Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Existing sensor has failed (TS-5751-850).  The application involves below freezing temperatures (not outside air but a storage freezer).  Since the sensor is obsolete, what's a suggested replacement? Environment Network 8000 MicroZone II Cause Sensor failure Resolution Try the TO series sensor from Veris Industries.

Issue Are mirrored values or mirror programs required in the AS when interfacing to MNB controller objects? Environment Automation Servers or Enterprise Servers Cause Confusion around this subject. Resolution No, since the MNB controllers support COV subscriptions it is not necessary to create mirrored values or programs in the AS. 

Issue Trying to create a Lon binding from two or more nvo's in one Lon device (hub) to two or more nvi's in many Lon devices (targets), a so-called fan-out binding. The binding between the first Lon devices works fine, but when trying to create the binding from the Hub Lon device to the second Lon device (target) it does not work. The binding window for the second Lon device (target) is opened; the Lon device (hub) is chosen in the browser window on the right side; and the nvo in the hub is dragged to the nvi in the second target device. But the binding tool will not accept this binding. It is not possible to release the nvo from the Hub Lon device on the nvi in the second target Lon device. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation LON Devices Cause Normally when creating a binding using the EBO binding tool you open the binding window for the target (receiver of the value). But in this particular case you need to do it the other way around and open the binding window for the hub (sender of the value) instead, and then drag the target to the hub. Read more about Fan-out Bindings in the Webhelp. Resolution Go to the Lon device with multiple ins or outs (hub) and open the bindings window In the browser window on the right side find the target Lon device Drag the nvi from the target device to the nvo in the hub Lon device

Issue When an attempt is made to create or save a new schedule, you get the following error:       Product Line Access Expert Environment AccessXpert Hosted software v3 (all versions) AccessXpert Premise Software v3 (all versions) Cause Mercury has a limit of 255 schedules, which you can customize up to 254 schedules as there is the default "Always" schedule already built in. This is a limit on the Mercury hardware. Resolution It is highly encouraged customers to avoid utilizing all 255 unless absolutely necessary as you will run into the case below of not being able to add a new one should you need to (or a one-off). Folders, and all objects within them, apply towards the instance limitations. If there are 6 folders, ALL schedules in the folders plus the schedules in the instance all count towards your 255 limit.

Issue Once the controllers UTC setting is set and and committed in the Controller Configuration webpage, when they are rechecked they have returned to the default setting of 0. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CX99xx CX9680 ACX57xx BCX9640 BCX9680 CX9702 Cause This is a known issue. Resolution Since the controllers UTC setting cannot be set properly from the controller web page, it must be set from a Plain English program in the controller.  See Set the UTCOffset of a controller using a PE program.

Issue What baud rate is the NetController IO bus speed set for and can this be changed? Environment NC1 NC2 CX99xx CX9680 Cause Need to know the bus speed of the NetController IO bus. Resolution The NetController IO Buss runs at 19200 baud.  This is a hard setting and cannot be changed.

Issue When viewing WebReports within WorkStation or Internet Explorer the report data is not shown. All that is seen is a blank screen even though the menu items are still displayed (as shown in Figure 1 below). Figure 1:: Report viewed through WorkStation (Or Internet Explorer) When viewing the same WebReport through a different browser, Chrome or Firefox the report displays correctly Figure 2:: WebReport viewed using other Browsers (such as Chrome and Firefox) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation WebReports EcoStruxure Building Operation WorkStation Cause The issue has only been seen with Internet Explorer since the other browsers appear to work. Since Building Operation WorkStation uses Internet Explorer as its internal browser, the problem is seen when displaying WebReports within WorkStation. To confirm that this is the issue you can check the Windows Event Log contents (Application Log Warnings) related to: <Provider Name="ASP.NET x.x.xxxxxxx.x" /> ... <Data>/LM/W3SVC/1/ROOT/SchneiderElectric/WebReports-1-131958191596842252</Data> <Data>Full</Data> <Data>/SchneiderElectric/WebReports</Data> <Data>C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation WebReports\WebReports\</Data> <Data>CultureNotFoundException</Data> <Data>Culture is not supported. Parameter name: culture 4096 (0x1000) is an invalid culture identifier. at System.Globalization.CultureInfo.InitializeFromCultureId(Int32 culture, Boolean useUserOverride) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.ReportDataOperation..ctor(IReportServerConnectionProvider connectionProvider, Boolean requiresFullReportLoad) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.HttpHandler.GetHandler(String operationType, IReportServerConnectionProvider connectionProvider) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.HttpHandler.ProcessRequest(HttpContext context) at System.Web.HttpApplication.CallHandlerExecutionStep.System.Web.HttpApplication.IExecutionStep.Execute() at System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStepImpl(IExecutionStep step) at System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStep(IExecutionStep step, Boolean& completedSynchronously)</Data> Resolution To correct this issue ensure that the Windows Regional Language, found in the Windows Control Panel matches between the Workstation PC and the Reports Server.

