Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The SE8000 display face shows white blocks in place of expected data points. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE8000 Cause Upgrading the firmware of SE8000 using the Uploader Tool may not have been completed successfully. Resolution   .  

Issue Cyber security and other concerns regarding data transfer to Building Advisor Portal. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Advisor  Cause Limited available documentation. Resolution   1. What are the details around the authentication towards AU? Where the certificate can be used for DTSERVICES and INTREPRETER server? The Data Transfer Windows service that is installed on our client's supplied server (normally within client's firewall). In order to support Clockworks Connect functionality, the private key of a private/public key pair is installed on same server that the windows service is installed on. The Data Transfer windows service currently supports TLS 1.2. The Clockworks Authentication web service provides ability to determine the identity of a request's caller. Validate Request with cryptographic challenge - Validate Request by creating cryptographic challenge for Data Transfer Service to sign with private key to confirm identity. Create Session Key - On successful validation, create and store Session key and send back to Data Transfer Service. Files are named with a date and time stamp to make them unique. When the DTS transfers the file successfully, it auto deletes the file from the folder. Saving the need to manage the file directory. It is expected the DTS will create the file, export and the handle transmission of the data.   2. How often will the pointslist file be updated (can this be replaced by a manual task)? Points list file would only be updated if configuration of BMS points has changed (i.e. from a retro fit or additional sensor etc.) – this would be a manual exercise post completion of BMS works. 3. What is the file-format and extension of the pointslist file? The Clockworks Data Transfer web service provides the following data to the Data Transfer windows services: • Data Transfer Service application configuration • Point configuration • BMS credentials It works in concert with the Clockworks Authentication web service to ensure a valid a session has been created and is not expired.   Interpreter 2 The Clockworks Interpreter web service provides the ability to send data from our client's Building Management System (BMS) to our Cloud environment to allow for visualization of that data in raw (primary) or as analyzed after calculations are performed on the raw data. The Interpreter web services receives data in HTTP GET or POST requests and parses and validated the request before storing in a serialized and compressed binary format. If needed, factors are applied to resolve known data issues from the source. The interpreter supports the following features: • Support TLS 1.0 and up for Transport Security. SSL is disabled. • Supports Triple DES (deprecated) and Rijndael algorithms for message level encryption. • Reserved IP address to ensure the same IP address is maintained which support organizations that: 1) Subscribe to default deny policy and do not trust DNS retrieval for security concerns 2) Not able to configure firewall rules by DNS and IP address if required. • Optional security to lock down requests by IP address 4. What is the estimated use of resources on the ES server, when polling through this instead of polling the automation server directly? EWS is used therefore the impact in very minimal. 5. What is the file-format and extension of the data file? The List method describes a CSV file which is organized such that each row contains a unique sample for a single point. Each row will typically contain a timestamp, value, data source reference, and point reference. This parsing method has the following features: Features: • All CSV files large and small are streamed creating a smaller memory footprint while parsing. • Only valid point reference IDs configured (i.e. from CW Connect or through local config) and found in the CSV file are pushed to Interpreter. • The Data Source Reference ID may be obtained from the following sources: Parent directory name being monitored, a static configuration value, or a user configurable column ID found in the CSV file. • The Point Reference ID may be obtained from the following source: A user configurable column ID found in the CSV file. • Date and Time may be in separate columns. • Date and Time may be in the same column. Universal Parser: Table Method 3 The Table method describes a CSV file which is organized such that a row exists which contains all point names, often called the "point info row", and below this row all point values and timestamps will be located. This parsing method has the following features: Features: • All CSV files large and small are streamed creating a smaller memory footprint while parsing. • Only valid point reference IDs configured (i.e. from CW Connect or through local config) and found in the CSV file are pushed to Interpreter. • The Data Source Reference ID may be obtained from the following sources: Parent directory name being monitored, a static configuration value, the as-is file name being parsed, a particular CSV cell above the point info row, or a location in a CSV column which is below the point info row. • The Point Reference IDs: The point info row is dynamically found by the DTS by matching criteria set by the user. This allows a single DTS install the flexibility to parse multiple Table style CSV files where the point info row may exist in varying locations. • Date and Time may be in separate columns below the point info row. • Date and Time may be in the same column below the point info row.# Example Site Information: Officeworks - Highett Officeworks - Highett Controller: AC1 Controller description: Retail - Rear Parent Pack: Parent Pack Description: Status: Online Time,Date,Control Temp {Deg. C},Zone Temp {Deg. C},Return Air Temp {Deg. C},Outside Air Temp {Deg. C},Cooling Setpoint {Deg. C},Heating Setpoint {Deg. C},TPI Target {Deg. C},OA Probe {Deg. C},GP Timer {},Supply Fan {},Cooling {},Heating {},Stage 1 {},Stage 2 {},Economy Damper {%},Fault Relay {},Fire Relay {},OA Temp {},Cool Reset {},Heat Reset {},Econ Reset {},RA Temp {},Control State {},TPI {} 00:00:00,22/02/18,22.3,22.3,21.6,25.7,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,On,On,On,Off,On,Off,0 .0,Off,Off,25.7,Off,Off,Off,21.6,Cooling,????? 00:15:00,22/02/18,22.7,22.7,22.0,26.0,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,26.0,Off,Off,Off,22.0,Off,????? 00:30:00,22/02/18,22.9,22.9,22.5,26.0,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,26.0,Off,Off,Off,22.5,Off,????? 00:45:00,22/02/18,23.0,23.0,22.7,25.7,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,25.7,Off,Off,Off,22.7,Off,????? 01:00:00,22/02/18,23.1,23.1,22.7,26.0,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,26.0,Off,Off,Off,22.7,Off,????? 01:15:00,22/02/18,23.3,23.3,22.6,26.2,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,26.2,Off,Off,Off,22.6,Off,????? 01:30:00,22/02/18,23.4,23.4,22.5,26.0,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,26.0,Off,Off,Off,22.5,Off,????? 01:45:00,22/02/18,23.4,23.4,22.2,25.7,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,25.7,Off,Off,Off,22.2,Off,????? 02:00:00,22/02/18,23.4,23.4,22.2,25.7,22.0,19.0,22.0,?????,Off,Off,Off,Off,Off,O ff,0.0,Off,Off,25.7,Off,Off,Off,22.2,Off,????? The KGS parser provides a simple way to upload data. By design, this method has a minimum number of configuration keys and a simplified CSV format. • This method is intended to be uploaded once a day. KGS driver expects lines in the CSV in the following format: Demo_AHU-2,CoolingCoilValve,0.366034,12/1/2020 0:00 Demo_AHU-2,CoolingCoilValve,0.352827,12/1/2020 0:05 Demo_AHU-2,CoolingCoilValve,0.338367,12/1/2020 0:05 Demo_AHU-2,CoolingCoilValve,0.32544,12/1/2020 0:05 Demo_AHU-2,CoolingCoilValve,0.310596,12/1/2020 0:05 ... Data Source Reference ID[0], Point Reference Id[1], Point Value[2], DateTime stamp[3] Row and Column data are zero (0) based.  

