Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Understanding and Troubleshooting Modbus Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series, Other  Environment All Modbus environments. Cause Modicon first introduced Modbus in 1979. Modbus is an open standard,and it is the most widely used in the industrial environment. Modbus is publicly available and,due to its simplicity, many manufacturers use Modbus as a solution for integration in their own products. Many commercial products and systems support the Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP protocols. For further information, visit the Modbus website at http://www.modbus.org. Resolution For a brief understanding on Modbus and how to troubleshoot Modbus, refer to the Modbus Troubleshooting PDF

Issue It is not clear which part of the license system handles the end-user license and which part handles the demo license. Having both TAC Vista and EcoStruxure Building Operation(EBO) installed on the same PC can cause conflicts in the license system. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation   Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server   Cause If an EcoStruxure installation is only used for engineering and therefore will only have demo licenses activated, you don't need to install the license server. The service "FLEXnet Licensing Service" is installed by any EcoStruxure software package, and that is the service that will handle the activation of demo licenses. Resolution If you will only use demo licenses on a PC and/or also have TAC Vista installed on the same PC, only install the license administrator and not the license server.   It is also possible to run TAC Vista and EBO using the same License server, please see Lesson Learned SmartStruxure license and TAC Vista license on the same PC

Issue During the installation of WebReports, the installer crashes when clicking "Continue" in the "Reporting Agent" step. "StruxureWare Building Operation has stopped working" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WebReports Cause There is an issue with the installer when FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) algorithms are enforced. Resolution Open the local group policy editor (Start > run > gpedit.msc) Navigate to "Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options" Locate the following item in the list on the right: "System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing" Edit the item, and select "Disabled" Install WebReports Example of FIPS being enabled

Issue Is it possible when starting Internet Explorer: To log on automatically. To start in Full Screen mode. To show a TGML graphic (without system tree) and without entering a user name and password by a shortcut. Is it possible to hide the 2 toolbars as described below? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WebStation Kiosk Mode Cause For some applications such as Kiosk screens, these features are needed Resolution Automatic logon This can be accomplished either by using the "Remember me" checkbox on the logon screen, or by using the guest logon feature. To make WebStation bypass the logon screen, create a user with a username of GUEST and a password of GUEST, give this user limited permissions. For 1.7 and later, the password for the GUEST account when used for WebStation automatic logon, is not compatible with the default password policies. Automatic logon will only happen if the GUEST account password is exactly "GUEST". If policies are not changed the automatic logon will stop working after 90 days. Full Screen mode To make Internet Explorer go directly to full screen mode, you can use the "kiosk mode" switch. Create a shortcut with the command  iexplore.exe -k [insert your URL here] Display TGML Graphic without toolbars Open the graphic you require, using the "Open in a new window" right-click command. Copy the URL and create a shortcut with it. When you open this URL the user is taken directly to the graphic, without toolbars or menus.

Issue Maximum logon attempts: - If the maximum number of failed logon attempts is exceeded, the user is temporarily locked out for an undocumented period. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P or AS-B) Building Operation Enterprise server Cause Exceeding the maximum logon attempts configured for the domain. Resolution When the user is locked out the first time, the user needs to wait 1 minute before re-trying. Then the wait time is increased by 1 minute, for each new failed attempt, up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Restarting the server will clear the lock-out.

Issue How fast does the software run in an AS? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P or AS-B) Cause Knowledge about application cycle time is important when designing project solutions. Resolution Both Function Block and Script programs run at a speed defined by the specific time task they are linked to, the available tasks are: Task 1 - 100mS Task 2 - 500mS Task 3 - 1 Second Task 4 - 5 Seconds Task 5 - 10 Seconds Programs that are not cyclic or time based can be run from a main or executive sequencing program. The AS cycle speeds are comparable to other Building control systems, but the power of the AS allows many more programs to be run in parallel at higher speeds. See also the WebHelp topic Application Scheduler for more information.

