Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Error message: 'Illegal value'  when displaying Xenta Server trend logs in browser. Environment Xenta 731 Xenta 721 Xenta 711 Xenta 701 Xenta 511 Cause Log space in trend log definition set to 0. Resolution Set trend log space to be greater then the size of the log interval. 

Issue When changing attached Template of a Personnel object from one Template to another Template, why does " Change Inherited Attribute ? " dialog box with " Cancel " , " Change the value " , " Break the connection " , " Change the data source " selections pop up? Environment Continuum Access / Security system with personnel template objects. Cause It happens only when below two conditions are met : When you change the personnel object's attached Template object to a different Template object.   AND   When the old Template's RefTemplate attribute value is "InheritFromTemplate" and the new Template's RefTemplate  attribute value is "CopyFrom Template". Resolution Change the value of RefTemplate attribute of the attached Template from "InheritFromTemplate" to "CopyFrom Template".

Issue Known issues experienced when using Windows "Remote Desktop" Environment Sigma ModBMS OPC Dongle Alarm Manager Cause Issues are experienced on site, that indicate a problem with the product, this is not the case. Resolution Below are a list of known issues with Remote Desktop. Sigma - Dongle configuration error. When the dongle is checked from another PC, the configuration appears to be incorrect, when checked on the Server itself, it is correctly configured. Sigma - Alarm Manager operation. When accessing the Alarm Manager from another PC, it does not operate as expected. On the local server it operates normally. MatrikonOPC client. The MatrikonOPC client does not display OPC data correctly. When viewed using VNC it does.

Issue Unable to send email from I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server.  Error indicates "datax:nohandler for: notification." Environment I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server Cause The I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server station has it's NotificationService 'archiveMode' property set to 'archive_disabled'.  This is the default selection and it prevents notification from processing. Resolution Change the default in the I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server: Configure the Enterprise Server station's NotificationService 'archiveMode' to 'archive_local'.

Issue On a new install an error is received when launching webclient using the URL. The error is 'Failed to access IIS metabase' Read access error. Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause The .Net installation connection to IIS was made properly or the .net installation has been corrupted.  Resolution Register the .Net Framework on the webclient PC From a DOS prompt (Start>Run cmd+enter) Cd\Windows\Microsoft.net\framework\v2.0.50727 (this places you in the correct folder) Run aspnet_regiis.exe -i (This command re-registers the .net framework with IIS) Restart IIS (Right click on default web site in IIS Manager, select stop the start) Re-test Uninstall/Reinstall .Net on the webclient PC If the first step doesn't correct the issue then do the following Remove the versions of .net that you can from Windows Control Panel>Add/remove programs (Try one at a time 4.0, 3.5,etc) There are dependencies when uninstalling some .net versions, so you may need an uninstall tool from the following web site: (Use at your own risk - please read the information first) http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2006/05/30/611355.aspx   Install .Net framework 20 using the following file provided on the webclient installation (C:\program files\webserver\redist\dotnetfx20.exe) Restart IIS (Right click on default web site in IIS Manager, select stop the start  Re-test

Issue Can the RoamIO connect to a stand alone b3 device? Environment RoamIO BACnet Service Tool b3s Cause Need to connect to b3 device that is not on any MSTP Resolution Yes, the RoamIO and BACnet Service Tool can be used to connect to a stand alone b3 device as long as the device already has been assigned a MAC id If the b3 is brand new and has not yet been assigned a MAC id, you'll have to attach a second b3 that has a MAC id, the RoamIO needs to see traffic on the MSTP in order to perform its auto baud and join the bus. Connect the RoamIO to the service port on the device. NOTE: In the View menu make sure the 'View by networks' menu item is NOT selected.

Issue View report in trend log object returns error "No data was returned for this report. Please check the report time interval and filter. Environment bCX4040 b3s Cause Trendlog object has not been sent to the database Resolution In the Continuum Explorer, expand the BACnet Devices folder then select the device Right click on the device and select Sent To -> Database Make sure the Trendlog object now appears in the BACnet view View report from the Trendlog object should now display  without error

Issue Does the PIU follow the 'Import Into Options' in the Continuum Explorer? Environment CyberStation PIU Cause Documentation Resolution When importing personnel objects via the PIU the 'Import Into Options' in the Continuum Explorer DO NOT apply. The PIU always overwrites all area links if an import from the PIU is done to an existing personnel object.

Issue Attempting to connect the I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Server to an ENC and getting a Niagara Station Fault Cause License Exception. Authentication Failed: Exceeded Device limit of 0. Environment I/A Series G3, Enterprise Server, ENC-410, ENC-520 Cause Communications between the I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Server and ENC-410/520 requires that both are licensed to for peer-to-peer (Niagara Driver) support.  The error indicates the ENC is not licensed for peer-to-peer. Resolution Use Workbench License Manager to "view" the license in the ENC. Locate the feature for niagaraDriver and verify the device.limit is none.  A device.limit of 0 indicates the ENC requires the addition of the P2P option. To add the peer-to-peer option ... ENC-410-1 ... purchase ENC-410-P2P. ENC-520-2 ... purchase ENC-520-P2P.

