Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Points from a SmartStruxure Lite MPM display the question mark character (?) instead of the correct engineering unit when brought into Building Operation via BACnet. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkSation SmartStruxure Lite MPM with firmware version 2.5.8 or earlier Cause The question mark (?) placeholder for units is used when Building Operation reads a BACnet unit id that we do not have a translation for to Building Operation units. In MPM firmware version 2.5.8 and earlier, units are translated as vendor proprietary, in firmware version 2.7 and later the units are translated to standard BACnet units. Resolution Upgrade the MPM firmware to Version 2.7x or later. MPM firmware can be downloaded from the https://ecoxpert.se.com/building-expert/discover#tab/documents . Please note that firmware is on a secure area of the site that is only accessible to certified SmartStruxure Lite engineers.   I M P O R T A N T   Also, any thermostat where the communication module is replaced must be re-addressed and re-discovered, additionally all related Widgets will have to be re-linked to the new object(s). If you are not sure which module you have on your SE7000P units do the following... a) Remove the cover. b) look at the part number, the new extended profile modules are 051-0132

Issue How to create a Binary Input or Digital Input on a MPM controller Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Cause When a Binary Input is created, the object does not work. There is no documentation on how to create a Binary Input Resolution In order to use a Binary Input, both the BI object and the corresponding Analog Input AI object must be added from the object list. For example, if you need to use BI3 with a dry contact, you will also need to add AI3 and toggle its "input type" to Ohms, then save the object. You also need to keep the object in the object list. With regards to “Input type” for the Binary Inputs: (the "input type" property is in the AI object) -When set in Volts, anything >= 2VDC will be considered a 1 status.                                    anything < 2VDC will be conspired a 0 status. -When set in Ohms, anything < 10kOhm will be considered a 1 status.                                      anything >= 10KOhm will be considered a 0 status. Note: When "Input type" is set to ohms, a dry contact must be used for the BI to work properly. BO1 and BO2 of the MPM can be used for example, but not the relays of the TE2 as they are not dry contacts by design.

Issue Unsure how to use the settings in the VAV Flow object Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) MPM-VA Cause Cannot change the units of the output Resolution For Variable Air Volume (VAV) Flow configuration, it is recommended to use the Kf method when setting up an MPM-VA In the PFC calculation, the Kf factor represents the flow (Q) for a measured dP on the flow ring of 1 Pascal (Pa). The flow sensor on the MPM controller (AI21) measures dP in inches of water column (in w.c.). With a conversion of 1 in w.c. = 250 Pa, we obtain this formula: Kf = Q [cfm] / (sqrt(250 x dP[in w.c.])) or, Q [cfm] = Kf * (sqrt(250 x dP[in w.c.]))   Calibration/Balancing: A typical VAV box should have a theoretical Kf factor provided by the manufacturer. This Kf value must be used in the in the PFC object when balancing VAV systems. Next, using instruments such as an air flow capture hood, technicians must compare the output flow from the PFC object and the actual measures air volume. If the values do not match, the measured value along with the value of AI21 must be entered in the above equation to produce a new Kf factor. The new Kf value will then be used in the PFC object to finalize the calibration For example if the measured air volume is 200 cfm and AI21 is 1.2 w.c., the new Kf will be: Kf = 200 / (sqrt(250 x 1.2)) =11.55 Important notes: -Even though the Kf units show "Liters per second", the "Flow output value" will be in "Cubic feet per minute" (CFM) if the value of Kf is based on CFM values. If the Kf is based on LPS, the output will be in LPS -Every time the Kf factor is changed in the PFC object in the MPM, it will take up to 2 minutes before the output flow changes to the new value

Issue There are two variables: INDIT =0 koll1_p=1 - When using AND: DEV700.BO1=(INDIT and koll1_p) --prim sziv1 The result is DEV700.BO1=1 - When using *: DEV700.BO1=(INDIT * koll1_p) --prim sziv1 The result is correct DEV700.BO1=0 Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Cause The simple issue here is that the and keyword is a logical operator, however the variables being compared are numeric. Contrary to many other languages, a Lua variable is not typed, which means that the kind of value it stores are not constrained and can actually change during a program execution: Boolean Designates a variable which can hold the true or false values. It is important to note that true or false are not numbers and do not equal 1 or 0. That is why the mathematical multiplier * keyword works in this instance but the logical and does not. Resolution The logical operators are and, or, and not. Like control structures, all logical operators consider false and nil as false and anything else as true. The operator and returns its first argument if it is false; otherwise, it returns its second argument. The operator or returns its first argument if it is not false; otherwise, it returns its second argument: print(4 and 5) --> 5 print(nil and 13) --> nil print(false and 13) --> false print(4 or 5) --> 4 print(false or 5) --> 5 Both and and or use short-cut evaluation, that is, they evaluate their second operand only when necessary. Essentially to use the and operator with numeric values they will first need to be evaluated into true or false states. For example: If INDIT ~=0 then x= true else x= false end If koll1_p ~=0 then y= true else y= false end DEV700.BO1=(x and y)

