Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A method is needed to automatically schedule and run Continuum standard reports Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation Windows10 Cause Sites want Continuum Report to run automatically  Resolution Scheduling Automatic Reports Using a special Continuum application, ReportCmdLine,  and Microsoft Windows Scheduler, reports may be run automatically on a regular basis at a specific time. When the report runs automatically, it can also automatically be emailed to one or more recipients and/or saved to a file.   CyberStation must be running when using the ReportCmdLine application. To set up and run a report automatically, perform the following procedure:   If the report should also email when it runs automatically, check the Output report to email address checkbox on the Output tab, and enter email address recipients. Likewise, if the report should save to file when it runs automatically, check the Output report to file in path checkbox and enter the file's path.   From Start> Run> control (type this command and Enter) This will open up Windows control panel Double-click Administrative Tools> Task Scheduler Click Create Basic Task, Name: ReportCmdLine (or whatever name is needed), Next Select how often the task will be run, Next Specify the start date and how often the task should recur, Next Select which action to be performed, Next Enter the ReportCmdLine executable path and command line options /o - ObjectName Enter the path name of the Report object to run automatically. It is recommended to use a  full path instead of just the name of the object file. /u - UserName Enter the CyberStation User Name /t -Type Enter an integer to specify the type of distribution: 0 — Save to a file 1 — Email 2 — Save to a file and email In the Program/script field, enter the command syntax as follows: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum\ReportCmdLine.exe” /o ObjectName /u UserName /t Type Note: Make sure the command option parameters are set outside the quotes surrounding the path and executable Example with the Continuum objects specified: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum\ReportCmdLine.exe” /o DailyRpt /u acc /t Type 0 If the ObjectName or UserName contains a space, then place quotes around those items: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Continuum\ReportCmdLine.exe” /o “Object Name” /u “User Name” /t Type 0 Parameter Descriptions The email recipients and file path are specified on the Output tab After clicking Next, click Yes to accept the command and arguments Click Finish to create the Task   See the following link for additional information on setting up a Scheduled Task in Windows10:  https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-automated-task-using-task-scheduler-windows-10    Note: If having problems getting the report to run, try typing the report command from step 7 into a DOS prompt. This will give immediate feedback to make sure the command is getting executed. Doing this prior to using the command in Task Scheduler will help to get the command set up correctly.   For additional information, see Continuum Help (F1) in the Reports> Scheduling Automatic Reports section.

Issue Sending a text message (SMS) from an alarm Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CyberStation CX9900 CX9680 CX9640 Netcontroller Netcontroller II bCX4040 Cause There is no simple way of sending a text message (SMS) from Continuum to a mobile phone. Resolution The below are possible options to send an SMS message:-   Single output (Digital Output) to a GMS modem or auto dialer (single alarm). SMS PE Driver (output via RS232) to a 3rd party GSM modem for more complex alert text. Please see instructions and sample PE code. Send alarm email via outlook or exchange server to an email/SMS Gateway service  Send an email from bCX or NC2 to a email/SMS Gateway service.

Issue When starting Continuum the following error is seen after successful activation of a software license (V2C file): “You have a key that has not been programmed for this version of the software. Please contact your Schneider Electric sales representative for an upgrade. Click OK to exit.”   Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CyberStation Software License Cause After replacing the CyberStation PC hard disk, the “Status information” was collected from the PC using the “RUSKeyUtility.exe”.  The V2C file was updated by the “Andover Update Service” team, and successfully activated on the PC. The V2C file included the finger print of the PC before the hard disk replacement. A check of the Gemalto Sentinel web page shows the “Secure Storage ID Mismatch” message in the Key Type column as below: Resolution The finger print needs to be cleared by applying a special V2C file. Obtain the most recent C2V file from the PC using the RUSKeyUtility.exe or the “Gemalto Sentinel web page”. Send the C2V file to support Support will supply the special V2C file  

Issue Troubleshooting steps for the Infinet and MSTP bus. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Continuum SmartStruxure RS-485 Infinet BACnet MSTP Cause Methods are needed to troubleshoot the Infinet and MSTP bus Resolution This is not a comprehensive list of all methods for troubleshooting, but a starting point. The Infinit-mstp troubleshooting document is available here. NOTE If BACnet MSTP devices do not support COV subscriptions, then care must be taken when reading values (eg EBO trends or alarms) as excessive traffic can be created that overwhelms the communication bus. For example, if 30 non-COV BACnet devices have EBO alarms (or EBO change of value trends) bound to 4 objects in each controller, this will create 240 packets (reads/replies) that will be attempted every "Minimum polling Interval". This is likely to fill the MSTP bus bandwidth  

