Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Unable to login to Workstation. Getting error "Requested license is not available on the license Server" even though the license for the StruxureWare Enterprise Server is valid. License server does not support this feature (Error code: -18) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation v1.3/1.4 WorkStation Enterprise Server License Server Cause When using Network Licenses this possibly indicates there was no valid WorkStation license. The Enterprise Server license does not also provide a Workstation license to run Workstation. If using Local Licenses, such as the Evaluation / Demo license and you are attempting to connect to an Enterprise Server from a separate WorkStation, the License server and the demo license file must be installed on both the Enterprise Server and each Workstation since the local license can not be shared between computers. Check Online help for additional detail. Resolution Network License: A new WorkStation license is required to use WorkStation. This would need to be acquired and added to the license Server. The part numbers for these are below. WorkStation software (including editors) Part number Product name Description SXWSWWORK00001 SW-STATION-STD-0 WorkStation Standard, 1 concurrent user license, (no maintenance subscription included) SXWSWWORK00002 SW-STATION-PRO-0 WorkStation Professional, 1 concurrent user license, Professional WorkStation version includes Editor licensing, (includes TGML Graphics editor, Function Block & Script Programming, no maintenance subscription included) Depending on what your requirements are, it may be possible to use the WebStation instead of a dedicated WorkStation for light monitoring duties. There is no part number for WebStation; it is a default feature of the Automation Server and Enterprise Server (with no need for additional licensing) in v1.3. Details on the WebStation and WorkStation can be found at the below links. WorkStation WebStation Local License: If using Local Licenses, such the Evaluation/Demo license and you are attempting to connect to an Enterprise Server from a separate WorkStation, the License server and the demo license file must be installed on both the Enterprise Server and each Workstation since the local license can not be shared between computers. Check Online help for additional detail.

Issue When ordering the UG-3-A40, which venturi pipe is included? Environment UG-3-A40 Smoke detector UG-3-A4I Smoke detector Venturi pipes: VR-0.6M VR-1.5M VR-2.8M Cause Depending on application, different length venturi pipes may be required Resolution The 0.6M is included in the UG-3-A40 and UG-3-A4I package. Other lengths available are 1.5 and 2.8m lengths but needs to be ordered separately.  

Issue Is it possible for multiple Automation Servers to be placed on the same backplane and use one power supply? Some known issues in this unsupported configuration: Automation Server only partially discover the IO Modules Function Block Programs (FBP) remain in an unloaded state (see FBP Unloaded) EBO 2022 (v4.0) and higher, Alarm: IO Driver unexpectedly timed out Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Power Supply SmartStruxure IO Modules Cause The terminal bases provides a path for communication between all connected units on the same backplane, as such the connection of two or more Automation Servers will cause communication issues between all connected units on that same backplane. Resolution From EBO 2022 (v4.0.1) due to changes in the Central I/O (CIO), checks are now made in the Automation Server to verify that the server is physically in SLOT 2, if this is not the case, then all Tasks are disabled, and will not run.    You cannot connect more than one Automation Server to the backplane. Only one Automation Server is allowed per power supply, the architecture is always "PS-AS-....." and after that I/O modules with additional PS units as needed, but only one Automation Server can exist on the same backplane.   Note that an alarm will also generate if you have the following configuration is attempted (also not supported)  PS-AS-PS-AS  Alarms will only clear after a restart (warm) of the server 

Issue There is a need for Xenta I/O modules to be added as standalone devices on a Lon network. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Xenta I/O modules Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Cause The Building Operation ES/AS structure allows I/O modules to operate without a Xenta programmable base unit. Resolution The following Xenta I/O modules can be added directly once the Lon interface and network have been created: I/O Module DI DI status DO DO override UI TI AO AO override Xenta 421A  - - 5 - 4* - - - Xenta 422A - 4** 5 5 4* - - - Xenta 451A - - - - 8* - 2 - Xenta 452A - 8** - - 8* - 2 2                   * - DI, 0–10 V DC or 0–20 mA, 1.8/10 kohm TI         ** - Status indication only when the corresponding universal inputs (UI) are being used as digital inputs. Once the I/O module is set up for SNVT communication the green LED will flash once every 10 seconds. For more information see Configuring Xenta I/O module inputs when used as stand-alone Lonworks devices.

