Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Inovonics Wireless Interface problem Product Line Andover Continuum,TAC Vista Environment Inovonics FA7403 receiver Inovonics EN4000 Universal Serial Receiver Cause Inovonics provides an interface to access wireless temperature sensors. The FA7403 receiver can be used to interface with Xenta equipment or Continuum equipment, however these interfaces use different protocols. Resolution The Xenta equipment requires a hexadecimal protocol which corresponds to the FA7403 receiver. The Continuum equipment requires an ASCII protocol which corresponds to the FA7403-ASC receiver. If you have the wrong receiver for the equipment you are trying to interface with then contact Product Support for steps to reconfigure this device. Note: Inovonics EN4000 Universal Serial Receiver**, REPLACES FA7403  

Issue Xenta 913 Device Template cannot map to "native" BACnet using 485 Virtual Link Layers. Product Line Andover Continuum,TAC Vista Environment Xenta 913 BACnet Cause The Xenta 913 cannot connect to anything below the IP layer. "Virtual Link Layer" is not able to be used if the points are not exposed at the IP level there is not a way to address defined modules below. Resolution Any point that needs to be exposed at the IP level must have the ability to be mirrored in the BACnet IP device. If the IP device does not have the ability to mirror the 485 layer points, the 913 will not be able to map them.                              

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 Want to change the sound that is played in Workstation when an audible alarm is triggered Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause Need to attach individual alarm sounds to different alarms. Resolution EBO V2.0 or higher: You can add a custom audible alarm alert to EBO, which is an audio file that is played when an alarm is triggered. Refer to: Custom Audible Alarm Alert Workflow   SBO V1.9 or lower: The alarm sound is hard coded to the file C:\Windows\Media\notify.wav, and can't be changed from Workstation. The solution is to replace the notfify.wav file with another wave file. Please be aware that if the file is deleted, Workstation will crash when an alarm triggers. To change the file, you need to take over the ownership of the file as described here. The procedure is also described below. Browse to the folder C:\Windows\Media Right click the file "notify.wav" and click "Properties" Click "Advanced" Click "Edit" Select "Administrators" and click "Save" You get the following dialog. Click "OK", and close the properties. Open the properties again, and set the "Administrators" group to have full control Now rename the "notify.wav" file, and paste the wave file you want into the Media folder and rename it to "notify.wav"

Issue In applications where heating is not required is it possible to change the thermostat operation to cooling only? Product Line Field Devices Environment TC300 thermostat Cause By default the TC300 thermostat is configured for heating and cooling. It should be possible to lockout operation of heating in cooling only applications so that the user cannot inadvertently change modes. Resolution In thermostat model TC303-3A2DLS parameter item 7 allows selection of cooling or heating only mode.

Issue Confusion in documentation of the output type of an STR300 temperatire transmitter Product Line Field Devices Environment STR300 series transmitter Cause The STR300 is an electronic living space transmitter that converts a measured temperature into an electric current signal. The transmitter is delivered as a complete unit, comprising a Pt100 classB sensing element and an amplifier mounted in a housing. STR300 is intended either for surface mounting on a wall or installation in a standard switch box in dry, dust free rooms.   The HVAC Sensors Catalogue incorrectly shows that the STR300 Series has an Output of 0-10V while  the datasheet correctly shows the output as 4-20ma. Resolution The STR300 has an output signal of 4 to 20 mA corresponding to a temperature range of 0-40°C

