Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue ModBMS will not allow an OPC Client to write OPC DA values to Sigma. But, reading the ModBMS/Sigma values does work. Environment Sigma 4.04 and below ModBMS OPC Client Cause ModBMS uses the DDE functions to read/write data to the Sigma server.  A Sigma release 4.04 and below the write function was not supported and was fixed in Sigma release 4.05 onwards. Resolution Upgrade to Sigma 4.05 (onwards) where the DDE write function has been fixed.

Issue How to select a platinum sensor compatible with the Analog Input (AI) object in WorkPlace Tech. Environment WorkPlace Tech I/A Series Lon (MNL) controllers I/A Series BACnet (MNB) controllers Cause Sensor manufacturers provide platinum sensors with different Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR). Resolution The Analog Input (AI) object supports 1Kohm platinum sensor with Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) equal to 0.00385 OHM/OHM @ °C. Check manufacturer's datasheet and select sensor with TCR of  0.00385 OHM/OHM @ °C

Issue Satchwell ALX series Linear Actuator requires replacement. Environment Satchwell ALX series Linear Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF series Plug and Seat Valve Body. Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell ALX series Linear Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell ALX series Linear Actuator with MV15B-24 Linear Actuator and Linkage Kit :-  ALX = MV15B-24 + L7SV (880-0662-000). Note: this part no. is for both actuator and linkage kit.  N.B.  Should the Satchwell ALX series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be installed on the MV15B-24 Actuator as appropriate :-  S2 – MV15B = Two independent 250 volt 10 amp / 3 amp rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches.    Particular care should be taken when selecting an S-E Forta MV15B-24 Actuator to replace an existing Satchwell ALX series Actuator. The S-E MV15B-24 Actuator may be used to replace an existing Satchwell ALX series Actuator but it should be noted that where an existing Satchwell ALX series Actuator has been connected directly to a Satchwell Controller, an independent Transformer rated to provide the greater level of power required by a single S-E MV15B -24 Actuator (12VA) will also be required. (e.g. S-E Transformer Type TR32)  Where an existing Satchwell ALX series Actuator has been connected via an independent Transformer, it is possible that the Transformer may have been rated to provide the level of power required by a single ALX series Actuator (3.5VA) only. In such circumstances the existing independent Transformer may also require replacement by another independent Transformer, rated to provide the greater level of power required by a single S-E MV15B-24 Actuator (12VA) (e.g. S-E Transformer Type TR32)

Issue Satchwell ALM series Linear Actuator requires replacement. Environment Satchwell ALM series Linear Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF Series Plug and Seat Valve Body. Actuator type :- ALM series Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell ALM series Linear Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell ALM series Linear Actuator with MV15B-230 Linear Actuator and Linkage Kit :-  ALM = MV15B-230 + L7SV (880-0126-000) Linkage Kit N.B.  Should the Satchwell ALM series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be installed on the MV15B-230 Actuator as appropriate :-  S2 – MV15B = Two independent 250 volt 10 amp / 3 amp rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches.

Issue 1. The Sigma default user name TAC USER does not work with Sigma 4.05 SEB 2. Tried the user access password and could not logon Environment Sigma 4.05 SEB Cause The default user name changed at Sigma 4.05 SEB Resolution From Sigma 4.05 SEB onwards the default user name is SIGMA USER. The password remains unchanged.

