Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Do all b3 and i2 Controllers support  all PE commands Environment b3 i2 Controllers String Trig Cause Some PE commands can not be used on some b3 or i2 controllers Resolution The following Plain English system functions are not supported in the i2885, i2885-V, and i2887(L) controllers: (b3885,b3885-V, and b3887(L) controllers) ACOS, ARCCOSINE, ARCSINE, ARCTANGENT, ARCTANGENT2, ASC, ASIN, ATAN, ATAN2, CEILING, CHR, CLOSELIST, COS, COSINE, EXP, EXPONENTIAL, FACT, FACTORIAL, FIRST, FLOOR, GETOBJECT, LAST, LEFT, LEN, LENGTH, LN, LOG, MID, NUM_TO_STR, OPENLIST RANDOM, RIGHT, RND, ROUND, SD, SEARCH, SIN, SINE, STANDARD_DEVIATION, STR_TO_DATE, STR_TO_NUM, STR_TO_TIME, STRINGFILL TAB, TAN, TANGENT, VAL See - b3 technical data - i2 technical data - PE Programming guide

Issue For each alarm event, multiple alarm notifications are occurring in the AlarmViewer and in the Alarm Log. Environment Event Notification Alarm Enrollment Cause All occurrences were associated with a single Event Notification object which was dysfunctional. Resolution Created a new Event Notification with the same configuration and deleted the original Event Enrollment object.

Issue When the first graphic panel is launched from a client session, WebClient does not install. When an attempt is made to reduce the IE security settings, the security level sliders do not respond and the default security level remains at High. Environment Windows Server 2008 WebClient Cause IE ESC (Internet Explorer Enhanced Security) is enabled. Resolution Disable IE Enhanced security and launch the pinpoint graphic.

Issue Want to run five different reports at the same time and have them sent in the same email instead of five separate emails. Environment Continuum Cyberstation Microsoft Outlook Cause Only want to send one email instead of multiple emails when sending a number of reports. Resolution Unfortunately, it is not possible to send multiple Reports at the same time in the same email. You will need to send multiple emails for multiple reports.  

Issue ACX57xx runs for several hours then card readers stop reading and controller appears to be locked up.   Environment ACX5720 ACX5740 Access control Cause The ACX2's M430 chip (reads the card swipes) is out of sync with the main processor so it can’t send the card swipes.   Resolution To clear this issue do the following. Clear its DB backup Power down the ACX2 Remove the battery Wait 5 minutes Power up Reload  

Issue Unable to truncate extended log table past August 2, 2012. Getting a Duplicate Key error in SQL. Environment SQL Extended Logs Cause Database corruption.  Resolution Key duplication indicates that the database integrity has been damaged.  Key duplication cannot be repaired. The customer will have to rebuild their site database.

Issue Upgrading an existing site from Continuum v1.81 to v1.94, and wondering about the Elevator and PIM software installed on the Workstation. Environment Continuum v1.94 Elevator Add-on Software Cause Not sure if existing Elevator Add-on software will work with the newer  version of Continuum being installed.  Resolution This could depend on your specific site modules installed. Please contact COE.Support@Buildings.Schneider-Electric.com for installation and upgrade advice and considerations." 

Issue The UNC and Enterprise server, as well as many other Schneider-Electric Buildings products, use a TIME protocol server to provide clock synchronization. The address of that Time Protocol Server no longer works. NOTE: The nist.gov sites will no longer be providing TIME protocol services over TCP port 37 as of March 1, 2013. Product Line Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Schneider Electric Buildings products that rely on the use of TCP TIME protocol servers for time synchronization. This includes the I/A Series R2 UNC & ES and the I/A Series G3 ENC & ENS as well as other IP ethernet based products. Cause Many server sites are discontinuing support for the TCP TIME protocol because it is so bandwidth intensive. NOTE: The nist.gov sites will no longer be providing TIME protocol services over TCP port 37 as of March 1, 2013. The site http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi lists most of the currently available TIME protocol servers as well as the status of the entire TIME protocol system. Resolution If the product supports the use of the NTP time sync protocol, switch to the use of that protocol. If the device only supports the TIME protocol, consult the web site http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi for currently available sites.

