Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Doing a R2 to G3 oBIX integration.  The alarms in the R2 station have been successfully imported into the G3 station.  However, they are as 'normal' in the G3 Alarm Console when they are actually in alarm.  How can they be configured to change color? Environment Niagara G3 oBIX integrations (any version) Cause R2 native alarms are NOT oBIX 'Stateful Alarms', meaning there is no defined 'lifecycle' of an alarm event (unlike native G3 alarms). As a result, R2 imported alarms appear as "normal" (green alarm bell) source state events when routed to the G3 Alarm Console. Resolution Add native G3 alarming proxies to provide the red color of an alarm.

Issue What is an acceptable induced voltage on to I/Net signal terminals Environment I/net SCU Cause If you have 10V which is induced on to an input cable. And The installer ran 24Vac alongside signal wires in a multicore cable with a common screen. And  have a plan to eliminate the induced voltage by reducing the number of pairs carrying voltage and using other cables Resolution Of the input signal types, the Thermistor type is considered the most vulnerable to the pickup of stray voltage from sources in the local area. This is because the AI input is a high input impedance (as it is with all voltage measurement modes of operation), AND the signal source is also very high impedance (the 10K thermistor itself). With one side of the circuit grounded, this presents the 10K ohm impedance of the signal wire as a prime candidate for inducing AC voltage noise from and local adjacent AC voltage sources AND especially any such run in the same cable. There is no “acceptable limit” definition on such AC pickup. Acceptability is directly related to the system application and/or customer tolerance for fluctuations of temperature readings. In the room temperature range, a thermistor signal changes by only ~ 54mv for each degree C. Without filtering, this 54mv/C sensitivity would produce constant variation form small induced noise levels. We provide both hardware and software filtering on the analog signals that allows rejection of AC noise seen on the input terminal, BUT you still want to minimize the level of the noise pickup as seen on the analog inputs. In the I/NET controllers the hardware filter provides a 94/95 % reduction of the 50/60 hz AC noise level presented to the controller. The controller firmware follows with implementation of  deglitching and averaging filters that further reduce the effect of noise on the AI point value.  We also have a input filter technique specifically targeted at reducing the impact from AC line induced noise. That filter works on the principle of making the AI readings at a scan rate of 1.5 times the AC line frequency. This is the purpose of making the AC line frequency a configuration item (50 or 60 hz) in the CLAN controllers. On the SubLAN, this is scan rate is fixed at 25ms (1.5 times 60hz) which make the line frequency filter not as effective for 50hz, but still very helpful.   As the analog inputs are scanned, we capture a reading on the negative or positive cycle of the induced noise and then we average that with a reading taken from the opposing cycle of the induced AC noise as seen 25ms (or 20ms) away from the previous sample. The average of the positive and negative cycle of the induced noise creates a near complete cancelation of the induced error – for a sinusoidal wave noise signal. This technique does a great job of producing a notch filter centered on the AC line frequency and reducing/filtering the impact from such line frequency noise.   This combination of several filters allows you to see AC line induced noise on the analog input terminal, and still maintain a stable temperature reading in many cases.  Note -- If the AC noise is non-sinusoidal, due to anomalies in the noise transfer or originating from an AC source other than the sine wave AC power line, then the affectivity of the noise reduction will be reduced and signal reading impact will be larger. The 10V of induced voltage you describe is very large (huge) and far beyond anything I have seen, but then I have never seen 24VAC wired in the same cable with thermistor signals.  Separation of the 24VAC as you describe below is needed. Your described past tolerance for  5V is also above what I would expect to accept.   However, it is possible that the AC line frequency filter has been making such high noise level appear acceptable on the temperature reading display.   For possible work-around use, the high impedance of the thermistor source makes the addition of a capacitor on the AI terminal to ground very effective in reducing the applied voltage from AC noise pickup. Here a capacitor value in the range from 2 to possibly 100 micro-farads can sometimes be useful to reduce or work-around an installation wiring problem. The capacitor should be of the “Low Leakage” type.  Leakage in the capacitor would be exhibited as a small reduction in the DC voltage and associated increase in the temperature reading.  The higher the micro-farad capacitance value, the more reduction in noise you will achieve, but it is easier to obtain low leakage capacitors in the smaller capacitance values.  If polarized electrolytic capacitors are used, be sure to position the negative terminal toward ground.

