Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Automation Server Classic support for hosting MPX or RPC Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Classic, AS-P, AS-B Building Operation SmartX MPX, MPC, MPV field controller Building Operation SmartX RPC field controller Cause The original Automation Server (Classic) can be set up to fully host (host server) and configure both MPX and RPC devices, but the Architectural Guidelines do not specify how many devices can be fully hosted. Resolution Full hosting of MPX, RPC is only supported and tested on AS-P, AS-B and Enterprise Server. This is confirmed in the MPX and RPC Specification Sheet. "MP-C/MP-V/RPC can either be used as a standalone BACnet/IP field controller or as part of an EcoStruxure BMS with a SmartX AS-P or AS-B server or an Enterprise Server as the parent server." MPX, RPC can be simply be BACnet hosted on an Automation Server Classic, but the use as parent or host server is not supported or tested.

Issue After a successful commission of MP-x SmartX controller, the device is online and operating properly but fails to come back online after a warm start. The issue is seen more often when MP-x device is configured for DHCP but can also happen when configured for static IP address. (See the attached video which demonstrates the issue) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation SmartX IP Multi-purpose Controller (MP-X) Building Operation SmartX IP Room Controller (RP-C) Building Operation SmartX Controller IP-IO Series Cause Communication settings out of sync between the physical device and configuration database Resolution To synchronize the IP settings between the device and the configuration database follow these instructions from the online help  Discarding MP Series Controller IP Network Settings Changes

Issue A 3rd party system wants to poll data from EcoStruxure BMS server through Modbus, how to set it up? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause If an EcoStruxure BMS server needs to share data with a 3rd party system through Modbus, the EcoStruxure BMS server can act in one of two roles: Modbus TCP server or Modbus RTU Server (Slave) EBO server acting as RTU slave EBO server acting as Modbus TCP server   Resolution  Create a Modbus interface under the EcoStruxure BMS server and define the Modbus device ID for the EcoStruxure BMS server. Create Modbus points under this Modbus interface and set the register numbers and register type for the points. Create a Modbus Slave network for serial connection, select the COM port and set relative communication parameter. Or create a Modbus TCP Server for TCP connection and can change the default Modbus TCP port if needed (Usually just leave it as default). Use standard Modbus test software like Modscan to scan the points through TCP or serial. Use Function Code 1 or 2 to read Digital Modbus points and Code 3 or 4 for Analog Modbus points. Be sure to match the data length setting in Modscan with the real points number in the EBO server. For instance, if there are only 3 values in EBO Modbus interface, the data length setting must be less than 3 in Modscan. Or it will show error in Modscan. The below video will demonstrate how to configure EcoStruxure BMS server to act as Modbus TCP server or Modbus RTU slave  

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. 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 SP-C Controllers randomly going offline / online.  Restarting the controller resolves the issue for a short period of time. SP-C Controller ports showing TIME_WAIT when a netstat command is run. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller (SP-C) Cause Under normal conditions an SP-C needs to update the Security Expert Server with new data. During this time the IP Socket of the SP-C is in a Waiting State, refusing to communicate to anyone else while waiting for an opportunity to upload. Once the controllers data has been uploaded to the server however the controller releases the IP Socket and it is open again to new communication. In an extremely small number of cases the SP-C controller goes into this waiting state as usual but then never comes out of that state, holding onto the IP Socket forever and blocking any further communication until the controller is power reset. This only affects a very small percentage of SP-C controllers running Microsoft Windows CE OS Version 16. Resolution In these extremely rare cases the first step is to identify if the affected controllers are indeed running OS Version16.  For SP-C Firmware builds before 2.08.921 Log into the controllers configuration web page. Browse to the Configuration tab. Check the OS Version field at the bottom of the page. For SP-C Firmware build 2.08.921 and above the OS is now shown in a different location.   Once it is clear, that the OS is version 16, Product Support can be contacted to arrange to upgrade the controller OS to Version 20 (or greater) as is found in SP-C controllers shipping now. As this is a high risk procedure and can result in complete failure of the controller if anything goes wrong there are two options for upgrading the OS. Install the affected controller on a test bench with remote access for Product Support to remote in to and perform the update. Have the controller sent back to the factory to be updated and returned to site. Both options will require replacing the controller with temporary stock while the upgrade is being performed.

