Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What speed and duplex do the DMS and GCM Ethernet NIMs operate? Environment DMS-ETH-001 GCM-ETH-001 Cause Network troubleshooting Resolution Both NIMs (network interface modules) adhere to the IEEE 802.3 standard as written in the early 1990s. The port speed is 10 Mbps at half-duplex.

Issue Viewing white screens in R2 when browsing web pages in Internet Explorer 9   Environment R2 and G3 Niagara Cause Java conflict with Internet Explorer 9 Resolution Disable java option next generation plug-in: Open Java console under Control Panel Menu Go to Advance options Tab Expand Java Plug-in Uncheck Enable the next generation Java Plug-in Restart Browser for changes to take effect

Issue When converting a Niagara R2 server station from xml to db, the conversion fails with the following message: ERROR: c:\niagara\r.301.529.v1\stations\PMHBASSERVER\config.xml(865566,98):  Could not create node "tridium.apps.ProgramNode".tridium.foundation.IllegalChildException E_ILLEGAL_CHILD_DUP_NAME {Command}    at tridium.foundation.node.NodeLifeCycle.pasteErrorCheck(NodeLifeCycle.java:153)    at tridium.foundation.node.NodeLifeCycle.paste(NodeLifeCycle.java:68)    at tridium.foundation.prism.Prism.commitTransactionImpl(Prism.java:1484)    at tridium.foundation.prism.Prism.commitTransaction(Prism.java:779)    at tridium.foundation.prism.NodeTransaction.commit(NodeTransaction.java:76)    at tridium.xml.node.NodeHandler.createNode(NodeHandler.java:105)    at tridium.xml.node.NodeHandler. (NodeHandler.java:42)    at tridium.xml.node.NodeHandler.startElement(NodeHandler.java:140)    at tridium.xml.TParser.doSTag(TParser.java:225)    at textuality.lark.Lark.reader(Lark.java)    at textuality.lark.Lark.readXML(Lark.java)    at tridium.xml.TParser.parse(TParser.java:121)    at tridium.tools.DbAdmin.readXml(DbAdmin.java:472)    at tridium.tools.DbAdmin.convert(DbAdmin.java:292)    at tridium.tools.DbAdmin.main(DbAdmin.java:168)    at tridium.tools.DbAdmin.main(DbAdmin.java:122)    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) Parse of XML failed.  ----- End of input -----   Environment Niagara R2 Cause The conversion fails due to two program objects having duplicate names. Resolution Open the xml file using a xml editor (like Notepad++).  Navigate to line # 865566, character # 98 and identify the program object's name. Rename the program object by adding an additional character (like a number '1' or a letter 'a').  Save and close. Run the conversion to db again.

Issue Detection of a "security threat" or vulnerability by Microsoft Security Essentials when downloading I/A Series G3 Environment I/A Series G3 (all versions up to 3.6.31) Cause Recently, Oracle(R) has issued a critical patch update to address security vulnerabilities that currently exist within all versions of Java SE (Standard Edition).  Due to this patch update, Microsoft Security Essential scans have been updated to identify this as security vulnerability.  The detection by Microsoft Essentials is not a virus but a warning of a potential vulnerability that could be exploited for malicious use if precautions are not taken (e.g. firewalls, strong passwords, etc.). It is likely that McAfee, Norton, and other antivirus programs will also be issuing updates which identify this as vulnerability.  If the Niagara JRE is identified as vulnerability, it could lock down or quarantine the JRE, thus rendering Niagara unable to operate. Note: Oracle(R) is the owner of Java since 2009, although you still often see "Sun Hotspot" in references. Resolution In most cases, it is not critical that a new JRE (Java Runtime Environment) release be installed for I/A Series G3.  Typically, G3 resides behind a firewall and / or strong passwords are being used however, if required and/or directed by Product Support, the following procedure can be used to manually update the JRE on the Windows based Enterprise Server, Engineering Workstation, or I/A Series G3 ENC (Soft JACE) platforms.  JRE version 6 (update 31 or higher) is required. Note in steps below, / is your I/A Series G3 installation folder.     Download and install the desired JRE version 6 (update 31 or higher) from the Oracle web site.  For example,  Java SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 32 can be downloaded from http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html.  Select and download Windows x86 Offline (32-bit) for 32-bit platforms or Windows x64 (64-bit) for 64-bit platforms. The default installation folder is /Program Files/Java/jre(x) where (x) is the version. Stop all running Niagara stations and exit all Workbench instances. From a Niagara Console window, execute: plat uninstalldaemon Rename //jre to //jre_old Copy /Program Files/Java/jre(x) to / and make sure to rename the copied folder to jre. Copy //jre_old/lib/ext/mail.jar to //jre/lib/ext/mail.jar Copy //jre_old/jreVersion.xml to //jre/jreVersion.xml Update the version="n.n.n.n" string in the //jre/jreVersion.xml file to match the new JRE version. From a Niagara Console window, execute: plat installdaemon Restart Workbench and any stations.      