Issue Can the Program ID in Building Operation be changed Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation  Cause With Building Operation version 1.0, it was possible to modify the program ID. Now with the Building Operation version 1.1 and above it is not possible. Resolution From Building Operation 1.1 the Program ID is generated automatically and why it is not possible to change.

Issue After an Upgrade to an Automation Server controller, the Requested values of some outputs and actual values do not match. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Workstation Automation Server with I/O Modules Cause The upgrade process somehow has caused some issues with the comm between the AS with I/O modules and the Enterprise Server/Workstation. Resolution Perform a cold start on the AS.

Issue Problems associated with the install of the Enterprise Server on the Swedish language version of Windows Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Windows computer with the Swedish language Cause In Swedish Windows there is no directory named "Program Files". It's named "Program". That's the path that the ES tries to register for the Windows service for ES. Check this log upon installation failure: C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\StruxureWare x.x\Software Administrator for the SE.softwareAdministrator.log If that log contains:"Hittades inte" it means "Didn't find". In other words, the Software Administrator couldn't find the service. Resolution Find out what the registry key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Schneider Electric\StruxureWare x.x\Enterprise Server\InstallDir has for value. If using a truly Swedish version of OS, it should be " C:\Program\Schneider Electric\StruxureWare x.x\Enterprise Server\bin\SE.EnterpriseServer.exe". Change the value and start the ES as a Service. Often the problem is that Software Administrator cannot create the windows service for ES. One solution is to manually create the service for the ES. The Software Administrator is typically supposed to create the service in the OS.

