Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Project specifications call for there to be no default administrator password in the BMS.  Can the ACC user in Andover Continuum be deleted? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Administrator password Continuum CyberStation Permissions Cause By default Andover Continuum always creates the ACC administrative user on all system but this is deemed unacceptable by some project specifications. Resolution The Andover Continuum default ACC admin user cannot be deleted, however it can be renamed and its permissions can be removed/amended.  

Issue What should be considered when prepairing for upgrading to Niagara 4.10? What known issues should I be aware of when upgrading to Niagara 4.10 and how can I prepair for them? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server I/A Series N4 Jace 8000 Cause Define potential issues with an N4.10 upgrade Resolution The following details a set of upgrade considerations and known issues and their workarounds regarding Niagara 4.10. Please review prior to upgrading to Niagara 4.10. Niagara 4.10 and Default NRE Memory Changes: The increased size of some core libraries in Niagara 4.10 required changes to the default NRE Memory Pool settings for use on a JACE-8000. MetaSpace memory needed to be increased to allow applications to run without issue.   Note: any previous custom memory configuration applied to the JACE-8000 will be reset upon upgrade to 4.10. Prior to upgrading your JACE-8000, please review Default NRE Memory Pool Configuration Changes In 4.10.     Niagara 4.10 System DB Upgrade: In Niagara 4.10, we upgraded SystemDB from Orient v2 to v3, and as a result of that change, any customers that are utilizing SystemDB on their Supervisor stations will need to re-index accordingly upon upgrading to 4.10.   Please note, re-indexing can take a considerable time upon upgrade, and the DB will not have accurate information when queried until the index is complete accordingly. Prior to upgrading your Supervisor, please review System DB Must Be Re-indexed for Upgrades to Niagara 4.10+ from Earlier Niagara.     Niagara 4.10 and Third-Party Modules Keeping your Niagara installations safe and secure is our highest priority. In Niagara 4.10, ALL third-party modules must be signed with either a trusted valid certificate or a self-signed certificate to successfully run on a station. This new policy greatly increases the security posture of Niagara installations by making administrators aware of any modules that may have been tampered with, compromised or derived from untrustworthy sources.   Niagara's new signature enforcement feature is being rolled out over multiple Niagara releases. The first iteration was built into release 4.8 to give developers adequate time to make the transition to always signing any third-party modules.   Niagara 4.8 produced console and Security Dashboard warnings about unsigned modules but allowed them to run on a station. As of Niagara 4.10, unsigned modules will not execute.   For more information, please review the Niagara documentation on Third Party Module Signing   Niagara 4.10 Updated Operating Systems, Browsers, and Databases For the latest information on supported operating systems, please refer to Supported OS and other software in the Niagara 4 Framework Installation Guide.   Tridium remains focused on keeping pace with advancing IT infrastructure to enable more efficient, long-term support of each release version. This policy enhances the security posture of a Niagara installation by ensuring that only the most robust, secure operating systems and enterprise applications are compatible with the framework. The list below provides information on what we will be supporting with Niagara 4.10.   OS, Browser, Database Version Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.1 (64 bit), 7.7 Windows Server 2019 (64 bit), Server 2016 (64 bit), Windows 10 (64 bit) VMWare ESXi 6.7 Oracle Database 19.3, 18.3, ... 12.2/12.1 MySQL Database 8 MS SQL Database 2019, 2017, 2016 Browsers Chrome, FireFox, Microsoft Edge Mobile Browsers Safari (iOS 12, 13), Chrome (Android 8, 9, 10)   As with all software products, we must also deprecate support for some operating systems and enterprise applications.  Nevertheless, you can be confident that the above list will handle your needs moving forward.   Using Web Launcher with Niagara 4.10 Web Launcher 20.4.2 was recently revamped for Niagara 4.10 to include essential software dependencies updates along with critical defect fixes. This version of Web Launcher has Java version 8 update 275 and certificate management has been updated to work with Niagara 4.10 along with any legacy or prospective release.   Prior to using Web Launcher with Niagara 4.10, the customer should update Web Launcher accordingly (see steps below). Updating WebLauncher Web Launcher has a feature to check for updates over the internet and prompts the user when a new version is available in the cloud. However, the existing version of Web Launcher has a bug that prevents a smooth update. Users will be required to perform a fresh install by downloading the latest version from the cloud via the station web Login page.   Click on the Niagara Web Launcher Installer link on the station's Web Launcher Web Page, which can be reached via the link on the Login page itself. Once the download is successful, click on the msi file and follow the installation wizard. You do not have to uninstall the older version. The new installation will automatically update to the latest version.

