Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue ES Database has grown to several gigabyte Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Cause ES Database size can grow quite large when the ES crashes often. Open Software Administrator and find the location of the ES db folder. Below are two screen shots of the Logs and Crash Information folders. As can be seen, these dump files can increase the size of the database. Resolution Once the reason for the Enterprise Server crash is resolved, these files can be either be deleted or, preferably be moved to another storage/drive location. If the ES/EC is still crashing, all the core dumps should be collected and sent to to your local support team for processing. Due to the size of the crash dumps, upload to BOX or similar and provide the link to the support team.

Issue In the IAC400 and IAC600, a digital output cannot be forced to a different value. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet Environment IAC400 IAC600 SBO Cause When an IAC400 or IAC600 is imported into SBO using the Micronet interface, on a digital output, the output cannot be forced to another value. Resolution In Visisat, create the SBO export file. Before using the 'Data Import' into the Micronet Interface in SBO, locate and open the export XML file with a suitable program, e.g. Notepad++. Locate the respective controller's 'Digital Output Override State' with the line <P1="IsNonVolatile".... (Note: if opened in another application, e.g. Internet Explorer, the word order may be different!) Change Value= "1" to Value="0" Note: IAC420s are unaffected

Issue The Windows power save is interrupting system operation, i.e if you have a graphic open on a Workstation which is talking to another PC and the mouse has been inactive for some time, when you move the mouse it takes some time to update the graphics Environment Windows ES Continuum Inet Vista SmartStruxure SmartStruxure Lite SBO Cause This is caused by the Windows OS going into a power save mode, this will normally close down the CPU, Network adapter, graphics card etc Resolution   PC is going into a power save mode, Go into, "Control panel", make sure view is "Small icons", then click "Power Options" in here you will have a number of option, set this to "High performance" then "change plan settings" make sure all are set to Never or high performance, when you have done this, goto "Network and Internet" then "Change adapter settings", right click on your network adapter and goto "properties" then click "Configure" then "Power Management" make sure that the power save settings are off, this will stop the network from going to sleep.   This will need to be done on the ES, Workstation PC, Continuum Workstation, SQL server, etc This should then stop you having the delay as the PC wakes up

Issue Getting error “Baudrate on MSTP side not found Proceed anyway?” when trying to connect to MSTP with RoamIO Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment MSTP BACnet Cause Before the RoamIO can start communicating on the MSTP bus it must first determine the baud rate of the network, it does this by listening to the traffic on the network until is able to determine the baud. If there is no traffic on the network the RoamIO will not be able to detect the baud. Possible causes: If the RoamIO is directly connected to a device that does not have a valid mac id (such as a brand new b3 from the factory which has a slave mac id). The cable used to connect the RoamIO to the MSTP network is the wrong one. Resolution Possible solutions: Make sure at least ONE of the devices on the MSTP has a valid MAC ID. Make sure the cable used to connect the RoamIO to the MSTP network is correct. Note that even though the cable that ships with the RoamIO looks the same as the cable used on a telephone handset, it has a different pinout. The RoamIO cable is a straight thru cable while the telephone cable is NOT. Here is what the RoamIO cable pinout looks like:

Issue Getting authentication failure when trying to set to password for "SystemReportsService" through "Building Operation WebReports Administrator" Environment Web Reports 1.6.0 RC and above Cause The Reports Agent can't check the password with the ES. This is dues to one of the three causes below: [1] The Enterprise Server path is not correct [2] The HTTP port entered for the reports agent is not correct [3] The ES is not started [4] The password entered is not correct [5] The reports agent is not started [6] The "Local System" account does not have high enough privileges to communicate out of the server Resolution [1] Enter the right ES server path e.g. using "SBO Reports Agent Config" [2] Enter the same port in HTTP in the ES Software Adminsitrator and the reports agent e.g. using "SBO Reports Agent Config" [3] Start the ES [4] Enter the correct password (you can change the defined password for the "SystemReportsService" through Workstation) Be sure to use the SystemReportsService account in the local domain of the ES [5] Start the reports agent [6] Change the report agent service to run under a local administrator account

