Issue How can a communication heartbeat time be detected in Menta? Can you detect if a value has not changed for more then a specified time period? Environment Menta Cause There are multiple methods to detect a timeout scenario and which method to use will likely depend on the specific criteria of your application. The included examples are intended to indicate some of the options available that can be built upon to customize your application. Resolution These methods can be used to detect if another device has stopped communicating or if another portion of your process logic is stuck. Timeout Simple (Click image for AUT file) This macro block will output a value of one when the input value has not changed for the DelayOn time period and you do not require the previous value for processing. Timeout Complex (Click image for AUT file) This macro block will preserve the last value for use in your process logic if that is necessary.

Issue Getting the error message “Can not access controller” when downloading to an MNB-300 controller with WorkPlace Tech 5.7.7. Environment WorkPlace Tech 5.7.7 Cause Corrupt database Resolution   Use backup copy of application or create a new application.

Issue If a database is downloaded to the controller after the box has been balance will it lose the balance data? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment All versions of MNB VAV controllers MNB-V1 MNB-V2 Cause In MNB VAV controllers the flow balance data is preserved in a different area of EEPROM than the application data. Resolution Balance data in an MNB VAV controller is not affected by the downloading of its database.

Issue Niagara R2 is installed on a computer, but the HostId is unknown. The user needs an alternative method to find the HostId without accessing the license.properties file. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara R2 Cause The HostId is required for licensing or troubleshooting, but the usual method (checking license.properties ) is unavailable. Resolution Open the Niagara Console (found in the Niagara R2 Program Group). Type the following command: nre -hostid Press Enter. The HostId will be displayed on the screen. Additional Info: The nre command can also display other system details. Use nre -help to view available options.

Issue Running an ActivityEvent ListView with filter longer than one week (example - One MonthToNow).  Listview returns 13621 events. When trying to page down the list,  CyberStation locks up. There are 3 popup windows that occur in this order: Error: Continuum has detected an internal error. If you continue experiencing problem, it is recommended that you shutdown and restart Continuum. Reason Code: 4 ListView: It is illegal to call out while inside message filter. CONTIN~1: The RPC Server is unavailable. At this point CyberStation must be shut down via ContinuumProcesses.exe and then restarted. Environment CyberStation v. 1.81 Windows XP   Cause RPC error occurs and CyberStation locks up when running a large listview. Resolution Increase Windows virtual memory for the workstation from the default value (set by Windows) to a custom size. The "Initial Size (MB)" should be set to a minimum of 1000MB (per the CyberStation Installation Guide). For fastest performance do not set the Maximum Size (MB) to more than the amount of RAM. This will avoid using the hard disk for the virtual memory and RAM is faster than disk drives. If necessary to run the task, increase this setting beyond the amount of RAM. To change the virtual memory settings open Control Panel. Then System>>Advanced tab>>Performance Settings>>Advanced tab>> Virtual Memory Change.

Issue When trying to log into Workstation you get "Access is denied". Environment Vista Workstation Windows 10 (not supported) Cause First verify that the licensing is installed and working properly on the machine. If running Vista on a Windows 10 machine and the message "Access is denied" still appears when logging in to Workstation then there may have been Windows updates applied to the PC causing the issue. Microsoft has identified an issue with their updates and have plans to correct them in future updates.  Note: Windows 10 is not a supported operating system for TAC Vista.  Resolution If using Windows 10 with TAC Vista, then check to make sure that the following updates have not been installed (updates depend on the Windows 10 build being used).  If one of these builds have been identified then remove the Windows Update and restart the PC. After the reboot, the operator should now be able to log in to Workstation.   Windows 10 1709: KB4056892 Windows 10 1703: KB4056891 Windows 10 1607: KB4056890 Windows 10 1511: KB4056888 Windows 10 1507: KB4056893   Note: There has been a couple of instances where the Windows Upload and blocked access on a Window 8 PC as well.  If the same error is seen in Windows 8 then check for recent Windows updates. Click Here if you are having issues with the updates coming back.

Issue Do Xenta controllers support PT100/PT1000 sensors for measuring the temperature? Environment Xenta Controller TAC Menta PT100/PT1000 Temperature sensors Cause Requirement to measure the temperature using PT100/PT1000 Temperature sensors. Resolution PT100/PT1000 sensors are not supported within any of the Xenta controllers.  The following is a method to achieve this using Menta: When using PT100/PT1000 to connect to a thermistor input, Menta Logic is required to add a polynom using the expression block. It is also strongly recommended to implement some calibration software in Menta to allow for fluctuations in resistance for every input that PT100/PT1000 is connected to. If a sensor is replaced / changed, re-calibration will be required. Sample experiment results and Menta Logic's are available here.

Issue Users are unable to locate the documentation for the IC3-Modbus controller used in Sigma systems. Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment Sigma IC3-Modbus Cause Documentation for the IC3-Modbus controller is not easily accessible or clearly linked within the Sigma support resources. Resolution The following resources are available for download to assist with IC3-Modbus configuration and integration: 📄 IC3-Modbus Gateway Configuration File Download Gateway_IC3-Modbus_R4_05.txt 📘 IC3 Configuration Guide Download Cguide34_IC3.pdf 📑 IC3-Modbus Data Sheet Download DS-13.684_0610_Modbus-Integration-Controller_Data-Sheet.pdf

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 using a Sigma 4.04 database? Can a Sigma 4.04 site be run using a Sigma 4.05 database? Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment Sigma version 4.04 Sigma version 4.05 Cause This issue arises when there is a mismatch between the site version and the engineer’s laptop database version: The site is running Sigma 4.04, but the engineer's laptop has a Sigma 4.05 database. The site is running Sigma 4.05, but the engineer's laptop has a Sigma 4.04 database. Resolution There are two recommended options to address this compatibility issue: Option 1: Use VMware Install the Sigma database version that matches the site requirements within a VMware environment. Advantages: Easier to implement More secure and reliable Avoids manual file manipulation Option 2: Manual File Transfer If VMware is not an option, you can manually transfer specific files between databases: Common Files Between Sigma 4.04 and 4.05: index.rec indexex.rec index.bin pntfle.rec Scenario A: Using a Sigma 4.05 Database in a Sigma 4.04 Site Create pointer.bin files using SigmaX. Manually recreate node files and other necessary configurations. Scenario B: Using a Sigma 4.04 Database in a Sigma 4.05 Site Upgrade the devicecnf.rec file from the site. Ensure only the following files are copied back to the site Sigma database: index.rec indexex.rec index.bin pntfle.rec Additional Notes SigmaX 6.02 is compatible with both Sigma 4.04 and 4.05 databases. Always exercise caution when updating or transferring database files to avoid data corruption or compatibility issues.

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 A Schedule or PE program can not change the value of a point because it is set by another process at a higher Command Priority. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX4040 B3s Cause Command value must be Relinquished at the priority that no longer needs to control the point's value so that a command with a lower priority can take control of it. Resolution Edit the point from the BACnet view. Go to the Command Priority tab, this tab shows the 16 priorities and their current statuses   Select the priority to relinquish and then click on the Relinquish button. The command with the next highest priority should then immediately take over.