Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue No alarms are being displayed in the alarm queue. This includes alarms from any automation server that has been added underneath an enterprise server database or enterprise server alarms. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation Alarm Queue Cause This is a result of the alarm queue filter containing active filter conditions. Resolution Remove alarm filters: Click the Alarm Filter icon on the toolbar of the alarm queue. In the Select Conditions window, make sure that all of the alarm conditions have been removed or only the filters that you want remain. To remove an alarm condition, simply click the trashcan button on the far right side of the condition. Note: If a blank condition is left behind, it will prevent any alarm from being displayed in the alarm queue.

Issue Often data is required to be exported out from the Continuum system for record keeping or for further analysis, what keywords can be used to help with this? Environment Cyberstation Plain English programs - all versions. Microsoft Excel Product Line Andover Continuum Cause Specific help is available in the product for specific keywords but how can these be put together to export data to .CSV format. Resolution As we do not advocate 3rd party system trying to directly extract data from the Continuum database, you should create a Plain English program in a Workstation that can export logged data directly from the controllers out to a .CSV or .TXT file.   Keywords to use for this purpose are: OpenFile WriteFile CloseFile   Details of the above Keywords are available in the Cyberstation internal help pages.   The attached example dump file could be run on a daily basis to extract temperature logs from a controller and save them to files with a date stamped naming convention.   Click to download the example WriteFile dump file. 

Issue Reload of BCX receives error "Infinity controller error: Controller has no assigned Infinet port An error was detected while attempting to set an attribute in a remote Infinity object" Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation BCX 9640 BCX4040 Infinet controller b3 Cause Reloading of a BCX 9640 resulted in error "Infinity controller error: Controller has no assigned Infinet port.  An error was detected while attempting to set an attribute in a remote Infinity object"   Suspected that a learn on the commport was performed or infinet controllers were manually created causing no assigned comm port. Resolution As with any edit of the Continuum system, please make sure to backup the database.   Follow these steps: Send BCX to text file  Add commport to each Infinet controller entry as below Import newly edited text dump file into the BCX. Reload BCX   Example of an original dump file exported in step 1 and the new dump file after the commport is added in step 2. Original Dump File New Dump File Object : Spare   Type : InfinityInfinetCtlr   LastChange : 1/11/2011 4:01:19 PM   DeviceId : Zoo\GreenHouse   Alias : Spare   CreateTime : 8/24/2010 8:28:22 AM   CreatedBy : Root\Acc   TimeLocked : 2/15/2011 12:53:26 PM   InstanceId : 7015/7167   CntrlType : 851   Description : Spare Controller No Points   InfinetId : 1   Location : Control Cabinet   NetworkId : 11   SerialNum : 12345   VersionNum : 2.160000  EndObject   Object : Spare   Type : InfinityInfinetCtlr   LastChange : 1/11/2011 4:01:19 PM   DeviceId : Zoo\GreenHouse   Alias : Spare   CreateTime : 8/24/2010 8:28:22 AM   CreatedBy : Root\Acc   TimeLocked : 2/15/2011 12:53:26 PM   InstanceId : 7015/7167   CntrlType : 851   Description : Spare Controller No Points   InfinetId : 1   Location : Control Cabinet   NetworkId : 11   Port : comm2   SerialNum : 12345   VersionNum : 2.160000  EndObject  

Issue Calculation for converting static air pressure to cfm Product Line TAC INET Environment INET HVAC Site Cause What are the calculations for converting static air pressure to cfm? Resolution SRVP ("water column") * 4005 = FPM (feet per minute). The second calculation is FPM * AreaFtSQ (size of box) = CFM You will need an airflow monitoring device and duct static pressure sensor to measure SRV P (v of Vs of P).

