Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The LoopSingle block in LON and BACnet controllers contains an input called OutputReference.  Is this input intended to be used only if Integral (iGain) is not used or can they be used simultaneously? Environment MNL LON Controllers MNB BACnet controllers Application programming created using any controller compatible version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software. Cause In the Loop Single block, is the Output Reference only used if the Integral is not used or could/should they be used simultaneously?   Resolution The "Output Reference" sets the balance point for the loop, i.e., the loop output when the input matches the setpoint. The Output Reference function operates with or without integral. If Integral is being used, its calculation can and will shift the output in the same manner as if the Output Reference were specified to be zero. The Output Reference is usually set to an initial value that is expected to cause the loop to balance, for example, 50%. The loop is then tuned by widening the TR and using Integral and if needed Derivative. Once stability is achieved, the Output Reference is adjusted to match the output of the loop.  

Issue Notification Class 150 (or any Notification Class) alarms cannot be found in EVENT.EVENTHISTORY Environment I/A Series R2 Cause Notification Class 150 was not added to the Enterprise Server station and UNC station's NotificationService containers. As such, objects configured for alarming at notification class 150 will not have its alarms archived to Enterprise Server. Resolution Add a new Notification Class to the UNC station's NotificationService container. In the Notification Class properties, go to the Config tab and set the notificationClass to 150*. Copy this Notification Class and paste it into the Enterprise Server station's NotificationService container. Configure the notificationClass to 150* (the notificationClass setting does not remain when you copy and paste the Notification Class object). * This resolution does not apply just to Notification Class number 150. It applies to any Notification Class with a similar problem.

Issue I’m using Niagara WorkPlace Pro version 514 with an Echelon USB Lon adaptor and OpenLDV4.0 driver, but I’m unable to communicate a Lon network. The following message is displayed in the Standard Output Window when attempting to start the Enterprise Server: Error opening driver LON1 java.lang.Exception: ldvRead() failed - rc = 3, *************************************************************** ERROR: Cannot startService [Sys: LonWorksService [10] LonWorksService] java.lang.IllegalStateException: Unable to open lonworks driver   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonLinkLayer.start(LonLinkLayer.java:89)   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonWorksService.startService(LonWorksService.java:196)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.startServices(Sys.java:438)   at tridium.foundation.Station.startStation(Station.java:364)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.boot(Sys.java:643)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.bootLocalLoad(Sys.java:616)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.attemptBoot(StationMain.java:214)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.bootPStore(StationMain.java:181)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.doIt(StationMain.java:145)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.main(StationMain.java:262)   at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)   at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)   at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)   at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)   at tridium.nre.Nre.mainImpl(Nre.java:663)   at tridium.nre.Nre.main(Nre.java:603) tridiumx.lonworks.LonException E_LON_COMM_SERVICE_NOT_STARTED   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonCommService.doLonCommSendRequest(LonCommService.java:300)   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonCommService.lonCommSendRequest(LonCommService.java:276)   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonCommService.lonCommSendRequest(LonCommService.java:209)   at tridiumx.lonworks.util.Neuron.readMemory(Neuron.java:425)   at tridiumx.lonworks.util.Neuron.readMemory(Neuron.java:415)   at tridiumx.lonworks.util.Neuron.isNMAuthSet(Neuron.java:312)   at tridiumx.lonworks.util.Neuron.isNMAuthSet(Neuron.java:300)   at tridiumx.lonworks.devices.LocalLonAppDevice.verifyDevice(LocalLonAppDevice.java:935)   at tridiumx.lonworks.services.LonWorksService.stationReady(LonWorksService.java:222)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.stationReady(Sys.java:459)   at tridium.foundation.Station.startStation(Station.java:380)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.boot(Sys.java:643)   at tridium.foundation.Sys.bootLocalLoad(Sys.java:616)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.attemptBoot(StationMain.java:214)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.bootPStore(StationMain.java:181)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.doIt(StationMain.java:145)   at tridium.tools.StationMain.main(StationMain.java:262)   at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)   at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)   at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)   at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)   at tridium.nre.Nre.mainImpl(Nre.java:663)   at tridium.nre.Nre.main(Nre.java:603) MESSAGE: Station started successfully. (HTTP port=80) [/WoodMode Environment Niagara R2, WorkPlace Pro Version 514 Cause The Echelon USB Lon adaptor was first supported in Niagara R2 build 522. Resolution Niagara version 514 does not support a Lon USB adapter. If possible, upgrade to Niagara version 522 or later. In cases where upgrading is not an option and an USB adapter must be used, then the following should be applied. Stop the Enterprise Server station. Open Windows Explorer and browse to niagara.r2.301.514/nre/bin folder. Find the lon.dll file and rename it lon.dll.old. Copy the lon.dll from a later Niagara Build, i.e. 522 or later. Paste copied lon.dll to Niagara.r2.301.514/nre/bin folder. Restart the station. The Lon Service should now start and Lon communication should be established.