Issue Quick Knowledgebase access to Continuum 2.0X information Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cause A Knowledgebase article for Continuum 2.0X information in case a product announcement wasn't received. Resolution The initial release of Continuum v2.0 software was announced by Schneider Electric in PA-00353 CyberStation & web.Client v2.0. Version 2.0 includes a Software licensing option, SMTP email, support for Internet Explorer 10 & 11, and access control enhancements. Version 2.0 is a paid upgrade for all prior Andover Continuum versions (i.e. v1.9x and below). Release Documents: Feature Blast Compatibility Matrix Cyberstation Installation Guide Webclient Installation Guide Download Links: Continuum Cyberstation 2.0 Download Webclient 2.0 Download Software license and Ordering and activation process  

Issue Need to ensure that there are not any unresolved or invalid bindings Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation v1.5 and above Bindings Diagnostics Cause Bindings are invalid because they point to something that cannot be bound together or they are unresolved because the binding points to an object that is not in the database. Resolution From the Workstation run the Bindings Diagnostics to check for invalid or unresolved bindings.   Open the Control Panel To Check the Status of Bindings  click the option for Bindings Diagnostics.   Observe the Status to identify any invalid or unresolved bindings. Refer to the EBO Webhelp Binding Status Icons topic for more information Right-click the invalid or unresolved binding, edit the binding or view properties, and correct as appropriate.

Issue Integrating to Zigbee devices not available in Building Expert Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi Purpose Manager SmartStruxure Lite Building Expert Cause The Zigbee device is not available in Building Expert Resolution Zigbee devices are fairly complex to integrate when compared with EnOcean devices and requires development work from the engineers in R&D. Therefore, depending on the business case in your region, it has to be discussed with offer management on whether it could be part of the roadmap or not. You are reach out to the regional product managers to discuss about the opportunity. APAC - EMEA Dusan Janjic (dusan.janjic@schneider-electric.com) Ilda Metani (ilda.metani@schneider-electric.com)  North America Michael Sabinash (michael.sabinash@schneider-electric.com) South America Marcelo Varde (marcelo.varde@schneider-electric.com)   To be able to build a driver for a 3rd party Zigbee device, the following information are required. IEEE Address Endpoint(s) Cluster(s) Attributes Instead of waiting for R&D to build a driver though, you can always write your own script using the information above. However, no active support will be provided by our support teams.

Issue AS-P is restarting on its own intermittently. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (All Versions) Cause Log entries found within the system_log.txt file confirm that the intermittent restart issue is caused by power interruption. See the below example of what to look for: Apr 08 19:03:34 AS-P-04619A kernel: pmem: shutdown interrupt: pid=0, comm=swapper/0 Apr 08 19:03:34 AS-P-04619A kernel: [<80013920>] (unwind_backtrace+0x0/0xe0) from [<801f569c>] (pmem_shutdown_irq+0x54/0x74) Apr 08 19:03:34 AS-P-04619A systemd-journal[1360]: Journal stopped -- Reboot -- Apr 08 19:03:54 cpud pmem_util[656]: Found SyncBlock Partition at sector 0x5dc00, 192000 sectors long. pmem_util[656]: ---------------------------------------------------- pmem_util[656]: SyncBlock Header summary (from previous power fail): pmem_util[656]: Sequence number:             94 pmem_util[656]: Exit critical regions:       0ms pmem_util[656]: SyncBlock file systems sync: 20ms pmem_util[656]: SyncBlock write map:         0ms pmem_util[656]: SyncBlock write speed:       6399kB/s (Wrote 128kB) pmem_util[656]: Total power fail time:      ~130ms pmem_util[656]: ---------------------------------------------------- pmem_util[656]: Finished moving 240 sectors (120kB) pmem_util[656]: Exit Resolution When an AS-P detects a power outage, regardless of how brief, it will initiate the process to backup the run-time and configuration data from memory to storage and reboots itself.  Check the power source connected to the AS-P and take appropriate actions to improve uninterrupted power delivery. An example would be to deploy a UPS solution.