Issue After migrating a TAC Vista export containing TAC Xenta IO modules to SBO, some or all TAC Xenta IO modules are missing the neuron ID's Environment Migration TAC Xenta IO module Cause During the migration, the TAC Xenta IO modules are matched on their name. If the name in TAC Vista differs from the actual name in the associated Menta file, the match can't be made and the properties on the IO modules can not be set. Example of this scenario In TAC Vista   In TAC Menta Resolution 1. Edit the Menta application through TAC Vista Workstation 2. Rename the IO modules in Menta 3. Save to Vista 4. Device gets dirty and need download - download to get rid of the dirty mark 5. Export database in through TAC Vista Workstation 6. Convert to SBO using the Conversion Tool

Issue Advanced Display in "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode stops access to some device functions. Unable to escape Sealed or ProKiosk mode as the password is unknown. Environment Advanced Display V1 Advanced Display V2 Cause Sealed (Android version 5 and earlier) or ProKiosk mode (Android version 6 and later) is a feature of Android that is used by the AD-Link application to lock down functionality of the device, ensuring that only the allowed application runs. The user can't use the device for other purposes (games, etc.) or to change the settings. When the AD-Link Application is running and the connection activated "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode is enabled. Resolution Open the AD-Link application and press the Disconnect button The "Sealed or "ProKiosk" mode is disabled and full access to the device is enabled. To re-enable the IP over USB connection in order to access a SmartStruxure server via USB press the Connect button in the AD-Link App. Note that this will also activate "Sealed" or "ProKiosk" mode again

Issue Binding to Security Expert values through EWS results in "Type does not exist" error when attempting to save a binding. Environment SmartStruxure Security Expert Cause The value being bound was coming through and mistakenly being created by SBO as an enumerated value which is not supported. The value is actually an integer. Resolution A hotfix has been created to resolve this in SBO 1.9.1.6700.   There is also a workaround that works for previous versions of SBO.   If you update (configure) the value type of the EWS ValueItem property Value with the system.pt.Int32 it will work to do bindings.   1. Open the propertydialog of the EWS ValueItem and click the configuration button of the Value property.    2. Check the Type checkbox which already contains the value type system.pt.Int32. 3. Press Ok and save the change in the dialogproperty. 4. Now it's ok to do bindings with this Value.

Issue When trying to create a mirrored network variable or manually create a SNVT binding the error "Service Not Changeable" is given.  Environment Building Operation Workstation LonWorks Interface Cause If the "Changeable binding type" property of a network variable that is being bound is No, then there are only specific binding types that can be used.    To check the "Changeable binding type" property, right click on the network variable > click Properties > click on the Extended Settings tab.  Resolution Manually creating network variable bindings Make sure that the correct binding profile is chosen which complies with the device template of the controller.  Creating mirrored network variables If the "Service Not Changeable" error is given when creating a mirrored network variables, it is because the default binding profile does not comply with the network variable properties. To change the default binding profile, see WH#11229.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue Remove Server information shown in WorkStation drop down list Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Cause Building Operation WorkStation 'caches' user customization's including the server names / IP addresses that it has previously successfully logged on to. Resolution Two tools are available on the Community that can assist in this process. Refer to the details and instructions for both on the Community. SBO Reset WorkStation Login SBO WorkStation Favorites To manually delete the file containing the servers list (among other information), navigate to and delete the file. The location and file name depends on the installed version of WorkStation. Version 1.3 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric\Workstation\TAC.ClientUserProfile.bin Version 1.4 and 1.5 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\TAC.ClientUserProfile.bin   Versions between 1.6 and 1.9 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\SBO.ClientUserProfile.bin Version 2.0 and above When hovering over a server in the drop down list, a trash can appears at the right side that allows the server to be deleted from the list: WorkStation 2.0 and above Alternatively the path to the file is: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric EcoStruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\SBO.ClientUserProfile.bin Next time you run WorkStation again, a new user profile file will be created. Note: All IP addresses will be cleared and you will lose settings such as column widths and similar user customization's.

Issue When modifying the schedule to include extra days when the schedule is on all day, the extra days are not added, or may be added as the wrong day. Environment Webstation Time Schedules All day 1.8.1 Cause This issue is caused by entering the data in the wrong order. Resolution To add multiple "All Day" events to the schedule via the Webstation. Click on the first weekday required. Select the "All day" check box. Select the "On" check box. Select the weekdays required and complete the process by selecting "Ok".

