Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When copying any type of object or value in SmartStruxure the following error is given. Environment  Workstation Virtual Machine Cause This is a Windows error that results from multiple application trying to access the clipboard at the same time. This issue is common to a virtual machine environment. Resolution To prevent this error from occurring,  the settings of the virtual machine must be changed. These settings will be located in different location depending on the type of virtual machine software you have. The Shared clipboard feature needs to be set to disabled.

Issue When trying to create a binding or a mirrored point in a LonWorks network, the error "A network variable is already used in another binding" is displayed. Environment Workstation LonWorks Network Cause Sometimes after deleting a variable the bindings can be left behind. This will cause issues in the future when you try to create another binding with the variable or try to mirror that point again. Resolution The old reference can be cleared out of the database by performing a "Repair references" on the original variable. Right click on the variable that is creating the error and go to Advanced > Repair references. Now you can create a binding or mirror the variable into the Local node.

Issue When the series is showed in a trend chart the timezone information is showed for every trend log. Is it possible to disable the timezone information for the trend log? Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.4.1, 1.5.x Cause For release 1.5.x, the timestamp for trend chart of a value does not show the time stamp in the series menu. The timestamp for the trend chart of a trend log does show the timestamp in the series menu. Resolution Trend chart series for the release 1.5 do not show the timestamp for values. The timestamp does show for trend chart series for trend logs. A enhancement and defect is in place to remove the timestamp from the trend chart of a trend log.

Issue When trying to open the schedule, the attached crash report occurs and shuts down workstation with the following Exception message. Object reference not set to an instance of an object Environment SmartStruxure 1.4.x Cause Menta application within the Xenta device has blank Exception Events defined with one or more Time Schedule blocks. Resolution This will be corrected in a future release but as a workaround simply remove any Exception Event within the Xenta Time schedule block (TSCH). Edit the block and set the Max. setting of the Exception Event to 0 (zero).  Save the application and download to the device.

Issue After installing SmartStruxure WebReport and starting it in a web browser, it will show an error: HTTP 500.21 - Internal Server error / Handler "PageHandlerFactory-Integrated" has a bad module "ManagedPipelineHandler" in its module list. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure WebReport Cause According to the explanation from Microsoft, the most likely causes are: managed handler is used; however, ASP.NET is not installed or is not installed completely; there is a typographical error in the configuration for the handler module list. Resolution Silent repair of the 4.0 .NET Framework for 32 bit servers with .Net Framework version 4.0.30319 run the command (in command prompt): %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\SetupCache\Client\setup.exe /repair /x86 /x64 /ia64 /parameterfolder Client /q /norestart for 64 bit servers with .Net Framework version 4.0.30319 run the command: %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\SetupCache\Client\setup.exe /repair /x86 /x64 /ia64 /parameterfolder Client /q /norestart Install the ASP.NET version and configure IIS to use it open command prompt (Start -> cmd) and for 32 bit servers run the command: %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regiis.exe /i open command prompt (Start -> cmd) and for 64 bit servers run the command: %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regiis.exe /i Try to view WebReports and it should work now. To also assist in WebReports installations there is a useful tool SBO Reports Preparation available on the Buildings Business Communities website. This tool assists in the pre-installation of WebReports. **Please note Schneider Electric Product Support Services does not provide support for the tool and you should contact the author through the Community for issues/enhancements.  

Issue Attempting to connect with SmartStruxure Building Operation Workstation to an Automation Server results in a crash report. A problem occurred in this application Environment SmartStruxure Building Operation 1.3.0 SP1 - 1.3.0.10100 Windows 7 64 bit Cause Temporary user files result in a conflict between the user files and the server you are connecting to. Resolution Browse to the user application settings. C:\users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric\Workstation\1.3.0.10100 Delete the contents of this folder and start Building Operation Workstation again to connect to the server.

