Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 Is there a way to reset the password for web access to a BCX? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site with passwords other than the default Cause The password was changed by mistake. Resolution Restore the controller's user names, passwords and configuration settings to the original factory values (Reset IP button using a two stage operation) The location of the Reset button and the Reset IP button on the controller board. Page 124 in appendix A of the Technical Reference Guide. If you cannot get into Continuum Explorer and edit the controller user under that controller and set the password. You will have to reset the controller and then re-commission and then reload.  Try acc/acc first and then after that the following: Using the Reset IP button The Reset IP button has two stages of operation: Stage 1 is initiated by depressing the button for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, the IP address, and all network-related addresses entered on the Network Configuration page, are returned to the original factory default values. Stage 2 is initiated by depressing the button for 35 seconds. After 35 seconds, the database is cleared and all persistent configuration data is erased, with the exception of the error log. Note: Depressing the button for 35 seconds performs both operations, setting the IP address back to the factory default setting and clearing the database. When you initially depress the Reset IP button, the CPU Indicator LED will begin blinking. At 5 seconds, the LED will stop blinking and remain lighted in a continuous state. If you release the button before 5 seconds has passed, no changes are made. If you release the button after 5 seconds, but before 35 seconds, stage 1 is executed, but stage 2 is not. The IP address has returned to the original factory value, but the database has not changed. Please see Default IP address for BCX, ACX57xx, CX9702 and Netcontroller II for information on default IP addresses.

Issue Selecting the appropriate IO system on a Continuum Net Controller (NC1 or NC2) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CX9900 CX9940 CX9680 Cause Controller configuration Resolution Continuum Net Controllers can support three different IO systems, ACC-LON, LonMark XDriver and the legacy LBus. Only one IO system can be selected, the controller must be re-started after the selection is made. The document Selecting IO system in Continuum NetController has instructions on selecting the desired IO system for the controller.

Issue Availability of IPSEC on older controllers which request higher security constraints on networksLAN sites which have Andover controllers and workstations on a "flat network" but want to merge the devices into the corporate network which has IPSEC enabled. Environment Network of IP level controllers communicating with Cyberstation Cause Higher Security constraints on networksLAN sites which has Andover controllers and workstations on a "flat network" but want to merge the devices into the corporate network which have IPSEC enabled. Resolution Older versions of Andover Continuum controllers do not support network security such as IPSEC. However, the new versions of CyberStation and the new controllers, such as NetController II 9680 and ACX57x0, can be configured to communicate with controllers that do not support network security.   Another point to take note of is whether or not your site has purchased the network security option for this NetController II 9680 or ACX 57x0 controller.   IPsec is an end-to-end security scheme operating in the Internet Layer of the Internet Protocol Suite. It can be used in protecting data flows between a pair of hosts (host-to-host), between a pair of security gateways (network-to-network), or between a security gateway and a host (network-to-host).   Network Security Configuration Guide (zip)

Issue Example programs for the xP Display and LD-1 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment XP Display LD-1, LD1, LD 1 ACSM Cause Need example code for these displays to act as a starting point for programming  Resolution example programs for the xP Display.  example programs for the LD-1.  Note: These applications were developed by a UK branch and should be used as a starting point for your specific application. Further information on the programming of these displays is available in The Exchange Download Center for the specific devices. xP-Display Installation and User Guide LD-1 Installation and User Guide

Issue Troubleshooting controllers can be aided by observing the CPU light Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum controllers Cause A video created to show the differences between Normal, Error and Bootloader modes Resolution This will not show specifically what mode the controller is in, but it can offered to try to help to determine the mode. The speed of the CPU light on some of the controllers may vary, but this gives a general idea. Normal Mode is on the left, Error Mode is in the middle and Bootloader Mode is on the right. Note if the CPU LED is constant on or off see the KB article - Continuum controller CPU light solid or not illuminated

Issue Can Value Transfer Settings be used to control the frequency at which a value is transferred over the Infinet bus? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Andover Continuum Environment Continuum i2 Controller Cause There is a need to control the frequency at which a value is transferred from one Infinet controller to another. Resolution Whether or not the Value Transfer Settings determine the value transfer rate depends on the type of reference used. When the Continuum to EBO transition process was developed, features and functionality were added to the Automation Server so that it would accommodate an existing controller protocol. Neither the Infinet controllers nor the Infinet protocol was substantially redesigned in order to work with Automation Servers. Infinet controllers have never had a Value Transfer Setting capability and it was not added when the Continuum Transition process was developed. The primary method of value transfer in Infinet controllers is the Import/Export tables. In order to enter a point into the Import Export table of a controller, the point has to be bound to an Infinet Script program or to an Infinity Alarm notification. You can find more information on the I/E functionality in the following Knowledge base article. Details on Continuum Import/Export (IE) System The Import/Export system is a highly efficient means of value transfer that is base value change. If you chose to bypass the Import/Export capability, the only method available to you to control the frequency at which values are transferred over the Infinet bus is to read these values via a program that incorporates some form of throttling to slow down the polling rate.

