Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Starting in EcoStruxure Building Operation 2.0, a new licensing structure has been implemented to reflect the new scalable pricing model.  This new pricing model is different from previous versions. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Version 2.0 and up Cause Due to the change in our pricing model within EcoStruxure Building Operation 2.0 and later, we have new policies regarding scalable pricing which has been different in the past. Resolution In regards to questions around the new scalable pricing structure For EcoStruxure Building 2.0, please reference the sources below. EcoStruxure Building Operation Scalable Pricing Frequently Asked Questions EcoStruxure Building Operation v2.01 - Scalable Pricing Policy Scalable Pricing Overview Video - EcoStruxure Building EcoStruxure WebHelp Article about Licensing Model General Notes: An upgraded or newly purchased 2.0 license will work with sites running older versions of EcoStruxure Building Operation. Each Enterprise Central and each Enterprise Server license comes with one client license.  It will always be possible to operate the system and will always be possible to add to the system (besides attaching automation servers to the enterprise server) if you do not have enough licenses. After certain time periods, the warnings, banners, and prompts will get larger and more noticeable.  If ONLY hosting IP devices and no Automation Servers under the Enterprise Server, it is still necessary to purchase the minimum size Enterprise Server license (10 or fewer Automation Servers) as well as then the appropriate number of hosted node licenses.  The intent of this is to limit the development and support costs of having a highly resourced user interface at the Enterprise Server and to distribute this load across multiple servers.

Issue Where can I find help on TGML scripting and advanced features? Which javascript functions are supported and how do these impact performance. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista TGML graphics editor 5.1.7 Cause More advanced graphics often require scripting and the engineer needs to know which functions are supported. Resolution In the TGML editor under Help there is a section called TGML Format Specification. Details of scripting methods as well as examples can be found here. Also check out the JavaScript Essentials - Episode 3 - Value Types Quick-Help video on the Exchange.

Issue In EBO 2022 or higher the "Semantic Engineering View" button is grayed-out in EBO WorkStation and "Semantic DB authentication failure" is shown in Alarm View. "Semantic Engineering View" button is grayed-out and "Semantic DB authentication failure" alarm   Semantic db authentication error   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause  EBO user that connects to the Sparql database has the wrong username and/or password. Resolution Make sure that the user configured in EBO semantic settings matches the user created in the GraphDB web interface. In WorkStation, in the System Tree pane, select the EBO server. Click the Control Panel tab. Click Navigate to Sparql database, this will open the GraphDB web interface. Login with the admin user account.  In the top right corner, make sure that correct repository is selected, default name is "nsp".  Go to Setup -> Users and Access. Edit user "nspService". Set a password for the "nspService" account and make sure it has access rights to the "nsp" repository then click save. In EBO WorkStation control Panel, open Semantic Settings. Set the password for username "nspService" to match the password set in the GraphDB interface. For more information, please refer to the GraphDB help: Secure GraphDB — GraphDB SE 9.10.0 documentation (ontotext.com)

Issue Displaying Automation Server status on a graphic page Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation Automation Server Cause The online / offline status of an Automation Server can be viewed in the Workstation System Tree (Servers folder). However, there is currently no 'built in' method of displaying the Automation Server status on a graphic page.  Resolution There are two possible ways to workaround this   Within TGML Bind any Automation Server attribute that is shown only when the Automation Server is online (such as DateTime) and convert the status either by TGML script or a ConvertStatus element. See the attached example.   Using a script program We can create a point in the Automation Server and use another server to monitor this point. Below is an example of using the Enterprise Server to monitor an Automation Server.  Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, I have created an Analog Value point and set it to a value of 88.8. This value does not really matter but I have set to this value for easier recognition. Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, I have created an Analog Value point and set it to a value of 88.8. This value does not really matter but I have set to this value for easier recognition 1. Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, an Analog Value point (named 'Status')is created and set to a value of 88.8. The value set does not matter. It has been set to 88.8 for easy recognition.    2. In the Enterprise Server, create a new Program point (named 'Monitor AS' in this example) with the following codes.  Numeric Input In1 String Output Out1 Numeric Output Out2 Out2 = In1 If In1.Offline = true then Out1 = "Offline" else Out1 = "Online"   3. Edit the binding of the Script program and bind 'In1' to the Value Point that was created in the Automation Server.    4. When the Automation Server loses connectivity to the Enterprise Server, the Out1 output of the Script program will show 'Offline'. You can then bind this to a graphic page.

