Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Error message  "No default Mail server detected" when installing Continuum Environment Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Continuum Outlook Express Windows Live Mail IE Internet Explorer Cause When Microsoft released Windows 7 they removed the email program "Outlook Express"  As a result of this in IE (internet explorer), default Email program is left empty, as Continuum can send emails there needs to be a default program selected Resolution Solution for this is to first install "Windows Live Essentials" from the following link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-live/essentials-other-programs?T1=t2 In some cases you will get an error message which will stop you running the program, if you get this error then follow the next link on how to fix this http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/how-do-i-reinstall-wldcoredll/2075e9bf-2e5a-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5 On successful install of the above program you will now need to go into IE (Internet Explorer) goto "Tools" then "Internet options" then select "Programs" you will now see a list of options, next to the E-mail: option click on the drop down and select "Windows Live Mail"  Apply the changes and close the program, you should now be able to install and run Continuum without getting the  "No default Mail server detected"  error message This problem can also happen in other OS environments i.e XP and Vista, in this case you do the same as above but instead of using Windows Live Mail you would use "Outlook Express" or you could use "Office Outlook" if you have a MS Office package installed

Issue If using the "sym" jumper in a 100Pa configuration, will this mean -50Pa - +50Pa range? Environment 004700320 SPD310-100/300/500/1000 Pa 004700340 SPD310-1000/1200/2500/5000 Pa 004700360 SPD360-300/500/1000/2500 Pa Cause In some applications, the output signal, is requested to be symmetrical. Resolution The specified values we can grant is only down to 100 Pa. Using the Sym – jumper configuration would change the signal to -100 Pa …+100 Pa ( not -50…+50 Pa ), because the sensitivity of the sensor does not change by this jumper.

Issue The descriptions of the MN-S and MN-S1 sensors both state that they are temperature sensor only, what is the difference? Environment MN-S MN-S1 MN-Sx Micronet 2000 I/A Series Micronet Cause The part number descriptions of the MN-S and MN-S1 sensors both state that they are sensor only, what is the difference? Part # MN-S Description: MicroNet 2000 Wall Temperature Sensor with Temperature Sensor Only          Part # MN-S1 Description: I/A Series Micronet S-Link Sensor Assembly Providing Temperature Only.   Resolution While physically and functionally similar the two sensor belong to different product families and are not interchangeable since they utilize different communications protocols. The MN-S communicating sensor is compatible with the Micronet 2000 product family and is used with MN-FLO, MN-FLO3T, MN-HPFC controllers that use U bus communication protocol for sensor data. The MN-S1  communicating sensor is compatible with the I/A Series Micronet  product families and is used with MNL and MNB range of controllers that use S-Link communication protocol for sensor data.

Issue A sensor connected to a DMS system displays the letters INH to the right of the real-time display.  What does this mean and how can it be removed? Environment DMS Cause It is unknown how the INH appeared on the point.  There are at least three ways to do it with programming but none were found in the database. The INH is short for 'inhibit'.  It prevents a point from generating alarms or changing conditions even though an alarm or change of condition exists.  It is useful during times when maintenance is being done on the associated HVAC system or if the HVAC system is scheduled off.  It prevents nuisance alarms. Sometimes it gets applied after a database glitch during a loss of power or communications.  This situation is rare but it can occur. Resolution To remove the INH and allow the sensor to alarm and change condition, it must receive the ENINH command.  There are several ways to apply the ENINH command.  The quickest way is to use command mode. In OPRIF, - use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the sensor with the INH applied to it. - press F8 to enter command mode - type ENINH then enter - press F8 to exit command mode - allow OPRIF a few seconds to update and refresh the sensor on the screen

Issue Upgrading an end customer copy of WorkPlace Tech from version 5.8.1 to 5.8.2. Is there a charge for it? Environment WorkPlace Tech Cause Cost estimating for end customer's system upgrade Resolution There is no charge when upgrading WorkPlace Tech from 5.8.x to 5.8.y. Charges apply when upgrading WorkPlace Tech 5.7.x to 5.8.x.  