Issue Care should be taken when editing an Automation Server script program in a working system Environment Automation Server Script program Cause If a script program "Numeric Input",  "Numeric Output" or "Numeric Public" line is modified, but includes a syntax error or a reserved word, then saved, the binding for this line may be broken. As below  After editing the Numeric Input line using a reserved word, this line bindings are broken Resolution Always be extra careful when modifying scripts running live plant. In this case it would be better to add a new extra "Numeric Input", "Numeric Output" or "Numeric Public" line, rather than modifying an existing one. The binding below are not broken NOTE This issue was fixed in v1.7

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue A Security Expert reader that supports Wiegand and RS-485 is wired for Wiegand. It is not working. It only works on RS-485. Product Line 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 Tried to use a Smart Card Reader wired for Wiegand after it had been connected by RS-485 to the controller. 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 Version 2.0a Error getting Key Id appears at bottom of the Hasp Key Utility when an attempt is made to activate the Continuum license using the v2c file.  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Keyless Soft License Hasp Key Utility Sentinal HASP License Manager Cause The Sentinal HASP License Manager service has stopped. Resolution From Control Panel/Administrator Tools, launch Services. In the Services list look for either Sentinal LDK License Manager... ... or Sentinal Hasp License Manager Right click on the service and select Properties Under Service Status, if Started is not displayed, select the Start button. Under Startup Type, select Automatic. If neither Sentinal LDK License Manager nor Sentinal HASP License Manager appears in the list of services, you must install HaspRuntimeforContinuum.exe. Under the service properties, select a Automatic for Startup Type.

Issue When having issues with a specific NCI (SCPT or UCPT) in a XIF file it can be hard to understand the FILE definition in the XIF file in order to troubleshoot a given issue For information regarding NCI's that are not part of a FILE definition, refer to Understanding the NVVAL part of a XIF file Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment LonWorks XIF Cause The FILE definition can be somewhat cryptic - here is an example   FILE template 0 2 "1.1;" "2,23.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.41.42.43.45.46,0\x80,49,2;" "1,1,0\x80,60,12;" "1,1,0\x80,52,2;" "2,0.2.3.5.6.7.8.9.10.16.17.18.19.20.21,0\x80,48,2;" "1,0,0\x80,17,31;" "1,1,0\x80,34,2;" "1,1,0\x80,23,2;" "1,1,0\xA4,169,1;" "1,1,4\x80,3,8;" "1,1,4\x80,5,17;" "1,1,3\x80,1,2;" "1,1,4\x80,4,9;" "1,1,4\xA4,13,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,14,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,15,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,16,1;" "1,1,4\xA4,17,1;" "1,1,4\x80,18,1;" "1,1,0\x80,42,2;" "1,1,0\x80,36,2;" "1,1,0\x80,193,2;" "1,1,4\x80,8,2;" "1,0,3\x80,2,2;" "1,0,0\x84,165,1;" "1,0,0\xA4,166,1;" "1,1,6\xA4,2,8;" FILE value 1 1 116 0x0B, 0xB8, 0x09, 0x1D, 0x09, 0xFB, 0x0B, 0x80, 0x08, 0x77, 0x07, 0x98, 0x06, 0x13, 0x00, 0x02, 0x23, 0x28, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x78, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x80, 0x80, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x01, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0xFF, 0xFF, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x7F, 0xFF, 0x13, 0x88, 0x00, 0x00, 0x02, 0x0B, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00 Resolution The FILE section describes the configuration variables (or SCPT's and UCPT's) for a device. Here is an explanation of the various parts of the FILE section.

Issue An Operator with restricted access to the site needs the ability to run and configure Security Expert in Visitor Management System (VMS) mode. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Visitor Management System Cause An Administrator Role is needed for the Operator that is going to be running Security Expert in VMS Mode. A more restricted Role is required for this but using anything other than Administrator results in Cards not being able to be issued to visitors. Resolution  1. Create a new Role with Preset set to "Administrator". 2. On the Tables tab change everything to "Deny" except for "Access Levels", "Card Template Editor" and "Users" - these should remain at "Grant Full Access". Figure 1 - Role Configuration 3. Create a new Operator and set the Role to the one you created in step 2 above. Figure 2 - Operator Roles 4. This new Operator will now be able to run the VMS and edit the settings for the VMS objects as required. 5. If required, the Role can further be locked down through the use of Security Levels and Record Groups. See application note Security Expert Security Levels - Multi Floor.pdf for details on this.  

Issue Information is needed regarding the content of the various license types Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause If a standard Workstation license and a Workstation Pro. license are purchased, and are loaded on to a License server, when is the professional license used? Resolution The difference between the standard Workstation license and the Workstation Pro. license is that the professional license allows the usage of the editors (Graphics Editor, Function Block Editor, Script Editor, Menta Editor, WorkPlace Tech Editor). The licenses can be seen as a bundle of license features that can be checked in and checked out separately from each other. When a workstation attempts to use any of these editors the license server is asked to check out the license feature for that editor and if successful, that feature is "taken" and cannot be used by any other Workstation until the first workstation leaves the editor. This means that if you have one professional license, only one Workstation can use the same editor at the same time, if you e.g. have 2 professional licenses you can have 2 Workstations using the same editor at the same time. However, any Workstation can use any editor as long as there is a free license feature for it on the license server.