  Issue No more equation characters can be entered into a Function Block application Product Line EcoStruxure Buildings Operation Environment Buildings Operation WorkStation Buildings Operations Function Block Editor Cause You have exceeded the maximum number of characters allowed in a Function Block expression editor.   Resolution Expression text must have less than 500 characters. Split larger equations into two Function Blocks if needed. How to add an Expression Block  Expression Blocks 

Issue When adding License Entitlements via Device Administrator using the online method. After clicking activate, a "Communication failed" message is displayed:   Could not establish contact with License Server using SmartX Server Followed by a "License Operation Failed" message:   Add entitlement failed. License Server is offline. Error code: 41 Error message: CURL error: Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Device Administrator Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause When activating a SmartX Server license online, the SmartX server will try to connect to the license activation server to activate the license. If it cannot resolve the license activation server site name and connect, it will show up as offline. Resolution Make sure that the SmartX Server DNS is properly configured in the AS-P.  In Device Administrator select the Ethernet 1 Configuration tab. Check the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary DNS settings If unsure of the correct DNS address, enter the Google DNS address of 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4. The example below shows a local router address as the Primary DNS and Google DNS as the Secondary and Tertiary DNS.   To confirm that the SmartX Server can resolve the license activation server address Open a Console session on the SmartX Server in Device Administrator. Enter the command: ping schneider-electric.flexnetoperations.com If the DNS is correctly set in the SmartX Server, the result should look similar to that shown below: Note: Ensure that the ASP is fully connected to the Internet in order to perform Online Embedded License Activation. You need to be connected to the Automation Server using IP (Not via USB) to activate the embedded license.

Issue Is there any adaptive tuning in the flow control loop that drives the MP-V or RP-V damper loop that will be negatively impacted by extended periods of non-zero box flow setpoints when the associated AHU is disabled (i.e. no pressure at VAV so the damper will open fully and the flow control loop will saturate). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV EasyLogic RP-V Cause No information on the internal Variable Air Volume Data object Resolution Airflow control in the MP and RP VAV controllers is not impacted by extended periods of non-zero box flow setpoints when the associated AHU is disabled. The damper is actuated by a single-speed motor with three states (open, close, hold), and to avoid windup or saturation effects, the flow control algorithm is not a PID loop. There is no need to link the AHU enable to the MP or RP flow control logic.

Issue Unable to locate data sheet for the MD-S1 and MD-S2 auxiliary switch Product Line Field Devices Environment MD-S1 auxiliary switch MD-S2 auxiliary switch Cause No data sheets can to be found. Resolution Data sheets for the MD-S1 and MD-S2 auxiliary switches are not available. To review the MD-S Auxiliary Switch Installation Sheet, please click HERE.

Issue Using Sigma with a Virtual USB Dongle / Virtual USB Dongle / AnywhereUSB Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma 4.05 SP2 Sigma 4.05 SEB Windows XP Windows 7 AnywhereUSB/5 Gen 2 Cause The requirement for the Sigma dongle to be installed remote from the Sigma server PC. Resolution 1. Install AnywhereUSB hardware. 2. Follow AnywhereUSB manufacturer's instructions and install device software and drivers on PC where Sigma Server is to be installed and assign a static IP address. 3. Install Sigma dongle. 4. Install Sigma software if not already installed and run. Download manufacturers datasheet http://www.digi.com/pdf/prd_usb_anywhereusb.pdf Download manufactures manual https://www.digi.com/resources/documentation/digidocs/PDFs/90001085.pdf   Schneider Electric can now provide a software license in replacement for the Sigma dongle. See knowledge base article Sigma parallel port dongle or USB dongle upgrade to SBO/EBO software license exchange, for more information.  

