Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When opening I/NET on a secondary monitor, and open the point control window of I/NET summary for a digital output, the drop list for the point doesn't work. Nothing is shown in the drop list. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,TAC INET Environment I/NET SmartStruxure Cause There is a 3rd party system dll file out of date for I/NET. Resolution There is a 3rd party system dll file under the folder C:\Program Files\INET Seven\Program Files (Program Files (x86)) if for a 64 bit Operation System called SftBx32.dll. Click here to download the new dll file and extract it. Close I/NET IO Server and SmartStruxure Enterprise Server Copy this new dll file and replace the old one under that path. Start I/NET and SmartStruxure again, and it should work now.

Issue Programming an application that requires a setpoint and deadband that operates in the same manner as the WorkPlace Tech Tool Thermostat object. Environment SmartStruxure AS or ES Cause No object exists in the Function Block library that is functionally equivalent to the I/A Series WorkPlace Tech LON/BACnet "Thermostat" object.   Resolution This is only one of several methods by which a differential type thermostat object can implemented in Function Block programming. The following Binary Expression (XPB) function block object can be used to simulate the differential type thermostat. Analog Input A is the "Input" Analog Input B is the "Setpoint" Analog Input C is the "Input Differential" Binary Input d is the "State Feedback"  This feedback link insures that the output state does not change when the input is within the range specified by the input differential The output of this object turns on when the Input value exceeds the Setpoint + 1/2 of the Input differential. The output of this object turns off when the Input value falls below the Setpoint - 1/2 of the Input differential. The xml file can be downloaded from here.

Issue Performing an action that normally starts WorkPlace Tech Editor or Monitor does not start the tool. A warning message is displayed. Schneider Electric StruxureWare has stopped working A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Please close the program. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment SmartStruxure WorkStation SmartStruxure WorkPlace Tech Editor and Monitor program Cause .NET support not enabled in Visio Resolution Enable the .NET programmability support in Visio. as documented in Section 4.6 of  the SmartStruxure WorkPlace Tech Editor and Monitor manual. Open Windows Control Panel Click Programs and Features In the list of programs, select Microsoft Office Visio and then on the File menu, click Change In the Change your Installation dialog box, select Add or Remove Features and then click Continue On the Installation Options tab, expand Microsoft Office and then Microsoft Office Visio Click .NET Programmability Support, select Run from My Computer, and then click Continue Windows reconfigures Microsoft Visio. When finished, click Close

Issue  Evaluating Signal Levels on RS-485 Field Bus with an Oscilloscope. Environment Infinet Field Bus MSTP Field Bus Cause Documentation Resolution See  Evaluating Signal Levels on RS-485 Field Bus with an Oscilloscope.pdf

Issue MBus to Modbus TCP Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Mbus Modbus Cause How to read MBus devices into a BMS System using Modbus TCP Resolution There are different methods, but these are generally using a Modbus RTU / Mbus gateway and then converting it to Modbus TCP. The following ADFweb solution allows Mbus to be read directly into a Modbus TCP device. Click here for the datasheet.

Issue Need information on securing a building automation system. Environment Best practices Cause End user has requested assistance for their IT department to secure the building automation system. Resolution Click here to get a copy of Best_Practices_for_Securing_an+IBMS_WP.pdf,  a white paper written by Schneider' Electric's Buildings BU IT Security Group. This also located on the Download Center here

