Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Does Continuum support Escorted or double card swipe requirements? Environment ACX57xx, AC1 range Cause Some specifications call for 2 valid cards to be presented before the door is released, also called the 2 man rule. Resolution Continuum does not support the requirement for escorting or double card swipe requirements, if a valid card is swiped at a door it will release. One possible workaround could be to have 2 readers (doors) each opening an output relay. Then wire the two relays in series, such that both outputs need to be On to power the door magnetic lock. So the personnel and the supervisor (or Escort) both need to present their card to their respective readers at the same time to open the door.

Issue After upgrading the database from version 1.74 to 1.81 and converting the NC1 to NC2 all the doors produce the following error on reload. Infinity controller error: Feature has not been enabled in this controller  An error was detected while attempting to set an attribute in a remote Infinity object.   Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause New CardFormats2 column in the door table contains incorrect value. Sending a door object from the database to a text file shows the following InstanceId : 7001/7004  CardFormats : 4  CardFormats2 : 1246576928 <------------------------ this attribute should have an initial value of zero.  Description : DOOR 1.04   Resolution Run the following SQL query to set the initial value of the new CardFormats2 column in the database to zero update Door Set CardFormats2 = 0

Issue Both the BACnet Comm and the BACnet IP Port are enabled in an ENC-520, but BACnet devices are not being discovered. The Discover button it grayed out. Environment Niagara G3 all version, ENC-520-2, ENC-410 Cause No network adaptor was selected. The ENC's Adapter setting under the station’s BacnetNetwork/Bacnet Comm/Network/IpPort/Link was set to "none". Resolution A network adapter must be selected for the station. - Open the BACnetNetwork of the station and go to Bacnet Comm/Network/IpPort/Link - Click on the arrow next to the Adapter property and select the correct Ethernet adapter - save change - Make sure that the Object Id of the BACnet Local device is set to a unique value other than -1 - A reboot is required after the change. You should now be able to Discover the BACnet devices.  

Issue Get error message when loading TAC Vista Webstation: "Could not load file or assembly TAC.Common.License.Flex.dll or one of it dependencies. The specified module could not be found." Environment TAC Vista 5.1.4 TAC Vista Webstation 5.1.7 Cause When installing TAC Vista Webstation it must always be the same version as the TAC Vista server. Resolution Upgrade TAC Vista server to version 5.1.7 or downgrade TAC Vista Webstation to version 5.1.4.

Issue After the correct username and password have been entered, Webstation stays on the login page. Environment Vista Webstation Internet Explorer Cause There could be security settings in Internet Explorer that block the Webstation login. It could also be due to an issue that has been corrected in the latest hotfixes of Vista 5.1.8. Resolution Vista 5.1.8 Issue In Vista 5.1.8 there was a third party application hotfix released for both Webstation and Vista server. You can go here to download the latest hotfixes. This will allow Webstation to make the connection to the Vista server and stay logged in.   IE Browser Setting Issues Try to change another web browser. For example, Firefox is a good recommendation. You can click here to download the newest version of Firefox.

Issue What limitations are in there when entering the SQL Server name in database initialization? Environment Installing Continuum Cyberstation and Web Client Cause The number of characters is limited in the database initialization screens for Server, Workstation and Stand Alone installations. Resolution When entering the SQL server name in Database Initialization this is limited to a maximum of 30 characters. Should your server name exceed this you can use the servers IP address, or map a network drive.

Issue Sensors required Environment DC1100 sensors Cause What sensors does the DC1100 optimiser/compensator require? Resolution Old        Description                      New Part Number Spec A701     ROOM SENSOR            STR600D/004604000 A702     OUTDOOR SENSOR    STO600D/5126000000 A703     IMMERSION SENSOR   STP600D/5126010000 A704     STRAP ON SENSOR    STC600D/5126020000