Issue When external internet access is not possible an alternative NTP Server is required to allow ES and AS to by time synchronized onsite. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server / Automation Server on closed network Eg Windows 7 Cause AS will not synchronize the time with a local NTP such as Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) without it first being configured. Even then, increasing Cyber Security features within EBO means that the use of a 3rd Party NTP is becoming a much better option. Resolution Preferred Solution The very best option for the latest versions of EBO would be to investigate. Meinberg NTP which is a third party NTP server that runs on the Win7 or Win10 OS and provides NTP by synchronizing with four or more Internet clocks and is a trusted time source in NTP.  It is not an officially supported PSS tool, but it does fix the issue of the ES/AS not trusting the time.   Windows 7  Config If you still wish to attempt the Windows 7 NTP option first the procedure to setup is as follows:    In the 'Services' window (part of Administrative Tools) Stop the 'Windows Time' service if already running. The 'Startup Type' could be set as Manual or Automatic depending on the user needs. In the Registry Editor following changes to be made under the Key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\W32Time: ** Config -> AnnounceFlags = 5. ** HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpServer -> Enabled = 1. Start the 'Windows Time' service in the 'Services' window(part of Administrative Tools). Note: NTP uses UDP Port 123 Below is a Wireshark capture using filter udp.port == 123 indicating the “Leap indicator” bits are 11, meaning “clock unsynchronized”. NOTE: The NTP client in the AS may ignore the time sent by the NTP server if the root dispersion is greater than 'X' seconds (unknown at this time). See Automation Servers ignore time sync message sent from Windows NTP server that uses local internal clock for information on how to determine whether this is a problem at the site and how to resolve it. Note: Test Lab results show that once validated and synchronized, the AS asks the time from the NTP about every 17 minutes. Two enhancements have been requested for a future release: Workstation gets an alarm if the NTP is not a valid reply A tick box setting in Workstation so the ES/AS can accept an invalidated reply(time)

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 Services for assistance. Issue No events are transferred to the Report Server SQL database. Trend logs are transferred just fine. In the report agent log you can see this message "Sequence contains no elements" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Report Server Cause The Enterprise Server has been renamed before the Report Server has been installed or before the Report Server Agent has started collecting data. Resolution This issue will be fixed in a future version, but until that, do the following to correct the issue: The fix is split into two sections. First, a section working with the "event.db" file from the SBO database, and second a section working with the "StruxureWareReportsDB" from SQL Management Studio. "event.db" from the SBO database Download http://www.sqliteexpert.com/download.html (Just take the personal one) Stop the Enterprise Server Copy the "event.db" file to a safe location Attach the "event.db" file to "SQLite Expert Studio" Get the first event from the event.db using the following query in the "SQL" tab: SELECT SEQNO,TimeStamp,EventGUID,SourceServer FROM t_7E_2FSystem_2FEvents_2FEventLog_2FEventRecords ORDER BY SeqNo LIMIT 1; Convert the TimeStamp with this "SBO TimeStamp Converter" tool "StruxureWareReportsDB" using SQL Management Studio Write the following SQL query in SQL Management Studio, using the converted time stamp, and the Guid you found previously. INSERT INTO StruxureWareReportsDB.dbo.tbEvents (DateTimeStamp,SeqNo,OriginalSeqNo,Guid) VALUES ('2014-04-17 08:35:23.857','1','1', '380d1c4c-c60b-11e3-8ecb-b8ac6f81243c') Start the Enterprise Server again Restart the Report Agent and let it run for a while.

