Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Using BACnet Multistate points within Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet Cause Can't use Multistate points values to trigger graphics or other objects Resolution A third Party Multistate BACnet object needs to be mapped to a Continuum Infinity Numeric before it can be read as number. A third Party Multistate BACnet object may be read as State 1, State 2, state 3 or On, Off, -On or other values These should be either mapped to Infinity Strings or Numerical to be displayed or measures as required. eg. ContinuumNum = BACnetFullPath\PointName (if a number is required) Then a ContinuumString can be set based on the ContinuumNum value if the text read from the third party point requires modifying. Other MultiState Bacnet Notes When setting the value of a third party Multistate Bacnet Objects eg "Heat", "Cool", "Auto", "Off", try using an integer ie WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, 4, 1) rather than WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, Heat, 1) Note: Some 3rd party bacnet devices default their multi-state values to 0 instead of 1. Cyberstation will not accept a default value of 0. Get the 3rd party vendor to set the default to 1 if possible.

Issue When configuring an Infinity Schedule, why can't I select an object from another controller for the Occupancy Point? Environment Continuum CyberStation WebClient Schedules InfinityController Cause Trying to configure a schedule to control a remote point. Resolution Infinity Schedule objects must control points that reside in the controller in which the schedule resides. Continuum will not allow you to browse to or select points that reside in controllers other than the controller that the schedule resides in.

Issue In some situations, netcontrollers including BCX,CX, and ACX controllers will go offline when doing "teach" and then go back online after a couple of minutes. When reloading the controller, during the period of "teach", controllers go offline. Controller is online with Cyberstation but goes offline during the reload, reloading by class (Numerics, inputs etc) works fine. Environment Cyberstation 1.90~1.93 Windows XP sp3, Windows 7 professional. Cause 1. Some offline cyberstation has same IP address or Network ID as the cyberstation which you are doing the "teach" 2. Also caused by Cyberstation configured for DHCP instead of static ip address Resolution SOLUTION  1: Get rid off the offline cyberstation in the system, or modify ID address and Network ID of your cyberstation. Restart Continuum SOLUTION 2: Assign static IP address to the Cyberstation.

Issue Decoding information from the door's DoorFault attribute value. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9702 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 ACX701 ACX781 Cause The door's DoorFault attribute value is a weighted bit map that encodes information about a problem with the door as a whole or with one or both sides of a single reader/dual reader door. Resolution The attribute is a bitmap that contains the following data: Door Fault Codes BIT VALUE DESCRIPTION 1 1 ACX Database Fault 2 2 Entry Keypad Tamper 3 4 Exit Keypad Tamper 4 8 Entry Reader Bit Fault 5 16 Exit Reader Bit Fault 6 32 Bond Sensor Violation 7 64 Unused 8 128 Unused   For example, a value of 2 indicates a keypad tamper at the entry reader, a value of 4 is a keypad tamper at the exit reader, 6 is keypad tamper at both readers and so on. Note: The AlarmEnrollment Alarmed Attribute has a dropdown box that includes Doorfault. Ignore that. Set The AlarmEnrollment Alarmed Attribute to be Value and the Expression to be DoorFault = 2 in order to alarm a keypad tamper at the entry reader.

Issue Can you import a csv file to create infinity controllers. Environment CyberStation Personnel Objects CSV Excel Cause To create objects in Continuum by importing a text file. Resolution A CSV import file can be used to create objects of most classes.  The CSV file must contain the at least three lines A line establishing the class of the objects that are to be created A header line describing the order of the attributes in subsequent lines with each attribute name separated by a comma. A line stating the value of each attribute separated by a comma.  If objects of more than one class are created a new section of the CSV file must be created beginning with the objects class. 

Issue VeederRoot on BCX comm1:  failure to communicate. Environment Continuum CX X-Driver VeederRoot Cause Cannot establish communication with VeederRoot controller via X-Driver. Resolution The VeederRoot controller must have the correct Firmware version in order to communicate via x driver. 

