Building Automation Knowledge Base

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.

Issue Not clear to as to which alarms can be sent out to SNMP traps. The cx controller the SNMP Alarming option is enabled on?  Subnet controllers? Other cx controllers without the options enabled? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX1 with SNMP alarming enabled CX99xx with SNMP alarming enabled CX9680 with SNMP alarming enabled ACX57xx with SNMP alarming enabled Cause The documentation and ordering information is not clear as to what the SNMP Alarming option enables the controller to do. Resolution The SNMP Alarming option enables the controller to sent out its own alarms and the alarms of its attached Infinet controllers to SNMP traps. It will not enable that controller to do the same for other CX controllers on the network. For all alarms to be sent to SNMP traps, you will need to enable the SNMP Alarming option for each CX controller. Also see the articles below for more information on SNMP options and configuration. Options: SNMP Flashing options for Netcontrollers and BCXs Configuration: Where can I get information on SNMP Alarming?

Issue Need to confirm the correct part number to upgrade I/NET Do I need to pay for the I/NET software to upgrade the site? When can I use a SEAT license? What are the rules / definitions for using SEAT / SITE Licenses with I/NET? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Software I/NET 2000 I/NET Seven to 2.4x Cause Confusion with part numbers and license restrictions within I/NET software offering.  Resolution  Ordering information is usually contained within each of I/NET's Product Announcements. These are found on The Exchange Download Center as well as on Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines. When upgrading from a “minor” revision, upgrades from v2.40 are free. All you need is the new version of v2.4x software which can be downloaded at no charge from the Buildings Business Extranet website. To download TAC I/NET Seven software, refer to Downloads and Schneider Electric software, tools, documents, and tips. Upgrades from pre-2.4x versions (i.e. v2.3x and below) are paid upgrades. Standard upgrade prices are the same whether upgrading from I/NET Seven v2.31 or I/NET 2000. When upgrading, all host PCs must be upgraded to the same version.  Upgrade / New Ordering part number information can be found in How many software versions of I/NET Seven are there? For information that needs to be provided during the ordering process or if you have an issue with the Site License key refer to License or CD Key Issues. I/NET Seven Software Definitions Site Licenses SEVENHVAC SEVENMAX SEVENSEC Definition of a SITE: “A building or collection of buildings at single or multiple locations owned and operated by ONE end user, upon which I/NET is installed.” Seat License: SEVENSEAT Definition of a SEAT “A license for an additional PC at a SITE as defined above, irrespective of configuration i.e. Remote Client, Filemaster, Equalized Client etc.”

Issue Triggering an alarm or message if a point goes old in I/NET Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Cause Need to track or actively monitor points that are frequently found with an Old flag. Resolution Connect to the controller that contains the point you wish to monitor. Create an internal DA or DI point to use as a monitoring point. (Set 0 as normal and 1 as alarm) Add a Calculation extension to this point with this Calculation: OLD(P0) [where P0 is the point you wish to monitor going old] If you wish to use one point to monitor several points that may go old, simply use the OR symbol which is " | ". The expression will look like this: OLD(P0)|OLD(P1)|OLD(P2)... Results: Whenever the monitored point goes old, your internal monitoring point will change to a value of 1. Remember that the calculation only runs once every scan interval so a longer scan interval will delay your results. For further information, read I/NET Indirect Point "Old Data" Filtering Techniques.

Issue Totally remove the existing program from an ASC Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven All ASC Controllers Cause If an ASC is not working correctly, it may be necessary to replace the existing program and start over with a new database. Resolution Perform a memory clear on the ASC. See Reset the memory in an ASC Controller for detailed instructions. Reload the BIN files (UPD) to the controller. This is done by doing an ASC Update function in the I/NET editor Once the BIN files are loaded, bring the Points up to the Host PC. This is done by doing a MCI Update function in the I/NET editor

