Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How are BACnet controllers established as being Online / Offline? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment BACnet Cause BACnet controllers may appear offline in the system, even though they can still be communicated with. This raises questions about how their online/offline status is determined. Resolution The online/offline status of BACnet devices is managed by the BACnet device manager plugin, which processes BACnet I-Am messages to maintain a device table.   The following rules and mechanisms are used to determine the status of BACnet controllers: Device Discovery and Initial Probing When a new device is discovered, an entry is added to the device table. The system probes the new entry up to four times at 5-second intervals. If the device does not respond within this time, it is declared offline. Offline Detection via MSTP Driver Building Operation uses the MSTP dev driver to monitor token passing. If three consecutive tokens are missed, the device is marked as offline. Probing Offline Devices Once a device is offline, the system sends a Who-Is message every 60 seconds. Offline devices are probed indefinitely at 60-second intervals until they respond. Online devices are never probed. Status Transition A device is considered online once it responds to a request. If it fails to respond, its status is updated to offline, and probing resumes.

Issue How to get data from Rayleigh Instruments RI-78-80-C kWh power meters Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Automation Server (ASP/ASB) Modbus RTU Interface Cause The RI-78-80-C meter provides a single 48-bit Modbus RTU word representing energy in kWh. This word spans three 16-bit registers (registers 0, 1, and 2). The meter: Only responds to a valid 48-bit read Does not return exceptions for invalid or partial register reads Resolution To successfully read the 48-bit value: Step-by-Step Instructions Create a Modbus Group Set an appropriate polling interval. Add Registers Add three 16-bit unsigned registers to the group: ModReg0 (Register 0) ModReg1 (Register 1) ModReg2 (Register 2) Create an Analog Value Example name: kWReading Script Program Use the following calculation: kWReading = ((256 * 256 * ModReg0) + (256 * ModReg1) + ModReg2) / 100 ​ This formula accounts for the fact that each register only uses half of its 16-bit range (values from 0 to 255). The register values represent 1/100 of a kWh, so a scaling factor of /100 is applied. Bind Points Bind the Modbus registers and analog value to the script program. Example Calculation If: ModReg0 = 3 ModReg1 = 167 ModReg2 = 59 Then: kWReading = ((3 × 256 × 256) + (167 × 256) + 59) / 100 = 239419 / 100 = 2394.19 kWh ​   Additional Notes The device may appear online in EcoStruxure even if it’s not responding correctly. This is because the online poll interval mechanism expects a response from a 16-bit register. Since the RI-78-80-C doesn’t respond to invalid reads, it may falsely appear online. To avoid this, set the online poll interval mechanism to “Inhibit”. Compatibility Warning: This device may not function correctly in v2.0 and v3.0 due to changes in offline detection. This issue is resolved in v3.1. Resources Example Modbus Objects and Script RI-78-80-C Exports.zip Numeric Output kWReading   Line Calc1 kWReading = ((256*256*ModReg0) + (256*ModReg1) + ModReg2)/100

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.   Issue The panel displays an Address 1 has a wiring trouble condition. This is accompanied by a General Trouble alert. Product Line ESMI Fire Detection. Environment FFSULH2007. Cause The system is showing a wiring trouble condition at Address 1. To view more details, press the “More Details” button on the panel. This issue originates from the Input Module (FFSULH2007). Resolution The Input Monitor Module provides contact monitoring circuits for equipment that uses a dry contact signal. Typical Connection Diagram The diagram below shows a typical connection of the input module with the monitored equipment. The circuit is monitored for wiring faults using an End-of-Line (EOL) resistor, which should be installed at the last point of the circuit. Note: The EOL resistor is supplied inside the module box. Troubleshooting Steps If the EOL resistor is removed or discarded, or if the wiring is broken, the module will detect a loss of resistance and generate a wiring trouble alert. The installer must ensure: The EOL resistor is properly connected at the last point of the equipment. Any broken wires are repaired or rejoined. Once the wiring and resistor are correctly installed, the trouble condition will automatically clear.