Issue Upgrading  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Cause Guidelines for upgrading to higher releases Resolution Non-Sequential Upgrades: Versions 1.9.1 and Newer Starting in version 1.9.1, non-sequential upgrades can be performed from versions 1.5.X and newer. Please refer to the "Upgrading" section of the Release Notes for the software version you are upgrading to. The "Upgrading" section will direct you to prior release notes that you need to read through before upgrading and point out items with limited runtime compatibility during the upgrade process.  NOTE: If upgrading a system at 1.5/1.6/1.7/1.8 with LON devices, please be aware that there are special steps that must be taken to prepare the database for upgrade. These steps can be found in the Release Notes as well.  Sequential Upgrades: Versions 1.8.1 and Older For versions 1.8.1 and older, the upgrade process is sequential. In other words 1.2.0, 1.3.0, 1.4.0, 1.4.0.4020, 1.5.0, 1.6.1 The upgrade process can be found in the System Upgrade Reference Guide. The primary released versions were 1.0.0.161 1.1.0.362 1.2.0.767 1.3.0.938 1.3.0.10100 SP1 1.3.0.20011 SP2 1.4.0.4020 1.4.1.68 1.5.0.532 1.6.0.250 (RC) 1.6.1.5000 1.7.0.255 (RC) 1.7.1.89 The minimum upgrade path would be: 1.0.0.161 Official Release 1.1.0.362 Official Release 1.2.0.767 Official Release 1.2.0.2207 1.3.0.938 Official Release 1.3.0.10100 1.4.0.4020 1.4.1.68 Official Release 1.5.0.532 Official Release* 1.6.1.5000 Official Release 1.7.1.89 Official Release Note: On one site, the AS would not upgrade from 1.5.0.532 to 1.6.1.5000. Going to the 1.6 RC resolved the issue.   1. In order to upgrade to 1.5 the site must be at 1.4.0.4020 or higher. Some sites may be still running at 1.4.0.818, which was the original 1.4.0 release. Although this is not officially supported and will not be tested, it is likely to experience the same upgrade as one from 1.4.0.4020. 2. An upgrade from 1.4.0.4020 to 1.5 will NOT offer any runtime compatibility, while an upgrade from 1.4.1 to 1.5 will offer runtime compatibility. Consequently, for a site to maximize its operational status through the upgrade, we have two different upgrade scenarios as described below. a. 1.4.0 to 1.5 – this process flow is designed to allow as much of the plant as possible to continue to operate through the entire upgrade. For the first three steps of the process the Enterprise Server will continue to aggregate the alarms from all of the 1.4.0 Automation Server. Once the halfway mark is reached the Enterprise Server can be upgraded and will begin to aggregate the alarms from the 1.5.0 Automation Server.              i. Upgrade one WorkStation in order to be able to communicate directly to any of the 1.5 Automation Server that are upgraded in b below.             ii. Upgrade 50% of the Automation Server             iii. Upgrade Enterprise Server and all but one WorkStation             iv. Upgrade the remaining Automation Server             v. Upgrade the remaining WorkStation b. 1.4.1 to 1.5 - In this process, we can take advantage of the support for runtime compatibility and the Enterprise Server will receive alarms from both the 1.4.1 and the 1.5 Automation Server.             i. Upgrade Enterprise Server and all but one WorkStation which can be used to talk directly to unupgraded Automation Server if configuration changes are needed             ii. Upgrade Automation Server             iii. Upgrade final WorkStation Note: some sites have experienced issues with the ES restart after upgrade because of the .Net Framework 4.5 upgrade and port 80 usage. Adjusting this port to an available port resolves the problem. The conversion log may indicate an upgrade warning similar to warning shown below, this warning can be safely ignored, and furthermore the upgrade program corrects the problem in the 1.5 database.           :02:11  WARNING:      Property PFE202_PF601.SI in (~/BACnet/Application/ELE/GRAPHIQUES/ECLUSES CD S4/PORTES_CE_S4) is not defined in the new system, skip           PFE202_PF601.SI. <script src="chrome://dce.addin/content/content_javascript.js"> </script>

Issue Documentation on the MSC-MPC Microsmart controller and its associated modules. Product Line TAC I/A Series Environment Microsmart controller MSC-MPC MPC-4AO MPC-8AI MPC-2PO MPC-SSR MPC-4CO Cause Obsolete controller Resolution Click here to view the installation instructions on the MSC-MPC. Click each associated module part number below to view its installation instructions: MPC-4AO MPC-8AI MPC-2PO MPC-SSR MPC-4CO

Issue TGML pages are slow to load in Workstation TGML objects are not responsive Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation TGML Cause The driver of the graphic card is outdated or not supported. Resolution Visit the webpage of the PC's brand and update the driver for the graphic card.

Issue The following issues have been found to occur due to the Windows 7 User Account Control Settings: When starting I/NET, receive an error message indicating, "This is an unregistered version of I/NET.  Please contact TAC to register this copy of I/Net." DBCreate does not accept Windows Authentication login.  It only allows access to DBCreate using the SQL Server authentication login option. Login Issue with SevenReports (Crystal Reports)  Product Line TAC I/NET Environment I/NET Seven 2.4x Windows 7  Windows 10  Cause The User Account Control Settings appears to block access to these files required by the I/NET applications. Resolution Set the User Account Control Settings to "Never notify". Go to Windows Start Icon In the Search prompt, type in User Account - Select the option "Change User Account Control settings" from the Control Panel options shown below: The default setting is shown. Change this setting to "Never notify." You will be presented with the following confirmation - Select Yes Restart your PC Test the issue and re-install I/NET (a repair may be adequate) if the issue remains before contacting support.  This setting is only required to be done once for all users on the PC.