Issue PCT error 'Hardware virtualization is not enabled. Please enable in BIOS before continuing' Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool Windows 10 Cause Windows Hyper-V is enabled Resolution Firstly, in BIOS check and confirm the computer’s Hardware Virtualization is enabled.  See the following article which may provide assistance with this.  PCT Intel Processor Virtualization.   Once confirmed that this feature is enabled within the bios then, within Windows, open Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features, in the left pane select “Turn Windows features on or off” Check to see if Hyper-V is enabled: If it is, uncheck the checkbox next to Hyper-V. This change will require the computer to be restarted for the change to take effect.   If Hyper-V does not deactivate properly and gets launched automatically at startup, you can instead disable Hyper-V through an elevated command prompt with the following command: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off  

Issue Having inconsistent results installing PCT on various host platforms. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause Having difficulty installing PCT successfully. Resolution PCT "Server Mode" installation Sign in and add the computer to the domain Download and install the PCT Server software with an Administrator account Select the “Server” Setup Type Select the hardware Ethernet Connection for the network adapter Allow the Virtual Box installer to complete Reboot the computer Disable Windows Firewall as needed, or add the required firewall rules to allow connections to the PCT If desired, download and install the EBO License Administrator, and any required versions of EBO Workstation and Server Packages (1.9, 2.x, 3.x). Individual User Laptop Setup Download and install the EBO License Administrator, and any required versions of EBO Workstation (1.9, 2.x, 3.x) Download and install the PCT Client software Individual User Laptop Usage Open the PCT client and connect to the desired PCT server Enter the IP address of the PCT server machine to connect once, or click the “Setup for use with remote server” link to adjust the properties of the PCT client to always connect to the same PCT server Once connected to the PCT server, install all the desired Server Packages for the first use Create a new project, or open an existing project If the project’s servers are not running, start them Once the required servers are running, open Workstation to develop the project   For the purpose of testing the procedures described above, following hardware was used.   OPTIPLEX 7060 Micro XCTO Intel vPro Technology Enabled Dell Data Protection Threat Defense Subscription, 3 Years US Order Standard BIOS - Fastboot - Auto Asset Report Thermal Pad 2 512GB PCIe NVMe Class 40 Solid State Drive 32GB 2X16GB DDR4 2666MHz Non-ECC Shipping Label for DAO Intel Core i7-8700 (6 Cores/12MB/12T/up to 4.6GHz/65W); supports Windows 10/Linux TPM Enabled CMS Software not included MOD,PLCMT,QSG,7060,MFF,DAO1 OS-Windows Media Not Included SW for 7060 with Win10 OS No Integrated Stand option OptiPlex 7060 Micro with 130W up to 87% efficient adapter No Wireless LAN Card No Anti-Virus Software Desktop MFF BTO Standard Shipment No Intel Responsive No Additional Hard Drive Intel Unite Software Not Included Safety/Environment and Regulatory Guide (English/French Multi-language) No Productivity Software No AutoPilot Win 10 Pro 64 English, French, Spanish Ship Material for OptiPlex Micro Form Factor 130W AC Adapter Regulatory LBL for 130W adapter (65W CPU Chassis) No CompuTrace No UPC Label US Power Cord 8th Gen Intel Core i7 vPro processor label No Option Included No FGA Energy Star Dell Developed Recovery Environment Waves Maxx Audio Dell Client System Update (Updates latest Dell Recommended BIOS, Drivers, Firmware and Apps) Dell(TM) Digital Delivery Cirrus Client SupportAssist Not selected in this configuration NO ADAPTER No Cove Black Dell MS116 Wired Mouse Black Dell KB216 Wired Multi-Media Keyboard English No PCIe add-in card 5 Screw for SSD/DDPE ProSupport for Dell Data Protection Threat Defense, 3 Years ProSupport Plus: 7x24 Technical Support, 3 Years ProSupport Plus: Next Business Day Onsite 3 Years ProSupport Plus: Keep Your Hard Drive, 3 Years ProSupport Plus: Accidental Damage Service, 3 Years Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus Service