Issue There is no full end to end description on how to test SNMP alarms in SmartStruxure 1.6.1 and later Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SNMP Alarms Cause Only a guide on how to create the SNMP alarms is available, but there is no guide available on how to test them. For general information regarding SNMP traps, refer to the following Web Help links: Versions 1.6 and 1.7 SNMP Notification Properties Create SNMP Notification Wizard – SNMP Notification Page SNMP Notification View Version 1.8 and later SNMP Notification Distribution Method Create Notification Wizard - Configure SNMP Page Resolution Download and install "MIB Browser" from iReasoning Download the mib file for SmartStruxure Load the SmartStruxure mib file into the MIB Browser through "File"-->"Load MIBs", and select the SmartStruxure mib file Create a simple alarm in SmartStruxure and make it trigger on a digital point Create a SNMP notification with the following settings. To get to the conditions/filter, open (double click on it or hit enter) the SNMP notification. Only showing the properties of it will not show the filter settings. "Address" is the address of the SNMP manager that receives the SNMP notification, in this test "localhost" since the SNMP manager is installed locally. "User name" is the user name of the user on the SNMP manager that receives the notification. In filter settings, select normal and alarm state, and add "Source server = *" as a condition In the MIB browser, select "Tools"-->"Trap Receiver" Trigger the alarm in SmartStruxure An alarm will now be seen in the MIB browsers trap receiver window

Issue After performing an Export special of an object in SmartStruxure and then importing it into a database, the output bindings of the object are no longer there. Environment Export and Import Workstation Automation Server Enterprise Server Cause Performing an export special and then importing that xml file into another database or the same database after the object has been deleted will no longer have the output bindings of that object. Resolution This behavior functions as designed. See Section 20.31 of the StruxureWare Building Operation: Technical Reference Guide. The documentation states that: "Objects or properties with bindings where the bound objects are in separate import files. To preserve bindings during an import, import the references objects to the targeted server prior to importing the actual objects or programs that refer to these objects. For example, import any referenced I/O points before importing the programs that read and write the I/O points. No matter what order of import is used, the import process will restore the bindings if they are valid at the time of import."

Issue When trying to access Webstation, even on the local PC, using HTTP, the web page is not displayed. You get one of the following messages Internet Explorer 8 Internet Explorer 11 Chrome FireFox Environment Webstation Cause HTTP can be disabled so only HTTPS will work Resolution Make sure to untick the checkbox in security settings for the ES or AS in question SmartStruxure 1.5 SmartStruxure 1.6

Issue When is the Default Output Value applied to an IO Output? Environment AS IO Modules Cause When the AS is disconnected it does not appear to go straight to the Default value. Resolution When an IO Module becomes disconnected from its AS or the AS is unplugged, after 255 Seconds (4.25 Minutes) the IO Outputs will change from the last controlled value to the Default Output Value. When the AS is reconnected (and starts up) the outputs will revert to normal control. "Default Output Value" is an attribute of the output point and is found in the: "Properties, Configuration Settings", this is where you can define its value.

Issue When trying to select meters in Building Operation QT Administrator a 'User is not authorised to access' message appears and a log list cannot be retrieved. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Building Operation QT Administrator Cause This is most likely caused by an incorrect trend log configuration.  Either: - One or more extended trend logs are not configured with a trend log. or - One or more trend logs are not monitoring a point. Resolution Correct the configuration and retry.

Issue If a binding variable is commended out in the program when the line is put back the binding is gone. Consider the following program... TheOUT3 binding variable is commented out... If the comment is removed and the line restored, the corresponding binding is NOT restored. Environment Workstation Script Cause Documentation Resolution This is functioning as designed, if the binding variable is removed in the program code, the associated binding is removed to avoid leaving an orphan binding. When the comment is removed and the binding variable is put back, you will need to re-bind it as SBO does not keep track of deleted bindings and can't automatically restore it.

Issue Necessary settings must be made to enable the SBO Exception Shedule Environment Exceptions in an SBO Schedule Cause Incorect settings on the Exeption Schedule Resolution   Adding a "Holiday Calendar" reference as an Exception to a schedule, an initial value of zero and "no end time" must be checked by editing the green area shown in the example below.

Issue How to enable and use the HTML5 Viewer instead of the Java Viewer in SmartStruxure WebStation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WebStation Cause Starting with SmartStruxure WebStation 1.6.0 there are HTML5 viewers available for both graphics and trends. However, the Java viewer is the default so the HTML5 viewer must be enabled. Resolution Note: As of WebStation version 1.6.0, the HTML5 viewers are still in beta and still have some compatibility issues. To use the HTML5 viewers take the following steps: Log into WebStation On the upper right-hand side click on Settings Check the Use HTML5 viewers option

Issue Need a quick way to find all the analog inputs under all the b3s in the system that are out of service. Environment Workstation Enterprise Server Automation Server b3s Cause Documentation Resolution Create a Search object at the ES or AS level and configure as follows...   In this example the search object is in the ES and it will search for b3 inputs in all of the Automation Servers under the ES.   The search can easily be modified to search for other types of objects that are out of service by changing the class filter.

