Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What are the dip switch settings for each Fiber Optic Interface (FOI) in I/NET 2000 Controller LAN and subLAN? Can FOI communications be alarmed? How do you test them? Does the FOI need to be addressed in I/NET? Environment I/NET 2000 Fiber Optic Interface Cause Configure the network to work on FOI. Resolution Controller LAN Settings: SubLAN Settings: 1 = Off 2 = Off 3 = On 4 = Off 5 = Off (If no CRR) 6 = Off 7 = Off 8 = On 9 = Off 10 = On 11 = On 12 = On 1 = Off 2 = Off 3 = On 4 = Off 5 = Off (If no CRR) 6 = Off 7 = Off 8 = On 9 = On (9600 subLAN speed) 10 = On 11 = On 12 = On Notes: When testing the fiber optic section of the network, tests can be done in "Single-Mode" or "Multi-Mode." All testing must be performed in "Multi-Mode." Fault alarms can be sent from the FOI to a remote location using fiber line faults. You need to have Counter Rotating Rings (CRR) to get this feature. FOIs are not addressable. The FOI is transparent or invisible when viewed through a workstation or viewcon screen of the 7728 or 7798. Refer to TCON087, Fiber Optic Interface for more details.

Issue The network card is not working on the PC.  Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Access Expert, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Security Expert, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC IA Series TAC I/NET, TAC Vista Environment PC Network Interface Card Cause Require a method to test the network card. Resolution Assuming you have the correct protocols loaded:- Open up a command prompt and type ‘ipconfig’(1) then press enter to get a list of the available network cards. Find the specific network card by name (2) Record the IP Address (3) assigned to the card, e.g. 192.168.5.90 If the card is unplugged (4) connect a network cable and start back at step 1 If the network card does not appear in Device Manager check the drivers are correctly installed for the card and when installed correctly start back at step 1. If the network card still does not appear it could be disabled.  In Network Connections right click the adaptor and select Enable (5) and start back at step 1. After these steps if the network card still does not appear when running ipconfig it is most likely damaged. If/when an IP Address is successfully obtained open a Command Prompt and type ping followed by the IP Address of the card, for example ping 192.168.5.90 (1). A functioning card will respond with 4 successfully replies (2) and the associated statistics (3) As additional information a good first step would be to "ping 127.0.0.1". This will not test a network card but indicates that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and functioning on the host PC.

Issue Can I edit the configuration of Site Tap, 78061, or an emulated 06 Tap through a host tap (direct) connection? Environment 78061 Site Tap Emulated 06 Tap Host Tap connection Cause Being directly connected to a system and wanting to make changes to the site tap. Resolution No. You must dial into these site taps to update their configurations.

Issue Exporting files works fine from I/NET 2000 1.XX, but when Reporter is making a report, an  "Active X" error message is displayed. Environment I/NET 2000 Cause The ODBC driver or its toolbars has been corrupted.  Resolution In the PC's registry, delete the toolbars and restart Exporter / Reporter. If this does not fix the problem then re-install the ODBC driver. If you are running an I2K rev 2.xx you have to re-install I2K too. WARNING: Modifying the registry can damage the operation of the workstation if done incorrectly.

Issue Inputs on PCU are consistently reading too low Environment I/NET Cause There may be a short on one or more of the inputs or the power supply may have a problem. Resolution To check for a short in the inputs: Remove all the inputs Place one input back on the PCU Check the point value If it is normal, install and check the next input. Repeat through all inputs In summary, a short in a sensor's input to the PCU will affect all inputs on that bank.

Issue A 7700 and a 7740 are running DDC modules in I/NET 2000. Both DCUs have EPROMs (Non-MIPed). A "P-only" PID does not work. Environment I/NET 2000 Non-mipped EPROM Proportional-only PID control Cause P-Only mode is not available in the EPROM versions of the 7700 and 7740 DCUs. Resolution Use MIPs in these controllers to get this feature. Refer to TCON 206 or TCON 237, Direct Digital Control for more information.