Issue What files are saved, to where and why is this used. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) All variants: VA, UN, GW Cause The running database of a SmartStruxure Lite MPM controller is in the controllers volatile memory (RAM), in order for this data to be preserved during a power failure or reboot this needs to be saved to non volatile memory (Flash) Resolution The save period is for backing up the controller database to flash memory, this can be set to Never, Hourly or Daily. All programming and runtime information is then saved to the controllers flash memory so that it is not lost during a power failure or controller reset. Stored data includes Controller status, configuration changes, updates such as trended information or setpoint changes, and Lua scripts.

Issue Unable to connect to a BCX configuration page Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum BCX9640 and 4040 Cause 404 Page not found error accessing the configuration page using the controller IP in a browser Resolution Note: This document is for troubleshooting help, it is not a comprehensive BCX setup guide. Please refer to the BCX1 Technical Reference for detailed setup instructions.   Using a LAN or a cross-over cable? If the BCX is on a LAN and was working before, remove the LAN cable from the BCX and try to ping the BCX. If you get a response then you have a duplicate IP. Same subnet? Make sure DHCP is disabled on your computer. Use a straight-through or cross-over cable to access the BCX directly. Has this cable been used successfully before? Reset the BCX to the default IP. The button is under the cover, top right. Be sure to hold down the IP reset button for about 20 seconds Is the controller in bootloader mode? This can be seen by observing the CPU light flashing rapidly, approximately two times a second (2 Hz at 50% duty). Flashing the application through Cyberstation may fix this and enable you to get back into the controller. Even though access to the config page is not available, the update OS button in Continuum using the controller's Network setting and ACCNet ID may be accessible to perform a firmware upgrade. Ping the IP from a DOS prompt, can the BCX be pinged? Ex. Ping 169.254.1.1 Use Ipconfig /all to see your PCs network settings. The best case scenario is to be on the same subnet or connect directly. Are there multiple NIC cards on the PC? (Ex. Ethernet and wireless on a laptop) Disable the wireless adapter or other adapters. Continuum does not support a multiple NIC card configuration. Run Wireshark to get a capture between the BCX and The PC. Remove power from the BCX and reapply power. When the BCX starts it sends a gratuitous ARP that will indicate the IP address within the BCX. It may be a different IP than expected. Did the issue of not accessing the web page happen after a power outage? Is the CPU light flashing amber and it was flashing green before and no one has flashed the controller? Is the CPU light solid amber? If so, contact support for assistance.

Issue Investigating event with EBO Webstation and need to collect logs for Product Support to assist. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Webstation Cause Product Support requests logs to investigate an event in EBO Webstation Resolution Opening Developer Tools in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge Open browser Hit F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I to toggle open and close the Developer Tools section Note: In Microsoft Edge, one can use F12 if you check to Remember my decision and click the Open DevTools button                                                                                                      Collect Information from Developer Tools - Console Open the browser's Developer Tools Select the Console tab. NOTE: Exceptions from the server or client-side issues will be shown in the console. Select inside the console tab, hit Ctrl-A to Select All, hit CTRL-C to Copy, and in any text editor, hit CTRL-V to Paste. Save the file. NOTE: In this example, there are no exceptions to be saved.  Collecting Network Logs The communication between the server and client can be logged. This can provide essential information about the information sent from the client to the server and how the information is parsed by the client. It can be useful to: take a network log while reproducing the issue clear the application cache then take a new network log.   Preparing and saving the network log Click the Network tab. Make sure network traffic is being recorded (toggled with ctrl+E) Clear the network log by clicking the Clear symbol in the upper left Open the page or object representing the issue Carry out steps to reproduce the issue Stop the recording (toggled with ctrl+E) Click Export HAR... to save the HAR file  Clearing the application cache and type information Click the Application tab Click the Application - Storage section Ensure ALL boxes are checked Click Clear site data.  NOTE: This will log you out and you need to log back in 