Issue When attempting to add a new Automation Server under an Enterprise Server that already has one or more AS servers attached it results in an "Object already exists" error ERROR Object already exists Domain: Data access Info:~/System/Server Communication/Models/xxxxxxxx/Members/xxxxxxxxx in module Run Db manager xxxxxxxx = Global Unique Identifier (GUID) The GUID underlined in red in the screenshot above is the duplicated Id. Additional error message possible depending on EBO release version. ERROR: Server already part of a multi server system Domain: Invalid data  Info: Attempt_To_Add_An_Object_To_The _System_That_Already_Exists ERROR: Cannot add a server that is a clone of a server that already exists in your system Domain: Startup  Technical Info: An added server with name 'XXXXX' has the same unique id as an existing server with the name 'YYYYY' which is not allowed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server  Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause The AS that is being added has been restored from a backup created from one of the servers that are already configured under the ES resulting in a duplicate GUID. Resolution Backup the Server Restore the Server and make sure to select "Restore configuration with new IDs" check box. This will ensure that a new GUID is assigned to the AS. Add the Server from ES Please note that the restore function to re-use configuration data from a backup set is supported for all Building Operation supported protocols, except for BACnet and b3 BACnet.  To read more see Web Help To read more see Web help: http://help.sbo.schneider-electric.com/topics/show.castle?id=10228&locale=en-US&productversion=1.7 To read more see Web help: http://help.sbo.schneider-electric.com/topics/show.castle?id=10228&locale=en-US&productversion=1.7

Issue Connecting lines in WorkPlace Tech stay red even when snapped to an object. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment WorkPlace Tech Cause Verify that the Visio "Snap" option has been turned on. Resolution The following procedure can be used to verify this setting. Open the Workplace Tech Tool and open an application file. From the "Tools" menu, select "Snap & Glue" In the displayed window, verify that the following items are checked: Snap (under Currently Active) Glue (under Currently Active) Connecting Points (under Snap to) Connecting Points (under (Glue to) Click the [OK] button on the "Snap & Glue" window to save the changes and close the window. Additional "Snap to" options are normally selected by default. These options should remain selected for consistency of operation. It is suggested, to prevent inadvertent changes to these settings, that the "Snap & Glue" toolbar NOT be turned on.

Issue Does the entire SBO system need to be upgraded to 1.5.0.171xx, 1.6.2.12xxx or 1.7.2.111xx before upgrading to 1.9.1 if the network includes LON devices? Can SBO be upgraded directly to 1.9.1 from 1.5.X, 1.6.X or 1.7.X? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SBO Workstation 1.5.0/1.6.1/1.7.1 SBO ES 1.5.0/1.6.1/1.7.1 SBO AS 1.5.0/1.6.1/1.7.1 SBO AS-P 1.7.1 Cause In systems that have SBO servers that already are hosting LON devices based on LonWorks imported device templates (.XIF) or resource kits (.DRF), the servers need to be prepared before an upgrade from versions 1.5/1.6/1.7 to version 1.9.1. Even servers where device templates (.XIF) or resource kits (.DRF) are just imported, and no devices or network variables are created yet, the servers have to be prepared before the upgrade. Resolution Please see section 9.2.3 of SBO 1.9.1 Release Notes. Although it says "Steps to upgrade a 1.6.2/1.7.2 multi-server system" you don't have to upgrade the AS or ES etc, even if they run 1.6.1/1.7.1, it's only SBO Workstation that need to be hotfixed. Links to the different Workstation hotfixes can be found Server with LonWorks devices - TPA-SBO-17-0002.00 - Links to hot fixes. If there are no LON devices in the system, you may upgrade directly to 1.9.1 from 1.5.X/1.6.X/1.7.X

Issue When trying to edit or create a new Plain English program the editor fails to open. Environment CyberStation Plain English Editor Cause Corrupted PlainEnglish.ini file Resolution Open Windows Explorer Go to the Windows directory Find the PlainEnglish.ini file and delete it. When the Plain English editor is opened after this file is deleted it will recreate a new PlainEnglish.ini file with all the default settings.

Issue Active alarms are appear stuck in the alarm viewer for objects that are no longer in alarm.   Alarm notifications will not clear from Active Alarm View. How can obsolete alarms be removed from the Active Alarm View Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation WebClient Cause When a Return to Normal (RtoN) notification is reported by a controller, if Cyberstation is unable to receive the notification due to a loss of communication, the status of the alarm notification will not be updated and the alarm will continue to be displayed as though it were active even though the point alarm state is now inactive. Resolution Method 1 Disable the object and change it's value so that a new alarm is induced. Refresh the object editor until it indicates that the alarm state is active. Enable the object so that it returns to a normal value. If necessary, acknowledge the alarm so that it can be removed from the alarm list. Method 2 Backup the Continuum Database. Edit the object to confirm that it is no longer in an active alarm state. From the Root/ListView folder, open the Alarms_AllActive Listview. Locate the alarm entry associated with the object. Right click on the line and select Delete. Restart Cyberstation to update the Active Alarm View from the alarm log.

