Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue UPC Barcodes and EAN Barcodes Environment Site ordering parts from Schneider-Electric Cause What are UPC Barcodes and EAN Barcodes Resolution The EAN contains a 13 digit number and the UPC contains a 12 digit number. EAN = 0012345678905 UPC = (0)012345678905 or 012345678905 GS1, the original source for barcodes has created the confusion between UPC (Universal Product Codes) and EAN (European Article Numbers also called International Article Numbers) Below is an example of a Schneider Electric SHR110 room RH/Temp sensor:

Issue Right after successfully creating a simple XML Web Service all the values show 0 and the Web Service is offline Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Simple XML Web Service Workstation Enterprise Server Automation Server Cause Possible cause 1: SmartStruxure Workstation can handle URL's both with and without the final forward slash even if the URL is just an IP address and a port number. The ES or AS can't handle that, and so after creating the variables through Workstation, the Web Service goes offline after it is added to the server. Possible cause 2: The XML file or response is not UTF8 encoded but "UCS-2 LE BOM" encoded or something else. Resolution Solution 1: Add a final forward slash to the Web Service URL - e.g. http://localhost:8000 should be http://localhost:8000/ Solution 2: Make sure the XML file is correctly encoded in UTF8 - you can check and change the encoding with e.g. Notepad++

Issue In some cases, if the block connected to reset (rs) of a Run Time (RT) block is a trigger (TRIG) block, the RT block will never reset. Environment Menta Xenta Cause If the order of the TRIG and RT block is not correct, the RT block will miss the pulse from the TRIG block. This only seems to happen when the block connected to the TRIG block is a PV block such as PVB. If the block connected to the TRIG block is e.g. a physical input such as DI the problem doesn't occur. Resolution There are two solutions to this problem Solution 1: Create the blocks in the correct order First create the "TRIG" block and then create the "RT" block. If you already have both, then delete the "RT" block, save and create a new "RT" block. Solution 2: Add a DELB block Add a "DELB" block before the "TRIG" block. This will make the "TRIG" block hold the signal long enough for the "RT" block to detect it.

Issue Sigma controllers that have been cold started do not recover correctly. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Sigma Environment Sigma Server Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause Having imported a Sigma database into the Sigma Interface on the Enterprise Server, and following a controller cold start, Sigma controllers fail to fully recover. The controller correctly receives the Backup server number, but fails to request the data from the Sigma Server. Resolution This issue is resolved as follows; Data Import the Sigma Data. Stop and restart the Enterprise Server using the Software Administrator Cold start a controller to confirm that it fully recovers. Note: A  restart of the Enterprise Server will be required again if any new additional controllers are to be added to the Enterprise Server. This workaround only works for ARM7 controllers, for V53 devices, the Sigma 4.08 (3.46.79) Hot Fix is available on the Download Centre and needs to be installed at the Sigma Server machine. Note; this hotfix is a separate item to any other Sigma hotfix and the correct Sigma Transition Tool version needs to be installed.

Issue Importing of AutoCAD .dwg files fails to import into StruxureWare Building Operation Grahics Editor Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site Cause Importing of AutoCAD .dwg files fails to import into StruxureWare Building Operation Grahics Editor Resolution It is the third party library Leadtools that fails to convert the file. The files in question are constructed with version post 2010 but our Leadtools library is from 2006. To fix this issue the Leadtools library needs to be updated. This will be fixed in a future release. The dwg drawings will need to be saved in an earlier release for compatibility with Graphics Editor.  

Issue While in "Edit in spreadsheet" mode for a Modbus device, changes made to the gain value are not accepted and cannot be changed.  Environment Workstation Modbus Network Devices 1.5.0 and prior Cause When the gain value of a Modbus point is changed to a decimal value in spreadsheet mode, the value will not be accepted if there is an integer in front of the decimal.  Resolution The workaround for this issue is to right click on each modbus point and go to properties of each modbus point to set the decimal gain value. Or you can copy and paste values from Excel into the SmartStruxure spreadsheet. For additional detail on this issue, see the below sections.   Edit in Spreadsheet All whole numbers can be entered using spreadsheet mode. If the gain value to be entered is greater than -1 and  less than 1 then it can be entered using the spreadsheet as well but the value must be entered by typing the decimal first. For example instead of typing 0.1 you would type .1 into the gain field. If the value 1.26 is typed into the gain field it will actually save it to 126. In this situation reference the bottom section "Edit in properties of Modbus point". Edit in properties of the Modbus point If the decimal value to be entered is less than -1 or greater than 1, then it must be changed in the properties of each individual Modbus point. For example if you need to change the gain to 1.26 then it must be entered as seen below. Right click on the modbus point and go to the properties.

