Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to configure an alarm to see when controllers go offline. Environment Continuum Continuum Controllers Cause Want to see an alarm when controllers go offline / online. Resolution There is a default EventEnrollment already created that does this. To setup controller offline alarms, do the following: Go to the "Templates" folder in Continuum Explorer where a number of default EventNotifications are found. Open the "ControllerStatus" EventNotification and go to the Delivery tab. Add in the Workstations that where this alarm is to be sent too. Now any time a controller goes offline or comes back online, an alarm entry will be received at the Workstation entered in step 2. The other EventNotifications in this folder can be used to provide alarms on the subnet controllers status (InfinetStatus), IOU modules (IOModuleStatus), etc... ***Important: CyberStations detect controller’s offline status via a mechanism that periodically probes the controllers for their communication statuses; the default period for the probe is 60 seconds. If data is consistently being passed then no probe goes out. A Probe will go out if the controller has not heard from the other controller after a minute and no data has been passed. If an ACK is not received then it will try 3 more times with a 5 second delay after each retry. If it does not get a response after the 3rd retry then it will mark the controller offline and register a node failure alarm. If a controller goes offline for a short period of time (60 seconds or less) it is possible that not all recipient CyberStations will see the controller offline. If the CyberStation designated as the logging CyberStation for the ‘ControllerStatus’ alarm misses the offline condition the alarm WILL NOT be logged in the database.  

Issue When Continuum Starts after log on the page takes a long time to open. It seems the process is taking longer than expected. Environment Continuum 1.81 Windows XP sp2 Cause Use an Antivirus to scan the system. If viruses are detected, they can cause symptoms like this. Resolution Remove the detected viruses reported when AntiVirus scan was performed. While it is suggested to install Continuum with Admin privileges and also AntiVirus turned off, AntiVirus should be turned on when installation is complete. Any PC on a network, internet or USB and CD access is vulnerable to viruses.

Issue Where can older versions of Cyberstation software be downloaded from? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Older version of Cyberstation software archived to FTP site. Resolution Log on to FTP server ftp://ftp.andovercontrols.com/ Customer UserName: andoverrep Password : andoverrep   Older CyberStation versions are found in the CyberStation_Revisions directory.

Issue What is the procedure for upreving from 1.31 with MS Access to 1.93? Environment CyberStation Cause No supported upgrade path when upgrading Continuum system that uses MS Access database to SQL database. Resolution Since there is no direct upgrade path the only option is to export everything to dump files from the old MS Access Continuum system then import into a new SQL ContinuumDB in new version of the CyberStation. Graphics files from the old system are not compatible with new version of the Pinpoint Continuum application and will have to be discarded, although it may be possible to re-use bitmap files.

Issue  Windows 7 Enterprise is not listed in the compatibility matrix for Continuum versions 1.93, 1.94, 1.94SP1 and 2.0x Environment Windows 7 Enterprise Continuum versions 1.93, 1.94, 1.94SP1 and 2.0x Cause  Windows 7 Enterprise is not listed in the compatibility matrix as a supported OS for Continuum versions 1.93, 1.94, 1.94SP1 and 2.0x  Resolution  All versions of Windows 7 require product activation.  Windows 7 Enterprise can only be activated with a Volume License MAK or KMS  Key if it is not activated against a local KMS server. Enterprise requires a  VL KMS/MAK out of the box or activation against a local KMS server. It can  be rearmed up to 3 times.  Windows 7 Ultimate edition activates conventionally via the internet to  Microsoft activation servers.  Unless you are in a business enterprise environment, then Windows 7  Ultimate should be your choice. The Windows 7 Enterprise features and code are the same as Windows 7 Ultimate. Windows 7 Enterprise is supported.  Code is the same as Windows 7 Ultimate.  Windows 7 Enterprise is supported.

Issue Replaced HID Prox Pro on ACX781 and still not working. Environment Continuum 1.8X ACX781 Windows XP Cause The ACX 781's cannot provide adequate power for the HID readers. Resolution Power the readers with an external power supply.

Issue ACX57xx supported communication channels  Environment CyberStation ACX5740 ACX5720 Cause Not known cause Resolution The ACX5740 and ACX5720 are ethernet devices only and can not be placed on the Infinet field bus.

Issue What is the maximum number of site codes that can be loaded into a Continuum system? Environment AC-1 and AC-1 Plus modules Cause Network design limitations Resolution There is no limit to the number of site codes that can be loaded in a Continuum system.  However, each door can contain a maximum of four (4) site codes.  In the case of an AC-1 module, if it loses communication with its associated Netcontroller, it will only allow access from the first two fields.

Issue How to open a graphic panel using a PE program. Environment Cyberstation Pinpoint Graphic Cause What PE code is used to open a Pinpoint graphic? Resolution Use the Show command. See Cyberstation on-line help. Type Show in search box. See sample PE code in help file.

