Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue An end-customer purchased WorkPlace Tech 4.x several years ago and is retiring the computer.  The new computer will have the latest version of WorkPlace Tech.  Which part number applies to this upgrade from 4.x to 5.x? Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause Host computer is being replaced. Resolution In the "Purchase WorkPlace Tech software" program, choose the part number:  WP-TECH-50U. When submitting the unlock code request, ensure that the original order number and/or PO number is included so that Customer Service can confirm that it is an upgrade, and invoice using the lower cost upgrade cost.

Issue A Cisco Mediator controller is connected via BACnet/IP to a Niagara R2 UNC.  The UNC station provides data to and receives commands from the controller.  The Cisco Mediator controller can read BACnet values but when it attempts to overwrite setpoints and issue commands, they do not work. Environment Niagara R2 all versions Cause The installation contains 3rd party BACnet controllers that must share data and commands. Resolution To allow other BACnet controllers to write values or issue commands to exposed Niagara objects, a special "BACnet" user is required for the station. To create this special user, follow the steps listed on pages 4-6 & 4-7 of Tridium's BACnet Integration Guide.

Issue Procedure for obtaining a Return Authorization (RA) for a defective I/A Series (Niagara) G3 ENC Environment ENC-410, ENC-520 Cause Unknown - ENC is not functioning and needs to be repaired or replaced Resolution To request a Return Authorization for a defective ENC controller, the factory will need to know the following information: The product part number (ENC-???-?-?) Is the unit still under warranty? Warranty note: Warranty on a new UNC is 2 years from date of manufacture. The date code format is yyww. Example:  0815 is  2008 week 15 Serial number Job name (site name for unit) Factory order number Project ID Host ID (in the license file) The reason for return Network settings (IP, Subnet, name) Username and Password Station DB Username and Password Any special shipping instructions Have a purchase order number ready when you call. Note: Customer Support Services sends/bills for advance warranty replacement units. When the customer returns the correct unit within 30 days, a credit is then issued., Call Schneider-Electric at 888-444-1311 and select option 2 (Product Support). Product Support will enter a support case identifying the unit and that an attempt to troubleshoot was done prior to issuing the RA number. The caller should request the Product Support Case number and RA number for future reference. An RA will be issued based on the following criteria: Credit AWR (Advance Warranty Replacement). Customer is sending back an inoperable unit to the factory for credit and needs a replacement unit right away. OOWR&R (Out of Warranty Repair and Return). Customer sends back an inoperable unit to the factory for repair and return. IWR&R (In Warranty Repair and Return). Customer sends back an inoperable unit to the factory for repair and return. NOTE: When issuing an AWR, hold the defective unit and use the packaging from the replacement to return the UNC board. This will help guarantee that the units are not damaged during shipment. When the units are received damaged and improperly packed, they are returned as received and no credit issued.

Issue How to configure a Niagara G3 ENC serial port for dialup modem. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment ENC-520-2 ENC-410-1 Cause Dialup modem setup. Resolution In the Station, under Platform Services, go to the SerialPortService In the Port Config field, change the setting to Com1_232_com2_modem. Save this setting. Now, go to the Platform of the ENC, and go to Dialup Configuration The Init String should look something like this: ATE0S0=0Q0V1X4&D2&K3\N3%C2&C1&Q5W2 Change the 0 just after the "=" sign to a 2.  This will tell the modem to answer on the second ring. Make sure that the Port field says COM2 Check the Enabled box next to Listen for Calls In the Local IP Address field, type in the IP address of the ENC In the Remote IP Address field, type in an unused IP address on the same subnet as the ENC. Type in a User Name (eg. invensys) Type in a password (eg. niagara) Save your changes, then click the Start button at the bottom of the page.  This will start up the dialup daemon. Re-boot the station in Station Director.

Issue Unable to backup an R2 UNC-520 database, receive error  "java.net.ConnectException: Connection refused: connect at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.socketConnect(Native Method)            at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.doConnect(Unknown Source)         at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.connectToAddress(Unknown Source)            at java.net.PlainSocketImpl.connect(Unknown Source)            at java.net.Socket.connect(Unknown Source)   at java.net.Socket.connect(Unknown Source)   at java.net.Socket. (Unknown Source)           at java.net.Socket. (Unknown Source)       at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver$TcpSocketFactory.createSocket(SocketDriver.java:690)        at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver.create(SocketDriver.java:216)            at tridium.nre.drivers.SocketDriver$ConnectThread.run(SocketDriver.java:510)" Environment I/A Series R2 UNC-520 I/A Series R2 WorkPlace Pro,  error reported in build r2.301.529 Cause The WorkPlace Pro cannot connect to the UNC-520 at the given IP address.  The error message stems from a bug in the Sun java, "The Socket constructor does not give an Exception on an unknown IP address. It just hangs."  http://bugs.sun.com/bugdatabase/view_bug.do?bug_id=4232651 Resolution Verify that the UNC is capable of communicating at the IP address specified. For example, if the UNC is rebooting constantly, it will not be able to communicate.