Issue How do I read unsigned 8-bit (byte) values from a Modbus holding register and represent the analog value in Building Operation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause In this case, the Modbus holding register is a 16-bit unsigned value that is used by the Modbus device to represent two individual 8-bit values.  The 16-bit unsigned value is an integer with a range of 0 to 65,535 and needs to be converted into two analog values. Resolution Use a Building Operation Modbus Analog Input Point for each value required.  Each object will be configured to read the same Modbus register address with the bitmask value applied before evaluating the value to determine the output. For example: Read Modbus holding register 40001 which is a 16-bit unsigned value and decode as two analog values. Under the Modbus device object - create a Modbus Register Group Under the Modbus Register Group - create two Modbus Analog Input Points Configure each point as follows: Modbus Analog Input Point 40001 (AI-HighByte) Register number 1 Register type 16-bit unsigned Read function code 03 Bitmask - enable all bits 8 through 15 Modbus Digital Input Point 40001 (AI-LowByte) Register number 1 Register type 16-bit unsigned Read function code 03 Bitmask - enable all bits 0 through 7 Additional information can be found in the Building Operation Technical Reference Guide - Modbus Point Configuration (Bitmask) or WebHelp at Point and Value Configuration

Issue Require details on how to setup a counter to count input activations and trigger an alarm after a certain number has been reached. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Unsure how to program a counter and require an example. Resolution Need to create: 2x Data Value (Data Up, Data Compare) 2x Variable (Up Count, Compare) 3x Programmable Function (Door Up Count, Value Compare, Reset Alarm) 2x Output (vAlarm OP, vReset OP)   Instructions: Virtual Outputs Under Programming | Outputs create two (2) new outputs. One will be the alarm trigger, the other the alarm and counter reset. Save changes.   Data Value Under Automation | Data Values create two Data Values to store the appropriate data in the system. Set the Preset Value for Data Up to 0, and for Data Compare to the number of activations you want to trigger an alarm at. In the example, this is 2. Save changes.   Variable Under Automation | Variables create two Variables to count in the correct scale for each Data Value. Up Count: Set the Scale to 1, MaximumValue to the top end of your counting scale and the Data Value to the Data Up Data Value created earlier. Save changes. Compare: Set the Scale to 1, MaximumValue to the top end of your counting scale and the Data Value to the Data Compare Data Value. Save changes.   Programmable Functions Under Automation | Programmable Functions create three new Programmable Functions. Door Up Count to increment the counter register, Value Compare to compare the current register against the setpoint, and ResetAlarm to reset the alarm output Door Up Count: Set Type to Register Counter and Mode to Normal On the Register Counter tab set Input to Count to the physical input you want to count, Counter Register to Data Up, tick Increment on Input Open, tick Log Counter events, and set Reset Output to vReset OP. Save changes. Right-click the new Programmable Function just created and select "Start". Value Compare: Set Type to Value Compare, Mode to Normal. On the Value Compare tab set Activate Output When Above Setpoint to vAlarm OP,  Analog Input Data Variable Register to Data Up and Set Point Data Value to Data Compare. Save changes. Right-click the new Programmable Function just created and select "Start". Reset Alarm: Set Type to Logic Control and Mode to Normal. On the Logic Control tab set Logic Function Mode to 3 - Inverted Follow Pulse On First Output, First Output To Check to vReset OP and Output To Control to vAlarmOP. Save changes. Right-click the new Programmable Function just created and select "Start".   Test the Functions: Create a Floor Plan with Compare, Up Count, vAlarm OP and vReset OP added so this can be monitored in real-time. Pulse the monitored Input and confirm Up Count increments. When it gets to the set point value confirm vAlarm OP goes on to trigger an alarm. When vReset OP is enabled confirm the Up Count is reset to 0 and vAlarm OP is disabled.

Issue The Enterprise Server service keeps stopping, and Windows restarts it right away. This is preventing WorkStation or WebStation from logging on. When viewing the Building Operation Software Administrator, the "Start Service" option is greyed out, and the server status is Stopped. Product Line EcoStruxre Building Operation Environment Building Operation Software Administrator Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Workstation Cause The Enterprise Server or Central service uses TCP port 80 by default.  If another service on the PC is using port 80 (e.g., Internet Information Services), this will cause the service to stop and re-start constantly. Resolution Two options: Stop the conflicting service from running (e.g., IIS, Dropbox, Skype) Change the HTTP or HTTPS port in Enterprise Server or Enterprise Central to a unique port (e.g., 8080) To change the ports, open Software Administrator and stop the server if it is not already. Then the port fields will no longer be grayed out, and they can be changed. Finally, restart the server. Refer to: Configuring Server Port Settings Note: Once the port has been changed to a unique one, this must be specified when logging into WorkStation, as seen below.