Issue The MPM controller does not adjust the clock automatically when Daylight Saving Time (DST) period occurs. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxureLite Multi-Purpose Manage Cause DST settings in the MPM are configured for North America. Canada and United States: Daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November Europe: Daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October Resolution In Firmware 2.15, DST properties can be configured in the Controller Configuration Object (CFG1) and/or configuration page. DST start and end configuration on month, week, weekday, hour and offset can be set. If using a firmware version older than 2.15, a script can be used to correct the issue. The script can be found here: Daylight_Saving_Time_DSC.lua

Issue How to use bit masking to decode on/off states from a Modbus analogue registers e.g. Holding or Input registers. Where each bit is required to be read individually to indicate the status of a coil. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Software Environment Sigma IC Modbus and IC3 Modbus controllers Cause Configuration technique to read 16-bit Modbus registers for on/off states. Resolution Each modbus holding or input register is 16 bits, where each bit can be on or off i.e. 0 or 1. For example the Sigma analogue input value of 901 represents the state of a number of coils where each bit indicates the on or off.  Hence, this translates to the 16-bit binary value  0000001110000101  where 1 = on and 0 = off Create a Sigma analogue input object to read the Modbus value. Click here for the  Sigma Modbus 4.06 release Note Create a programmable object for each of the required bits (max of 16 for each register) to be read as below.  (Highlight, copy and paste into each programmable object). For Example starting with the Least Significant Bit (LSB) and where point 0|222 is the Modbus value created, the programmable objects are; Bit 1 (LSB) 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 1 ) 30 IF YINT = 1 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 1 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 1 = off" Bit 2 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 2 ) 30 IF YINT = 2 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 2 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 2 = off" Bit 3 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 4 ) 30 IF YINT = 4 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 3 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 3 = off" Bit 4 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 8 ) 30 IF YINT = 8 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 4 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 4 = off" Bit 5 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 16 ) 30 IF YINT = 16 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 5 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 5 = off" Bit 6 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 32 ) 30 IF YINT = 32 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 6 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 6 = off" Bit 7 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 64 ) 30 IF YINT = 64 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 7 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 7 = off" Bit 8 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 128 ) 30 IF YINT = 128 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 8 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 8 = off" Bit 9 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 256 ) 30 IF YINT = 256 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 9 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 9 = off" Bit 10 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 512 ) 30 IF YINT = 512 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 10 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 10 = off" Bit 11 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 1024 ) 30 IF YINT = 1024 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 5 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 6 = off" Bit 12 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 2048 ) 30 IF YINT = 2048 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 12 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 12 = off" Bit 13 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 4096 ) 30 IF YINT = 4096 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 13 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 13 = off" Bit 14 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 8292 ) 30 IF YINT = 8292 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 14 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 14 = off" Bit 15 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 16384 ) 30 IF YINT = 16384 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 15 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 15 = off" Bit 16 (MSB) 10 XINT = INT POINT 0|222 20 YINT = XINT MASK ( 32768 ) 30 IF YINT = 32768 THEN RETURN TRUE "Bit 16 = on" 40 RETURN FALSE "Bit 16 = off"

Issue Installing and Configuring Email Service Accounts in Niagara G3 Environment Niagara G3 Cause The need for a quick reference guide Resolution The following document can be found at Niagara-Central.com as well.

Issue How to configure a LON router in Niagara R2. Environment Niagara R2 LON Cause Troubleshooting Resolution Review / download documentation here.

Issue Schlage step by step configuration. Environment Windows Xp, 7,  2008, 2008R2 Continuum 1.94 Cause Single Door set Up examples. Resolution Schlage Door setup examples attached.   Download here

