Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The Plain English editing environment is made up of several windows that can be moved, closed, resized and generally re-arranged, it may be required to restore the default settings. Environment Cyberstation Workstation all versions. Cause The various windows in the editor may have been closed or shrunk down to a size that can not be found, or moved out of the viewable area so they can not be moved back to the regular positions. It is also possible that the initialization file has been corrupted. Resolution Stop the Continuum workstation  Find the PlainEnglish.ini file in the C:\Windows directory, this file holds the last setting of your Plain English editor environment. Delete the PlainEnglish.ini  file. Start up Cyberstation, log in. Open the PE editor this will create a new file and use the default settings for all window positions.  

Issue Upgrading a standalone workstation from 1.74 to 1.9x. The installation fails and returns "Event Log is Full" error. Environment Standalone Workstation Cause The error is displayed when the Windows Application Event Log is full. Resolution Open the Windows Control Panel. Select Administrative Tools. Select Event Viewer. Select Application Open the Action menu. Select Clear all Events. You will be asked if you want to save "Application" before clearing it? Answer "Yes." Enter an appropriate file name. Click on Save. Cold start the workstation and reinstall Continuum.

Issue Virtualization using VMWare, Virtual Server or other products is useful when deploying applications Is virtualization supported with Continuum?  Will Continuum work in a virtual environment?  Environment Continuum WMWare Virtual Server Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Continuum compatibility with Virtual Machines (virtualization - VMWare) Resolution VMWare VSphere 5.5 and 6.0 has now been qualified to work with Cyberstations and Web.Client in Continuum v2.0 and above. Note that this will require a software licence and that the virtual environment must comply with the minimum system requirements for Cyberstation and Web.Client Server. See the latest Continuum v2.0 Compatability Matrix for details.                                                         There have been reports from the field from engineers that  have used Continuum and SQL server with various virtual software not currently qualified. If there are any issues with this implementation with an unqualified solution, then it would be necessary to install Continuum on a supported configuration (see the Continuum Compatibility Matrix) prior to involving engineering to evaluate any problems. This solution has not been tested and is outside of what we currently support. These include: Other VMWare environments, Microsoft Virtual PC (HyperV), Citrix, Windows 7 XP Emulation, etc. Marathon Redundant SQL Servers is a very specific solution which does use virtual machine. This is an isolated case and does not apply to standard implementations of Continuum or Webclient.

Issue Alarm delivery server window popping up Environment Continuum Cyberstation 1.91 Cause Alarm delivery server window popping up Resolution Updated OS and applied all the current updates. The issue resolved after the updates

Issue Go to templates folder Drag Event Enrollment to controller to create a new event enrollment It prompts for event notification and point reference and enrollment looks fine. When alarm is tested the event notification does not work and indicates fault. Environment Continuum BCX40xx B3 B4920 Cause A Send to Database was not performed on the controller in the BACnet side of the Continuum Object Tree. Resolution When objects are added or modified on the Infinity side of Continuum's Object Tree, the changes do not take affect in the controller until a Send to Database is performed on the controller from the BACnet portion of Continuum Explorer Object Tree.

Issue The customer can log off of Continuum, but he can't shut down Continuum. Environment CyberStation WebClient Cause Permission to exit Continuum has not been granted to the Continuum User. Resolution Right click on the Continuum icon in the Windows Active Icon tray Select Security Navigate to the appropriate object class or folder.  In this case navigate to the Miscellaneous folder. Look for the row named Terminate Continuum. Move left horizontally along the row until you get to the icon associated with the user group you wish to grant the permission to.  (The user group indicator will appears when the arrow is over each lock or key icon). If there is a lock icon, the permission is currently denied.  Click on the lock and the icon changes to a key.  The permission is now granted. Log Off of Continuum and log on with a user from the modified user group to test the permissions. NOTE:  There are cases when multiple permissions must be granted to allow a user to access specific functions.  For example, you can grant a user permission to reload a controller, but he will not be able to do so unless you have granted him access to launch Continuum Explorer.

Issue Attempting to access the infinet service tool using a bluetooth connection gives an "unable to wake up roamIO" error.  The bluetooth device was successfully paired with the laptop and the port has been changed to match this port in the infinet service tool preferences, but the device will not connect with the infinet service tool. Environment Infinet Service Tool Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Roam IO2 Cause Unable to establish bluetooth connection with the Infinet Service Tool Resolution Upgrade the infinet service tool version to 1.1 Use a version of the bluetooth software for the laptop or PDA that allows specific configuration of the comm port in order to assign it to a port that is less than 9. Note: The 1.1 version of the infinet service tool allows for comm ports greater than 9 (i.e. comm39), but earlier versions would only allow up to comm9.  Some versions of the laptop bluetooth software differ allowing configuration of the bluetooth comm ports to a lower comm number.