Issue Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuator requires replacement Environment Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuators installed on Satchwell MB Series or MBF Series Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies. Satchwell ARE ARM & ARX Series 1 and Series 2 Rotary Actuators Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuators Resolution Replace Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuators with appropriate S-E MD Series Rotary Actuators and wire as follows: Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuators installed on Satchwell MB Series Screwed Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies ARE ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD10A-24 or MD20A-24 Wire Number 2 ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD10A-24 or MD20A-24  Wire Number 3 ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD10A-24 or MD20A-24  Wire Number 1 ARE Series 2        Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD10A-24 or MD20A-24  Wire Number 5  ARX ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD10B-24 or MD20B-24 Wire Number 3 ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD10B-24 or MD20B-24  Wire Number 2 ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK =  MD10B-24 or MD20B-24  Wire Number 1  ARM – UP TO MARCH 2006 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD10B-230 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 3 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD10B-230 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 2 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD10B-23 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 1  ARM – SINCE MARCH 2006 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD10B-230 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 3 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD10B-230 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 2 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD10B-230 or MD20B-230 Wire Number 1  Note: Should the Satchwell AR Series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be wired on the S-E MD Actuator as follows: MD – S1  One independent SPDT 1 mA…3(0.5) A, 250 V AC Auxiliary Switch  AR COMMON Wire Colour ORANGE  =  MD-S1 COMMON Wire Number S1 AR N/O contact Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD-S1 N/O contact Wire Number S3      AR N/C contact Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD-S1 N/C contact Wire Number S2  MD – S2  Two independent SPDT 1 mA…3(0.5) A, 250 V AC Auxiliary Switches  AR COMMON Wire Colour ORANGE  =  MD-S2 COMMON Wire Number S1 AR N/O contact Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD-S2 N/O contact Wire Number S3 AR N/C contact Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD-S2 N/C contact Wire Number S2  AR COMMON Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD-S2 COMMON Wire Number S4 AR N/O contact Wire Colour RED  =  MD-S2 N/O contact Wire Number S6 AR N/C contact Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD-S2 N/C contact Wire Number S5   Satchwell AR Series 1 or AR Series 2 Rotary Actuators installed on Satchwell MBF Series Flanged Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies ARE ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD20A-24 Wire Number 2 ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD20A-24 Wire Number 3 ARE Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD20A-24 Wire Number 1 ARE Series 2        Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD20A-24 Wire Number 5  ARX ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD20B-24 Wire Number 3 ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD20B-24 Wire Number 2 ARX Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK =  MD20B-24 Wire Number 1  ARM – UP TO MARCH 2006 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour RED  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 3 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 2 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 1  ARM – SINCE MARCH 2006 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 3 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 2 ARM Series 1 & 2 Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD20B-230 Wire Number 1  Note: Should the Satchwell AR Series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be wired on the S-E MD Actuator as follows: MD – S1  One independent SPDT 1 mA…3(0.5) A, 250 V AC Auxiliary Switch  AR COMMON Wire Colour ORANGE  =  MD-S1 COMMON Wire Number S1 AR N/O contact Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD-S1 N/O contact Wire Number S3 AR N/C contact Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD-S1 N/C contact Wire Number S2  MD – S2  Two independent SPDT 1 mA…3(0.5) A, 250 V AC Auxiliary Switches  AR COMMON Wire Colour ORANGE  =  MD-S2 COMMON Wire Number S1 AR N/O contact Wire Colour BROWN  =  MD-S2 N/O contact Wire Number S3 AR N/C contact Wire Colour WHITE  =  MD-S2 N/C contact Wire Number S2  AR COMMON Wire Colour BLACK  =  MD-S2 COMMON Wire Number S4 AR N/O contact Wire Colour RED  =  MD-S2 N/O contact Wire Number S6 AR N/C contact Wire Colour BLUE  =  MD-S2 N/C contact Wire Number S5

Issue The text on the prog object does change but the graphic does not show the same change. Environment Sigma all versions BAS all versions Cause Controller only update server graphics when the object changes state or exceeds the set tolerance.  If prog objects are written with the same condition but different texts in the return statements then the correct text may not be displayed until the whole graphic is updated.  For example 10 If P0|1 on then return true "Object 1 on" 20 if P0|2 on then return true "Object 2 on" 30 if p0|3 on then return true "Object 3 On" Resolution Write the programmable object to that will change state to update the graphic.  This may well have to be a dedicated object for the graphic.  For example using a time statement to check for a change; 10 if not time left then goto 50 20 If P0|1 on then return true "Object 1 on" 30 if P0|2 on then return true "Object 2 on" 40 if p0|3 on then return true "Object 3 on" 50 set timer 10 60 If P0|1 on then return false "Object 1 on" 70 if P0|2 on then return false "Object 2 on" 80 if p0|3 on then return false "Object 3 on"

Issue Need to replace Digital Clock for SVT4251 or CSC2726 and CSC2727 Controller. Environment SVT4251  CSC2726 CSC2727 Cause Faulty Clock Resolution Replacement Digital Clock for SVT4251 or CSC2726 and CSC2727 Controller is part number 561-9-261

Issue Which files can be backed up safely with an automatic/manual method. Environment Sigma (All) Cause Backing up a live Sigma system is not a recommend as copying ‘live open’ files can not guarantee the integrity of the data. Resolution For either backup method (automatic or manual) those files which could be potentially 'open' by Windows should not be backed up unless the Sigma server and clients have been shut down.  1. Those data locations that can be backup safely while the Sigma is running are those in which archive data is stored, namely; a.  C:\Sigma\Data\ArchivedAlarms b. C:\Sigma\Data\ArchivedLogs c. C:\Sigma\Data\ArchivedTransactions Removing the files from these locations should only be done as a space saving measure as Sigma can be configured to view these data files by the user. 2. For all other files the recommendation is to shut the system down (clients and server) before taking the backup. 3. Restoring data must only be performed after shutting down the system first.

