Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When a UNC is rebooted, the startup fails with the following error being displayed in the Standard Output Window. "FATAL: Cannot boot station from sns java.util.zip.ZipException" Environment I/A Series (Niagara) R2 UNC (UNC-510, UNC-410, UNC-520) Cause Backup service filled the memory in the device.  This causes the automatic periodic backup of the RuntimeDB to improperly create its backup of the running station.  When the UNC is rebooted, the system discovers that its station config.sns file is corrupted.  When the operating system finds that the config.sys station file is corrupted, it looks for any station backup zip files.  The most current zip file is then unzipped. During the unzip process, the program determines that there is not enough memory to unzip the backup.  This causes the startup to fail with the ZipException error. Resolution Reload the latest good backup of the station using the Admin Tool then edit the station to remove the Backup Service.  Reloading the station using the Admin Tool Install Station function will cause the memory in the UNC to be cleared before the station is loaded. 

Issue In Niagara R2, UNC will not archive to Enterprise Server. The following errors are being displayed in the Enterprise Server’s Standard Output Window: ERROR: LogService.archive: java.lang.IllegalStateException: Database not connected! java.lang.IllegalStateException: Database not connected! at tridium.services.DatabaseService.checkConnected(DatabaseService.java:389) at tridium.services.DatabaseService.getConnected(DatabaseService.java:363) at tridium.services.logService.archivelocal(LogService.java:13) at tridium.log.service.RemoteArchiveHandler.handlerArchiveLog(RemoteArchiveHandler.java:95) at tridium.log.service.RemoteArchiveHandler.handlerAaction(RemoteArchiveHandler.java:68) at tridium.datax.net.DxExchange.doRequest(DxExchange.java:314) at tridium.datax.net.DxExchange.Run(DxExchange.java:274) at tridium.datax.net.DxServer.doGet(DxServer.java:80) at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:499) at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:588) at tridium.foundation.net.TServiceThread.run(TServiceThread.java:195) Also see the following in message in the Standard Output Widow of the UNC: tridium.datax.net.DxRemoteException: java.lang.IllagelStateException: Database not connected! at tridium.datax.net.DxExchange.doResponse (bytecode 107) at tridium.datax.net.DxExchange.run (bytecode 118) at java.lang.Thread.run (line5) Environment Enterprise Service (all versions) Cause The Enterprise Server’s Cloudscape database is corrupt. Resolution We can attempt to recover the database first. If it can not be recovered, it must be deleted or renamed. Steps to recover the database app folder: Stop the Enterprise Server’s station database and open the Niagara console. At the prompt, type in the follow: dbadmin "station name" recover. This will attempt to recover the database located in the station's app folder. Once complete, restart the station and check to see if you can successfully connect. If this does not work, the database cannot be recovered and will have to be removed and / or deleted. Steps to delete the cloudscape database app folder : Stop the station database Locate the app folder under the station folder, and delete the app folder or rename it with ".old" suffix Restart the station. The Cloudscape (app folder with file structure) will be automatically re-created. The database should now show "is connected."

Issue Want to communicate directly to an Enterprise Server via BACnet. What need to be added / purchased for the Enterprise Server? Environment Niagara R2, (all versions), Enterprise Server Cause Part numbers IA-DRV-OSD and IA-BAC-500 will need to be purchased to allow direct BACnet communication to an Enterprise Server. Part number IA-DRV-OSD provides support for 25 points each of OPC, BACnet, Modbus and SNMP. Additional point blocks of each type can be purchased to add 500 points increments. Additional BACnet points will require the purchase of the part number IA-BAC-500.   Resolution Part numbers IA-DRV-OSD and IA-BAC-500 will need to be purchased to allow direct BACnet communication to an Enterprise Server. Part number IA-DRV-OSD provides support for 25 points each of OPC, BACnet, Modbus and SNMP. Additional point blocks of each type can be purchased to add 500 points increments. Additional BACnet points will require the purchase of the part number IA-BAC-500  

Issue How can the Microsmart Service in a Niagara R2 UNC be optimized for better performance? Environment Niagara R2 Microsmart Service Cause Slow / sluggish performance Resolution Keep the Poll Always count at the recommended level of 250. Observe the averageExecuteTime from the service's Poll - Status tab and increase the cycleTime (Poll - Config tab) to match plus one second.  This prevents poll overruns. For every Microsmart point shadow object, the setting minimumPollInterval should be reviewed and increased where possible from the default of 1000 ms.  For example, a shadow object displaying a space temperature can have its minimum poll interval increased anywhere from 30000 to 60000 ms. 