Issue The extended trend log contains approximately 50% of the configured storage capacity. For example, only 250 entries are in the Trend log view even though the ETL is configured for 500 entries.   After the ETL runs long enough to fill up the 500 entry capacity, ONLY 250 entries are shown in a Trend log list view. (see below)   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause An extended trend log (ETL) includes an equal number of internal entries hidden from view; these entries are overhead incurred in the operation of the ETL. For example, each time a transfer takes place, an internal entry is added. Depending on the specifics of the configuration (i.e., Maximum Transfer Interval), the percentage of internal entries for a given ETL relative to its full size varies. From EBO 3.2.3, the internal entries of an ETL are hidden, and no information is provided to give any visibility into how much storage is being used by internal entries. Resolution The solution is to increase the size of the ETL to ensure there is enough storage capacity for data and overhead. Typically, the size must be doubled (in this case, 1000) in the particular ETL to make sure 500 entries of data can be stored.  Although these transfer events are hidden, it is possible to identify these events by adding the Sequence number column in the trend log list.  It is also possible to decrease the overhead amount stored in the ETL by increasing the "Maximum transfer interval" in the ETL properties, as shown in the screenshots.  Here it can be seen that by increasing the Maximum transfer interval to 1 hour for an interval log of 5 minutes that ONLY 1 'overhead' record (sequence # 565) is added per 10 entries.   Using this or a similar setting will allow to reduce the storage requirement of the ETL.

Issue Downloading a Xenta Programmable controller under a SmartStruxure Automation Server LON channel fails with message: "Application Download Failure." Viewing error details, the Progress view window shows "Wrong device version." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server LON channel Xenta Programmable Controllers Cause Right click on the Xenta controller in StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation. Go to the Xenta tab. Check the Software version. If this is below 3.6, then the controller's .MOT file is out of date and must be updated. Resolution The controller's software version must be at least 3.6 to be compatible with SmartStruxure. Use the Download Wizard to load an updated .MOT file into the controller. See Download an .MOT file into a Xenta Programmable controller for further instructions.

Issue When using WPT 4.0 to upload controller databases, the system may display the following error message at the end of the upload process: Environment WorkPlace Tech version 4.0 Cause This error will occur whenever an Upload is performed under the following circumstances: 1. Any time the WPT project path is changed from the factory default such that it references a  drive path other than "C:", and the project is opened from that location. 2. Any time a project is opened through the use of the "Browse" function, and that project is located on a drive other than "C:"   Resolution See the attached Technical Alert TA04-05 for complete details.

Issue BACnet alarm Change Of State 'Alarm On' field is blank in the Algorithm page. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX4040 b3s Cause BACnet alarm type must match the type of point that is associated with the alarm in the AlarmEnrollment object. For example, a Change Of State alarm requires a binary point. Resolution Make the object BACnet object type match the alarm event type (Change of State, Change of Value, Out of Range etc). In this example of a Change of State BACnet alarm, when the appropriate binary point is associated with the alarm, the 'Alarm On' field looks like this:

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 Changing the Automation Server HTTP / HTTPS ports, 1.3 or higher. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause There is a need to change the Automation Server's HTTP and/or HTTPS ports from the default ports of 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS). Resolution The HTTP / HTTPS ports of the Automation Server can be changed from Struxureware/EcoStruxure Building Operation WebStation, requires SBO/EBO V1.3 or higher.  From a web browser*, connect and log on to the Automation Server. After you have logged on, click on the 'Account menu' near the top right corner: EBO 4.0.3 or higher,  From the "Options" select 'Setting'. From the network tab, you can change the HTTP / HTTPS ports.    EBO V4.0.2 or lower, From the "Options" select 'Device Configuration'.   The TCP/IP configuration page should appear. From here, you can change the HTTP / HTTPS ports.       3. Perform a Warm Start on the Automation Server to apply the HTTP / HTTPS port changes to the server.     * Check supported web browsers for Struxureware/EcoStruxure Building Operation at the WebStation specification sheet, make sure to select the correct SBO/EBO version: WebStation (se.com)     Firefox 4 or later (32-bit)