Issue "Priority not changeable" when binding SNVTs Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation LonWorks Bindings Cause In the XIF file, you can specify if the variable should be sent by default with priority. You can also specify if this should be changeable. If both devices are set to not changeable and they use a different flag in the priority setting, you get this message. Resolution The 2 devices are not compatible. You can not make the binding.

Issue Support for UI16A CIO with FW 2.016 and HW C How is CIO FW 2.016 distributed? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation I/O Module 16 Ch UI Cause Due to component changes in the UI16A CIO module, a new HW version C has been created. Consequently, a new firmware (FW) file has been created specifically for that new HW version, 2.016. Resolution This FW version will be installed already at delivery from the factory for the new version of UI16A modules. For this new UI16A model, one cannot install older 2.015 firmware as it is not compatible. All the older modules can remain at the latest published CIO release 2.015. The HW version which is printed on the product label is changed from B to C on the new UI16A version. The Hardware version can also be viewed in the module object through EBO. For all other modules, the HW version will stay at B.

Issue Need to place the ADv3 Display remote from any AS-P.  Requires USB connection, as WIFI is not allowed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Advanced Display Cause The standard for USB 2.0 provides a maximum cable length of 5 meters (16 ft 5 in). The standard for USB 3.0 provides a practical maximum cable length of 3 meters (9 ft 10 in). Resolution Schneider Electric has only tested with standard cables. It may be possible to find third-party solutions like Active USB cables or bridges. These solutions are not tested, nor supported by Schneider Electric.

Issue When saving or importing a MTA (Menta) file in SmartStruxure Workstation, and error is shown indicating that there are more than one occurrence of one or more file types in the MTA file. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Menta Function Block Cause A MTA file contains various files that together forms the complete program. In some cases (e.g. when using a . in the MTA file name) various occurrences of the same file types will be placed in the MTA file. Resolution Open the MTA file in with the Menta editor Mark everything and export as an AUT file Create a new MTA file Insert the AUT file created in step 2 Save the MTA file only using standard characters Import the the MTA file Generate the MTA file to ensure you have no errors and all the public constants have been updated.

Issue When a Modbus device comes back online after being offline a message is sent from the Building Operation Server to the Modbus device which looks similar to: WriteData TX on /dev/tac_comporta: 01 2B 0E 01 00 70 77 ReadData RX on /dev/tac_comporta: 01 AB 01 9E F0 This message can cause the Modbus device to restart or stop responding, is it possible to disable it? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation 1.5.xand above Modbus Device Socomec Power Meters Crompton Integra 1221 Power Meter Cause A feature was added in release 1.5 that is intended to read the device's identification (0x2B). It works by polling this function code (FC). If the Building Operation server does not get a valid reply to this message, it assumes it is not supported by the device and will not request this again. This is usually not a problem but some Modbus devices, such as those listed in the Environment above, are unable to handle this message and will stop communicating with the AS or ES. Resolution In Building Operation 2.0.4 and above the option to enable or disable the device identification request (Function code 2B) has been introduced, allowing the poll interval (and online detection) to be set. Some devices will stop responding to poll requests if the device identification is enabled. Once disabled the AS or ES and the device may need to be restarted to enable normal polling without any device identification request being sent and stopping the normal responses from the device.   In previous versions this message cannot be disabled, however, if device polling is disabled the device identification request won't be requested, which can be used as a work-around. To turn off the device polling: Open Properties Set "Poll interval" to "Inhibit" The trade-off with this workaround is that the online detection for the device is turned off, so the device will never go offline in Building Operation. In some instances, the third-party Modbus device will need to be restarted to allow communication to resume.

Issue Enterprise Server IP address does not match the IP address of the Local PC. SmartX Server is showing online but there is a "Communication failed" alarm showing for this server(s). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server Cause The IP address of the Windows system has been changed. This can be from a DHCP renewal or a manual change of IP address. This also may be an issue if an Enterprise Server backup is restored and the backup was from another PC with a different IP address. Resolution Update the Enterprise Server IP address from the Enterprise Server communications Tab and then the properties windows.  Refer to the video below for details on how to do this.     It is also possible to specify the Network Interface used by the Enterprise Central/Server.  Refer to the following WebHelp topic Configuring Network Interface Card for an Enterprise Server or for an Enterprise Central   