Issue UNC station is frequently rebooting on its own and occasionally reports "Station Watchdog Timeout" in the error log. Environment I/A Series UNC 510 or UNC-520 Cause System Monitor task is causing the UNC to reboot. Typically this is caused by incorrect information in the drivers.properties file of the UNC. Resolution This issue can be corrected by editing the drivers.properties file in the UNC. To edit this file, Log into the UNC using the Admin tool. Select the Installation tab the select [Edit drivers.properties].  The file will be displayed in the text editor. Look for a line that reads sysmon.enable=true If the line is present, edit the line changing so that it reads sysmon.enable=false If the line is NOT present, add the line sysmon.enable=false at the end of the file. Select Save from the File menu to save the changes. Select Close from the File menu to close the editor. After editing the file, the station must be restarted to allow the change to take effect.

Issue What does the message "This Part has Alternate Replacements" mean in regards to the MNL-800-101, as displayed in iPortal? Environment MNL-800-101 Cause See Product Announcement PA-207 regarding a parts shortage regarding the capacitor used for memory backup on the MNL-800-101 Resolution The MNL-800-102 is being shipped as a replacement for the MNL-800-101 until such time as the capacitor parts shortage has been resolved. As documented in Product Announcement PA-00207, the capacitor used for memory backup power storage in the MNL-800-101 is temporarily unavailable.  The capacitor used in the MNL-800-102 does not have the same temperature rating (-13 Deg F instead of -40 Deg F).

Issue Is there a way to reset the Last Daily Archive time and Last Backup Time in an I/A Series R2 station?  System clock was inadvertently set ahead now the daily archive and daily backup processes are not running. Environment I/A Series R2 ES and UNC stations Cause Computer system clock was inadvertently set ahead and not discovered for several days.  After correcting the clock setting, the daily archives and daily backup of the station does not appear to be running.  Both entries "Last Daily Archive" time and "Last Backup Time" show a future date and time Resolution There is no direct procedure for changing these time stamp entries in an I/A Series R2 station however, the time stamp entries can be edited in an XML copy of the station database. The following procedure can be used to reset these date stamp entries in the station database. Open the Admin tool, log into LocalHost, select the running station and use the DB Admin to Save Runtime Db. This updates the current config.db file with any unsaved station information. When the save is complete, stop the running station. Still in the DB Admin screen of the Admin tool, select the server station and perform a convert local from db to xml. Locate the "backups" folder under the r2.301.532 folder then in that folder, locate the folder for the server station you are working on. Rename the backup.zip file in that folder to backup.save.zip. Using a text editor capable of editing very large text files, open the config.xml file for the server station and make the following changes: Search for "<LastBackupTime>" and change the date to a date in the past. Search for "<LastDailyArchive>" and change the date to a date in the past. Search for each occurrence of "<LastArchiveTimestamp>" and change the date to a date in the past. If your editor has the capability of doing a replace all, you might be able to replace a group of these entries all at the same time, especially if you just change the date and ignore the time. Save the edited xml file and close the editor. Save the current config.db file by renaming it with a different extension. Using the DB Admin function of the Admin Tool, convert the station's xml file back to db. Verify that the current computer time is correct. Verify that if there is a time sync service running in the computer, that it is using a reliable time server as its source of time and date. You can now use the Admin Tool to restart the edited server station. Open the server station in WorkPlace Pro, navigate to the TimeSyncService under Services and verify that if "clientEnabled" is True, there are no blank entries for any of the timeProtocolServer slots. All three entries must be filled in, even if you put the same server address or name in more than one of the three slots. The backup and archive functions of the server station should now operate at the specified times.  