Issue When attempting to open the WorkPlace Tech Tool software, a Windows fatal error box is displayed: WptEd has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you were in the middle of something, the information you were working on might be lost. Please tell Microsoft about this problem. We have created an error report that you can send to help us improve WptEd. We will treat this report as confidential and anonymous. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool software WorkPlace Tech Editor Cause This problem can occur when you use an unsupported version of Visio, such as Visio 2000, prior to starting WorkPlace Tech Editor. Only Visio 2010 SP1, Visio 2007 SP2, and Visio 2003 SP3 can be used with the WorkPlace Tech Tool or WorkPlace Tech Editor. Resolution In the warning message, click [Don't send]. Close Visio. Open Visio 2010 SP1, Visio 2007 SP2 or Visio 2003 SP3.  This causes Windows to initialize and configure that specific version of Visio. When Visio opens, confirm that the selected version opens.  If the wrong version opens, you may need to repair the installation of the selected version. Close Visio. Restart WorkPlace Tech

Issue How to open the point extension of an I/NET point in the TGML graphic after converted into SmartStruxure, like Calculation, Event Sequence, Time Schedule etc.? Environment SmartStruxure Solution 1.4.1 and above I/NET 2.44a to I/NET 2.48 Cause Calculation, Event Definition or Time Schedule need to be changed in the TGML graphics Resolution Since I/NET 2.44a, there is a new option called "Right Click Menu" in the INET graphics to TGML converter. Select this option, convert the graphic, and right click on the point converted in TGML graphic, then a pop-up window will make it possible to add/modify Calculation, Event Definition, Time Schedule etc. Please note, the added right click options will only function when the graphics page is located on an Enterprise Server where a copy of I/NET is installed on the local Workstation.  This feature on converted graphic functions as a link to the I/NET software so will not work when that software is not locally available.  It is therefore not available when using WebStation or when viewing graphics located within a SmartX Server. From I/NET version 2.49, this right click menu option will NO LONGER be available                                                        

Issue Infinet/MSTP was running fine until a device was added or replaced, after wiring in the new device it brings down the Infinet/MSTP field bus when powered up, disconnecting the new device from the bus makes the bus resume operation. When the new device is connected the green (RD) LED goes solid instead of blinking and all communications to all devices on the bus stops, in some cases the master controller will reset. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Infinet devices i2s MSTP devices b3s Cause Power lines reversed. Continuum field devices (i1s, i2s and b3s) have their RS-485 communication lines connected to ground via an isolator as seen in the diagram below, if the LIVE and GND lines are inverted then LIVE is connected to the 485 communication lines instead of GND. This will make the field bus electrically unable to communicate and in some scenarios can even cause hardware damage. Resolution When powering 24VAC  devices off the same transformer make sure to continue the wiring chain LIVE to LIVE and GND to GND.

Issue When trying to download and commission a Xenta programmable controller underneath a LonWorks network in SmartStruxure, WorkStation crashes. The error give before the crash reads, A problem occurred in this application. Exception message: An item with the same key has already been added. Environment Workstation LonWorks Network Cause When a Menta file contains illegal characters in the name, such as a period, the file will fail to commission and download into a controller. After the Menta file has been created with an illegal character it will create a new AUT file every time it is saved. At this point the file has been corrupted and will not work even if the name is changed. Resolution In order to create a new Menta file based off of the original one, follow the steps below.   How to create a new Menta file without losing the original programming Right click on the Menta file that contains an illegal character in the name. Unzip the file by selecting 7-Zip > Extract Here. A folder will be created with the same name as the Menta file, click to open this folder. Within the extracted folder there will be multiple AUT files. Double click one of the AUT files to open it up. In the Menta programming window, click File > Save As... Save the Menta file in any desired location but make give the file a name that does not contain an illegal character. This newly created MTA file can now be used to commission and download the Xenta controller in SmartStruxure.

Issue Web Reports installation fails when creating the Virtual directories, and reports the following error; "Exception encountered during processing"   Environment Building Operation Web Reports Cause This issue was caused by the incorrect configuration of the "Role Services", where the selection of WCF Activation was missed. Resolution The required configuration is shown below.