Issue What is enabled on a Continuum Security Key? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Security Key Cause There's a need to know what version of Continuum is enabled on the key. Resolution Note: The Excel method for viewing enabled key features mentioned below no longer works with Windows10 or greater and because of CyberSecurity issues ActiveX controls have been deprecated by Microsoft in favor of more secure web technologies.  This feature will not be updated for Cyberstation.   The supported version of the keys and what options are available on the key can be verified by doing the following using Microsoft Excel on a Workstation with Continuum and the key installed: Open MS Excel Select Insert> Object Select SecurityKeyreader Control and then Ok You will see an object inserted into the spreadsheet with a list of products on the left and options on the right. Example: Serial Number 1016019 Options Number of Points -1 Adv.WebServerEnable Number of Personnel -1 EpiSuiteEnabled Platform Lan(Multi) OPTxtLoggingEnabled Type Prog.Intg. PESourceCntlEnabled Max Version 1.79 Global 1 0 Global 2 0 Global 3 0 Global 4 0 Windows 7 64 bit will not support the MMC.exe option (mentioned below)   Use the command       mmc.exe /32     This will allow the ActiveX snap-in to be added and will work on a 64 bit PC   ActiveX controls in Excel 32 bit are not exposed by default. Use the following Excel spreadsheet (zipped) to read the security key instead. (Excel must be installed and must be on a 32 bit PC(64 bit shows this as blank) Security Key Reader Excel File You may be prompted to enable the ActiveX control Excel 2003 - The application is about to initialize ActiveX controls that might be unsafe. If you trust this document, select Yes and the control will be initialized. Excel 2007/2010 - Notice the Security Warning below the Toolbar                                   Click options                                   Select Enable this content Upgrading a key requires a call to repair (978-975-9464) for a cookie to update the key. In order to install the cookie, you must use the program, CyberKeyWriter2.exe to enter the new key which is on every Cyber CD in the Continuum\bin folder.    Note: Also see Accessing Continuum Security Key information using MMC instead of Excel that describes another method to see this information using MMC. This feature does not work with newer versions of Windows 10

Issue Active sensors that have a 0-10V output can not be directly connected to a controller with a 0-5V input, what resistors and settings are required? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All i2 and b3 controllers with 5V inputs, not applicable to the controllers with a 10V input i.e. the i2/b3920 & 810 which directly support the 0-10V sensors I/O Module UI8-10 XP Modules xPUI4, xPBD4, xPBA4.   Cause There is a requirement to calculate the appropriate potential divider resistor values and the settings for the upper and lower voltage in the input point configuration Resolution Download the Voltage Inputs LSM document, this document details the value of the 2 resistors to use in the circuit and the upper and lower voltage settings to enter in the Auto Conversion box in the input point, these will correspond to the sensor reading at 0V & 10V. For controllers that allow the pull up resistor to be switched out, ensure that it is in circuit for these setting to work correctly.

Issue Daylight Savings time changed in the U.S. and methods are needed to synchronize time Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Methods for synchronizing controller time Resolution The following document was email out when Daylight Savings changed in the U.S. and contains 2 methods for synchronizing time Click Here to download the pdf document.

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 Some Windows OS do not come with Hyperterminal installed. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows Vista Windows 7 Cause Hyperterminal was not included in the Operating System software package. Resolution Installing Original XP HyperTerminal Download this .zip file which contains the necessary executable and dynamic link library for running hyperterminal Unzip to local hard drive. Double click the hypertrm.exe to launch hyperterminal See Connecting a serial cable to a Xenta 5/7/9xx controller for proper cable connection and hyperterminal settings if needed. Alternatively, extract the two files from any XP installation and copy them to the new Windows OS. hypertrm.exe default installation is in C:\Program Files\Windows NT hypertrm.dll default installation is in C:\Windows\System32. Alternatively, from a Windows XP CD, both files reside in the i386 directory.

Issue At times the firmware and software on the Roam IO2 requires updating and instructions are needed Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Roam IO2 Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Windows Mobile Cause Instructions for upgrading the software and firmware are provided in the User's guide, but this article places them in an easy to find location Resolution The full instructions for installing and using the RoamIO2 software and hardware are in the User Guides: BACnet Service Tool User Guide + Software Infinet Service Tool User Guide + Software NOTE: The RoamIO2Appl2.000002.upd firmware firmware can only be updated from the BACnet service tool, the Infinet service tool does not have the update OS option.     Please see instructions for installing firmware and hardware for the RoamIO2 for an overview.  

Issue Where can I get example programs and programming information on the Smart sensors? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Smart Sensors: TTS-SD-LCD-1 TTS-SD-LED-1 Cause Smart sensors require specific Plain English programming that is different from other controllers, where is the documentation to support this? Resolution The Smart Sensor Installation and User's Guide and Example programs for the Smart Sensors are available for download from The Exchange Extranet.   PSS Example programs

Issue Controller cold starts after power fail Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.x CX BCX Cause ACCRestartMode system variable is set to Cold Start Resolution Change the ACCRestartMode system variable. See the bCX1 Controller Technical Reference Guide Rev F  document page 55 onwards for an explanation of the changes that are required.

