Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is it possible to run TAC Vista 5.X.X in Windows XP compatibility mode (When TAC Vista Installed on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Server 2003/2008) Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.X.X Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003/2008 Cause If TAC Vista 5.x.x is Installed on Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2003/2008, is it possible to run the Vista Workstation on Windows XP using Compatibility mode. Resolution TAC Vista has several other applications that work together with Vista. These applications do not support compatibility mode. Upgrade to Vista 5.1.4 or later which support Windows 7. If the operating system is a 64-bit version, upgrade to Vista 5.1.5 or later. For the compatibility matrix see Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines.

Issue How can I use more than four site codes in Continuum? Environment Continuum Access Control ACX57xx CX9900 CX9680 CX9702 ACX781 Cause Continuum will only support four site codes. Resolution A workaround to this is to use the Custom Wiegand card format to create unique card numbers. To do this, we will set the custom format to allow a unique 24-bit card number to be created from the existing 8-bit site code and the 16-bit card number. Download Instructions

Issue Can a Sigma 4.05 site be run in a Sigma 4.04 database. or Can a Sigma 4.04 site be run in a Sigma 4.05 database. Environment Sigma 4.04, Sigma 4.05. Cause The site is Sigma 4.04 but the engineer's laptop only has a Sigma 4.05 database. or The site is Sigma 4.05 but the engineer's laptop only has a Sigma 4.04 database. Resolution The files that are common between the two databases are: index.rec, indexex.rec, index.bin, pntfle.rec. There are 2 options: Option 1 Use VMWare and install the Sigma database to suit the site required. This is easier and more secure method. Option 2 Only copy over the above files. In the case of using a Sigma 4.05 database in a Sigma 4.04 database then the pointer.bin files need to be created using SigmaX. The node files etc will need to be manually created. In the case of using a Sigma 4.04 database in a Sigma 4.05 database, then the site devicecnf.rec file can be upgraded. Care must be taken when updating the Site Sigma database that only the index.rec, indexex.rec, index.bin and pntfle.rec are copied back. SigmaX SigmaX 6.02 will work with both databases.

Issue Can the 30 day demo period of an expired I/A WorkPlace Tech demo license be extended? Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.x Cause The 30 day demo period has expired. Resolution The utility called WIBDemoExtender.exe allows the WIB suite demo period to be reset. The WIBExtender is used for WorkPlace Tech 5.6 or older. The utility can not be used with version of WorkPlace Tech 5.7 and newer. Currently there is no provision for extending the demo period of WorkPlace Tech version 5.7 or newer.  To prevent abuse of the demo mode extension, the program will extend the demo period for a duration of half the previous demo period from the current date.

Issue How can a webpage be integrated into Vista graphic pages for a seamless transition between a graphic page and a 3rd party website such as: Static information, such as a site webpage Device webpage (power meters, sensor, etc. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server 5.x.x Cause The Hyperlink database object in Vista can store a URL address. By linking to this Hyperlink object with a standard link in a Vista graphic page, standard components can be used and support common graphic pages for different sites and reusability. Note:  More complicated integration can be accomplished with javascript, but this requires custom components such as accessing web services such as weather.com data for actual display on your graphic page. Resolution Create a Hyperlink object in the Vista database for each page you want to make available. Use a link in the TGML graphic page to access this Hyperlink object. Clicking the link on your graphic page will display the webpage in the Vista Workstation window. Target Property The target property can be configured for Webstation display to control the window or frame the link is opened in. The options _top, _self, and _parent will be ignored in WebStation and treated as _blank, which will open a new tab or frame depending on your browser settings. If you specify a target frame you must match the exact syntax of the WebStation frame names from the following list: TAC_WebStation_header TAC_WebStation_left TAC_WebStation_contents TAC_WebStation_footer

Issue Do users need to be members of group 1 for Windows Authentication to work? Environment Windows XP Windows 2003 Server Windows 7 Cause Confusion regarding the On Line help definition pertaining to the use of  Windows Authentication. Resolution You do need to be a member of Group 1 to enable Windows Authentication in the general preferences. Steps to follow: Using Windows Users and Computers on the Domain Server: Add "Acc" as a member of the domain.  Note:  Acc belongs to Group1 by default. Add accounts for all the Continuum users that will have access to the application. Using any Continuum Workstation: Log on to the computer using the domain account. "Acc" Log on to Continuum using "Acc" Open general preferences and make Line 16 = True Create all the Continuum users and assign them to any group, Note: The users you create in Continuum must also have a account created in the domain. You do not have to use the same account to log on to the computer as the account you will use to log on to Continuum. The Continuum account will follow the Domains password policy.

