Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue There is often a requirement to pass live data values between a Continuum and a Vista system, how can this be achieved? Product Line Andover Continuum, TAC Vista Environment Continuum BACnet systems Vista LONMark systems LON XDriver, X Driver, X-Driver, Bridge, Gateway Cause Continuum and Vista inherently use different open protocols. Resolution One method of passing data between a Continuum and Vista system would be to use a Netcontroller II with the FTT option, then load the LONMark XDriver. This will allow you to pass analogue and digital data between the two systems using SNVT's. You would then use LONMaker to bind the Continuum X Driver points to the Vista / Xenta points. See the LONMark X Driver manual for configuration details. Also reference Can LONMark Devices be used with Continuum? for further details. Another option would be to use a Xenta913 as a gateway to the BACnet IP network used by Continuum, this would also allow analogue and digital BACnet point types to be exchanged between the Xenta913 and Continuum Workstations or BACnet bCX1 controllers. Both of these methods use the gateway principle to pass data between the systems, this will require corresponding points being created in both systems with associated mapping / binding between them.

Issue How to estimate the amount of equipment needed for a LNS Vista system? What are the recommendations and limitations for LNS Vista system? Product Line TAC Vista Environment LNS database TAC Vista Loytec L-IP NIC852 Cause It is very important to plan ahead when designing an LNS database in Vista in order to have a stable, robust system. Listed here are some recommendations for LNS database in TAC Vista. Resolution One LNS database can support up to 3000 devices.  Each channel can have max. 100 devices (with repeater). Use one L-IP per building or do not share devices among buildings under one L-IP. Otherwise, need to run the FT-10 wire between buildings. If possible, create one LNS database per building. This is easier for trouble shooting and maintenance purposes. Then, use a NIC852 in order to manage multiple LNS database in one Vista Server. Follow the rules as below: Without NIC852, one Vista server can only take up to 4 LNS databases. (With large LNS database, number will decrease.) NOTE: NIC852 is not required in this case, but recommended for large networks in order to achieve better performances With one NIC852, Vista server can take up to 7 LNS database. (There are 8 ports on NIC852, but Vista server takes one.) One Vista sever can take up to 4 NIC852. Therefore, one Vista sever can take up to 31 LNS databases. (Suggestion: do not extend 30 LNS databases, and better keep the number under 28.) If additional Vista servers are required, a multi-server system can be used.  (It is recommended to not use more than 10 servers together for best performance.) For Xenta Group and Xenta programmable controller specifications in a LNS database, please read Xenta Group and Xenta Programmable Device specifications for an LNS system.

Issue Web pages that previously worked now just get a blank page Product Line Andover Continuum Environment 9680 BCX Cause A change has been made to the 9680 configuration that is affecting the processing of the web pages. Resolution First check the controller error log for evidence of a specific issue. Check to see if the html code can be accessed from another PC. If the html code can be accessed then refer to Unable to open config pages on a web enabled controller that previously worked in order to address the issue with the PC that is not working. Note: If a node has been added to the controller, but it is a 0 node controller, it can cause the html pages to not work because it is taking up controllers cycles to deal with the mismatch of the hardware and software.

Issue Need information about options for integrating I/NET with the Vista Product Line Product Line TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment I/NET Vista Xenta Server Xenta 527 Cause There are several possibilities with using Vista and I/NET products on the same site: You can use a 913 as a bridge between Modbus, Bacnet, or LON to write values to an existing I/NET controller You can use a 527's built in features to function as a web server, displaying I/NET alarms and points on Values pages You can use Vista Workstation with I/NET host Tool as the front end for I/NET This article focuses on connecting an existing I/NET system to Vista using the Xenta 527 Web Server Resolution Verify that you are using at least 1 527 Web Server on the I/NET site If you are using an older version of I/NET and about to install the newest version of Vista, upgrade I/NET to current revision Install Vista Install the I/NET Host tool. (available online, or on the I/NET CD) Start Vista Server Start Vista Workstation Start the I/NET Host Tool (note that you should be able to connect to controllers, edit individuals, and access all aspects of your existing database) Note that once the I/O server starts up you will be able Right-click and access the same features as though you were running I/NET. This is the same program running. In Vista Workstation, add a Xenta 527. Right Click and Edit it XBuilder will open with a new project File In the Network Pane, Expand the IP Backbone Click on the Xenta 527 Object Configure the TCP/IP settings of the Xenta 527 to match your existing Xenta 527 Web Server Expand the Xenta 527 Object Click on the I/NET object Configure the settings to match your existing Xenta 527 Web Server The SQL Host number needs to match the Host number of the computer with primary access database. Configure any other settings that are in use in the existing 527 Web Server (SMTP settings, etc.) Click Project> Generate. Check the Output Pane to ensure there were no errors Click on the ICON of the space shuttle to send the project to it's target When prompted, Choose to use the projects information over the target information. Close XBuilder In Vista workstation You can now view events from I/NET in the event Window. If you have any issues with I/NET events, and you have full version of I/NET open AMT and insure they are coming through there first. If not see AMT not receiving Data.  If you are running I/NET Host tool, you can view I/NET event by browsing to the 527 in Internet Explorer and viewing the I/NET events. Host masking can also be set for the 527 in the web browser. You should receive Full individual information for all Transactions (first, name last name, etc.) You can see this in Vista and by connecting to the Xenta 527 through your web browser. If you do not see this, ensure you are using this correct SQL Host number. You can control I/NET points directly through the Vista Tree structure or by Selecting Tools>I/NET Host Tool *The Bridge between I/NET and Vista is created using the 527. This must be the Xenta 527 not the Xenta 527-NPR (see Xenta 527 Part Number Reference) For information about setting up I/NET alarms in Vista, see Additional settings necessary to receive Vista Alarms from an I/NET point

