Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How can a sound or light be triggered when an alarm or alarm type is active. Environment Vista 5.x.x. Cause Vista Server uses two sum alarm objects that control a database points for each alarm priority when they meet the criteria of the sum alarm type. $Acoustic Any alarm in that priority that requires an acknowledgement. If acknowledgement reset is enabled then an alarm will trigger the Acoustic Sum Alarm a second time when it has returned to normal and requires a second acknowledgement. $Optic Active when any alarm in that priority is active or awaiting acknowledgement from a return to normal condition. Acknowledging the alarm does not stop the Optic Sum Alarm. Resolution To configure a sum alarm for control of physical objects such as a buzzer or light first setup the alarms to use a specific alarm priority. Select either the $Acoustic or $Optic sum alarm in the TAC Vista folder or the Vista Server object and select the properties of the sum alarm object. Select the browse button next to the priority of the alarms that match your criteria and browse to the database point that will trigger control logic or a physical output that results in an audible buzzer or a visible light. To send a value to multiple controllers use an internal database point then use Object Transfer to send it to multiple controllers for control of physical equipment.

Issue The ScreenMateCache.dat file is not created on a Windows 2008 server.  Environment Windows 2008 server Vista 5.1.6 Cause In a 2008 server the ScreenMateCache.dat file is created in C:\windows\temp, to get it working the user "Network service" and "Local system" needed full access to this folder. Resolution Make sure the users "Network service" and "Local system"  C:\windows\temp have full access to C:\windows\temp. 

Issue Are there any specific setting to be enabled in order for restricting the access to TAC Vista database folders? Currently all windows users can copy the TAC Vista database folders.   Environment Vista 5.1.6 Cause The only way to restrict the access to Vista database folders is to create a special Windows user which have full access to the folders and then the Vista server must run as a service logged on with this Windows user. Resolution Create a special Windows user which is administrator on the PC, run the service Tacos with this user. Restrict the access to the database folders for all other Windows users.

Issue What is the purpose of Acknowledge Reset and how can be it be configured in Vista? Environment Vista 4.x.x/5.xx Cause Acknowledge Reset is a feature that requires an alarm to be acknowledged after it has returned to normal. Purpose This feature is used to help match an end user operating procedure that requires time stamped and user id recording of when an alarm is acknowledged and when the problem condition is corrected. In combination with the Acknowledge Response feature the Vista event log can be used as a maintenance log of the system. Behavior There are two sequences that activation of the Acknowledge Reset will cause and the default colors assigned to each state. Single Acknowledgement Alarm goes into the alarm condition, but it is not acknowledged. - Alarm displayed in red with alarm string Condition returns to normal - Alarm displayed in red with reset string User acknowledges the alarm and it is removed from the alarm pane. Double Acknowledgement Alarm goes into the alarm, condition. - Alarm is displayed in red with alarm string. Alarm is acknowledged - Alarm is displayed in green with alarm string. Condition returns to normal - Alarm displayed in yellow with reset string. User acknowledges the alarm as second time and it is removed from the alarm pane. Each alarm priority can be individually enabled or disabled with the Acknowledge Reset functionality. Resolution To enable Acknowledge Reset: Select "TAC Vista" in the Vista Workstation tree structure. Right click on the $System object and select properties. Select the Priority tab. Check the box next to each alarm priority Acknowledge Reset should be enabled for.

Issue DDC Lines show only inconsistently when viewed through a Xenta 527 Web Server Graphic Environment I/NET Xenta 527 5.1.3 and below Cause Issue corrected in 5.1.4 release Resolution Upgrade the Xenta 527 to the latest revision of I/NET or at least 5.1.4 Upgrade Xbuilder to the exact same revision Send the upgraded project files to the upgraded controller.