Issue Need to control six fans at same speed. Environment b3920, ABB VFD Cause How to properly calculate the load on the analog output.  Resolution The b3920 has a 0-10V output and the VFD has a 0-10V input. The VFD data sheet indicates the input presents a resistance of 2 Megohms. The b3920 data sheet indicates the output load resistance must be greater than 2Kohms. When resistors are wired in parallel (like when sending the same signal to multiple VFDs) the total resistance is always less than the smallest resistance. When the resistors are the same size the calculation of the total resistance is simply the resistance divided by the number of resistors. In this case we have 2,000,000/6 = 333,333 ohms - way more than the 2000 ohm minimum. So, the b3920 output should be able to send a proper signal to the six VFDs. For more info on the math see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Series_and_parallel_circuits#Parallel_circuits

Issue Procedure to activate the Add-on reports module. Environment Continuum Add-on reports module. Cause Received an Activation Code from the COE Team, need to know the procedure to activate the Add-on reports module. Resolution You will receive an Email from the COE Team with the Activation Code along with Instructions on how to activate it. For your Convenience the instructions are below. ACTIVATION INSTRUCTIONS - CONTINUUM REPORTS INSTALLED IN C:\PROGRAM FILES Make sure Continuum is not running Make sure Continuum Reports is not running Launch a DOS Command Window CD "Program Files\Continuum_Reports" Enter in lower case: reports key writer Enter the activation code. (Note: Case sensitive)   -(OR)-   ACTIVATION INSTRUCTIONS - CONTINUUM REPORTS INSTALLED IN C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86) Make sure Continuum is not running Make sure Continuum Reports is not running Launch a DOS Command Window CD "Program Files (x86)\Continuum_Reports" Enter in lower case: reports key writer c:\progra~2\continuum_reports 6. Enter the activation code. (Note: Case sensitive)Activation Instructions - Continuum Reports installed in C:\Program Files 1. Make sure Continuum is not running 2. Make sure Continuum Reports is not running 3. Launch a DOS Command Window 4. CD "Program Files\Continuum_Reports" 5. Enter in lower case: reports key writer 6. Enter the activation code. (Note: Case sensitive) -or- Activation Instructions - Continuum Reports installed in C:\Program Files (x86) 1. Make sure Continuum is not running 2. Make sure Continuum Reports is not running 3. Launch a DOS Command Window 4. CD "Program Files (x86)\Continuum_Reports" 5. Enter in lower case: reports key writer c:\progra~2\continuum_reports 6. Enter the activation code. (Note: Case sensitive)

Issue Following an upgrade or import of a graphic the canvas size becomes extremely large. Environment Cyberstation V1.94 Pinpoint Cause A defect in V1.94 has been found and corrected by a hotfix. Resolution Hotfix for Pinpoint issues 1.94 SP1 resolves this issue (TPA-BOST-12-0001.00). This should be installed on all workstations on the site.

Issue Error message  "No default Mail server detected" when installing Continuum Environment Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Continuum Outlook Express Windows Live Mail IE Internet Explorer Cause When Microsoft released Windows 7 they removed the email program "Outlook Express"  As a result of this in IE (internet explorer), default Email program is left empty, as Continuum can send emails there needs to be a default program selected Resolution Solution for this is to first install "Windows Live Essentials" from the following link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-live/essentials-other-programs?T1=t2 In some cases you will get an error message which will stop you running the program, if you get this error then follow the next link on how to fix this http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/how-do-i-reinstall-wldcoredll/2075e9bf-2e5a-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5 On successful install of the above program you will now need to go into IE (Internet Explorer) goto "Tools" then "Internet options" then select "Programs" you will now see a list of options, next to the E-mail: option click on the drop down and select "Windows Live Mail"  Apply the changes and close the program, you should now be able to install and run Continuum without getting the  "No default Mail server detected"  error message This problem can also happen in other OS environments i.e XP and Vista, in this case you do the same as above but instead of using Windows Live Mail you would use "Outlook Express" or you could use "Office Outlook" if you have a MS Office package installed

Issue PinPoint graphics crashes when creating or editing "Active Animation" or "Combo Box" Environment Windows 7 1.93 1.94 Cause If logged on to the PC as a Power User or other non Administrator account you may not have the correct permissions to run some items within Continuum Resolution If the user is required to modify or create PinPoint graphics or various other activities, full access to the Continuum Folder may be required ( or Graphics Folder if this is an a remote server) 1. Log on to the PC as an Administrator 2. Locate the Continuum directory (usually C:/Program Files/Continuum) or Graphics directory 3. Open Properties (Right Click) 4. Select Security 5. Add the required Group or user name, give the write permission

