Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A BACnet device on the Bacnet internetwork is broadcasting an incorrect time and this is being reflected in the ENC's. How can this be disabled? Environment G3 ENC's JACE's BAcnet Cause Third party BACnet device broadcasting incorrect time periodically on the internetwork. Resolution By default "Time Synch Allowed" is enabled in the ENC and JACE's.  This can be disabled by the following steps. 1. Open the ENC station  with WorkBench then open Config, Drivers, BacnetNetwork and BacnetComm. 2. Right click on Server and View the Slot sheet. 3. Right click on timeSyncAllowed, right click on ConfigFlags, uncheck the box next to Hidden and click OK.  4. Right click on Server - View - Properties and change Time Synch Allowed to false and save.

Issue How to relinquish a priority on multiple BACnet objects from a list view or search. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Automation Server Enterprise Server Cause Need to relinquish a value in the priority stack for multiple points at once. Resolution In the list view or search select all of the objects in question (IMPORTANT: Only objects of the same class type should be selected) Open the property grid by clicking the red check mark. Go to the Command tab and remove the value from the priority that is to be relinquished then save the change NOTE: As of 1.5 the above steps work ONLY for objects of analog type. In the screen shot above: Use back space to remove the 1, leaving the field blank Save the change SBO will relinquish priority 16 on all the objects selected in the list view or search. 

Issue Which versions of SIGNAL can be migrated to SBO? Environment SIGNAL Cause The migration manual does not identify which versions are accepted. Resolution Two versions of SIGNAL can be backed up and migrated to SBO:  Version 4.4.1 (for Windows 95/98) and Version 5.0.0 (for Windows XP).

Issue As a user, i would like to pre-program my JACE with my devices and i cannot make sense of the MAC address. Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager and any device that can communicate with it. Cause Cannot make sense of the MAC address. Resolution The MAC address of each device has the following format: [ yy xx bb aa 00 00 ] [ yy xx ] denoted the "Network Number" in HEX [ bb aa ] denotes the "Device ID" in HEX   Example Device MAC address is 7B 00 67 00 00 00 Network Number = 123 (Decimal) = 0x7B00 (HEX) Device ID = 103 (Decimal) = 0x6700 (HEX)

Issue When the database (default.db) reaches 2.5MB in size, the MPM is not able to save the data to flash any longer. Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager Cause MPM is not able to save very large databases Resolution Reduce the size of the database by removing the least important trends or by decreasing the buffer size to 50.

Issue TAC AF24-SR is obsolete and needs to be replaced. Environment TAC AF24-SR Cause Replacement of obsolete actuator.  Resolution The TAC AF24-SR damper actuator is replaced by the MD10SR or MD20SR actuators – in the USA it is also possible to use the MS41 actuators     replaced by the MD10SR or MD20SR actuators – in the US they would make this cross but we do not really sell the US MS41 actuators   replaced by the MD10SR or MD20SR actuators – in the US they would make this cross but we do not really sell the US MS41 actuators

Issue What are the RS-485 parameters used for Infinet communications? The baud rate can be set but the other parameters are not exposed in the Comm Port settings. Environment Continuum Infinet Cause Values not exposed in Comm Port settings dialog. Resolution The Infinet Protocol RS-485 parameters used:   1 start bit 8 data bits No parity 1 stop bit No flow control

Issue TC303 thermostat parameter 2 setting and energy saving mode operation Product Line Field Devices Environment TC303-3A2DLMS TC303-3A4DLMS Cause The TC-303 parameter 2 setting is used to configure the fan operation status (fan on or fan off) after the temperature setpoint is reached. In the datasheet, it indicates that when the energy saving mode is activated, the fan will run at low speed. The datasheet does not mention what will happen if parameter 2 is set to fan off and energy saving mode is activated. Resolution Test results: If parameter 2 is set to fan off when temperature is reached, the fan will turn off when energy saving mode is activated. Below is the test result in cooling mode. Parameter 2 set to 00 (fan off when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0°C / Setpoint 20°C Enable energy saving mode - fan turns off  Parameter 2 set to 01 (fan on when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0°C / Setpoint 20°C Enable energy saving mode - fan continues to run.  If parameter 2 is set to fan off when temperature is reached, the fan will off when in energy saving mode when the temperature is reached. See below for test results in cooling mode.   1. Parameter 2 set to 00 (fan off when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0'CSetpoint 20'C Enable energy saving mode - fan turns off   2. Parameter 2 set to 01 (fan on when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0'CSetpoint 20'C Enable energy saving mode - fan continues to run.  If parameter 2 is set to fan off when temperature is reached, the fan will off when in energy saving mode when the temperature is reached. See below for test results in cooling mode.   1. Parameter 2 set to 00 (fan off when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0'CSetpoint 20'C Enable energy saving mode - fan turns off   2. Parameter 2 set to 01 (fan on when temperature is reached) Room temperature 24.0'CSetpoint 20'C Enable energy saving mode - fan continues to run. 