Issue Webclient fails to send alarm events (using Outlook). This happens every few days. The Windows event viewer on the IIS (Webclient) server has a few errors happening at the same time. Errors include Continuum losing connection to the database and going into 'no database mode'. Then it restores the connection after few minutes. At almost the same time an error occurs related to 'accdataservices.exe'. Also, an error occurs indicating that Outlook has failed to communicate with the exchange server. Environment Webclient v1.74, v1.81, v1.82, v1.90 MS Outlook MS Exchange Cause Continuum will randomly stop sending emails for alarms that are configured to send emails. Manually sending of emails from Outlook still works but CyberStation will not send out the message. There are no Outlook errors posted in the Windows Event Viewer and there are no Cyberstation error messages related to email. Resolution There are hotfixes, for some of the above versions, to fix this issue.  Contact Product Support Services if you need these hotfixes. Note: Versions 1.91 and higher have the updated code. 

Issue Swiping valid card immediately following a valid access at the door resets the door's strike time. Environment CyberStation ACX5740 ACX5720 CX9680 CX9900 ACX781 Cause PE programming needed to override built in behavior Resolution Continuum access controllers unlock a door for DoorStrikeTime seconds on valid access and then wait for the DoorSwitch (door contact) to report the door has been opened. Between the door unlock and the detection of door open, the controller will not process a new card swipe, but will buffer up to ONE card swipe transaction for processing at a later time. The buffered card swipe will be processed either when the door strike time expires or once the door is detected open.  When the controller detects the door open, it resets the door strike time to ONE second and immediately processes a buffered card swipe or a newly detected card swipe. If the card swipe is valid, the controller then overrides the one second strike time with the DoorStrikeTime value. The behavior explained above, allows for scenarios where many card holders file through a door in a quick manner, such as the start/end of a shift. This allows the system to process valid card swipes in a very fast way without requiring that each card holder waits for the door to re-lock after the person in front goes through. In some door configurations such as a turnstile, the above creates undesired issues with the operation of the turnstile and must be overridden so that no valid access can be processed until the system has relocked the door, after allowing a card holder through. This can be accomplished with a PE program that disables credential access at the door when the door switch reports the door open, and re-enables credential access when the door switch reports the door has closed. Sample PE code: If MainEntrance DoorSwitch = Opened then MainEntrance  DisRdrKpAccess = on else DisRdrKpAccess = off In cases where no door switch is assigned the door stays unlocked for DoorStrikeTime seconds and if a valid credential access is processed during this time the door strike will be reset to DoorStrikeTime seconds. In certain scenarios this behavior is undesirable and can be overridden using a PE program so that no valid access is allowed until the door relocks after a previous valid access transaction   SamplePEprogram   Line EnableAccess   Door1 DisRdrKpAccess = False   If Door1 ValidAccess then Goto DisableAccess   Line DisableAccess   Door1 DisRdrKpAccess = True   If TS > Door1 DoorStrikeTime then Goto EnableAccess

Issue Is it possible to synchronize the time in a Continuum system to an external Time Server? Environment Continuum Cyberstation and webClient Cause No known cause Resolution The only way to synchronize a Continuum system time to an external time source is to synchronize the Primary Access Server (or desired Cyberstation)  with an external time server or time source using Windows or some other time synchronization program, then using the Cyberstation to sync its time with the controllers on the network.

Issue Alarm entry in Active Alarm Viewer shows point's alias instead of name. Environment CyberStation Cause Problem with enhanced alarm logging and enhanced alarm delivery. Resolution Shut down ALL CyberStations From the Continuum Database Initialization in the Server tab de-select Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery then update the database. After update database completes, put back the Enhanced Alarm Logging/Delivery and update the database once again.

Issue Created new bCX and can't see any of the system objects like system variables Environment CyberStation bCX4040 ACX57xx Cause CyberStation failed to fully create the new controller object in the database.   Resolution Delete the newly created controller from the ContinuumExplorer. Restart CyberStation. Create the controller again.

Issue Getting error message when reloading a Continuum controller: "Unable to reload attributes for \ \ . Reload Object's Type mismatches with object's in WCU Controller. Please Reload WCU Controller." Environment All Continuum controllers Cause The most common cause of this error message is duplicate alias names. For example, a controller object named "W Lobby" and a door object in the controller named "WLobby" (without the space) will have the same alias (WLobby). Resolution Rename one of the duplicate objects so that the alias is unique to the system.

Issue Is there any way to connect two smart sensors (TTS-SD-LCD-1) to one VAV controller b3855-V or other BACnet control board? Environment CyberStation Bacnet b3855-V Smart Sensor Cause Customer wants two smart sensors per b3 controller. Resolution Two smart sensors should not be connected to a single b3 controller. The smart sensor uses a 3-wire connection to the controller. The controller communicates with the keypad and the display of the Smart Sensor device over a single wire (the PWR connection). The RET line is the return for both the communications line and the internal thermistor. The input signal is the active lead from the Smart Sensor thermistor. This input must be configured as a general Temperature input. Among other possible problems, the temperature reading would be incorrect if two sensors were connected to one controller.