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 Services for assistance. Issue For various reasons there will sometimes be a need to move a controller from its existing Continuum network to a different Continuum network. Environment CyberStation ALL CX master controllers Cause Configuration Resolution WARNING: MAKE SURE TO HAVE A FRESH BACKUP OF THE CONTINUUM SQL DATABASE HANDY IN CASE YOU NEED TO REVERT THE CHANGES FOR ANY REASON. Moving a controller from its existing Continuum network to a different network consists of copying the controller and its children to the destination Continuum network and then deleting it from the source network. Place CyberStation in offline edit mode. In the 'Copy' options make sure to select to 'Copy child objects and the children's children, this will ensure that all field devices get moved with the parent CX. Highlight the controller to be moved then drag it to the destination network and select 'Copy Here', please note that the IP address on the destination will be set to 0.0.0.0 to avoid a duplicate. On the original controller highlight the InfinityInfinetCtrl folder, select all the objects on the right side  and send to text file. Delete the original controller then set the IP address on the copy. Select the copied controller,  right click and select import into  and import the text file created on line 4. Return CyberStation to online edit mode, then reload the CX controller (not including the field devices) NOTES: a) After reload, the controller may have a different time if the original network was in a different time zone than the destination network. b) Controllers are only taught about other controllers in the same network, If you are moving multiple controllers move them all before reloading them. After reload controller will not know about any other controller that stayed in the old network and any references to such controllers will be lost.

Issue Need to know the type of RFID card for Continuum access control system.   What type of RFID card works for Continuum Access control system? Environment CX9900 , CX9940 , CX9680 ACX5740 , ACX5720 Continuum Cause Need to know the type of RFID card supported by Continuum system Resolution Continuum access control system supports the RFID card as long as it supports Wiegand format up to 64bits.

Issue Can replacement RR9 lighting relays still be purchased? Environment LCX89x Infinet Lighting controller range Cause Products not listed in the Catalogue or on the Extranet Resolution LCX890 range are still available, but only until December 31st 2013 and only with the RR9 relays (not RR7). Click here for the Product announcement. Originally the range was available with either General Electric RR7 (with no feedback) or RR9 relays (with feedback and LED indicators), now only the RR9 range are available until the end of the year. The LCX890 has 8 outputs with RR9 relays,   Part # 01-0008-036 The LCX891 has 16 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-039 The LCX892 has 24 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-042 The LCX898 has 48 outputs with RR9 relays, Part # 01-0008-083 Also individual RR9 replacement relays can be ordered part # 01-0100-300 A faulty RR7 relay could be replaced by a new RR9 relay even if the feedback and LED indicators are not required. These parts can be seen on the U.S iPortal website.  

Issue Attempted upgrade of controller firmware cannot be performed Environment CX model controllers BCX 9640 model controllers Cause A situation where a failed upgrade to the controller firmware can cause the controller to be in an state that cannot accept a firmware upgrade. Resolution 1. Run a listview of the controllers and add the column “Usable” to the listview. 2. Run the listview and under normal conditions the usable attribute should be 1.  if the attribute set to 0 perform the following steps. 3. Select the row in the listview where the "usable" attribute is 0 4. In the menu select Object/Set Attributes 5. Select Name = Usable and set the value to 1 and click ok. The controller should be in a state that will accept a controller firmware upgrade.

Issue Cannot access BCX controller webpage after pressing IP Reset. Environment Controller Web Page Default IP IP reset Cause IP reset button was not held down for a sufficient time to reset the controller IP address. Resolution Was able to login to the controllers config page once the controllers IP Reset button was held down for a full 60 seconds.

Issue Can a WebClient Personnel Manager Security Key (WEBC-PM) be upgraded to a WebClient Professional key (WEBC-PRO)? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment WebClient Cause Have a WebClient PRO key and want to start to use Graphics with WebClient browser PC's. The WebClient PM is a cut down version of WebClient which limits its use to security functions such as viewing alarms/events and managing personnel. Using a WebClient PRO key is required for viewing Graphics at the WebClient browser PC's.   Resolution A WebClient Personnel Manager Key can be upgraded to Professional version. (PM to PRO) Contact Repairs (details below) to order the upgrade. The cost for this is the difference in price between the two parts. The flash file is sent via email with instructions on how to apply it to the existing Key.  

Issue When reloading array points (a numeric configured as a manual log) the array values are not restored and default back to a NULL state until set. How can this information be saved into the Database so that it can be restored when the controller or point is reloaded? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Controllers Cause All the array values are not saved to the Database when the setpoint flag on the numeric is set, this will only save the current value of the numeric to the database. The array entries are only stored in the controller and are therefore lost when the controller is reloaded. Resolution The SAVE command can be used to save controllers / objects to the database. This can be used in a PE program to backup a points array data to the SQL Database. One very big note on this is that this will only work with IP level controllers and will not work on i2 or b3 controllers. Create a Program in a Workstation and use the following command to save and overwrite a numeric (including its array information) to the database. For more information on the syntax, consult the online help and search for "SAVE". SAVE \network1\ctrl1\num_array -o You still need to ensure the Setpoint flag check box is selected for the numeric array.