Issue PinPoint graphics crashes when creating or editing "Active Animation" or "Combo Box" Environment Windows 7 1.93 1.94 Cause If logged on to the PC as a Power User or other non Administrator account you may not have the correct permissions to run some items within Continuum Resolution If the user is required to modify or create PinPoint graphics or various other activities, full access to the Continuum Folder may be required ( or Graphics Folder if this is an a remote server) 1. Log on to the PC as an Administrator 2. Locate the Continuum directory (usually C:/Program Files/Continuum) or Graphics directory 3. Open Properties (Right Click) 4. Select Security 5. Add the required Group or user name, give the write permission

Issue Not getting the pop-ups or the sound when alarms are generated in the Vykon 2.50 Alarm Service (VAS).  However, alarms are being logged to the VAS. Environment  R2, Niagara version 529, 532, 535 Cause No cause stated. Resolution The new vas-2.301.536.v1.jar and vasClient jar files were created to correct the pop-up issue. This resolution applies to the VAS 2.50 Client and the vas-2.301.532.v2.jar. VAS 2.301.536.v1 JAR Files and Client can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center. Installation of the new vas-2.301.536.v1.jar file Stop the Enterprise Server running the VykonAlarmService Open Windows browser and go to C:\niagara\nre\modules Rename the current vas-2.301.532.v2.jar with the “.old’ extension Copy the new vas-2.301.536.v1.jar file to C:\niagara\nre\modules Restart the Enterprise Server.   Installation of the new vasClient.jar file Stop the VAS 2.50 client. Open Windows browser and go to C:\Program Files\Tridium\Vykon Alarm Service Client 2.50\lib Rename the current vasClient.jar with the “.old” extension. Copy the new vasClient.jar file to C:\Program Files\Tridium\Vykon Alarm Service Client 2.50\lib Restart the vasClient. The vasClient alarm pop-up, along with its sound, should now be displayed when an alarm is generated.

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 Services for assistance. Issue For various reasons there will sometimes be a need to move a controller from its existing Continuum network to a different Continuum network. Environment CyberStation ALL CX master controllers Cause Configuration Resolution WARNING: MAKE SURE TO HAVE A FRESH BACKUP OF THE CONTINUUM SQL DATABASE HANDY IN CASE YOU NEED TO REVERT THE CHANGES FOR ANY REASON. Moving a controller from its existing Continuum network to a different network consists of copying the controller and its children to the destination Continuum network and then deleting it from the source network. Place CyberStation in offline edit mode. In the 'Copy' options make sure to select to 'Copy child objects and the children's children, this will ensure that all field devices get moved with the parent CX. Highlight the controller to be moved then drag it to the destination network and select 'Copy Here', please note that the IP address on the destination will be set to 0.0.0.0 to avoid a duplicate. On the original controller highlight the InfinityInfinetCtrl folder, select all the objects on the right side  and send to text file. Delete the original controller then set the IP address on the copy. Select the copied controller,  right click and select import into  and import the text file created on line 4. Return CyberStation to online edit mode, then reload the CX controller (not including the field devices) NOTES: a) After reload, the controller may have a different time if the original network was in a different time zone than the destination network. b) Controllers are only taught about other controllers in the same network, If you are moving multiple controllers move them all before reloading them. After reload controller will not know about any other controller that stayed in the old network and any references to such controllers will be lost.

Issue Unable to locate documentation for Calectro / Schneider Electric products on SE web. Environment Calectro Class 3 products Cause As Class 3 products, the documentation and support is provided by the manufacturer. Resolution All available documentation, such as data sheets, CE certificates and other related documentation, is available for download at www.calectro.com

Issue Need to know the type of RFID card for Continuum access control system.   What type of RFID card works for Continuum Access control system? Environment CX9900 , CX9940 , CX9680 ACX5740 , ACX5720 Continuum Cause Need to know the type of RFID card supported by Continuum system Resolution Continuum access control system supports the RFID card as long as it supports Wiegand format up to 64bits.

