Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is the significance of initial value settings for some blocks in Menta? Environment Menta PVR, PVB, PVI Cause Initial value settings are used on the first program cycle after a download or the first program cycle after power has been off for more than 72 hours. Resolution The most common error in programming a value for the "initial value" is programming a value that causes some unique aspect of the program to execute. For example, if the initial value of the mixed air temperature is programmed at 0°F and a low limit alarm value of 40°F is part of the logic, a mixed air alarm will be generated on the first program cycle and the fan may be locked in the off position. Always program "safe" initial values.

Issue It is possible to stop the execution of the application in a programmable controller. Typically, this is done accidentally. Environment Xenta programmable controllers Directly connected Menta Cause When you are connected to a controller using the RS232 cable and you are in the online mode you can stop the application by pressing and then releasing the execution button. Resolution  If the application has been stopped while directly connected through a serial cable, and the cable is then disconnected, the application will remain paused. When directly connected to view a Menta application it is best practice not to use the execution button. If an application has been stopped, you must connect directly to the controller again to start the execution.

Issue How do you keep others from using my TAC Vista IV licenses? Environment Vista IV Licensing Cause Networked PCs will look for licenses outside of their local drives. On a shared engineering drive, this can cause problems. Resolution In order to have your PC set up so that it does not share its license over a network: Go to Start > Run > Type in regedit Click OK Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Aladdin Knowledge Systems > Privilege Licenser > Applications Click on PLServe Double click on Network Change the 1 to a 0

Issue Disable TAC Vista IV license sharing over a network Environment TAC Vista IV Licensing Vista Server on an open network Cause Sharing licenses across a network can be a cost effective mechanism to enable several users to use a pool of seats. However, if yours is the only license on the network, it can accidentally be "stolen" by someone else running Vista Server on the same network and you will be unable to connect, or will have to wait a long time for your PC to find an available license elsewhere on the network. Especially in an engineering setting, it is better to disable this feature. Resolution In order to have your PC set up so that it does not share its license over a network: Go to Start > Run Type in regedit, Click OK Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Aladdin Knowledge Systems > Privilege Licenser > Server Addresses Enter the computer name in the TCP/IP Change Broadcast to NO.

Issue In Vista, alarms are not appearing in the alarm handling window. Environment Vista Workstation Alarm Queue Cause If the alarm is set up for a priority of Zero the alarms will not shown in Vista alarm window. Resolution If you are online in Vista, you can change the priority directly in Vista. The changes will be done in your MTA file when you export the file. Go back into Menta change the priority level in the alarm block Redownload the Menta file. Go into Vista Open the object selection box Double click on the alarm object Click on the button Status button Change the priority level Click OK

Issue Recommission a device in LonMaker causes the loss of Configuration Parameter setting that were changed in the browser. Environment Echelon LonMaker Cause These values exist in the device, but not in the database. Resolution When recommissioning, select use Current Values in Device instead of Default. After you have Made all the changes to the CPs in the browser that you want: Close the browser Right click on the device Go to Resynch CPs Select the Option – Upload values from the device Click OK. This will upload the Value that you just sent to the device and insert those values a CP defaults into Lon Maker’s browser. This way every time you recommission a device it will not lose any of these changes.

Issue What can be connected to a UI on an Xenta controller? Environment Xenta programmable Xenta I/O modules Universal Inputs Cause The name "universal input" implies that anything can be connected to it. In reality, it just accepts several different types of inputs (not all). Resolution Thermistor 0-10 volts Open/Close contact

Issue Can you use the thermistor inputs on a 451 for Digital Inputs? Environment Xenta 451 Cause Thermistors can only be used on B inputs and U inputs, not X inputs.  Resolution The associated software does not allow anything with an X input to report anything but an on/off based on a voltage or no voltage.

Issue In LonMaker, how do I get rid of multiple message tags within a base unit virtual function block? Environment Vista Site Cause In LonMaker, how do I get rid of multiple message tags within a base unit virtual function block? Resolution Right click on the VFB and select to delete NVs & MTs. All unconnected message tags will then be deleted.