Issue WebStation connection is unreliable when using a 4G (cellular) connection Auto logoff times are not obeyed  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WebStation 3.x Broadband Cellular Networks Cause WebStation creates a subscription with the Building Operation server, so it will attempt to connect every 10 seconds.  If this connection is removed/interrupted/ or no longer required for a period of 60 seconds, WebStation will force itself to log out.  This setting is currently fixed and cannot be adjusted.    Currently, there have been instances where this connectivity issue is seen when using, as shown below, a device with a broadband cellular connection attempting to connect to a Building Operation server that also connected to the same/similar cellular network this is the most common scenario where this issue is seen. Resolution It is recommended not to use these cellular network connections to permanently display Building Operation Server information, especially from mobile devices connecting to the cellular network.  This type of connection should be used sparingly and for quick access to view/check information as necessary.  Connection loss can be expected if you move away from the webpage for more than 60 seconds.  Any lengthy connections to the Building Operation Server are recommended to use a more permanent network connection.     Issues have not been seen when using broadband Internet or a similar connection as shown below to a remote cellular Building Operation Server.  This meaning that the EcoStruxure Building Operation system has remote Internet access via a broadband cellular connection. To troubleshoot this further, capture a HAR file using the details provided here How to collect a network trace | Microsoft Docs and reproduce the issue while this debugging window is open within your browser.  Note: This capture must be done at the source; that is where WebStation is running.  This may not be easy to do using a mobile device.   Send this saved HAR file and the Internet browser version and EBO version used along with connection types to your local support channel. 

Issue Existing SIM-MTECH communicates with a McQuay OPM (Open Protocol Master) and McQuay controllers under it. Can an AS-P replace the SIM-MTECH? Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment I/A Series NW8000 GCM/SIM-MTECH (McQuay OPM) Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Replacing obsolete NW8000 GCM/SIM-MTECH with currently supported EBO AS-P Resolution The GCM/SIM-MTECH data base can be converted as a normal GCM through the Transition Tool on the Schenider Electric Exchange TAC I/A Series Transition Portal.  The blocks specifically associated with the OPM integration will not be converted. A third-party hardware device can be used that will allow the AS-P to communicate through the OPM to the McQuay controllers. This will be accomplished by BACNet or Modbus protocol to the AS-P depending on the third parties device selected.  Refer to these 2 documents and websites.  NOTE: These are third party devices and have not been tested or approved by Schneider Electric Product Support. FS-8700-80 McQuay MicroTech Open Protocol Mcquay Gateways

Issue What will happen with the EBO license when used with cloned Virtual Machines in a fail-over scenario to another host? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause Even if the Virtual Machines are "cloned" the licensing will show as "Damaged" Since Virtual Machines don't have unique hardware and the software images can be identical, another identifier called UMN3 (Unique Machine Number 3) is provided by the Virtual Machine. This is, as the name indicates, unique for each Virtual Machine. Without this feature, it could be possible to cheat the licensing system and run many instances of software without a license being purchased for each instance.   See the following technical description of the virtual machine image identifier (VMID) that provides the UMN3   A hash of the universally unique ID (UUID or SMBIOS3) that the hypervisor issues whenever a virtual machine is created or cloned. SMBIOS is commonly virtualized by hypervisor providers such as VMware and Microsoft. In addition, virtualization management systems such as VMware’s VMotion ensure that all virtual machines being managed have a unique SMBIOS value. Resolution If Virtual machines are being utilized to provide a fail-over or "hot swap" of the EBO Server then licenses need to be purchased for each Virtual Machine, just as if two physical computers were used. Each Virtual Machine will require its own License Server installation and have the required licenses activated.

Issue The SmartX server has a "?" under the server name field and shows the error "SSL certificate validation failed!" as the server state in Device Administrator. In some instances, this may cause a failure to upgrade of the SmartX Server displaying these symptoms.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Device Administrator Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Automation Server Cause The SmartX Server is added into Device Administrator over HTTPS 443 but does not have a valid SSL certificate installed. Resolution Change the connection from HTTPS 443 to HTTP 80 This can be done by clicking into the server settings (click on the "?") Select "Edit Connection"   Change the EBO Server Protocol from HTTPS to HTTP  Create a trusted chain between Device Administrator and the problem SmartX Server using a self-signed certificate by following this workflow