Issue i2887/ b3887 Cool starts on Power failure Environment i2887, b3887 i2887-L-230, b3887-L-230 i2887-L-115, b3887-L-115 Cause The i2887 and b3887 do not have a RAM battery backup. Resolution The i2/b3887 is one of the range of low cost i2/b3 controllers that does not have a RAM backup battery. It has no concept of a Warm start that would save working values in the RAM. It does however have Flash Memory that allows the controller to save all of its points and programs. After a power outage these points / programs will be copied into RAM and start running from their first line (if they are Autostart) in what is called a Cool Start. Its ACCRestartMode mode will be ACCCoolStartOnly.   Other i2/b3 controllers that do have a RAM backup battery will allow the ACCRestartMode to be changed as required.

Issue When submitting a license request for a G3 SoftJace installation, because the HostID provided is for an Enterprise Network Server instead of a SoftJace. Environment I/A Series G3 SoftJace version 3.7.106 I/A Series G3 SoftJace version 3.8.x Cause Installer error.  The nre.properties file is not created properly during the installation. Resolution The nre.properties file should be edited to remove the duplicate softjace product type definition. The file to be edited is c:\niagara\rel\lib\nre.properties which will contain the following text: ######################################################## # # File: nre.properties # # This file contains properties which used # the NRE launch executable # # Revision History # 17 Feb 04 Brian Original # ######################################################## # The list of options separated by spaces to pass thru to the VM java.options=-Xmx256M -XX:MaxPermSize=128M -Dfile.encoding=UTF-8 -Xss256K # This property is used to toggle how the hostid is calculated # for the current installation. If true on a Window's box, then # the hostid will be prefixed with "WinSJ" softjace=false #This is a SoftJace softjace=true To correct the issue, open the file in a text editor and delete the line that reads: softjace=false After saving the file, you can verify that the SoftJace HostID is now generated properly by using the following procedure. Open the SoftJace console window by selecting "Console" under the "TAC IA Series ENC SW" entry in the Windows start menu. In the console window enter the following command: nre -hostid Verify that the displayed HostID begins with WinSJ-  instead of Win-

Issue What is the Operating System used in the Continuum Controllers? Environment Continuum Field Controllers Cause Customer wants to know if a common Operating System is used. Resolution The Operating System for the Continuum Controllers is a proprietary Operating System developed in-house specific for each Controller's Hardware platform. 

Issue The Extended Trend Logs stop updating in Enterprise Server.  When the ES is rebooted the trend logs resume. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Cause The Extended Logs Maximum transfer interval is set too low causing it to trigger again before it has managed to finish the last read. Resolution Increase the Maximum transfer interval setting of the Extended Log.

Issue The PIM seems to be timing out or bouncing Online and Offline, indicating loss communications. Environment Schlage Integration with Continuum Version 1.94 Cause The PIM seems to be timing out or becomes unresponsive due to invalid setting of Parameter 5, it needs go be set at 0 and not 1. Resolution The resolution for this is as follows: NetControllerII - ONLY Comm2 (RS485) is supported for this application, with Parameter 5 of the Global Config set to ZERO, regardless of the symptom or setup. ACX57XX - ONLY Comm1 (RS485) is supported for this application, with Parameter 5 of the Global Config set to ZERO, regardless of the sympton or setup. Once changes have been made, open the Global Config Numeric and change the value from 3 to 99 Apply the changes and then click on the Refresh Button until the value comes back to 3.

