Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue A BVSPP point of a MNB controller cannot be changed from G3. MNB controller is at firmware version 1.43. An “ASN error:” is displayed for value in the BACnet Discovery window when discovered in G3. Environment G3, WorkPlace Tech, All MNB controllers Cause The MNB application’s BVSPP object was initialized with “NA” in WorkPlace Tech.  The BVSPP object should only be initialized with “On” or “Off”.  The ability to initialize an object with “NA” will be removed in a future version of WorkPlace Tech. Resolution Use WorkPlace Tech to change BVSPP initialized with “NA” to either “On” or “Off” and download application to controller. If the point still cannot be change from Workbench, then delete the point in the ENC/ENS database, rediscover it and add it back to the G3 database.  The BVSPP point can now be changed from G3.  

Issue What is the mechanism used by the Continuum system to determine the communication status of third party BACnet devices? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX BACnet Cause To maintain the communication status of third party BACnet devices Resolution Continuum sends a read property message to read the vendor id from the device once a minute by default (or whatever the probe time is set to), as long as a timely response is received from the device Continuum keeps it online, if no response is received the device will be marked OFFLINE (after a retry) Once a device is marked OFFLINE Continuum will perform a WHO-IS once a minute (ARP if CyberStation) until an I-AM is received which will cause the device to be tagged back online, once the device is back online Continuum will resume probing the device via the read property message once a minute. Note that Continuum allows several probe options for BACnet devices, the behavior explained above is for when the probe type is set to 'Probe' ProbeOnDemand - Probing does not occur unless a communications transaction with the target device fails. Once a transaction fails then probing occurs at the interval specified in Probe Time until the device comes back online. The advantage is that additional requests to the controller fail immediately. The disadvantage if that node failure is not detected  until a CyberStation application needs to communicate with a controller.  ProbeOff - Probing does not occur. The advantage is that there is never probe traffic to the device. The disadvantage is that each request to the device fails only after the transaction times out.

Issue When updating to SmartStruxure 1.5 BACnet IP devices go offline from either ES or AS Environment SmartStruxure Automation Server SmartStruxure Enterprise Server Cause The upgrade to SBO 1.5 can sometimes cause the BACnet IP network interface to lose the IP broadcast address. Resolution Verify the BACnet IP Network interface configuration to see if anything has been lost. Re-enter settings for IP broadcast address to establish connection with BACnet devices again.

Issue Unable to connect to Access Expert as the Feenics Mercury Service stops and will not restart after a system reboot. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Premise Software (AX) v3 Cause If the Mercury service is failing to start the most common issues are: Service Administrator password was changed Feenics API is not running The OS (Windows) may still be performing some background activity that might slow down essential system functionalities Resolution Service Administrator password was changed: Update the password within these configuration files to match the new admin password c:\program files (x86)\feenics\web api\settings.conf c:\program files (x86)\feenics\mercury service\settings.conf Feenics API not running: Check the API by opening the Internet Information Services and checking to make sure the Feenics website is running. Make sure the default site is not running. You can also check the bindings on the website Port 80 and binding of '*' The OS (Windows) may still be performing some background activity that might slow down essential system functionalities: Open Windows Registry: Start -> Run -> regedit.exe File --> Export --> make a backup of the current registry Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ Right-click on the right page ---> New ---> DWORD call the new DWORD "AutoStartDelay"  Set AutoStartDelay in milliseconds (decimal). E.G. 240000 is 240 seconds.               

Issue For unknown reason, BCX4040 goes offline with solid CPU light, and failed to ping, Webpage can't be accessed, Environment BCX4040 Cyberstation 1.80 and above Cause Not clear what cause this issue, Not all the BCX4040 with solid CPU light can be recovered. Resolution Press "reset" button on PCB board for a long time, at least over 10 seconds, if the CPU light goes off, it is possible to recover the BCX4040 Press "IP Reset" on PCB board for over 60 seconds, Maybe not bring the controller into factory default setting Ping the BCX4040, if success, go to the next steps Start Continuum, and bring BCX4040 online, then downlaod, According to the steps above, I have recovered at least 4 BCX4040 and AX5720/5740.