Issue Would like to monitor and control points and alarms from an ESMI Fire Detection Panel in EBO. Product Line EcoStruxure Buildning Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) ESMI Fire Detection Panel Cause The integration between ESMI Fire Detection Panel and EBO enables the user to visualize and operate ESMI Fire detection systems effectively from graphics in EBO. Resolution The interface between the ESMI Fire panels and EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO) is handled by the AS EN54 FIRE SmartDriver. The event and command information is sent/received by the Fire panel using RS-485 communication to/from the AS-P using the SmartDriver.   This resolution is in three steps: Enable communication via RS485 (INFO protocol in Fire panel) Use the AS EN 54 Fire Configurator to create the layout for EBO Install/configure the SmartDriver and create the Fire graphics in the AS-P   Step 1 - Enable communication via RS485 (INFO protocol in Fire panel) This video shows how to enable communication from an ESMI Fire panel and an AS-P over RS485. This is a prerequisite for using the Fire SmartDriver in the AS-P.     Step 2 - Use the AS EN 54 Fire Configurator to create the layout for EBO This video will give you a quick introduction to the AS EN54 Fire Configurator. The AS EN54 Fire Configurator is a Windows application that imports floor plans and configuration files to create the EBO interface, devices, points, alarms and graphics.     Step 3 - Install/configure the SmartDriver and create the Fire graphics in the AS-P This video shows how to connect an EBO SmartX Server to an Esmi Sense Fire detection panel (FDP). And how to create and edit the Fire graphics in the EBO SmartX Server, The fire graphics provide the user interface to visualize and operate Esmi Fire detection systems.  

Issue Could not start the TAC Xenta 102-AX LonWorks PlugIn, due to an Error message. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation. TAC Xenta 102 AX Cause EcoStruxure Building Operation does not support online PlugIns, as LNS is running in the background, without any communication port.. If selecting to Synchronize (Upload or Download) you will get an error message. Resolution Select "Skip" synchronize.

Issue How to change the IP address of the Automation Server and ensure proper communication. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server Building Operation Device Administrator Building Operation Workstation Cause At times the IP address information for an Automation Server must be changed after being added to an Enterprise Server to accommodate changes in IP network design, correction of incorrect data, or any other reason. Changing the IP address needs to be done in the proper method to avoid artifacts and confusion after the change. Resolution To avoid complications, follow this process to modify the IP address of an Automation Server that is already communicating with an Enterprise Server. In the Building Operation Device Administrator connect the AS controller via USB or IP.  WebHelp Topic Connect to SmartX Servers Right-click on the AS and select Network Settings Modify the IP address settings to the new values Additionally, this can be changed through PuTTY with the "setip" command. Power Cycle the Automation Server (If a power cycle is not completed the AS will still have invalid data for network settings despite the physical network interface running with the new settings) Start Building Operation Workstation and log in to the Enterprise Server Select the Enterprise Server and open the Communication Tab Highlight the Automation Server that needs to be changed and modify the address field for the IP address of the device. (The Communications settings tab is enabled by selecting the Show/Hide tick icon). Click the Save button The Enterprise Server should now automatically establish communication with the AS, but if you want to speed this process you can right-click the Enterprise Server and select the "Advanced\Repair Server Communication" option. IMPORTANT: As of 1.41 if the IP address is changed on a server that is configured with a BACnet interface, the IP address and possibly the broadcast address of the IP Network under the BACnet interface must be updated manually. (see below)

Issue In EBO there is no build in way to view b3 array element value. In Continuum there is a command line that allows printing array elements by specifying the array index. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation ASP, ASB, AS b3 BACnet devices Infinet i2 device Cause The Infinet i2 device object array values can be viewed as WebHelp. This option is not available with b3 BACnet controllers. Resolution A workaround is to use a Script program to expose the array element value. See Sample Script Program to expose b3 array element value.

Issue Poor communications between AS-P and Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) generator and switchgear modbus RTU slaves. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Cause When upgrading from an AS to AS-P, poor Modbus communication is seen between the AS-P and DSE slave device. The communications when using the AS was seen to be good. Using an AS-P, poor communication is seen between the AS-P and the DSE slave device. Resolution Firstly, on the AS-P, ensure the release is v3.2.3.8000 to improve the modbus RTU polling. Then if the issue still persists, make the adjustments to the DSE device as below. If the AS-P cannot be taken to v3.2.3.8000 then continue with the adjustments to the DSE device.   On the DSE Modbus slave, there are additional parameters as well as the baud rate, parity and stop bits. Access to these parameters is by using the DSE software tool. The additional parameter is the Inter-Frame delay. Change the Inter-Frame delay from 0ms to 1ms.