Issue Can replacement RR9 lighting relays still be purchased? Environment LCX89x Infinet Lighting controller range Cause Products not listed in the Catalogue or on the Extranet Resolution LCX890 range are still available, but only until December 31st 2013 and only with the RR9 relays (not RR7). Click here for the Product announcement. Originally the range was available with either General Electric RR7 (with no feedback) or RR9 relays (with feedback and LED indicators), now only the RR9 range are available until the end of the year. The LCX890 has 8 outputs with RR9 relays,   Part # 01-0008-036 The LCX891 has 16 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-039 The LCX892 has 24 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-042 The LCX898 has 48 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-083 Also individual RR9 replacement relays can be ordered part # 01-0100-300 A faulty RR7 relay could be replaced by a new RR9 relay even if the feedback and LED indicators are not required. These parts can be seen on the U.S iPortal website.  

Issue Attempted upgrade of controller firmware cannot be performed Environment CX model controllers BCX 9640 model controllers Cause A situation where a failed upgrade to the controller firmware can cause the controller to be in an state that cannot accept a firmware upgrade. Resolution 1. Run a listview of the controllers and add the column “Usable” to the listview. 2. Run the listview and under normal conditions the usable attribute should be 1.  if the attribute set to 0 perform the following steps. 3. Select the row in the listview where the "usable" attribute is 0 4. In the menu select Object/Set Attributes 5. Select Name = Usable and set the value to 1 and click ok. The controller should be in a state that will accept a controller firmware upgrade.

Issue Previously online Xenta Servers are now offline in Vista. They can still be reached via the web interface, and "telnet [ip address] 443" also works fine. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause By default, when you add a Xenta Server in Vista, the checkbox "use browser proxy" is ticked. Even though there is no proxy server defined in Internet Explorer's settings (Tools > Internet options > Connections > LAN settings), in some rare cases this tick may cause Vista to lose the connection to the Xenta Servers (i.e. even if set to "use automatic settings"). This may be due to some changed firewall or network settings at the Vista PC. Resolution In Vista, right-click the Xenta Server and choose Properties Untick the checkbox "use browser proxy" The Xenta Servers should now go online immediately.

Issue Where can I find documentation which explains what a Trend Log Comparison Report does? Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.3 Cause The Trend Log Comparison report provides a way for you to compare the output of the trend logs associated with a data point, such as the kilowatts for a power meter. The report provides similar reporting as the Trend Chart, however, you can export the report, schedule the report, and run the report using a Web browser and without access to WorkStation.   Resolution It is possible to read about Trend Log Comparison report in the manual Web report reference guide which you find on the Extranet under Products > StruxureWare Building Operation > Product information > StruxureWare > Building Operation 1.3 > Report server.  

Issue In some applications, a valve with higher temperature range is required. Environment High temperature valve VGS211F: VGS211F-15CS03 VGS211F-15CS04 VGS211F-15CS05 VGS211F-15CS07 VGS211F-15CS08 VGS211F-20CS VGS211F-25CS VGS211F-32CS VGS211F-40CS VGS211F-50CS VGS211F-65CS VGS211F-80CS VGS211F-100CS Cause High temperature application. Resolution The only valve currently listed in our portfolio that is capable of temperatures up to 200°C is the VGS211F valve.

Issue How to monitor if equipment is running without running cables to additional sensors Environment Current Sensor switch Cause Running cables to and fitting sensors can be time consuming and expensive, are there other ways to monitor equipment? Resolution The current drawn by equipment can be monitored within a control panel using the Current Sensor devices.   This method of monitoring equipment will not replace other monitor methods, but will be suitable for some projects - Detecting belt loss, coupling shear and mechanical failures - Evaluating lighting circuit and other electrical service run times - Monitoring status of critical electrical equipment - Choose from Switch, 0-5VDC, 0-10VDC and 4-20mA     Information on current sensos can be downloaded from the Schneider Electric Exchange Extranet. Click here to be linked to applicable area.

Issue Cannot access BCX controller webpage after pressing IP Reset. Environment Controller Web Page Default IP IP reset Cause IP reset button was not held down for a sufficient time to reset the controller IP address. Resolution Was able to login to the controllers config page once the controllers IP Reset button was held down for a full 60 seconds.