Issue Is there a way to change the date and time on a Niagara R2 UNC via a web browser? Typically this may be required where a standalone UNC with WEB-UI has been installed and the end user has no access to Workplace Pro since no Enterprise Server is used in this configuration. Environment Niagara (versions 428 or later), UNC-410, UNC-510, UNC-520 Cause Standalone UNC Resolution The webtime.jar file and webtime.html file were produced to provide the functionality to change the date and time, via a browser, for an UNC running I/A Series release R2.301.428 and later. The webtime.zip, which contains both the webtime.jar file and webtime.html file along with the AT05-03 Technical Service Bulletin, can be downloaded from the Exchange Download Center.  Click on the webtime.zip link to download the needed files.  The webtime.zip file can also be located by entering “webtime” in the search window of the Exchange Download Center. Follow the instructions listed in document AT05-03 on how to install and use the webtime applet.

Issue Do we need to purchase the BACnet MS/TP driver for an I/A Series G3 ENC-520? Environment I/A Series G3 ENC-520 / ENC-520-2-N Cause There is a need to integrate to BACnet MS/TP devices from an I/A Series G3 ENC-520. Resolution BACnet IP, BACnet Ethernet, BACnet MS/TP and LonWorks features are included as standard in the license of an I/A Series G3 ENC-520 / ENC-520-2-N. No additional purchase(s) is required for BACnet MS/TP. There can be some confusion on this because the BACnet MS/TP driver is purchased and licensed separately for an I/A Series R2 UNC-520.

Issue Updating firmware from StruxureWare Building Operation and the still be usable with other BMS such as Continuum, I/A Series, I/NET, Sigma, and Vista Environment Site with more than one Building Management System  Cause Implications of updating firmware on a controller from the StruxureWare Building Operation side and still compatible with existing Resolution For the controllers available on the StruxureWare Building Operation network that have been configured, take precaution when updating the firmware and still expect compatibility with other systems. For example, at a Continuum site, with a b3 and the option to update of firmware from StruxureWare Building Operation, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. When selecting the b3, and the Update Firmware, it will ask you for the *.udp file. This can be downloaded from the extranet. The thing to keep in mind here is if you are using this controller in conjunction with Continuum, then pay particular attention to the Compatibility Matrix and the firmware which is compatible with the version of Continuum you are running. Updating a firmware that is not in line with the version of Continuum will create problems for the site. So when selecting the firmware *.udp, be sure of which firmware file you are selecting. The operating system in the b3 controller is no different between StruxureWare Building Operation and Continuum. The PE code may be different though, so he should be able to learn these controllers into Continuum as long as they have their user memory cleared out.  

Issue Upgrading computer to a newer version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool and need to tell customer how to upgrade his existing files. Environment Application drawings created in WPT 3.2 or earlier WPT 5.8 is now installed. Cause An internal change was made to the WorkPlace Tech Tool drawing format in WPT 3.2sp1.  Drawings must be in the format created by this version before they can be automatically be upgraded to a newer version. Resolution NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL WORKPLACE TECH 3.2 ON A COMPUTER THAT ALREADY HAS AN NEWER INSTALLATION OF THE WORKPLACE TECH TOOL SOFTWARE INSTALLED.  If this is the case, a different computer must be used for the conversion. Follow the directions in the "WorkPlace Tech Tool Version 3.2 Service Pack 1 Installation Instructions. This document along with the WPT32.exe  and WPT32sp1_Lite.exe software can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center. Although the installation instructions document states that WPT32 runs only on Windows 2000, it will also run properly on Windows XP.  Visio 2000sp1 is required for WorkPlace Tech 3.2. The procedure for converting the application file is as follows. You may either copy the entire project folder from the existing version of WPT into the 3.2sp1 projects folder or create a new project under WPT32.sp1.  After creating the new project copy the applications to be converted into that project folder and add them to the project. Open the application to be converted using WPT2.3sp1, allow any processing to occur then compile the application. If any errors occur when processing or compiling, the errors must be corrected before continuing.  If the existing version of the application nearly or completely fills the controller there is a slight chance that the upgraded application may not fit in the controller. After correcting any errors and successfully compiling the application, make sure that the application drawing file has been saved.  The converted application file may now be copied to and added to a project in the WorkPlace Tech Tool release 5.x.x.