Issue When attempting to run standalone WorkPlace Tech the following message is displayed. After attempting to launch Microsoft Office Visio, WorkPlace Tech was unable to access Visio functionality. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech version 5.8.X and 5.9.X Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 10 Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 2016 Microsoft Visio 2010 and 2013 Other versions of Office and Visio may apply.  These have known issues corrected by this procedure Cause A non-approved version of Microsoft Visio (Visio 2013/2016) was installed. Microsoft Visio 2013/2016 was uninstalled and replaced with Microsoft Visio 2010 SP2. It is suspected that the uninstall of Microsoft Visio 2013/2016 left behind files causing this issue. Resolution Uninstall Workplace Tech, Visio 2010 SP2, and Office 2013 and reinstall the software in the following order: Microsoft Office 2013 or Office 2016 Microsoft Visio 2010 SP2  Workplace Tech 5.8.X or WPT 5.9.X Run Visio standalone, shut it down, and then run WorkPlace Tech.

Issue CALC is not an option in the DDC editor of a 7700 or 7716. Environment DDC Editor 7700 7716 Cause The Calculation module exists only in MR controllers and ASCs. Resolution Use the DCU or PCU Calculation editor. Refer to TCON 209 or TCON 237 for more details about Calculations and DDC modules.

Issue What is a Parent Point in a UC (Unitary Controller)? Environment Unitary Controller Cause Feature information Resolution A parent point is nothing more than the AO or DO point to which you add a UC extension: VAV, AHU, PID, FLT, or HPMP. The functioning of the extension is directly tied to the state of the parent point and the command pairing. Refer to TCON 209 or TCON237 for important details.

Issue What editing actually resides in the UC (Unitary Controller)? Environment UC (Unitary Controller) Cause Not all programming capabilities are available in all controllers. Resolution The following editors reside in the UC: Station parameters Control Commands Conversion Coefficients Resident I/O points Unitary control VAV-UC extensions AHU-UC extensions HPMP-UC extensions UC-PID extensions UC-FLT extensions Refer to TCON 209 or TCON 237 for important details.

Issue Can I use a Setpoint Adjust Device (LTS80 Setpoint Adjust Knob or S/STAT Setpoint Adjust Slider) on most Controllers? Product Line TAC INET Environment LTS80 Setpoint Adjust Device S/STAT Setpoint Adjust Slider Cause Provide users with a physical knob or slider to control the space temperature setpoint. Resolution With a little programming it can be done. Refer to Tech Tip G074.