Issue Trying to order a controller part number that has been discontinued due to low volume sales / duplicate part numbers. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum IP level Controllers NetController II Series bCX1 Series ACX Series Cause Discontinuation of duplicate and low volume parts has removed a number of previously existing part numbers from the Continuum catalog. These parts are still available but will need to be ordered as a base unit and then upgraded through Repairs. Resolution The IP level controllers were part of a roll up of the product numbers where low volume part numbers were discontinued. These parts can still be obtained but will need to be chosen from the list of available parts and then get an upgrade through Repairs to add the additional features that may be required. See Active Network Level Controller Part Numbers, and Discontinuance of Low Volume Part Number Configurations - Andover Continuum - PA-00269A on this which includes the currently available part numbers. To order a BCX1-CR-127-SA part which is no longer available, you will need to order the base unit BCX1-CR-127 and then have Repairs add the -SA (SNMP) option to that controller. Note: for further Continuum parts that have been discontinued see What Continuum products have been discontinued?.

Issue Vista Server restore database fails Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause The Restore Database function will not work on the database directory that Vista is currently using. The restore is being performed on a directory that has files that are flagged as read only. The backup file may be incomplete. The backup file may be corrupt.  Resolution If the Vista Server restore database function is not restoring the database then it is probably one of the problems listed below. The Restore Database function will not work on the database directory that Vista is currently using. To restore to your normal database directory, use Server Setup to point Vista Server to a different database directory. Then start Vista Server and perform the restore. The restore is being performed on a directory that has files that are flagged as read only. These files cannot be written over until this flag is removed. This can be caused inadvertently with database transfer as described in Transferring a Vista Database from one computer to another. The backup file may be incomplete. Maybe it was copied to portable media (CD, USB drive, etc.) before it was finished. To test whether the database backup file is incomplete, restore to an empty directory and open it with Vista Server to examine it for missing objects or to see if it launches at all. The backup file may be corrupt.  This is the case if the following error message (or similar - this is from a Spanish system) is seen:   The database MAY be salvageable.  Send the backup file to PSS who will attempt to fix it, with help from R&D.  There are no guarantees - only do this if you have no other recent healthy backups to restore. It is always recommended to take regular backups.

Issue What is the maximum distance between SC3000 relay pack  and SE7300 controller Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SC3000 relay pack SE7300 controller Cause Depending on installation and site configuration, the max distance between units may be of interest. Resolution This hasn't been tested, but at least 100 ft (30 m) with 22 GA or bigger wire. For additional details, also please see Which models of the SE7300 series room controllers can be used with the SC3000 series relay packs?

Issue Problem with redirecting a $EE_Mess alarm using "Configure alarms" in the Vista server. The alarm is not redirected to the new alarm object and therefore not changing the priority. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Server 5.1.6 Cause $EE_Mess should be redirected to message object in Vista. A change of state should be redirected to another change of state object in Vista Resolution Redirect the $EE_Mess to a message object in Vista and not to a change of state. Refer to How to redirect a offline alarm to a certain alarm control object in Vista? for a guide on how to create a system alarm to handle offline alarms

Issue Satchwell "AMS" series Spring Return Rotary Actuator requires replacement by S-E M700 Spring Return Linear Actuator due to obsolescence. (Actuator Wiring) Product Line Field Devices Environment Satchwell “AMS” series Spring Return Rotary Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF series Plug and Seat Valve Body.  N.B. Where a Satchwell "AMS" series Spring Return Rotary Actuator is installed on a Satchwell VV Butterfly Valve Body then NO simple Actuator replacement is available. Please refer to Replacement of Satchwell "AMS" or "AMSH" (high torque) series Spring Return Rotary Actuator Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell "AMS" series Spring Return Rotary Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell AMS Actuator with S-E M700 Actuator. The S-E M700 Actuator may be used to replace an existing Satchwell AMS Actuator. It should be noted however that the S-E M700 Actuator is suitable for use with 24 volt power supplies only, while the Satchwell AMS Actuator is a mains voltage device. The S-E M700 Actuator has an average power consumption of 30 VA and the use of an independent 230 / 24 volt Transformer rated 50 VA is recommended. S-E Transformer Type TR60 (341-3060-000) Please check the latest catalog for current equipment.