Issue Demo ES or AS download comes in as a .zip file Environment Windows OS with Internet Explorer for the web browser  Cause Site wants to download from the Extranet the Demo ES or AS. The file is downloaded as a .zip file rather than the .xbk file extension. Resolution What happens is the file is scanned by the IE browser and determines the file structure(read further from Microsoft link). This file is deemed as a zip file, and thus the name change occurs. For a workaround, you can use Firefox or Google Chrome for your web browser. From your IE browser, select Tools, Internet Options Security Tab, Local Intranet is selected and then the Custom Level button at the bottom then scroll down the list for settings, about half way is the Enable MIME Sniffing Disable MIME Sniffing and save your settings.

Issue Script program status is "Loading" after upgrade Environment Upgrade Script Program Cause A new keyword may have been added to the new version Resolution A new keyword may have been added to the new version, for example the word "Debug" can be used as internal variables in script programs up to v1.3, but not in v1.4 onwards. In this case simply change the word "Debug" to Debug1" and all works fine. Screenshot of Script Properties shown below:

Issue Modbus write command setup and timing Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P, AS-B) Building Operation Enterprise Server (ES) Cause The Modbus value keeps being sent to a Modbus register (when write code 06 or 16 used) Resolution Control of the write timing is via the binding to the Modbus point within the Modbus network. If the Communication type is set to "Periodic" then the value will be sent based on the Period Communication Interval. If the Communication Type is set to "Change of Value" then the value will only be written when the value changes by this amount. The Re-transmit Interval should also be considered, as the register will also be written to based on this timing value, regardless as to whether it has changed or not. This value may need to be increased if the value should not be re transmitted apart from when the value changes. Up to v1.3 v1.4 and later Some Modbus devices get over these sort of issues by having a mode that can be set so that re-transmission of the same value is ignored, as the example below NOTE Block (Batch, Multiple) Writes are not supported (correct as 2020 11 01 and up to v3.2) Although they are used to write to 32, 48 & 64 bit Register types (so "Write Multiple Registers" packets will be seen when writing to 32, 48 or 64 bit registers) 

Issue Unable to import component Library into Graphics Editor. Double Clicking Archive Results in: Graphics Editor - Unexpected Error A problem occurred in this application Object reference not set to an instance of an object. Right-Clicking in the Component Library White Space shows the "Import" option grayed out. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment TGML Graphics Editor Cause The Default Libraries Location is no Longer accessible. This could be caused by a network drive being offline, an external drive being ejected or a user permissions being changed. Resolution Open the TGML Graphics Editor Right Click in the Component Library Space Click on "Libraries" Notice that no Location is bolded as this would indicate the default location Set a Location as default. Close the Libraries editor and import component libraries as desired.

Issue Need information on how exactly SmartStruxure checks whether BACnet devices are still online or have gone offline. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server - ES Automation Server - AS BACnet devices Cause Understanding how communication status is verified can help with troubleshooting comm loss issues. Resolution After a device is discovered via the WHO-IS/I-AM service and moved into the SmartStruxure database, SmartStruxure uses the following scheme to check on the communication status of the device. For IP Device The server will send a Read Property message to read the devices's system status*** every minute, as long as a reply is received the device is deemed to be ONLINE. If no reply is received by the APDU Timeout the server will retry up to 3 times, if there is no response the device will be considered to be OFFLINE. For MSTP Device The server listens as the token is being passed around the bus and if a device fails to get the token it will be tagged OFFLINE. For both IP and MSTP Device Once the device is tagged OFFLINE, the server will check on the device once a minute by sending a WHO-IS message with the ID of the device, if an I am is received the device will be considered back ONLINE and the ReadProperty 'probe' check (for IP) or token pass check (for MSTP) will resume once a minute. ***In version 1.4 and below the ReadProperty will read the name property of the device. See sample Wireshark capture below, NOTE that in the sample below 10.169.90.31 is the Broadcast address of the sub net where the ES is located. NOTE: For efficiency the BACnet engine may combine the reading of the system status property with other read property requests into a single Read Property Multiple.