Issue In the event of an alarm can TAC Vista Server dial out using RAS to another TAC Vista workstation? How does a local site call a remote Service Center? Using RAS? Environment TAC Vista Server IV RAS Cause In the event of an alarm, a service technician can be paged using an email service paging system and then call up the remote location using RAS or PC Anywhere. Resolution Service centers will need to use the mail receiver functionality within TAC Vista.

Issue Should we recommend Message tag bindings be performed after the commissioning of the device? Environment I/NET Site Cause Should we recommend Message tag bindings be performed after the commissioning of the device? Resolution No, this should not be necessary. It may be preferable, however, for a dialed network as the 901 device must be added to the network when connected to the network.

Issue The 901 modem is dialing multiple times (6-8) before successfully registering a change on the alarm window. Environment 901 Modem Cause Normally it only takes one dial-up attempt to establish the communication link. If it takes 6-8 times, it indicates modem or telephone line problems. Resolution In the dial-up parameters, define the number of dial up attempts before line block. 10 is the default value.

Issue Why is the 901 dialing once for each time the alarm is tripped or reset? Is there a way to request that the alarm queue be emptied with one call? Environment 901 Modem Cause This is because the dial up parameters have been configured to do this. Resolution Check the "Alarm delay" parameters where tripped/reset/ack is specified. If you don't want the TAC Xenta 901 to dial up when an alarm is reset or acked, just uncheck the options. Note that the options are per alarm priority.

Issue How do you get the system information of a Xenta Server from a web browser? Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause View the most up to date system information for the firmware version loaded into a Xenta Server. Resolution Getting system information using a web browser: Menu Utilities-System Information Displays all system information such as software versions etc. Use cut/paste to save information. Menu Utilities-Error-Error-System Error Log Displays system information and all error messages in the system error log. Use cut/paste to save information.

Issue On a Xenta 301 controller, what is the 0-10v output impedance? Environment Xenta 301 programmable controller Cause Electric characteristics of the controller can be used to determine if field devices are compatible. Resolution The 0-10v output impedance is approximately 50 ohm, and in the datasheet it supplies maximum 2 mA.

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 A system Format of the file system will remove all files to return device to a factory condition. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Xenta 5xx TAC Xenta 7xx TAC Xenta 9xx Xenta Server Cause A need to reset to factory defaults exists Resolution These actions clears the filesystem and remove all files and information in it. Make sure you have IP and any other information you need to save from the file system. All files and configurations will be lost. Access Xenta using a serial interface via the RS232 port and a HyperTerminal program. obtain a connection to the dsh> prompt Type format. Wait for formatting to be ready , then enter command setip to enter DHCP enable ,ip-address , subnet mask , default gateway , DNS , local name. Default user/password will then be root/root. Remember to change password. Restart system to accept new ip-address. Install Xenta using the install kit. Use ftp transfer and alternative A (We have just formatted the system). Download WebTool project and user defined files. Update bindings using LonMaker.

Issue How many LonWorks Units can you have on Vista system? Environment TAC Vista LNS network LON devices Cause Understanding the LON device maximum limit prior to designing a new system can avoid problems later on. Resolution The official limit is 1000 LWUs on a TAC Vista system. But there are several plants that are using many more. It depends on the amount of communication there is between TAC Vista and the LWUs TAC Vista can support 3200 (50*64) LWUs on each LonWorks network. A TAC Vista system can contain 65535 objects (sum of Logical and Physical).

Issue TAC Xenta 901/401/30x won't dial up to TAC Vista system Environment Xenta 901, 401, 30x Cause Incorrectly formatted parameters. Resolution Check that the correct phone number is downloaded to the TAC Xenta. Define network object and click on modem params.

Issue Download a new .ndb file to a TAC Xenta Unit in TAC Vista 3 Environment Vista 3 Cause Updating the network database structure for a Xenta unit. Resolution Browse the new .ndb file in Vista (in the $ndb object select file). Open the status dialogue Right click on the desired level (network, TAC Xenta group or TAC Xenta) Select download application and parameters.

Issue How many trendlogs can the Xenta 511 handle? How many log values can be stored? Environment Xenta 511 Cause Knowing limitations on the maximum number of trends and trend data helps engineer the system properly. Resolution 150 trendlogs are supported. Total 100,000 values are possible to store.