Issue Configuring a Smart Sensor in SBO. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operations b3xxx Controllers Smart Sensor (LCD or LED) Cause Unsure how to program for a Smart Sensor in SBO. Resolution Some considerations to be aware of first; Object naming differences Programming of the Smart Sensor is very similar to the old Plain English programming used in Continuum. One of the main differences is that each input must be specifically defined at the start of the program. Depending on the version of SBO, there may be some other considerations with setting up/reading the LcdDisplay array by renaming of the BACnet AnalogValue's to remove the "_AV" from the BACnet name. This naming issue affects SBO v1.4. Specific variables for Smart Sensor to be used in Plain English programming. Here is an old Smart Sensor Installation manual that will help explain which objects need to be created and how they work in the controller to enable the LCD display. Create the LCDDisplay and SpaceTempSP as numerics and any other objects that are not already created as InfinitySystemVariables. See "Configuration and Programming" section in the manual starting on page 14. Also note that the sensor will not light up until values are written to it. Sample Plain English code. LCDDisplay (or LEDDisplay) is not automatically created. Create this numeric and assign it as an array with 8-elements.  If it is an LCD Smart Sensor, then create a numeric and name it "LCDDisplay" and set its logsize to 7 (this configures it as an array with 8 elements from 0 to 7). If it is an LED Smart Sensor, then create a numeric called "LEDDisplay" instead. After creating this numeric you should be able to create the PE Program successfully. The simple program below will show the current spacetemp (LcdDisplay[1]) in two decimal place format (LcdDisplay[2]) when the Display key (LcdDisplay[0]) is pressed. The degrees symbol (LcdDisplay[7]) is also shown. Consult the Smart Sensor Installation and User Guide starting on page 16 for more details on how these values are configured. Numeric Input SpaceTemp Numeric Output LcdDisplay Initialise: LcdDisplay[2] = 0 If LcdDisplay[0] = 4 then Goto ShowTemperature ShowTemperature: LcdDisplay[1] = SpaceTemp LcdDisplay[2] = 12 LcdDisplay[7] = 1024 If TS > 30 then Goto Initialise In SBO, do the following under the Application section of the b3 controller: Create a BACnet Analog Value object in the b3 called "LCDDisplay". Go to the Advanced tab and under the Log Settings section change Log Records to be 7. Save the changes. Create the program and add the above PE Script. Add the binds to the LCDDisplay object created in step 1, RoomTemp input, and any other objects used in the program.

Issue Is it possible to use Sysman Alert Server with EcoStruxure Building Operation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Alarms and Events Cause Customers may wish to send important alarms to duty staff via SMS. Sysman Alert Server is one way of doing this and is easy to configure.  Resolution This is possible. The following document details the setup procedure: Sysman Alert Server with StruxureWare Building Operation The configuration will depend on the setup and location of the SysMan Server, but will generally involve "Write to File" Notifications if the Enterprise Server and Sysman Servers are installed on the same PC, or Emails to the SysMan Server (from Enterprise or Automation Server) More information can be found on Sysman's website. Part Numbers: SysManSMS ALERT SERVER: 900800600 SysManSMS GSM Modem: 900800610 In the UK when ordering please use the below part numbers. SysManSMS ALERT SERVER: 802000 SysManSMS GSM Modem: 100002

Issue Is there a SmartStruxure specification that includes a piece for Network 8000 migrations? Environment Network 8000 Cause sales request Resolution The document is available on the Buildings Business Extranet, under Products > SmartStruxure solution > Sales > Guide Specification. It's a Word doc so it can be modified to suite the desired needs. The current version is 1.4 and is available here for convenience.

Issue How can we exclude Hosts or Users from accessing the Workstation Professional license i.e. Script, Function Block and Graphic editors from another Workstation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation License Server FLEXnet Cause When accessing various editors from within Workstation a particular license does not differentiate host or user who should have access to which editors. Using the option file taclic.opt allows you to exclude certain Host / Users of StruxureWare Building Operation from accessing these Workstation clients. The Workstation clients referenced are as follows: client.station (Workstation) client.script (Script Editor) client.functionblock.view (Function Block Editor) client.graphiceditor (Graphic Editor) Resolution FLEXnet Licensing provides the options file to be included in the License Server directory. Each time the License Server service is started this file is checked. Syntax and use can be found in the attached document - Chapter 13 The following option file must reside on the License Server in the following path: Building Operation 1.9 and below: C:\Program Files(x86)\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\License Server Building Operation 2.0 and above: C:\Program Files(x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation x.x\License Server Once this file is copied into the License Server folder, you must restart the license service (via the Windows Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services). Examples: # The following text excludes the features from Workstation Professional # # Use the following 3 Exclude statements if you wish to exclude an entire Workstation from accessing editors # EXCLUDE client.script HOST enter_host_name EXCLUDE client.functionblock.view HOST enter_host_name EXCLUDE client.graphiceditor HOST enter_host_name # # Use the following 3 Exclude statements if you wish to exclude a Building Operation User from accessing editors # (remove #'s below as required) # # EXCLUDE client.script USER enter_user_name # EXCLUDE client.functionblock.view USER enter_user_name # EXCLUDE client.graphiceditor USER enter_user_name # Notes: The HOST can be defined by either DNS or IP Address The USER is the user name as defined in Building Operation, this may be the same as the Windows username if using Windows Domain.