Issue In SmartStruxure, how can Network 8000 objects be linked with non-Network 8000 objects?  For example, sharing an outside air temperature value from a LON integration on the same Automation Server with a Network 8000 integration Environment Network 8000 StruxureWare Building Operations Cause No outside air temperature reference is available in a Network 8000 integration.  Resolution Use APT (A=analog), DPT (D=digital), RnetAv, or RnetDv objects to bring non-Network 8000 data into the Network 8000 integration. These objects behave similar to a 'middle man'.  Each of these objects has a global reference on the 'Inputs' tab. Using the APT object as an example, the Inputs tab has an Analog Global Reference section with two settings: Analog global value & Analog global reference. Bind the output of a Function Block Program (for example) to the Analog global reference. Watch the Analog global value as it will display the value once the binding is done. The output of the APT object can now be linked to as many Network 8000 objects as required. Note: The Global Reference takes highest priority. Therefore, the order of input priority is as follows: 1st = global reference, 2nd = input constant, 3rd = input reference. The input constant and input reference are carry-overs from Network 8000 GCM blocks. The global reference was added for SmartStruxure integrations and took over 'top spot'. In order to use the input constant or input reference, the value of the global reference must equal NULL. This is only for inputs. Any output of a Network 8000 object can be bound directly to any non-Network 8000 object.  

Issue What is the BACnet point data refresh rate and how is the rate changed? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation AS-P and AS-B Cause Subscriptions are the connection between the value from the BACnet Interface point to the value on the ES or AS. Resolution These subscriptions can be edited using the Binding of the value. Using 1.4, edit the configuration of the Binding as shown below: Here, the default 10 seconds interval in the Requested Transfer Rate can be changed. The default is 10 seconds. This allows changing the default interval of 10 seconds down to a minimum 100 milliseconds a maximum 24 hours:  Using 1.3: Edit the configuration of the Binding as shown below:  Here the default 10 seconds interval in the Requested Transfer Rate can be changed. The default is 10 seconds.

Issue BACnet device can't be discovered but instead shows up under the 'Unconfigured devices' in the server's hardware folder. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation Enterprise Server - ES Automation Server - AS Cause A BACnet device name must be unique. Devices with duplicate BACnet names can't be discovered. In the screen shot below a device by the name AbesbCX already exists under Network1, when performing a device discovery on Network1 a second device with the same name is found, Since StruxureWare already has a device with the same name it adds the device to the list of unconfigurable devices. NOTE: “The <<N>> means the device was discovered on a directly connected network (such as the local IP network, or a directly connected MSTP bus).  The 2 indicates it was “port” 2, (port numbers are really an internal detail) The server's Trace Log shows the following information, which includes the device's ID. The entry gives the reason as duplicate device name. Resolution 1.8.1 and above BACnet device name duplication is allowed, the duplicates will still land in the unconfigured folder and the system alarm will be generated BUT you can drag the duplicate device from the unconfigured folder to the desired network. When finished, manually delete the device from the unconfigured/non-conformant folder. Alternatively, you can also  warm start the server to force the unconfigured/non-conformant devices list to be updated. Note that the devices with duplicate names will still stay in the unconfigured/non-conformant folder until the name conflict is resolved. 1.7.2 and below A workaround is to create the device manually and specify a BACnet name during the create process. When manually creating the device you need to know the Device ID, you can get the id from the information in the trace log as shown above. SmartStruxure will send a message to the device to change its name to the specified BACnet name. The entry in the unconfigured devices folder should automatically update after a few minutes, you can also re-start the server to force the unconfigured devices list to be updated, the entry for AbesBCX should be gone now that the devices has been manually configured.

Issue Referring to a local array by name in Plain English references data element one ([1]) instead of data element zero ([0]) as is the case when the array is a global point or value. In the example below, setting theArray and setting theArray[1] is actually the same, the value 10 is overwritten by the value 20 Environment Enterprise Server - ES Automation Server - AS CyberStation CX b3 i2 Cause Function as designed. Resolution Function as designed. This is the way Plain English works, the ability to access data element one ([1]) by just naming the array is provided for convenience.