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 to add a calibration factor or offset value to an input using automatic scaling. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Universal Input Cause If using the Conversion field to offset the ElecValue on an input that is using an automatic scale, the resulting value will not be calculated properly. Resolution For this to function with an input using an automatic scale we need to setup an InfinityFunction to do the scaling for us and then add/subtract our offset from this result.   1. Create a new InfinityFunction in the controller called “IPConvert” 2. Paste the below code (between the lines) into the function and save it. ======== 'This InfinityFunction must be called from the conversion line of the input 'This InfinityFunction will allow an offset to be applied to a universal input 'Example Conversion line in the Input - IPConvert(EngScaleTop, ElecScaleTop, EngScaleBot, ElecScaleBot, -1) Arg 1 EngTop 'Engineering Units -  Top of Scale Arg 2 VltTop 'Voltage -  Top of Scale Arg 3 EngBot 'Engineering Units -  Bottom of Scale Arg 4 VltBot 'Voltage - Bottom of Scale Arg 5 Offset 'Amount to Offset returned value Numeric Slope, C Slope = ((EngTop - EngBot) / (VltTop - VltBot)) C = EngBot + (Slope * (minimum(VltTop, maximum(ElecValue, VltBot)) - VltBot)) Return C + Offset ========== 3. Go to your inputs on that controller that need to use this function. 4. confirm that the auto conversion fields have been set to the scale range you require. 5. type the below into the conversion field, replacing the “-0” at the end with whatever offset is required. IPConvert(EngScaleTop, ElecScaleTop, EngScaleBot, ElecScaleBot, -0)

Issue Backup and Restore Process for WebReports Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WebReports Reports Server SQL Server 2008 R2 Cause Need detailed backup process Resolution Refer to Online Help Topic for details Backing Up the WebReports Database  On the Windows toolbar, select Start, and then click SQL Server Management Studio. Click Connect.   Note: When using a remote computer to connect to the Report Server SQL database, the Windows Accounts must exist on both machines and have administrative rights for the SQL database otherwise a successful backup will not occur.  In this instance, it is recommended to use the SysAdmin 'sa' login / password details when connecting in remotely.   Expand the Databases folder. Right-click StruxureWareReportsDB, point to Tasks, then click Back Up. Under Destination, click Add. Click OK. In the Destination on disk box, select the backup destination. Click OK. Click OK.   Restoring the WebReports Database Ensure the Enterprise Server is up and running with the correct database.  Stop the SQL Server Reporting Services and WebReports Agent (if installed).  Note: If moving the WebReports Database it is recommended to restore the database then Install WebReports.  Then when Installing WebReports select Upgrade existing (as shown) and NOT New database  Restore the WebReports database to recover reports data from backup.  This will include any Dashboard reports saved. On the Windows toolbar, select Start, and then click SQL Server Management Studio. Click Connect. Expand the Databases folder. Right-click StruxureWareReportsDB and select Tasks, then select Restore, then select Database. In the Restore Database dialog box, select the database set(s) that you want to restore. Click OK. Click OK. If not already installed now complete the installation of WebReports 

Issue Created new Alarm Enrollment, attach to point and put point in alarm but no alarm is received and the points alarm value does not show the point is going in alarm. No problem when using an existing Alarm Enrollment created in the past when the total number of Alarm Enrollment objects was much less. Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9640 CX9702 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Controller's handle id limit on Alarm Enrollment objects has been exceeded. Resolution Click here to download this article as a PDF: Continuum Alarm Enrollment Handle ID Limits Continuum Alarm Enrollment Handle Ids Limit. (Note the information presented here applies only to non BACnet alarms) In Continuum there is a limit on the number of Alarm Enrollment objects that can be sent to the controller, the limit is 4000. Unlike the BACnet alarms, the Continuum alarm enrollments are meant to be re-usable, the system was designed for the Alarm Enrollment to be reused hence the limit, when the system is used as designed is very unlikely if not impossible to exceed the 4000 Alarm Enrollment objects limit. There have been cases where this limit has been exceeded due to site requirements that do not conform to the Continuum design, further more as of version 1.94 Continuum does not provided any feedback when the limit is exceeded, the alarm simply won’t work since the controller does not accept the alarm enrollment objects sent by the CyberStation. Guidelines to avoid exceeding the alarm enrollment handle id limit. Re-use, re-use, re-use. The Continuum system was designed for the Alarm Enrollments to be reused. If for some reason the number of alarm enrollment object is approaching the limit, do not delete Alarm Enrollment objects, if you have an alarm enrollment that is no longer needed rename it and re-purpose it instead of deleting it and creating a new one, the reason for this is that the handle ids once assigned are never re-assigned, so if you delete an alarm enrollment its handle id is lost forever. How to clean up if the limit is ever exceeded. If there are any Alarm Enrollment objects with handle ids out of range in the database they should be deleted to avoid confusion but before they are deleted all links to the enrollments have to be identified and the links removed. To find any links to alarm enrollment objects with id out of range run the following query against the ContinuumDB Select * from EventEnroll where AlarmRefLo > 562041735 If you get any results look at the uiName column, the uiName will consist of the point’s number and the AlarmEnrollment’s name separated by a period. Example: Num1.TempTooHigh Now From the Continuum explorer, find the point named ‘Num1’ that has a link to ‘TempTooHigh’ and remove the link. After all the links have been removed run the following query to find all the Alarm Enrollment objects with handle ids out of range. Select * from AlarmEnroll where ObjectIdLo > 562041735 Note the name in the uiName column, from the Continuum explorer delete the AlarmEnrollment objects.