Issue When a card is presented at the Smart Reader it beeps but no card data is sent through to the Security Expert Controller. The Reader LED is flashing red then green every second continuously. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Smart Card Readers which support both 125Khz and 13.56Mhz (SX-DRD-xx, SX-DRK-xx, SX-RK-xx) Cause The Smart Card Reader is not able to communicate with the Controller as it is in RS-485 mode but the connection being used is Wiegand. Once connecting to the the Smart Reader in RS-485 mode the reader will not communicate if it is then connected up to a Wiegand port. Resolution Once a Security Expert Smart Card Reader is used in an RS-485 configuration it will not work in Wiegand configuration until it has been re-programmed with a configuration card designed for that purpose. The configuration card  (SX-ISO-CONFIG) must be purchased through Schneider Electric. See the Security Expert Credentials Order Form for details.   This is because RS-485 is a two-way communication, intelligent wiring protocol. Once the reader is set in this two-way communication mode there is currently no way, without the configuration card, to go back to a less intelligent one-way mode like Wiegand.   Note: Readers manufactured in 2017 or before may have a firmware version that uses a configuration mode that will not respond to a configuration card. If you contact Schneider Electric for a configuration card, supply the serial number (SN) from the back of the reader on your request.

Issue The xif file needs to be uploaded without LNS Management Tool All the devices on the LonWorks network needs to be searched The device mode or state needs to be changed Product Line TAC Vista Environment LonWorks Network Cause A LonWorks network test and diagnostic tool are needed. Resolution NodeUtil is a Windows console application that can be used with Echelon’s family of network interfaces (including the PCLTA-20, PCLTA-21, PCC-10, i.LON® 10, i.LON 100, i.LON 600, Loytec Devices, SmartServer, SLTA-10, U10, and U20 network interfaces) to diagnose and configure LonWorks® network interfaces, routers, and devices. NodeUtil is a test and diagnostic tool - it is not a network management tool.  It will not assign destination addresses or bind network variables. Nor will it format LonMark® interoperable device information. This tool can be used in the following conditions: The xif file needs to be uploaded without LNS Management Tool All the devices on the LonWorks network needs to be searched The device mode or state needs to be changed Other network test and diagnostic need This software can be downloaded at http://www.echelon.com/support/downloads/detail.aspx?partNum=153-0373-01A The username and password are needed. This site is opened to the public for registration, so everyone can obtain it. Once you are logged in by default "Recommended Downloads" will be selected. Select "Development Tools" instead to locate the NodeUtil software.

Issue Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Environment CyberStation Modbus RTU Xdriver Liebert CRAC Units bCX and CX controllers Cause Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Resolution Using a PE program you can efficiently poll one register and update multiple alarm points in Continuum. The attached program polls the Modbus Xdriver to get the value of an xdriver point just once and then sets the value to the local numeric ReadRegister###.  The individual bits of the ReadRegister### are then written to the alarm points. This reduces the number of polling requests to the xDriver for the same point A dump file for the points referenced in the program is also included in the attachment.