Issue BACnet MSTP Capture Application Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment Any Bacnet MSTP Network Cause The BACnet MSTP capture application provides the ability to analyze data communications between devices anytime issues are suspected on the network. Resolution Download the latest version. Browse to Steve Karg's  BACnet Protocol Stack - Browse /bacnet-tools at SourceForge.net Select the version folder Select bacnet-tools-[n.n.n].zip file to download it From the zip file, extract mstpcap.exe Now you can use it via command prompt as described below or install it in C:\Program Files\Wireshark\extcap if want to use with modern Wireshark version.   To capture data follow these steps: Unzip file Open command prompt with window pointing at location of mstpcap.exe file.  For example:  c:\MSTP Tool> Daisy chain RS-485 adapter to trunk or connect Roam I/A to jack on MNB device. Command syntax is as follows:  mstpcap comx baudrate# do not type baudrate just speed. Control C to stop Example: If Using Roam I/A it requires highest baudrate available on the interface. ROAM I/A Serial port mstpcap comx 115200 If using Roam I/A Bluetooth mstpcap comx 76800 If using an RS-485 adapter it will not support 76,800. This is a PC hardware limitation not a software limitation for further information or instructions on how to use baudrate 76,800 consult text file titled mstpcap.txt or Steve Karg's website: http://steve.kargs.net/bacnet/wireshark-and-bacnet-mstp .  Example: mstpcap comx baudrate speed The capture file can be analyzed with WireShark Protocol Analyzer.  WireShark software is available at: http://www.wireshark.org

Issue How to backup and restore Vista databases Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause There are three different ways to backup/restore a Vista database. Each method has its own unique procedures. Resolution Vista database backup methods: Copy the database folder, you can compress the database into a ZIP or RAR file (ZIP preferred method of Product Support) Use the built in database backup feature (this is commonly used for scheduling an automatic database backup) Use the built in export feature (this is commonly used for partial database backup) Vista database restore methods (referring to backup methods accordingly): Restore from a copy of the database folder: Change the database path in Vista Server setup to the copy of the database folder. Restore from the .fvb file Use Vista restore database feature Restore from the exported filed Use Vista import feature

Issue Java 8 is only supported together with TAC Vista 5.1.9 Product Line TAC Vista Environment Webstation Xenta Server web Cause The current version was developed and tested together with Java version 7, but not Java version 8 as Java 8 was released subsequently After the latest update of Java (Java 8u31) SSLv3 has been disabled by default in Java. If updating to that version of Java, the Xenta Server web (graphics and schedules) will not work, as the Xenta Server relies on SSLv3. Resolution Making the proper configurations has enabled a number of sites to use Java 8 with the TAC Vista product range. Java 8 is supported for TAC Vista 5.1.9 according to TPA-VSTA-15-0000.03 Refer to this video for settings required: Download video - View on YouTube   The proper settings in Java are: [1] Install the newest version of Java. If you are working on a 64 bit operating system, it's crucial that you install both the x86 and the x64 versions: https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp [2] Make sure all older versions are removed: https://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jsp [3] Make sure Java is enabled in your browser: https://java.com/en/download/help/enable_browser.xml [4] Add all addresses to the site exception list in the "Security" tab. Both http and https addresses are needed for Xenta Servers. If a special port is used (not 80 for http and 443 for https), the port needs to be entered, e.g. http://IP_ADDRESS:81 if port 81 is used for HTTP communication. [5] Click "Restore Security Prompts" in the "Security" tab. [6] In some cases you might need to add the IP address of the PC or Xenta Server to trusted sites in Internet Explorer   TAC Xenta Server web uses SSLv3 for Java if high security is set in XBuilder. The workaround for SSLv3 being disabled in Java 8u31 and above is: (read Java's own release note) [1] Edit the following two files: C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.8.0_31\lib\security\java.security C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_31\lib\security\java.security [2] Scroll down to the last line where it says: jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3 In both files, comment that line so it says: #jdk.tls.disabledAlgorithms=SSLv3 [3] Edit the file: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\deployment.properties [4] Add the following line: deployment.security.SSLv3=true

Issue Using a USB to Parallel converter for the dongle. Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment BAS2800+ BAS 2800+ BAS Dongle Parallel USB converter Cause The dongle is not seen when using a USB to Parallel port converter. Resolution In spite of investigations into the use of a USB to Parallel port converter, the BAS dongle cannot be successfully read. It is recommended, that should the BAS 2800+ terminal require replacing, then the new PC is purchased with an additional Parallel port card.. If the PC is acquired from another source, then the appropriate type of Parallel port card should be purchased and fitted. Using "Google" and searching for Parallel port cards, will provide a large selection.