Issue  Where do I find our BACnet controllers BACnet PICS? (Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement) Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment All BACnet controllers Cause Alternative locations to find BACnet PICS for our controllers. Resolution PICS documentation can be found on The Exchange Download Center and BACnet International website.

Issue How to reset an ACX 57xx model controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment ACX 57xx Cause While upgrading/downgrading the controller firmware, communications were lost and the controller is not communicating afterwards. Resolution Consult How to reset a ACX 57xx controller to reset the controller and then re-commission.

Issue Audible alarms not sounding when there are active alarms. Workspace has multiple tabs for graphics navigation and a tab for Alarm View. If a user is not on the alarm tab when an alarm is activated, the audible alarm is not heard, and the user does not know that an alarm has been activated. The audible alarm works when the user navigates to the alarm tab.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Building Operation WebStation Cause The Workspace content does not have an Alarm Pane added.  Resolution Edit the Workspace to add an Alarm Pane to the Workspace content. If the user does not wish to display the Alarm View due to screen space etc., configure the Alarm Pane Default visibility to Hidden.  Note: Audible alarms are available in WebStation from 3.2 onward.

Issue Downloads to the Controller are failing. When reviewing the Download Server Diagnostic Window, numerous Failed to load DAT file error messages are seen. Failed to load DAT file. Path='C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\SecurityExpert\Download\5.dat". Error code = 80070002 ***** Invalid Controller (5) version 0 Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert SP-C Cause The Firmware version in the Controller is not compatible with the version of Security Expert being used. Resolution Upgrade the Firmware in the Controller to the latest Firmware build. From the main menu, select Sites | Controllers. Right click on a controller, and select Update Firmware. Click the [...] button and browse to the supplied firmware (.bin) file. Choose which controller(s) to update by selecting the Include option. Only the selected controller(s) will be updated. Click Update to commence the firmware update procedure. The update can take up to 10 minutes per controller to complete. Once complete, the controller is automatically restarted and normal operation resumed.

Issue After downloading a hotfix for Device Administrator, it is not possible to install a new database onto an Automation Server **. **Note, for this article "Automation Server" will be used as a general term. This applies to all Smart-X controllers (Automation Server, AS-P, and AS-B). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment AS, AS-P, AS-B  SBO Device Administrator Cause When the Device Administrator hotfix is downloaded to the machine, it replaces the "Full-Installer" version that was already installed. The new hotfix version does not include the necessary firmware to push down onto the Automation Server. This can be misleading because Device Administrator still indicates the base firmware version is present, as shown below. Resolution A full installer (such as 1.8.1.87 or 1.9.1.95) of Device Administrator must first be installed on the machine and used to install the base firmware onto the Automation Server. Then the hotfix version may be downloaded to the PC and used to apply the hotfix to the Automation Server.  **Note - In some instances a hotfix can be a full installer, which will allow for the download of a new database. Such hotfixes will be released either as a full installer or as a maintenance build. The release notes for the particular hotfixes will indicate their full installer build. 

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 During certain situations, it may be required to remove and re-install PCT to address software conflicts with other software applications. While trying to remove/install PCT you may receive an error preventing you from completing the installation. The setup had detected that no version of SBO Project Configuration Tool is installed.  The specific command-line options require that the application be installed to continue. The setup will now terminate. Error: -1603 Fatal error during installation. Consult Windows Installer help(Msi.chm)or MSDN for more information. Error 1722. There is a problem with this Windows Installer... Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Client versions (64 Bit Only): Editions: Pro, Home, Enterprise Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 8 Windows 7       Server versions (64 Bit Only): Editions: Standard, Enterprise Server 2008 R2 Server 2012 Server 2012 R2  PCT versions (64 Bit OS Only): SBO Project Configuration Tool v 1.0.0.487 - SmartStruxure Solution - Software SBO Project Configuration Tool v 1.0.0.510 - SmartStruxure Solution - Software SBO Project Configuration Tool v 1.1.0.47 - SmartStruxure Solution - Software SBO Project Configuration Tool v 1.1.1.49 - SmartStruxure Solution - Software SBO Project Configuration Tool v 1.1.2.57 - SmartStruxure Solution - Software Cause In order to get past a possible installation loop, you will need to locate and delete the following Windows registry key: [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Products\B2A4F0AEC8BB0E2438706F07E2E2560B] Resolution Note: Always make a backup of your registry before making any modifications.   Run regedit.exe Locate/Search: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products\B2A4F0AEC8BB0E2438706F07E2E2560B Delete Registry Key entry: B2A4F0AEC8BB0E2438706F07E2E2560B  