Issue After changing a controller's IP settings, it does not come online and cannot be accessed via its web interface. The controller can be accessed via its web interface by temporarily defaulting the IP address. Still, changes to its IP settings cannot be saved and are instead met with the following "Invalid Port" errors. Invalid Port – Module UDP Port Invalid Port – Touch Screen UDP Port Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controllers (SP-C, SP-ACX, SP-AC1, SP-C-WEB) Cause The controller's HTTP Port has been set to 0. If this field is set to no value, this is converted to an invalid 0 value, the controller will no longer be accessible via the web interface and will require defaulting the IP address to connect. Resolution Change the HTTP Port to a valid value. The default HTTP Port is 80, but it should be changed to another available port for increased security.

Issue In TAC Vista, we had a function for the OGC graphics called standard graphic. Do we have something similar in Building Operation? Product Line EcoStuxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation 2.0 and above Graphics  Cause All graphics connected to the standard graphic in TAC Vista changed if the standard graphic was changed. This is a very useful function when having many similar graphics.    In Building Operation, a new object was implemented in version 1.8 labeled shared Graphics, Custom Types superseded this in version 2.0, and this function is similar to shared Graphics but not identical. Resolution There is no direct function like this in Building Operation.  Custom Types is the only similar feature available in the currently supported versions of Building Operation. Additional information can be viewed in the online help topic Custom Types Overview.  

Issue Backup set file cannot be imported.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Automation Server Enterprise Server Backup set file Cause Backup set file is very large so import of backup set file fails.   Resolution A current workaround is to manually copy the backup file set to the default backup location. Browse to C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup or C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation x.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup By default the ProgramData folder is hidden. To view the ProgramData folder follow the below steps: Select Organize>>Folder and Search options. In Folder options under view tab select "Show hidden files,folders and drives". Manually copy the Enterprise Server Backup set file and paste to the below location: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup\LocalBackup   Manually copy the Automation Server Backup set file and paste to the below location: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup\ASArchives

Issue How to add a third party LonWorks device? How to create a LonWorks device template? Why is a device template not available after import? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation version 1.8 and above Building Operation WorkStation Cause In order to add a third party device, need to create a device template (XIF file) for it. Device templates must be created in the server that the controller will created under. If a third party controller is going to be added to an AS-P that is associated to an ES, then the template must be created when logged into the AS-P directly. Resolution To import a device template   Log in to the SmartStruxure Server in which the device will be added underneath. In Workstation, Right mouse click on the Server and select LonWorks then import device Template. In the XIF file box, select the XIF file to import. Click Import. In the Template Name field, type a name for the template. Click OK. In the Import Device Template box, click Close. Now, this third party device template will be listed when adding a device into the LonWorks network. Note: If the device template refers to NVT or CPTs not on your system, you will be prompted to import necessary resource files. When the resource files have been imported, the device template import restarts. When finished, the device template is imported and available when creating a new device.

Issue Performing a firmware upgrade on a reader expander module via the SP-C's web page will fail with the message: "Error - The module failed to restart in boot mode" Firmware update failure Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment SP-C, SP-RDM2, SP-MRDM2. Cause Cause 1 There was an intermittent communications fault hindering the update process. Cause 2 There are Smart Card Readers connected to the reader expander module, which are set to RS485 communication. This appears to be causing RS485 communication issues between the SP-C and the reader expander which is hindering the firmware upgrade process. Resolution For Cause 1 Run the module upgrade process again. For Cause 2 Physically remove all connected RS485 Smart Card Readers from the reader expander module being upgraded. Run the module upgrade process again. Once the reader expander firmware has been successfully upgraded, reconnect all Readers.

Issue Where can I find information on EWS? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled SmartConnector Cause Documentation required Resolution Documents can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center - EcoStruxure Web Services EcoStruxure Web Services Specification can be found at: SmartConnector Server

Issue Living Space Sensore goes offline after upgrading SmartX Controller firmware from 2.0x to 3.01 or later Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) v3.01 or later Building Operation SmartX Living Space Sensor Cause Living Space Sensor RJ-45 connector is plugged into Room Bus port on RPC. Resolution Move RJ-45 connector from Room Bus port to Sensor Bus port.