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 How to setup automatic table truncation on Single-User SQL Express systems. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Single-User SQL Express SQL Server 2005 Cause Only the ExtendedLog table is automatically truncated on an Single-User SQL Express Continuum system. The other tables that can fill up quickly and need to be truncated regularly are not catered for (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent). Resolution IMPORTANT: Make sure to perform a full SQL Database backup before attempting to make any changes to the database. (See Move / Backup / Restore a database on a Single User SQL2005 Express system for details on how to backup your database and, if not already installed, where to get Management Studio from) Use the attached file SQLExpress to add table truncations.zip, to configure your Single-User SQL Express system to automatically truncate these tables when it does the ExtendedLog truncation. After downloading the file, follow the steps below. There are three files in the archive, these need to be copied to your Continuum folder on your Single-User system running SQLExpress as the database engine. LogTruncate.SQL This file is the SQL script that performs the truncation of the four tables (accessevent, activityevent, alarmevent, and errorevent) to the number of days you specify - I have selected 90 days as my default but you can change this to whatever you require for each table. CS_LogTruncate_OneOff.bat This batch file will run the LogTruncate.sql script once when manually executed. You will need to change the server name "PC3" to whatever your PC's name actually is on your system. CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat This is the batch file that will be renamed and replace the existing "CS_Hrly.bat" file currently located in your Continuum folder. This is the same as your current file except it has added the LogTruncate.sql script so that this will now be executed every hour along with the rest. Backup "CS_Hrly.bat" file in Continuum folder by renaming the file to something like "CS_Hrly ORIGINAL.bat". Rename "CS_Hrly - with LogTruncat.bat" to "CS_Hrly.bat", copy into (overtop the existing file if you haven't renamed it) the Continuum folder, and change the server name "PC3" to your PC's name. This should now execute this table truncation script along with the other database maintenance scripts every hour.

Issue Documentation for the Huba 692 differential pressure sensor is not available on the Extranet or other Schneider Electric web sites. Environment Part no 6552050000, Huba 692 Differential pressure sensor Cause This is a Class 3 product that is sold by Schneider Electric, but documentation is provided by the manufacturer. Resolution Data sheet is available here, or on the manufacturer web site: http://www.hubacontrol.com/en/products/

Issue Webstation static graphic viewer no longer works in Chrome, FireFox or on smart phones. The "Loading..." image never goes away. Environment Webstation Cause The file "xmlHttpImageLoader.js" located in "C:\inetpub\wwwroot\TACVistaWeb519\Modules\Graphics\ImageLoader" (519 being the version of TAC Vista installed) uses the name "status" for a variable in the script. This variable name is a reserved word. The name is actually not a reserved JavaScript word, but a reserved Windows word: http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_reserved.asp Resolution As only Internet Explorer is supported, this is not going to be fixed. There is however a workaround that will enable viewing graphics in static mode. 1. Rename the file C:\inetpub\wwwroot\TACVistaWeb519\Modules\Graphics\ImageLoader\xmlHttpImageLoader.js 2. Paste this corrected file to the same location

Issue Can the Advantech touch screen be used as a Sigma server? Environment Sigma WinCE Advantech Touch screen Panel mounted Cause System has been installed without a Sigma server. Resolution The Advantech touch screen, or any other WinCE device can only be used for general display functions, low level editing, contingency logging review and time updates, it does not have the functionality of a Sigma server. To review the latest Release note, please click HERE. To review the WinCE User guide, please click HERE.

Issue Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller requires replacement. Product Line Field Devices, Satchwell Sigma Environment Stand alone discreet Drayton Compensator Controller :- Theta ll EC Cause Obsolescence of Drayton Theta ll EC Controller. Resolution Replace Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller with Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller. N.B. Two models of the Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller are available. CSC5252 without programmer details of which may be viewed here. CSC5352 including programmer details of which may be viewed here. It should be noted that the Actuator / Valve Body assembly connected to the Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller may be retained for connection to the Satchwell CSC Compensator Controller. It should also be noted however that the associated Drayton Theta ll EC Compensator Controller Sensors are also obsolete. These Sensors are not compatible with the Satchwell CSC range of Compensator Controllers and must also be replaced. Satchwell CSC Compensator Controllers are compatible with the following Sensors :-   STO 600 Outside Air Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. STR 600 Room Temperature Sensor.(Optional), details of which may be viewed here. STC 600 Surface Mounting Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. or alternatively :- STP 660 Immersion Temperature Sensor, details of which may be viewed here. plus DWA 0005 Immersion Temperature Sensor Pocket, details of which may be viewed here.

