resides in the object tree.  Once a Continuum Network is given a name the name should not be used for any other object in the database.

Issue When a OPC client is connecting to Vista the updates of values in Vista get really slow. The OPC client is asking for values from a Lon network Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 Vista OPC server IFix OPC client in this case but could be any Cause The problem here is that the OPC clients asks for more values per second from the Lon network then the Vista server can deliver. The Visa server can read around 40 values per second using a Loytec network interface in a classic Lon network.  Resolution Make sure the OPC client doesn't read more then maximum 30-40 values per second from Vista.

Issue There is a limit of allowed rehosts per year. If this limit is reached and a rehost is attempted, the following error message is given: "The rehost of the fulfillment is denied by the rehost policy because max rehosts exceeded " Environment Vista 5.x Cause If the rehost is motivated and necessary, the policy can be overridden by PSS. If required, please contact PSS Malmö. Resolution Manually override rehost policy by using Administrative rights on the Licensing web.