Issue What is the bCX and NCII required bandwidth? 10Mb, 100Mb Network Connections, GSM Modems. Environment Continuum Ethernet level controllers: ACX57xx, Netcontroller II and bCX1 Cause IT Departments often ask for the required IP Network bandwidth for the CX and bCX controllers; as it is not listed on the datasheets. Is there a bandwidth calculator available? Resolution The Network usage of a bCX/ CX/ ACX controller will vary constantly depending on what is happening on the system at the time. It will be affected by user commends, Graphics, Plain English programming, Access events, reloading or re-flashing controllers and time triggered events. The 2nd generation controllers network connection supports a 10Mb half duplex or 100Mb full duplex auto sensing permanent connection. Note: Older 1st generation controllers (CX9200, CX9400, CX9900 series) only support 10Mb half duplex. So a corresponding up to 10Mb or 100Mb connection would be ideal. GSM Modem or other packet based communication networks are unlikely to be able to provide the continuous data throughput required by Continuum. In terms of bandwidth an absolute minimum of 1Mb in both directions is recommended but this will depend on the specific site requirements you have, for example if there is a requirement to update graphic or alarm values within a specific time then a 10Mb connection would be more appropriate. The following Bandwidth Calculator can be used to determine the % network usage on a 10Mb network connection. This was created specifically for typical Access Control projects, so for HVAC applications the following should also be considered: data logging, PE programs passing data, IP based X Drivers. Fill in the appropriate values in Column D for the system: Bandwidth Calculator.

Issue With Microsoft's new licensing model there is uncertainty around which parts of a Security Expert system need to allow for addition device CAL's for SQL Server. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Microsoft SQL Server Cause Unclear documentation. Resolution Security Expert Controllers do not talk to the SQL Server, are not a client on SQL and do not require a CAL. The Controllers talk to the Security Expert Software, not SQL or the Operating System. A card holding user who is NOT a Security Expert Operator will not require a CAL. The Controller and any attached equipment are NOT a user in SQL, they do not inject or operate queries against it, so a CAL is not required. A CAL would be required for a Windows user to log into their Windows user account, and the Security Expert client would connect to the Server using the CAL associated with the Windows user account.

Issue Is a controller reload required when upgrading from v1.74 to v1.93 or 1.94 to 2.02? Environment CyberStation v1.74,1.93 1.94 and 2.02 NetControllers, Infinet controllers Cause We will be performing an upgrade on a site from v1.74 to v1.93. or  v1.94 to 2.02 Do we need to reload every network controller? Resolution In this case it is not a requirement of the CyberStation upgrade that dictates if a controller reload will be required. However, in order to keep the CyberStation and controller versions compatible, a flash upgrade of some controllers may be required. (Refer to Continuum Software and Firmware Compatibility Matrix)  The process of doing a flash upgrade usually requires a reload and is generally a good idea. There are some cases where a minor version upgrade (for only a bug fix, for example) in a controller with a valid flash backup will not require a reload because the controller will reload itself automatically from flash. Even if you think a reload is not required make sure you edit a few objects in the controller after the flash upgrade. If you get an error that the object cannot be found, reload the controller and then do a flash backup. Additionally, a planned "outage"  is a good opportunity to reload a controller that may not have been reloaded in a while. It would be better to know right after the upgrade if there is a problem, than to find out after you leave the site. The Infinet controllers typically do not need to be reloaded - but make sure you test a few infinet controller alarms on all upgraded network level controllers.  

Issue When trying to change the value of point or change the description of a point and save and refresh, Continuum gets Save Object Error with the message of "You have attributes that have not been applied. Do you want to apply them  now?" Environment Continuum LAN Workstation Continuum SU Workstation Cause There is not enough disk space available on the SQL DB Server. Resolution Secure disk space by deleting old log data in ContinuumDB or delete unnecessary files from the SQL DB Server.

Issue Stencils not loading after installing WorkPlaceTech 5.8 Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.8 Cause The stencils are not loaded because they are now under a new path: C:/PrgramFiles/Schneider Electric/WorkPlaceTech Dispatcher. Resolution To resolve this issue perform the following step:  Open WorkPlaceTech.  Select  Application menu and click Hardware Wizard command.  Stencils should be loaded after opening the Hardware Wizard. If rebuilding the application did not load the stencils perform the following steps: Open WorkPlaceTech Select File menu click shapes Under shapes click open stencils Browse to the following path C:/ProgramFiles/Schneider Electric/WorkPlaceTech Dispatcher. Select the following stencils using the ctrl key: WPBO.vss WPCO.vss WPIOC.vss WPLMC.vss WPLPC.vss WPMN8NV.vss WPTANNO.vss WPTSC.vss WPSC.vss The stencils should now be loaded anytime you open or close WorkPlaceTech.