Issue In a Niagara G3 station, the BACnet Service indicates "routing enabled = false", even though it had been set = true. What caused the change? Environment Niagara G3 station in an ENC with BACnet / IP enabled Cause The ENC has detected a routing loop and automatically stops routing BACnet / IP messages, and sets the "Routing Enabled" flag = false. Resolution This can be caused by having two or more devices routing to the same network number.  Network numbers must be unique throughout the entire BACnet network.    Locate and remove the cause of the routing loop, which is more than one path to a BACnet device.   Procedure Details: Open platform director Watch output for network number error.   (e.g. Bacnet Network Misconfiguration detected(3): Network number update frequency indicates possible router loop on network 20!!!)  Check BACnet devices with Routing enable and make sure all networks have a unique network ID. 

Issue Is there a way to display only points currently in alarm in the Alarm Console? Environment G3, Workbench (all versions) Cause Only want to display points currently in alarm in the Alarm Console? Resolution Yes, the Alarm Console’s filter is used to control what alarms are displayed in the Alarm Console window.      Double-click on the ConsoleRecipient object Click on Filter at bottom of window Check the Source State box. Click on the Source State chevron to show filter options Select the alarms states, Offnormal and Fault. Only alarms currently in the Offnormal and Fault states will be displayed in the alarm console window.  (Items not checked will not be displayed.)  Click OK and OK to save.  Click File from the menu and Refresh to update change. Only alarms that are currently in a Fault or a Offnormal state will be displayed in the Alarm Console window.

Issue Is part number 40-1758, end of line resistor, still available for purchase through Schneider Electric?   Environment Network 8000, IA Series BACnet Controller Cause Part is no longer available for purchase through Schneider Electric Resolution Part number (40-1758) specified for the 120 ohm EOL (end-of-line) termination resistor is no longer available for purchase through Schneider Electric.  The resistor is utilized for RS-485 communications trunks (e.g. Network 8000, BACnet, etc.).  This resistor is a common part and is readily available for purchase through electronic stores or catalogs.    The specification for the resistor is as follows: Nominal value: 120 ohm Tolerance: +/- 5% or better Power rating: 1/4watt metal film Temperature coefficient: +/- 200 PPM or better Maximum voltage: 250 volts

Issue The shadow objects are showing orange "fault" but the values continue to update? Environment G3 (Niagara) ENC, R2 UNC Cause A shadow object will go into fault (orange) condition when the LonWorks service is reading a value that it cannot properly decode.  This "fault" condition is usually related to a SNVT enumeration that is receiving a value out of the standard SNVTs range.  This is typically seen with enumerated SNVT types (e.g. SNVT_occupancy, SNVT_lev_disc, etc.).  For example, an application in the controller is programmed to show occupancy as a value of 0 or 100. The user directly connects the object in the application to the nvoOccupancy tag.  Valid enumeration values for this SNVT are 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.. When the value of 100 is read the shadow object will go into fault (turn orange) because a value of 100 is out of the enumeration range the SNVT_occupancy understands.       Resolution Use WorkPlace Tech to evaluate the controller program and correct any object  to SNVT links that could receive a value outside of its acceptable values.  

Issue Much of the literature being used for R2 and G3 reference the Niagara Jace model numbers.  Is there a cross reference list available to cross Jace model numbers to UNC model numbers? Environment Niagara R2 and G3 Cause The provided literature reference Jace model numbers. Resolution A cross of UNC to Jace controllers are as follow:  UNC-410-1                 JACE-403 UNC-500-1                 JACE-501 UNC-500-2                 JACE-502 UNC-510-1                 JACE-511 UNC-510-2                 JACE-512 UNC-520-2                 JACE-545 UNC-600-2                 JACE-NP UNC-610-2                 JACE-NX  ENC-410-1                 JACE-403-AX ENC-520-2                 JACE-545-AX Tridium reference to Ax is Schneider Electric’s G3.  

Issue Will Signal XP software run on Windows 7 in the XP mode? Environment Signal XP, Windows 7 Cause Will Signal XP software run on Windows 7 in the XP mode? Resolution SIGNAL XP software has not been tested or validated to be compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system or running in either Windows 7 XP or Virtual XP mode. Since the product is obsolete, no further engineering work will be done with the product.