Issue Unable to open I/A Series R2 Workplace Pro or the R2 Admin Tool on a specific computer.  No error window popups are seen.  When you attempt to open the program, it flashes its opening screen briefly then dies. Environment I/A Series R2 WorkPlace Pro I/A Series R2 Admin tool Cause Insufficient computer memory to allow standard 1024mb to be reserved for the Java heap. Resolution To resolve this issue, you can adjust the Java heap settings in the nre.properties file. It is important that you only make the changes as detailed below. Make a backup copy of this file before proceeding. Locate the file nre.properties in \niagara\ \nre\lib Open the nre.properties file using a text editor program (Notepad). Modify the java.options=-Xmx1024MB to java.options=-Xmx768MB leaving other parameters in the file unchanged. Save, close the file and restart the software.

Issue I need an object in the UNC that works like the Select object in WorkPlace Tech. Environment I/A Series R2 (Niagara) UNC Cause Specified logic requirements for the UNC station require it. Resolution Inside the TridiumX container - programlib jar - hvac container there is an object called AiMapping that will perform a select function similar to that of the object provided with WorkPlace Tech.

Issue One of the critical properties of an object using COV notification is the covIncrement value.  If the device objects are learned as "lite" objects the covIncrement property cannot be viewed or changed at the UNC. Environment I/A Series R2 (Niagara)  Cause BACnet "lite" objects by design do not have the covIncrement property.  If COV notification is used with lite objects and it becomes necessary to increase the covIncrement property for an object you would have to go to the controller with WorkPlace Tech change the covIncrement of the point, compile and download the application and then test to see if the new covIncrement was sufficient. Resolution When learning objects in the BACnet service - BACnet Utilities on the "LearnDevice" window uncheck the box next to "Use lite objects". With full BACnet objects the  covIncrement property can be viewed and changed from the UNC.  

Issue There is no specific entry in the Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software program license list for the Commissioning Tool.  What license do I order to be able to use this software? Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.x Commissioning Tool software Cause Customer has purchased the WPT5.8 software and is installing only the Flow Balance and Commissioning Tool software on their facilities notebook computer.   What product code do they use to purchase a license for the Commissioning Tool?  Flow Balance does not need to be licensed. Resolution The WorkPlace Tech Tool "Commissioning Tool" software uses the WorkPlace Tech Tool (WP-TECH-xxx) license.

Issue There is no specific entry in the Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software program license list for the FlowBalance Tool.  What license do I order to be able to use this software? Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.x FlowBalance software Cause Customer has purchased the WPT5.8 software and is installing only the Flow Balance software on their facilities notebook computer.   What product code do they use to purchase a license for the Flow Balance Tool? Resolution The WorkPlace Tech Tool "Flow Balance" software does not require a license.

Issue I searched the Publication Zone with key word "VAV" and only found manuals for the LON controllers. Environment I/A Series BACnet Cause The Users Guide for the BACnet Flow Balance program is Workplace Commissioning Tool and Flow Balance Tool Users Guide.  Since it does not have VAV in the title the Publication Zone search did not find it. Resolution The BACnet Flow Balance manual is part of the Workplace Commissioning Tool and Flow Balance Tool Users Guide (F-27357).  It is installed with the WorkPlace Tech software and can be viewed from the Help menu or it can be found in the Publication Zone by searching with the "F" number.

Issue What is the difference between R2 release 529 and 532? Environment I/A Series R2 (Niagara) Cause   What is the difference between R2 release 529 and 532? Resolution R2 2.301.532 was a maintenance build created primarily to provide the distribution file for the support of the JACE NXT platform. 

Issue I/A Series ProView LON display SCHEDULE ERROR: Special day 1 event 2 time must be greater than event 1 time. Environment I/A Series ProView LON Display Cause Typically caused by attempting to use a previously commissioned and active copy the I/A Series R2 lonProview jar file ECDIS210 shadow object. Resolution Power cycle the display. Use the ProView wizard and on the first screen, select Schedule from the Page Selection drop down list.  The Calendar screen should display, select next to move to the Week Schedules.  Select next to display the Special Days screen.  Review the event times entered for Special Day 1 (especially Event 1 and Event 2).  Make sure the times that are entered are in ascending order from midnight (00:00). Review Holiday1 to Holiday 4 and modify the enumeration on all events to "no event." Commit the changes to the display.

Issue   In Niagara R2, what would cause an IP communication to the UNC to drop out?  There are no errors in the standard output window. Environment Niagara R2 All version; UNC-410, UNC-510, UNC-520 Cause The same IP address is assign to more than on controller. Two UNC controllers are using the same IP address. Resolution This symptom usually indicates a duplicate IP address condition. Under this condition the UNC will keep dropping offline for a period of time.  The duplicate IP address situation will need to be corrected before reliable communications can be established. Reassign one of the UNCs a different IP address that is not currently being used.  Ensure that each IP address is only assigned to one controller.