Issue A huge number of BACnet Alarms stating Duplicate network identifier are being generated Environment BACnet Cause This has been seen when two Continuum bCX1-4040 units were inadvertantly connected together on to a single MSTP network Resolution Correct the wiring, restart the Enterprise Server and the alarms stop

Issue When opening the WorkPlace Tech Editor in Workstation the list of Applications is empty or some of the applications are missing. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation 1.5.0 and up Cause Buffer overflow condition Resolution When this condition occurs; with the Application list displayed hold down the ALT key and click on the refresh icon This will bring up the following information message. Due to a buffer overflow, the System Tree has been collapsed and your unsaved changes have been reverted back to what is currently saved in the server. To navigate to objects again, expand the tree as needed. Click OK and the Application list will be reloaded from the AS and all existing application files will be displayed .

Issue Untranslated infinity error when creating object in b3 or i2 device. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Infinet i2 Controller BACnet b3 Controller Cause b3/i2 devices do not support certain characters in their objects name. Resolution b3/i2 devices do not support certain characters in their objects name. For example, creating an analog input using the name AI-1 will cause the error is the BACnet field is left blank, the EBO name AI-1 can be used but a name needs to be specified in the BACnet name field that is consistent with the b3 naming convention such as AI_1.

Issue What are the sourcing and sinking specifications of the analog voltage outputs on the different controllers? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment i2 b3 XP IO modules Cause Sourcing and sinking refer to the ability of a DC circuit to PUSH or PULL a direct current through the circuit. Resolution Voltage Sourcing In a controller's voltage sourcing output, the output provides a voltage source that PUSHES a direct current through the load as indicated in the illustration below. The current flows from the output's positive (V/+) terminal through the load to the output's negative terminal (-/ RTN). Current Sinking In the illustration below, a controller's voltage output is sinking a current from the load. Note the voltage source in the load's circuit which is at 15 VDC. Because current always flows from positive to negative, the voltage coming from the controller's output (0 - 10 VDC) will ALWAYS be more negative than the load's source of 15VDC, thus a current will flow from the load's voltage source through the controller's output circuit to reach the negative (RTN) side of the output's circuit. The lower the voltage coming out of the controller's output the more negative it will be as compared to the load's voltage source, thus the output will be sinking the most current when it has a value of 0 volts. It is extremely important when using a controller's voltage output in a way that will make it sink current to know the maximum amount of current the output will be sinking and to ensure it does not exceed the current sinking capacity of the controller's output. The following table shows the sourcing and sinking capabilities of the voltage outputs of the different controllers. CONTROLLER VOLTAGE SOURCING CURRENT SINKING COMMENT i2/b3 814 Voltage output 0-10 V @5 ma max 1 ma max Exceeding the 1 mA sink limit will cause the IO readings to be incorrect. ie, inputs may read 999.99

Issue When importing a XIF file generated by XBuilder a warning (that might look like it's an error) is shown regarding missing file name and generated date Environment SmartStruxure Xenta Server XBuilder Cause The XIF file generated by XBuilder doesn't completely follow the LONMARK Device Interface File Reference Guide Resolution The warning can be disregarded, but the XIF file can easily be altered to avoid getting the warning if desired Open the XIF in notepad or similar editor, and change the following. Note the colon before the filename. Original XIF header File generated by TAC XBuilder version 5.1.9, XIF Version 4 Copyright (c) 2000 by TAC AB All Rights Reserved. Run on 0000-00-00 00:00 Changed XIF header File: X913.xif generated by TAC XBuilder version 5.1.9, XIF Version 4 Copyright (c) 2000 by TAC AB All Rights Reserved. Run on Mon Nov 03 08:00:00 2014 File generated by TAC XBuilder version 5.1.9, XIF Version 4 Copyright (c) 2000 by TAC AB All Rights Reserved. Run on 0000-00-00 00:00File generated by TAC XBuilder version 5.1.9, XIF Version 4 Copyright (c) 2000 by TAC AB All Rights Reserved. Run on 0000-00-00 00:00

Issue Need help configuring ETR501/ETR503 setpoint feature. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment AS IO b3 Cause The ETR50x Series sensors support a slider that can be used by the occupants to change the temperature setpoint of the controlled space. Resolution SENSOR CONNECTED TO AS IO MODULE Create a resistive input on an IO module such as the UI16 and wire the slider from the ETR50x unit to the resistive input on the IO module. Move the slider all the way to the left and take note of the value reading at the input. Move the slider all the way to the right and take note of the value reading at the input. Configure the input's conversion using the values noted from steps 2 and 3 as the bottom and top of the electrical scale (see screen shot below) Use desired setpoint values for the top and bottom of the engineering scale, in the example below the slider will allow changing the setpoint between 68 and 78, note that the units has been set to degrees F for readability. Heating/cooling application such as a PE Script can now use the value of the input as the setpoint. SENSOR CONNECTED TO b3 INPUT Same as above except that the input should be configured for VOLTAGE since the b3s do not support resistive inputs.