Issue Do all b3 and i2 Controllers support  all PE commands Environment b3 i2 Controllers String Trig Cause Some PE commands can not be used on some b3 or i2 controllers Resolution The following Plain English system functions are not supported in the i2885, i2885-V, and i2887(L) controllers: (b3885,b3885-V, and b3887(L) controllers) ACOS, ARCCOSINE, ARCSINE, ARCTANGENT, ARCTANGENT2, ASC, ASIN, ATAN, ATAN2, CEILING, CHR, CLOSELIST, COS, COSINE, EXP, EXPONENTIAL, FACT, FACTORIAL, FIRST, FLOOR, GETOBJECT, LAST, LEFT, LEN, LENGTH, LN, LOG, MID, NUM_TO_STR, OPENLIST RANDOM, RIGHT, RND, ROUND, SD, SEARCH, SIN, SINE, STANDARD_DEVIATION, STR_TO_DATE, STR_TO_NUM, STR_TO_TIME, STRINGFILL TAB, TAN, TANGENT, VAL See - b3 technical data - i2 technical data - PE Programming guide

Issue No Driver Module for path Software administrator Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Software administrator Cause Have some errors about No Driver Module for path* Resolution In principle it means that we have a mount point but no driver. It could potentially happen if we have an object on another server referring those points. For example:  The messages are relating to broken binds of monitored values in trend logs. i.e. The original binds were changed to relative binds, and after that the monitored values were moved to another folder. In this case correct the bindings would remove the messages

Issue When trying to launch StruxureWare Graphics Editor stand alone or through Workstation the program crashes due to an unhandled exception. Review of Windows Event Log displaying the following error message: Application: SE.Graphics.Editor.exe Framework Version: v4.0.30319 Description: The process was terminated due to an unhandled exception. Exception Info: System.Configuration.ConfigurationErrorsException Stack:    at System.Configuration.ConfigurationManager.PrepareConfigSystem()    at System.Configuration.ConfigurationManager.GetSection(System.String)    at System.Configuration.PrivilegedConfigurationManager.GetSection(System.String)    at System.Net.Configuration.SettingsSectionInternal.get_Section()    at System.Net.NetworkingPerfCounters..ctor()    at System.Net.NetworkingPerfCounters.CreateInstance()    at System.Net.NetworkingPerfCounters.get_Instance()    at System.Net.Sockets.Socket.InitializeSockets()    at System.Runtime.Remoting.Channels.Tcp.TcpServerChannel..ctor(System.Collections.IDictionary, System.Runtime.Remoting.Channels.IServerChannelSinkProvider, System.Runtime.Remoting.Channels.IAuthorizeRemotingConnection)    at System.Runtime.Remoting.Channels.Tcp.TcpServerChannel..ctor(System.Collections.IDictionary, System.Runtime.Remoting.Channels.IServerChannelSinkProvider)    at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.RegisterChannel(ChannelType, Boolean)    at Microsoft.VisualBasic.ApplicationServices.WindowsFormsApplicationBase.Run(System.String[])    at SE.Graphics.Editor.EditorApplication.Main(System.String[])    at SE.Graphics.Editor.Program.Main(System.String[]) Environment Windows .NET Framework 4.0 StruxureWare Building Operation 1.3 Cause .NET framework has become corrupted due to 3rd party software installation or upgrade from SmartStruxure Beta version to StruxureWare Building Operation  version 1.3 Resolution Only known solution to resolve this problem is a reinstall of the operating system. Repair, upgrade, or reinstall of .NET framework have not been successful.

Issue User over adjusts the setpoint on the STR612 Environment STR612 Cause The STR612 is used in conjunction with the CZU fan coil unit controller. The user over adjusts the setpoint.  Resolution The STR612 setpoint dial can be restricted. Under the dial cover are 2 plastic pegs that can be moved to the temperature extents that are required.

