Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The ability to add a second card is available in webclient, but there is no where to add the second card Environment Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Steps are needed to configure dual credentials to show in webclient, but those steps have not been completed. Resolution Steps to configure dual credential access in webclient: 1. Right click on Continuum icon in the system tray and select Allowed Credentials and select 'Credential1And2' Note: Say yes to enable on the controllers and distribute 2. Open Personnel Manager, click configure, click the right arrow to add ‘Card#2’ and ‘Card2 Type’, click Ok 3. Once that is done, go back into webclient and you will now see an additional tab added called ‘Credential2’

Issue Creating an InfinityController fails with error  "The object type specified is invalid" Environment CyberStation Cause CyberStation with duplicate NetworkId in the Continuum SQL database. Resolution From the Continuum Explorer delete the offending CyberStation object then delete the folder associated with the CyberStation.

Issue Can I run multiple connections with Remote Desktop Services or Microsoft Terminal Server Services to allow more simultaneous sessions of I/A Series G3 Workbench on a computer? Environment I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Server, ENS, Workbench Cause This occurs when a computer with a single Enterprise Server is configured with Remote Desktop or Terminal Server Services to allow multiple users to have concurrent sessions of the Workbench running simultaneously. Resolution The Tridium EULA (End User License Agreement) does not permit Workbench concurrent sessions. Per the EULA, each session should originate from a separately purchased and licensed version of Workbench.

Issue Is it possible to open a time schedule from a OGC graphic when the graphic is opened from Webstation? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.x  Cause In older versions of TAC Vista a "Command Point" object could be used to link to a time schedule and it worked fine in booth Webstation and Workstation.  And that still works fine in Workstation but to get it to work in later versions(5.1.x) a "Dynamic Value" object must be used in the graphic editor to get it to work in Webstation. Resolution Use a "Dynamic value" object in the OGC editor when linking to a time schedule to get it to work in TAC Webstation.

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 Trend logs are not being saved to SQL after upgrading the SQL database. There are no error messages and Vista can read old (pre upgrade) values from the taclogdata database. The insertlogvalues keeps growing. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.1.X SQL 2005 or 2008 server with a database that has been upgraded to layout 2 (the new schema used from version 5.1.7). Cause The database schema is out of date. The database schema is a blueprint of how a database will be constructed. Resolution Shut down Vista. Go to services and stop the TAC DSS writer service. Right-click on My Computer (Computer in Win 7 and Win Server 2008) and select manage. Locate services in the console that opens up. Locate the TAC DSS Writer service, select and then click on stop. This service is responsible for writing events and trend log data to the SQL database. Update the database schema. Open Vista sever setup and locate the SQL server tab. Click on the Custom radio button (if not already selected) and then change the name (e.g. add "_1" to the end of the current name) of the database in the SQL Server Name field. Click on Apply, OK and  then Yes to create the new database. Once complete, change the name of the database back to the original name (or click on the Typical radio button if using default settings) and click on Apply. A message will appear "Log database found but needs to be reconfigured. Reconfigure Log database?". Click on Yes. The database schema should now be updated. Right-click on My Computer (Computer in Win 7 and Win Server 2008) and select manage. Locate services in the console that opens up. Locate the TAC DSS Writer service, select and then click on Start. This service is responsible for writing events and trend log data to the SQL database. Check to see that the logs are now being written to the log database. It may take some time to process the backlog.

Issue Will there be any problems wiring two HID iClass RP40 readers to one reader channel?  Environment ACX57xx, AC-1 Cause Need two readers on a vehicle entrance at different heights Resolution Tested (2) HID RK40 (iClass with keypad). The RP40 uses less power but should be very similar. Not recommended to power the two readers from the same reader input unless you are sure the reader input can handle the combined peak mA rating of the two readers. ACX5720 - worked fine. The RK40s were powered with different reader channels and then just doubled up the 1-DATA, 0-CLK and LED1 terminals on the ACX with the DATA1, DATA0 and Green LED leads from the readers. AC1 - worked fine. The AC-1 terminals are small so a single piece of wire was used off the DATA/1, CLK/0, and LED terminals of the AC-1 and landed on a terminal block with DATA1, DATA0 and Green LED leads from the readers. The RK40s were powered with an external power supply.  

Issue Get error message, "taclogdata is not a valid TAC Vista logdatabase" at installation of TAC Vista. Environment TAC Vista 5.1.0 and later versions. Cause When installing Vista and using a custom SQL installation a SQL database is specified. If this SQL database is created manually and not by Vista the database will not be recognized as a valid TAC Vista log database.   Resolution Let TAC Vista create the SQL database at the installation or use the Vista server setup to create a SQL database. 

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 When many trend logs are linked to the same time object for emailing via a Receiver Group, some of the trend logs may not be sent. Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause The Xenta Server cannot send more than approx. 50-60 simultaneous emails before some are lost.  The limit appears to be dependent on the size of attached trend logs and the number of addresses in the Receiver Group list. Resolution For a single email address, split the trend logs into groups of no more than 40.  Link the logs in each group to a different time object and stagger the times at which they are sent.  If the Receiver Group definition contains multiple email addresses, reduce the number of trend logs in each group accordingly.

