Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Niagara R2 GCM driver version 2.304.522 may generate errors when uploading VEO information. Environment Niagara R2 GCM driver version 2.304.522 Cause This error is generated if there are attributes in VEO## list but there is no LABEL block associated with this VEO. Resolution There is a CreateVeoGxPages button located on the Block List Manager screen. This feature is intended to upload the GCM's View/Edit/Override information and generate the appropriate display screens. This function uploads the VEO information successfully, however it may fail to complete the process and generate a "NullPointerException".  To work around this error, create LABEL blocks in the GCM for each VEO used. Make sure to properly name each LABEL block starting with VEO and ending with 01 to 10. It is also possible a "ClassNotFoundException" will be generated during this upload process. This error is caused by the attribute types found in the VEOs uploaded. The GCM driver can only handle AV and DV types in the list. Any other types in the list will cause this error. To eliminate the error all non AV or DV attributes must be removed from the VEO attribute list(s) in the GCM.

Issue When trying to install Niagara R2 version 2.301.330, the process halts and reports that Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is not installed. What version of JVM is required? Environment Niagara R2 version 2.301.330 Cause All Niagara R2 versions prior to 2.301.514 require Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine.     Resolution All revisions of Niagara R2 prior to 2.301.514 require Microsoft's JVM. To confirm if it is installed, open a Command Prompt window and type "jview" then press Enter. This command will display the current version of Microsoft's JVM (or that it is not installed). Download and install Java_Virtual_Machine_for_WinXP.exe. All revisions of Niagara R2 starting with 2.301.514 and beyond require Sun's JVM. To confirm if it is installed, open a Command Prompt window and type "java -version" then press Enter. Visit http://www.java.com regularly to keep the JVM updated. The Microsoft and Sun JVMs can co-exist on the same Niagara host computer.

Issue How to load the Pocket I/A 4.1 software on a handheld device (PDA) Environment Handheld device (PDA) Pocket I/A 4.1 software Cause An Installation manual for the current version of the Pocket I/A software is not available. Resolution Use the following procedure to install the software:   Open ActiveSync on the computer and establish a connection to the Pocket-PC device.  It is not necessary to create a partnership when making this connection. Copy the CAB file and paste it somewhere on your handheld device, the Storage Card is a recommended location. After copying the file to the device, disconnect it from the computer. Open Pocket-PC's File Explorer, located into the Programs. Browse the storage card or the location used to copy the CAB. Select and run it, and a window will appear, which asks to choose a location to install the program. It can be the Device or the Storage Card, so select either and click below on Install. The process after that is fully automated and after the installation is complete it will show a confirmation screen. Refer to the help file installed with the Pocket I/A software for information on using the program.

Issue What is the scan rate for the inputs and outputs of a MNL-20R? Environment MNL-20R Cause Require fast response time for high-speed applications. Resolution Inputs = 220 ms Outputs = 100 ms

Issue Using Workplace Tech with a MNL-VxRVx controller, the nciBalanceOvrd snvt was used to set the VAV damper to the full closed and full open positions. After 10-15 minutes the override was automatically cleared. Why does this happen? Environment Workplace Tech MNL-VxRVx controller Cause This is a built-in feature of the MNL-VxRVx controller. Resolution The override on this snvt times out and clears automatically - unless the override is re-applied every few minutes. This feature was added to prevent the damper from being left in an override state accidentally. For example, when using the MicroNet Flow Balance Tool, a damper can be overridden open or closed as a part of a test balance. If the Tool was accidentally disconnected from the controller, or, the user forgot to release the override, the MNL controller will clear the override automatically after 10-15 minutes.

Issue Can a Belimo damper actuator (i.e. NF-24SR) be powered from the same transformer as a DMS MSC-MPC Microsmart controller? Environment Belimo damper actuator DMS MSC-MPC (Microsmart controller) Cause The MSC-MPC controller is a full-wave rectified device and the Belimo actuators are half-wave rectified devices. Resolution It is recommended that the MSC-MPC and the actuator have their own separate power supply. Using the same transformer to power both devices could result in component level damage to the MSC-MPC.

Issue With InVue Developer, adding dates to a NETWORK 8000 Holiday Schedule OCX, the year displays as "20" instead of "09" (for 2009) or "10" (for 2010). Environment Windows NT Windows 2000 InVue Developer NETWORK 8000 Holiday Schedule OCX Cause By default, Windows NT and Windows 2000 display the short date as "M/d/yyyy" Resolution Go to Windows Control Panel > Regional Options > Date tab Change the Short date format to "MM/dd/yy" Click OK.

