Building Automation Knowledge Base

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

Issue Some Continuum add on reports are free and others require the security key to be enabled for them to launch Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause The security key has not been enabled for the add-on report to launch in normal mode Resolution Continuum add on reports are different reports than the standard report object that is a part of Continuum. More information can be found related to Continuum add-on reports on the Exchange Online web site. Here is a list of most of the free and pay for reports available: Free reports - Access Events, Alarms, Areas/Cardholders, Departments/Areas/Cardholders, Doors, User Activity Pay for reports - Photo Album & Badge Printing, Personnel Data Importer, Alarm Archiver/Reporter, Activity Log Archiver/Reporter, Access Events Plus, Access Events Selected by Department, Access Event Archiver/Reporter, Alarms Plus, Alarms - Categories, Area Purge, Extended Log Archiver/Reporter, On site - Muster Report, Personnel Data Exporter, Time Tracker Contact your RSM for Continuum Add-on Software part numbers, pricing and availability. Please Note : Not all Continuum Add-on Software is available for sale in countries outside of the U.S. For additional information email COE.Support@Buildings.Schneider-Electric.com  

Issue One of the following: - People that have no access to a specific area are being allowed in based on site code when the CyberStation is offline. (NoComm validation set for site code only) - No access at all and no access event reported (No validation configured for NoComm status in the door validation matrix) Environment CyberStation CX99xx CX9702 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 ACX781 ACX700 Cause When the controller detects its primary/secondary access server is offline, it switches its system status to NoComm and performs access validation based on the rules specified by the Comm Fail column in the door's "Access Validation" options in the entry/exit reader tab. Resolution To have the controller validate site + card when in NoComm, make sure to check the appropriate check boxes (Validate site, Validate card) in the door editor.

Issue The active text configuration in Pinpoint allows you to control the color of the active text based on the object state or the objects alarm status.  Can both be used at the same time?  What happens if the point state color is shown and the alarm state of the point changes?   Does one color control have priority? Environment Continuum 1.9 or greater CyberStation Pinpoint WebClient WebPinpoint Cause Both the active text alarm color and object state color controls are configured. Resolution The color that active text is presented in represents the last "status" the point has assumed regardless of whether this was a point change of the objects state or a change of the objects alarm status. Regardless of which color is in effect, the next change of state or alarm status will overrule that color until a subsequent change has occurred.

Issue Can Program (non-InfinityPrograms) objects be used to program control sequences in Infinity controllers? Programs (non-InfinityPrograms) in our Infinity Controller are not working reliably.  Environment CyberStation ACX BCX i2 B3 Cause When we edit a Program object (non-Infinity Program) in our controller. when the program is saved it continues to work as if there was no change made to the programming. Programs in our Infinity or Infinet controller are not working reliably. Resolution Program objects are intended for use in the Workstation only, not in Infinity Controllers, Infinet Controllers or MSTP controllers. When programming Infinity controllers or Infinet controllers you must use InfinityPrograms only. When programming the Workstation, Programs (non-Infinity) must be used. While program objects may or may not work marginally, they should not be used when programming Infinity Controllers.