Issue DC1100 / DC1400 Boiler output does not energize during HWS time schedule ON periods Environment DC1100 / DC1400 Discrete Controller installations. Cause DC1100 / DC1400 HWS time schedule is not Boiler Linked. Resolution Please check the catalog for current equipment Check Hot Water Link Option is set to Boiler Linked by following Controller access procedure :- Override Setting Switch :- select SET position. Display Screen / Navigation Buttons :- select parameters SYSTEMS MENU / ALTER SETTINGS / ENTER PASS No. (0112) HOT WATER / LINK OPTION Check LINK OPTION setting If LINK OPTION is set to INDEPENDENT then amend to BOILER LINKED If LINK OPTION is set to BOILER LINKED then PUMP RUN ON may be active If PUMP RUN ON  is active then Boiler outputs will be disabled until PUMP RUN time expires To amend PUMP RUN ON time :- select parameters SYSTEMS MENU / ALTER SETTINGS / ENTER PASS No. (0112) COMPENSATOR / SET-UP MENU / PUMP RUN-ON Amend Pump Run-On time period to 1 MINUTE and observe BOILER No.1 LED status should change from OFF to ON DC1100 / DC1400 Boiler No. 1 output (Terminal 10) should now be energised.

Issue Can I/A ENC-520 interface to a Honeywell Q7700 Network Interface for boiler/burner monitoring? Environment I/A Series G3 (Niagara) ENC-520 Cause Driver for Interface Resolution Tridium reports that there is no G3 driver to support an interface with this product.

Issue How to identify the DMS (MicroSmart) MSC-P1502 Enhanced from the non- Enhanced version. Environment DMS MicroSmart MSC-P1500 series Cause Controller version identification Resolution The MSC-P1502 controller came in two versions, non-Enhanced and Enhanced. The Enhanced version had the feature for AI 5 & 6 to be configured (jumpers J1 & J2) for a Voltage/mA input or resistance input.  Non-Enhanced version: Using OPRIF to communicate to the controller, the controller greeting screen would display PCB as the Controller Type. Visual identification would be that the circuit board has a label with the p/n MSCA-6160.  Enhanced version: : Using OPRIF to communicate to the controller, the controller greeting screen would display PCB as the Controller Type.  Visual identification would be that the circuit board has a label with the p/n MSCA-6161.  If there is no p/n label on the board, another way to identify an enhanced version is by looking at the circuit board. Above the inputs AI5 & AI6 there would be a white box with the wording ENHANCED AI.

Issue Is MNL-V2RV3-APP the actual controller hardware or is it an application for the actual physical controller? Environment I/A MicroNet LonMark series controllers. MNL-5RF3-APP, MNL-5RH3-APP, MNL-5RR3-APP, MNL-5RS3-APP, MNL-5RS4-APP MNL-10RF3-APP, MNL-10RH3-APP, MNL-10RR3-APP, MNL-10RS3-APP, MNL-10RS4-APP MNL-11-RF3-APP MNL-13-RF3-APP MNL-20RF3-APP, MNL-20RH3-APP, MNL-20RR3-APP, MNL-20RS3-APP, MNL-20RS4-APP MNL-V1RV3-APP, MNL-V2RV3-APP, MNL-V3RV3-APP Cause Part Number description Resolution The MNL-V2RV3 is the actual controller; the extension -APP is an option for factory to install customer's in-house engineered application. Contact Customer Service for details.

Issue What entries are needed in the INPUT_XLATE table for the Sigma digital input to work? Environment Sigma gateway.txt IC GEN DDE IC GEN OPC Cause The Sigma digital inputs operate a reverse logic of 100.0 = off and 0.0 = on.  This needs to be reflected in the IC GEN Gateway.txt file XLATE table Resolution 1.  For the IC GEN gateway.txt input XLATE table when mapping to digital input objects; [INPUT_XLATE] count=2 Item0=1 / 0.0      ;DDE input of 1 = DI on Item1=0/ 100.0  ;DDE input of 0 = DI off 2. For the IC GEN gateway.txt output XLATE table when mapping from digital output objects; [OUTPUT_XLATE] count=2 Item0=0.0/ 0        ;D0 off = DDE output of 0 Item1=100.0/ 1   ;D0 on = DDE output of 1