Issue Does Niagara G3 provide a method to throttle rapidly changing BACnet proxy point values so they don't overwhelm the network with traffic? Environment Niagara G3, ENC-410, ENC-520 Cause Rapidly changing BACnet proxy point overwhelming the network with traffic. Resolution The Min Write Time property applies to writable proxy points, especially ones that have one or more linked inputs. It specifies the minimum amount of time allowed between writes. It provides a method to throttle rapidly changing values so that only the last value is written. If this property value is 0 (default), this rule is disabled (all value changes attempt to write). The Min Write Time of the Tuning Policy can be set to limit the frequency of rapidly changing proxy points being sent. 1. Open the station and expand its BACnetNetwork 2. Expand Tuning Polices 3. Double-click on the policy you want to update 4. Enter a minimum time to be used in the Min Write Time property. 5. Save change  

Issue Can SIGNAL send alarms to a pager? Environment SIGNAL all versions Cause End customer has requested pager numbers be added to alarm notification.  Currently just visual display on the SIGNAL computer via Alarm Manager and printouts to the connected printer are available. Resolution SIGNAL does not have the ability to dial out alarms to a pager.  Years ago, a 3rd-party product called Alarm Flash was used to provide this capability.  If a similar product is available today, it may work with SIGNAL's Alarm Manager. Another alternative is to use a modem connected to the field panel (GCM or DMS) that can dial a pager number via a modem when an alarm occurs.  There are also several 3rd party products which can interface serially to the field panels and be programmed with several phone numbers and customized text messages.

Issue Sigma globals do not work. Environment Sigma Globals Mask 255.255.0.0 Classful Classless Cause The site is using a class C address, with a class B subnet mask. Resolution The following is an explanation of why the Sigma globals in this configuration do not work. An IP Address is divided in to two sections: Net ID and Host ID. The Host ID is further divided in to two Sections: Subnet ID and Host ID. The Subnet Mask determines the Subnet ID bits and Host ID bits. Number of Mask bits should be greater than that of Net ID bits. For example a Sigma address is 192.168.0.1 with 24 bit mask 255.255.255.0 Number of subnet ID bits is zero and Host ID bits is 8; Broadcast address is 192.168.0.255  With 28 bit mask 255.255.255.240 Number of subnet ID bits is 4 and Host ID bits is 4; Broadcast address is 192.168.0.15  For Class C: Address range is: 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255 inclusive Net ID is 24 bits; Host id is 8 bits; Minimum Mask size is 24 bits;  For Class B: Address range is: 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255 inclusive Net ID is 16 bits; Host id is 16 bits; Minimum Mask size is 16 bits; In the site set up, 192.168.xxx.xxx is a Class C address; this can have at least 24 bit mask; 16 bit mask is invalid; Using an Address 190.168.xxx.xxx works correctly because it is a Class B address and supports 16 bit masking; hence works properly. For globals to work correctly, either use >= 24 bit mask for the subnet 192.168.xxx.xxx, or move to class B subnet 190.168.xxx.xxx.

Issue Nothing happens or an error ' You have insufficient rights to perform this operation' happens when clicking a webpinpoint graphic that is set up with a Plain English script. Environment Webclient Web Pinpoint Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Webpinpoint does not support running PE programs like Cyberstation Pinpoint does. Resolution Webpinpoint does not support running PE programs like Cyberstation does. A possible work around to this would be to set up a numeric that gets changed when a button is pushed. A program can be set up as looping to be triggered by this numeric and the code executed to perform the operation needed.

Issue Lost CD Key, because the CD case is missing Environment Any Windows OS Cause The site has lost the I/Net CD case and for some reason they cannot log into the I/Net system anymore Resolution If this is the issue, please contact the Product Support Services Department in your area.