Issue The following error message appears when trying to change the system security settings of an Enterprise Server in Webstation:   An error has occurred Object protected ~/System/Security Manager/Global Security Settings     In Workstation the same settings are disabled (greyed out) and cannot be edited at all:   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Webstation Building Operation Workstation Cause The probable cause of this issue is that the Enterprise server is part of an EC - ES multiserver system setup. Then some settings are in a Lead - Shadow relationship and can only be controlled from the top EC (Enterprise Central) server. Resolution Edit these settings on the top Enterprise Central server.

Issue Graphics are not displayed via the WebStation. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation WebStation Graphics Trends Display issues Long hyphen # character Cause When a graphic is requested on a Building Operation Webstation, it is not displayed. The display will remain blank. Resolution Try the following steps below to correct the WebStation loading issue. Check the file size of the graphic page. If the TGML graphic size is too large it can have issues loading in WebStation. Majority of the times it is due to an image that is too large such as a floor plan.  If a graphic, or trend chart object, is created through a EcoStruxure Building Operation WorkStation and its name contains a "long hyphen", the graphic and trend chart objects cannot be viewed through WebStation. The long hyphen is not a supported character. When creating object names do not use the long hyphen (—) only use the short hyphen if required (-) If the version being used is 1.3, upgrading to 1.4.1x may resolve the issue. Check the name of the AS, an unsupported character may have been used e.g.#, to resolve, remove the character.

Issue Graphics appear fine when viewed from WorkStation, but when a web browser (WebStation) is used to view the AS, dark lines appear across portions of the graphic. Some objects with transparent backgrounds (fill set to "None") may appear with a grey background when viewed through a web browser. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment AS TGML Graphics WebStation Cause WebStation is less forgiving of some improper configuration settings than WorkStation. Objects attributes must follow proper syntax for Fill, Stroke, or Visibility. Resolution Open the graphic page in the TGML viewer Change lines, borders, and fills to some other value (black, for example) Change the attribute back to the desired setting (Visibility = Hidden or Fill = None) Save the graphic The improperly formatted attributes should be overwritten with the correct syntax and the graphic appears as desired in both environments.

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 for assistance. Issue When EBO servers (ES & AS) no more need to keep the unnecessary TrendLog objects, the obsolete objects need to be deleted from EBO servers, and their log data need to be removed from the Extended Log Storage (PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB) server as well.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server External Log Storage PostgreSQL (pgAdmin 4) TimescaleDB  Cause Deleting the obsolete TrendLog objects from EBO servers does not remove the old log data of the obsolete TrendLogs left in the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database. Resolution Once the obsolete TrendLog objects are deleted from EBO servers, their log data are no longer saved in the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB. The next task is removing the old log data left in the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database.   1. As always, backup current EB & AS’s databases from EBO workstation.   2. As always, backup the current PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database and save to a safe location. Backup the “ebo_db” from the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server using the pgAdmin 4 (refer to https://www.pgadmin.org/docs/pgadmin4/development/backup_dialog.html , or refer to page 8 “Backup” section of the “EBO External Log Storage Installer.pdf” document for detail).  3.Remove the obsolete TrendLog from the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database (the “ebo_db”). Method_1: Delete the EBO TrendLog object from ES & AS’s & TimescaleDB using EBO workstation. (1) From the EBO workstation, expand the folder (location) of the TrendLog object, and delete the TrendLog object. (2) From the EBO workstation, go to the TimescaleDB folder (/Server 1/System/External Log Storage/TimescaleDB/Trend /Logs/Tree View), and delete the Trendlog object from PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database. (3) Verify the TrendLog disappears from both the EBO and the PostgreSQL/Timescale DB.   Method_2: If the above Method1 takes a long time to complete, you can delete the TrendLog objects from PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database directly.  (1) From the EBO workstation, expand the folder (location) of the TrendLog object, and delete the TrendLog object. (Same as item (1) of the above Method_1) (2) From the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server, run the pgAdmin 4, select the “ebo_db”, open the “Query Tool”, and execute the below scripts: Find the ID of the obsolete TrendLog from the trend_meta table. Select Externallogid, source from trend_meta where sources like '%TrendLog Name or Path%' Remove the TrendLog from the 2 tables using the above found Externallogid as below. Delete from trend_data where externallogid = 1234567890 Delete from trend_meta where externallogid = 1234567890 (3) Verify the TrendLog disappears from both the EBO and the PostgreSQL/Timescale DB.  