Issue What file formats can be used in Pinpoint? Environment Continuum Pinpoint Cause There are many image file formats available so there is a need to know which ones are supported in Pinpoint Resolution 1. Proprietary Pinpoint Files .pin    Proprietary file format for pinpoint graphic files .bck   Proprietary backup files for graphics panels 2. Image Files .jpg    Joint Photographic Experts group created this file standard .bmp  Bitmap image file .ico    Image file for icons in Microsoft Windows .emf  Enhanced metafile, 32-bit version of the 16-bit WMF (Windows Metafile) format .dib   Device independent bitmap file .html hypertext markup language files used for web browser controls 3. Video Files .avi    Audio video interleave is a multimedia container format .mov  An Apple QuickTime media container format .mpg  An audio video file format know as MPEG designed to compress video and audio (MP3) Pinpoint comes with a number of backgrounds and image files. Adobe Illustrator and other image file software programs can be used to create additional files in the above formats which can be used in Pinpoint.

Issue Wants to have LO-2 with external momentary input switch works with schedule object of Continuum. Such as, when the input is ON and the schedule is ON then the PE program turns the lighting output to ON. Environment NetController(CX99xx & CX9680) IOU module (LO-2) Cause LO-2 provides 2 inputs (the 2 Class II Low Voltage override inputs) for direct control of lighting relays but no input signals are not available on LO-2 or NetController.  Resolution Use other input IOU modules such as UI8 or DI8 for the lighting control switch input, and create a PE program to check the input together with the schedule numeric value before turning the lighting control output value to ON or OFF.

Issue What controller models have full-wave and which have half-wave rectifier type power supplies? Environment All Controllers Cause What controller models have full-wave and which have half-wave rectifier type power supplies? Resolution   Updates Product Rectifier Type       Full  Half Built-in     Wave Wave Isolation   CC-8102-024 X   X   CC-8104   X     CC-8111-024 X   X   CC-8118 X   X   CC-8155   X     CP-25xx   X     CP-8142-024 X   X   CP-8161-333   X     CP-8161-701   X     CP-8261-333   X     CP-8261-702   X     CP-8301 X   X   CP-8301-024 X   X   CP-8391-913 X   X   CP-8511-024   X     CP-8511-102   X     CP-8511-103   X     CP-8513   X     CP-8552   X     PP-2000 Series   X     PP-8121   X     PP-8311-120 X   X   PP-8311-024   X     PP-8516   X     PP-8616   X     PP-8621   X     T155 Series X       T158 Series X       T167 Series X       T168 Series X       TC97-MHP   X X   TC97-S   X X   TC97-SHP   X X   TC-98-M   X X   TC-98-MHP   X X   TC-98-S   X X   TSP7xxx         TSP-8111       08.03.06 VER-PHx-07-S   X   08.03.06 VER-PHx-08-S   X   08.03.06 VER-PHx-09-S   X               i2/b3865   X     i2/b3866   X     i2/b3865-S   X     i2/b3866-S   X     i2/b3865-WL   X     i2/b3866-WL   X               i2/b3885   X     i2/b3885-WL   X               i2/b3867   X     i2/b3867-S   X     i2/b3867-WL   X               i2/b3865-V   X     i2/b3866-V   X     i2/b3885-V   X     i2/b3865-V-WL   X     i2/b3866-V-WL   X     i2/b3885-V-WL   X               i2/b3887   X     i2/b3887-WL   X               i2/b3887-L-115 X   X   i2/b3887-L-115-C X   X   i2/b3887-L-230 X   X   i2/b3887-L-230-C X   X   i2/b3887-L-115-WL X   X   i2/b3887-L-115-C-WL X   X   i2/b3887-L-230-WL X   X   i2/b3887-L-230-C-WL X   X             i2/b3850 X   X   i2/b3851 X   X   i2/b3853 X   X   i2/b3850-S X   X   i2/b3851-S X   X   i2/b3853-S X   X   i2/b3850-WL X   X   i2/b3851-WL X   X   i2/b3853-WL X   X             i2/b3800   X     i2/b3800-S   X     i2/b3800-WL   X               i2/b3804   X     i2/b3804-S   X     i2/b3804-WL   X               i2/b3810   X     i2/b3810-WL   X               i2/b3814    X     i2/b3814-WL   X               i2/b3608   X     i2/b3624   X     i2/b3608-S   X     i2/b3624-S   X     i2/b3608-WL   X     i2/b3624-WL   X               i2/b3920 X   X   b4920 X   X   i2/b3920-D X   X   b4920-D X   X   i2/b3920-S X   X   b4920-S X   X   i2/b3920-WL X   X   b4920-WL X   X   i2/b3920-D-WL X   X   b4920-D-WL X   X             bCX1 Family   X               NetController I   DC Input               NetController II   X               CMX9924  X   X             ACX-2   X               CX9702 X   X             I2200AC X   X   I2210AC X   X   B-LINK-AC X   X   BLINK-F-AC X   X