Issue BAS is obsolete how can it be upgraded to Sigma? Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment Satchwell BAS 2800+ V2.9 Satchwell Sigma Cause BAS is obsolete but there is a defined path to upgrade the system to Sigma Resolution Upgrading must start from BAS2800+ v2.9 when upgrading to the latest version of Sigma.  Sigma not only allows for more features but also future proofs the system. Upgrade procedure can be found here Migration document (Sales support) can be found here Any BAS versions before BAS2800 + V2.9 please contact Product Support with the details.   The Sigma system is now out of its support period, consideration should be given to transitioning or upgrading to SpaceLogic - EcoStruxure Building Operation.

Issue How to trigger different alarms with different alarm texts depending on the value of a single variable Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Alarms Cause There is a requirement to trigger different alarms based on the value of a single variable.  As an example, a variable coming from an APC Symmetra UPS will report various alarm states as a number from 1 to 7 in the same variable, and it is required to differentiate the alarm text on each value. Value Status Alarm text 1 unknown Module is in Unknown state from UPS 2 not installed Module not installed in UPS 3 Off OK Module not installed in UPS 4 On OK Module not okay in UPS 5 Off Fail Module off fail in UPS 6 On Fail Module on fail in UPS 7 Lost Communication Module lost comm. in UPS Resolution Here are two examples on how to do it Example 1: 7 different alarms with different alarm texts monitoring the same point Example 2: 1 alarm monitoring a point, and a script dynamically changing the alarm text     From version 1.9 upwards Alarm Decoration is available and could also be used in various ways to achieve the same result.  Similar to example 1 a decoration could be created for each state.  For example for state 3, create a decoration that filters on the active alarm (1) and when the value at change is three (2) override the alarm text message (3) with the relevant text (4). The decorations have the added benefit they can be applied to multiple point alarms.  

Issue An increased amount of polling caused by Modbus groups with duplicate registers. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Modbus Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Building Operation Automation Server (AS) Cause Modbus Register Groups cause multiple resisters to be requested in a single query. This can be a very efficient way of collecting data from a device. See this Article for details. However, if a register is repeated (duplicated) within a group it can cause an increased amount of polling.    The screenshots shows a Modbus Register Group with a Requested group poll interval set to 10,000ms, but the misconfiguration is forcing polls at 500ms. Resolution The resolution is simply to avoid such a configuration. NOTE - If a Modbus Register Group with duplicates registers becomes unstable with some registers showing offline, then disabling the Scattered Read function will usually help.

Issue Various changes to the PC operating system can alter the IA Series software host ID causing the license to be invalid. When this occurs the window below will be displayed providing the new Host ID read from the PC. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series Enterprise Server I/A Series Workbench I/A Series SoftJace platforms    Cause Upgrading the Operating System (Windows, Linux, etc.) always changes the Host ID.  Making other changes to a Niagara host platform may also change the Host ID.  These are the types of changes that can alter the Host ID: upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8 upgrading from Windows 8.0 to Windows 8.1 upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 installing the 2 August 2016 anniversary update to Windows 10 upgrading from RHEL5 to RHEL6 Upgrade from RHEL6 to RHEL7 will change your Host ID. Installing certain Microsoft Windows updates (patches/fixes) may also cause the Host ID to change. Resolution Email the hostID from the current license or a copy of the current license as well as the new hostID provided in the "Request License window" to Schneider Electric Customer Care (Email Information) and request a license replacement.

Issue No documentation available through regular sources. Environment GV Air flow Sensor: 63 mm 5515010063 80 mm 5515010080 100 mm 5515010100 125 mm 5515010125 160 mm 5515010160 200 mm 5515010200 250 mm 5515010250 315 mm 5515010315 400 mm 5515010400 Cause Hard to find documentation on these sensors Resolution Data sheet is available here. Mounting instructions here.