Issue Need requirements for email notifications Environment Continuum Cyberstation Email Eventnotification Outlook 2007 (32bit Only) Outlook 2010 (32bit Only) Cause Requirements for sending email notifications with Continuum Resolution Here are some requirements for forwarding Continuum workstation alarm events via email and paging: The Continuum workstations that have been designated primary and backup email and/or page handlers must have a MAPI-compliant email client such as Microsoft Exchange or Outlook. The email client application must communicate with an existing email server application, such as MS Exchange Server. The primary or backup email/paging workstation must be running Continuum at the time an alarm is generated. Each EventNotification object associated with the alarms that you wish to email or page must have its own email distribution list in the personal address book of the client email application using a specified naming convention as outlined in the table below. This email distribution list must be stored in the first address book shown in the list of available address books in the email client application. For example, if you create an EventNotification distribution list in the Personal Address Book in Microsoft Outlook, then the Personal Address Book must be the first one showing in the address list dropdown box when you open the Address Book. How to Create an EventNotification Distribution List Note: The following steps are based on Microsoft Outlook(32bit). Other mail applications may have different menu names and choices but the general procedure is the same. Open the Address Book for the email account on the Continuum workstation that will be providing the email/paging services. Your toolbar may have a button for this. If not, use the Address Book option of the Tools menu. Select New Entry from the Address Book File menu. Select the entry type Personal Distribution List and put this entry in the Personal Address Book. In the Name field enter a name for the distribution list using the following format: For E-mail: ACC.name For Paging: ACC.page.name where name is the name of the EventNotification. Add members (the email addresses or pager and service numbers of those to whom the notification of the alarm will be sent) to your personal distribution lists. Set address book options so that the address book where your personal distribution lists are stored is the first one to be searched when sending emails or pages. ** Ensure that there are not 2 PCs using the same email account for Outlook.

Issue Merging controllers from different Continuum DB Environment CyberStation All CX controllers Cause Due to various reasons it is sometimes necessary to bring into the Continuum DB a controller and its object (points, programs and possibly children controllers such as b3 or Infinet controllers) that have been configured in a different Continuum DB. Resolution Create the Controller object in the Continuum database and ensure controller comes online. Set the 'Send To Database Options' appropriately, for example make sure to select 'Save attached objects and controllers' to bring in field devices. Perform a save to database by right clicking on the controller and selecting 'Save to' \ 'Database' If BACnet controller (bCX4040), perform a 'Find new BACnet device from the root then do a send to database on the bCX and b3s to get the BACnet objects into the DB

Issue Want to graph Group Objects and select the graphed points pen colors and symbols. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause The pen labels (color and symbol) are based on the sequence of the objectID of the graphed objects. The objectID is assigned to the object sequentially when it is created. Similar Group objects on different controllers will most likely not have the same Pen labels for graphed objects.   Resolution Unfortunately, there is no way to change the display order of the Pen Labels in a Group object. The pen labels (color and symbol) are based on the sequence of the objectID of the graphed objects. The objectID is assigned to the object sequentially when it is created. Similar Group objects on different controllers will most likely not have the same Pen Labels for graphed objects. As an example, the logic of how the Pen Label displaying order is decided is below: In Controller1, three inputs have been created in the order of Input01, Input02,Input03. In Controller2, three inputs have been created in  the order of Input03, input01, input02. The Group Graph in each controller will display these three input Pen Labels as the same order of their creations as below; Pen label order in the Graph of Controller1 : Input01, Input02,Input03 Pen label order in the Graph of Controller2 : Input03, Input01,Input02

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue The size of ContinuumDB has reached or is near the 2Gb limit imposed by MSDE. The size of ContinuumDB has reached or is near the 4Gb limit imposed by SQL Express. Environment MSDE SQL Express Continuum Stand Alone. Cause The database is well over the SQL size limit (2Gb for MSDE, 4Gb for SQL Express) Since the database size has already exceeded SQL's limitations it is not possible to use the deletion query statement to truncate the log tables.  This is because SQL will attempt to guard against data loss during the deletion process by making a copy of the tables contents before deletion occurs. Before a single row has been deleted from the table the size of the database will actually grow larger, exacerbating the problem. Resolution You must delete the contents of each log table entirely (Alarm, event, error, log) using the TRUNCATE statement. This will delete the contents of these tables entirely without first storing them the data. Please note, you must... Make arrangements with the customer so that they can archive any log and event data they wish to retain. Backup the database before using the TRUNCATE TABLE command. Here is the syntax for the TRUNCATE statements TRUNCATE TABLE ContinuumDB.dbo.AlarmEvent TRUNCATE TABLE ContinuumDB.dbo.AccessEvent TRUNCATE TABLE ContinuumDB.dbo.ActivityEvent TRUNCATE TABLE ContinuumDB.dbo.ErrorEvent TRUNCATE TABLE ContinuumDB.dbo.ExtendedLog Once the table have been truncated, Right click on ContinuumDB and select Shrink > Database. Once the database has been size has been reduced, check the size and retest. Please note that once the database size has exceeded SQL's limit it is likely that the database has been damaged.  This process may or may not correct damage that has occurred to the database.