Issue When trying to launch the Energy Expert Integration Utility (formerly the Power Manger Integration Utility) the following error is given. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Energy Expert Power Manager for SmartStruxure Integration Utility Cause This error message can be the result of different causes. Check the IntegrationUtility.log file found in the same location as the Integration Utility for more information.  Example of Integration Utility Log error: ERROR: Microsoft.Practices.Unity.ResolutionFailedException: Resolution of the dependency failed, type = "IntegrationUtility.Shell", name = "(none)". Exception occurred while: Calling constructor IntegrationUtility.Pme.Services.PmeUserDataStore(). Exception is: ConfigurationProviderException - Could not locate a connection string provider. Resolution NOTE: If you have already downloaded the software, you must first delete the folder you unzipped before doing the process below.  Unblock the Zip file The first thing that MUST be done after downloading the Power Manager software from the Exchange is to unblock the zip file. Right click on the zip file and select Properties. Under the General tab, towards the bottom click Unblock. Click Apply and close the properties window.  You can now unzip the software and use it as normal.  Compatible .Net Framework Versions Different versions of the Power Manager / Energy Expert Integration Utility require certain versions of Microsoft .Net Framework. Note: Having multiple versions of .Net Framework installed may cause issues.    Pease refer to the Energy Expert Compatibility Matrix for further detail.

Issue When attempting to access the dashboard URL via the web browser or in SBO Workstation, the following message is displayed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Energy Expert Environment Power Manager 1.2 and newer Power Manager Expert 8.1 and newer Building Operation Workstation Cause A Power Manager 1.2 or newer system running a permanent license allows the user to a log into the Management Console, manual authentication URL, and through the EWS interface in SmartStruxure Workstation. After upgrading to the latest version of Power Manager this access no longer works. The Ports match in License Manager and FlexNet and this site has previously worked. The cause to this issue is that the URL being used has changed starting in PME 8.1. Resolution This issue is due to a change made in the dashboards URL starting in Power Manager 1.2 / Power Manager Expert 8.1. The URL needs to be changed by replacing "Web" with "Dashboards" in the URL found in the EWS link settings or when logging in directly with a web browser.    Example: http://XXXX/SystemDataService/Auth/LogOnWithMultiuseAuthToken?RedirectUrl=http%3a%2f%2fFS2%2fWeb%2f%3fDisplayEmbedded%3dTrue&multiuseAuthToken=11324... http://XXXX/SystemDataService/Auth/LogOnWithMultiuseAuthToken?RedirectUrl=http%3a%2f%2fFS2%2fDashboards%2f%3fDisplayEmbedded%3dTrue&multiuseAuthToken=11324...   Also in the newer versions of Power Manager, there is a limit regarding what can be accessed in PME when using a Power Manager license. In Power Manager 1.2 and on you can access: /Reporter /Dashboards /Trends /HierarchyManager /RateEditor and use the integration toolkit to get into SBO if necessary. Power Manager is now known as EcoStruxure Energy Expert.

Issue The error below occurs as soon as the Management Console is launched.  Environment Power Manager Power Monitoring Expert (PME) Management Console Cause In order for the Management Console to work properly it needs to see the correct dll files in three separate locations. If the install process of PME was not completed successfully or did not have full administrative rights while installing then some of these files may be missing.  Resolution The issue was that the Licensing.LicenseManager.resources.dll and Licensing.LicenseManager.dll was not present in all of the three following folders:     C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\Web\bin   C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\system\bin   C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\system\ReportDataService\bin Verify that the Licensing.LicenseManager.resources.dll and Licensing.LicenseManager.dll files are present in all three of the locations below. If they are missing in any location, copy and paste the files accordingly.      C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\Web\bin   C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\system\bin   C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\system\ReportDataService\bin     Note: Replace "Program Files (x86)" with "Program Files" if you are working on a 32 bit computer.   