Issue When saving or importing a MTA (Menta) file in SmartStruxure Workstation, and error is shown indicating that there are more than one occurrence of one or more file types in the MTA file. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Menta Function Block Cause A MTA file contains various files that together forms the complete program. In some cases (e.g. when using a . in the MTA file name) various occurrences of the same file types will be placed in the MTA file. Resolution Open the MTA file in with the Menta editor Mark everything and export as an AUT file Create a new MTA file Insert the AUT file created in step 2 Save the MTA file only using standard characters Import the the MTA file Generate the MTA file to ensure you have no errors and all the public constants have been updated.

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 Services for assistance. Issue Some IO modules status showing as 'Blacklisted device detected" or "Address shift detected" or a system alarm is received indicating the condition. AS trace logs may show one of the following entries... 2015-08-18 17:41:02.675 [1256862784] nsp.pin.cio.IODevice Module at address 14 is reporting Internal Error Code 32 2015-08-18 17:41:02.757 [1256862784] nsp.pin.cio.IODevice Module at address 28 is reporting Internal Error Code 32 2015-08-18 17:41:02.825 [1256862784] nsp.pin.cio.IODevice Module at address 12 is reporting Internal Error Code 32 2015-08-18 17:41:02.869 [1256862784] nsp.pin.cio.IODevice Module at address 13 is reporting Internal Error Code 32 2015-08-18 17:41:02.951 [1256862784] nsp.pin.cio.IODevice Module at address 15 is reporting Internal Error Code 32   2015-06-18 10:05:13.912 [1255584832] nsp.pin.cio.CIOException Error: Bad_Address (0xb0000), module Automation_Server_Io_Bus(31), moduleCode 0, dispString "AS address is invalid", techString "nsp_servers/plugins/CentralIOPlugIn/CIO/source/IOManager.cpp line 460" 2015-06-18 10:05:20.789 [1255584832] nsp.pin.cio.IOBus IOBusServer::run: Caught CIO exception from slot 3   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Cause One or more terminal base may have to be replaced. Intermittent IO connection (typically in S-cable). Resolution Follow this document or Blacklisted Device Detected for steps to resolve the problem.

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 During the installation of PCT 2 and 'Starting VM pct' step, one encounters the error: "Error: System.InvalidOperationException: Failed to run: Start-Vm -Name pct". Open Hyper-V Manager and confirm the 'pct' VM was created. Manually trying to start produces this error: Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool 2.0 Cause Hyper-V is not set to start on boot automatically. Resolution DO NOT perform these instructions if PCT 1 is installed on the same OS. Contact Product Support for assistance. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator. Type: bcdedit /enum​  Ensure 'Hypervisorlaunchtype' is not 'Off' and set to 'Auto' by running the following command: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto​ Reboot the PC Rerun PCT 2 installer

  Issue Fail to login to the selected server when the User name and Password are correct. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool 2.0 Cause In the example, the Server is in EBO 3.2.1.630 and the Workstation is 3.2.3.59. The Workstation is at a higher version than the Server but it's not the latest version. PCT loads the incorrect IP(192.168.10.2) in the WS due to the version.     Resolution PCT requires to use of the latest version of WorkStation for all releases (3.2, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0).  For example: EBO 3.2.1.630, 3.2.2.61, 3.2.3.59 and 3.2.4.1009 use WorkStation 3.2.4.4007(CP2) or above. EBO 4.0.1.86, 4.0.2.559, 4.0.3.176, 4.0.4.45 and 4.0.5.7 use WorkStation 4.0.5.3004(CP2) or above.    