Issue What is pneumatic actuator spring range shift and how can it be eliminated? Product Line Field Devices Environment Pneumatic Actuator Cause Spring range shift is an inherent feature of all spring return pneumatic actuators without positive positioners. The nominal published spring range of a pneumatic actuator without a positive positioner is the air pressure required to fully stroke the actuator WITH NO EXTERNAL LOAD. In the extend direction against an opposing load as provided by a damper or a valve, the supply air pressure must be increased above the spring range of the actuator to overcome the spring and the opposing force. In the retract direction against an opposing load as provided by a damper or a valve, the supply air pressure must be decreased below the spring range of the actuator so that the spring can overcome the air pressure and the opposing force. Under constant load conditions, the range of the actuator is offset by the amount of air pressure required to provide close-off of the damper or the valve. Resolution When is "Spring Range Shift" a concern? It is a concern when two or more pneumatic controlled devices should be sequenced from one pneumatic signal without an overlap. An example would be a normally open heating valve and a normally closed cooling valve being sequenced from a direct acting thermostat, In this example the spring range of the normally open valve will shift upward and the normally closed valve will shift downward which means the two valves may overlap. Another area of concern is that pneumatic control signal provides proper pressure span to operate the control device and provide "tight" close-off of damper or valve. Examples of limited pressure change would be: pneumatic controllers maximum output which is limited by main air pressure; the low pressure output capability of a pneumatic controller; and electronic to pressure transducer which can have a limited output such as 3 to 15 psig.   What can be done to overcome "Spring Range Shift" when sequencing devices? Sequencing can be accomplished in a pneumatic system by selecting actuators with appropriate spring ranges, utilizing positive positioners (AK-42309-500 or N800-0555) or ratio relays with bias adjustment (2378-501) or controllers with separate outputs for each actuator. Positive positioners on damper and valve actuators provide the versatility of start point and span adjustment plus the availability of full pneumatic power for positioning. This is the ideal way to provide precision sequencing, since variable loading on the actuator will not effect the sequencing. Biased start ratio relays may be used to provide a method of sequencing by amplifying or shifting the pneumatic signal. For applications involving sequencing a pressure to electric (P.E.) switch with a pneumatic actuator, the P.E. can often be adjusted to operate outside the operating range of the actuator. Sometimes larger actuators will help the sequencing problem. Using full actuator stroke to rotate the damper less than 90 degrees increases the force delivered to the damper and therefore reduces control signal change required to control the actuator. Rotating the damper 60 degrees usually provides almost full flow through the damper. If the actuator has an adjustable start point, adjusting the start points can help prevent sequencing problems. Normally open valves or dampers should have start point adjusted to the minimum and normally closed adjusted to the maximum. Sequencing problems can be eliminated by providing controllers with separate outputs for each actuator and do the sequencing in the controller. What can be done to increase the close-off of a damper or valve actuator due to limited or insufficient pneumatic control pressure to the control device? Proper control and close-off of the control device can be accomplished by selecting actuators with appropriate spring ranges, utilizing positive positioners (AK-42309-500 or N800-0555) or ratio relays with bias adjustment ( 2378-501). Positive positioners on damper and valve actuators provide the versatility of start point and span adjustment plus the availability of full pneumatic power for positioning (0 to main air pressure to the actuator). Biased start ratio relay provide a method of amplifying or shifting the pneumatic signal. Selecting larger actuators will increase close-off pressure. Using full actuator stroke to rotate the damper less than 90 degrees increases the force delivered to the damper. Rotating the damper 60 degrees usually provides almost full flow through the damper. If the actuator has an adjustable start point, proper adjustment of the start points will increase close-off. Normally open valves or dampers should have start point adjusted to the minimum and normally closed adjusted to the maximum. Provide electronic to pneumatic transducers with sufficient input span to obtain maximum or sufficient pneumatic output.

Issue TC303 Time and Day of the Week Settings Product Line Field Devices Environment TC303 Series Fan Coil Thermostat Cause The time and day displayed on the thermostat is incorrect Resolution Press and hold the M button on the thermostat for approximately 3 seconds and the time's hour will start to blink. Use the Up/Down arrows to change the value. Press the M button again to switch the focus to minutes and the day of the week. 

Issue In this specific instance the site was upgraded to Continuum v1.94 and the Cyberstation OS upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit, fresh install. Local Administrator account was logged on to perform Database Initialization which succeeded and Continuum was able to start-up and connect to the SQL Server. Restarting and logging in with another windows user with administrative privileges results in being unable to connect to the database. Logging out and then in as Administrator and re-initializing the Workstation into the Database re-establishes the connection and Continuum is able to be run again. This fails again when another user is logged on. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Andover Continuum Cyberstation Windows 7 64-bit Cause Windows administrative privileges are required to initialize and make a connection to the database. Resolution Run Database Initialization as an Administrator and re-initialize the Workstation into the Database. Shut down all Cyberstations. Right-click Database Initialization and select "Run as... Administrator".  In Win7 you may need to "Shift-right-click" and select 'Run as a different user...' Select Workstation, confirm details, input password and select OK.

