Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Diagnosis of a full Vista database shows that trend log storage size the culprit. Environment Vista trend logs SQL database Cause Excessive trend logging can quickly fill a database. Resolution This search will show both Xenta trend logs declared in Workstation/Menta and Vista Server logs. Search for ‘Type of devices or objects: Logical objects – Files – Trend Logs – Trend Log Vista’ Set Property Value – Status – Equal to ‘On’ Deselect the ‘interrupt if more than 1000 results’ if large Db with need for many logs. Once search populates right click on any result, Additional Property Value – Log space. This will add a column showing this setting in seconds.  Sort column to identify any trends that are set to store more than the desired amount of values and could be causing issues.  Note: 604800 sec = 1 week

Issue Enabled xdriver support on the controllers with the xdriver flash file.  Comm port mode has been set to xdriver, but when the xdriver fill is attached the following error occurs. The uprev code could not open the specified UDP file Environment xdriver Comm port Cause Incorrect file path or file name used. Resolution Rather than typing in the xdriver file path and location, select the browse button and browse to the file location.

Issue Under ideal conditions how long should it take for a Graphic panel to update it's active objects with live values based on the number of active links? Environment Continuum v1.94 Pinpoint Cause Site Graphics seem to be taking a long time to update all active objects. Not sure how quick this should be in an ideal environment. Resolution Initial testing was done with a LAN configuration, SQL Server 2008 with two Cyberstations, and one bCX1 controller. Three graphics were created, one with 100 active object links to numerics on the bCX1, one with 200 active links, and  one with 300 active links. (Note that we suggest a maximum of 100 active objects per graphic for stability and speed). See article #11478 . When viewing these graphics on one Workstation at a time it was taking on average about 1s per 5 objects to initially load all values the first time the graphic was opened. 100 object graphic - 20 seconds 200 object graphic - 40 seconds 300 object graphic - 50 - 60 seconds After the initial pass was complete though, any subsequent updates were updating in 1 - 2 seconds after the values were being changed. (Note that each active objects update rate was still at the default 1000ms setting).

Issue SysmanSMS stops sending SMS from Vista Environment SysmanSMS Vista   Cause It is not uncommon that anti-virus software perceives perfectly clean files as viruses. This is a growing problem as the amount of viruses are continuously growing, and the likeliness that they may share similarities in the code with a SysmanSMS file thereby increases.   Resolution Check if the terminal is running an antivirus, and look in its quarantine. Recent updates to some antivirus applications incorrectly identify parts of the Sysman application as a risk. Investigate the antivirus' quarantine folder and note the files and paths which they originally came from. Restore the quarantined files either using the antivirus' restore feature, or manually return them to their original locations. Restart the Sysman services In Windows services, restart TAC Vista Server and Workstation  

Issue Is it possible to configure the On/Off output as a PWM output? Environment Viconics SE7200 SE7200C5545W Cause In some applications its desirable that the output is configured as PWM. Resolution The main On-Off outputs cannot be set as PWM, they go up to 8 CPH. However, the BO5 output can be On/Off (4 CPH) or PWM (10sec. cycles).

Issue I/A Series G3 Security Alert Security Patch Released for 3.5 and 3.6 to remove a directory traversal vulnerability allowing a user with a valid user account or guest privileges to escalate his or her privileges on a Niagara AX based system. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment IA Series G3 - Versions 3.5.xx and 3.6.xx Cause The patch addresses a new vulnerability that was publicly disclosed in January 2013 at a security analyst conference by two security researchers – Billy Rios and Terry McCorkle. The patch removes a directory traversal vulnerability allowing a user with a valid user account or guest privileges to escalate his or her privileges on a Niagara AX based system. Resolution Schneider Electric strongly recommends all customers apply the security patch to any existing 3.5 or 3.6 systems to correct this vulnerability. Customers with systems running a version of I/A Series G3 released prior to 3.5 should purchase an upgrade to the latest version of the Niagara Framework software in order to take advantage of the latest security improvements. Download and review TPA-IA-13-0003.00 Technical Product Advisory that details the vulnerabilities and security patch installation instructions. Security patches are available for download from The EcoBuilding Download Center: Security Patches. Note: The patch does not affect any standard Niagara configuration or functionality. The only impact of the change is to remove the vulnerability.