Issue The RUSKeyUtility.exe displays a “Vendor lib cannot be found” error when applying license a V2C file to Cyberstation. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Andover Continuum Cyberstation Software License Cause There are three main reasons for the error : The “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP” folder path is not added to the Windows Path system variable. The folder path is added to the Windows Path system variable, but the “haspvlib_84344.dll” file does not exist in the “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP” folder. The folder path is added to the Windows Path system variable, and the “haspvlib_84344.dll” file exists in the “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP” folder, but the “haspvlib_84344.dll” file is damaged. Resolution Add the path to the  Windows Path system variable. Select the Advanced tab from Control Panel -> System -> Advanced system settings Click the Environment Variables button Highlight the Path Click the Edit button and add the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Aladdin Shared\HASP path Request the latest “haspvlib_84344.dll” file from Product Support and copy it to the folder. Request the latest “haspvlib_84344.dll” file from Product Support and copy it to the folder to replace the damaged one.  

Issue The Continuum BACNet MSTP devices (b3 controllers) are created and do not appear in the BACNet View of the Continuum Explorer when the "Find New BACNet Devices" is performed.  In rare cases, they are all showing online in Infinity View and stay stable but some of them are not showing in BACNet View at all.  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Explorer BACNet MSTP devices (b3 controllers) Cause Most of this issue happens when these BACNet objects are left over in the Continuum database due to an incomplete/unsuccessful delete operation on the BACnet devices that previously existed in the database.  Resolution When this happens, deleting all the objects from BACNet view from Continuum Explorer and redo the "Find New BACNet Devices" will fix it most of the time.  If the issue persists, it is necessary to run the "ACCTrace.exe" utility located in the Continuum directory of the workstation to start a capture.  Wireshark will also need to be run at the same time whilst completing a  "Find New BACNet Devices" again.  Wait for about 5 minutes then stop the ACCTrace and Wireshark captures and save the log files.  Send the log files to Product Support with a Continuum Analyzer log file and the names of the issued MSTP devices which are not showing in the BACNet View. SQL Enterprise Manager will need to be available to fix the issue in the database.

Issue Understanding and configuring controllers for Access Control using SystemStatus and AccessServer system variables. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Access Control CX9702 ACX57xx Netcontroller Netcontroller II Cause Operators can be unsure what the various values for SystemStatus and AccessServer are and what they need to be set to for successful access control. Resolution 1. SystemStatus The first thing to realize is that there are four different modes that an Access controller can be set to, the SystemStatus indicates the mode controller is currently in. This is an Access-only system variable and will default to NoDatabase if left unconfigured. These four values are as follows: Normal — The controller is working normally. NoComm — Local controller has lost communications to the Workstations configured as Primary and Secondary Access Servers. NoDatabase — The Access server and the local controller have been reset or have otherwise lost connection to the database to check access card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). Can also indicate that the local controller has lost comms to the Access Server and has no local personnel database to authenticate to. ColdStart — Indicates the Access Controller SystemStatus initial value, before any door has been configured. The sequence for how SystemStatus gets set is as follows: On a ColdStart if the AccessServer = 1-190 it is set to NoDatabase when the first door is configured. When CyberStation finishes the personnel distribution, it explicitly sets the value to Normal.  On a ColdStart if the AccessServer  > 190 it is set to Normal when the first door is configured and the controller is communicating with the Primary and/or Secondary Access Server workstations. Note: Upon initial configuration, or a restart, the CyberStation can fail to set the SystemStatus to Normal; leaving the controller in NoDatabase mode. If this occurs, the value can be manually set to Normal to "kick start" the controller. 2. AccessServer The second thing to look at is that the value of the AccessServer SystemVariable has been set. This should be set to the ACC Net Id of the Workstation configured as the Primary Access Server (> 190) for local then remote validation or set to the controllers ACC Net Id for local validation only. 3. Door Object Additionally Door objects need to be configured to handle the above conditions, there are a number of ways they can require authentication when a card is presented, these are listed in the Entry Reader and Exit Reader tabs of the Door object in the form of check boxes. The main ones being validate site, validate card, valid pin, and Door Forced Lock Schedule. Tick whatever options are required.