Issue Prior to XBuilder 5.1.1, it was not possible to change the type of an Xenta Server in an XBuilder project once it had been created.  Sometimes there is a need to move the project to a different type of Xenta Server without losing all the links and bindings within the project. Environment Xenta Server XBuilder 5.1.0 or earlier Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause In XBuilder 5.1.0 or earlier, it is not possible to edit the Xenta Server type in the network pane of the XBuilder project Resolution Upgrading to Vista/XBuilder 5.1.1 or later will allow you to easily change the device type directly from XBuilder.  Note that this must be done from an XBuilder project that is saved to the computer. If the project is in a Vista database start by opening the XBuilder project, clicking on File > Save as and then save it to the computer. Then, close XBuilder, reopen XBuilder and open up the saved copy of the XBuilder project from the PC. In the XBuilder Project menu select 'Change Target type...'.  Choose your preferred target device from the drop-down list.   If it is not possible to upgrade, the following instructions allow an XBuilder project to be transferred to a different type of Xenta Server without losing graphic bindings or bindings between objects on the System pane and the Network pane.  The one proviso is that the target Xenta Server's hardware must be able to support any network defined in the source project and have the same or better Menta and User graphic capabilities.   There are many different combinations of Server types and BMS platforms that these instructions could apply to in general.   The example given here transfers an Xenta 555 project to an Xenta 731.  The Xenta 555 has a Lonworks network and a Modbus network and is part of a Vista database.   Creating the Xenta 731 in the Vista database: Open the Vista database containing the Xenta 555 project. Right-click on the 555 and select Edit from the dropdown menu. The XBuilder project opens.  Keep this open for the following steps. In the Vista database create a new Xenta 731.  The name is not important but it should be similar but not identical to the 555 it will replace. Transferring the Lonworks network to the Xenta 731: In Vista, drag and drop the LON network from the 555 to the 731. Right-click on the 731 and select Edit from the dropdown menu. The 731 project opens in a new instance of XBuilder.  Rename the default folder in the system pane to the same name as the top level folder in the 555 project. In the 731 project right-click on the LON object in the Network pane.  Select 'Refresh network from TAC Vista'. Transferring the Modbus network to the Xenta 731: In the 555 project, right-click a Modbus device and select 'Edit Device template' When the device editor opens, select File | Save as.. Save the file in the default location with the default name. Repeat steps 2 to 3 for all Modbus devices in the network. In the 731 project recreate the Modbus network using the templates just saved.     Transferring the System objects to the Xenta 731: In the 555 project, right-click an object below the top level folder and select 'Copy'. Move focus to the 731 project, right-click on the top level folder and select 'Paste'. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each object and folder below the top level in the 555 project.  Selecting a folder also selects all the objects and folders beneath it.  Although it is possible to copy the top level folder in the 555 project, it is not possible to paste it into the 731 project. Graphics bindings are retained and the reference paths are automatically updated with the new network tree i.e. 'TAC_Xenta_555' is replaced with 'TAC_Xenta_731'. Some object bindings will be broken e.g. Time objects.  These must be rebound manually. When all objects have been copied across and rebound if necessary, close the 555 project. Deleting the Xenta 555 and downloading the project to the Xenta 731: In the Vista database, delete the Xenta 555. Generate the 731 project.  There will be a warning message offering to copy the original TGML files to the new default location.  Select 'Yes'. The 731 project should now generate without errors. Download the project to the Xenta 731.   If the 555 only contains a Modbus network, a similar methodology will also work with standalone 555 and 731 projects.  

Issue Do the I/ A Series (MNL- or MNB-) controllers support more than one S-Link sensor? Environment I/A Series controllers: MNL-50, MNL-100, MNL-200, MNL-V1, MNL-V2, MNL-V3, MNL-800, MNB-V2, MNB-300, MNB-1000 S-Link sensors; MN-S1, MN-S1HT, MN-S2, MN-S2HT, MN-S3, MN-S3HT, MN-S4, MN-S4HT, MN-S5, MN-S5HT Cause Want to connect 2 S-LINK sensors to an I/A series controller Resolution No, only one S-Link sensor per controller is supported. Currently, there are no plans to add the capability of supporting a second sensor.

Issue Do we have any fast (10 sec) damper actuator in our portfolio? Environment Damper actuator Cause In some application, a fast actuator is requested. Resolution Unfortunately, we do not cover this type of applications. An actuator of this type will have to be sourced locally. Belimo has a line of very fast-running actuators: http://www.belimo.eu/CH/EN/Product/Actuators/SuperFast.cfm?TopCatNr=0206

Issue If not considering the design of the sensor housing, can a duct sensor function also in a room application? Environment Duct style sensors Cause A specific application is requesting this type of setup Resolution In general it is possible to use these sensors also for room applications. Maybe the time constant will be a little bit higher because of lower velocity which in room applications usually is irrelevant. For the SHD it might be that the sinter filter can absorb some radiant heat (if there is any).