Issue New computer to be used internally at a site to display I/A Series R2 & G3 graphics does not have Java installed on it.  How do I get it installed without public internet access? Environment I/A Series R2 graphics display I/A Series G3 graphics display Cause Java (Java Runtime Environment) is required to display the I/A Series R2 and I/A Series G3 graphics. Resolution Follow these steps to download a copy of the current release of the Java (Java Runtime Environment) to a flash drive, CD, DVD or other portable media or device.  You need to perform these steps on a computer that has public ethernet access.  NOTE: This procedure is current as of June 20, 2012 and may be different at a later date due to external web site changes beyond our control. Open your browser and go to the site http://www.java.com. Click the button [Free Java Download]. On the "Download Java for Windows" screen, locate the link that reads "Not the right operating system?"  Click the "See all Java downloads" link. On the "Java Downloads for All Operating Systems" screen, locate and click the link for "Windows Offline (32-bit)". Follow the prompts as displayed in your browser to save the downloaded file to your computer. After downloading the installation file, copy it to your portable media or device. Connect your portable media or device to the target computer and install the downloaded file (jre-xxx-windows-i586.exe where xxx is the version identifier) into the computer following normal software installation procedures. 

Issue The following error message is displayed in the UNC-s Standard Output Window when attempting to install a station: FATAL: Cannot boot station from sns java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: tridium.services.DatabaseService   Environment Niagara R2, UNC-520, UNC-410 Cause A UNC can not be licensed for DatabaseService. Resolution Open the station offline and remove the DatabaseService.

Issue Cannot find the documentation on how to configure and use the Lon over IP interface in a ENC-520 Environment ENC-520 licensed for ENC-DRV-ILON These devices also support the ENC-DRV-ILON license: JACE-6, JACE-7 and JACE-NXT Cause Cannot find required information. Resolution Refer to the section "Components in LonIP Module" in the Lon Components Guides chapter of the NiagaraAX -3x Lonworks Guide. This document is distributed with the I/A Series G3 software (doc folder).

Issue An existing Niagara R2 MicroSmart integration has been operational for several years.  Recent changes required reprogramming of some MicroSmart controllers -- points added, points deleted, points renamed.  How do these changes get uploaded to the existing station in the UNC? Environment Niagara R2 MicroSmart integrations (all versions) Cause Changes to building HVAC equipment. Resolution The MicroSmart driver uses the point list loaded in the PointListManager of the IbsMsService for reference.  So any changes to a point type, order, id, engineering unit, or status id must be uploaded in a "new" point list. Review the MicroSmart Driver Engineering Guide (F-27327), chapter 3, section 3.3 and 3.3.1 for a detailed review of how to work with updating unit displays and gx page "displays".

Issue The EmailRecipient is not receiving alarm emails sent by a Niagara G3 station. Environment Niagara G3, ENS, ENC-520, ENC-520 Cause If spam filter is enabled, the SMTP server will not route email as long as the Reply to parameter of the OutgoingAccount is empty.  It will treat the message as spam. Resolution The OutgoingAccount’s “Reply To” field must contain an email address. - Open the station in the tree - Navigate to Config > Services > EmailServices > OutgoingAccount - Fill in a reply to email address in the “Reply to” field.       Note:  In some cases a factious email address of the format xxxx@xxx.comcan be entered.  However, depending on the SMTP server, the "Reply to: field must contain a valid email address on the local SMTP server.

Issue Does R2 provide a way to prevent email from being sent when an alarm is acknowledged? Environment Niagara R2, UNC-520, UNC-410, Enterprise Server Cause The reason an email is being sent when an alarm is acknowledged is that the MailRecipient’s routeAcks property is set to true. Resolution Set the routeAcks property to false to prevent an email from being sent when an alarm is acknowledged. 1. Open the MailRecipient in the station and click on the Config tab. 2. Set the routeAcks property to “False” 3. Click Apply to save change Now no email will be sent when the alarm is acknowledged

Issue Enterprise Network Server station failed. Attempts to start the station resulted in the following error messages. ERROR [15:32:36 04-Jul-12 SGT][sys] Cannot load station java.io.EOFException    at javax.baja.xml.XParser.read(XParser.java:753)    at javax.baja.xml.XParser.parseText(XParser.java:621)    at javax.baja.xml.XParser.next(XParser.java:268)    at javax.baja.io.BogDecoder.decodeDocument(BogDecoder.java:164)    at javax.baja.io.BogDecoder.decodeDocument(BogDecoder.java:152)    at com.tridium.sys.station.Station.loadStation(Station.java:128)    at com.tridium.sys.station.Station.bootStation(Station.java:78)    at com.tridium.sys.station.Station.main(Station.java:978)    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 com.tridium.sys.Nre.runClass(Nre.java:224)    at com.tridium.sys.Nre.main(Nre.java:149) App Failed   Environment I/A Series G3 Cause The station's config.bog appears to be corrupted. The reason for this is unknown at this time. Resolution Restore the station database with the latest copy of a known good backup.