Issue The Momentary Start / Stop (SS) object in a MNB-1000 controller is not working.  The OutStrt and OutStp outputs never pulse on as programmed.  The OnPulse and OffPulse times are set to 1 second each. Environment MNB-1000 with firmware 1.501 or newer Cause The On and Off times for a Momentary Start/Stop object fails with a start time or stop time below 2 seconds. The Plant and Remote I/O Module can't do accurate timing below 2 seconds or so by design. Resolution Release 1.501 firmware for the MNB-1000 controller allows the Momentary Start / Stop (SS) object to be used with OnPulse and OffPulse intervals of 2 seconds or greater.  This is described in the Release Notes for WPT 5.7 / MNB-1000 1.501 Firmware (F-27526).     On and Off Pulse timing wrong for Momentary Start/Stop.     PRN 4677     Issue:     The Momentary Start/Stop times in the MNB-1000 are not accurate     when set for small second increments (1 to 12 seconds)     Resolution:     This has been partially fixed in the MNB-1000 firmware.     Small increments greater than 2 seconds are now accurate.     See the note on PRN 5011 describing limitations on increments     less than 2 seconds.     On and Off Pulse timing wrong for Momentary Start/Stop.     PRN 5011     Issue:     The On and Off times for a Momentary Start/Stop object fails with     a start time or stop time below 2 seconds. The Plant and Remote IO     Module can't do accurate timing below 2 seconds or so by design.     The object still works, but the timing is inaccurate.     Resolution:     A note has been added to document F-27356 (revision 3) "WorkPlace     Tech Tool 5.7 Engineering Guide Supplement" to warn of the     limitations of this object in the MNB-1000.  

Issue 'Unable to request license' message when using Demo license with Remote Workstation. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5 Vista 4 Cause The Demo license only works when installed on the same PC as Vista Server. Resolution Install demo license on the Vista Server PC and run Workstation on the same PC.  If remote Workstation operation is required or the license server is on a different PC to Vista Server, purchase an end user license.

Issue Trying to talk to Trane Controller (MP580) and will not update. (LON) Environment G3/R2 Niagara Cause Run Frequency is a property that defines how often the program executes. If set to 0 values will not update in LON shadow object. Resolution Run frequency to a value other than 0.

Issue Analogue input channels do not display the correct value. Environment Sigma Analogue Input AI Channel Cause Analogue Input values do not display the correct value. This issue is not confined to one card, or even one controller. Resolution The fact that the problem is spread across several analogue input channels, cards and controllers, suggests that the problem is not due to the specific objects themselves, and that some external influence is having an affect. Carry out the following checks; The issue is only seen on one controller. Disconnect all inputs to the card except for one. This should be a resistive input. If this has helped, then investigate the other inputs. Disconnect the wiring to the connected analogue input and replace it with a fixed resistor. The reading should be stable. If this input still reads incorrectly then change the object lookup table entry to 2000, measure the voltage across the resistor and compare it with the maximum input voltage of 2 volts. Example measured voltage of 1.5 volts. - 1.5/2.0 = 0,75 * 100 = 75. AI object should display 75 Confirm that the controller earth bar is connected to a good earth. Consider replacing the AI card. Consider replacing the CPU card. The issue is only seen on one controller, but with multiple analogue input cards. On all of the cards disconnect all of the analogue inputs, except for one input on one card. This should be a resistive input. If this has helped, then investigate the other inputs. Confirm that the controller earth bar is connected to a good earth. Consider replacing the AI card. Consider replacing the CPU card. The issue is seen on multiple controllers. It is very likely that there is an earth issue, confirm that the controller earth bar is connected to a good earth on all controllers. Older type Power Supply boards (Bas-to-Sigma upgrades) can also cause many different (seemingly unrelated) problems, especially when the voltage regulator IC's start to overheat due to the bolt securing the tab of the regulator to the heatsink becoming slightly loose: the regulator IC's go into 'current limit' mode. Re-tightening these (and also the bolts securing the TO3 type regulator) and allowing the heatsink to cool-down will often cure problems.  

Issue Is it possible to directly replace a TCX867 with an i2867? Environment TCX867, i2867 Triac Output negative, positive, load switching Cause The two products have different output circuitry and the i2867 will not always be a direct replacement. Resolution Both the i2867 and the i2867 have triac outputs that only switch AC loads.  The i2867 outputs internally have one side connected to ground, hence the terminals are labeled Outx (Out1, Out2 ..) and Gnd, this means that when switching electrical loads they must switch the return path from the load, not the power feed to the load. The older TCX867 has isolated outputs and could switch either the Power or ground side of the switched load. It has 2 terminals on each output both labeled with the channel name i.e. Out1 on both terminal 1 & 2. So you can replace a faulty TCX867 in the field with a i2867, but it may require changes to the plant wiring to ensure the -Ve side of the load is switched, failure to do this can result in damage to the i2867. See i2867 installation guide for full details on installing an i2867

Issue Trying to create Modbus RTU 2nd Generation XDriver points. Filled in Xdriver tab attributes and pressed "Apply" or "OK". When refreshing or re-opening the point editor the Xdriver tab info has not saved.     Environment Modbus RTU Xdriver CyberStation Cause The name attribute of the Xdriver comm port was changed to Modbus Comm 4 and the Alias was changed to CommX. Resolution Change the Xdriver comm port name and alias attributes back to the default settings - in this case comm4. Points now save correctly.