Issue Where can I find documentation which explains what a Trend Log Comparison Report does? Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.3 Cause The Trend Log Comparison report provides a way for you to compare the output of the trend logs associated with a data point, such as the kilowatts for a power meter. The report provides similar reporting as the Trend Chart, however, you can export the report, schedule the report, and run the report using a Web browser and without access to WorkStation.   Resolution It is possible to read about Trend Log Comparison report in the manual Web report reference guide which you find on the Extranet under Products > StruxureWare Building Operation > Product information > StruxureWare > Building Operation 1.3 > Report server.  

Issue How to configure individual alarm viewers for users. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation 1.3.0 Cause If all users workspaces are connected to the same alarm view then if one user changes the filter the alarmview will change for all users. This is because they are all links to the same object. To have individual filters you have to create multiple alarm views and attach them to the workspaces. Resolution Create a new alarm view by In workstation Right click and select new-view Select Alarm View Type in a name, click create Attach the alarm view to a workspace. Open the control panel in Workstation, click on account management Select the workspace you want to add the alarm view to in the drop down list under Workspaces Click on content. Click on the alarms pane (or add one) and click edit. In the field "initial path" browse to the alarm view you created before. Click close

Issue After a template has been loaded in the ES, you will not see this template listed in the list of templates on any of the AS devices that reside under that ES.  Environment Binding Templates Device Templates xif files DRF Kits Enterprise Server Automation Server Cause SmartStruxure designates separate levels between the AS and ES to prevent unnecessary distribution templates that will use up the memory in the AS.  For example, it is possible to have Binding Templates that have a great use in the ES but little to no use in the AS.  For this reason, you will need to take an extra step to load the necessary templates into the AS if needed. NOTE:  There is not currently a function to delete unwanted templates out of a device in SmartStruxure.  Make sure the correct template is selected before you complete the import process. Resolution You will be required to import that all of the necessary templates into the ES and all of the AS devices that may require a use for that particular template. This can be done by simply logging directly into the AS to load the template locally.

Issue What are the limitations of Building Operation Web Services? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Version 1.3 Cause Due to the XML response rate (XML file information send to Building Operation), it has some limitations. Resolution General Guide in the Technical Reference Guide: The limit for the whole XML response is 100 kb, which includes manually created values. The limit for a string value is 10 kb, which includes manually created values. The maximum number of values created in the Web Server interface is 200. The recommended limit for XML elements in the Web Service interface is 100 The recommended number of Web Service interfaces in an Automation Server XML elements at a polling rate of 60 seconds. is 2. Additional Information: Maximum number of Web Services in an Automation Server Also refer to Architectural Guidelines for your respective version in use.

Issue Can not print a TGML graphic from the TGML editor, get error message, "Could not print string was not recognized as valid date time." Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC graphic editor version 5.1.5 Cause A defect is written for this problem. Resolution This problem is fixed in TGML editor 5.1.6

Issue Various items are not being displayed in the system tree or the binding tree of EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation. When navigating through the tree, items such as folders or parameters may be missing. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation System tree Cause If items are missing in the system tree or the binding browse tree then the filter settings are not set up correctly. Resolution If the expand icon next to a folder is missing or items are missing from the system tree, follow the steps below.     If the expand icon next to a folder is missing or items are missing from the system tree, make sure that the funnel icon is not clicked or activated (Show/Hide non-presentation objects)     If points are missing in the bindings browse window, make sure the funnel in the top left corner of that window is not clicked or activated (Hide parameters)