Issue A Niagara R2 UNC will not keep time accurately.  The time doesn't just drift a few seconds.  It is jumping around by hours.  Trying to change the time in the Admin Tool does not work.  The following error appears in the standard output window on startup of the UNC:  ERROR: Cannot load /tffs/rel//nre/lib/timezones.txt ---------- Station Starting:   THU FEB 28 14:41:44 2013 ---------- ERROR: Cannot load /tffs/rel//nre/lib/timezones.txt   java.lang.NumberFormatException Tridium Niagara Station, r2.301.532.v1 [B_Floor_1] MESSAGE: ErrorLogService installed [/B_Floor_1/services/ErrorLogService] GcmCommService Revision 2.304.532.v1 Start service: ControlEngineService [19] ControlEngineService Start service: UiEngineService [20] UiEngineService Start service: NotificationService [2] NotificationService Start service: LogService [21] LogService Start service: AuditLogService [22] AuditLogService Start service: ErrorLogService [23] ErrorLogService Start service: TimeSyncService [26] TimeSyncService Start service: LonWorksService [28] LonWorksService Opened lon / LON1 >>> Lon Driver opened! Start service: GcmCommService [24] GcmCommService Comm Ports:   COM1 (serial)   COM2 (serial)   COM3 (serial)   COM4 (serial)   COM5 (serial)   COM6 (serial) Start service: VserialService [25] VserialService MESSAGE: Station started successfully. (HTTP port=80) [/B_Floor_1] Environment Niagara R2 Cause Corrupt timezones.txt file Resolution The timezones.txt file is corrupt.  Copy and paste the contents of this file from a functional UNC and paste it into the problem UNC. The timezones file can be accessed via the Admin Tool dropdown menu.

Issue Five of the controllers are reporting access events while the sixth is not. Environment Access Evens Subnet Controller configuration Cause The subnet scheme on the network had significant subnetting errors. Resolution Resolve IP address and default router scheme.

Issue Edit VideoServer object and Learn button is greyed out. Environment CyberStation 1.94 Video Cause The Learn key in the CyberStation Security editor under VideoServer had been changed to a 'lock'. Resolution The Learn key in the CyberStation Security editor under VideoServer had to be changed to a 'key' for user Group 128. Note: there is an unconfirmed possibility that this occurred as a result of an upgrade, as the Admin user was using Group 128 and typically a change to user security during an upgrade would default to a 'key' for Group 1 but a 'lock' for all other security groups.

Issue StruxureWare for Building Operation User Interface Matrix Environment SmartStruxure Cause Need information about which User Interface Option has which features Resolution You can download the User Interface Matrix from The Exchange Download Center: User Interface Summary

Issue Obsolete product needs replacement. Environment TAC258R 2581010000 Xenta 102-AX STR100 Xenta 121-FC STR250 Cause The TAC258R is obsolete and needs to be replaced. Resolution   We do not offer any direct replacement. Depending on application, you might consider using the Xenta 121FC with a STR100 series room unit. However, if the application is VAV, the Xenta 102-AX and a STR250 wall module might cover your needs.

Issue Can a UNC-600 or UNC-610 be replaced with a UNC-410?  The installed UNC is in disrepair and it only does a LON integration of approximately 25 controllers. Environment Niagara R2 Cause UNC onsite no longer working as well as being obsolete and un-repairable Resolution As long as the station being transferred from the UNC-6x0 is not large, then the UNC-410 will perform well as a replacement unit. The UNC-410 only has 300,000 resources and is limited to 27 LON controllers. If more LON controllers must be integrated, then a special request to open the license to a higher node count must be submitted to the Marketing Manager and approved by him.

Issue Used the script to make an automatic backup and after the first one, it doubled on the next one. Is this what is expected from the backup? Product Line TAC INET Environment All versions of I/Net Cause What does an automatic backup really do to a database? Resolution The Automatic backup is a script that will backup the database whenever it is executed. It creates a generic database the first time but does not append it. Each time after that a backup is created and time stamped that it was executed. If it changed in size, then it would have been due to events occurring during the time that has elapsed.

Issue Assign a category to a large number of alarm objects without having to edit the alarm objects one at a time. Environment Automation Server Enterprise Server WorkStation Cause Categories can be used for several different reasons in a Workstation. After the alarms are created, it can be time consuming to go one by one to set a single property on a large number of alarms. The ability to edit many at once will save time. Resolution Create a Search object and set the filter to display the objects in question then select all the objects you want the set applied to. Choose the properties check box at the top of the list so that the properties window appears on the right hand side of the screen. You should see that all properties. When objects of different classes are in the Search, the properties that are common among the selected objects are editable. Go to the category field and browse to the desired category and select the category. Choose save or OK