Issue What are termination (end of line) resistors and why use them? A LAN of any type has a node or two somewhere in the middle having problems but the rest seem stable Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Site Controller LAN 7808 Repeater Cause Termination resistors (also called clamping or end-of line resistors) are to be installed between lan+ and lan -, not to ground. Their purpose is to prevent the characteristic impedance of the wire from increasing to infinity at the end of the cable. Resolution Since most wire's characteristic impedance is between 80 and 150 ohms, use 100 to 120 ohms on an unbiased controller or host lan. This will "clamp" reflections from the end of the wire which are seen as noise by the controllers. If a 7808 repeater is used, it requires bias. Using 100 ohm termination resistors would kill that lan's communication; therefore, use 620 ohms instead. As cheap as resistors are and as easy as this installation is, they can only help. Typically they help more on a longer LAN, so anything longer than 1000 feet (about 300 meters) should definitely have terminations.

Issue How to reset an existing EBO Licensing installation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Licensing Cause Most of the time, issues with damaged or corrupted EBO Licenses can be resolved by simply returning and re-registering the affected License, either manually or with the help of Product Support. However, on some occasions, this is not enough, as the actual Licensing installation is affected.  Even re-installing the License Server does not fix the issue because of unwanted data left over in the registry. Resolution A License Server Reset Tool capable of partial or complete reset of an EBO License Server installation has been developed and available for download from the Community: SBO License Server Reset.

Issue An error is received 'Error connecting to server' while testing a Digital Sentry DVR connection with Cyberstation 1.90 or 1.91. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.90 Continuum 1.91 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause The DS Connex version of newer Digital Sentry DVRs are not compatible with Continuum 1.90 or 1.91 Resolution The DSConnex version of newer Digital Sentry DVRs are not compatible with Continuum 1.90 or 1.91 unless the following hotfix is applied. Click here to download the hotfix

Issue Cannot Delete Personnel  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum  1.8X & 1.9X Windows XP Windows 2003 Server Continuum ACX5740 Microsoft SQL 2005 Cause Stored Procedure packPersonneldeletion failed to run Resolution Duplicate personnel.   Remove Areas from the personnel object. Delete duplicate personnel objects.

Issue Want a method to show all the Access Events that a Personnel has had during a specific period of time. Environment Continuum Access Control Cause A method to search Access Events for a specific Personnel during a specific period of time. Resolution One method to do this would be to use Listviews. There are a number of default Listviews already available in a default ContinuumDB, one of these can be used as a basis for our new Listview. This is done by adding a database qualifier to a copy of the default Events_Today Listview. Make a copy the Events_Today Listview  Add the prompt for a card number search using: DBQualifier : (CardNumber is Prompt("Please Enter a Card number", 0) and Template = False) This will return all the events today for the card number that the user inputs in the prompt box when running the Listview.  

Issue An AS-P (SpaceLogic Server) is crashing; just before the crash, the memory usage in the AS-P increases until it reaches a level where the AS-P crash.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation  Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Cause The issue was caused by a Notification report which was located in the ES to which the AS-P was connected, Every time this report was run, the AS-P crashed after a while.  This report included a search of all Modbus points in the system and all properties of the Modbus points. When running the report, the ES was setting up a lot of subscriptions to the AS-P in a very short time period. The AS-P could not handle this huge amount of subscriptions and crashed after a while when trying to process all subscriptions from the ES. Resolution In this particular case, the AS-P had around 2000 Modbus points. When the Notification report was running, the search for these 2000 Modbus points and all properties, which were around 20 per Modbus point, caused the ES to set up around 40 000 (2000*20) subscriptions to the AS-P in a very short time period, and it crashed. To solve this issue, the number of Modbus points in the AS-P was reduced to below 1000, and then the AS-P could handle the number of subscriptions (1000*20=20000) with no crash.   When running a Notification report, including a search, be careful not to search for too many objects and properties in the same report, like in the example above when a search was done for all Modbus objects and properties in an Automation Server.   This is only a problem when a search is done via a Notification report if doing a search from Workstation that is made differently and will not set up a subscription in the same way.