Issue Unable to determine whether the time on the MPM is synchronized with the server after enabling the SNTP functionality Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager Cause Time synchronization confirmation not available on MPM. Resolution To enable the SNTP functionality on the MPM, follow the below steps: Make sure the MPM has outbound activity; meaning that the MPM should be connected to the internet via a "hub or a "switch" (versus being connected directly to the computer) From the SNTP1 object, tick the Enable box Note: In object SNTP1, Server 2 will be used when Server 1 is unavailable only if Server 1 is a domain name. Server 2 will not be used if Server 1 is an IP address. In the ETH1 object, make sure that sure that the settings on the MPM matches those of the network, especially the DNS, Gateway and the Netmask (Subnet Mask) fields. These parameters can be found by typing "ipconfig /all" in command prompt or by contacting your IT personnel. Navigate to the CFG1 object, then using the "Date Configuration" box, set the date to today and the time to within 15 minutes before or after the actual current time. click save. Wait a few seconds and watch how the "current time" gets synced with the server's clock. Note: If SNTP was already active before changing the time manually, the clock will not be synced to the server unless you perform the following steps: Navigate to SNTP object. Uncheck the "Enable Box", then click save. Check the "Enable box", then click save again. Navigate to CFG object to verify that the time has been synced.

Issue Is there a way to concatenate access events from two Personnel objects into one Personnel object?  Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause A Personnel object had a history of events and was then mistakenly recreated as a duplicate object. The original object was disabled and new events have now been tied to the new duplicate Personnel resulting in events for the same person being spread across two Personnel objects. Resolution The Access events produced are linked to each individual Personnel object that created them. There is no way to transfer these events from one Personnel to another.

Issue Cannot interface to the GE Lighting Control Panel PSLP Object nviPattern and nvoPatternFb with G3 lonGe-3.8.37.  Network variables nviPattern, nvoPatternFb, and nciChannelCfg are missing from the proxy points within the object definition. Environment I/A Series G3 - 3.8.37 Cause Network variables nviPattern, nvoPatternFb, and nciChannelCfg are based upon manufacturer types (GEPatternType and GEChType) and are not properly defined in the lonGe 3.8.37 module. The pslp object within the lonGe module generates warnings when added. WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nviPattern WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nvoPatternFb WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_0 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_1 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_2 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_3 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_4 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_5 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_6 WARNING [09:03:14 16-Dec-14 CST][lon1.DynaDev] No lonData for PsLp.nciChannelCfg_7 Resolution Upgrade to lonGe-3.8.38.1.   The updated module is available for download from the Schneider Electric Download Center. https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/search?documentUUID=c52247c8-921b-4f51-90cf-d8d79adc93b7&title=lonGe%203.8.38.1%20-%20G3%20Firmware

Issue Unable to launch Continuum Reports Suite on a Windows 7 64-bit workstation Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows 7 64 bit workstation Cause "Continuum_Reports" directory permissions Invalid "Reports.exe" launch path in PE Program "Reports_Suite" (or other PE Program) is Disabled Attempting to launch Continuum Reports directly Resolution "Continuum_Reports" directory permissions Log into the workstation with Administrative privilege Edit the "Continuum_Reports" directory properties Click on the "Security" Tab Click on "Edit" button Highlight "Users" Click on the "Allow Full Control" checkbox Click on "Ok" button Invalid "Reports.exe" launch path in PE Program Edit PE Programs, such as "Reports_Suite" Change the statement: RepPath = "c:\progra~1\continuum_reports\" -to- RepPath = "c:\progra~2\continuum_reports\" Save change Enable the PE Program if Disabled "Reports_Suite" (or other PE Program) is Disabled Edit the PE Program Review the Program Configuration Enable the Program if Disabled Run the PE Program Attempting to launch Continuum Reports directly Continuum Reports cannot be launched directly from the Windows Explorer by double-clicking on "Reports.exe".  Continuum Reports are launched by running a workstation PE program from a Menu Page button or a Pinpoint button

Issue When editing a Script program, the Automation Server or Enterprise Server crashes when clicking "Save." After that, the connection is never restored to the server. The server needs to be formatted, software reloaded, and a backup restored to it. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure 1.0.0 to 1.5.0 Cause In SmartStruxure 1.5.0 and earlier, publics were not supported in Script functions although they could be used. If used, the server will crash in some cases and render the database unusable. Resolution The workaround is to not use publics in Script functions in the affected versions. The issue is solved from version 1.6 RC.