Issue When was the GCS bus controller discontinued? Environment Network 8000 Cause Field request Resolution The GCS controller was discontinued in 2001.  

Issue A digital command (by schedule or by manual override) must be linked to a supply fan wired to a Microzone II controller.  How does it get programmed? Environment Niagara R2 ASD driver Microzone II Cause Minimal experience with the Network 8000 product line Resolution Link the output of the native Niagara object to one of the digital inputs of the MZ2EmsDi object. Ensure that the Microzone's "emsControlDefault" is set for "On".  This can be checked on the Properties > Config tab for the Microzone's Shadow object. Using serial tunneling with PSI, ensure the same Microzone's EMS block's output attribute "EMS" indicates "ON".  This means the Microzone is under control from the UNC.  If it is OFF, then the Microzone is in a stand-alone mode of operation. The digital command from the UNC station is now available at the corresponding DV output of the EMS block in the Microzone.  It can then be linked to another block involved with fan control.

Issue Can a DMS-350A controller replace a DMS-35 controller? Environment DMS Cause DMS-35 has failed and customer has a spare DMS-350A from a previous retrofit. Resolution Yes, it is possible. To replace a DMS-35 with a DMS-350A, ensure that at least one DCM is included (the MicroSmart controllers connect to the DCM and the DCM connects to the DMS-350A). Ensure the firmware level in the DMS-350A & DCM is the same (or higher) than the MicroSmart controllers.  For example, if the MicroSmart controllers are revision 10.x, then the DMS-350A & DCM must be revision 10.x or 11.x. The DMS-35 database will not install directly into a DMS-350A because of the DCM.  The points in the MicroSmart controllers will have to be re-linked thereby creating a new database.

Issue When printing a multiple page application, i.e., an application consisting of a device definition and one or more custom object pages, all pages are numbered 0 of 0. Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool release 5.8.0 or release 5.8.1 Cause The title block stencil script created in WorkPlace Tech release 5.8.0 or release 5.8.1 does not execute properly resulting in all pages showing "Page 0 or 0". Resolution Update to WorkPlace Tech Tool release 5.8.2.  Note that upgrading will not automatically correct the issue in application files created with release 5.8.0 or release 5.8.1.  Use the following procedure to correct the issue in application files created with those releases of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software. Open the application using WPT 5.8.2. Select the "Background" page of the drawing. Press Ctrl-A to select everything on the page then press the Delete key to delete everything from the page. Select the "Annotation" style sheet (stencil page). Drag a new copy of the "Schneider Electric Border" stencil onto the page. Drag a new copy of the "Controller Info Block" stencil onto the page.  This block is normally placed in the lower left corner of the drawing. Save the updated application file.

Issue Cannot download LON controller that is in the "Unconfigured" state. Environment I/A Series MNL series controllers Cause Controller was placed in the "Unconfigured" state by accidentally holding the service pin button too long. Resolution 1a.  If running the WorkPlace Tech Tool software under Microsoft Visio 2007 or earlier, select the "Configure LON Device" function under the Tools menu.  Continue with step 2, below. 1b.  If running the WorkPlace Tech Tool software under Microsoft Visio 2010, select "Configure" under the "Device" selection on the WorkPlace Tech Ribbon Bar. 2.  The "Configure Device" window will be displayed.  Use any of the standard methods; enter Neuron ID, Browse for device or Listen for Service Pin, to select the device. 3.  Click the [OK] button to reconfigure the device. 4.  A WorkPlace Tech status window will be displayed, normally displaying "Successfully configured the device.".  Click [OK] to close the window. The device is now in the configured mode and can be downloaded.

Issue In OPRIF 11.6, the "database save" command does not work.  When pressing "S" for save, the first prompt asks for the drive letter where the files will be saved (i.e. C drive).  After pressing enter, the second prompt requests a filename.  An eight-digit filename can be entered.  A file path is optional.  After pressing enter, a new screen should appear as the database save begins.  However, after pressing enter, the screen returns to the main database menu. There are no errors reported. Environment DMS OPRIF 11.x Cause A graphic screen is missing from the installation of OPRIF.  After entering the driver letter and filename for the database save, a new screen should appear.  The graphic file is requested but doesn't exist.  As a result, the database save command aborts and returns to the main database menu screen. Resolution The simplest solution is to re-install OPRIF 11.6 "overtop" the existing installation.  The missing file(s) will install.