Issue When cold starting a controller, if the controller has a valid back store it will always receive the files from there and not request the files from the server. Environment Cold Start Backup Archive Cause When cold starting a controller, if the controller has a valid back store it will always receive the files from there and not request the files from the server. Resolution There are two options for this. Option 1 Using SDCU clear the controllers archive. The clear archive option can be accessed by selecting the advanced button on the SDCU's main screen. Option 2 Using Sigma System Diagnostics download the files from the server to the controller. Re-triggering the archive time schedule will add the new information to the controllers archive.

Issue When performing Continuum Database Initialization from a CyberStation workstation, the workstation cannot connect to the SQL Server with the following error message: "Microsoft SQL Server Login Connection failed or server not available or access denied" Product Line Andover Continuum Environment LAN workstations Single User workstations Cause Possible Invalid Server Name is being used in Continuum Database Initialization:   For Continuum LAN systems, the Server Name attribute of Continuum Continuum Database Initialization includes invalid characters.  For Continuum Single User systems, the Server Name attribute of Continuum Continuum Database Initialization does not include the \SQLExpress attribute after the Computer name.  Resolution For Continuum LAN systems, type the correct computer name of the SQL Server in the Server Name attribute field of Continuum Database Initialization screen such as "MyDBServer". Check that the required strong password is being used, such as "ABCabc123" For Continuum Single User systems, add the qualifier "\SQLExpress" at the end of the computer name in the Server Name attribute field of Continuum Database Initialization screen such as "MySUServer\SQLExpress" . Restart the SQL Server  Service and/or SQL Agent Service Check that the Windows Firewall on the Windows Server PC is turned off. Check Connection with sa Admin account on MS Management Studio and via ODBC.

Issue Can I remove the permanent override feature or limit the maximum override duration from the station or an individual point in I/A Series G3? Environment I/A Series G3 Cause Can I remove the permanent override feature or limit the maximum override duration from the station or an individual point in I/A Series G3? Resolution Starting in version 3.4.51, the permanent override can be removed globally from the station by adding a facet to the SysInfo facets property on the root of the station. Add a new BRelTime value to the SysInfo facets and assign it the name "maxOverrideDuration." This enables a station global limit on the duration for any control point. The value of this BRelTime should be the MAX duration allowed. A value of zero means that 'Permanent' is allowed. A non-zero value limits the custom to a maximum time value.  Note that 'Permanent' is the default if no "maxOverrideDuration" facet is found. Starting in version 3.5.25, the feature was enhanced to allow specifying the max duration on an individual control point basis. Follow the same procedure as defined above but add a new BRelTime value to the individual point's facet. Example: Right click on the station's Config container and select View - Property Sheet. Click on the Sys Info >> to open the Config Facets dialog box. Select + to add a facet. Click inside the Key area and enter the new key name maxOverrideDuration. Click on the Type drop down and select RelTime. Click on the Value ... and enter the desired time. Select OK

Issue Connected to a remote site network via WorkPlace Tech and a VPN connection, but unable to see the sites BACnet devices. No I/A Series MNB-1000s, or any 3rd Party BACnet devices, are found in Workplace Tech or the Commissioning Tool. Product Line TAC I/A Series Environment MNB-1000 WorkPlace Tech (all versions) Cause The VPN does place the connecting WorkPlace Tech PC on the site network, but the BACnet/IP (MNB-1000 and 3rd Party) devices are on a different subnet then the subnet assigned to the WorkPlace Tech PC. Resolution When BACnet/IP devices are on different subnets, BBMD must be used in order for the BACnet/IP devices to communicate across IP subnets. Only one BACnet/IP device can be enabled as BBMD per subnet.   Setup the MNB-1000 as a BBMD device using the Commissioning Tool Open Device Properties of the MNB-1000 controller and select the IP tab. For Device Type select BBMD and save change. Setup WorkPlace Tech to connect to the BBMD device Select Tool from the WPT Select Configure Communication… Select BACnet and click on Change Select IP and click next Select Access a remote internetwork. For Host BBMD Address, enter the IP address of the MNB-1000 which was setup as a BBMD device. Click the Finish button to save changes. You should now be able to see and connect to the I/A Series and 3rd Party BACnet devices using WorkPlace Tech.