Issue Unable to get modbus to communicate with the automation server and LC&D GR2400 lighting controller. Environment Modbus Automation server LC&D GR2400 SmartStruxure Solution 1.5 Cause The LC&D GR2400 lighting controller will ONLY allow 1 stop bit in it's modbus communication. Normally the stop bit setting in a modbus slave device is an "at least number", meaning the GR2400 should except 1 or more stop bits, but it does not. The problem comes from the automation server by  default sends the 1 stop bit and addition "guard bits" for modbus communication. The guard bit setting was not available in versions prior to 1.5 and by default the automation server would send 3 stop bits causing the modbus communication to fail with the GR2400lighting controller. Resolution In SmartStruxure 1.5 right click on the Modbus Master Network and select properties. Click the advanced tab:         3. Here you see the guard bit setting. This value should be a 0 if the automation server is to ONLY send 1 stop bit. If this number is left at default the automation server will add the number of guard bits to the user       setting of stop bits. By default that makes 3 stop bits from the Automation Server. To properly communicate to the GR2400 the guard bit setting should be a 0 and the user selected stop bit should be a 1 in order to ONLY send 1 stop bit.

Issue When installing I/NET on a 64 bit machine, two parts will be installed: main part and 64 bit part. Sometimes when attempting to uninstall the 64 bit part in the Control Panel, it will show an error: There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A problem required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support personnel or package vendor. It cannot be solved even when trying to reinstall the whole software. The software installer goes into continuous loop and does not complete. Environment I/NET 64 bit OS Cause The main part of I/NET on 64 bit machine is under C:\Program Files (x86)\INET Seven\ and another 64 bit part is under C:\Program Files\INET Seven\.The cause of this issue is when you tried to uninstall the main part in Control Panel first, it will also delete the files under C:\Program Files\INET Seven\, which makes the uninstall program unusable for 64 bit component. When trying to reinstall the software, I/NET will regard the 64 bit part has been installed and skip this step, which forces the software installer into a continuous loop. Resolution The correct order to uninstall I/NET on 64 bit machine should be to uninstall 64 bit component first, and then the main part in the Control Panel. If the main part has already been uninstalled, try to download MyUninstaller from here. After opening the software, right click on the I/NET 64 components and choose Delete Selected Entries. That will force uninstalling this component.  After that, try to install another version and it should be fine.

Issue Sometime it is hard to trace the File Equalization process, especially when issues happens. Environment I/NET File Equalization Cause There is a log file under C:\INET Seven Data\ called INetEqzConfig.log. This will record the whole process of file equalization. But it is not so accurate if I/NET shows the equalized client finished the equalization although it is not. Resolution There is a function in SQL management tool called Replication Monitor. This can monitor the current SQL replication status of all the clients, which is file equalization, on the filemaster. 1. Open SQL management tool on Filemaster, and right click on Replication to Launch Replication Monitor. 2. In the monitor, after you start the Filemaster, you will see the local SQL server. If there is no equalized client, the list will be empty. 3. If the equalized clients appear, they will show up in the list. If it shows Synchronizing, that means file equalization is working. 4. If it shows Not synchronizing, it means the file equalization doesn't start or has been finished.

Issue On a SmartStruxure workstation PC how can the Menta communication port be changed. Environment SmartStruxure 1.5 Cause The Menta setup application is not added in the start menu. This exe is located in the StruxureWare install files and can be run to change the communication port for a direct RS232 connection This file is located in the following directories 64bit systems C:\Program Files (X86)\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Buildings Operation 1.5\Workstation\Menta Setup.exe 32 bit system C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Buildings Operation 1.5\Workstation\Menta Setup.exe Resolution Run the Menta Setup.exe and add the communication port that Menta will use. For the first time the other settings must be entered as detailed in this image.

