Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Running a DBCC CheckDB on a Continuum database reports errors Environment CyberStation SQL Server Windows Cause Database corruption Resolution Restore from last know good database backup

Issue What version of CyberStation is compatible with Endura Express Environment CyberStation Endura Express Video Cause CyberStation compatibility with Endura Express Resolution Starting in CyberStation version 1.92 there will be compatibility with Endura Express. See Andover Continuum Software and Pelco Video Compatibility Matrix for more information on video products that can be integrated using Andover Continuum’s video features.

Issue How to find out or set the LCD password on old Infinet controllers with LCD displays Environment Infinet LCX810 and SCX920 controllers with LCD Displays Cause Current documentation on the Extranet does not define what the password is or how to set it. Resolution The system variable "LCDPassword" determines what the password will be, this can be changed as required. The default is 123 then press Enter.

Issue Do you have to update the DB from multiple workstations in a CyberStation LAN environment Environment CyberStation Database Update Upgrade SQL Server LAN Cause Update of the Continuum database on a LAN environment Resolution You only need to update the database from one workstation when upgrading a LAN system

Issue Support for Finger Print readers. Environment Windows X Continuum 1.9X Cause Bioscript readers are offered and supported by: Security Center of Excellence Resolution Continuum Integration software for specific Bioscript and Cogent biometric readers are offered and supported by the Security Center of Excellence:   COE@Buildings.Schneider-Electric.com

Issue Receiving Large Incorrect numbers in the log viewer. Environment Continuum 1.9X Windows XP Netcontroller II 9680 Cause NetController II needs updates. Resolution Go to: The Exchange Download the latest  NetController II  Flash. Edit the controller. Update OS Reload the controller.

Issue When working with numbers that are 7 digits or longer the number is displayed in exponential format and there is a loss resolution in the lower digits that can cause an issue with metering applications. This can be an issue when using pulse counter inputs. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All Continuum controllers and modules that support Pulse counting with Counter inputs Cause The number formatting throughout the Continuum product is 32 bit IEEE Floating point notation, for numbers up to 7 digits long they will be displayed as a regular decimal number, for larger numbers they will be displayed in exponential format: Significant digits × base exponent This allows Continuum to work with huge numbers like 123.45 x 10 67 but has the disadvantage that as the numbers get larger there will be a loss of resolution in the lower digits starting with the units. Resolution When working with pulsed inputs from meters try to keep the size of the numbers down, putting scaling factors of x10 and x100 only makes the numbers bigger, so where possible scale the numbers down and upscale the units. For example when scaling an input where you would enter a conversion of: Value+(ElecValue * 10) Instead use: Value+(ElecValue*0.1) and change the units to Kilo Units, Mega Units etc. If you have to measure large pulsed numbers another option is to split the large numbers across 2 Numerics, so in Plain English when a value gets to 999,999 then add 1 more pulse, you get 1 in the upper number and 0 the lower number. This can then be displayed on a graphic with 2 adjacent text boxes. Where very accurate metering is required the best solution is to use meters with an intelligent data interface that supports one of the common open protocols supported by Continuum (i.e. BACnet MS/TP, Modbus or M-Bus via X Drivers). This solution means there is no chance of missing a pulse or Continuum getting out of sync' with the meter. Note: If you need to set the lower number back to zero, then the object first needs to be disabled. If this is a BACnet bCX then the BACnet name (eg BACnetDevices\bCX25\Counter2) needs to be used within the PE Program

Issue A Controller with X Driver support has been loaded up with the M-Bus (or M Bus) X Driver and connected to a M-Bus to RS-232 converter (i.e. Westermo AD-01) but is not getting data from the M-Bus meter. Note: This is M-Bus (Meter Bus) and not Modbus which is a different protocol Environment bCX1 and Netcontroller II 2nd Generation controllers with X Driver port enabled MBus, M Bus, XDriver, X-Driver Cause Incorrect comm port settings for the M-Bus interface will stop correct communications to the M-Bus meters. Resolution DefaultMode = Xdriver Baud = Baud300 Parity = Even Stopbits   = StopBit1 Datalength = Databits8 Connect up and configure the system as detailed in the M-Bus manual as supplied (downloaded) with the M-Bus X Driver software. Unless specified otherwise in the manual for the specific 3rd party meter being used, set up the Comm port on the Controller with the above parameters: These settings should be entered and verified through the Command line, then printed back to verify they have been accepted.

Issue Network Security and transport types. Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 Cause Can not set up network security when the transport type is configured for TCP. Resolution Network security is only supported with UDP transport type.

Issue How many additional workstations can connect to a Continuum standalone system? Environment SA CyberStation MSDE Cause Using Continuum stand alone installation as a database server for additional workstations. Resolution Stand Alone key is for 1 Cyber. MSDE supports up to 3 users, but a LAN key is needed with more than 1 Cyberstation. To upgrade SA to LAN, the Stand Alone key must be upgraded with a cookie. The Stand Alone machine with the database should have the SA key, up to two additional machines can use the Stand Alone machine as their database server. The additional machines need LAN keys.

Issue Unable to reload entire database using "Send to Controller" option. The error "Not enough memory" is seen in Distribution View when trying to reload some objects. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum b3 Series Controllers i2 Series Controllers Cause Data is corrupt in controller Database or individual points such as Infinity Programs have become corrupt and are unable to be reloaded to the controller. Resolution Clear the database in the controller and retry a "Send to Controller" as follows: Open the Device object of the i2 or b3 controller. Go to the "Runtime" tab. Press the "Reset" button to reset the controller and clear its memory. Retry "Send to Controller".