Issue Right clicking on a Xenta time schedule in the tree view and choose View-Watch pane-Select property, it doesn't exist It is not possible to see the property "Value" for a Xenta time schedule Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause It is not possible to select the Schedule object from the tree view and display its value.  Performing this will result in the 'default' property being display which is the description property.  This is a known issue which will not be corrected. Resolution Although you can not directly select the Schedule object itself and display its value in the Watch window, it is possible to see and add the value to the watch window as follows: From the respective Xenta Controller select the Application folder From the Variables tab expand the application folder Locate the Public Signal showing the Schedule name which you wish to display.   Right-click on this signal and select View > Watch pane The value of the schedule will now be displayed in the Watch window.

Issue Attempting to map a 3rd party bacnet alarm and there is no way to navigate down to the object Click here to see the following snapshots illustrating the issue Environment SmartStruxure Windows XP SP3 Windows 7 Cause We currently do not support external alarming (that is a BACnet alarm in the AS or ES monitoring a property in some other device.) This is being considered for a future revision. Resolution If the 3rd party device does not support alarming they would have to create an SmartStruxure alarm to monitor it.    An alternative work around if the 3rd party device supports alarms (Ex. Veeder Root in this case) is to create a BACnet Value in the AS (or ES) and then binding it from the Veeder Root object to the local value, and configure alarming from there.

Issue This is a short guide to show the correct use of output blocks with forced values in Function Block programs Environment SmartStruxure AS using Function Block programs Cause There is a design difference between the Vista Menta function block programming and the new version for SmartStruxure. In the old Menta programs it is possible to connect the output from an output block and connect it to an expression block. The forced value from the output block was passed to an expression block connected downstream of the output block. This is NOT supported in SmartStruxure at the current release Ver 1.3 (April 2013) If this is done in SmartStruxure then should the output block be forced in any way the forced signal is ignored by the downstream block Resolution Follow the guidelines as detailed in the attached document.

Issue SmartStruxure integration with BMS, CRM, SQL, SCADA, PLC, HMI, TouchPanels, Citrix, or UNIX types of systems Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Site Cause Can SmartStruxure integrate or be used with other BMS, CRM, SQL, SCADA, PLC, HMI, TouchPanels, Citrix, or UNIX types of systems? Resolution Integration and use with third party systems is sometimes possible with SmartStruxure. The question is how much is the third party system willing to integrate or be used with SmartStruxure? OnQ, which is a proprietary CRM or Contact Resource Management built by the Hilton company and deployed to more than 2,100 hotels worldwide, is using the same communication protocol than Micros Fidelio/Opera so you can use a Bacnet to Fidelio gateway. Fingi Operational Services(FOS) All features of the Fingi Mobile Platform operate from within FOS server. There has not been an integration with FOS for an example. We have several references with these systems (Hilton Manchester, Hilton Copenhagen, Hilton America, ...) - some information are in the Solution Toolbox/Hotel under BMS to PMS integration. Some gateway examples are available: Hotels Gateway - Lonbox PFG4000 is a Fidelio Lonworks® hotel booking gateway The Lonbox PFG4000 Users Guide IntesisBox BACnet gateway catalogue - designed to allow supervision and bidirectional control of all the parameters and functionality of systems and equipment with KNX, ModBus, LonWorks and Fidelio systems from BACnet/IP networks IntesisBox BACnet Server – Fidelio IP - Datasheet Citrix - Building Operation is not Citrix verified, nor has it been put through the process of Citrix Ready. The Building Management WorkStation and WebStation have not been tested on a Citrix platform. One solution would be to inquire through your local sales/marketing channel to see if this is something they want to pursue with the business case which has been put together. Integration is a proposed TVDA for 2013 - to be confirmed depending on resources on StruxureLab.

Issue Which models of the SE7300 series room controllers can be used with the SC3000 series relay packs? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices Environment SE7300 series Room Controllers Cause The SC3000 series relay packs allows existing line voltage wiring between the fan coil unit and temperature controller to be re-used. Only certain models of the SE7000 series room controllers can be used with the relay packs.  Resolution The SER7300 is used with the SC3000. Refer to F-27797 SER7300 and SC3000 Series datasheet. Refer to the F-27777 SC3000 Series datasheet to select the appropriate relay pack for your application.  SE7000 series Room Controllers documentation can be found on The Exchange Download Center.   