Issue Sensors required Environment DC1400 sensors Cause What sensors does the DC1400 optimiser/compensator require? Resolution Old        Description                                                                       New Part Number Spec DRT3454    ROOM SENSOR                                                      STR600/004604100 DOT0002   OUTDOOR SENSOR                                               STO600/5126060000 DWT0001  IMMERSION SENSOR                                              STP660/5126080000 (NO POCKET SUPPLIED) DST0001   STRAP ON SENSOR                                                STC600/5126070000 Pockets available: DWA0001    BRASS POCKET ADAPTOR                                 9121058000 DWA0002    IMMERSION STAINLESS POCKET 120MM           9121060000 DWA0003    IMMERSION BRASS POCKET 200MM                  9121062000 DWA0004    IMMERSION STAINLESS POCKET 200MM           9121064000 DWA0005    IMMERSION BRASS POCKET 120MM                  9121066000

Issue Since the V394 is obsolete, a proper replacement is requested. Environment V394: 7319421000 7319425000 7319429000 7319433000 7319437000 7319441000 7319445000 7319449000 V341: 7314121000 7314125000 7314129000 7314133000 7314137000 7314141000 7314145000 7314149000 V311T: 7311717000 7311721000 7311725000 7311729000 7311733000 7311737000  7311741000 7311745000 Cause Replacing obsolete valve. Resolution Depending on application, the V311T or V341 are the closest available valves for replacement. The V341 is of Bronze material, while the V311T is Cast Iron. Depending on the valve size in question, the closest fit is the V311T, while the V341 will require pipe work. See each products data sheet for more information and details.

Issue We are unable to connect to a Niagara G3 ENC-520 whose IP address was incorrectly set. How can the IP address be determined and changed if there's no access via its Ethernet port? Environment Niagar Workbench, ENC-520, ENC-410 Cause Incorrect entry of the IP Address or subnet mask can cause the ENC to appear unresponsive to WorkBench software. Resolution There are two methods available to determine the IP address and subnet mask entered for the ENC. The first method requires having access to the computer used to change the IP address of the ENC. Your Workbench PC records the “before and after” TCP/IP settings made from Niagara platform connections in a a file called "ipchanges.bog". You can review changes from Workbench using the following procedure. Do the following in Workbench: 1. In the Nav tree, expand “My Host” and then “My File System.” 2. Expand “Sys Home” and then “users.” 3. Expand your user folder, then expand “ipchanges.bog.” Child folders are “date-named” using the following convention: d for example, “d20041220171000” for 2004 Dec 20 5:10pm 4. Expand any folder of interest. Underneath each folder are two objects:    • priorValue — TCP/IP settings that existed before this change.    • newValue — TCP/IP settings that existed after this change. 5. Double-click a priorValue or newValue to see settings in the “Tcp Ip Host Editor” (see Figure). The second method requires the use of a terminal program, an UNCC-405 to adapt RS232 to RJ45, and a CBL-RJ45 cable (a standard Ethernet cable no longer than seven feet will do). The HyperTerminal program is used to directly connect to a ENC-520 to verify and to make changes to its IP address in order to make it accessible. HyperTerminal makes it possible to view the ENC's configuration and execute limited commands. Reference the section “Using serial system shell”, located in Chapter 1 of the Niagara AX Install & Startup Guide, on how to directly connect to ENC using HyperTerminal. After connecting to the ENC, use the procedure "Updating Network Settings", which is located in the same Chapter of the guide, to display and/or change the IP address or subnet mask. Failure to enter the subnet mask properly can prevent the UNC from being seen by WorkPlace Pro.          

Issue In some applications, a combined temperature and CO2 sensor is requested Environment SCR series sensors SCR110 SCR210 SCR510 SCR610 SCR810 Cause Application requirements Resolution The SCR series sensors are able to measure the levels of CO2, RH (if equipped) and temperature of air inside a room. See product documentation for more information and details.

Issue Needs a 230V actuator to replace existing actuator on customer installation Environment MV15B VG311F Venta Cause Since most actuators are 24V, the 230V option is not too common Resolution The 230V version of MV15B, part no 880-0460-000 is suitable as actuator for the VG311F.

Issue The VZ21 is obsolete and no longer available. Environment VZ21 VZ22 Cause Obsolete product needs to be replaced. Resolution The VZ21 series valve is replaced by VZ22.