Issue No one can get through the door using the reader. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Pinpoint Cause User may have inadvertently selected "disable keypad/reader access." This mode shuts down the reader. The REX works and left-clicking on the Pinpoint animation allows unlock, and right-clicking stills allows timed and permanent unlock.  Resolution Right-click on the Pinpoint door animation and click on "Enable Keypad/Reader Access" See Key for the standard Door Control Graphic for a description of the various animations used in the Pinpoint Door Control.

Issue Verifying Database returns Table Differences on a Server Client system Performing a database backup and restore is still functional. Environment I/NET Seven Server Client system Server PC, DbCreate Cause When the I/O server is shut down before all of the client PCs some objects were opened and never closed.  Resolution Restart I/NET on the Server PC Shut down I/NET on all the client PCs Shut down I/NET on the Server PC Use Db Create to Verify Database NOTE: The Server Client configuration should only be used if you expect the Server to run 100% of the time.  If you wish to perform backups or other maintenance use the process above or use the tool found on the Buildings Business Community here.

Issue How to remove the Alarm File on a Niagara R2 Enterprise Server. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara R2 Enterprise Server Cause The easiest way is to delete the entire (logged data) database; however this will also delete all archived data (logs, alarms, etc.) from the Cloudscape database collected by the Enterprise Server station. For alternatives to deleting the entire logged data, see "Maintenance of the Alarm Archive File" in How to remove data for all logs prior to a specific date in a Niagara R2 Enterprise Server. Resolution To delete the entire database: Close WorkPlace Pro Stop the station Go to the Control Panel and Select Administrative Tools and Select Services (short cut) and Niagara, which should indicate "Started" Right Click on Niagara, and select "Stop" To delete or remove the APP folder (and all included files) from the station folder: Go to My Computer and Select Local Disk (C) and Select Niagara Select the Niagara system desired and Select Stations and Select the desired station Select the app file and Delete it All archived data including the alarms will now be cleared.  The station database will automatically re-create the APP folder and Cloudscape file structure, once it is restarted. Re-start the station:   Go to the Control Panel and Select Administrative Tools and Select Services (short cut) and Niagara’s Status should be blank indicating the service is not running Right Click on Niagara, and select "Start"

Issue The TAC Operator Panel (OP) will not show the controllers on the network and only displays "No Answer." Product Line TAC Vista Environment Classic Vista networks LNS Vista networks Cause Programmable Xenta controllers only support 2 Operator Panels per device. Resolution Each Xenta controller can only have two Operator Panels connected to it at once. To have more operator panels, ensure that you have at least one programmable Xenta controller for every two Operator Panels.  See "No Answer" on an OP when connecting to a Xenta 280/300/400 for some other situations that can cause this issue as well.

Issue Sigma and Windows Server 2012 Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma 4.08 Windows Server 2012 Cause Is Sigma 4.08 supported on windows Server 2012 Resolution No version of Sigma is supported on a Windows Server 2012 platform except: Sigma 4.08 can only be installed on Windows Server 2012 when the software is used as a transition into EcoStruxure Building Operation ( EBO ) and used with the correct version of transition component. For full details of Sigma 4.08 versions, build numbers and operating systems supported, see What operating systems is Sigma 4.08 supported to run on?.

Issue After installing an update to SmartXKiosk, an error message is shown when trying to launch the app License file not found. Please contact Schneider Electric. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartX Advanced Display SmartXKiosk Cause The SmartXKiosk update (apk file) needs to be installed on top of the factory delivered version. If the current version of SmartXKiosk is removed before installing the update, some files are missing on the tablet. Also refer to Which address and port does the SmartX Controller Advanced Display use for activation for additional information regarding license activation. Resolution A full installer of the app is needed. Contact Product Support and request a full installer.