Issue Double clicking the BACnetNetwork used to open the BACnet Device Manager now it opens a BCP Device Manager that looks just like the BACnet Device Manager?  What is the BCP Device Manager? Environment I/A Series (Niagara) G3 Cause Installing Distech software to support their devices will result in the BCP Device Manager being installed for the BACnetNetwork. Resolution This is not an issue, just be sure to select the correct Device Manager for the devices you plan to work with.

Issue Can I/A Series R2 WorkPlace Pro Alarm Console and G3 Alarm Portal operate simultaneously on the same computer? Environment I/A Series R2 Alarm Console, I/A Series R2 Alarm Portal Cause The computer should not be running a station for either R2 or G3.  WP Pro and Workbench (acting as alarm console and alarm portal) does not require the Niagara service. Resolution The computer should not be running a station for either R2 or G3.  WP Pro and Workbench (acting as alarm console and alarm portal) does not require the Niagara service.  Verify the Niagara services (daemons) are stopped and prevented from auto-starting upon a reboot of the computer.  Verify the appropriate ports used by the R2 WorkPlace Pro Alarm Console (default port 80) and G3 Alarm Portal (default port 1911) are open for use by the applications.

Issue Customer service requires proof of purchase of the old version when an order is processed for a version upgrade (rev 4 to rev 5) license. Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool Software Cause Customer wants to purchase a major version upgrade for the WorkPlace Tech Tool software and needs to know what documentation is required so that they can get the upgrade price instead of paying full price. Resolution The recommended documentation is the sales order / license request form that includes the original product request and the unlock code.  Either the email or faxed copy, including the unlock code, from our Customer Service department is acceptable. In the event that proof of the original order is not available, please contact Product Support Services for information on acceptable alternative documentation.

Issue Customer requests the capability to reset the setpoint entered via the MN-Sx sensor from his application program. Environment MNL series controller with MN-Sx sensor MNB series controller with MN-Sx sensor Cause Jobsite specification calls for the capability to remotely reset the setpoint. Resolution The MN-Sx series of sensors were not designed for remote programmability of the setpoints.

Issue Upgrading a UNC and a more current version of the CCN jar file is required. Environment Niagara R2 all versions Cause Current site UNC is being replaced with new hardware and the version of Niagara R2 is changing from 431 to 532. Resolution The CCN jar file is proprietary since it is used for integrating Carrier Comfort Network (CCN) controllers.  Current versions of the jar file are not available from Schneider-Electric.

Issue Do we need to power cycle an I/A Series BACnet controller after changing its address using the DIP switches? Environment I/A Series Micronet BACnet (MNB) controllers Cause There is a need to change the DIP switch address on a MNB controller. This could be due to several reasons such as DIP switch address being wrongly set or if there are gaps in addressing which needs to be fixed. Resolution No, there isn't a need to power cycle the MNB controller after changing its DIP switch addressing. The MNB controller should reset itself approximately 10 seconds after changing the address.

Issue Need to change the value of the same property in multiple VAV controllers without having to go to each individually. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A series (Niagara) R2 Cause The site or database has a reoccurring controller that requires the same change to be made for each device. There is a need to an efficient way to perform this task across the entire site. Resolution The servlet is named AdminTool and it can be found in the Tridium core runtime jar in the apps folder.  The AdminTool object allows you to perform an online global search and replace of a property value.  The object is detailed in the Niagara Standard Programming Reference starting on page 6-18.  Use of this can be somewhat tricky as it is sometimes difficult to get the settings correct (e.g. names, filters, etc.).  It is a good practice to setup a test station and test the "search and replace" statement before performing the search and replace on the actual station database.