Issue Set up a MR-VAV-AX (ASC) as Standalone Product Line TAC INET Environment MR-VAV-AX Cause Air balance must be done to calibrate the airflow sensor on the MR-VAV-AX. Resolution Download Tech Tip 072   Equipment: Air Balancing Hood or Manometer and Digital Thermometer.   Assumptions: The MR is powered up. An I/STAT, or an M/STAT is plugged into the service port of a S/STAT or W/STAT, which is plugged into the MR-VAV-AX. The AHU is running. The Space sensor is installed. The Duct static pressure is constant. The dip switches are set properly for the desired VAV configuration. (See TCON 147) You have a Pocket Reference Card (TCON 149). You are familiar with the use and operation of the I/STAT / M/STAT with respect to navigating the Service mode to various mnemonics’ menus. (See TCON 147)   Initial Setup You should notice that two things have already happened: The MR is in the unoccupied mode. The setpoint adjust has defaulted to "-5", making the setpoint display appear low. For the MR to work in a Standalone mode the use of an off-board time clock for the occupied and unoccupied times is recommended. It should be connected to the "Local Occ" point(TB5 input #2 to TB5 ground.) The "Occ" mnemonic under Unit Parameters must be set to ONE for the "Local Occ" point to be used. If the MRs are to be left in the occupied mode indefinitely, install a jumper across the "Local Occ" point instead of using the time clock contacts. Connect the jumper to (TB5 input #2 to TB5 ground.) Using the I/STAT or M/STAT go to Set Temp and increase the value by 5°. This will get the Setpoint Adj. back to zero.   "Cooling Low Flow" (CLF - min. CFM) and "Cooling High Flow" (CHF - max. CFM) Setup Put the I/STAT or M/STAT into the Service Mode. Go to "AP", select "CLF", (the value displayed is "multiplied by" 1000 so 0.24 is 240). Enter the minimum CFM by using the arrow keys to position the LED for the digit to be changed and enter the value by using the "+" and "-" keys. Notice the decimal position will not move. You are entering the value "multiplied by" 1000. Refer to the Pocket Reference Card (TCON 149), paragraph 5. Usually the minimum air flow value can be found on the Mechanical box schedule drawings. The lowest reading that the ASC’s sensor can sense is about .03" to .05" of Water Column(W.C.) Therefore, the "CLF" must be set above this level. If the ASC is required to control in that range, it will tend to oscillate. Select "CHF" and enter the maximum CFM for this box at 1" W.C., this can be found on the DeltaP to CFM graph that is associated with this VAV box’s pickup device, or the box schedule may also provide the maximum cfm value.   Central Plant Heat "Heating Low Flow" (HLF) and "Heating High Flow" (HHF) Setup Use only if Central Plant Heat is required and setup Unit Parameter’s(UP) CPH set to "1". An open contact at Input 3 will indicate that the Central Plant Heat mode is on. A closed contact indicates CPH is off. Using the procedure described above for "CLF" and "CHF" instead select "HLF" and "HHF" and enter the desired Low and High Flow CFM values for the Heating Mode. Otherwise go to the next section. NOTE: If you have a auxiliary stage of heat, it will not be energized unless the CFM input is reading at least 80% of the "HLF" setting.   Calibrate the flow pickup: Go to Unit Parameter "UP", select "dd" (duct diameter). Enter the duct diameter this will enable the MR to calculate the Pickup Factor "PF" for us. NOTE: It is recommended that you begin with the value provided by the VAV Manufacturer for the pickup factor. Then calibrate if necessary using the following procedure. Go to "AP", select "PPF" (pickup factor calibration). The MR will drive the box open and modulate the damper to maintain the "CHF" level. This may take 5 - 10 minutes. NOTE: The stroke time is defined using the Damper Stroke (ds) parameter. The ASC provides several means of synchronizing the point with the physical damper position. 1. When this point is controlled to a value of 0, the decrease pulse will be on for 125% of the damper stroke. 2. When this point is controlled to a value of 100, the increase pulse will be on for 125% of the damper stroke. 3. When the damper stroke duration is modified, the decrease pulse will be on for 125% of the damper stroke. 4. When the power is cycled on the ASC, the decrease pulse will be on for 125% of the damper stroke. 5. Any time the ASC is the target of an Update_ASC or a Copy_Parms, the decrease pulse will be on for 125% of the damper stroke. After the reading has settled out, take a reading with a Hood or Manometer, which has been setup, and measure the actual CFM and enter that value now into the I/STAT-M/STAT using the Select and change buttons. The software has entered a unique Pick-up Factor "PF" in the MR for this box.   Calibrate space temperature (if necessary): To calibrate the Space Sensor while in the Service Mode, go to "oP" Operational Parameters. Select "CSS" (calibrate space sensor). Measure the actual temperature with a digital thermometer and enter the value. If your box has no heat or has a fan with electric heat. You’re finished. Go to the next box.   Hot water coil: If you have a hot water valve on your box and the stroke time is not 600 seconds: Go to "UP" (Unit Parameters) and select "Ho", Heating Output. Select1 for 1-OutPWM, 2 for 2 Out-PWM(Floating), or 3 for Duty Cycle 1 output. Go to "UP" Unit Parameters and select "HS" (heating stroke) and enter the actual stroke time in seconds.   Air Balance: If you require closely calibrated CFM readings proceed with the following steps: Go to "AP" (Airflow Parameters) Select "CPL" (calibrate low flow) and the damper will begin to close. Remember, the damper motor may take 3 minutes to get to the Cooling Low Flow setpoint. With a Hood, measure the total air flow and enter the measured CFM value. Select "CPH" (calibrate high flow). The damper will drive open to the Cooling High Flow setpoint. (remember the damper motor has a 185 sec stroke). When the reading stabilizes, take your measured CFM reading and enter it now. This procedure will de-calibrate the CFM input from the 0-1"readings to compensate for box, pickup, or hood irregularities/errors. Caution: When the decision is made to connect the MR-VAV-AX to a MRI or MCI please note the following: Avoid updating the MCI or ASC after initial setup as this will delete any MCI resident calculations, ATS, etc. that you may have added off-line that are residing at the same point addresses that the MR-VAV-AX is using. There are a variety of box types and a variety of other things that can be change if your application requires it. (Refer to TCON147)

Issue Access Control Doc-to-Dif Report on an older I/NET system Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET site Cause How to perform an Access Control Doc-to-Dif Report Resolution Take a look at Tech Tip G071, which describes the process.

Issue Set up the sensor and controller for use with a Dale Thermistor sensor Thermistor is reading incorrectly on controller Thermistors supported on which controllers. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Cause Requirements installing thermistors on I/NET Controllers including conversion coefficients and point configurations. Resolution Requirements installing thermistors on I/NET Controllers including conversion coefficients and point configurations. See Tech Tip G069.