Issue What is the correct procedure for replacing a Continuum bCX 4040 controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX 4040 Cause Considering both Continuum and BACnet 'sides' replacing a bCX4040 can seem a complicated process. Resolution Commission new/replacement bCX through its default webpage just as the as old bCX except for the BACnet Configurable Properties section. Set the BACnet Device ID = The same ID in the old bCX (serial number of controller by default) Set the BACnet Port Number UDP = same as old bCX (BAC0 by default) Set the BACnet Network ID UDP = same as old bCX (1 by default) Set the BACnet Network ID Comm2 = same as old bCX (2765 by default) Set the BACnet MAC ID Comm2 = Same as old bCX (0 by default) Set the BACnet MS/TP Enhanced Mode = Same as old bCX (TRUE by default) Set BACnet BBMD Enabled/Disabled = Same as old bCX (False by default) Bring the bCX online in Continuum Explorer, Select menu item Options | Send to Controller options Select "Reload attached objects, but not attached controllers" - select ok Verify the bCX Comm2 settings and baud rate speeds. In Continuum Explorer, right click on the bCX and perform a "send to controller" Verify points and communications.

Issue Getting error "Communications failure due to routing device not available" when reloading BACnet Controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation 1.74 above b3 controllers BACnet bCX1 Cause Anti-virus applications can prevent the BACnet objects from saving into the Continuum Database (BACnet objects may also not appear on the BACnet side).   When you reload the BACnet controller which contains these objects, they are 'inaccessible' and the error is generated in the distribution property window Resolution Close Continuum CyberStation Disable all the Anti-Virus applications then restart Continuum CyberStation From the BACnet Device side, Right click the Controller you want to reload then select SendToDatabase, all the BACnet objects will appear under the controller. Reload the controller again.

Issue ACX5720 or ACX5740 backup to flash renders error message: "Unable to backup objects to flash for controllername_\XKD06.51_MCD.  Backup to flash failed.,WS3,conrollername_\XKD06.51_MCD" Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Flash Backup AXC5720 ACX5740 Cause Failure to backup to Flash Resolution Before claiming a faulty controller, it could be a corrupted point or program. Disable all the programs, and try backing up the controller. Disconnect everything except communication and power, and try to backup to flash again. If you have tried to re-flash and it still is giving this error, the controller might be the issue.   Email support with the results if this controller still will not backup to flash: product.support@buildings.schneider-electric.com For configuration and operation program write operations to flash, a counter is incremented for each save and you need to create the numeric INFFlashDisabled to monitor the number of write operations. When the 2000 limit is reached, INFFlashDisabled is set to a non-zero value and logs an error. Using CyberStation, reset this value to 0 and reboot the controller to enable write operations.

Issue What is the recommended process for Database and Workstation Initialization Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Database Initialization Workstation Initialization Cause Sometimes it is necessary to do Workstation and/or Database Initialization eg. following a Continuum service pack install Resolution Database initialization LAN systems (SQL is on a separate SQL server PC) Close all connections to the database (all cyberstations, webclient servers etc.) Open "Database Initialization" from Start/All Programs/Continuum Select "Server" Select "Update Existing Database", ensure Database Information is correct, fill in User Login Password Usually Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery are ticked. Then select Continue Database initialization Stand Alone (Single User) systems (SQL is on a CyberStation PC) Close all connections to the database (all cyberstations, webclient servers etc.) Open "Database Initialization" from Start/All Programs/Continuum Select "Stand Alone" Select "Update Existing Database", ensure Database Information is correct, fill in User Login Password Usually Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery are ticked. Then select Continue WorkStation Initialization Close the CyberStation on the PC being initialized (other CyberStation can be running) Open "Database Initialization" from Start/All Programs/Continuum Select "Workstation" Check both tabs and fill in the User Password Then select Continue See the Continuum Installation manual for further information   NOTE 1 With the some domains the following has been found - XP - "Right click" on the "Database Initialization shortcut" and “Run As” use local admin - Windows 7 - "Shift" & "Right click" on the "Database Initialization shortcut" and “Run as a different user”, use local admin To log on use the workstation name followed by user eg. WSUK1AB123ABC\dave   NOTE 2 Long CyberStation names can result in the error "Workstation name with invalid characters. Please enter it again" In this case use a shorter name, below 16 characters is best. This can occur even with an existing longer CyberStation name.

Issue Workstation Device Node ID and BACnet Device ID settings Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Workstation BACnet devices Cause Require information on configuring the workstation Device Node ID and Bacnet Device ID Resolution When setting up a workstation two of the parameters to set are the Network ID and the Device Node ID.  The Device Node ID corresponds to the BACnet Device ID or BACnet Instance ID in the BACnet protocol. Essentially the workstation is a BACnet device and when setting the Device Node ID during setup in a BACnet installation, consideration should be taken into account when setting this number. By default Schneider BACnet controllers use their serial number as the BACnet Device ID but when using 3rd party BACnet controllers, some vendors use different means when setting their BACnet Device ID. In the past instances have been observed where the workstations Device Node ID is set to 1.   If the 3rd parties BACnet Device ID is set to 1 as well, that device will not be found when using find new BACnet devices. A method of avoiding this is to reserve 191 to 254 for creation of the workstations and set the Device Node ID to the same as the Network ID in the Database Initialization workstation configuration. Or set the workstations with the Device Node ID's starting with 1, but be aware of this setting when configuring any 3rd party BACnet devices.  The Device Node ID/BACnet Device ID must be unique within the BACnet network.

