Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How do Controller LANs connect to Host LANs? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Site Cause Understanding network architecture can help design and servicing of networks. Resolution Controller LANs connect to Host LANs through Link Taps. (TCON209, 1-5). Refer to Explain and define I/NET Ethernet, C-LAN, and Sub-LAN communication for further explanation.

Issue Which I/NET program is primarily responsible for transferring I/Net system messages to the database files? Environment I/NET site Cause Which I/NET program is primarily responsible for transferring I/Net system messages to the database files? Resolution DBServer. (TCON 209, 1-8)

Issue Which program starts and runs Exporter or Reporter? Environment I/NET site Cause Which program starts and runs Exporter or Reporter? Resolution I/NET Timer. (TCON209, Tab 1-1. I/NET Software Components)

Issue What visual indication is present when I/O server is running? Environment I/NET I/O Server Windows operating systems Cause Use the Windows system tray to determine if I/NET's companion program, I/O Server is running. This must be running to facilitate communications. Resolution The I/NET host workstation needs to communicate with many external devices, including other host workstations, NPRs, Taps and controllers. I/NET uses a companion program, I/O Server, to facilitate efficient communication functions. I/O Server must be running for most I/NET communication functions to occur. Each time it is started, I/NET launches I/O Server, which runs in the background. By default, I/O Server continues to run as a background task even after I/NET is shut down. This enables your host software to continue to receive I/NET data even if the host software is not operating. Should you need to disable the I/O Server temporarily, you can shut it down manually. You can also instruct I/NET to shut down all I/NET-related background tasks automatically. When I/O Server is running, an icon is visible in the Windows system tray. The specific icon loaded will depend upon whether the workstation is directly connected to a Tap. Right-clicking on the icon allows you to manually shut down I/O Server or to start the configuration program.

Issue IP routing information specific to each profile is stored where? Environment I/NET Site Cause IP routing information specific to each profile is stored where? Resolution It is stored in a *.DAT file. (TCON 209, Configuration Profiles,1-9)

Issue One folder, on a jobsite computer, contains all the DMS backups done over the past several years.  Since each backup contains multiple files, how can the files be identified and then grouped together for easy retrieval in the future? Environment DMS35, DMS350A, and DMS3500 (revisions 9, 10, and 11) Cause Multiple DMS backups were performed from the same jobsite computer. They were not grouped by name or date. All the backup files exist in one folder in a disorganized state. Resolution The files created from a database 'save' for a DMS35 or DMS3500 are: filename.IOC (stores DMS point IDs, records, alarm parameters) filename.UC (stores DMS point configuration elements) filename.PG (stores DMS tables and schedules) filename.UDP (stores UDPs in the DMS panel) The files created from a database 'save' for a DMS350A include the four listed above as well as: filename.Dxx (stores DCM tables, schedules, and other elements) filename.Uxx (stores DCM UDPs) where xx = DCM address 01-32

Issue Is it OK to change configuration profiles in a stable I/NET network? Environment I/NET network Cause In accordance with TCON 209, there may be differences in the routing data for each configuration profile. Resolution You should not change configuration profiles in a stable I/NET network. (TCON 209, 1-10)

Issue Can I/NET 2000 use more than one serial port at a time? Environment I/NET site Cause Can I/NET 2000 use more than one serial port at a time Resolution No. (TCON 209, Serial Port Configuration 1-10)

Issue What is the baud rate when you are direct connected to a NPR 2000 Environment I/NET site Cause What is the baud rate when you are direct connected to a NPR 2000? Resolution It is fixed at 19,200. (TCON 209, Serial Port Configuration)

Issue When configuring Hosts to communicate using TCP/IP may I use the same host address for each workstation? Environment I/NET site Cause When configuring Hosts to communicate using TCP/IP may I use the same host address for each workstation? Resolution No. This number MUST be unique. (TCON 209)

Issue What is File Equalization? Environment I/NET Site Cause What is File Equalization? Resolution File Equalization allows host workstations connected to an Ethernet LAN to share certain data files. (TCON 209, 1-10)

Issue If the Filemaster workstation is powered off, will file equalization still occur? Environment I/NET file equalization Cause The filemaster is required for equalization. Resolution If the filemaster workstation is powered off, or if EqualSrv is not  available, file equalization cannot occur. Furthermore, other host  workstations will not be able to modify any of the equalized files. It is recommended that the filemaster workstation be powered by a uninterruptable power supply (UPS). See TCON 209, 1-13 for more information.