Issue What spare parts are available for the valves in our European portfolio?  Environment TAC  Valves Europe Cause When valves are getting worn out, they should be replaced. Resolution In general, all spare parts available for each valve are listed in the datasheets for the product in question. In addition, some field devices are also listed in documentation as Accessories.

Issue In Niagara G3, how many stations can connect to one Enterprise Network Server? Environment Niagara G3 Cause Planning a large installation Resolution An Enterprise Network Server running on a 32-bit server can handle up to 150 stations. An Enterprise Network Server running on a 64-bit server can handle up to 500 stations.

Issue For each alarm event, multiple alarm notifications are occurring in the AlarmViewer and in the Alarm Log. Environment Event Notification Alarm Enrollment Cause All occurrences were associated with a single Event Notification object which was dysfunctional. Resolution Created a new Event Notification with the same configuration and deleted the original Event Enrollment object.

Issue What is the resistance for the DRO and DOO sensors for a Drayton Theta II ES4 Environment DRO and DOO sensors Drayton Theta II ES4 Cause Information Resolution °C Ω     0 32650 1 31030 2 29500 3 28050 4 26690 5 25390 6 24170 7 23010 8 21920 9 20880 10 19900 11 18970 12 18090 13 17250 14 16460 15 15710 16 15000 17 14320 18 13680 19 13070 20 12490 21 13680 22 13070 23 12490 24 10450 25 10000 26 9573 27 9167 28 8777 29 8407 30 8057 31 7723 32 7403 33 7097 34 6807 35 6530

Issue What is the resistance for the DOC, DRC, DSC and DLC sensors for a Drayton Theta II EC Environment DOC, DRC, DSC and DLC sensors Drayton Theta II EC Cause Information Resolution DOC and DRC   DSC and DLC °C Ω   °C Ω           0 2339   0 6760 1 2235   5 5830 2 2137   10 4901 3 2043   15 3978 4 1943   20 3252 5 1870   25 2677 6 1790   30 2217 7 1713   35 1848 8 1641   40 1549 9 1572   45 1306 10 1506   50 1107 11 1444   55 943 12 1385   60 807 13 1328   65 694 14 1274   70 599 15 1223   75 520 16 1174   80 452 17 1127   85 396 18 1083   90 347 19 1040   95 303 20 1000   100 260 21 961   105 230 22 924   110 200 23 880   115 190 24 855   120 180 25 823       26 792       27 762       28 734       29 707       30 681       31 657       32 633       33 610       34 589       35 568      

Issue Parts of the Calectro product range can be ordered through Schneider Electric as Class 3 products. Environment Part number Description 6553066000 VR-2.8M 6553065000 VR-1.5M 6553049000 UG-mounting bracket 6553048000 STB-4-SE base f.smokedet.f.cei 6553047000 NSAOS/i smoke detector 6553046000 NSAIS/i smoke detector 6553039000 Smoke Sensor UG-Cover 6553036000 Smoke detector UG-3-A5O 6553038000 Smoke detector UG-3-O-F 6553037000 Smoke detector UG-3-J-F 6553035000 Smoke detector UG-3-A51 6553017000 Smoke detector UG-2-NS-AOS 6553016000 Smoke detector UG-2-NS-AIS 6553015000 Smoke detector ST-I-LON 6553014000 Smoke detector ST-P-DA 6553013000 Smoke detector ST-I-DA 6553007000 Control unit ABAV-S3 230v 6553006000 Control unit ABAV-S3 24v 6553033000 Smoke detector UG-3-A4I 6553034000 Smoke detector UG-3-A4O 6553028000 Smoke detector UG-3-O 6553027000 Smoke detector UG-3-J Cause Cross referencing Calectro and Schneider Electric part numbers Resolution Part number Description   6553066000 VR-2.8M 6553065000 VR-1.5M 6553049000 UG-mounting bracket 6553048000 STB-4-SE base f.smokedet.f.cei 6553047000 NSAOS/i smoke detector 6553046000 NSAIS/i smoke detector 6553039000 Smoke Sensor UG-Cover 6553036000 Smoke detector UG-3-A5O 6553038000 Smoke detector UG-3-O-F 6553037000 Smoke detector UG-3-J-F 6553035000 Smoke detector UG-3-A51 6553017000 Smoke detector UG-2-NS-AOS 6553016000 Smoke detector UG-2-NS-AIS 6553015000 Smoke detector ST-I-LON 6553014000 Smoke detector ST-P-DA 6553013000 Smoke detector ST-I-DA 6553007000 Control unit ABAV-S3 230v 6553006000 Control unit ABAV-S3 24v 6553033000 Smoke detector UG-3-A4I 6553034000 Smoke detector UG-3-A4O 6553028000 Smoke detector UG-3-O 6553027000 Smoke detector UG-3-J