Issue Considering changing the bCX MSTP BACnet MAC ID to an available value in the 1-127 range as indicated in the bCX web page configuration. The online Help provides the following information on the setting. BACnet MAC ID - Comm2 Identifies the MAC (Media Access Control) networking address of the controller on its MS/TP network, using integers ranging from 0 to 127. The default address is 0 and it only necessary to change this value if the value has already been assigned to another device on the network. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX4040 bCX4000 b3 devices BACnet 3rd party device Cause BACnet MAC ID 0 (zero) on MSTP network already in use by third party device. Resolution Due to a limitation in the b3 devices the bCX's MSTP MAC ID should not be changed unless the bCX will only host third party devices on its MSTP (Comm2) and will NEVER be in a situation where MAC ID zero is available during a b3 learn operation. The issue is that when ID zero is made available (by changing the default in the bCX) the LEARN process done on b3s will assign ID zero to one of the b3s, because of design constraints, a b3 will not operate correctly if assigned MAC id zero. Product Support strongly recommends that if a third party device is using MAC ID zero on the MSTP, that the device be re-assigned a different ID in order to keep the bCX at its default value of MAC ID zero.

Issue Are the Infilink and B-Link interchangeable or can they be converted? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Infilink 200 B-Link Cause Both units are RS-485 repeaters; is there a difference? Resolution You cannot convert from an Infilink 200 to a B-Link. They are both RS-485 repeaters, but the circuitry is slightly different to handle the electrical requirements of the BACnet MS/TP and the Infinet. You must use the correct unit for the network type you have. The multiple ports on both repeaters (Infilink and B-Link) allow you to construct a star topology configuration, but note that devices in each spoke (port on the repeater) MUST be connected in a daisy chain topology. Neither product contains any firmware that can be changed.

Issue What is the BACnet Network ID - UDP Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet bCX4000 bCX4040 Cause Documentation Resolution The BACnet Network ID - UDP identifies the BACnet IP network that the bCX controller communicates on, it is 1 by default.  The BACnet Network ID - UDP should be the same for all bCX controllers that need to communicate on the BACnet IP network.  Consult UDP setting in bCX40x0 have been set to different values for additional information. Note: - CyberStation does not have a setting for BACnet Network ID - UDP.   CyberStation will communicate with all ethernet level BACnet devices regardless of the network they sit on.

Issue bCX shows BACnet Network Number zero in the Continuum Explorer Device Editor even though the BACnet Network Id - Comm2 shows value such as 2765 in the bCX configuration web page. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX4040 bCX4000 b4920 b3 devices Cause bCX sits on IP level network which Cyberstation identifies as network 0. Resolution The value entered in the bCX's BACnet Network Id - Comm2 from the configuration webpage is the number of the network the bCX will host on its MSTP port.  The bCX itself is located on the IP level network that CyberStation identifies as Network 0. BACnet devices located in the MSTP field bus of the bCX will show their BACnet Network Number as the value configured in the bCX's BACnet Network Id - Comm2 (default value 2765)

Issue Update OS, changing a controller, BACnet to Infinet or Infinet to BACnet Can b3 controllers be converted to i2 controllers? Can i2 controllers be converted to b3 controllers? Converting between bCX4040 and bCX9640   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment i2 b3 Controllers - See Compatibility Matrix bCX Controllers - Continuum 1.7 onwards Cause Only a limited number of controllers can be converted, BACnet to/from Infinet, using Update OS. Resolution The following controllers can be converted between Infinet and BACnet, using the appropriate firmware files: bCX (bCX4040 to/from bCX9640) (options like Xdrivers, node count, IO modules and expansion IO modules are not effected) i28xx-V - b38xx-V (i2865-V to/from b3865-V, i2866-V to/from b3866-V, i2885-V to/from b3885-V) Please see link for swapping the firmware of non -V model i2/b3 Attempting to flash (Update OS) any other controllers BACnet to/from Infinity is not recommended. In nearly every instance, the result will be a non-functioning controller.   UPDATE: A procedure is now available to convert the non -V i2s to b3s in the field https://community.se.com/t5/Building-Automation-Knowledge/Conversion-of-Continuum-devices-from-i2-to-b3-and-vice-versa-in/ta-p/416712    (Note: In the bCX controllers, the ACCNetID will revert back to the default of "1", you may need to change this in the Controllers configuration webpage back to what it should be.  See Will IP settings persist when flashing a bCX4040 (BACnet) to a bCX9640 (Infinet)? for details.)   Please refer to Exchange for specific firmware: BACnet Firmware Infinet Firmware The following can be used as a general rule to determine which OS is currently running in the controller. bCX only. (b3 & i2 CPU is green) CPU LED is Green = BACnet OS CPU LED is Yellow = Infinet OS

