Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue If primary access server is not online, how do the access controllers know to send the events to the secondary access server? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation 1.74 and higher CX99xx ACX57xx ACx7xx Cause On a LAN system, customer lost access events for 3 hours when primary access server was offline. Once back online the events showed up. The secondary access server was never setup. Since the controllers did not know about the secondary access server, they buffered the access events until the primary was back online. Resolution On a LAN system make sure you set up both primary and secondary access servers and make sure all access controllers are online when you do the Teach.  When you do a teach, each controller creates a list of the workstations and other controllers. When you click the primary access server checkbox in the workstation editor and hit apply, CyberStation automatically pops up the Teach dialog box. When the Teach is done the primary access server attribute gets turned on in the above list in each controller that is on-line. The same thing happens when you set the secondary access server checkbox. Note: The same process occurs, in reverse, if you deselect the access server checkbox in the workstation editor. Remember to note any offline controllers when you do a teach. Once the controllers are online do another teach - otherwise, if you are teaching the controllers about the primary and/or secondary access servers for the first time, the offline controllers will not know where to send access events. See also Access events buffered in Controller are not delivered to Cyberstation.

Issue Error when trying to register plug-ins within an LNS environment. Two known examples: Plug-in 'TACOSSysPin.Document' launch failure. Unknown error 0X8007002    Plug-in 'TACOSSysPin.Document' launch failure. Exception occurred Product Line TAC Vista Environment LonMaker 3.X TAC Vista System Plug-in Cause There are two types of credits: Product specific credits like LonMaker or NL credits and then there are LNS credits. LonMaker/NL credits are used by LonMaker/NL220 to commission devices. LNS credits are not consumed by commissioning devices in LonMaker, but are consumed when commissioning devices in NL220. LNS credits are used by other LNS applications – like the TAC Vista System Plug-in. While LNS credits may not be consumed by LonMaker, they must be present in order for the plug-ins to launch. Backing up, sharing, and restoring LNS databases can sometimes corrupt these LNS credits, which then prohibits you from launching any LNS plug-ins. For more information regarding NL220 and LNS credits see Ordering more LNS credits. Resolution Echelon released a Licensing Update in January of 2006 to improve the reliability of the Echelon licensing software, which was compromised due to newer security and self-protection features of Windows. This will not fix your already corrupted license files; however, this will help prevent the license from becoming corrupted in the future. It is highly recommended that this update be installed on all applicable products.  If you do not already have the LNS Licensing Update 2006 software (LnsLicensingUpdate2006.exe), download it from http://www.echelon.com/support/downloads/detail.asp?partNum=153-0155-01A. If you do not already have one, you will need to create a user account with Echelon. It is free. Shut down all LNS applications, including LNS enabled Windows services. LNS enabled Windows services are LNS applications that are being run under the Windows Service Manager as background processes. Examples from Echelon include the LNS Server application and the LNS DDE Server. Third party examples are typically HMI drivers for HMI workstation software products. Log on with Administrator privilege. For version 3 LNS Server installations that are not already at LNS version 3.08 or higher, LNS 3 Service Pack 8 or higher must be installed before applying this update. Service packs are available from www.echelon.com/downloads. Run LnsLicensingUpdate2006.exe. Reboot if requested by the installer. To resolve the issue of corrupted LNS credits:       Run the LNS Server License Wizard by navigating to Start > Programs > Echelon LNS Utilities > LNS Server License Wizard. It can also be found at C:\LonWorks\bin\LnsLic.exe. If the Max Credits, Credits Available, Max Deficits, Deficits Remaining, or Days Remaining are displaying zero values, then your LNS credits have become corrupted. To order free LNS replacement credits, hit Next. Hit Copy to Clipboard and paste into a blank email. After entering your specific contact information, you will want to check the "No Charge" box and the "Replacement Use" box. Before you send the form via fax or email, you also need to provide evidence that your LNS credits have been corrupted. Select Start > Run > and type "cmd" to reach a command prompt. This command will check the status of the LNS credits: checklic nsseng.exe An example of a working license is show below:   The output of this command should either be printed and sent with the fax or included in the email. Send the completed form to credits@echelon.com or print the forms and fax them to 1-408-790-3833. Note: If you are accustomed to ordering credits through another entity, do not send them this form. Only Echelon can issue replacement LNS credits. Echelon will reply with an application key that can be entered in this same window. When the LNS credits are restored, the System Plug-in should launch.