Issue SVT Optimiser Controller does not enable the controlled space to recover to the required day temperature after an unoccupied period during which the inside air temperature has fallen to 12°C. Environment SVT4201 Optimiser Controller fitted with Analogue Time Switch. SVT4251 Optimiser Controller fitted with Digital Time Switch. Cause SVT Optimiser Controller Time Switch settings do not allow for selected Design Preheat Hours (DPH) Resolution SVT Optimiser Controller Time Switch settings should allow for selected Design Preheat Hours (DPH) SVT Optimiser Controller Time Switch settings should be carried out as follows :- Set Td to "Day" temperature required during occupancy. Set Tn to minimum "Night" temperature required during unoccupied periods. Set DPH to design preheat time. DPH is the maximum time required in order to enable the controlled space to recover to the required day temperature after an unoccupied period during which the inside air temperature has fallen to 12 deg. C. Select the approximate time in whole hours on the rotary switch (1 to 5 hours) Fine trim +/- 1/2 hour on the associated setting potentiometer. Note.  ALL "ON" times must be set earlier than the start of occupancy by the selected pre-heat time (DPH) set at (3) above. Example : DPH = 2 hours Occupancy time = 8.00 a.m. Set Time Switch "ON" time to 6.00 a.m. Setting the Time Switch "ON" time to 6.00 a.m. will enable the SVT Optimiser Controller to switch the plant ON at any time between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. depending on the heating loss experienced in the controlled space during the preceding plant OFF period. N.B. The setting method detailed in the example above applies equally to both SVT4201 Analogue Time Switch and SVT4251 Digital Time Switch versions of the SVT Optimiser Controller.

Issue DMS MicroSmart, Global point passing (broadcast) not working. Environment MSC-L1000 MSC- MPC-001 MSC-P-751, MSC-P-752, MSC-P-753, MSC-P-754 MSC-P-1501, MSC-P-1502, MSC-P-1503, MSC-P-1504 MSC-V-510, MSC-V-511, MSC-V-521, MSC-V-522 MSC-V-751, MSC-V-752, MSC-V-753, MSC-V-754 Cause The number of TXD and RXD broadcast channels are limited per controller type. Resolution The Level 11. controllers' MicroSmart Global Data Broadcasting capabilities are as follows: MSC-L1000: TXD and RXD on 1-122 channels MSC- MPC: TXD and RXD on 1-122 channels MSC-P-75x: TXD on 1-122 channels. RXD on 1-24 channels. MSC-P-150x: TXD on 1-122 channels. RXD on 1-24 channels. MSC-V-51x: TXD on 1-122 channels. RXD on 1-24 channels. MSC-V-52x: TXD on 1-122 channels. RXD on 1-24 channels. MSC-V-75x: TXD on 1-122 channels. RXD on 1-24 channels.  

Issue The IC3 Modbus IP interface is a client. How can this be linked to another Modbus IP client such as the Carrier i-VU gateway? Environment IC3 Modbus IP Client server Sigma Carrier I-VU Cause The IC3 Modbus only supports the IP client and cannot be directly connected to another IP client.   Other systems such as Carrier are similarly only IP client. Resolution Using the BCX1 as a Modbus IP server to hold a mapping table will allow both clients to read/write data to it.

Issue In WorkPlace Tech can a SNVT exist in a Custom Object? Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech 4.0 and higher. Cause Custom Object Rules Resolution Nearly all types of WP Tech shapes may be included on the Definition page of a Custom object, There are several exception and  "SNVT objects"  is one of them. This object must be on the top page of any control logic drawing instead. For  additional  exceptions see WorkPlace Tech Tool 4.0 Engineering Guide (F-27254-3), Chapter 3 "Custom Object Rules"

Issue When using DCT version 11.6, modifying the MSC-NCM schedule start-stop times do not save. The time reverts to the setting before the change was attempted. Environment MSC-NCM Cause Version 11.6 of DCT has an error in the compiled code. Resolution Instead of starting DCT from the desktop shortcut, launch it from the DCT folder (double-click DCTGL.EXE).

Issue Modify occupied cooling and heating (nciSetPts) variables on Viconics VT7652 LON stat, but changes are not transmitting to  thermostat. Have a DynamicCmd object linked up and can write the values in the DynamicCmd but they don’t ever change in the thermostat and they don’t show up in the nvoEffectSetPt variable. Environment VT7200 LonWork series VT7300 LonWork series VT7600 LonWork series Cause Setup of limits Resolution Check the HeatMaxSetpoint and CoolMinSetpoint limits found in the nciCfgRtuHP ( Vt76Pir properties). When a change that is outside of the limits, it will take the request but will not transmit change down to the thermostat.