Issue i2 controllers randomly go offline then back online 10 minutes later. During this period of showing as offline, all points under the i2 controller can be viewed. Environment Continuum i2xxx Controllers Netcontroller II (CX9680) Cause After an i2 controller goes offline on a noisy Infinet, the Netcontroller II can miss receiving the reconfig of the i2 controller coming back online. It fails to see the i2 controller come back online but still continues passing requests down to it and receiving responses. After 10 minutes of not receiving the token, the i2 controller announces that it is on the bus. At this point the Netcontroller II gets the controller online message and the network reconfigures again bringing in this controller to the token pass. Resolution This has been fixed in a new build of the Netcontroller II v2.100031 which can be found at the link below. Netcontroller II v2.100031

Issue DCom or other error message seen when running CyberStation Extended logging errors may be seen Error connecting to database may be seen, but CyberStation still runs up Alarms not getting to Active Alarm window Environment Continuum Cause An unspecified PC error, or Continuum Workstation error has occurred such that the CyberStation does not connect to the database correctly. This may be a sign of a more serious fault with the PC (hard disk, RAM fault, CyberStation installation error) but this would require further investigation. Resolution 1. If possible re initialize the database (all CyberStations need to be shut down before this is started. For a LAN install use "Server" or for a single User install use "Stand Alone") 2. Re initialize the workstation (first close the CyberStation), then test by running the CyberStation

Issue Analog outputs only put out 4 milliamps.  If you override them on they will put out 20 milliamps.  Should I send this controller in for repair? Environment Continuum Analog Output Cause When the controllers output HOA switch is in the AUTO position an output value of 20mA is indicated but the actual signal produced by the output is 4mA.  When the HOA is in the On position the output potentiometer can be adjusted to produce a 20mA signal. Resolution Move the controller with the analog output issue to another location, or remove all analog output connections to determine if the behavior caused by the field device wiring.

Issue Continuum 1.62: Personnel objects are losing their template associations Environment Continuum CyberStation Personnel Templates Cause Personnel objects are losing their template associations Resolution Install all Continuum 1.62 service packs.

Issue How to display the currently configured access level for all User objects without having to open each User individually. (logon security groups) Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Want to see the access level for all User objects at the same time but unfortunately this attribute is not viewable in a ListView of all User objects. Resolution The Users access level is viewable as the KeyRings attribute in the text "dump" file of the User objects. Select and Right-click the User objects you want to dump to file. Select "Send To -> Text File..." and provide a file name. In the resulting dump file you will see that the KeyRings attribute shows the enabled groups in binary encoded hexadecimal. Group1 corresponds to bit1, Group2 to bit2 and so on; the KeyRings value is the hexadecimal representation of this binary value.

Issue What is the pin configuration for Modbus RTU when using a 9 pin comm port on a BCX controller. Environment BCX Modbus RTU Cause Connecting a BCX or CX controller to a Modbus RTU device. Resolution RS232 connection for a 9 pin BCX comm port.   BCX Comm 1 (9 Pin)            RJ 45 Connector @ Modbus device Pin 1 CXD        -->                 Pin 1 DTR Pin 7 RTS        -->                 Pin 2 CTS  Pin 4 DTR        -->                 Pin 3 CXD Pin 8 CTS        -->                 Pin 4 RTS Pin 5 GND       -->                 Pin 5 GND Pin 3 TD           -->                 Pin 6 RD Pin 6 DSR        -->                 Pin 7 DSR Pin 2 RD           -->                 Pin 8 TD        

Issue What is the maximum number of Network Controllers (InfinityController object) that I can have in my Continuum Database? Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Site expansion. What is the maximum number of Network Controllers (Netcontroller, ACX, etc...) that the system can grow too. Resolution There is no logical limit. Although you can only have up to 190 in one network folder. That is because the ACCNetID’s for controllers only go up to 190, after 190 controllers you will need to create a new Network object to house any new Network Controllers.

Issue When trying to dump the Gerry Log from several controllers on the network, the header and errors appear to be identical. Environment CX99xx NetController Gerry Log Controller error log Cause Controller diagnostics. Resolution The Gerry log cannot be retrieved from a NetController without being physically connected to it via the RS232 connector.