Issue After creating the MSTP network from an imported XML file, all devices under the network are offline and the network is unreliable. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment BACnet Cause The MSTP network number is not included in the XML and must be reset manually. Resolution In the MSTP network property window set the Network ID to the appropriate number. Note: To bring the devices online see Importing an exported MSTP network back into StruxureWare Building Operation.

Issue See Check Xenta programmable online status from a Xenta 5/7/9xx LON node to determine if the Xenta 5/7/9xx controller is communicating with Xenta programmable controllers on the network. If it's not, graphic pages in certain Xenta units won't display data, or connection objects won't pass data as expected, etc. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 LNS Database XBuilder Cause A Xenta 5/7/9xx LON node pulls "double duty" as both a LON device and a Xenta device. It requires one Xenta Group Binding on message tag 0 to facilitate communication with Xenta programmable controllers. Resolution Check LacNet status (see Check Xenta programmable online status from a Xenta 5/7/9xx LON node).  If controllers are showing an offline status, proceed with the following steps. In LonMaker, right-click on the device and go to Properties. View the address table. The Xenta 5/7/9xx controller's address table should have the first entry (message tag 0) populated with an index that matches all the Xenta programmable controllers on the network (see Verifying Xenta Group Bindings in an LNS system for more information about checking address table group bindings). If the group binding for LacNet communication doesn't exist or is wrong, redo group bindings. Ensure the Xenta group masters of the network have not been manually removed from the network pane of the XBuilder project. Download the XBuilder project to the device. Recommission the device in LonMaker. If it is still not communicating, download each of the Xenta units that it is trying to communicate with and recommission them in LonMaker.

Issue How and when does a Xenta 121 resynchronize floating control outputs? Product Line TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Xenta 121 - All versions Cause Documented reasons for floating control resynchronization on a Xenta 121 controller. Resolution There are 3 events that cause a Xenta 121 to resynchronize its floating control output logic. These reasons are: After a restart of the controller from a power cycle or reset command. The resynchronization is randomly initiated within the first 42 minutes after this restart. Testing shows an average of 20 minutes. After the controller is powered up and has done it's initial resynchronization, it will resynchronize every 18 hours there after. Commanding the snvt_switch input nviDOResync value member to  >0, and the state member to =1 Please see Programming SNVT_Switch in Menta for instructions on how to program snvt_switch in Menta.

Issue Doors/Elevator does not work when SCU/DPU is disconnected Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET with Access Control Site Cause In normal operating situations, communication is always there, always working. Check that the network provided and the wires which tie the 7798C to the SCU are good and not an issue. If this is not the case, redo so that this communication is stable and constant. The SubLAN should always be connected. This RS-485 network should be stable. If not, investigate. This may also be a side effect of using large numbers. When disconnecting the 7798C from the SCU, the elevator does not work because the large numbers are stored in the 7798C and not in the SCU. If the individual is set to resident in the SCU then those are the only ones allowed to use the elevator. The others look to the SLI for permission to use the elevator. Resolution The SCU must remain in contact with the 7798C when controlling elevators. The communication between the SCU and the SLI, such as a 7798C, is required since an elevator is involved. The time schedules and floor mapping are in this SLI that is requested upon each time the elevator is used.  For more information on the I/NET network and environment, check Explain and define I/NET Ethernet, C-LAN, and Sub-LAN communication.