Issue How to reset an ACX 57xx model controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment ACX 57xx Cause While upgrading/downgrading the controller firmware, communications were lost and the controller is not communicating afterwards. Resolution Consult How to reset a ACX 57xx controller to reset the controller and then re-commission.

Issue Seeing "An Object_Identifier has been specified for an object that does not exist in the object database of the addressed BACnet device", when trying to open a BACnet Device in Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX 4040 BACnet Cause When trying to send a controller's obejcts to the Database on the BACnet side the following messages are seen in the Distribution Properties window. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM The operation 'Save to Database' is finished. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM Unable to save objects to the database from Id:36922175.           An Object_Identifier has been specified for an object that does not exist in the object database of the addressed BACnet device. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM The operation 'Save to Database' is starting.   In the case of the affected controller being a bCX, all b3's underneath the bCX are able to be seen and their objects opened, but a user is unable to open any of the objects in the bCX itself on the BACnet side of the Continuum system tree.  Some/all objects are either not located in the BACnet side of the bCX Device or they have been malformed as they were initially created. Resolution The Device needs to be removed and re-discovered Delete the BACnet side of the bCX Device. Perform a "Find new BACnet Devices" from the Root. Then "Send to Database" on the BACnet side to upload all of the BACnet objects back into the Database.  

Issue How can a BACnet b4920 be reset back to its factory default IP address? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BACnet b4920 Cause There is no Reset IP switch on the b4920 Resolution There are 2 ways of accomplishing this.   Method One - The first method resets the controller to factory default address settings: IP Address: 169.254.1.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 Gateway: 0.0.0.0 Webserver Port: 80 Web User Name: acc Web User pwd: acc EnergyNet ID: 1 BacNetMstpNetId: 2764 BacNetUDPNetId: 2765 During controller startup, there is a 2 minute window in which the controller will be restored to factory defaults based on the following: Seconds since startup is < 120 A Ping packet is received by the controller with a matching Ethernet address but unmatched IP address. Ping payload size of 255 bytes. Prior to running the procedure, the controller must be on the same network as the PC that that is used to issue commands.  The engineer will need to have on hand (1) IP address that is both valid and NOT in use on the network that the PC and Controller are connected to.   Get the Controller's MAC Address Each controller has a 6 byte hardware address, also known as the MAC address or Ethernet address. The address is represented in HEX. The first three bytes of the MAC address are constant and represent Andover Controls vendor ID : 00-40-11 The last 3 bytes of the MAC address are derived from your controller’s serial number. The controller’s serial number is printed on the board and is represented as an Integer value. You must convert this value to HEX in order to obtain the last 3 bytes of your controllers MAC address. Ex. Integer Serial Number: 1033394 Converted to Hex: FC4B2 Controller’s MAC: 00-40-11-0F-C4-B2   Create a batch file Create a batch file named Acc.bat with the following content: arp -s %1 %2 ping -l %3 %1 arp -d %1   Restart the b4920 Controller Within 2 Minutes of restarting, run the batch file with the 3 arguments: Acc.bat IP_Address 00-40-11-XX-XX-XX 255 Where IP_Address = valid IP on the network Where XX-XX-XX = last 3 bytes of controller’s MAC Where 255 = Ping Payload size   After Issuing the command, the controller should restart, and the factory default address settings are restored.    Method Two - Capture the Controllers Currently Configured IP Address This second method is easier to do and is currently recommended because of its ease. Download and install a network sniffing application, such as Wireshark which can be downloaded from their website here. Connect a Cross over Ethernet cable between the b4920 and a PC running the network sniffing application. Start up the network sniffing application and then reset the b4920 by hitting the reset button on the controller. On start up, the controller will send out the IP address (Gratuitous ARP Packet) which it currently has assigned to it.  Once this IP address is captured with Wireshark etc the IP of the Workstation can then be changed to allow connection to the controller's web configuration page to change its IP address as required.