Issue The values read from an IAC600-S imported point are multiplied by 256. Environment StruxureWare SNP IAC IAC600 IAC600-S Values Cause The cause is believed to be the data bits for the value are read in the wrong order. Resolution This issue has been raise on the StruxureWare quality report system. (21033) It is possible to correct this reading on a point by point basis with a simple script program. 1  numeric input A 2  numeric output B 3  4  B = A/256 Or with the use of a function block.   Linking the object to the input and the output then linked to the graphical display / log ETC.

Issue The address of the IAC touch screen will reset to default (65) on Sundays when time broadcast is used Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server MicroNet transition IAC touch screen Cause When the time broadcast on an AS or ES MicroNet interface the address of the touch screen will reset Instead of broadcasting the day number as a 7, the day number is sent as a 0. The IAC touch screen does not understand day 0, resulting in the touch screen resetting to defaults. No other days are affected. When the touch screen resets, the touch screen's address is also reset and defaults to address 65. Unless the touch screen was originally configured as address 65, the controllers on the SubLAN of the touch screen will not be available, until the correct address is entered into the touch screen. Resolution A hotfix is available from Product Support for SBO version 1.7.1.12604 This correction has been included in SBO 1.8 and later releases. Earlier SBO version will need to be upgraded to SBO 1.7.1 with the hotfix applied or upgrade to version 1.8 when available

Issue Can a BS5308 part 1 type 1, 2 pair individually screened cable be used for M-Bus communications? Environment M-Bus Communication Cables Cause A BS5308 part 1 type 1 cable was installed for Modbus communications, but it was then found that the communications were M-Bus Resolution The correct cable to use for M-Bus is J-Y(ST)Y.  These indoor telephone cables transmit analogue or digital signals; Aluminium-laminated plastic foil static screen with tin-plated drain wire minimises the interference of high frequency, electromagnetic field;TP structure minimises crosstalk. For the datasheet please click HERE. The BS5308 part 1 type 1 cable can be used, and the chart below shows the calculations used to establish this. For the cable datasheet, please click HERE. For the Excel spreadsheet please click HERE.

Issue List of Tables and Offsets for MicroNet 50 series, 100 series, and IACs Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet Environment VisiSat VisiView MicroNet View Cause Need to define the Tables and Offsets for MicroNet 50 series, 100 series, and IACs. Resolution Click here to download the list of tables and offsets for the MicroNet range of controllers. Click here to download the list of tables and offsets for the IAC range of controllers. Updated June 2019 The MicroNet 50 series range MN350, 450, 550, 650 LCD and Touchscreen have been withdrawn from sale. The IAC 420, 600 and Touchscreen have now also been withdrawn from sale. No direct replacement is offered. Further information on these changes can be found in PA-00495 and PA-00528 

Issue Automation Server -Trend does not record at time interval when it is stopped and restarted by AS power cycle or reboot. Trend log cycle is thrown off when the trend is stopped and started again due to an AS power cycle or reboot. For example, an Interval Trend Log set up to log ever 15 minutes with an activation time right on the hour (1:00, 1:15, 1:30 etc.) that lost power for a while would start logging as soon as the power was restored (this might be 2:07, 2:22, 2:37 etc. for example). UPDATE: This issue has been corrected in SBO version 1.5, any SBO version 1.5 or grater will synchronize the interval log to the clock. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Struxureware Workstation Cause This is how Interval Trends behave. For interval trending based on the time a different approach must be taken. UPDATE: This issue has been corrected in SBO version 1.5, any SBO version 1.5 or grater will synchronize the interval log to the clock. Resolution Rather than using Interval Trend Logs use Variable Triggered Trend Logs and trigger them using the following method: Create a new binary value and a new function block program. The value will serve to trigger the Variable Triggered Trend Logs. The program will set the trigger variable based on a certain time interval (for example on the hour, 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes). Edit the program and configure it as seen in the image below. This include an integer input, an expression that will evaluate the minutes attribute of the AS and a binary output. You can also download an export of the program and value here. Bind the input of the program to the minutes attribute of the Automation Server and the output to the trigger value that you created. Note that you should also bind the Task to Task 1 (100 ms) for best performance. Create your Variable Triggered Trend Logs on the points that you want to trend. Do this by right-clicking the point to trend and selecting New > Trend and then in the dialog select Variable Triggered Trend Log. Click Next and then set the Trigger Variable to the value that you created. Make sure Trigger when is set to Change to true. Note that this example will create a log at 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour. You can modify the program to trigger only every hour, every half hour or however you want.