Issue Can a program a controller to cycle an output based on a cardholder presenting an access card at a cardreader without having the cardholder actually open the door. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Netcontroller II CX9680 AC-1 AC1-Plus Plain English Cause When silencing an audible intrusion alarm using an access card, typically the person silencing the alarm must have access permissions at the door. This is so an audit trail can be maintained for alarm silencing events. Resolution In order to test the authority of the card holder that is silencing an audible alarm and to provide and audit trail for such events, the PE code typically must evaluate a valid access event. Since a valid access event is not completed until the door has been opened as indicated by the door switch input, this means that opening the door must be a part of the alarm silencing procedure. IMPORTANT UPDATE In more recent versions of ACX57xx and CX9680 a new flag attribute (ValidAttempt) has been added that makes it possible to detect a valid attempt independent of the valid access flag. See New Door attribute 'Valid Attempt' added in Cyberstation 2.0

Issue Making all Binary/Digital point types appear the same in a TGML graphic Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment TGML Cause When bringing multiple devices into the same system, 2-state values can be expressed in many different ways.  On/Off 0/1 True/False etc. Resolution Use this snippet Binary Corrector.zip to normalize the text content of all 2-state objects on a single graphics page. Delete existing binds Add this snippet to any text object and set the bound attribute as "Content" Change the True/False properties of the bind to the desired values Also check out the JavaScript Essentials - Episode 3 - Value Types Quick-Help video on the Exchange.

Issue What code on the HHC sets the controller LAN Baud rate? Environment Handheld Console I/NET LAN Cause Baud rates must match for proper communication. Resolution Press code 6 Press [ENTER]. Press the [INC] or [DEC] to toggle between 9600 and 19,200 baud. Typically the controller LAN baud is 19,200. Refer to the appropriate controller TCON at TCON Number and Title Cross Reference (with links) for more information.

Issue Display the Text Value for a multistate point (e.g. enumerated SNVT) instead of the numerical value in a TAC Vista Graphic page. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista IV OGC Graphics Editor Cause A digital presentation will display the integer value of the enumerated SNVT by default (1, 2, 3...). Many structured SNVT types use default enumerations (e.g. HVAC_HEAT, HVAC_COOL, HVAC_OFF). Rather than setting up a customer dynamic text value each time, the standard enumerations can be displayed. Resolution Add a digital presentation to the Graphic page Browse in multistate point. Check the check box "Presentation format." Now the text will be displayed instead on the numerical value. To define custom texts for use with multiple points, see Creating custom Multi-state Text definitions.

Issue Error message window appears when installing TAC Vista 5.1.6 as below. It says that "XXX.dll file is an invalid Win32 application". But the installation could be finished without any other error messages. However if trying to run TACOS.exe after installation. Another error message window appears as below. It said, "MSVCR100.dll is an invalid Windows image, please check your installation disk". If you try to uninstall TAC Vista 5.1.6 which you just installed. You would get another error message window appears as below. It says "XXX.dll file is an invalid Win32 application". User can not run TAC Vista 5.1.6 in your computer finally. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Windows XP SP3 TAC Vista 5.1.6 Cause It may cause by the msvcr100.dll file is damaged.  Resolution Uninstall TAC Vista 5.1.6. Refer to How to uninstall and completely remove TAC Vista 5 for detail In the %system root%\WINDOWS\system32, copy "msvcr100.dll" file from someone who has installed TAC Vista 5.1.6 Rename the msvcr100.dll file which existed in the folder in your computer, user can rename the file such as msvcr100.dllx Copy the file from other computer and paste it into your computer folder Run TAC Vista 5.1.6 installation file again

Issue What is the Continuum OPC Server Part number? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum OPC Server Cause Can't find the OPC Server part number in any available price lists. Resolution The part number for this is CTRL-OPC-SRVR. Also see this OPC Server for some useful information on OPC Server.

Issue Is there an IE table size limit? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Import Export Limits Cause Using IE is the most efficient way to pass data around a Continuum system, when the tables are full the system will revert to a Point to Point method. Resolution The limits are 255 in the Infinet controllers and 65535 in the CX level controller. In the CX level controllers, this is for communication to the Infinet network and any peer to peer communication between CX's. Also see the object limit for the Infinet i1 and i2 controllers that can be found in How many user defined objects can be created in a controller?.