Issue If a wireless system with a BCX is setup on comm2 and a few wired controllers are needed, can the wired controllers be added to comm2? Environment BCX Wireless Continuum Windows XP  Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Wireless and wired communication cannot be used on the same comm port. A comm port that has wireless selected is a different protocol than infinet or bacnet mstp. The comm port can only speak one protocol at a time. Resolution To use a wireless and a wired solution at the same time, 2 comm ports are required by using one of the following configurations: 9680 (1 comm port for wireless and 1 for wired) 2 different controllers (2 BCXs with 1 having comm2 enabled for wired, the other BCX with Comm2 for wireless)

Issue Upgraded CX9200 chips and not able to load Bacnet PTP xdriver Environment Continuum Cyberstation CX 9200 Bacnet Xdriver Cause Upgraded chips on CX9200 and cannot load the Bacnet PTP xdriver. Resolution Use the latest Bacnet PTP xdriver version BacnetPTP1.00001.xdr

Issue Can I add a NC2 9680 controller to Continuum 1.74 Environment Continuum 1.74 CX 9680 NC2 Cause CX 9680 compatibility with Continuum 1.74 Resolution Controller NC2 9680 is supported on Continuum Cyberstation with 1.74 service pack 2 Go to the Buildings Exchange Extranet Download and install SP2 for each Continuum workstation on site. Follow the directions in the readme file located in the service pack.

Issue Databases often have to be moved around or upgraded, especially on engineers laptops where they may do offline engineering. What is the best tool to use for this? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Single User (Standalone) Version 1.82 and above with SQL Express (2005) Stand alone DB SQL Server Management Studio Express Cause The WinSQL software as used with previous Continuum versions with MSDE (2000) does not operate with SQL2005 and another method of accessing the database is required. Resolution After installing Cyberstation with a blank database and verifying correct operation, the next thing to install is the “SQL Server Management Studio Express” software a free Microsoft download, see link below and use the 32 bit version: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c243a5ae-4bd1-4e3d-94b8-5a0f62bf7796 This will provide the same user interface as provided on a full SQL2005 installation as used on a LAN system. For Continuum V2.0 and above SQL2012 Express is used, both 32 and 64 bit versions of this are available from the following Micosoft download: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35579 There are 2 methods to transfer your database from one system to another, using a. Backup/ Restore or b. Detach/ Attach, both options are covered below. Alternatively you may already have one or other formats on backup media. To use Backup or Detach you will also need to install SQL Server Management Studio Express as per 1. above on the original computer. Backup Method - you will need to perform a full backup and then restore of the ContinuumDB on the original computer: Using SQLE Management Studio, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Backup, add a destination where you want to save the .BAK file, Click OK. Detach Method – Detach (or stop the SQL) to allow the files to be copied on the original computer: Using SQLE Management Studio, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Detach, Click OK. On your new system, make sure you have already created a new ContinuumDB using Database Initialization. If not, do this now - this creates the Database, SQL jobs, stored procedures, adds Andover97 as an admin and a lot of behind the scenes security settings. Stop Cyberstation if it is running. If you are using the Detach / Attach method b. then: Using SQLE Management Studio on the new computer, Right-click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Detach, Click OK. Copy the backed up files to the Data directory your new server. It is advisable to take a copy of the blank database first. Path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data Using SQL Management Studio, now restore or attach the backed up database depending on which method is being used. Restore Method - Restore the backup over the top of the ContinuumDB on your new system: Right click on ContinuumDB -> Tasks -> Restore -> Database. Select "From device:" and add your Database file, making sure to tick the Restore checkbox to select the source. Next, go to the Options page and select "Overwrite the existing database" and press the "OK" button. Attach Method - Using SQLE Management Studio on the new computer, Right-click on Databases -> Attach, Press “Add” and select the ContinuumDev.mdf file, Press OK. The .mdf and .ldf files will be shown, press OK. The ContinuumDB will appear in the tree. Change the db owner with the below query using the sp_changedbowner stored procedure. Select "New Query" and copy the query text shown below. Run the query. use ContinuumDB go sp_changedbowner 'Andover97' go Run Database Initialization and update the newly restored database. Using Database Initialization from each Cyberstation, initialize your Workstations into the new Database. Run Cyberstation on all Workstations.

Issue Site has 26 Continuum workstations at 1.74 and wants to install SP2 for 1.74. Does this service pack need to be installed on all 26 Continuum workstations. Environment Continuum Cyberstation 1.74 Service Pack 2 Cause Continuum workstation and service pack compatibility Resolution When a Continuum service pack for specific versions is applied to one workstation, it will need to be applied to all workstations. Please review the readme file located in all service pack zipped files.