Issue Getting an “out of memory error” when converting a station’s database from Release 2.301.330 to Release 2.301.529. Environment Niagara R2, UNC-520-1, UNC-410-1 Cause The sns file was used to convert database from 330 to 529  Resolution The XML copy of a station’s database should be used when bringing older version of R2 databases forward.  Convert the XML file to DB locally. Any errors will be discovered during the conversion.  Fix any error that may appear.  The database can now be downloaded to the UNC

Issue Can the Niagara R2 MailService (SMTP) port number be changed to something other than its default port number of 25?     Environment Niagara R2 CoreRuntime 2.301.429.v1 and later Cause Local IT may require SMTP messages be sent on some port other than the typical port 25. Resolution MailService can now use non-default port for SMTP. Previously, only SMTP port 25 was supported for the MailService. Starting in coreRuntime 2.301.429.v1 and later, you can specify an alternative port for SMTP. The port is assigned in Config property of the MailService.  - Under the Service container, open MailService Properties then click the Config tab.  - In the smtpHost property, enter the IP address of the SMTP server using format: or . Example: ourMailSrv:40 or 10.10.9.4:40  Note: A station restart is required after entering (changing) the SMTP host. If the port number is omitted, MailService use default port 25.

Issue The Niagara shortcut does not appear on the desktop after installing Workbench.  Also the shortcuts do not appear in the Niagara folder under Start - All Programs. Environment Niagara G3 (all versions) Cause The setup file was run from the compressed file. When downloaded, Niagara builds are saved to the computer’s hard drive as a compressed folder.  Resolution Compressed files must first be extracted before the setup file should be run. Right-click and extract all files from the compressed folder Uninstall the version of Workbench with the shortcut issue Run the extracted copy of the setup program.   The shortcuts should now appear on the desktop and in the Niagara folder under Start – All Programs.

Issue WorkPlace Tech (WPT), application will not compile. Running the “Rebuild Application” feature does not resolve the errors. Are there other workarounds to fix the application? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech 5.x Cause Some of the shapes are corrupt. Resolution Following is workaround to fix corruption: Open the project and the application that has the problem shapes in WorkPlace Tech. Perform a File, Save As, and select the file type to be “XML Drawing (*.vdx)”, and click Save. Respond “No” when asked “Do you want to save this application to the current project?” Close WorkPlace Tech and respond “Don’t Save” when asked if you want to save the application. Navigate to the user’s “My Documents\WPT Documents\My Projects\” folder. Right click the problem application “.vsd” file, select “Properties”. In the properties dialog, uncheck the “Read only” checkbox, and then click OK. Open the application “.vdx” file directly into Visio. Perform a File, Save As, and select the file type to be “Drawing (*.vsd)”, and click Save. Click “Yes” if prompted to replace the current drawing. Close Visio. Open the project and the application in WorkPlace Tech. Launch the Hardware Wizard and click “Finish”. Perform a “Rebuild Application”. Click “Save”. 

Issue The message “Error: Invalid compiled image file, please recompile and try again.” is displayed when attempting to download an application in WorkPlace Tech (WPT).  The same message is displayed after the application had been recompiled.  Also, the message “Unhandled exception during event” is displayed when opening an application in WorkPlace Tech. Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause The Workplace Tech application is corrupt. Resolution Use a backup copy of the application.  The application will have to be reengineered if a backup application is not available.

Issue Can not discover the proxy points for an UNC under the ObixNetwork of a Niagara G3 ENS.  Nothing shows up when a Discover is performed. Environment Niagara G3 Cause Obix Thread Pool count set too low in ENS Resolution Increase Obix Thread Pool count in the ENS ObixNetwork Property Sheet. Expand Drivers in the ENS Right-click on the ObixNetwork and select Property Sheet Expand the Thread Pool property Increase the number of threads

Issue Can individual terminals be purchased for the MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx controller? Environment MNL controllers; MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx Cause Replacement parts ... Resolution The individual terminals are not setup in the system for purchase.  The MNL-10Rxx, MNL-15Rxx, or MNL-20Rxx controller base assemblies are available for purchase under the following part numbers (MNL-BASE-100, MNL-BASE-150, MNL-BASE-200).

Issue Updated license to add additional BACnet MSTP ports on the ENC and rebooted. After rebooting the added MSTP port could be enabled but the port settings could not be changed. Environment UNC 520 UNC license file shows "numberOfBACnetMSTPTrunks=2" (or 3 or 4) Cause Failure to reboot the UNC after enabling the BACnet MSTP port in the UNC Resolution Reboot the UNC after enabling the BACnet MSTP port. The UNC's BACnet service will automatically detect any saved BACnet port configuration changes and will apply the changes immediately.

Issue Does WorkPlace Tech 5.8 operate in the Visio 2003 and the Windows XP environment? Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.8 Windows Visio 2003, 2007, and 2010 Windows XP Windows 7 Cause NA Resolution WorkPlace Tech 5.8 will run on the Windows XP (sp3) and Windows 7 (sp1) 32 bit version operating systems. WorkPlace Tech 5.8  is compatible with Visio 2003 sp3, 2007 sp1 and 2010 sp1.