Issue If the Filemaster workstation is "ON" but the Equalsrv is not available, will File Equalization still occur? Environment I/NET Site Cause If the Filemaster workstation is "ON" but the Equalsrv is not available, will File Equalization still occur? Resolution No, file equalization will not occur without Equalsrv. For more information, see TCON300.

Issue Does I/NET 2000 launch "EqualCli" automatically? Environment I/NET 2000 Cause File equalization is required if you have more than one host workstation which will need access to any of the above files. One host workstation is designated as the filemaster. This designation is performed in the Configure program and is maintained in the configuration profile. When you select the Set as filemaster option, Configure automatically completes the filemaster name field with the Computer name (found in the Identification tab under Windows Network settings). The filemaster name field is read-only on the filemaster station and cannot be changed. Resolution Yes, EqualCli will launch automatically. For more information see TCON 209, The Filemaster, 1-13. When the workstation is designated as the filemaster, I/NET stores a master copy of each equalized file in the \MSTR directory. It is important that the designated workstation be constantly powered and that the EqualSrv program be running. EqualSrv will dock an icon in the system tray to indicate it is active. Both EqualSrv and EqualCli are launched automatically by I/NET on the filemaster workstation and stay running as background tasks, even when I/NET is shut down. If necessary, you can manually shut down EqualSrv from the system tray icon menu. Warning: If the filemaster workstation is powered off, or if EqualSrv is not available, file equalization cannot occur. Furthermore, other host workstations will not be able to modify any of the equalized files. It is recommended that the filemaster workstation be powered by a uninterruptable power supply (UPS). All other host workstations must enter the Computer name of the filemaster workstation in the Filemaster name field. I/NET launches the EqualCli program on the host workstations automatically. Before any host workstation can access an equalized file, the EqualCli program contacts the EqualSrv program running on the filemaster station to ensure that any modifications can be passed to the filemaster copy. If, for some reason, EqualCli cannot make contact with EqualSrv, the operator will receive an error message and will not be able to access the equalized file. This ensures that no updates to the file are lost. If EqualCli makes contact with EqualSrv, the operator is permitted to access and modify the equalized file. EqualCli passes the updates to EqualSrv, who then updates the filemaster copy. If the update is successful, EqualSrv will make the file available to all the host workstations. There are three events which trigger the file equalization procedure. When I/NET is launched on any host workstation. When an operator attempts to access an equalized file. When any operator successfully updates an equalized file.

Issue Are NPR 2000s designed to withstand more rigorous conditions than PCs? Environment I/NET Site Cause Are NPR 2000s designed to withstand more rigorous conditions than PCs? Resolution Yes. (TCON 209 Series 2000 NetPlus Router, 1-16)

Issue A 7792 is used specifically for what? Environment I/NET site Cause A 7792 is used specifically for what? Resolution It is the interface to Micro Regulators (MRs) and Application Specific Controllers (ASCs), (TCON 209, 1-21)

Issue Selection and installation of a pulsed output module. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Heat Meter Multical 602 Pulsed output module No pulses Cause Installed card does not give output pulses. Resolution Selection of the output card. The Schneider Electric part number is MAPULSETOPC and this is the equivalent to Kamstrup part number 602-0C This card will provide 2 pulse outputs for energy and volume, CE and CV respectively. Normally, energy (CE) is connected to 16-17 and volume (CV) to 18-19, but other combinations can be selected via the PC program METERTOOL, also used to select pulse duration 32 or 100 ms. The MAPULSETOPC is actually a top module, which means that it is fitted into the top piece of the MC602 calculator, basically the inside LCD cover. This is released by pressing downwards in the middle of the plastic piece on the left, and at the same time pushing the top module towards the left.

Issue A 7791 is used specifically for what? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Site Cause A 7791 is used on security/access control installations. Resolution It is the interface for Door Processing Units (DPUs). (TCON209, 1-20) TCON Number and Title Cross Reference (with links) is TCON information. Explain and define I/NET Ethernet, C-LAN, and Sub-LAN communication is a chart to explain further.

Issue A 7793 is used specifically for what? Environment I/NET site Cause A 7793 is used specifically for what? Resolution A 7793 is the interface for Micro Regulators (MRs), Application Specific Controllers (ASCs), and Door Processing Units (DPUs). (TCON209, 1-20).

Issue How many subLAN controllers can a 7798 support? Environment I/NET site Cause How many subLAN controllers can a 7798 support? Resolution A 7798 can support up to 32 MRs, ASC, DPUs, or any combination on a subLAN. (TCON 209,1-23) Please note that if you are using bin file 1.09, the number of controllers is limited to 27.