Issue Every time you compile a program object you get a message saying the "Program is not signed"   Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Jace 8000 I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server Cause Tridium's Niagara N4 product will at some point in the future require code signing Resolution Create the main certificate in our Workbench to be used for signing our Program Objects. Go to the top drop-down menu on the Workbench and select "Tools - Certificate Management". Note: do not open the Certificate Management of your Platform. That is different and will be used for our running stations, not for this purpose. On the "User Key Store" tab, press "New" to create a new certificate. Fill in all the required fields. Make sure you change the "Not After" date so the certificate does not expire in just 1 year. Select the specific "Certificate Usage" as "Code Signing"   Press "OK" and set a password for your certificate. Remember: this password will be asked by the workbench at the point of compiling your code. Now select the new certificate, then press the "Export" button below   Export the certificate without the private key. You will be prompted then to give your certificate file a name and store it in your computer. We would also recommend exporting the certificate again, this time with the private key included, and storing it with an indicative name, in case you want to transfer it to a different machine. Change tab and move to the "User Trust Store". From there, press the button "Import" at the bottom and select the certificate without the private key. It should appear in green as accepted in the windows above. Go to the top drop-down menu, and select "Tools - Options" Find the "Code Signing Options" on the left-hand side, and on the "Signing Cert" section select the certificate we have just created and accepted on our Workbench. Then press OK to confirm. Open the local host Platform, and double-click the platform Certificate Management. Select the tab "User Trust Store", then press the button "Import" and select again the certificate without the private key. On the station running locally, you can now compile your code. Note that the first time the Workbench will ask for your password (the one you assigned when creating the certificate). Add the password and see that the code now compiles with no certificate error If you try compiling code on a Jace, it will return the "Certificate not trusted" until you add the certificate to the Jace Certificate Management too. On the Jace Platform, double click the "Certificate Management", then select the tab "User Trust Store". In there, press "Import" and select your certificate without the private key. Your program objects will now compile correctly.  

Issue How to configure Global I/O across controllers in Access Expert Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Win 8.1 and above Version 3 Cause There are no guidelines on how to control points across controllers on a Version 3 instance. Resolution Setting up Global I/O utilizes Alarm Definitions and behaves similarly to Triggers and Procedures. The event source of the Alarm Definition is the Trigger for the action. The Alarm Action will act as the Procedure that occurs after the trigger has been activated. Example: In the example below, when the input on controller 1 is activated, the output on controller 2 will be pulsed. The Alarm Action of pulsing the output is set up on the Alarm Actions page and uses a Trigger and Procedure to Execute the pulsing of the output. If you are attempting to do Global I/O in Version 2, this feature is not supported. It will only work in Version 3. For this example, we are pulsing the output on Controller 2 from input on Controller 1 for a duration and we need two triggers to accomplish it. The following steps will describe how to configure them:    Step 1: Create a Trigger and Procedure for the Input on the first controller and assign the source accordingly.   Step 2. Create the Second Trigger on the Second Controller. Step 3: Create an Alarm Action to Execute this procedure and assign it accordingly. Step 4: Create the Alarm Definition. The Event Source is the object that will do the “Trigger”, the Alarm Action is the “Procedure” and the Event type is the triggering action for the Source. In this example, the filter query is setting this action to only occur when the input is activated instead of any input status change. 5. Trigger the Alarm and look at Hardware Status and Live Monitoring Window.

Issue Need sample PE program for control of access to a storage cage gate by forklift operators where the gate is required to stay open (up) until the forklift operator cards at the reader a second time on his/her way out of the cage. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Net Controller II Continuum ACX 2 Controller Continuum ACX 4 Controller Cause Continuum PE programming guidelines Resolution This sample program was provided as proof of concept only and not intended as a complete solution to the use case.   Object : StorageCageControl Type : InfinityProgram LastChange : 1/29/2020 11:29:14 AM DeviceId : PSS\ACX2.10 Alias : StorageCageContr CreateTime : 1/29/2020 9:59:56 AM CreatedBy : Root\Acc TimeLocked : 1/29/2020 11:29:14 AM InstanceId : 7003/7002 ByteCode : 'SAMPLE program for controlling access to a Storage Cage gate 1/29/2020 AM 'Program is LOOPING/AUTOSTART ' 'DESCRIPTION 'On valid access to the cage by forklift operator, program will unlock the gate using the ' PermanentUnlock property to keep it unlocked until the forklift operator indicates the gate 'can be closed by presenting his/her card at the card reader. ' 'REQUIREMENTS '1. ACX2 or NC2 controller only, program wont work in NC1 or old ACX7xx as they don't support the PermanentUnlock flag '2. Set the StrikeTime attribute of the door controlling the gate to ZERO '3. Create GateLeftOpenALM InfinityNumeric, and attach to an alarm (Optional) Numeric CloseTimeOut Line Init CloseTimeOut = 15 'Notify gate may have been left open after CloseTimeOut minutes. Goto WaitToOpen Line WaitToOpen GateLeftOpenALM = False If CageGate ValidAccess then CageGate PermanentUnlock = True Goto WaitToClose Endif Line WaitToClose If CageGate ValidAccess then CageGate PermanentUnlock = False Goto WaitToOpen Endif If TM >= CloseTimeOut then GateLeftOpenALM = True 'Gate may have been accidentally left open Line E 'oops, runtime error, wait a bit then try again If TS > 30 then Goto Init EndByteCode Status : Active EndObject