Issue Getting a “500: Internal Server Error” when clicking on hyperlink in G3 station. The following error is also displayed in the Application Director window: javax.baja.naming.SyntaxException: Illegal char '?' in body: /ord?file:^gfx_Lib/www/nav.htm javax.baja.naming.SyntaxException: Illegal char '?' in body: /ord?file:^gfx_Lib/www/Top.htm Note:  The last part of the file path after "file:" will be different based on your station's file structure.   Environment Niagara G3, version 3.8.37 Cause A second “/” mark was being added to the hyperlinks’ paths in the htm file.  In this case, hyperlinks in the Top.htm file are the culprit. The Hyperlinks read: To date, Tridium has not determined how the second slash gets added.   Resolution The solution is to find out which htm file contains the error and correct it. Use WorkBench’s Text File Editor to examine the htm file to find the error.  - Open the station’s Files folder  - Right-click on the htm file and select “Text File Editor” - Once the htm file is found that contain the error, remove all second slashes.      Change <a href="/ord/?...     To          <a href="/ord?... (removed the second “/”) - Save changes and reopen page in new browser Note: There may be a need to clear all caches.   

Issue Unable to successfully install Continuum keyless license software. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Keyless Soft License Hasp Key Utility Sentinal HASP License Manager Cause Various causes. Resolution The following articles address issues with the Continuum Keyless license software. Hasp Key Utility will not activate keyless license Version Error Getting Id. - HASP License Manager service has stopped Web based email should not be used to deliver Keyless Licensing information files (c2v) or activation files (v2c) How to determine the Continuum version, features and the Hasp license ID on a Keyless Continuum License Hasp Key Utility will not activate keyless license Version Error Getting Id. -- Key Id Not Found Hasp Key Utility will not activate keyless license Version Error Getting Id. - HASP License Manager service has stopped

Issue Need to downgrade AS from 1.5 to 1.4,  quick press "reset" 3 time, AS geso to DFU mode, after select "new database", get an error "New database failed" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server AS Device Administrator SBO 1.4 1.5 Cause AS and PC connected with USB and Network cable USB port on laptop (leveno) has additional power on one of the USB ports, switch to different port Firewall was enabled and disabled firewall Resolution Disconnect Network cable, use USB connection only (May need to select a different port on laptop, see Cause Notes above) Quickly press "reset" 3 time to DFU mode Click "Update Device" Icon and select "New database" If the above fails, try another USB port and disable antivirus software. In some cases, you will need to: Place the device in DFU mode Power down the AS Let it sit for at least an hour to let the capacitors lose their charge.   Power up the device again, place it in DFU mode Use the USB connection to load the correct version

Issue If the conversion line on an input is more complex than a single line of script, can a function be used? Environment BACnet b3 Controller Analog input conversions / scaling. Script programming, functions Cause The code required to scale an input is more complex than a single line of code. Resolution It is not possible to use a Script Function in the conversion line of an input point, however quite complex formulas can still be entered that scale the ElecValue when the point is evaluated. The format of an input point conversion line is still:     ElecValue / 1000   The automatic scaling table is also available in the b3 inputs for linear conversions

Issue After restoring a backup set to an AS, MSTP communication is lost and no BACnet folder appears under the System Hardware folder. Environment AS System Time Backup Restore Cause System time was not set in the AS prior to restoring the backup. Resolution Set system time prior to restoring the backup. The BACnet folder may be restored if the AS system time is set subsequent to restoring the backup and the AS is warmstarted.

Issue When deploying ES/AS, it will go through for a while until the end. Then it will show failed, and the cause is communication error. Environment SmartStruxure PCS Cause 1. First check whether there is any real network issue, like router setting, fireware or anti-virus software. If it is confirmed that the network is good, check whether the date/time setting match the current ones. 2. If both are checked for the first point, the cause is there is a defect for PCS when the project contains BACNet interface and objects. Resolution 1. Change the date/time to current ones. 2. If it doesn't work, contact PSS to ask for hotfix: R1.5.0.7201.

