Building Automation Knowledge Base

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue If the passphrase is incorrect when trying to install a station .bog, the following error message can appear; Transfer failed. com.tridium.platform.daemon.DaemonResponseException: Request to platform daemon at (stationName) failed: bad return code to commit file instance at com.tridium.platform.daemon.DaemonFileUtil.transfer(DaemonFileUtil.java:661) at com.tridium.install.InstallScenario.commit(InstallScenario.java:1444) at com.tridium.platDaemon.ui.stationtransfer.FinalStep.run(FinalStep.java:341) at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:750) Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server I/A Series N4 Jace Cause The .bog has not been properly placed in the User Home / Stations for copying into the device or the passphrase is not known. Resolution Always use the Station Copier to install the .bog from the User Home / Stations path If the error message appears, open Workbench and navigate to the "Stations" folder under the "User Home" Expand the station you are attempting to install Double-click the .bog (1) and locate the "Bog File Protection" icon at the top of the page (2) Select the (1) "Force the File to start..." radio button and (2) Update.  Note the information regarding existing passwords. If the message "Cannot display page" occurs when you double click the .bog, open the "Details" and look for missing modules "Cannot load module '......=.....'. Any missing modules will need to be available on the Jace or ES before attempting the force start operation.  

Issue WPT and WPTE require certain Microsoft Security updates for Visio and for Office running on the host machines. Issues currently observed: Different and various functions in the fluent ribbon do not work or the ribbon does not appear. The following error "Application compile failure during save operation" is seen when saving/compiling an application in WorkPlace Tech Editor Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment Visio 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021(.msi install)  Visio 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 (subscription "Click to Run", Plan 2) Office 2010, 2013, 2016 (.msi install) Office 2013, 2016, 365 (subscription "Click to Run", Plan 2) Support for Workplace Tech 5.10 / previous and Workplace Tech Editor Note: Visio 2019 and Visio 2021 are not supported in 5.9.4 or EBO versions before EBO 2022.  Visio 2019 and Visio 2021 are supported when using Workplace Tech 5.10.x and EBO 2022. Cause Interoperability of Visio and Office can cause problems with Workplace Tech and Workplace Tech Editor if these MS16-70 updates are not applied.  If the Office / Visio product is "Click to Run" the software has not been updated to the latest version. Resolution Install the updates from Microsoft Update Catalog To use the catalog, copy and paste the KB number into the "search".  Always select the 32-bit version of the update. Visio 2010 32 bit KB3114872                Office 2010  KB3115198 select 32 bit  Visio 2013 32 bit KB3115020                Office 2013  KB3115173 select 32 bit  Visio 2016/2019 32 bit KB3115041       Office 2016  KB3115144 select 32 bit Visio 2016/2019 32 bit KB4484333 NOTE:  If the Visio or Office is "Click to Run" (subscription such as Office 365, Plan 2) rather than from a Microsoft Office .msi, the product should be upgraded by using the Update Options feature If you try and install the KB/.msi install patches, you will get this message