Issue UNC 410 AI point no longer reads the input properly. Environment UNC-410 Cause Input is not reading the input value properly. Resolution Verify that the NDIO object for that physical point is still programmed correctly -- 10K Thermistor, Resistance, 0-10 VDC, 4-20 mA. Verify that the input sensor or device has not been damaged and has not been replaced with an incorrect replacement. Verify that the physical input port has not failed or become damaged by either programming an unused input in place of the failed port or temporarily swap the input device/sensor to another port.  You may need to swap the input with another currently used input if none are available.

Issue How to determine which version of the CPU card (GCMA-112-x) of the GCM-84000 series supports the GCS, ASD, or other communication protocol. Environment GCMA-112-x, CPU printed circuit board for the GCM-84000 series Cause Cross reference purposes.  Resolution   CPU Part No. Bus Type GCMA-112-000 GCS (standard) GCMA-112-001 GCS (standard) GCMA-112-002 ASD GCMA-112-003 CCL GCMA-112-010 GIM-21000 GCMA-112-011 GIM-MTECH This table shows which version of the GCM CPU card supports the different firmware and bus types.

Issue In an I/A Series R2 (Niagara) UNC station, not able to link to the output of a SIM block, receive error "java.lang.NullPointerException". The SIM block is from a SIM-CCN, TYPE = 44. Environment I/A Series R2  UNC with the GCM driver Network 8000 SIM-CCN, containing SIM blocks with TYPE = 44 Cause The SIM-CCN, containing SIM blocks with TYPE = 44, can be  highly  "customized", so the inputs and /or outputs of the block may be "data species" that the GCM driver in the UNC does not recognize. The GCM driver has not been tested with any of the SIMs (SIM-CCN, SIM-MTECH, SIM-TRANE, SIM-YORK, LNC-100). Resolution 1. Try using appropriate Shadow Objects of type GcmAvParam, GcmDateParam, GcmDvParam, GcmEnumParam, GcmIntParam, GcmStringParam, or GcmTimeParam. 2. Try adding APT or DPT blocks to the SIM-CCN database to correctly interpret the SIM block outputs for the GCM driver in the UNC.

Issue Does Niagara G3 provide a way to route alarms from multiple ENCs to the ENS, and then send emails alarms from the ENS? Environment Niagara G3,  all versions Cause NA Resolution The alarm generated in the ENC must to be forwarded to the ENS. The following are steps for accomplishing this. It is assumed that Email service is already configured in the ENS. Drag an AlarmClass object from the Alarm Palette to the AlarmService of both the ENC and ENS. These Alarm Classes are for alarms which will be emailed. Name both the ENC and ENS AlarmClass the same. Both names must be the same. Drag a StationRecipient from the Alarm Palette to the AlarmService of the ENC. Open the property sheet of the StationRecipient Select the ENS from the Remote Station dropdown list. (must have an established NiagaraNetwork connection) - Save In the ENC AlarmService, connect the Alarm output of the Alarm Class to the StationRecipient’s Route Alarm input. Open the NiagaraNetwork of the ENS and select the ENC NiagaraStation. Expand the ENC station and select Alarms Right-click on Alarms and select Property Sheet For Alarm Class, select “Use Existing” from the dropdown list - Save Setup is now configured to send alarm email via the ENS Note: StationRecipient class receives Alarms and formats them for another station. The StationRecipient is available in the Alarm Module. This object along with AlarmClass will be used in this setup. Alarms from a remote station are routed to any "matching" AlarmClass, that is, one with identical name as the "alarmClass" field in each alarm record. If no local "matching" AlarmClass is found, the station's default AlarmClass is used.

Issue New computer hardware was provided for SIGNAL.  The SIGNAL folder from the previous hard drive was copied and pasted to the new computer's hard drive.  When SIGNAL is started, a pop-up error message appears:  User Build error, Btrieve # 910  INI path error Environment SIGNAL all versions Cause New computer hardware provided and the original floppy diskettes are not available. Resolution The following two things cause this error: Windows User Account must have administrative privileges the \windows folder must have the bti.ini and signal.ini files