Issue Using the Function Block Program Macro Library Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause The need for program examples on creating Function Block Programs Resolution To assist with creating Function Block Programs, the EBO Function Block Program Macro Block Library is included in the EBO Workstation installation. Here's how you can leverage the Macro Library: Access the Macro Library: Open the EBO Workstation. Navigate to the Function Block Program section. Locate and access the Macro Library. Incorporate the Macro Library: Once inside the Macro Library, explore the various pre-built Function Block Program macros available. Select the desired macro that aligns with the specific function you intend to program. Integrate the selected macro into your Function Block Program to enhance its functionality. Learn by example: The Macro Library also serves as an excellent resource for learning and understanding how to program specific functions. Study the structure and logic of the included macros to gain insights into effective programming practices. Utilize the examples as a starting point to develop your own customized Function Block Programs. The EBO Function Block Program Macro Block Library is designed to simplify and accelerate your programming tasks within EcoStruxure Building Operation. Leverage the library's resources and example programs to enhance your programming skills and efficiency.  

Issue When attempting a device browse in Workplace Tech 5.10.1, an error pop up, "CoCreateInstance(CLISD_RTApplication) failed" is invoked A critical error with Rtmonitor.exe when running Workplace Commissioning Tool Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech => 5.10.1  Workplace Commissioning Tool => 5.10.1 Windows OS 32 bit Cause Environment Variables /variable/path includes the incorrect path to the LonWorks\bin.  This doesn't allow the rtmonitor.exe to be executed. Resolution When the Workplace Tech 5.10.1 bundle of applications are installed, the Environment Variables is modified to include,  %ProgramFiles(x86)%\LonWorks\bin In a 32 bit OS, this ProgramFiles(x86) folder does not exist.  This path has to be modified so the assets can be found. Remove the "(x86)" so the path appears as below. Note: This is only applicable for 32 bit operating systems.

Issue Simple Modbus Lua Script Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Lua Programming Cause Simple script to test Modbus function Resolution In each of the samples, the following needs to be observed: The Modbus port is closed and opened with the port settings. The samples can be combined but the port is only set once. The settings for the Modbus RS485 port requires an address, in this instance 99 is used. This must be different from the slaves. The nnn.MOD1 must be left unchecked so that it is not enabled. This will allow the Lua script ModbusB to work. For added functionality the "Print" command is used. The "print" command provides added functionality indicating a successful read / write in the output window. If the result = 0 then the read / write is successful. Anything else is an error code. Contact Product Support. The value = is the value that is either read in or written dependant on the function used. The following samples provide simple read / write functions.: Coil Registers Digital Input Registers Holding Registers Input Registers 32bit Floating Point

Issue Unable to read any public signals from TAC Xenta 300/400/280 in a TAC Xenta 511, but SNVTs from TAC Xenta 100 controllers are fine. Environment Xenta Programmables Xenta 511 Xenta 100 series ASCs Cause The TAC Xenta 511 is not a member of the TAC Vista group. Resolution Go to the System plug-in Choose LNS Network >Create group bindings.

Issue Access Event messages say, "Access Mode No Communications." What does this mean? Environment IOU module Access Server Cause This message means that the controller/IOU module is losing communications with the Access Server (Workstation that is selected as either the Primary or Secondary Access Server). Resolution  Troubleshoot your communications network. Note: When you are in No Communications mode, your personnel records will be validated based on of how you configured the door to validate while in No Communications mode.

Issue When opening a pinpoint graphic on Cyberstation, Continuum displays the error "Can't Create Empty Document." Environment CyberStation Cause This error may be displayed when trying to create or open a graphic file. May indicate that either the XML parser or the Pinpoint.INI file has been corrupted.  Resolution The fix is to reinstall the XML parser. On the workstation displaying the error, exit Continuum gracefully. Open  Windows Explorer Browse to the C:\Windows Folder Find and delete Pinpoint.ini  (Continuum will rebuild this file on startup). Try to edit or create a graphic file. If the problem persists, the fix is to reinstall the XML parser. On the workstation displaying the error, exit Continuum gracefully. Open  Windows Explorer Browse to the Program Files > Continuum > Install folder Run msxml3.msi Run msxml4.msi If you have an older version of Continuum you may only find msxml3.msi. You should not have to reboot the workstation after the install has completed successfully. Start Continuum You may need to Uninstall Continuun, reboot, Reinstall Continuum If the above doesn't correct the issue, go to a restore point prior to the problem or reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows and Cyberstation