Issue DuraDrive actuator feedback is 0-10 VDC or 2-10 VDC, controllers accept 0-5 VDC. Environment DuraDrive actuator (MS4x / MS5x series) MNL / MNB controllers Cause The voltage feedback output was designed for controlling slave actuators configured for 0-10 VDC or 2-10 VDC control signals. Resolution Use two 10k resistors as a voltage divider across the feedback leads with the center point connected to the controller input and the actuator common connected to the controller common. NOTE: Not all actuators in this product family use the wire colors shown for the feedback output. Please refer to the actuator GI sheet for the correct colors.    MNL / MNB Controller Analog Input Configuration For actuators with a 0 VDC to 10 VDC feedback output: Type= Volts Linput = 0 Lscale = 0 Hinput = 5 Hscale = 100 This input configuration provides a 0 - 100% output corresponding to the Actuator Position, based on feedback voltage 0 VDC = 0% and 10 VDC = 100% of actuator travel.  For actuators with a 2 VDC to 10 VDC feedback output: Type= Volts Linput = 1 Lscale = 0 Hinput = 5 Hscale = 100 This input configuration provides a 0 - 100% output corresponding to the Actuator Position, based on feedback voltage 2 VDC = 0% and 10 VDC = 100% of actuator travel.

Issue Clarification on dip switch six and station addressing for the SCU1200, SCU1280, or SCU1284 Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven with Access Control using an SCU SCU1200, SCU1280, or SCU1284 Cause Clarification on SCU and dip switch settings being open, enabled for dual or single station addressing (2 or 4 doors) Resolution If the Device Type is SCU1200, SCU1280, or SCU1284: set the Number of points to either 1 or 2. Choose 1 if the SCU is configured to operate in the “single-address” mode (DIP switch S1-6 = OFF). Choose 2 if the SCU is configured to operate in the “double-address” mode (DIP switch S1-6 = ON). In order to control more than two doors, the SCU1284 must be configured to operate in the double-address mode. Though the TCON312 shows the dip switches for 1-6, there is still a bit of clarity which can be provided on how that looks on an actual SCU. The example from the TCON is shown here: And this is a photo below of an SCU which is setup as 0101 with dual addressing since Dip Switch 6 is in Dual Address mode shown in the picture below. When penetrating down to it using Edit, Host Computer, Network Configuration, SCU 1284 is shown with 2 Points with door addresses: 010108 Door1 010109 Door2 010208 Door3 010209 Door4 After checking MCU Configuration, I added the points in the Network configuration. The main point here is that Dip Switch 6 is up on the Open side of the Switch bar shown in red which is the dual point and 4 door configuration.   Note: Concerning the numbering scheme for addressing the SCU, it is important to number your SCUs with an address then skip the next number so in the event you dual addressing for four doors, the second address is available. Don't use addresses 28, 29,30, and 31 as those are reserved for the Remote Arming Terminal.  Overlooking this can result in future headaches of moving SCUs around in the addressing scheme which is never recommended. Example for a site containing 4 SCU door controllers: SCUa address 2, SCUb Address 4, SCUc Address 6, SCUd Address 8.  Another example configuration: One reader inputs to READER1 and READER2? Here is that wiring example. In order to use more than the first eight inputs on the SCU, you must configure the SCU as a double-address controller. When you enable the double-address mode (DIP switch S1-6 = ON), inputs 1 through 8 are monitored on the selected subLAN address (i.e., the primary address) and inputs 9 through 12 are monitored on the next consecutive subLAN address (i.e., the secondary address). The input points are defined in the I/NET host using two separate SCU controller assignments, the first providing eight input point definitions and the second providing 4 input point definitions. The SCU’s outputs are also divided across two LAN addresses when the SCU is operating in the double-address mode. The first four outputs are assigned to bit offsets 00 through 03 on the SCU’s primary address. The last four outputs are assigned to bit offsets 00 through 03 on the SCU’s secondary address.