Issue Additional log sample that shows 0 between each log sample Environment Vista Xenta Cause In our trendlogs in the Xenta 700 we have a log sample with the value 0 just before each valid sample. Resolution Synchronize the Xenta so it has the same time as Vista / PC

Issue How to create a graphic that is restricted to specific users Sigma WebClient Environment WebClient Cause How to assign a specific graphic or sets of graphics to a specific User in Sigma WebClient. Resolution In Sigma, create a User and in the account, assign the startup graphic that is specifically for that User e.g. a building or plant that only that User needs to see. Create a graphic with the startup number assigned, e.g. building index page. Ensure that on this graphic and any other graphics referenced to this graphic there is no reference or "chain" command back to the main site. Otherwise the User could move forwards into his own building then back to the main site. or if other Users require to go back to the main site, then create a duplicated set of graphics specifically for this User and remove the "Chain" command for this set only. Once setup, the User can now goto: In WebClient, the User signs on and is taken to the startup graphic assigned to him. 

Issue Text in I/NET is showing up as gibberish, but the text in the SQL database looks OK Environment I/NET Cause If you upgrade I/NET and the SQL database but do not use DBcreate, the text in I/NET can become gibberish. Resolution Restore/upgrade the database with the help of DBcreate (follows I/NET )

Issue Most PCs are now shipping with Windows 8 and many drivers for Windows 7 do not exist for the hardware.   Environment Windows 8, CyberStation Cause New PCs and laptop are shipping with Windows 8 and Windows 7 drivers are not available for some newer hardware.   Resolution At this time CyberStation 1.94 and 2.0 are the versions that are shipping and no versions of Windows 8 have been tested with CyberStation. It has not been determined whether a future version of CyberStation will be qualified on Window 8. Refer to the Software and Firmware Compatibility Matrix for the operating systems compatible with CyberStation.

Issue When extended trend object was opened in the Xenta 401 the "Loading properties" does not close down.  The controller appeared fine in all other respects. Environment Xenta 401 Cause In this case two technicians coincidentally attempted to access the same object at the same moment. Resolution Problem was resolved once the controller was downloaded.

Issue Cyberstation V1.94 on a Windows 7 64 bit PC does not display all of the Analyzer results Environment Cyberstation V1.94 Windows7 64 bit O/S Cause This system combination runs all of the tests but not all results are shown. Resolution This issue is rectified in V1.94 Service Pack 1. V1.94 SP1 is to scheduled for release April/ May 2013.

Issue Problems after installation of Service Pack 1 Environment SmartStruxure 1.3.0 SP1 Build 10100 Cause The Service Pack must be installed on top of an existing 1.3.0.938 build of Building Operation Resolution To use the Service Pack: Install or verify installation of 1.3.0.938 Run the installers (see link below if you require additional detail) Be sure to select the "Upgrade" and not the "Uninstall" option  The Online help (link below) provides a step by step workflow for this Service Pack, so you require additional detail. http://help.sbo.schneider-electric.com/Topics/show.castle?id=9389&locale=en-US&productversion=1.3&a=1

Issue Can bCX comm1 power a port-powered RS232-to-RS485 converter?. Environment bCX Cause Need to connect Modbus RTU devices on RS485 bus to Xdriver on bCX comm1. Resolution This has been done successfully according to posts on the Exchange commnuity. It is not a configuration that Product Support Services supports as it is not tested and there are many different devices on the market - some of whch may work and some which may not. 