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 Require details on how to migrate Users from an SP-C-WEB to Security Expert. Product Line Security Expert Environment SP-C-WEB Security Expert Cause Have a site that has outgrown it's SP-C-WEB installation and is upgrading to Security Expert to expand. Resolution Door configuration and programming cannot be migrated from an SP-C-WEB installation to Security Expert, but the User database can be exported to a CSV file and then imported into Security Expert to help with the migration. Exporting User database from SP-C-WEB to CSV file From the SP-C-WEB user interface navigate to Users | User Search. In the User Search page on the top right (under date) is the Export button. Clicking the Export button will generate a .csv file of all User details. (See attached example Exported Users.zip) Editing User CSV file for importing into Security Expert The Security Expert User import requires the CSV file to be in a specific format: FirstName,LastName,FullName,Facility,Card,PIN,AccessLevel The rules for this format are that: Each field must have a value however the firstname/lastname can be omitted if the fullname is used and vice versa. The facility can be omitted if it is prepended to the card number and separated with a colon (eg 123:4567). If a matching Access Level is not found, a new access level is created. The PIN and Card must be unique for each user. The file cannot contain a header row. Some examples of correctly formatted data are: Joe, Stanley,Joe Stanley,123,4587,1418,Warehouse Staff Georgia, Smith,,123,4654,6884,Warehouse Staff ,,Billy Randall,123,4727,3492,Warehouse Staff Frank,Powell,,,123:4639,3160,Warehouse Staff Importing Users from a CSV File into Security Expert In the Security Expert Client navigate to Sites | Import Users to launch the Import Users Wizard. Browse to and select the CSV File you wish to import the users from, then click OK. Figure 1 - User Import Dialog The Users records are created and a message is displayed to indicate the action was successful.

Issue  RYB-922-11 is no longer available and needs to be replaced Environment RYB-922-11 Repair Kit for VB-922x-0-4-11 Cause repair kit no longer available Resolution There is no replacement for this kit. The customer will have to replace the valve body which probably will be the VB-7223-0-4-11 but verify which valve the customer has. Also since this new valve has a different stroke the customer will need to replace the actuator and linkage kit to ones that are used on the VB-7000 series valves.

Issue There are large jumps in Database ID numbers in the lists of objects in Security Expert. Most notably seen in the Trouble Inputs table. In the below example the Database ID's in the Trouble Input table jumped from 420 to 1424. Figure 1 - Database ID's Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Client Cause This is a rare occurrence but when seen can be due to the creation and deletion of Controllers and Expanders as a site is being configured or just normal operation as SQL maintains the Security Expert database. Resolution No action required. This is a benign condition which does not affect the normal operation of Security Expert.

Issue MC5-4311 is obsolete and needs be replaced. Environment MC5-4311 MC-4311    MC-4311    MC-4311  Cause Obsolete product needs replacement. Resolution MC5-4311 is replaced by MC-4311 

Issue Cannot read Mifare CSN, using Security Expert readers, from customer's existing Mifare cards  Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Smartcard Reader [All] Cause The Security Expert readers will not read Mifare CSN by default. Resolution Configure the ability to do this through the RS485 menu or with a configuration card.   Older readers (firmware version 64 or lower) use an RS485 interface to modify reader configuration. Newer readers (with the -BT part numbers) require a Configuration Card purchased from Schneider Electric in order to modify the factory configuration of the reader to read the Mifare CSN. 

Issue SBO v1.4 will not learn MSTP devices on MSTP Network #1354 on Cimetrics BACnet IP Server Environment SmartStruxure v1.4  Cause BACnet in SBO v1.4 and 1.5 does not work with BACnet routers that do not have their own device object. The BACnet Router for Network #1354 is a Cimetrics device which is hosting the MSTP network where 97 devices will not come into SBO. The trace log (attached) has many entries like this: 2014-09-17 19:46:29.105 [1176806464] nsp.pin.BACnet Router for Network #1354 is broadcasting from unknown device -- ignored (BACnetMain) 2014-09-17 19:46:29.110 [1176806464] nsp.pin.BACnet Unable to add proxy for device Device_96 (ID=96), CStatus=0x80050019 (BACnetMain) 2014-09-17 19:46:29.110 [1176806464] nsp.pin.BACnet Router for Network #1354 is broadcasting from unknown device -- ignored (BACnetMain) 2014-09-17 19:46:29.115 [1176806464] nsp.pin.BACnet Unable to add proxy for device Device_97 (ID=97), CStatus=0x80050019 (BACnetMain) Resolution BACnet in SBO v1.4 and 1.5 does not work with BACnet routers that do not have their own device object. It is fixed in future release v1.6. Not much can be done about for sites with 1.4 or 1.5 unless the 3rd party BACnet router (in this case the Cimetrics device) has a configuration option to assign it a Device Id.

Issue AccDataServices crash on launch of Continuum CyberStation Environment CyberStation Cause Bad installation. Looking in Control Panel Add/Remove Programs we see 2 different instances of Continuum Resolution Remove Continuum  in Control Panel Add/Remove Programs Delete the Continuum folder in C:\Program File (or x86) Re-install Continuum