Issue Is the MZ20B suitable for use in an On/Off application? Environment MZ20B 230V: 8455003000 MZ20B 24V: 8455001000 Cause Depending on control signal type and construction, some actuators are better suited for On/Off applications. Resolution Yes, the MZ20B can be used in an On/Off application. For connection details and more, please see the MZ20B data sheet. 

Issue After a template has been loaded in the ES, you will not see this template listed in the list of templates on any of the AS devices that reside under that ES.  Environment Binding Templates Device Templates xif files DRF Kits Enterprise Server Automation Server Cause SmartStruxure designates separate levels between the AS and ES to prevent unnecessary distribution templates that will use up the memory in the AS.  For example, it is possible to have Binding Templates that have a great use in the ES but little to no use in the AS.  For this reason, you will need to take an extra step to load the necessary templates into the AS if needed. NOTE:  There is not currently a function to delete unwanted templates out of a device in SmartStruxure.  Make sure the correct template is selected before you complete the import process. Resolution You will be required to import that all of the necessary templates into the ES and all of the AS devices that may require a use for that particular template. This can be done by simply logging directly into the AS to load the template locally.

Issue Site has existing CX/bCX with many i2s/b3s on field bus that need to be moved to a different CX/bCX, want to create a dump file from the existing CX/bCX that can then be imported into the new CX/bCX to create the devices and then do a 'Send to database' from the devices once they are online in the new CX/bCX. Environment CyberStation CX9xxx bCX4xxx bCX9640 Cause Documentation Resolution In the Continuum Explorer expand the existing CX/bCX then click on the InfinityInfinetCtlr folder. Pull down the 'Options' menu and set the 'Send To Text File Options' to DO NOT DUMP CHILD OBJECTS Select ALL the field devices on the right pane, right click and perform a 'Send to Text File' operation The resultant .dmp file when imported into the new CX/bCX will create all the field devices using the same names and ids they had in the old CX/bCX NOTE: The file may have to be edited to match the Network/Controller name.

Issue The STC series transmitter is delivered with a pipe clamp designed for maximum 100mm (4") pipe diameter. Is there any other solution if pipe diameter is larger than 100mm/4"? Environment STC100 STC101 STC200 STC201 STC110 STC120 STC300 STC600 Cause Included pipe clamp does not fit larger pipe size applications. Resolution If the application requires the transmitter to fit pipe with bigger outer diameter than 100mm/4", the included pipe clamp can be replaced with a bigger clamp purchased locally at the hardware store or similar.

Issue Need document about Vista 4.x termination Do we support Vista 4.x? Vista 4.x Environment Vista 4.x Cause Need a document that describe that Vista 4.x has been terminated Resolution All versions of Vista 4 are terminated and are no longer available. As of June 30, 2014 Vista 4 is no longer supported by Product Support Services. Please download PA-00131 - Termination of Old Versions of TAC Vista Software for more information about the termination. Please see PA-00274 - Software Support Policy for TAC Vista for more information about support of TAC Vista software.

Issue If renaming a snippet in the graphic editor it will hang. Environment TAC Vista graphic editor 1.1.6 Cause The problem is that a space is used in the end of the name, that will cause the graphic editor to hang Resolution Don't use space in the end of a snippet name or use an editor with version 1.1.7 or higher. This problem is corrected in version 1.1.7.

Issue When installing or upgrading Cyberstation, is the SQL sa password required? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation and Web Client installation or upgrades Database Initialization application SQL 2005 and 2008 versions as per the compatibility matrix for the version being installed V1.9x Cause Sometimes the database initialization asks for a "sa" password, other times not, what determines this? Resolution During first installation of SQL it will ask for a new System Administrator (sa) password to be created. When creating a new Continuum database the SQL sa password will be asked for or another password with full domain administrator rights could be used. When updating an existing database you will sometimes be asked to enter the sa password, this is determined by the Database Initialization application. If the version it is upgrading from requires changes to be made to the SQL table structure, a new table created or new stored procedures to be created, then the sa password will be required, otherwise it will not be asked for. NOTE: The "Andover97" account is not an "sa" account. The "Andover97" account needs to be the owner of "ContinuumDB" database and must have full access to it.