Issue How do I know if an Infinet ID is a priority node? Environment Infinet Controllers i2, SCX, LCX,TCX,LSX Cause Some Infinet ID's are Priority nodes or reserved nodes. Resolution Some controllers can be defined as a Priority Node, which means it will receive the Infinet Token more often than a regular Infinet node. To promote a controller to be a Priority node change its Infinet ID to be in the Priority node range using a service tool.   The overall range of Infinet ID's is 0-255 and these are defined as follows: 0 - New or unassigned controllers have an ID of 0, they will not communicate until an ID has been assigned to them, usually by doing a "Learn" 1 - 127 Regular Infinet controller nodes 128 - 223 Invalid addresses and should not be used. 224 - 250 Priority nodes 251 - 254 Priority nodes usually reserved for a Service tool (i.e. LSX280 or RoamIO) 255 Used by the "Master" node i.e. CX, bCX or Netcontroller When a learn is performed a regular controller will be allocated the next available regular node, the exceptions are the DCX250, ACX700 and ACX780 which will be allocated the next available Priority node.

Issue Which aux switch is the correct for the Forta actuators? Environment Forta Auxiliary switch S2 8800104000 Cause The correct aux switch for Forta Resolution The correct auxiliary switch to be used with the Forta series actuators is the S2. Part no 8800104000.

Issue WorkPlace Tech is connection to the site via VPN. An ENC-520 on site is setup as a BBMD device. The ENC and MNB-1000 are on the same subnet. The ENC’s address is entered in the “Access a remote internetwork” in WPT Commissioning Tool. WorkPlace Tech initially discovers the MNB-1000 device. The MNB-1000 is displayed in the Commissioning Tool, but grayed out. The MNB-1000 controller eventually displays the Lost Communication Icon. Environment WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool - all versions Cause The default gateway is incorrectly set in the MNB-1000. Resolution MNB-1000 controllers must have a valid IP address, Subnet Mask address and Default Gateway address for the communication ports to function properly.   Use WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool to set the correct default gateway IP address in the MNB-1000.

Issue All alarms were working originally. Several weeks ago the BCX alarms stopped being logged to the database. B3 and third party controllers continue to log alarms to the database. Environment BCX4040 Guarantee Delivery BACnet alarms Cause Guarantee Delivery is not checked in the Event Notifications Resolution Once Guarantee Delivery is checked in the Event Enrollment configuration, alarms will begin to be delivered.

Issue Can the AS Network 8000 ASD Interface directly override a block output (DO or AO) in a MicroZone II controller on the ASD bus? Environment SmartStruxure, Automation Server, I/A Series Network 8000, ASD Cause The driver is not currently designed to perform direct override of block outputs. Resolution There are a couple of methods to perform a block output override. Directly connect to the ASD bus with XPSI and perform a System - Override to force a MicroZone II block output to a particular value for a designated period of time. Add logic to the MicroZone II application to enable overrides using the devices network control EMS AI and EMS DI inputs.

Issue Serially connected to a GCM-84000 with a pc running OS/2 and UltiVist.  There is no existing database in UltiVist.  The GCM database will be uploaded to create a new one.  The COM port in the GCM was configured correctly.  The serial cable is also correct and tested with Hyperterminal.  The E: EQUIPMENT SEGMENT in UltiVist is configured correctly and a serial COM port has been added to the W: WORKSTATION & USERS segment.  The UltiVist Background Apps are all running and configured. When trying to access the GCM's Time and Date, an error appears in place of the time and date and reads:  PTP no running. Environment UltiVist GCM-84000 Cause The default settings of the COM port must be modified to suite connectivity to a GCM-84000 which are different than the settings required for a GCM-86000. Resolution Right-click the COM port in the W: WORKSTATION & USERS segment and go to Settings. On the Port Setup tab, ensure the following settings are changed as indicated: IDSR = OFF ODSR = OFF OCTS = OFF DTR = OFF RTS = ON Shut down UltiVist including the UltiVist Background Apps and re-start.  This will re-initialize the serial COM port with the new settings listed above.