Issue The Exchange Download Center contains all of the assets you once accessed through the Buildings Extranet are now available on a brand new platform. It's easy to search and fast to download. Stay tuned for more great features as we roll this into the all-new extranet solution for Buildings. We ask that you register for a new account on The Exchange.   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Exchange Download Center Cause You can utilize the new Buildings web experience from The Exchange. Resolution Navigate to https://ecoxpert.se.com/ * Use a modern browser for the best experience: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer version 8 or later. If you receive the following error in Internet Explorer despite using version 8 or later, the browser displays the page in Compatibility View. Click here for more information on Compatibility View and how to disable it. The Download Center will not function properly in Compatibility View.   On the header bar, you will see the option in the top right corner for “Login / Register.” Click it.   If you are already registered, enter your email address and password. If this is your first time registering, click the link for “New to the Download Center? Register here!”   Answer whether or not you are a Schneider Electric employee using the radio buttons. If you are a Schneider Electric employee, enter your SESA ID and your desired password for The Exchange. Click to accept Schneider Electric’s Terms and Conditions and hit “Create Account.” * The first time you register, you must be connected to the Schneider Electric network or connected via VPN. This is only required at registration. All future logins can be done externally. If you are not a Schneider Electric employee, enter your first name, last name, company name, location, business email address, and desired password for The Exchange. * It is important to use your business email address if you are a licensed partner. Your email address is used to automatically validate your Partner status and assign the correct permissions to your user profile.   An email is sent to your designated inbox with a link to click through and validate your email address. Once this is done, your login is created, and you are ready to start using the Download Center. * If an error is displayed when trying to validate your authentication code, please try to log in. This happens when an email address has already been verified and oftentimes does not indicate an error with the registration.   Once logged in, you can search and download assets available to your user profile. If you attempt to download a file that you do not have access to, you will be given a chance to report if this is in error. Your username, email, and the asset you are trying to access are recorded. Please enter a message if any further description is required and hit “Submit.” A member of our team will get back to you promptly with a resolution. Web Site Support For any issue regarding The Exchange Download Center, please contact us at exchangesupport@schneider-electric.com.

Issue When trying to embed a website in an N4 Px view, the site renders in Workbench but not in most browsers displaying this error in the browser's developer console; Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Workbench Web Browsers, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer Cause Most major browsers no longer support NPAPI/Java plugins.  Oracle has stated they would remove it in JDK 9  and from Java entirely.  The N4 WebBrowser object under the workbench pallet requires Java to work correctly.  That is why it only works in the Workbench environment, Internet Explorer, and older Oracle Java platforms. Resolution When using the WebBrowser object in Niagara N4. Viewing in the Browser Preview Mode or in an actual browser that doesn't support the Java plugin, the embedded site will not render. The only solution is to use Internet Explorer or the Web Launcher application detailed in the attached document to view the Px. For more information, refer to the Niagara Web Launcher - Niagara Java-based Web Clients Guide PDF

Issue How do I configure outbound email to satisfy a hosting service that requires SSL/TLS Product Line TAC IA Series Environment ENC-410 ENC-520 JACE-2 Cause Many SMTP(email) host no longer except non-secure email for transmission.  They require, at minimum, SSLv3 inbound messages. Resolution The devices mentioned in the "Environment" section all use the IBM J9 Java Virtual Machine and can not be configured for the minimum secure socket the hosts require.  You must upgrade this hardware if you want to use one of these secure SMTP Host providers. If you are unsure of the JVM on the device, look at the Platform of the device.; The Jace 6E/645 and the Jace 8000 use the Oracle-Sun HotSpot JVM and meet the requirements. ENC 520 (J404) unsupported SSL/TLS Jace 6E-645 Supported TLS using the Oracle-Sun Hotspot JVM Jace 8000 Supported TLS using the Oracle-Sun Hotspot JVM