Issue What diagnostic information is available within Niagara that can be sent to Product Support or acted on locally? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series Enterprise Server I/A Series Jace Cause Jace or Enterprise Server operating slow or specific problems are causing the need for debugging a station or platform Resolution There are several diagnostic tools available: Check the station Resource Manager Right-click on the station and select "Views - Station Summary" This will open up a resource monitor page where you can check CPU and memory usage.  The CPU should not be consistently above 80%.  Spiking is common as the process is executing and completing tasks.  There are other things easily referenced here also. Heap memory will vary as well.  It can slowly increase until a garbage collection cycle releases unused heap back to the pool.  You should never use more than 75% of the total available heap memory. Heap Memory is primarily used by station modules and java program objects, so if the memory usage is high, these 2 might be the main reasons Engine Hogs   Right-click on the station, and select "Spy". From the main view, click on "sysManagers". Click "engineManager" and then scroll down to find "Engine Hogs". Clicking Engine Hogs will open a list of the main components of the station and a column on the right-hand side will display the average execution time of the component. Review the top 10 or so and see if any are taking an extraordinary amount of time.  This can help to locate improperly executing objects. Driver Poll Rates Drivers that are based on polling data, like BACnet when COV is not enabled, or Modbus constantly run commands to read data based on the fast, normal, and slow configured rates.  Open the Poll Service under the network the points are being polled on. Looking at the property sheet of the driver, it is important to verify that the cycle time (1) for each rate (fast/normal/slow) is always equal to, or below the actual time configured (2) for that rate. The defaults are 1 second for Fast Cycle Time, 5 seconds for the Normal Cycle Time and 30 seconds for the Slow Cycle Time. Seeing a longer cycle time is usually an indication that the network is saturated with commands and may cause the Jace/Niagara controller to be slow with heavy use of controller resources.  There are several ways to correct this: changing the polling rate spreading the number of objects being polled at each rate, etc. In this example, all points (3) are in the "normal" bucket. Application Director console The "Application Director" (under "Platform") shows a live console output.  Open it by clicking the option under the platform Copy the content of the Application Director, or "stream to file" to send the content to support. It will be essential to help the support engineer to understand the problems in the station.  Add more debug information to the Application Director console You can add more granularity to the messages in the Application Director for a deeper look into possible issues. This can be accomplished in 2 different ways: Right-click on the station, and select "Spy". Then, select "logSetup" on the main view From the list that appears, you can scroll and find appropriate topics to log and you can select at what level you want the information to appear.  This will add traffic to the application Director window so be careful how "fine" and how many logs you enable.  It might be good to consult with support before enabling these logs. example; bacnet.debug/finest if you select this box. Debug Service   Select the "DebugService" from the station "Services" In the Log Category, type a few letters of the topic and scroll to find what you are interested in logging From the pulldown menu, determine the granularity of the log Click the plus Click "Save" Setting this logging and streaming the output to a file will allow information to be sent to support for better diagnostics if required.  Remember to set this logging back to "Default" when done so the Application Director is not overwhelmed with information when you are only trying to view normal station activity.

Issue What is the latest firmware version for the MNL-800? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A MNL-800 Cause Upgrade the device to the latest firmware. Resolution The latest firmware version is 2.0 (p/n MNEA-810-200), which was released in January 2004. See Announcement 04-01 listing the features of this version. Announcement regarding the end of commercialization of this part 

Issue LON card indicates fault (unique name required) when multiple LON cards are installed in the JACE-6E, JACE-7 or Jace 8000 Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3, JACE-600, JACE-600E, JACE-700 I/A Series N4 JACE 8000 Cause The default name when adding a LON network to the G3/N4 station is LON1.  Both networks will attempt to use the same LON card (LON1) causing a fault condition. Resolution Under each LonNetwork within the Lon Comm Config, specify a unique device name for each card or network (LON1 and LON2).  In the case of the JACE 8000, a total of (4) LON modules is acceptable but would not be advised.  Continue with LON3, and LON4 if required.  

Issue Checking if a port is open Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution It is possible to check if a port is open in a network by issuing the Telnet command. Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet. If a port is open, a blank screen will be seen after issuing the command: telnet [domainname or ip] [port] where [domainname or ip] is the domain name or IP address of the server being checked [port] is the port number the server application is listening on For example: telnet 192.168.0.20 9001 (to a closed port would display a connect failed message)   telnet 192.168.0.20 9003 (to an open port would display a blank screen)   To exit the Telnet session, type Ctrl + ] and then type "quit".   For how to enable Telnet in Windows 7 please see Enable Telnet Client on a Windows 7 PC

Issue Provide the information required to support ProView for LON with Niagara G3 and N4 Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 (3.5.34 or higher) I/A Series Niagara N4 (4.1.27.20 or higher) ProView for LON (MNL-PROV-WAL) Cause Required files for configuring the ProView for LON display with G3 and N4. Resolution Support for ProView for LON with I/A Series G3 and N4 requires the download and installation of the Distech Controls EC-NET-AX Support Package and EC-Display Configuration files.  Those files are available for download from The Exchange Download Center. Download the following files. BCS Distech Controls EC-Display Configuration v3.4.369 Setup.zip Distech Controls EC-NET AX Support Pack v4.4.17198.1 Setup.zip Unzip the files and run the executables to install the Distech Controls EC-NET-AX Support Package and Distech Controls EC-Display Configuration files. Follow the instructions to install the version(s) required. Install the Distech distribution file into the ENC (if required) using the platform distribution installer. The distribution file will be located in the Distech Controls Files directory added to G3 or N4 during the installation process. Open the distechControls palette (LonWorks - Services container) and add the LonWorksWizardService to the Services. Open the Drivers - ConfigurableControllers container and add the EcDis210 device object to the LonNetwork. Commission the ProView device using the LON Device Manager. Right-click on the EcDis210 and select Views - Ec Dis Wizard to test the wizard connection and launch the display wizard.