Issue Data not showing in a single row on the Trend Log Comparison Report Creating Custom Reports Environment Report Builder 3.0 Struxureware Building Operation WebReports Cause Trend sample data is stored in the Reports Server at a resolution of less than 1 second. In some cases the user wants to compare data in showing less resolution than what is in stored in the database.  Resolution Open Microsoft Report Builder and Edit the existing Trend Log Comparison Report.  You can get detailed instructions on how to perform this task on the online help guide. Scroll to the bottom and select the DateTimeStamp Field in the Second Tablix object. Click on the drop down menu in the Row Groups pane and select Group Properties On the General Tab, click on the Fx button Change the Expression to say: =FORMAT(Fields!DateTimeStamp.Value, "dd MM yyyy hh:mm") Repeat this for the Sorting Tab. Enter the same Expresssion. =FORMAT(Fields!DateTimeStamp.Value, "dd MM yyyy hh:mm") Click OK to save changes. Right click on the DateTimeStamp TextBox and select Text Box Properties. In the Number tab, change the default format to the desired display format Perform a Save AS to ensure you do not overwrite the factory supplied report.  Follow the instructions on web help to allow the modified report to be used in WebReports.

Issue 3rd party Modbus RTU devices go offline or have unstable value transfer after upgrading to version 1.7.1 or above Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Detected in version 1.7.1 or above. Automation Server Modbus RTU (RS485) interface Cause The performance of the Modbus RTU interface was improved in version 1.6 and further in version 1.7. This improved performance can make the Modbus Master in SmartStruxure too fast for some third party Modbus RTU devices, and they may be unable to handle the faster polling rates the newer software can provide. Resolution In the Modbus Master Network there are various settings that can be changed to allow it to compensate for slower devices. The settings in this screen shot shows example settings that may be suitable for slower devices or problem networks.   Increasing the Transmit Guard bits from the default of 2 allows more time after one packet before the next packet will start transmitting on the bus. This is useful both for slow responding devices, devices that take longer to turn off their Transmit driver as well as networks that have a high capacitance due to poor cable selection. The Receive timeout (ms) is the length of time the master will wait to receive a response. Decreasing this from the default of 2000 mS (2 Seconds) can often improve network communications, by not waiting too long for a device that may not be responding or offline will improve the overall network operation. By default there is 0 delay between polling the points, by introducing a delay in the Point Poll Delay (ms)  it allows slower devices to handle the data polls from the interface. This is a key setting for slower devices that cannot keep up with the faster polling from the latest Automation Servers and most 3rd party devices will require a value greater than 0. The Silence Characters do not usually need changing in an upgrade, but they can be used to help with poor installations where there is high capacitance in the cabling or poor grounding, this can often be used with lower baud rates on problem sites. The default Poll Duty Cycle is usually appropriate for most installations and is not affected by the upgrades, but can be adjusted if required to match 3rd party devices. In V3.x the same settings apply and the screenshot now looks like this:

Issue User unable to find means to add I/O points for an AS-B in workstation Environment Automation Server Basic Cause User not selecing the AS-B-XX onboard IO object Resolution In the system tree browse to the IO Bus/AS-B-XX onboard IO Right click on the object and select New/Input or Output Point Select the type of IO and continue creating the IO point.

Issue While attempting to import files to through WorkStation or libraries from the Script Editor, the program crashes with the error message below. It can even happen when doing mass create or mass change, or when adding columns to a list view. "StruxureWare Building Operation has stopped working" Environment Building Operation WorkStation Building Operation Script Editor Cause It has been identified that a program called "F-Secure Key" interferes with other installed programs, and can ultimately leed to other programs crashing. "F-Secure Key" hooks into the Microsoft dll "UIAutomationCore.dll" which is used to idenitfy and manipulate elements in the user interface. If "F-Secure Key" is installed, it can easily be identified, as you will see a blue circle with a key when logging in through WorkStation Resolution Uninstall all "F-Secure Key" related program from "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel on the PC

Issue When attempting to get the trace or system logs through WorkStation, you get the following error "Application not found" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Detected in version 1.6.1 Windows 7 or below Cause The program or editor associated with the file type *.log can not be found on the PC. Resolution Associate a valid program with the filetype *.log 1. Create a new text file e.g. on the desktop 2. Change the file extension on the file from .txt to .log - refer to the following instructions if the file extension is not visible 3. Double click the file, and select a new default editor 4. Get the trace log from WorkStation