Issue Which version of USB serial leads work with Sigma and BAS Environment Sigma BAS Cause Newer laptops do not have an onboard RS232 serial port. Can a USB-Serial converter be used. Resolution Not all types of USB to serial converters work with Sigma and BAS2800+. USB to serial converters work in conjuction with the laptop. Local testing may have to be done to find the best product. Generally, USB to serial leads have 2 version of chipsets, Prolific and FTDI. Note, there are also fake versions of these chipsets, the original versions are available from RS and other well known distributors. Sigma seems to work only with Prolific converters and can work on a low COM port no. e.g. 1, ensure that the comm port is not in use by any other applications e.g. Bluetooth. For Sigma, remember to change the setting in the sigma.ini file when using serial communications. BAS seems to work only on FTDI converters and can work on high COM port no. e.g. 7.

Issue Communications with IP devices does not work. Environment IC3-Modbus Modbus IP devices Cause The IC3-Modbus is configured to poll two IP Modbus servers, but only the first configured server communicates. Resolution The IC3-Modbus uses a Gateway.txt file to list the Modbus IP servers, and the registers required. This file consists of general setup information and a section where the servers and registers are listed.  Note that the Sigma objects but be sequential in the list. Final section of the Gateway.txt file. ; 7  Min Value (output objects only, 0 for inputs) ; 8  Max Value (output objects only, 0 for inputs) ; 9  Hardware Alarm Message Suppression Flag (optional), ;   0 = Don't suppress,   1 = Suppress ; read a single 16 bit register ;51,1,4,062,1,1,0,0,0 ; read three 16 bit consecutive registers to objects 52, 53, 54 ;52,2,4,065,1,3,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers to objects 55, 56 ;55,1,3,101,1,2,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing un-swapped 32 bit unsigned data ;68,2,3,110,1,0x0102,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing swapped 32 bit unsigned data ;70,2,3,112,1,0x1102,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing un-swapped 32 bit signed data ;72,2,3,114,1,0x0202,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing swapped 32 bit signed data ;74,2,3,116,1,0x1202,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing un-swapped 32 bit float data ;76,2,3,118,1,0x0302,0,0,0 ; read two 16 bit consecutive registers containing swapped 32 bit float data ;78,2,3,120,1,0x1302,0,0,0 The section below lists the input objects, which consist of a number of fields, the fields are made up as follows; 1   Sigma Object Number, 2   Controller Address 3   Modbus Command ( 3, 4, 16, 144) 4  Register Address 5  Min time in seconds before polling same controller (Default 1 second) 6  Number of consecutive objects to read (inputs objects only, 0 for outputs) 7  Min Value (output objects only, 0 for inputs) 8  Max Value (output objects only, 0 for inputs) 9  Hardware Alarm Message Suppression Flag (optional), Notice that the Sigma object numbers are in sequence, they must be sequential. 52,1,3,0x804,1,0x1102,0,0,0 54,1,3,0x808,1,0x1102,0,0,0 56,1,3,0x80C,1,0x1102,0,0,0 58,2,3,0x810,1,0x1102,0,0,0 60,2,3,0x814,1,0x1102,0,0,0 62,2,3,0x818,1,0x1102,0,0,0 64,2,3,0x81C,1,0x1102,0,0,0 OUTPUT 111,1,144,0,1,1,0,100,0 112,2,144,0,1,1,0,100,0 113,1,16,4,1,1,1,30,0 ; Controller to IP address mapping table (Serial comms will ignore this table) ;   1 - Controller Address ;   2 - IP address of the Controller or the gateway/router to access the ;       controller IP_ADDRESS_TABLE Configure the Controller IP addresses. 1,10.158.100.114 2,10.158.100.205 ; End of Gateway.txt file. Do not write below this line.