Issue A SIM block in an LNC-100 has a diagnostic ERROR output = 159. Environment Network 8000 LNC-100 Cause See the I/A Series MicroNet LON Network Controller manual, F-26566, Table 3.4, "SIM Block Error Codes", page 18: "Could not read the NV information from the node. NV index does not exist in the specified node. See Appendix A for NV index values. OR The node is possibly offline." Resolution Over the years, we have documented a few different cases of the ERROR = 159, and have found some different causes and resolutions. 1. On new installations, an incorrect data string in a SYS:SIM block could prevent the LNC-100 from communicating with any of the LON controllers, and every SIM block in the database would display ERROR = 159. For example, in one case, the data string in the SYS:SIM block was "DOMAIN0=010000, SUBNET0=1,NODE0=127,ENGLISH,HEARTBEAT=120".  Because the Domain address established by the network management tool used a one-byte address = 01, rather than the 3-byte address entered in the data string, the LNC-100 was not able to communicate with any LON devices. When the data string in the SYS:SIM block was edited to include the correct 1-byte Domain address, "DOMAIN0=01, SUBNET0=1,NODE0=127,ENGLISH,HEARTBEAT=120", the LNC-100 was able to communicate, and the diagnostic error in the SIM blocks was cleared. In another case, setting the NODE0=15, saving the change, then setting it back to NODE0=127 in the data string of the SYS:SIM block enabled LON communications. 2. On existing installations that have been working OK for years, some of the SIM blocks show ERROR = 159, while other SIM blocks continue to communicate normally. Because the LNC-100 continues to communicate normally with some of the LON controllers, you can rule out hardware failure of the LNC-100.       a. The LON nodes (controllers) associated with the SIM blocks displaying the ERROR = 159 might be offline. Use NodeUtil to check the status of the node, and to set it online if possible.       b. The LON controller may have been replaced, and the replacement controller not assigned to the same Domain, Subnet, or Node as the original. The SIM block will not be able to identify the replacement, will display ERROR = 159. Use NodeUtil to identify the LON address of the replacement node(s), and a LON network management tool to assign its Domain, Subnet, and Node to be compatible with the information in the data string of the SYS:SIM block.      c.  The LON controller may have been replaced by a newer model with a different profile, Program ID, and XIF file, so the points mapped in the SIM block no longer correspond exactly to the NVs in the newer profile. Use NodeUtil to extract the XIF file from the new controller, and check the NVs to determine if the NV index or SNVT type are different than those in the original controller. Edit the DATA field(s) in the SIM block to correspond to the new profile in the new controller.

Issue Can a WebClient Personnel Manager Security Key (WEBC-PM) be upgraded to a WebClient Professional key (WEBC-PRO)? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment WebClient Cause Have a WebClient PRO key and want to start to use Graphics with WebClient browser PC's. The WebClient PM is a cut down version of WebClient which limits its use to security functions such as viewing alarms/events and managing personnel. Using a WebClient PRO key is required for viewing Graphics at the WebClient browser PC's.   Resolution A WebClient Personnel Manager Key can be upgraded to Professional version. (PM to PRO) Contact Repairs (details below) to order the upgrade. The cost for this is the difference in price between the two parts. The flash file is sent via email with instructions on how to apply it to the existing Key.  

Issue When reloading array points (a numeric configured as a manual log) the array values are not restored and default back to a NULL state until set. How can this information be saved into the Database so that it can be restored when the controller or point is reloaded? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Controllers Cause All the array values are not saved to the Database when the setpoint flag on the numeric is set, this will only save the current value of the numeric to the database. The array entries are only stored in the controller and are therefore lost when the controller is reloaded. Resolution The SAVE command can be used to save controllers / objects to the database. This can be used in a PE program to backup a points array data to the SQL Database. One very big note on this is that this will only work with IP level controllers and will not work on i2 or b3 controllers. Create a Program in a Workstation and use the following command to save and overwrite a numeric (including its array information) to the database. For more information on the syntax, consult the online help and search for "SAVE". SAVE \network1\ctrl1\num_array -o You still need to ensure the Setpoint flag check box is selected for the numeric array.