Issue Where can I information on accessories for a job that needs to meet a UL-864 (UUKL) project specification? Environment UL-864 UULK/UUKL project requirements Cause Need various approved accessories to meet a UL-864 job specification. Resolution Due to regulatory issues, all current UL-864/UUKL information is published in the latest version of the TAC I/A Series MicroNet BACnet Smoke Control Systems Manual, F-27419.  Always refer to an online version of that manual for the latest approved information.

Issue What is the part number for ordering a second copy of Workplace Pro for a jobsite?  What functionality does it have? Environment Niagara R2 Cause End customer wants a second "engineering" station. Resolution A second copy can be ordered using part number WP-PRO-1.  It can engineer/modify existing stations on the jobsite.  It cannot run stations on the host computer on which it is installed.

Issue During the installation process for the Niagara R2.301.523 software, Windows 7 reports the error "Unable to save file "c:\windows\downloaded installation\{Windows application GUID}\TAC I/A Series Enterprise Server 2.3g.msi".  I thought that the I/A Series R2-523 release was supposed to be compatible with Windows 7. Environment Windows 7 Cause Installation of any software using the Windows Installer on a Windows 7 computer requires that the user have administrative rights on the computer.  This issue is not specific to any given software package but rather is a security restriction enforced by the Windows 7 operating system. Resolution The software must be installed by a Windows user that is a member of the local Administrators users group. There are three workarounds for this issue. Have someone that is a member of the "Administrators" users group on that computer install the software. Have the system administrator add the user's user account to the "Administrators" users group. Have the system administrator create a new administrative user account on the computer for the purpose of installing software.

Issue The option to add or decrease the number of remote I/O modules using the Remote IO Wizard is shown, but what is the process to eliminate all modules? Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Cause Eliminate all I/O modules using the Remote IO Wizard Resolution Open the ADI/Remote IO Wizard from the Applications menu.  With the Remote IO Wizard window displayed hit the Back button and select "none" and click Next.  When prompted with "Do you wish to continue?" select yes and all the RIO Input and output tags will be removed from the drawing.  Note: objects that were linked to these tags that are no longer being used must be "cut" from the drawing manually.

Issue Upgraded the Vykon 3.92 Alarm client and can not get it to connect to the Enterprise Server. Environment Niagara R2, Vykon Alarm Client Cause Installed the wrong client for an Enterprise Server with Cloudscape database. Resolution The VAS 3.92 Client is compatible with Enterprise Server stations running MSDE, Microsoft SQL, or Oracle database services. The VAS 2.50 Client is compatible with Enterprise Server stations running Cloudscape database services. The Vykon 3.92 client and VAS jar file will need to be uninstalled and the correct ones installed. Uninstall the Vykon 3.92 client from the client's PC Stop the Enterprise server and uninstall the vas-2.301.532.v3.jar Install the Vykon 2.50 client and vas-2.301.532.v2.jar per VAS 2.50 Client Release Notes.    

Issue The Link tab in Schedule Object shows " Prism Error " Environment R2 Niagara Cause Directly linking the schedule or calendar status output via external link to another station may cause the receiving station's object to not follow the associated calendar or schedule event.  The link tab will show "Prism Error" Resolution The schedule object output should only be linked to objects within the station and not between stations.  Schedule and calendar objects between stations should only be linked via the master/slave links.

Issue Are the I/A MicroNet Sensors (MN-S, MN-SO, MN-SDK, and MN-SDT) used with the MicroNet 2000 family of controllers part of the Network 8000 obsolescence announcement?   Environment I/A Series MicroNet 2000, MN-S, MN-SO, MN-SDK, and MN-SDT Cause Product obsolescence Resolution The I/A MicroNet Sensors (MN-S, MN-SO, MN-SDK, and MN-SDT) used with the MicroNet 2000 family of controllers are part of the Network 8000 obsolescence and will no longer be available for purchase after December 31, 2011.

Issue Import data from the SQL database of a facility management system into the I/A Series R2 system. Environment I/A Series R2 system External SQL database Cause Import data from the SQL database of a facility management system into the I/A Series R2 system. Resolution This module sqlUtility contains an object called "SqlData" that can be used to perform a SQL query on any SQL database. The sqlUtility can be used only in an Enterprise Server, not in a UNC. Using this object, you need to create a SQL query to return a single column in the data table. Here is a sample query that returns the column EnergyIntensity from the EnergyTable.  SELECT EnergyIntensity FROM EnergyTable ORDER BY O_Id DESC This query returns the EnergyIntensity column of the table "EnergyTable" after sorting the record number (O_Id) in descending order.  The data value returned by the SqlData query will be the first element in the first column of the query results.  Since the query uses the ORDER BY data qualifier, specifying descending order of the record numbers (O_Id), the newest value will be returned.