Issue Niagara 4.9 (or later) sometimes has a new Host ID that differs from the Host IDs of other versions of Niagara that were installed on the same host PC Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server Cause Niagara 4.9 and later, are only available in a 64-bit version. The older Niagara versions installed on the host PC are probably 32-bit versions, which will always have Host IDs different from 64-bit versions. Resolution If the older versions are Niagara 4.3 or lower, you may need to update the older versions, as per the following document… I/A Series G3 and N4 Eliminating multiple HostID on a single PC  Niagara 4.9 (or later) is only available in a 64-bit version.  The other Niagara versions installed on the host PC are probably 32-bit versions, which will always have Host IDs different from 64-bit versions.  In this case, the host PC will require one of the following Un-installing the 32-bit versions and re-installing 64-bit equivalents One license, to be "transferred" to a different Host ID when necessary Multiple licenses, one for each unique Host ID.

Issue N4 software installation stops because; azul-zre-compact3-qnx7-arm tridium-qnx7-n4-titan-am335x software is missing Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Jace 8000 Cause A valid license including the features that meet the dependencies is not installed. Resolution Install a valid license containing the jre8J8000Azul, jre8Qnz7Zulu and qnx7, jreQnx7Zulu features before attempting to commission the Jace 8000

Issue Can report generation be scheduled in a Niagara G3 (AX) station? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 (AX) station Cause Set the report schedule in the Export Source Object. Resolution Reports can be generated at scheduled times: Add an Export Source object (from the Report Palette) to the Report Service. Double-click the Export Source Object and set the built-in schedule to the desired time and frequency (e.g. 6:00 AM Daily) Click the chevron near “Source” and browse to the ReportPx file. Click “Next” and choose PxView to Pdf in the Exporter field. Then click “Finish.” Drag an Email or File Recipient to the Report Service and link the Export Source to the Recipient. Set up the Email Recipient with email addresses. Set up the File Recipient with a folder for the file. Force an export by right-clicking the Export Source object and choosing “Actions – Generate”.

Issue Using provisioning Niagara to schedule (automated) ENC station backup Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 (AX) version 3.3 and above Cause The station in an ENC (Enterprise Network Controller) can be copied to the ENS (Enterprise Network Server) computer for backup. This can be done by a user using the ENC's Platform Station Copier. There is a need to have an automated process to back up the ENC's station periodically. Resolution Use provisioning Niagara and configure an automated station backup. Provisioning Niagara means an administrator can configure the Enterprise Network Server automation of the following: one or more pre-defined tasks (station backups, install software, update licenses, and copy files) against one or more (potentially many) stations in its Niagara Network done from the Enterprise Network Server in a way where results are recorded and can be referred to later. Refer to this document for a summarized procedure. You should refer to the technical document 'Niagara Ax 3.5 Provisioning Guide for Niagara Networks' for detailed information on using provisioning in Niagara. This document is included with the installation of the I/A Series G3 software and it is located in '\niagara\niagara-3.x.xx\docs\docProvisioningNiagara'. 