Issue Updated Continuum from 1.74 to Continuum version 1.92   After Continuum upgrade to version 1.92 Continuum Schedule editor failed to open. Environment Windows XP Continuum 1.9X Cause Ten Systems all have Microsoft Security Essentials installed Microsoft Security Essentials also installs "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Resolution Disable "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Open Control panel Open Services Stop and disable "Microsoft Antimalware Service" Upgrade Continuum Enable and start "Microsoft Antimalware Service" 

Issue Can the time format be changed to military time format HH:MM:SS Environment Windows XP Cause Military time format HH:MM:SS Resolution Time format can be changed on the workstations and this will reflect with Continuum time. Steps to change time format on a workstation. Open up windows control panel Select Regional and Language Options Select Customize button from the Regional Options tab Select the Time tab and change the Time Format to HH:mm:ss Save these changes and view your time format in Continuum. NOTE: Continuum workstation reads it time and format from the machine being viewed from.

Issue Adding/Removing areas to personnel objects via XSTL file in Personnel Import Utility Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Personnel Import Utility CX99xx CX9702 CX9680 ACX57xx ACX7xx Cause Need a way to add/remove areas to personnel objects via the XSLT transformation file in the Personnel Import Utility. Resolution Use the choose/when tags to conditionally assign the area based on the value of another attribute. In the example below the Lab1 area is ONLY assigned to personnel objects whose state of residence is Massachusetts while the Lobby area is assigned unconditionally. This method can also be used to remove areas from the personnel object, as the record is completely overridden on import, not assigning an area has the same effect as removing it. <AreaLinks> <AreaLink> <AreaId><![CDATA[Root\Lobby]]></AreaId> <SchedId>Full Path To Schedule Here</SchedId> <State>Enabled</State> <Preload>False</Preload> <ClearanceLevel>0</ClearanceLevel> </AreaLink> <xsl:choose> <xsl:when test="StateOfResidence='Massachusetts'"> <AreaLink> <AreaId><![CDATA[Root\Lab1]]></AreaId> <SchedId>Full Path To Schedule Here</SchedId> <State>Enabled</State> <Preload>False</Preload> <ClearanceLevel>0</ClearanceLevel> </AreaLink> </xsl:when> </xsl:choose> </AreaLinks>

Issue How do I upgrade a CX9400 to a 9680? Environment Continuum CX9400 9680 Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Continuum Versions 1.90 and below do not have a direct procedure for upgrading a CX 9400. Resolution Upgrade Continuum to 1.91 or above which allows a selection to upgrade the CX 9400 to 9680. This procedure makes the appropriate changes to the database.  Upgrading a CX 9400 without the direct convert option (Continuum 1.90 or less) has to be done manually by exporting and importing dump files. There are a differences between these 2 controllers and there is a potential for database problems. Manual manipulation requires a large amount of work which takes a considerable amount of time.

Issue How can I tell what versions of .Net are installed on my PC?  When I look at the Add/Remove programs, the C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework folder and the system information report I see different versions. Environment CyberStation Continuum Database Server WebClient MicroSoft Windows Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 2000 Windows Server Cause When installing Continuum Cyberstation or WebClient it is important to know what version of Microsoft .NET is installed on the workstation PC or server machine.  It can be difficult to tell which version of MicroSoft .Net are installed on a CyberStation PC, WebClient server or Continuum database server hardware. Resolution The following link describes how to determine which versions and service pack levels of the Microsoft .NET Framework are installed. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318785

Issue Getting error when adding 2 doors, Infinity controller error value does not apply to attribute Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9680 ACX781 ACX701 Access Control Cause Version of the controller is 2.1x which is an Infinity version Resolution Chip change the controller to the correct Continuum version, 1.500012

Issue Trying to control the deadband of a Loop object Environment CyberStation BCX I2 B3 Cause There is no deadband attribute of a Loop object in Continuum Resolution What is exposed are the PID parameters: Controlled Variable Controlled Variable units COV Increment Proportional Value and Units Integral Value and Units Derivative Value and Units Bias Action Having the system in control for each mode is efficient unless the building itself is not very energy efficient. If that is the case, then I would limit any optimal start times to no more than 2 or 3 hours. If no optimal start/stop is being used, then just enabling and disabling the loops within his +/- 3 deg window should be sufficient.

Issue Video is not displaying or it's displaying with a black screen when using Continuum 1.81, 1.90 and 1.91 with Digital Sentry 4.3 or 7.x Environment Continuum 1.81 Continuum 1.90 Continuum 1.91 Digital Sentry Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Continuum 1.81, 1.90 or 1.91 is incompatible with the Digital Sentry API 4.3 or 7.x  Resolution Use the Digital Sentry version 4.2 Download and install DSConnex hotfix CAUTION: Installing the hotfix for Digital Sentry 7.x slows down videolayout and videomonitor with Digital Sentry units that have v4.2 installed. Increase the amount of virtual memory on the PC to 4096. NOTE: the files that were contained in the hotfix were incorporated into 1.92 and above