Issue When the first graphic panel is launched from a client session, WebClient does not install. When an attempt is made to reduce the IE security settings, the security level sliders do not respond and the default security level remains at High. Environment Windows Server 2008 WebClient Cause IE ESC (Internet Explorer Enhanced Security) is enabled. Resolution Disable IE Enhanced security and launch the pinpoint graphic.

Issue Want to run five different reports at the same time and have them sent in the same email instead of five separate emails. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Microsoft Outlook Cause Only want to send one email instead of multiple emails when sending a number of reports. Resolution Unfortunately, it is not possible to send multiple Reports at the same time in the same email. You will need to send multiple emails for multiple reports.  

Issue When ordering the UG-3-A40, which venturi pipe is included? Environment UG-3-A40 Smoke detector UG-3-A4I Smoke detector Venturi pipes: VR-0.6M VR-1.5M VR-2.8M Cause Depending on application, different length venturi pipes may be required Resolution The 0.6M is included in the UG-3-A40 and UG-3-A4I package. Other lengths available are 1.5 and 2.8m lengths but needs to be ordered separately.  

Issue Multiple Menta Variable errors in the TAC Xenta 700 error log and, if running TAC Vista, also in the event log Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 TAC Xbuilder 5.1.7 Xenta 700 system software (firmware) 5.1.7-51 (5.1.7-SP2) or 5.1.7-52 Cause When releasing TAC Xenta 700 5.1.7 SP2, an error was introduced to the firmware if the ERROR block exists in the TAC Xenta 700 Menta object. The error you see in the Xenta 700 error log will look similar to the following: 138   2013-01-15 14:29:18 minor   menta menta           138  alarmstate.anyun       Menta: Variable error   (Error#:62466) Resolution This issue has been fixed in the TAC Xenta 700 5.1.7 SP3 release, available for download at Exchange Extranet. After a successful update the firmware version will read 5.1.7-53.

Issue Extended Logs not showing up in the Reports Server Database table tbLoggedEntities does not contain trend data. Environment Report Server Cause Extended Trend logs must reside on the ES and must have the "Include in Reports" parameter set to "True" Resolution Ensure the Extended Trend Log resides in the ES. If it is in an AS, you can create another Extended Trend Log in the ES with that as the reference. Ensure that all Extended Trend Logs that you wish to see in Reports have the parameter "Include in Reports" set to "True"

Issue Customer has a Niagara R2 JACE-NXS (part # TRD-JACE-NXS-R2).  Can it be re-imaged with Niagara G3? Environment Niagara R2 Niagara G3 Cause Site was converted to Niagara G3 and the JACE-NXS is an expensive model that the customer would like to re-use on his G3 network. Resolution Since the JACE-NXS is a Tridium product, this request must be done through them. They must be contacted with each request since this service is no longer 'advertised' as being available. Send an email to orders@tridium.com and quote part number JACE-REIMAGE.

Issue Does Niagara G3 support or use the Service Location Protocol (SLP)? Environment Niagara G3 Cause Query made by an end customer Resolution No.  Niagara G3 is not aware of or uses the Service Location Protocol (SLP).

Issue MR-VAV-AX output 3 set to an AO instead of a DO Environment MR-VAV-AX Cause This is correct. The output will always be labeled as an AO even thought the function of the output will be a DO Resolution If a DO is required for additional programming needs, create an internal DO point and use either a calculation or event sequence to control the new internal point.