Issue Programs don't work in an i2 controller after being copied from another working controller. Environment CyberStation Plain English Plain English InfinityPrograms Cause Programs not working properly in an i2 Controller. Resolution When dragging objects from one controller to another... Do not drag the source InfinityController onto the target controller.  Rather, from the object view window, select all objects in the source controller and drag them to the target controller object. From the Options menu in Continuum Explorer, under the Name Conflicts tab, make sure the first four options are checked.

Issue I cannot connect to a b3 controller, even when it is removed from the MSTP bus. I cannot connect to an Infinet controller, even when it is removed from the Infinet bus. Environment Continuum Roam IO MSTP Infinet i2 b3 Cause Need to connect with a local controller using RoamIO. Resolution In some cases we have found that RoamIO has trouble connecting to an individual i2 or b3 controller.  If you are having trouble connecting via RoamIO to a controller that is not connected to the controller bus, try connecting two controllers together and attempting to connect.

Issue How to Set Up BACnet Enabled ABB Variable Frequency Drives for Use With Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum, Other Environment ABB Variable Frequency Drives Continuum Cause ABB VFDs must wired and configured properly to be used with a BACnet Continuum network. Resolution When wiring an ABB drive up to the Continuum BACnet MSTP network make the following connections: Terminal X2 Type (+) (-) Reference Drive Only 29 30 31 Bypass 27 28 29  ABB recommends that when using a two conductor cable with shield that the shields not be connected  to any pin (Note that pin 29 would be unused) but simply connected together with a wire nut. However, they do say that the shields can be connected to pin 29 if the drive communication is intermittent.  If the ABB drive does not have an E-Clipse bypass (E-Clipse is the ABB brand name for the bypass portion of the VFD) use the following settings:  Parameter  Setting Notes 9802  BACNET  Sets the communications protocol of the VFD. 5302  MAC ID Create a unique ID. A good practice is to set this to the Infinet ID + 1000. For example, if the Infinet ID is 5 then set this to 1005. 5303  Baud Rate  Set the baud rate being used on your BACnet network. 5311  Device Instance ID                   This is the Infinet ID and should be set to an available number between 1-127. This will display as a hexadecimal value in the BACnet side of Cyberstation. 1001  COMM  Set this if you want to start & stop the VFD over BACnet. 1103  COMM  Set this if you want to control the drive speed over BACnet. 1604  COMM  Set this if you want to reset VFD faults over BACnet. If the ABB drive does include a bypass the following settings must all be entered (notice that 5302 and 5311 are now specific to the VFD portion of the unit whereas the 5002 and 5011 are specific to the bypass portion) All of these parameters as well as the parameters listed above must be entered at the bypass. Parameter Setting Notes 5302  Drive MAC ID  Create a unique ID specific to the VFD. 5311  Drive Device Instance ID  This is the Infinet ID specific to the VFD. 5002  Bypass MAC ID  Create a unique ID specific to the bypass. 5011  Bypass Instance ID  This is the Infinet ID specific to the bypass. NOTE If the ABB drive is ACH550. Then the parameter below need to be set as a minimum. Other points will also need to be set depending on your site requirements, but the ones below will get communications up and running    Parameter  Setting Notes 5301   x5xx -This parameter indicates the active protocol and its revision. It should read x50xx if BACnet is properly loaded. If this is not the case, confirm that drive parameter 9802 = BACNET (5). 5302  MAC ID -This parameter sets the drive’s BACnet MS/TP MAC ID. A temporary value of 0 places the protocol channel in reset. 5303  Baud Rate -Set the baud rate being used on your BACnet network. 5304 Set to 0 -This parameter sets the BACnet MS/TP character format as follows: 0 = 8N1 1 = 8N2 2 = 8E1 3 = 8O1. 5311 EFB PAR 11  - Instance ID part1 This parameter, together with parameter 5317, EFB PAR 17, sets BACnet instance IDs: • For the range 1 to 65,535: This parameter sets the ID directly (5317 must be 0). For example, the following values set the ID to 49134: 5311 = 49134 and 5317 = 0. • For IDs > 65,535: The ID equals 5311’s value plus 10,000 times 5317’s value. For example, the following values set the ID to 71234: 5311 = 1234 and 5317 =7 5317 EFB PAR 17  - Instance ID part2 This parameter works with parameter 5311 to set BACnet instance IDs. See parameter 5311. 1001  COMM -Set this if you want to start & stop the VFD over BACnet. 1103  COMM -Set this if you want to control the drive speed over BACnet. 1604  COMM -Set this if you want to reset VFD faults over BACnet.