Issue Creating a StruxureWare Saved Search which functions as an Inet Off Normal Point Summary Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation Cause This tool can be used for troubleshooting and as an example of how to use the search features found in StruxureWare Resolution In StruxureWare, click on the Magnifier Icon next to the search field to open the Advanced Search Window Set the Search field to an asterisk " * " Set "In folder" to the I/NET Interface Uncheck the Include properties option Click on the ellipsis next to "Include types" Select INET Point Click on the Ellipsis next to Conditions Add conditions so that the search will show when Alarm is true OR Test is True OR Manual is True OR Old Data is True OR Alarm Acknowledge is False As an option, you can include offline items as well. Click on the Save Search Criteria Icon Name the Search and choose a destination folder You can now perform the same search with one click from the System tree.

Issue How to add b3 devices to EcoStruxure. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation b3 BACnet Cause List the methods of adding b3 devices to EcoStruxure Building Operation Resolution The following information can be found in the EcoStruxure Building Operation - Technical Reference Guide. Use the guide relevant to the release of EBO installed.   Discovering b3 BACnet Devices with the Device Discovery View Using the Device Discovery view to search deployed Automation Servers for b3 BACnet devices. For more information, see section "b3 BACnet Device Overview". To discover b3 BACnet devices with the Device Discovery view In WorkStation, click the Device Discovery view. In the System Tree pane, click the Automation Server to be searched. In Select device type, click on BACnet devices. Select the b3 BACnet device you want in the Device result pane. Map a device by dragging that device from the Device result area and dropping it in the System Tree pane. When prompted, copy the device only or copy the device and all of its children.   Learning b3 BACnet Devices b3 BACnet devices van be learned and to automatically assign the node IDs and initiate communication with devices on the MS/TP network. Tip: It is possible to learn b3 devices when the b3 devices and the Automation Server functioning as the BACnet interface are connected and online. If the b3 devices are not physically connected to the network, it is also possible to manually create and configure the devices offline in Workstation. For more information, see section  "b3 BACnet Devices. To learn b3 BACnet devices In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the MSTP Network In WorkStation, on the Actions menu, click b3 devices and Learn When the b3 BACnet devices are learned, click Close If necessary, perform a download operation to eliminate any old points and programs stored on the b3 BACnet device.

Issue Looking at the properties of the NIC-USB in workstation the status changes from Online to offline over a 5-10 second cycle Environment SmartStruxure 1.5 Cause The NIC-USB is set up as an application Resolution In the Loytec LConfig software select the Advanced button and make sure that "Run as Service.." is selected.

Issue Error "Invalid Server Type" when attempting to log into the Project Configuration Server (PCS) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.5 and newer Cause Attempting to log into the Enterprise Server IP and Port address with Workstation for Projects Resolution Ensure that the Project Configuration Server is installed. Open Software Administrator and check that the Project Configuration Server tab is shown. If not then the server has not been installed. Install this first When using Workstation for Projects, make sure you use the correct port setting (HTTP or HTTPS) as defined in the Software Administrator

Issue How can I change the IP address of a server (ES or AS) after having added it to my PCS project Environment Project Configuration Server Cause You can't change the IP address of a server in the properties for that server Resolution 1. Click on the project 2. Click on "Servers" 3. Click "Properties" 4. Click on the server which IP address you wish to change 5. Change the IP address and click save

Issue Creating a failure recovery option for Scheduled Reports Environment Web Reports Cause By default, reports will attempt to run at their scheduled time without accounting for failure recovery. Resolution Open Windows Server manager Expand Configurations Expand Task Scheduler Select the Task Scheduler library You will see a list of tasks which include all Scheduled Reports Browse to a Report Task In the Select Item Pane, click on Properties On the Setting Tab, check the box for "If the task fails, restart every" Change other settings as desired Click Ok. For additional logging, you can also look under the Action Pane to Enable logging for all tasks.