Issue Andover Continuum first generation controllers do not support backing up their object database to flash memory, under certain conditions these controllers can reset and lose the object database that is kept in RAM memory. Environment CyberStation CX9200 CX9900 CX9940 CX9400 CX9702 Cause Controller memory loss due to reset. Power failure that lasts beyond the capacity of the battery to retain memory. Resolution The following sample program running in the CyberStation monitors a controller for memory loss and automatically performs a reload (Send to controller), optionally the program can trigger an alarm to announce the memory loss and reload event. Note that the cause of a controller reset should never be ignored and must always be investigated thus the automatic reload program is not intended as a fix for a reset issue. SAMPLE PROGRAM 'This program monitors a CX99xx controller and reloads it if a memory loss is detected. 'The program is triggered by the Minute system variable 'CONFIGURATION 'Flow type:      Looping 'Auto start:      False 'CX9900.11.Reload is an analog value point in CyberStation attached to an alarm so that 'a memory loss/reload event can be announced. CheckCommStatus: 'Make sure controller is online before attempting to communicate with it   If LocalNetwork\CX9900.11 CommStatus = OffLine then Stop  Else Goto CheckController CheckController: 'If controller memory loss detected, reload the controller   If LocalNetwork\CX9900.11\Freemem > 5600000 then 'replace 5600000 with appropriate value for your particular controller     CX9900.11.Reload = 1 'Send alarm to announce memory loss/reload event     Reload LocalNetwork\CX9900.11     Goto WaitForReload   Else     Stop   Endif WaitForReload: 'Wait here to avoid getting into a reload loop   If LocalNetwork\CX9900.11 Reloading = False or TM > 15 then     CX9900.11.Reload = 0     Stop   Endif E: 'If an error is detected stop the program, we'll try again next time the program is triggered 'NOTE we will end up here if the controller is actually offline but CyberStation has it as 'Online due to probe time latency   Stop

Issue When reloading a Net Controller II you receive an OMS error. A send to database doesn't complete Environment Continuum 1.92 Windows XP NetController 1/II Cause Programming Busy Controller Resolution First Method: Go to off line editing. Export the programs and save them to the desktop. Delete the programs. Go onLine. Reload the controller. Go to off line editing. Import the programs for the saved export file. Go onLine. Reload the controller. Second Method: Go to off line editing. Web over to the NCII  http://ip-address Select  "Clear Database Backup" Commit Changes. Go Online. Reload the Controller. Note: At times if the reload is still not working and is failing on certain objects, reloading class by class allows the reload to go through. Delete programming half of the code at a time to find out what code is causing the issue by process of elimination. Use a laptop with wireshark installed and a hub and connect to the NC directly and try the reload or send to db and examine the capture. Replace the controller and see if it works, if so, the controller may need to be permanently replaced.

Issue The display on the smart sensor module (LCD1/LED1) is blank. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation B3 devices/i2 devices with Smart Sensor port. Cause LCDDisplay/LEDDisplay element #2 has a value of 0 which turns off the display The host controller is not sending power to the SPWR port It could be a newer version of the smart sensor, see i28xx-V & i28xx-V-WL Controller v3.501037 - Release Notes Resolution Set LCDDisplay/LEDDisplay[2] to a valid display format value. (see Smart Sensor Installation and User Guide) Measure the voltage between return and SPWR and make sure it is 8.4 volts DC, if the voltage is not correct disconnect the Smart Sensor and measure again, if the second measurement is correct then the Smart Sensor may need to be replaced, otherwise the host controller may have to be replaced.

Issue The CPU light condition allows for limited troubleshooting of Expansion Modules Environment Continuum i2 controllers b3 controllers BCX B4920 ACX 57xx Cause Expansion modules require troubleshooting and the CPU light offers some information Resolution The expansion module closest to the controller will blink once at a 2Hz rate. A second module connected to the first expansion module will display 2 short blinks every 2 seconds Incompatible or malfunctioning expansion modules may display the CPU light as a steady ON or ON and then completely OFF When main power supply does not provide enough power for the controller and connected expansion modules, the CPU light of expansion module display a steady ON.

Issue After launching WebClient logon screen appears but attempt to logon results in "Webclient is unavailable"  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows Vista Windows 7 WebClient Cause Incorrect Internet Information Services (IIS) configuration. Resolution 1. Open Internet Information Services Manager 2. Expand the Computer Name in left pane and click on Application Pools in treeview 3.  Select DefaultAppPool and click Set Application Pool Defaults 4. In Application Pool Defaults dialogbox select Identity under Process Model. A selection control should appear in the second column. Click this button 5. Under Built-in account select Network Service in the dropdown listbox. Click OK 6. Click OK button in Application Pool Defaults dialogbox