Issue Faulty operation of BMS equipment due to electrical interference from other equipment can be difficult and costly to identify and fix.  Guidance is required for the best installation practices to minimize the source of the interference and to protect against it when it occurs. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment All electrical equipment Cause Poor installation can cause equipment to generate high and low-frequency electromagnetic interference that can disrupt the operation of other systems. Resolution Schneider Electric has produced a document Practical Installation Guidelines which discusses the theory and offers practical guidelines to protect against and minimize the generation of, electromagnetic interference.

Issue How can the format of a custom card be determined/understood Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Access Control AC1 AC1Plus ACX Cause The format of access cards is unknown. Resolution The document Understanding custom card formats in Continuum describes how to determine the custom format of proximity cards.  

Issue Current information will be stored and updated in release notes and online documentation. Compatibility Matrix of Operating Systems, Video, Product Announcements, SQL Compatibility Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows Operating Systems and iBMS (intelligent Building Management System) Software Cause Compatibility, Firmware, Product Announcements Resolution Please see release documentation for current and recent products. For the Firmware compatibility matrix for: I/NET, it is available HERE or the EcoBuilding Download Center Continuum, click HERE Xenta Software Downloads HERE Vista, click HERE EcoStruxure Building Operation, click HERE Product Announcements can be a great tool for discovering which products have been tested and are compatible with the different versions. These documents are available on the Extranet, but have been compiled here for ease of access: I/NET 2.40   Product Announcement 2.41   Product Announcement 2.41a Product Announcement 2.42   Product Announcement and Compatibility Matrix (page 5) 2.43   Product Announcement PA-00239 2.44a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.45   Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.46 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47b Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.48 Software Available from Exchange Download Center Operating Systems and SQL Supported Video Compatibility Support Policy PA-00279 Software Support for TAC I/NET Continuum v1.92 Product Announcement v1.93 Product Announcement v1.94 Product Announcement PA-00210 1.94 SP1 Product Announcement PA-00273 1.9 - 2.1 Software, Firmware, & Video Compatibility Matrix Concerning IE10 and IE11 browser support  2.0 Feature Blast 2.0 + 2.01/ 2.02 Update Compatibility Matrix 2.0  Product Announcement PA-00353 2.0 CyberStation Installation Guide 2.0 WebClient Installation Guide 2.0 Software License and Ordering Activation Process 2.0 Software and Controller Upgrade Process Andover Continuum PA-00333 Support Policy PA-00272 for Andover Continuum Vista v5.1.5 Product Announcement v5.1.6 Technical Product Advisory v5.1.7 release note document, TAC Vista Compatibility Matrix, SNVT Matrix documents, and TPA-VSTA-11-0020.00 v5.1.7 Product Announcement x5.1.8 Release Note TAC Vista 5.1.8 and TAC Xenta 500/700/900 5.1.8 v5.1.9 Vista Compatibility Matrix SecurityIAS Product Announcement PA-00291 Product Announcement TAC Vista transition to SmartStruxure solution overview  Support Policy PA-00274 for TAC Vista Satchwell Sigma v4.05 SEB Release Notes v4.06 Release Notes v4.06 Release Note Supplement v4.07 Release Notes Satchwell Sigma Standard Edition Installation and User’s Guide Support Policy PA-00297 for Satchwell Sigma v4.08 Release Notes PA-00397 Sigma Version 4.08 Sigma server on a virtual machine Satchwell Micronet data sheet - MicroNet View 2.1 OS Compatibility - Micronet View PA-00228 Product Announcement Support Policy PA-00298 for Satchwell MicroNet PA-00228 Satchwell MicroNet End of Commercialization Announcement I/A Series PA-00163 I/A Series R2 & G3 Product Announcement PA-00114 Legacy Products Windows 7 Compatibility I/A Series R2 with Windows Compatibility Chart PA-00243 Software Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00251 Hardware Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00278 Software Product Update - Q3 2013 I/A Series (Niagara) R2 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail I/A Series (Niagara) AX/G3/N4 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail Support Policy PA-00280 R1 for TAC I/A Series StruxureWare Building Operation Please visit Maximum number using StruxureWare Building Operation (Scalability and Capacity) SmartStruxure Lite Please visit SmartStruxure Lite solutions

Issue Documentation for architectural design for illustration, explanation, sales presentations, or other medium Environment Schneider Electric office, partner office, or other site needing documentation Cause Inability to find literature and need to explain, illustrate, or define issues. Please find the links below for each of the product lines. Resolution Continuum: download architectural Flyer:  pdf   jpg  INET: download  architectural Flyer Vista:  download architectural flyer pdf   jpg  I/NET and Vista together pdf

Issue What resources are available to get more information on the Modbus protocol? Product Line Andover Continuum,EcoStruxure Building Operation,Field Devices,Satchwell BAS & Sigma,Satchwell MicroNet,TAC IA Series,TAC INET,TAC Vista Environment Modbus ASCII/RTU Modbus TCP/IP Cause The Modbus protocol information is available on www.modbus.org Use the menu on the left and select Technical Resources. Select the Modbus Specifications. Resolution Found on www.modbus.org are the protocol specifications: Modbus ASCII/RTU Modbus TCP