Issue On a Niagara R2 computer, the following error appears (in the Niagara Console) when trying to run Workplace Pro: *** Unjar: c:\niagara\r2.301.522\nre\modules\demo.unjar Extract: c:\niagara\r2.301.522\nre\modules\demo.unjar java.util.zip.ZipException. Environment Niagara R2 computer Cause .unjar files in the listed directory on the computer. Resolution The .unjar files are used by the Niagara installer during installation and have somehow been copied into the listed directory on the computer. Stop the Niagara Service on the computer, delete all .unjar files in the listed directory, then re-start the Niagara Service. Workplace Pro will now function.

Issue Can one computer be configured to do both Niagara R2 and G3 serial tunneling? Environment Computer Niagara R2 serial Niagara G3 serial Cause Running Niagara R2 and G3 simultaneously on one COM port cause issues. Resolution Yes. The Niagara R2 and G3 serial tunnel client programs install separate services in Windows. They can run simultaneously as long as they are not using the same COM port. If this is not possible, then start and use only one service at a time.

Issue How does a Niagara R2 Master Enterprise Server work? Environment Niagara R2 Master Enterprise Server Cause Installation site have Master Enterprise server and need information on the functionality of the Niagara R2 Master Enterprise Server. Resolution Here is a list of features and settings for a Master Enterprise Server: It allows the archiving of logs from subordinate Enterprise Servers It requires the “multisite” feature in its license file.  This allows it to use the “Poll Archive” Service. The Poll Archive Service can be found in the local library / tridiumx / Multisite jar file. The Poll Archive Service is not required for the client devices. The Poll Archive service brings all data from the Application Database (“App” Folder) of the subordinate Enterprise Server. The new polled data is appended to the previous polled data in the Master Enterprise Server. The Address Book of the Master Enterprise Server must include the client stations as subordinates. Poll Archive Groups are individually enabled and each group has its own poll frequency. On the properties of the Poll Archive Service, enable the appropriate Poll Archive Groups and enter the poll frequency, in hours. A Date-Time Trigger object can be linked to the Poll Archive Service, which allows a choice of date and time for polling. Use the “Link From, Link To” method to create the link. A poll can be manually invoked by right-clicking the Services Container, choosing Go – Service Manager and then double-clicking the Poll Archive Service in the Service Manager. On the right of the screen, highlight the Poll Group and click the “Invoke” button on the lower right. It can get log data directly from log objects in a UNC 5x0 or 6x0. In the log object, check the box for “polled” next to archiveSetup. If the Master Enterprise Server is receiving polled data from a log object in a client station (which could be another Enterprise Server, a UNC 6x0 or a UNC 5x0), then the log service for the client station must be set to Archive Remote. If the Master Enterprise Server is receiving polled data from a client station’s already archived data (that is, from another Enterprise Server or a UNC 6x0 with Database Services), then the log service for the client station must be set to Archive Local. The Address Book of the client device does NOT need to include the Master Enterprise Server. The Poll group will be determined by the Master Enterprise Server’s Address Book. The archived data in the Master Enterprise Server can be viewed, as usual, in WorkPlace Pro with the Database Browser, or in the browser using the appdb, archive/index or chart/log servlets.

Issue A Niagara R2 Enterprise Server station fails to start. The Standard Output Window reports this error: ERROR: Cannot add key entry: 8390 java.lang.IllegalStateException: Missing class for: 24 Environment Niagara R2 Enterprise Server station Cause Conflicting jar files. Resolution This is typically related to a missing jar file. This would be a jar file that is NOT part of a released version of Workplace Pro. For example, the Smartware and Distech jar files.

Issue Can a Network 8000 Microzone II base from 1993 (part numbers MZ2A-105 or MZ2A-106) be used with a MNL-800 controller card (part number MNL-800-101)? Environment Network 8000, Microzone II Cause Product  obsolescence Resolution The Microzone II base has been through a few revisions but nothing that would prevent the MNL-800 controller card from working with it.  Most of the revisions had to do with improving the power transient protection. If this is not a concern, then just note that the terminations and terminal labels will be slightly different.  Ensure all I/O is reading correctly before leaving the jobsite. ENCL-MZ800-PAN & ENCL-MZ800-WALL are replacement part numbers for the MZ2A-105 or MZ2A-106.