Issue PID module has gone to "control-point" Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET DDC PID Cause The PID may have gone to "Control Point" due to unforeseen circumstances and is causing a problem. "Control Point" can also be used intentionally as a control strategy. Resolution Four reasons: If the Setpoint’s value crosses above or below the high or low input limits as populated in the PID editor, this will force the PID to go to control-point. If the process variable should reach the low or input sense limits as entered in the Resident I/O editor, the PID will go to control-point. If either the Setpoint or Process variable should go to "OLD" status, the PID will go to control-point until the "OLD" flag goes away. If the user should change any variable within the PID, when exiting the PID editor, the PID will go to control-point until the next scan of the module. For more information on this subject refer to Tech Tip G062.

Issue What is the difference between an Internal Analog Input (AI) and Pulse Input (PI) when it comes to fractional digits? Environment I/NET 7700 Cause It is not always clear the difference between Internal AIs and PIs when it comes to fractional digits. A clarification note will be added to the next release of the I/NET 7700 Operator Manual, but until then, please adhere to the following when you want to display fractional digits for either Internal point types. Resolution Internal Analog Inputs (AIs) Internal AIs are limited to a maximum value of 2 16 (65535). Internal AIs fractional digits are a direct result of the M value in the conversion coefficient table. If you want to display a value in hundredths (x.xx) the M must be .01 and the B=0 and the highest number to be displayed is 655.35. If you want a number to display a value in tenths (x.x) the M must be .1 and the B=0 and the highest number possible is 6553.5. Internal Pulse Inputs (PIs) Internal accumulators can accumulate not only pulses but analog values as well, but when it comes to fractional digits Internal PIs are completely different from Internal AIs. PIs are a floating point type number. This means there is no limit to the magnitude or the number of fractional digits, except that only 6 significant digits may be displayed at any one time. Therefore, the fractional digits are not ruled by the number of decimal places of the M value in the conversion coefficient table. In fact, for a Internal PI to work properly, you must utilize a conversion coefficient pair of M=1 and B=0. An Internal PI with a calculation of P0+P1, where P0 and P1 are External AIs with values of 34.1234 and 72.5678, would be able to display the 4 decimal places with no trouble. In fact, if you used a conversion coefficient of M=.0001 and B=0 for the Internal PI, and the AIs never changed their value, the Internal PI calculation would start rounding off the value every calculation. This rounding effect would in fact be shown by the value of the Internal PI getting smaller and smaller with every scan of the Internal PI. Remember, for a Internal PI to work properly, you must utilize a conversion coefficient pair of M=1 and B=0.

Issue Can 78040/50/60 TAPs be mixed in a network configuration with 78041/51/61 TAPs? Product Line TAC INET Environment 78040 TAP 78050 TAP 78060 TAP 78041 TAP 78051 TAP 78061 TAP Cause Mixing these two types has never been tested nor supported. Resolution Never mix these two types of TAPs in a single network. Refer to Tech Tip 047 for more information.

Issue When SigmaSvr is started for the first time after a Sigma 4.08 install, a Windows error 1067 error appears Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Satchwell Sigma Software (Sigma 4.08) Cause If SigmaSvr is started for the first time after a Sigma 4.08 install without the USB dongle plugged in the Sigma Server may fail to start. As a result, a dump file will be created in the Sigma directory after each start attempt. Resolution Before starting SigmaSvr, plug the Sigma USB dongle in. Let the driver install. Start the Sigma Server Delete the .dmp files in the Sigma directory.

Issue Documentation on memory usage for the 7910 and 7920 DPUs Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET site Cause Documentation on memory usage for the 7910 and 7920 DPUs Resolution Yes. TCON 237 pages 9-4 through 9-6 refers to INET 2000, 2.xx systems. Tech tips 039 and 035 were written for older I/NET systems.

Issue How I/NET 2.3X has the ability to designate a particular host to do an automatic restore Environment I/NET site Cause How I/NET 2.3X has the ability to designate a particular host to do an automatic restore Resolution Go to the host’s Network Configuration/Link Summary. Highlight the desired row. In that row you will find a column labeled “R/H”. This stands for Restore-Host. Modify this row. In the Restore Host prompt, place the same host number you entered in the host’s active Configuration Profile. (Don't forget to make sure that host has current save files!)