Issue Changing a Sigma value from a graphic. Environment Object Override Graphic Slider Cause From an imported or transitioned Satchwell Sigma graphic it is possible to override an object value, from a StruxureWare Building Operation Trackbar graphic, it is not. Resolution Sigma's objects are unusual, in that they are not writable. To change their value you have to force them, (or manually override them in Sigma terms).  This means that the standard "Trackbar" component that comes with StruxureWare Building Operation, will not work with Sigma. To manually override the Sigma object, the existing "Trackbar" can be modified to call "setForce" on the object .  This is what legacy Sigma normally does if you have a slider on a graphic, and move the slider. It sets the object to a manual override state. The standard "Trackbar" component can be changed to make it work with Sigma objects. To do this, the "setForce" line was added to the function "setCurrentValue",  setForce(fullName, true);  return setValue(fullName, value);  Note:-  As with legacy Sigma, StruxureWare Building Operation Transitioned Sigma only supports changing certain values.  For example:- You can't make a graphic change the alarm high limit. You can't make it change the configuration value "Fixed value".  The modified "Trackbar in the StruxureWare Building Operation graphic must be bound to the "Value" property, just like it would have been in legacy Sigma.  It is not valid to bind it to the configuration value. To download a copy of the modified "Trackbar", please click HERE.

Issue When trying to log into SBO Workstation receive the following error: Invalid returned data from license server system. (Error code: -12) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Enterprise Server Cause This error has been caused when a Workstation license is present but no Enterprise Server license is present. Resolution An Enterprise Server license must be purchased and added. Please see EcoStruxure Building Operation License types for license options and part numbers.

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 Error: "Could not create remote directory" or "Failed to establish connection with the target device" when trying to upgrade/downgrade a Xenta 5/7/9xx controller     Product Line TAC INET, TAC Vista, Satchwell MicroNet Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 527-NPR, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 XBuilder Cause This error can be caused by any of the following reasons: Trying to downgrade a Hardware version 2.x Xenta Server device to System Program version 2.10 or older Internet Options are configured to use a proxy server IP communication is not properly established due to incorrect IP settings, a bad cable or a faulty device The controller is 5.1.8 or lower and Microsoft KB 2661254 or KB 2661254-V2 is installed on the PC. In this upgrade Microsoft has changed the criteria for the certificate Key. Service packs are available on the extranet to correct this issue. Download blocked because of other Windows updates SSL 2 and 3 is not activated Resolution First, establish that the System Program that you are attempting to load is compatible with hardware version of the device. The older HW 1 versions can be upgraded to System Program 5.1.2 or older. Only system program versions 2.2.0 and newer can be loaded into devices that are hardware version 2.X. Hardware Version System Program 1.0 5.1.2 or older 2.X 2.2.0 or newer 3.X 5.1.6 SP1 or newer Note: Hardware version 1 devices are not labeled as HW 1 since only one version of hardware existed at the time. Hardware devices can be identified by the lack of any hardware version printed on the Neuron ID sticker. Note: If running the firmware update software, ensure you are running as an administrator. Next, check to verify that IP communications are configured properly and are functional: Check the IP address defined in XBuilder Verify a good connection to the IP port of the controller (10Base-T port on the far right) with a crossover cable. If that is all good, then a reformat of the controller may be necessary. Connect via Hyperterminal to the unit and at the dsh> prompt type format and press enter command . This will recreate the directory structure of the controller and allow you to attempt the upgrade/downgrade again. Finally, verify that the Internet Options are not configured to use a proxy server or, if they are, temporarily change them as follows: To temporarily change this setting follow these steps: In Internet Explorer select the Tools Menu and select Internet Options. Or select Internet Options from your Control Panel. Go to the Connections tab. Click the LAN settings button. Uncheck the Use a proxy server for your LAN box. Click Ok in the LAN settings window and the Internet Options window. Complete the System Program download. Return to the Internet Options window and re-check the Use a proxy server for your LAN box in the LAN Settings found in the Connections tab. Another Matrix explaining the compatibility of each with Vista versions can be found in Xenta-Server-firmware-versus-Vista-Server-versions If you have the Xenta FW 5.1.8 or lower and KB 2661254 or KB 2661254-V2 were installed during a Windows Update you will need install the service packs. These new service pack builds have been released and are available on the extranet. See TPA-VSTA-12-0028.00 - TAC Xenta Servers, Not Possible to Download Firmware for more info. Another issue has been reported to support relating to the bit length of the Xenta server boot certificate. The Xenta server installer uses a 512 bit key length of the boot certificate, and Windows in some instances can be configured for a 1024 bit length certificate. If the issue still exists after removing the above mentioned Windows Updates, or if you are getting this error and the Windows Updates are not on your machine. Download the attached tool, Allow Weak Certificates.zip, and execute the file, chose "Allow Weak Certificates", and "Update".   Here is what the tool set: Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography\OID\EncodingType 0\CertDllCreateCertificateChainEngine\Config] "EnableWeakSignatureFlags"=dword:00000002 "minRSAPubKeyBitLength"=dword:00000200 If taking the preceding steps fails to resolve the issue then see the following articles for additional steps that can be taken: Xenta Server "Run" light is solid red, with no communication via Ethernet,  Fail to upgrade the TAC Xenta Server system software (firmware)  An unexpected error occurred while downloading using a Xenta Server