Issue Registering/Unregistering TAC Vista Server as a Windows service will allow the server to start automatically and run in the background of the PC (it won't show up on the Windows taskbar). This is not the same as having it run on Startup (for information on that, please see Configuring Vista Server to run on Startup). Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Microsoft Windows -- All versions Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Reference Chapter 16.3 of the TAC Vista Technical Manual "Running TAC Vista Server as a Service in Microsoft Windows XP" for more information. When you log out of Microsoft Windows or restart the computer, all running processes, for example, Vista Server, are shut down. These processes are not resumed at log on or at restart. You have to start Vista Server manually again. To get Vista Server to remain running at log off and automatically start up when the computer restarts, you can run Vista Server as a service. Running a program as a service means that it runs in the background, but it is not visible on the Windows task bar. Before you start Vista Server as a service, you must first install and configure your Vista Servers and your network and have everything running satisfactorily. It is not advisable to start Vista Server as a service until you have completed all the settings (including security and authority) and the TAC Vista system is running well. Resolution Register Vista Server to run as a Windows service Go to Start > Run Register the service by typing: Tacos.exe /service When you register TAC Vista Server as a Windows service, it will default to run under the "Local system" account.  This is not supported by TAC Vista Server. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage. Browse to Computer Management (local) > Services and Applications > Services Find TACOS, right-click and select Properties On the Log On tab, specify "This account:" with admin authority.  It is ideal to use a domain account with local administration authority if your system is a member of a domain. At this point, if you would like to start the service, highlight TACOS in the Services window and select Start the service. If you choose to run Vista Server as a service in a multi-computer network, we recommended that you run every Vista Server as a service. Change from running as a service to running as interactive Go to Start > Run Unregister the service by typing: Tacos.exe /unregserver You must then register the server back to interactive by typing: Tacos.exe /regserver Helpful Utility This utility will read in the current run mode of the Vista Server and allow you to switch between running as a service and an application. It also lets you set the user to run the service under. Click the image to the right to go to a Community post containing the utility .exe file. Accessing Vista Server Menus and Dialog Boxes Once the service has started, it is not possible to use the Vista Server menus and dialog boxes. To be able to use these, you have to unregister the service and start Vista Server in the normal way. LonTalk Adapter from Loytec When TAC Vista is running as a service and you are using a LonTalk adapter from Loytec, you must ensure that the program LConfig is also running as a service. You do this when you configure the network interface card. TAC Vista Tools and Microsoft Windows Vista Some of the tools installed in the installation folder of TAC Vista cannot run if TAC Vista is running as a service in Windows Vista. These are TAMIAN, CIPCL, SYSDOC, TADRAW, and DBGEN. Related Articles: Unable to save periodic report to network drive when Vista is running as a service Regional settings might differ when TAC Vista server runs as a service Dependencies for Vista Server running as a service Upgrading Vista while running Server as a service

Issue Error "Ensure that Vista Server is started" when the server is already running. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Refer to Chapter 3.5 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for the network security and permissions settings required to run Webstation (DCOM). test Resolution These are some utilities created by Benjamin Roswall at Schneider Electric Denmark. They are not official releases nor are they supported by Schneider Electric. While they have been tested and used successfully, they should be used at your own risk.   DCOM Config 1.0.3.0.exe: Configure DCOM for TAC Vista Network If you want to run TAC Vista Web Applications on Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, both Internet Information Services (IIS) and ASP.NET 2.0 must be installed. ASP.NET 2.0 must be installed and activated before you start installing TAC Webstation. Refer to Chapter 4 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for more information. If you've made it this far, then it's time to refer to Chapter 3.5 of the TAC Software Installation Manual for the network security and permissions settings required to run Webstation (DCOM). Or just run this utility. Click the picture to download the utility.   Webstation installations will use Option 3. If Webstation doesn't come right up and start working after this, also download the next utility.   WEB.exe: Corrects common problems with Vista Webstation This utility will install and register the versions of ASP.NET required for running Webstation on the server PC. There are other articles on the command prompt commands to accomplish this, but this utility will take care of it for you. Click the picture to download the utility.   After this utility finishes running, restart the PC as instructed.