Issue In a Niagara G3 station, what is the difference between a Station Save and Backup Station? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 (AX) Jace/ENC Niagara G3 (AX) Enterprise Server (ENS)  Cause Help determine which feature (Station Save and Backup Station) meet the requirement. Resolution A Station Save only saves the config.bog file to the local device (if an ENC, it will save the file on the ENC; if an ENS, it will save it on the ENS computer).  The Backup Station function performs a complete backup of the connected ENC or ENS station, saved as a dist file on the Workbench computer. The backup dist contains the entire station folder plus the specific NRE config used by that ENC or ENS platform, including license(s) and certificate(s). The dist also contains pointers to the appropriate NRE core, Java VM, modules, and OS. If ever needed, you can restore a backup dist using the platform Distribution File Installer view. The backup dist file also contains the TCP/IP configuration of the host when it is backed up. When restoring the backup, the choice to restore these settings, or retain the TCP/IP settings currently in use by the target host is available.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue Correcting failed links between programming objects after upgrading files from .vsd to .vsdx Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Building Operation Workstation (WorkPlace Tech Editor) Cause After existing .vsd files from pre-WorkPlace Tech 5.10 versions can have corrupted links that stay red when programming objects are added or modified. Resolution This video demonstrates how to correct binding failures that can occur when existing Visio drawings are converted from .vsd to .vsdx format when upgrading to Workplace Tech 5.10 and EBO 4.0 and newer WorkPlace Tech Editor. Note: The objects in the original drawing will no longer show a Master Shape reference (below) The frame around the object appears a little different as well.  The Mega Master will not be changed so this has no effect on the performance of these objects.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue In Niagara Enterprise Server versions older than N4.9, the Niagara Service fails to start. Typically the service successfully starts when the 'plat installdaemon' is executed. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server (earlier than N4.9) Cause The Niagara daemon fails to restart automatically after a server reboot Resolution For older Niagara versions, these are two workarounds that may work in some cases:   Option 1:  Go to Start > Run > and type regedit  Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control  With the control folder selected, right click in the pane on the right and select new DWORD Value  Name the new DWORD: ServicesPipeTimeout  Right-click ServicesPipeTimeout, and then click Modify  Click Decimal, type '180000', and then click OK  Restart the computer Option 2: Create a Task Scheduler task that calls the command "net", with the arguments "start niagara" five minutes after boot.   Alternative Solution (reported to work on Niagara older than 4.7): There are two solutions to implement in the Niagara Service. Before performing the settings below you must first have NiagaraD successfully installed. After the computer has rebooted, manually install NiagaraD using 'Plat installdaemon'. Once the service is installed implement the two configurations below. Open Windows 'Services' and then double-click the 'Niagara' service to open the Niagara Service Properties window . You can select to delay the start of the Niagara Service which helps give Windows time to initialize before the service attempts to start. Set the recovery options on the 'Recovery' tab. It is recommended to set all three 'failure' options to 'Restart the Service'

Issue MSTP controllers go offline when changing the MaxMaster value in the Automation Server from it's default of 127 Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server MSTP Master Controllers Cause The MaxMaster value is being set lower than some or all of the MSTP controllers on the network Resolution EcoStruxure Building Operation supports MSTP Master controllers in the address range 0-127 (often refered to as the node id). The MSTP network is a token passing network where the token is passed around the network, until a controller has the token it cannot 'talk' to other devices.   The MaxMaster value is defaulted to 127 to allow all devices on the network to receive the token and reply to online status requests, send values etc. If the MaxMaster value is less than any of the MSTP Master controller addresses then those controllers never receive the token and cannot respond to online status requests.   The value for the MaxMaster needs to be equal to or greater than the highest addressed MSTP controller node id.  For example, if the highest node id=54 then the MaxMaster will need to be set to 54 or higher. For maximum efficiency the MaxMaster should be set 1 or 2 greater than the highest controller address, this allows for adding future devices without needlessly polling for many non-existent devices.    Please refer to BACnet MS/TP Network Properties – Basic Tab or Configuring the MS/TP Network for b3 Communication 

Issue After setting up a UNC as a BBMD the other UNC's on that subnet are getting "network mismatch" errors in their standard output windows. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment R2 UNC's with BACnet jar's earlier than 535a. Cause This type of error is indicative of a routing loop on the BACnet internetwork.  UNC's with a BACnet jar prior to 535a when set up as a BBMD will broadcast on their own subnet as well as to the other BBMD's and this can cause that also. Resolution Install BACnet jar 535a or later in the UNC that is the BBMD to see if this corrects this issue.  If the issue persists investigate the BACnet internetwork for a router loop. 

Issue How to configure a G3 station as a BACnet BBMD Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 version 3.3.22 and later Cause Documentation Resolution In the G3 Station, expand the BacnetNetwork, expand Bacnet Comm, expand Network, and then double-click IP Port.  The IP Port Property Sheet opens (see below)   In the IP Device Type drop-down, select Bbmd.  Click Save The station is now configured as a BACnet BBMD