Issue Programming an 8-Bit HID or Indala Prox/Pin Pad reader Environment I/Net Site with Access Control Cause There is a requirement to supply an 8-Bit Prox/Pin Pad reader at a site. How do I program this reader? Resolution Attached is a PDF File that guides you through the setup if this type of reader in an I/Net Seven system. Click here to download.

Issue At times it is necessary to monitor an external variable to trigger action in SmartStuxure Lite Environment Smart Struxure Lite Smart Struxure Continuum AS MPM Windows 7 Windows Server 2008 Cause Need the ability to trigger actions from an external variable to run a lua script Resolution Use a lua script in your MPM that copies the value of ME.PG#_ENABLE.value to an Analog/binary value. This value can then be seen from the AS or BCX through bacnet and you can have the AS or BCX do different functions depending on that value

Issue What bit formats are accepted by the Security Expert Controller (SP-C) for communicating with third-party card reader with pin? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Controller Cause When using pin pad readers with the Security Expert Controller there are only a few supported bit formats.  Resolution Only these following formats are support and tested with Security Expert at this time: 26 Bit (Site 0) ARK-501 4 Bit 4 Bit Parity 4 Bit Buf 4 Bit Buf & Par 36 Bit (IEI S0)

Issue What HID Corporate 1000 card formats are supported by Security Expert? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Controller Security Expert Smart Card Reader Cause Information about HID Corporate 1000 card formats is needed to configure the card readers correctly. The existing documentation does not mention this. Resolution HID Corporate 1000 35-bit format has been validated with Security Expert. To use this go to Expanders | Reader Expanders | Reader 1 and set the Reader 1 Format setting to HID Corp 1000 as shown below. Other HID Corporate 1000 formats may work however they have not been validated. If the format specification is known, it is possible to program the cards in a custom format. As an example, below are the custom format settings used for the HID Corporate 1000 48-bit format cards. Go to the Custom Reader Format tab of your controller and enter the following values. HID Corporate 1000 48-bit format 1 HID Corporate 1000 48-bit format 2 If the format is different from the above two examples or is not known, please provide support with the site code, card number and raw data output for Any Bit RAW card reads from at least three different cards to help determine the format. Refer to article Show raw card data of a badged card in Security Expert for further details on this.

Issue Information concerning Linux releases used within the Automation Server.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Linux Operating System (OS) Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Questions concerning Linux releases used within the Automation Server. Resolution AS versions to 1.4.1 run Linux kernel 2.6.25.1 AS versions 1.5 to 2.0.2 run Linux kernel 3.0.101 AS-P versions 1.7 to 2.0.2 run Linux kernel 3.5.0-lsp-3.3.1 For questions concerning what type of Linux...i.e. Red Hat, Ubuntu, openSUSE - There is no linux distribution in the automation server just vanilla linux kernel. For further reading, download some documentation about the kernel from their website www.kernel.org  

Issue Is R2 or G3 compatible with JAVA 8? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment R2 G3 Cause Oracle released Java 8 Resolution At the time of the creation of this article (February 17, 2015) no versions of R2  have been tested with Java 8 and therefore Java 8 is not supported until further notice.  As of March 15, 2015, Tridium has now tested the latest maintenance builds of G3 releases 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 and found that they appear to work properly with Java 8 update 31.