Issue Unable to Run WebStation on Windows Server 2008 Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Webstation 5.1.6 IIS ASP.net Cause IIS 7 and ASP.net must be installed before Vista Server in order for Webstation to function Resolution Uninstall Vista Server as outlined in How to uninstall and completely remove TAC Vista 5 Install IIS 7 and ASP.net Start the Server Manager Right-click Roles Click Add roles Select Web Server (IIS) In the following dialog click Add Required Features Click Next (twice) Select ASP.net In the following dialog click Add Required Role Services Click Next Click Install Install TAC Vista Server Install TAC Vista Webstation As administrator, Run the ASP.NET IIS Registration Tool (Aspnet_regiis.exe) for ASP.NET version 4.0 %SystemRoot%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regiis.exe -i -enable 64-bit OS: %SystemRoot%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regiis.exe -i -enable

Issue Sigma Transition in StruxureWare Building Operation, where the Sigma controllers and the ES are on different subnets. Globals are not being passed to or from the Sigma system. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma Environment Globals Global values Link addressing Cause This issue is being caused because the Sigma controllers are on a different subnet to the Enterprise server. Sigma global data is passed between controllers using "Broadcast" messages, 192.168.1.255 for instance. These messages are normally stopped by network switches/routers, and are not passed between different subnets. To overcome this, Sigma employs "Link Addressing". For further information on this please review Link Addressing on a Sigma System Resolution As Sigma servers do not make use of the global broadcasts, on a current Sigma system there may not be any Link Addressing in place for the Server subnet, and this will mean that if an ES is placed on that subnet, it will not see any global broadcasts either. When carrying out a Sigma Transition consider if there is a need to pass global data to or from the Sigma system, and if so, add a DNN3 to the subnet and Link Address it..

Issue When you make a change to the Menta file and save that file back into Vista the changes are not available in Vista. An alarm appears stating ("Object does already exist " when expanding file in database) Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.1.7 Cause In some earlier versions of Vista, illegal characters were allowed to be entered in the Menta program specification name. Illegal characters in the program specification of a Menta file describes more on that problem. Resolution Rename the Menta program specification name. No more than 12 character and no spaces or illegal characters. Refer to Menta Warning: Syntax error for illegal characters which can not be used. Then generate the OP tree for the Menta application and save into the Vista database.

Issue Multiple duplicate email alarms are being delivered Getting multiple email notifications out of 1 event Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation 1.8x Cause duplicate alarms being delivered Resolution Enable Enhanced alarm logging and delivery Shut down ALL workstations Launch Continuum database initialization Select with Server or Stand Alone depending on your database configuration Select Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery Update database When database update is complete, launch Continuum workstations Also see Alarm Forward and Log settings with enhanced alarm logging causes unnecessary network traffic

Issue Is it recommended to modify TGML Graphics from Remote Workstation? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Remote Workstation TAC Graphics Editor Cause Remote Workstation should not be used as an engineering tool. It is used only to access the system. Resolution Remote Workstation's recommended use is to access the system.  Its function is not meant to be used as an engineering tool. It is possible to access the TGML Graphic pages from remote workstation to monitor and modify the objects not for editing Graphic Pages. You can prevent the access for TGML Graphics from Remote Workstation. For settings, please refer to Prevent a graphic page from being edited.

Issue PCU/SLI controller went to Boot State after direct connecting a CBL 072 cable from the controller to a PC/Laptop. Product Line TAC INET Environment PCU SLI CBL072 cable Cause Cable connections have most likely been reversed. Resolution The longer of the two female (9 pin) connectors must plug into the PC. The shorter of the two (9 pin) female connectors connects to the serial port of the controller. Label the connectors for future reference. If this does not correct the problem, check the cable wiring or replace the cable. For pin-out information and illustration on how to connect the cable, refer to the appropriate Controller TCON.

Issue When looking at the waveforms on an Infinet bus some waves appear at an amplitude of 5 volts while other waves have a 3 volt amplitude. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment RS485 Infinet transceivers Pico scope Oscilloscope Cause Generation I controllers such as CX9900 and i1 and earlier versions of Infinet controllers are manufactured with a 4.5 volt transceivers. Generation II controllers such as the CX9680, i2 and b3 controllers are manufactured with a 3.5 volt transceivers. Resolution It is perfectly fine to wire an Infinet bus that contains both first and second generation controllers.  For more information on RS485 see General Information on RS-485 Communication.