Issue During certain situations, it may be required to switch from a hardwired to a wireless connection or wireless to a hardwired. In addition, you may be required to replace a failed NIC card with a new variant that may or may not be the same in terms of connection type. Other more rare situations where a technician travels with a laptop that has PCT "SERVER" mode installed would also be affected. Example: PCT Version - 1.1.2.57 Server mode was set up on a physical server that has two NIC cards. The initial setup was performed on NIC1 and now we are required to utilize NIC 2 which is wireless as a temporary solution. NIC card 1 is disabled and NIC card 2 is set up with the same IP details as NIC card1. In addition, the wireless network is an extension of the original network that was configured in NIC card 1. The server then gets rebooted. Once the server is up you start PCT and attempt to open a project. You receive the following errors: "VBoxManager.exe: error: Nonexistent host networking interface" "Failed to open project."    Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Windows Client versions (64 Bit Only) Windows Server versions (64 Bit Only) PCT SERVER versions (64 Bit OS Only ) SBO Project Configuration Tool All versions Cause During the initial setup of Project Configuration Server mode, you are prompted to select a network interface card from a list of available NICs. PCT requires that you continue to use the same interface and if you change your connection type at the windows level PCT has no method of knowing this and will not be able to connect to previously created projects. PCT will produce the following complaint as seen in the log below: "Nonexistent host networking interface"   You can find the log path as follows: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\loggermodule "ProjectsModule.log"   Resolution There are two solutions to address this: Revert your connection type back to the original Network Interface Card. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project. If the idea is to stick with a different NIC, you would simply need to reinstall PCT and select the new NIC during "SERVER" mode setup. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project.

Issue What is the factory default IP address for a new I/A Series G3 JACE-6 or JACE-7? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 JACE-6 JACE-7 Cause Initial power up and connection to Workbench Resolution Two female 10/100-Mbit Ethernet connections are provided on the JACE-6 and JACE-7 hardware platforms. These are RJ-45 connectors labeled LAN2 and LAN1. Use a standard Ethernet patch cable for connecting to a hub or Ethernet switch. An activity LED for each Ethernet port is visible, and are labeled "LAN2" and "LAN1" on the cover. The factory-default IP address for LAN1 on the JACE-6 and JACE-7 is 192.168.1.12n, where the last numeral n in the address matches the last digit of the JACE's serial number, and subnet mask is 255.255.255.0. By default, LAN2 on the JACE-6 and JACE-7 is disabled. The factory default platform username and password is tridium / niagara.

Issue Unable to discover BACnet devices from a BACnet interface, discover broadcast address and/or devices are offline after changing IP Address on AS or ES. Bacnet devices are offline after a power cycle or loss of IP connection at the AS or ES. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operations site using devices configured with BACnet Cause Broadcasting on wrong network from either the Automation Server or the Enterprise Server can be a problem. In the example below an AS is broadcasting for a BACnet device (in this case a MNB Controller). In the IP Network for the BACnet Interface, check your settings for Broadcast Address. The key is to ensure your BACnet broadcast address is in the correct range.   In this first screen capture, we have a BACnet network interface using the IP Network with a red failure to communicate indicator on the MNB. In this example, the broadcast is on 192.168.1.255 Resolution The computer being used as well as the BACnet devices we want to discover and use are in the following IP network and settings: Changing the broadcast address to match what the BACnet network is using resolves the issue (BBMD and BBDT from Enterprise Server or Automation Server). Lastly, choose to discover devices For subnet calculations and how to setup your subnet addresses, several recommended calculator are SuperNet Online or SubnetMask a downloadable program from Solar Winds.  When the IP Network broadcast address is set incorrectly, a Wireshark capture may reveal that no WHO-IS message is sent out from the SmartStruxure server when a device discovery is attempted. When in doubt as to whether the 'IP Broadcast Address' is correct, a simple test is to set the IP Broadcast address to 255.255.255.255, doing so will instruct the SmartStruxure server to broadcast on ALL subnets, if the problem was caused by an incorrect broadcast address it will be resolved but care must be taken not to leave the default address set to 255.255.255.255 as this will cause unnecessary traffic on all sub-nets, instead, review your calculations for what the appropriate broadcast address should be and set it appropriately. Key Concept: The AS will retain the Broadcast address, and if moved to a new Subnet, the old Broadcast address must be updated. One can do either of the following:  Edit the IP Broadcast Address Setting  Delete the BACnet Interface and recreate in the new Subnet