Warning Issue Upgrading Reports Server from 1.4.1 to 1.5 Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.5.0 Windows Server 2008 R2 Reports Server WebReports Enterprise Server Cause Failure to follow upgrade guides may result in data loss. The most likely point of failure seems to be running the Reporting Agent Service on the Reports Server while upgrading the Enterprise Server. The Upgrade will error out if SQL2008 R2 is not upgraded to SP2 or .NET framework is not upgraded to 4.5 at the indicated points. Resolution This resolution process was developed from the System Upgrade Reference Guide and tested on a single PC. Windows Server 2008 R2 at StruxureWare Building Operation 1.4.1 running SQL2008 R2 SP1 and .NET 4.0 upgraded to StruxureWare Building Operation 1.5.0 SQL2008 R2 SP2 and .NET 4.5.  You can find and download all 1.5.0 released software and documentation by searching the Building Download Center for the tag "relsbov1.5" Backup Enterpriser Server, All Automation Servers and Report Server. Store backups on external media. If desired, create a Windows snapshot for a quick return point. Download all StruxureWare Building Operation 1.5 Installation files, SQL2008 R2 Upgrade files and .NET 4.5 installer. Close all StruxureWare applications In the Windows Server Manager, Expand Configuration and Select Services Browse to “StruxureWare Reporting Agent”, right click on it and select stop Open Software Administrator and stop the ES service. Close Software Administrator In the Windows Server Manager - Services section, stop the service “Building Operation 1.4 License Server” Run the .NET 4.5 installer. If prompted to restart, select Restart Later. If the PC restarts on its own, verify that all services listed above are stopped before moving forward. (repeat on all PCs) Run the License Administrator 1.5.0 installer Run the Enterprise Server 1.5.0 installer; select the Upgrade current version option. Note the ports used. Port 80 should not be used for http communication when the ES is installed on the Same PC as the Report Server. If desired install the Project Configuration Server.  Be sure that the HTTP port is not the same as what is used for the Enterprise Server and not port 80 Open Software Administrator and verify that both the Enterprise Server and PCS are running and using different ports Install Workstation. If you are upgrading from 1.4.1 to 1.5 and planning to delay the upgrade of the Automation Servers, you should install Workstation in parallel instead of upgrading Install Device Administrator. If you are upgrading from 1.4.1 to 1.5 and planning to delay the upgrade of the Automation Servers, you should install Workstation in parallel instead of upgrading At this time, upgrade any required Automation Servers. If upgrading from 1.4.0, all AS must be upgraded together. Install any required language packs If required, download and install the SQL2008 R2 upgrade to SP2 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30437The default file name for the upgrade installer is SQLServer2008R2SP2-KB2630458-x64-ENU.exe In Windows Control Panel, go to Programs and Features Uninstall the “Building Operation Reports Installation” application only. This is the installer application for 1.4 Web Reports Run the Reports Server 1.5.0 installer Browse to C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation Reports Installer Right Click on SE.SBO.WebReports.Installer and select “Run as Administrator” For Setup Type, select “Upgrade both software and database” Fill in site specific information as instructed. For Reporting Agent, be sure to specify the exact Enterprise Server Address and port used. Follow the remaining prompts to install WebReports On completion, log into the StruxureWare WebReports interface and run a few test reports.

Issue Does the Operating System + the SQL Server needed to install the reporting package for the SmartStruxure platform only allowed to be English versions Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site with Reports Server Cause Help.SBO states: Microsoft provides a number of versions of SQL Server. In order to install and run WebReports with Building Operation, you need to download and install SQL Server 2012 Standard, 64-bit (or Express with Advanced Edition, 64-bit). Do not install any other version of SQL Server. You can download the executable file for 64-bit operating systems: SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe. Does the Operating System + the SQL Server needed to install the reporting package for the SmartStruxure platform only allowed to be English versions or we could go for an Spanish/German/etc. version for both of them? Resolution WebReports is not supported on non-English platforms.

Issue Right clicking on a folder on the object tree and most menu entries are grayed out. Environment Workstation Windows 7 Cause Incorrect version of .NET framework installed on the Windows workstation. Resolution Make sure the specified version of the .NET framework is installed in the machine running the SmartStruxure software. In version 1.5 .NET 4.5 is required.

Issue All setpoints are lost after a power outage and the function block programs revert back to initial value. Environment Menta Function Block Editor Menta Editor Xenta 280/300/400 Controllers Cause A Menta, Menta Editor, or Function Block Editor program with configurable setpoints will be lost if the default programming settings are used and there is a power loss. Resolution Backup feature in function blocks Menta and Menta Editor When the Backup check box is selected, the current value of the block output and internal states in the RAM are used when the device makes a warm start. Otherwise, the block output and internal states are reset to their initial values (same as for a cold start) at a warm start if the Backup box is not checked. If a power outage lasts longer than the power failure protection time for the device and the RAM contents are lost, the restart is a cold start. All blocks will be rest to their initial states regardless of the Backup option. The RAM working member that includes current values will last for 72 hours without power. Function Block Editor When the Backup check box is selected, the current value of the block output and internal states in the RAM are used when the device makes a warm start. If a power failure occurs, all important variables are automatically saved to the flash memory before complete shutdown. When power returns, this data retention function ensures that the Automation Server can continue to run with the correct set of values.