Issue Dynamic values Change of state alarm with dynamic values alarm text Environment Vista Cause Want a state of change alarm text to show a dynamic value Resolution To present additional information on an alarm when it appears in the alarms list, such as a temperature reading for a high temperature alarm, dynamic values can be included in the alarm text. The character @ followed by the identity of an object can be used in alarm texts to present the value of the object (the standard property), according to the syntax “Alarm text @object-ID “. You may also single out a specific object property by adding a dot and the name of the property, according to the syntax Alarm text@object-ID.mnemonic1 This function is very useful if you want to present additional text with, for example, the description or a measurement unit of an object in the alarm text. Note: Priority "Info" will not work since this is a message priority and not a alarm priority

Issue When a Vista Master Slave network is setup the Slaves folder list appears but no objects in the folders. Environment Windows 7 32 bit Vista 5.1.X Cause Sometime the synchronies process does not fully complete between the Master and Slave servers. Resolution A restart of the Sever and Slave helps this process to complete. Shut both computers down and then start the master computer and Vista server. Once the master server has been started and checked for correct local communication start the slave computer and Vista server. Wait for the master to pickup the slave and recheck that the objects are being displayed. Also check that the Vista server name matches the computer name as this can cause similar problems.

Issue If having a Vista network and a OPC server installed on one Vista server can a OPC client connecting to the OPC server read values from another Vista server in the network?  Environment Vista 5.1.6 OPC server 1.6.2 Cause No it is only possible for the OPC client to read values on the Vista server where the Vista OPC server is installed. This is to avoid a lot of communication between the Vista server nodes which is pretty slow. Resolution Install a OPC server on every Vista server.

Issue What is the earliest version of TAC Vista and Toolpack to provide support for the Xenta 121? Environment TAC Vista, ZBuilder, Lonmaker Cause Inquiries as to the earliest version of TAC Vista and Toolpack to provide support for the Xenta 121. Resolution The Xenta 121 has been supported in TAC Vista and Toolpack since version 4.4.1

Issue How can a point be configured to display a text string instead of a number when modifying the point in a values page or graphics page pop out window? Environment XBuilder 5.x.x Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause An enumeration must be configured in Xbuilder that defines the text that will be shown with each value. Resolution In Xbuilder create a new Enumeration Under the Tools drop down select Enumerations. Click the new button in the Enumerations section and provide a description for the enumeration Highlight the enumeration created and click the new button in the Definitions section. Type the text string used for each value. Click Ok. Set the point to use the enumeration. Highlight the point that you want to use this enumeration. In the properties pane select your newly created enumeration from the Enumeration field.

Issue TAC Xenta 300, How many I/O modules   Environment Vista Xenta Cause Trying to connect more then 2 I/O modules to a TAC Xenta 300.   Resolution Please look at TAC Xenta 300 Specification Sheet Always check the The Exchange Download Center for a more current release.

Issue Part of a TGML graphic is missing when viewed. Environment TGML editor 1.1.X - Xenta Server; Webstation; Workstation Cause The resolution of the TGML document is less than the resolution of the object created in the editor. Resolution Set the TGML document resolution to a resolution higher enough to show all objects.

Issue Xenta 104-A will control heating outputs but not cooling outputs. Environment Xenta 104-A Cause U1 is setup as a discharge temperature sensor if the outside air is bound into the controller. Resolution If the outside air is bound in as a SNVT connection and Bit 4 on nciAppOptions is set to on. When this occurs, U1 terminal 7 and 8 on the 104 become a Supply temperature sensor. If no 1.8k resistor is installed across these terminal the Supply temperature will read less than 0 causing the controller to think no cooling is needed as the supply temperature is so low. Install a 1.8k temperature across terminal 7 and 8 and this will allow normal control of the Xenta 104-A controller.

Issue How many Echelon PCLTA & NIC709-USB's can use for one single PC Environment TAC Vista 5.x.x Echelon PCLTA NIC709-USB Cause Requirement to know, If we can run more than one PCLTA & NIC709-USB's on a single PC. Resolution There is no limitation on Echelon PCLTA & NIC709-USB's to use in single PC. As long as the PC has a slot for LTA & USB to insert then can be used.

Issue What processor and memory does Xenta 300, 400 and 700 have? Environment Xenta 300, 400 and 700 Cause   Xenta 700, Xenta 913, Xenta 511: CPU: 50 MHz  32 bit ARM Samsung S3C4510B  +  3120 Neuron   Xenta401:   CPU: 12.3 MHz  32 bit   Hitachi H8  + 3120 Neuron   Xenta300: CPU: 10.0 MHz  32 bit   Hitachi H8 + 3120 Neuron   Xenta100: CPU: 10 MHz Cypress  3150   I/O modules: Xenta410 CPU: 10 MHz Cypress 3120   I/O modules: Xenta420A,450A,470,490 CPU: 10 MHz Cypress 3150     Resolution   Xenta 700, Xenta 913, Xenta 511: CPU: 50 MHz  32 bit ARM Samsung S3C4510B  +  3120 Neuron   Xenta401:   CPU: 12.3 MHz  32 bit   Hitachi H8  + 3120 Neuron   Xenta300: CPU: 10.0 MHz  32 bit   Hitachi H8 + 3120 Neuron   Xenta100: CPU: 10 MHz Cypress  3150   I/O modules: Xenta410 CPU: 10 MHz Cypress 3120   I/O modules: Xenta420A,450A,470,490 CPU: 10 MHz Cypress 3150