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 for assistance. Issue After deleting unnecessary TrendLog objects from EBO and their logged data from the Extended Log Storage (PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB) by selecting the “Clear log” from the System folder (i.e.: Server1/System/Extended Log Storage/TimescaleDB/Trend/Tree View/…”), the Windows still shows the same free disk space size as it was before the deletion. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server External Log Storage PostgreSQL (pgAdmin 4) TimescaleDB  Cause PostgreSQL databases require periodic maintenance known as vacuuming for Windows to recover or reuse the freed-up disk space occupied by PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB. Resolution There are two variants of VACUUM: standard VACUUM and VACUUM FULL.  VACUUM FULL can reclaim more disk space but runs much more slowly.  VACUUM FULL requires an exclusive lock on the table it is working on, and therefore cannot be done in parallel with other use of the table. Refer to the documentation mentioned at  https://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.5/routine-vacuuming.html  before performing the VACUUM command.   Below is an example of the procedure to get the freed-up disk space occupied by PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB back to Windows.   1. Back up the current PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database and save to a safe location. Backup the “ebo_db” from the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server using the pgAdmin 4 (refer to https://www.pgadmin.org/docs/pgadmin4/development/backup_dialog.html , or refer to page 8 “Backup” section of the “EBO External Log Storage Installer.pdf” document for detail).   2. Stop the External Log Storage from EBO. Open the Properties of the TimescaleDB object (/Server/System/External Log Storage/).\ Remember (take a note) the current value settings of the “Host Address” & the “Database Name” attributes. Change them to the wrong value (or clear them) so that EBO fails to connect to the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server. Repeat the above operation for all the other servers (AS’s) that are enabled/connected to the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server.   3.Delete the old logs from the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB database (the “ebo_db”). Run the pgAdmin 4, select the “ebo_db”, open the “Query Tool”, and execute the below scripts:   Delete from trend_data where DATE_PART('day', now() - timestamp) > 365   Delete from event_data where DATE_PART('day', now() - timestamp) > 365   4. Vacuum the Database with Full option. From the same Query Tool on the “ebo_db”, run the below command: Vacuum Full Wait until it completes (this may take a while depending on the number of old logs that have been deleted from the tables).   5. Start the External Log Storage from EBO. Open the Properties of the TimescaleDB object (/Server/System/External Log Storage/). Set the value of the “Host Address” & the “Database Name” back to the correct value, so that the EBO server successfully connects to the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server. Verify the EBO server is connected to the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server, and it works normally.    Repeat the above operations for all the other EBO servers (AS’s) that were disabled/disconnected from the PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB server.  

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

Issue VTRA Valve Body requires replacement due to obsolescence. Product Line Field Devices Environment VTRA 3-port Mixing Valve Body Cause Obsolescence of VTRA Valve Body Resolution VTRA Valve Bodies are obsolete and have been for many years. VTRA Valve Bodies were available with either Flanged or Screwed connections.  Details of the various size / connection combinations available appear VTRA Specification Sheet. REPLACEMENT OF VTRA FLANGED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (32-80mm) may be selected from the VTRE range of Flanged Valve Bodies, see VTRE S-E Specification Sheet for more datails. N.B. It should be noted that the VTRE Valve Body is rated PN6 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10. The VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the EM9 Actuator, see Alternatively the VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the M9B Actuator, See EM 9 Specification Sheet for more details. No Linkage Kit is required to mount the EM9 or M9B Actuator on the VTRE Valve Body. Alternatively a replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (65-80mm only) may be selected from the the S-E VG311F and V321 3-Port Flanged Valve Bodies, more details can be found in the Venta VG311F 65-150C Specification Sheet and the Venta V321 Specification Sheet N.B. It should be noted that the S-EVG311F and V321 Valve Body are rated PN16 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10.   REPLACEMENT OF VTRA SCREWED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Screwed Valve Body (15-50mm) may be selected from the MB range of Screwed Valve Bodies, see the MB/MBF data sheet for more details. The MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10B series Actuator, see the MD10B specification sheet for more details. Alternatively the MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10A Actuator, see the MD10A specification sheet for more details.