Issue Some of the older access controllers do not support 2 card credentials for the personnel objects, which are these? Environment Cyberstation V1.90 and above Access Controllers : ACX700, 780 CX9900, CX9940 CX9702 ACX5740, 5720 Netcontroller II CX9680 Cause Older controllers do not have the facility to support 2 credentials Resolution You require a minimum of Cyberstation V1.90 to support 2 Credentials in a personnel object, this is known as Transitional Card Support. The ONLY controllers that support dual cards are the ACX5740, ACX5720 and Netcontroller II (CX9680).

Issue When creating the Continuum database Database Initialization displays a Windows Logon error. Environment CyberStation 1.9x WebClient Database Initialization Cause Continuum single user can no longer be installed if the local administrator password is left blank. Resolution Configure a password for the workstations local administrator user account.

Issue Can B_Link Fiber devices be used on the IP network? Environment Network Topology Windows XP B-link Repeater BCX 4040 B4920 BACnet Repeater RS-485 Cause Configuration of Fiber Network Resolution No. The B-Link Repeater is used on the RS-485 Network not IP.

Issue Continuum will not start.  "Continuum is running please wait and try again" Environment Continuum 1.92. Windows 2008 Server. Cause Domain Policies are in place. They are restricting active X and registry changes. Resolution Remove the Computer from the domain. Install Continuum Rejoin the Domain.

Issue Not receiving SNMP point value in the Trap Message. Environment Windows XP BCX 4040 Hp Pro Tools Cause Current BACnet MIB's not installed Resolution Download and install the latest MiBs Version 2.0

Issue Alarming on specific card swipes Environment CyberStation CX9702 CX9900 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 ACX700 ACX781 Cause Need for alert alarm when a given credential holder(s) is attempting access at a door Resolution Write a PE program in the controller that monitors the door for access attempts and check whether the last card presented at the door is in a list of cards that been designated for alarming. In the sample program below CardAlertList is an InfinityNumeric array containing the list of card numbers to alarm on. An Alarm Enrollment configured to alarm when Value > 0 is attached to CardAlertList It is assumed that all cards have the same site code, if multiple site codes are used then the program needs to be modified to take site code in consideration. SAMPLE PROGRAM: 'This program triggers an alarm when any card which number is contained 'in the CardAlertList array is presented at the door. 'Program flowtype is fall thru 'Triggered by the Second system variable Numeric n CardAlertList = 0 'If a card has been presented at the door If Door1 InvalidEntryTime > Dr1LastInvalTime or Door1 TimeEntered > Dr1LastValidTime then 'Check to see if the card is in the list   For n = 1 to CardAlertList Size  'if the card number is in the list send alarm     If CardAlertList[n] = Door1 EntryLastCard then CardAlertList = Door1 EntryLastCard   Next n Endif 'store last card transaction time for comparison next time program runs Dr1LastInvalTime = Door1 InvalidEntryTime Dr1LastValidTime = Door1 TimeEntered Stop E:

Issue Unable to connect to webClient using Mac and Safari as the browser. Environment webClient (all versions) Mac OSX Safari Cause Using an unsupported browser and operating system configuration. Resolution The only browser supported is Internet Explorer (IE), see the Compatibility matrix for details of supported hardware and software for webClient.

Issue Continuum 1.9x and above will not install correctly on a PC / Laptop that is on a domain, One example: When trying to run the Continuum Database Initialization program the following error message may pop up: You must have local NT administrative privileges to run this application. Environment Windows OS 7 8 10 Continuum 1.9x 2.x Inet SQL 2005 SQL 2008 SQL 2012 Cause Microsoft has introduced the use of a higher level of security in the install of their SQL database software SQL 2005 / SQL 2008 / SQL 2012. When you install Continuum you need to make sure you are logged onto the PC / Laptop as a local administrator, in the case of a lot of a corporate networks, you are most likely logged on as ether a restricted user or a domain administrator, these logons do not have the privileges you need to install an SQL database. Resolution Step by step guide to creating a local administrator user on your PC / Laptop Go to "Start" then "Control Panel" in Windows (Windows 7 and above, top right corner change "view by" to "small icons" this will show all icons) Go to "Administrative Tools" Go to "Computer Management" / "Local Users and Groups" In users, right click on the right panel and add new user Fill in the user name and password, un-tick user must change password Tick password never expires then ok it Now go back into control panel and click on "User Accounts" Click on the name you just created, this will open the properties screen (Windows 7 and above click on "Manage user accounts") Click on "Group Membership" then select others, and highlight administrators (Windows 7 and above double click on name you created, click "group membership" click "other" then in the drop down select "Administrator") Apply this and then ok it. Log off your normal account and log back on as the new user you have just created

Issue Communication status between Continuum BACnet device can be verified by checking controller's CommStatus attribute in InfinityView(Infinity View / Infinity Path).    But how can I check the communication status of other 3rd party BACnet devices? Environment BCX4040 BACnet controllers B3xxx BACnet controllers. Continuum Workstations. Cause Having unstable BACnet  IP or MSTP connections and want to check the communication status of the target devices before read/write data from/to the them. Resolution Create a PE program in the our BCX (or B3) controller as below: '= = = = = = = = Line Checking    If BACnetDevices\BNet_2765\MyB3VAV System_Status = Operational then Goto Wait15Secs Line Wait15Secs    If TS > 15 then Goto Checking Line E    ' Do something to set off the alarm from the b3 controller.    Goto Wait15Secs '= = = = = = = =