Issue System error log are reporting Wm_TimeObject errors when trying to create or modify a time schedule in a Xenta server. Wm_TimeObject: Http_Get Error   (Error#:41992) Wm_TimeObject: Http_Post Error   (Error#:41993) Wm_TimeObject: Update File Error   (Error#:41994)   Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 711, 731 Time Schedules Cause Attempting to view or create a time schedule object page in the web browser when the time schedule resides in an offline Xenta controller.   Resolution  The Xenta controller must be online to create or modify a time schedule.  

Issue The STR-200 and STR-202 are the recommended replacement for TSS100WJ and S/STAT. Environment STR-200 STR-202 Xenta 102-AX 7728 MR-VAV TSS100WJ S/STAT Cause Obsolete parts Resolution STR200 replaces the TTS100WJ (Temperature Sensor Only, PN) STR202 replaces the S/STAT (Bypass button and Offset wheel) STR200-202 can be used with the 7728, MRs, and Xenta 102-AX controllers. STR200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 004603000 STR200-W (White) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 004603010 STR202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 004603200 Full Datasheet containing additional information is located here.

Issue Can I use one alternative schedule in TAC Vista Workstation over several days? Environment Vista Workstation Cause When you set a Range, From 2011-11-30 to 2011-12-01 and a start time 23:58 and stop 00:02 it will actually start 23:58 and stop 00:02 every day in the range 2011-11-30 to 2011-12-01. So it will actually start 23:58 both 2011-11-30 and 2011-12-01.   Resolution Create one alternative timechart for each day.

Issue Updating firmware from StruxureWare Building Operation and the still be usable with other BMS such as Continuum, I/A Series, I/NET, Sigma, and Vista Environment Site with more than one Building Management System  Cause Implications of updating firmware on a controller from the StruxureWare Building Operation side and still compatible with existing Resolution For the controllers available on the StruxureWare Building Operation network that have been configured, take precaution when updating the firmware and still expect compatibility with other systems. For example, at a Continuum site, with a b3 and the option to update of firmware from StruxureWare Building Operation, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. When selecting the b3, and the Update Firmware, it will ask you for the *.udp file. This can be downloaded from the extranet. The thing to keep in mind here is if you are using this controller in conjunction with Continuum, then pay particular attention to the Compatibility Matrix and the firmware which is compatible with the version of Continuum you are running. Updating a firmware that is not in line with the version of Continuum will create problems for the site. So when selecting the firmware *.udp, be sure of which firmware file you are selecting. The operating system in the b3 controller is no different between StruxureWare Building Operation and Continuum. The PE code may be different though, so he should be able to learn these controllers into Continuum as long as they have their user memory cleared out.  

Issue Default values are desired in an I/O Module. Environment Xenta I/O Modules Cause Default values have been modified in an I/O Module. Resolution If you press the Service Pin for seven seconds during the first minute following a restart, the parameters of the module will automatically be reset to the factory default settings. A restart occurs following power on. The green LED on the front will light continuously during activation (about 7 seconds) and when the reset is completed, it will flash rapidly (off-line indication). The parameters of the I/O module are now reset: Domain table index 0: ID len = 1, ID = 11hex, Subnet = 1, Node = 1 and Clone Domain = 0 (internal parameter making the unit silent, until its correct address has been set by the system). Domain table index 1: Unused. Address table index 0: Domain = 0, Node = 0, Rpt Tmr = 16, Retries = 0, Rcv Tmr = 128, Tx Tmr = 16, Subnet = 0. Address table index 1: Unused. Non_Group_Receive_Timer = 768 ms. Node Mode: Unconfig. Network Management Authentication = Off Pre-emption Timeout = Forever The inputs will be configured as voltage inputs.