Issue Can a second space sensor be added to the Micronet 2000 MN-FLO or MN-FLO3T controller? Environment MicroNet 2000 MN-FLO / MN-FLO3T controller MN-S MN-SO MN-SDK Cause Two MicroNet Sensors to one MicroNet Controller won’t function if the second MicroNet sensors address is not set to 2. Resolution Yes. The MN-FLO and MN-FLO3T supports 2 MN-S / MN-SO / MN-SDK sensors connected simultaneously. Ensure the second sensor added is addressed as "2". The sensors come from the factory addressed as "1". To change the address, simply cut the Trace Foil. The sensor that is address 2 will only function as a temperature indicator. Review the MN-S/MN-SO/MN-SDK General Instructions Guide (F-25715), page 7 Figure 8.

Issue How does the nciSetpts snvt integrate to Niagara R2 for a Viconics Thermostat Model # VT7200C1018E (programID = 80:0:c5:55:0:4:4:1b) Environment Niagara R2 Viconics Thermostat (Model# VT7200C1018E) Cause Information will help configure the Niagara R2 for a Viconics Thermostat. Resolution The correct shadow object is T7XFCr. Use the SnvtTempSetptCmd object to link with the nciSetpts snvt. Note that if a setpoint is changed at the thermostat's local display, it will be used as the controlling setpoint regardless of the value provided by the nciSetpts snvt.

Issue In a Niagara R2 Enterprise Server station, the DDE Service is installed but it is not communicating to the 3rd-party product. Environment Niagara R2 Enterprise Server station DDE Service Cause No longer support the DDE service. Resolution The DDE driver is an old driver that Tridium did not update over the years. Its last supported operating system is Windows 2000. Product Support Services does not support this driver and Tridium does not recommend using it for any new installations.

Issue What's the difference between ordering a Niagara R2 BACnet Supervisor and ordering a Niagara R2 Web Supervisor with an Open Systems Driver that includes BACnet? Environment Niagara R2 Cause Information about the option of implementing a Niagara R2 BACnet supported. Resolution When purchasing a BACnet Supervisor (IA-BAC), support for 500 BACnet points is included. When purchasing an Enterprise Server (IA-ENT-1) with the Open Systems Driver (IA-DRV-OSD), support for 25 BACnet points is included. Support for 500 BACnet points can and must be ordered separately (IA-BAC-500).  Functionally, they are equivalent. Both will run a station that supports up to 4000 BACnet/IP and BACnet/Ethernet points combined. For integrating using BACnet/MSTP, a UNC must be added.

Issue When using Workplace Tech 5.x, after clicking on a help button assigned to various objects, the following pop-up message appears:  “Cannot find the WPTech5.hlp file. Do you want to try to find this file yourself?” Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause The file in question was removed, but not all shortcuts were updated to point to the new document. Resolution The link should have pointed to the “WPT 5.7 Engineering Guide Supplement .pdf”, which is located in the WorkPlace Tech\Help folder. “.hlp” files, referred to as “Windows Help” files, are not supported in Vista, and are problematic in XP. That is why it was replaced with the functionality of Adobe documentation. As a temporary solution, create a desktop shortcut to the .pdf file for quick access.

Issue Is a Niagara R2 driver still available for integrating a System 6000 Apogee from Siemens? If so, what is the part number? Environment Niagara R2 driver System 6000 Apogee Cause Need to order the driver to integrate a System 6000 Apogee from Siemens. Resolution Yes, the driver is available. Call Customer Support Services and order part number TRD-DRV-S600.

Issue In a Niagara R2 / DMS integration, a re-learn of the DMS database fails. The re-learn was done after some points were deleted in the DMS database. How can the re-learn succeed using the undocumented "learnNoPointAbortCount" parameter? Environment Niagara R2 (all versions) DMS (all versions) Cause Maintenance work on an installed system where points were deleted from a DMS Resolution When the DMS driver is doing a learn points function, it is scanning through the DMS points using LOGPT which is an integer 1 – 250. It attempts to get point1, point2, …. to point250. If a point does not exist the DMS panel returns “NOPOINT”. The learnNoPointAbortCount property specifies the number of consecutive “NOPOINT” returns that will cause the learn points function to terminate early. If the DMS has been reloaded from a saved DMS database, points will have consecutive LOGPT numbers and there will not be any gaps. If points have been deleted and created, there may be gaps in the LOGPT assignments. To ensure all 250 points are scanned, set the learnNoPointAbortCount to 250. It will just take longer for the learn to complete.

Issue A user cannot be created when a Niagara G3 ENC station is accessed with a web browser.   An error message occurs:  'Could not invoke the command 'Edit' '. Environment Niagara G3 ENC Cause This error message generally indicates that the pxEditor module is not installed in the ENC station. Resolution Using the Software Manager applet in the ENC's platform, add the pxEditor jar. This will resolve the issue.