Issue How to Identify a specific PCT (Project Configuration Tool) project. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool Cause How to identify a specific PCT (Project Configuration Tool) project. Resolution In PCT check the project name for the project to be the backup. For this example, the project named “Test 5 Project” is used.   Go to the project storage folder. (The following is the default locations for PCT v1.2.7.223): C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\storagemodule\projects   Using a text editor (for example Notepad or Notepad++) open each folder then open the file “project.thrift.pctj”, Open each folder in turn until the correct project has been identified to backup. The stored project folder name can be seen:   Further on in the text editor, the PCT project name can be seen, in this example 'Test 5 Project'.   Alternatively click the “edit” menu item and select find (ctrl + F) from the options and search the text for the PCT project name. Making sure PCT is not running when copies of any of the projects are taken

Issue BACnet Interface has "!" with unresolved references Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server v2.0 or later Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Cause During the startup of a Smart-X controller, the auto-association feature fails and the data becomes corrupted Resolution Go to BACnet Interface -> Time Sync Recipients Find any devices listed as DEVICE_<Instance ID>, select & delete Verify all devices listed are configured as follows: SmartX controllers Recipient Type: Reference Recipient Device Object Reference: <Device in System Tree> If Recipient Name does not match, copy from Object Reference and paste in the field. This helps humans troubleshoot the issue. DO NOT set Recipient Type = MAC Address, Network ID = Global Network or Local Network, Mac Address = Broadcast. This will set time on other ES/AS with BACnet Interface on the BACnet System.

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 The added to parent column shows incorrect information. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause PCT doesn't detect detachment in WorkStation. Resolution Do not detach the child server from its parent in PCT. Webhelp information: Adding a Virtual EcoStruxure BMS Child Server to a Parent Server.

Issue How is a Pulse Digital Output (BACnet Binary Output) created via a Continuum Conversion Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 Controller Infinet Controller Continuum Conversion Cause A Continuum Infinet Output created as Elec Type Digital has Format $###, as below When this is converted to EBO, a Type "BACnet Digital Output (Continuum) binary-output" is created. Resolution The Format needs to be modified to ###.### or #.###, as below The BACnet binary output created in the conversion will now be  a "Digital Pulsed Output" Summary below  

Issue A large number of "A Log Data Transfer Has been Missed" events are being reported by the AS. All events are associated with b3 points that have intrinsic logging configured (where log configuration is part of the point properties configuration) and a StruxureWare Building Operation Extended Trend Log is attached to the point. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 Log Data Transfer Extended Trend Logs Cause We have seen these events reported when the number of log records configured in the b3 point is not evenly divisible by the Maximum Log Transfer Interval in the Extended Trend Log object. When the Extended Trend Log retrieves data from the objects intrinsic log in the b3 controller, it grabs this data in batches or portions. The size of these portions is defined by the Maximum Transfer Interval in the Extended Trend Log configuration. For example, where a b3's intrinsic log is set to 1 hour Log Interval and the Log Records is set to 72 (three days), if its associated Extended Trend Log has a Maximum Transfer Interval of 1 Day, the it will grab the first 24 records during the first pass, the next 24 records during the second pass and the remaining 24 records during the last pass. If the number of Log Records defined in the point configured is 80 instead of 72, the same Extended Trend Log will grab the remaining data in a fourth pass. However, if the amount of data remaining to be grabbed does not represent a span of time equal to the Maximum Transfer Interval, the Extended Trend Log will not grab a full period of data. In some cases when this happens data from this fourth pass can be lost and this will be reported as an "A Log Data Transfer Has been Missed: event. Example: Using our example above, and an intrinsic log Record Count of 80, the Extended Trend Log will grab the first 24 records during the first pass, the next 24 records during the second pass, the next 24 records during the third pass. It will then grab the last eight log records in a fourth and last pass. It is during the transfer of this last smaller group of data where there may be a failure of the data transfer. Resolution The number of Log Records configured in the points intrinsic log times the Log Interval should equal a period of time that is evenly divisible by the Maximum Transfer Interval time period. For example, if the Extended Trend Log is configured for a Maximum Transfer Interval of 24 hours, and the b3 point is configured for a 15 minute Log Interval, the Log Records can be set to either... Log Records = 96 (4 samples per hour X 24 hours -- a full days worth of data) Log Records = 192 (4 samples per hour X 48 hours -- two full days worth of data) Log Records = 288 (4 samples per hour X 72 hours -- three full days worth of data) and so forth.