Issue Too much LON communications traffic can cause LON communications errors. Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment I/A Series MNL 800 Building Operation Automation Server Premium LON Network  I/A Series R2, AX, N4 Jace LON Network Cause Sending output LON SNVT values too frequently or more often than reasonably needed. Resolution There are a series of NCI (configuration) objects that control the transmission and reception of these data values on the LON network. One of four NCI objects (nciSndHeartBeatA, B, C, or D) is assigned to each NVO object in the application program. This value regulates the periodic LON transmission queuing of the NVO object values for each binding. One of four NCI  objects (nciRcvHeartBeatA, B, C, or D) is assigned to each NVI object in the application program. This value regulates the fallback timeout for each NVI object value. If a value is not received via the binding in this time period, the NVI object value will revert to its application-defined default value. In an MNL-800 controller, there are two additional NCI objects that are used to regulate the flow of data onto the LON network. The nciMinOutTime object is used to throttle the transmission of all data values queued to be sent via bindings over the LON network. This NCI object sets the transmission time interval between each NVO value being sent on the network. The important fact here is that the product of the number of bound NVO values times this interval (nciMinOutTime) must be LESS than the shortest nciSndHeartBeatX (X=A, B, C or D) interval. For example, if the Send HeartBeat is set to the default of 120 seconds and there are 60 NVO SNVTs bound from this controller, the nciMinOutTime must be set to a value of fewer than 2 seconds.  The recommendation for setting this SNVT value one half the shortest nciSntHrtBr divided by the number of NVO SNVTs bound from the controller.   The nciMinPropTm object is used to regulate the transmission queuing of changing bound NVO object values. This timer acts as a time-based filter to prevent a rapidly changing NVO value, such as a constantly changing temperature, from overwhelming the communication capacity of the LON network. Typically this value is set to a value of 1 to 5 seconds. Additional information can be found in Chapter 6 of the WorkPlace Tech Tool 4.0 Engineering Guide (F-27254). BACKGROUND: This section is provided to give the reader a basic understanding of bound LON communications, as applied to LON controllers in general. Data communications across a LON network is accomplished by using a LON Network management tool to create a binding between a device with a data source (NVO object) and one or more devices with data receivers (NVI objects) in other LON controllers. The device containing the data source will send the bound data value at a periodic rate, as defined by the associated SendHeartBeat NCI object, and whenever the value of that object changes. If the NVI object does not receive a value from the sender (bound NVO object) within a specified time period, as defined by the associated ReceiveHeartBeat NCI object, the NVI object will use a local fallback value until such time as it receives a new value via the binding.

Issue The Universal Input real-time values on a MNL-800 (or Microzone II) are fluctuating unrealistically.  They rise, peak, drop, valley and then start over again very quickly.  It is similar to an AC wave pattern. It is happening with all the inputs no matter their configuration. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment MNL-800 Microzone II (Network 8000) Cause When an actuator is interfaced with a MNL-800 (or MicroZone II), and the UI cable shields are connected to earth ground (the SHLD terminal), the shield has a common mode AC potential that couples to the UI input. Only a very small signal (UI shield to signal common) is needed to result in objectionable UI signal fluctuation. Resolution Connect all drain shields on UI inputs to UI common (C terminal). Read additional solutions and a more descriptive cause in Technical Bulletin 01-36.

Issue How can a BACnet system be customized to maximize data throughput?  The site has a Niagara R2 Enterprise Server and a UNC with a variety of MSTP controllers connected to the UNC. Environment Niagara R2 Enterprise UNC MSTP controllers Cause Improper configurations won't achieve optimum performance. Resolution This can be a relatively complicated question, however, there are a number of basic steps that can be taken in terms of best practices to enhance performance. Within the UNC station, any BACnet objects that are not needed are to be deleted. During the learn of a BACnet controller, many objects are learned that are not used. All BACnet objects when learned into a station are placed in Poll-Always containers. All but the most critical objects, schedules and trended objects are to be moved to Poll-on-Demand containers. All controllers on the MSTP bus should be consecutively addressed.  Gaps in addressing add delay in communications. The MaxMaster setting in all controllers, including the UNC, is to be set to a numeric value two greater than the highest MSTP controller address on the network. To leave MaxMaster at 127 but only have 20 controllers on the network will also add delays in communications looking for the other non-existent 107 controllers. The MaxInfoFrames setting in the UNC or MNB-1000 is to be set to a number higher than 5 but no more than 20. This setting determines how many pieces of information can be requested each time the UNC or MNB-1000 receives the token on the MSTP bus. The default value is 1 and if left at this value the system will be sluggish with updating values on graphic screens. The range of 5 to 20 is given as a starting point for experimenting and each system will be different depending on the number of controllers and what data is being requested.  Lab tests have shown there is a performance curve with an optimum point.  Starting at a value of 5, performance increases as the value increases.  Performance will then peak and any further increase to the setting will result in a performance reduction.  As a result, stay above 5 but less than 20. Refer to the document titled "I/A Series MicroNet BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide" (F-27360) for additional information.