Issue A message indicates only one Personnel record processed when using the PIU Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause By default the CSVtoContinuumTransformation.xsl transform file sets the alias column to concatenate (TAC + SerialNumber).  Resolution The transform needs to be edited in a text editor (not IE) to change the concatenate line to be a unique alias. Example: (Before) This displays the alias records in the preview as TAC < select="concat(‘TAC’, SerialNumber) " value-of=""> (After) This will import the records correctly < select="concat(‘TAC’, EmpNumber) " value-of=""> If all was working at one point and the site was upgraded then the old PC may have the CSVtoContinuumTransformation.xsl that was working. If this is a new install, select a number that will be unique for the records. For more information on editing the PIU see the following article: Personnel Import Utility documentation

Issue A site has to replace a legacy device with newer hardware and wants a continuity of values being read into trend logs. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment This has been tested for I/NET hardware replacement, but the process will work for any device which has values stored in the Extended Trend Log Cause The Extended Trend Log allows users to change the Monitored trend log attribute as needed for continuity of data. This process can be used to ensure that regulations are met regarding requirements for trend data. It is important to ensure that the new trend log is created in such a way that no significant time is lost between samples on the old log and samples on the new log. The Extended trend log will be the warehouse for the long term data of the two source logs to be stored.  Resolution In this example we are looking at an Extended Trend Log which has been collecting values for some time. To Ensure all values are transferred from the Old Log to the Extended Trend Log, Right-Click on the Extended Trend Log and select Activation>Force Transfer Edit the Properties of the Extended Trend Log and delete the Monitored Trend Log which was monitoring the old input value. Save the change to the Extended Trend Log. At this point the log will no longer collect data from it's original input source Locate the new location of the value being monitored. This could be the input an Automation Server, Field device or a logical output of a program. NOTE: Steps 6-9 show the basic process for creating an Interval Trend Log. This may change depending on the new device type or location. For creating I/NET trends, please see Using I/NET trends in StruxureWare Building Operation   Right Click on this new object and select New>Trend Select the identical type and use the identical (or similar) configuration settings. Click OK View a Trend Log list of the new Trend log to verify that it is functional. Edit the Properties for the Original Extended Trend Log Click on the ellipsis to change Monitored Trend Log setting so that the Extended Trend Log now references the newly created trend log. Save the Changes Right click on the Extended Trend Log object and select Activation>Force transfer. View the Extended Trend Log list. You should see the new values after the record of the property changes.

Issue The Xenta controller has limited memory free and causing download issues. Can I add existing Menta into HFB,s to free memory up? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta controllers 200, 300 and 400 series Cause The Menta application is too large for the controller Resolution A HFB will actually use more memory than a application with no HFB's  with the same program. See Menta Advanced Memory Usage: BPR Size Calculator for more information on memory description and allocation.

Issue Can Blade Servers be used? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum installation at site on Blade servers. Not to be confused with virtual servers or environments. Cause A customer would like to use a blade server to install Windows Server 32-bit directly on to run Continuum. Resolution Not to confuse Virtual Servers with these Blade Servers, but there is no official support for Virtual servers on Continuum up to release 1.94. The Compatibility matrix details all the full supported system configurations that are qualified by our R&D department. Any systems running on Virtual servers are un-qualified. For the Andover Continuum Compatibility Matrix, visit Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines. Now, to Blade servers; Blade Servers have not specifically been targeted with problems as long as the system meets the requirements found in the install guides. Be reminded that the Workstation need to have a USB security key port which needs to be seen by the Cyberstation software. The minimum hardware requirements for the latest Cyberstation 1.93: Intel CoreTM 2, Duo, 1.66 GHz or better 2 Gb RAM or higher 15 Gb free space CD ROM drive Video resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels Parallel or USB port Recommended Quad Core, 2 GHz or better 4 Gb RAM 30 Gb free space CD ROM drive Video resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels Parallel or USB port Blade Servers are often more energy efficient and save space in server racks.

Issue TAC 200 OTP Controller replacement battery information Product Line Field Devices, TAC Vista Environment Site with TAC 200 OTP Controller  Cause On-board battery is in need of replacement, Part number - 200-1005-000. Here is additional information: TAC 200 OTP compensator and optimiser TAC 200 OTP is a compensator and an optimiser. It controls the heating via a boiler output and a mixing valve or via two stages of gas boilers. TAC 200 OTP can be operated with or without a room sensor. The controller has an easy-to-use operator's panel and needs virtually no maintenance. TAC 200 OTP is also described in the following documents, all available in English: Data sheet TAC 200 OTP C-10-31 The data sheet contains a comprehensive specification of the controller and should be read together with the handbook (part number 0-003-1148). A brief instruction A small leaflet normally placed in a slot in the operator's panel (part number 0FL-3564). User's manual TAC 200 OTP The user's manual (part number 0FL-3563) is a description for installation and start-up, packed together with the unit. The contents are a condensed version of chapter 2 in this manual and a mounting instruction. Manuals are available in TAC 200 OTP User Guide, TAC 239W DHW User Guide. Resolution Replacement battery is 342200360 CAP, .22 F 5.5V RM5