Issue Experiencing issues with I/O modules that may include: Backplane failure causing modules to assume wrong module ID Input filtering problems on RTD modules Stability due to electrical noise Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation StruxureWare Building Operation Automation Server I/O Modules Cause The latest I/O module firmware version will correct known issues while also ensuring that the system is up to date and compliant. Resolution The latest I/O module firmware can be located on the Exchange by searching for I/O Module firmware. Each firmware download zip file will contain a ReadMe file that explains what was corrected in that version.  Refer to Upgrading SmartStruxure IO Module Firmware for the procedure to upgrade the I/O module firmware. 

Issue When doing a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS Network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, what system should handle the addressing of the devices? What does the Network property “Shared LNS and SBO network” mean? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Conversion Tool Cause In a TAC Vista system, running as LNS system, the network is marked as Protected in TAC Vista. This means that all addressing is handled via the LNS system. Resolution After a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, a flag is set in the Network properties, named “Shared LNS and SBO network” which means that the LonWorks network is shared between LNS and EcoStruxure BMS. LNS is used for network management, such as handling addresses and Lon bindings. LNS has the ownership of the network. EcoStruxure Building Operation is used for downloading application and configuration to the controllers. It does not write in the address table of the Lon device.  This flag should not be set manually.

Issue For various reasons, it is sometimes necessary to change a b3's mac ID. For example, a b3 that is removed from a site and will later be used at a different site needs to have its mac id reset to factory default to avoid the possibility of introducing a duplicate mac id. NOTE: To set the MAC ID to the factory default you need BACnet Service Tool version 1.110004 or newer.   Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Continuum b3 Controller Continuum Service Tool RoamIO2 BACnet Service Tool Cause The MAC ID needs to be set or changed on a b3 controller. Resolution IMPORTANT: If the b3 has previously been assigned a valid mac id then proceed to step #1. If the b3 has factory default slave mac id then see  CHANGING MAC ID ON A BRAND NEW B3 FROM THE FACTORY below Make sure the b3 is disconnected from the MSTP network then connect the RoamIO2 directly to the b3 using the service port. Launch the BACnet Service Tool and de-select the 'By Networks' and 'BACnet only' menu options in the view menu. Click the green icon to make the RoamIO2 sync to the baud rate of the b3 and discover it. In the 'Tools' menu select 'Set Offline B3 Mac Id' as shown below.  In the 'Modify MAC Id' window enter the b3's serial number and the new mac id to be set then click Apply. (NOTE: To set the MAC ID to factory default enter 172, DO NOT USE ZERO) To set the MAC Id to the factory default you need BACnet Service Tool version 1.110004 or newer. Tested working on beta version 1.119903). This beta version is attached. Download it and remove the .txt at the end to make it a zip file, unzip then see the readme.txt. A feedback message 'Success! will be returned if the MAC id was changed EXCEPT when setting the MAC Id to factory default (172) When setting the MAC Id to the factory default you will NOT get SUCCESS feedback, this is because the default id of 172 is a slave id (chosen because in hex it is AC for Andover Controls). Slave Ids are not allowed to initiate communication on the MSTP network. So, as a result of that, the b3 is unable to report to the RoamIO2 that the id was successfully changed. A visual sign that the ID was changed to 172 is that the TD led on the b3's RS485 port will shut off. Disconnect and re-connect to have the RoamIO2 communicate with the b3 using the new MAC id (unless you changed it to the factory default of 172). CHANGING MAC ID ON A BRAND NEW B3 FROM THE FACTORY The RoamIO2 can also be used to assign a mac id to a brand new b3 which has a factory default mac id of 0xAC (172 decimal) but the steps are a little different. In order for a RoamIO2 to be able to send communication packets to the b3, it first has to sync up with the baud rate of the b3, it does by listening and analyzing the packets sent by the b3 until it is able to determine the baud rate. As mentioned before, the factory default mac id of a b3 is slave id 172 which prohibits the b3s from sending out packets and makes it impossible for the RoamIO2 to determine the baud rate. There are several ways to work around the baud rate issue... Set the baud rate manually. Click on the green icon to attempt to connect the RoamIO2 to the b3. You will get an error that the baud rate could not be determined, click YES to proceed anyway From the 'Tools' menu select 'Set B3 Baud Rate' and set the baud rate to what you believe the last baud rate was for the b3. (The factory default baud rate is 19200) You should now be able to set the mac id per the steps above. NOTE: You may have to try all the baud rates until you find the one the b3 is operating at.