Issue Is it possible to monitor the status of a Modbus interface/device from within a TGML graphic? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Building Operation WebStation Building Operation Server Serial Modbus device Cause It's a very common requirement to monitor Modbus devices and interfaces and show this value on a TGML graphic page. Resolution The attached TGML graphic gives a simple example of how to do this. The screenshot below shows the property to bind the TGML binding to. To see the property "NetworkStatus" for the Modbus network in the binding view double click on Modbus Master Network. To see the property "Status" for the Modbus device double click on the Modbus device in the binding view.   

Issue Is it possible to have different stop bit settings in different Serial Modbus devices on the same bus? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Modbus serial communication Cause In Building Operation there is an "Auto" setting for the Serial Modbus communications "Stop Bit" setting. This could be interpreted as "automatically" detecting the Serial Modbus devices stop bit setting. Resolution The "Auto" setting is only designed to detect how many stop bits are required in certain circumstances, such as when the parity setting is set to none and therefore 2 stop bits must be used. The settings used are the Serial Client settings for the entire bus and all the Modbus devices have to be set to match the Serial Client.

Issue The Modbus Server / Client is unable to read the values from address of a 32 bit Modbus register in a Building Operation server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation server Modbus Cause The original Modbus/JBUS protocol specifies the use of 16-bit integer registers for Analogue Inputs and Analogue Outputs. The number range able to be represented in 16-bits is: Unsigned: 0 to 65353 Signed:     -32768 to 32867    In order to represent larger numbers, it is common for 16-bit registers to be combined to represent 32-bit or 64-bit numbers. When a Modbus Client or Server reads a 32-bit Modbus value, it will be reading two consecutive 16-bit registers. An error will occur if  two 32-bit Local Modbus registers are created in Building Operation using consecutive register addresses since only the starting modbus register address is used for the request.  Resolution When configuring 32-bit Local Modbus registers in Building Operation, the next register address should not be used. Create the next Local Modbus register using the 3rd available Modbus register address. 

Issue What register type should be used for the type called INT64 in the documentation Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Modbus PM Energy meter Cause It is not clear what  Modbus register type should be configured for INT64 Resolution For reading the INT64 on this range of power meters the register definition you need to apply is the "64 bit signed swapped".   Note that this register type is not available in Building Operation versions earlier than 1.5. For further information on Modbus Register Types see the Point and Value Configuration EBO Webhelp topic

Issue When numerically evaluating in a program, what day = 1? Is Sunday or Monday the first day of the week? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Script Editor Building Operation Builder for Function Block Building Operation Function Block Editor Cause What is the first day of the week in EBO, this may be required when using ">" or "<" logic in the program. Resolution Script programs handle this differently from Function Block programs.  Function Block programs use Monday as the first day of the week and therefore assign a value of 1 to Monday. Refer to: WDAY – Week Day Script program uses Sunday as the first day of the week and therefore assigns a value of 1 to Sunday. These differences are not handled by the regional settings of the local workstation. WEEKDAY *Exercise caution when using Script or Function Block programming which relates to the first day of the week. 

  Issue The shadow schedule in subordinate AS-Bs is not following the lead Schedule in the ES. When ES transitioned to occupied all of the Shadow Schedules went into Fault and did not transition, leaving the required spaces unoccupied. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Workstation Cause The "Gameday Schedule [Shadow-Read only]" configuration shows that the Exceptions at Priority 10 do not have names.  As such, don't have access to the 'properties'.   Resolution By detaching the server and deleting the binding to the 'Lead object', we can delete these events and the fault condition will disappear. As a workaround, delete these exceptions from the Lead Schedule, save, and then add them back (with a name)

  Issue Site upgraded SmartX IP Controller from 2.00.03.1203 to  v3.02.03.02109. When the upgrade was completed, they attached the SmartX room sensor to the controller.  The sensor appeared to update but the screen display was distorted.             Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment • Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV • Building Operation SmartX Living Space Sensor • Building Operation Workstation   Cause With a blank database, an MP-V with firmware V2.00.03.1203, when the sensor is connected the screen is distorted, but  after upgrading the MP- V to firmware V3.02.03.02103 , the screen display shows up with no issues Something is breaking for the site when attempting to go from 2.0.3.1203 to 3.2.3.02103 Resolution Upgrade the firmware to a higher version (ex 4.x). After the MP-V is upgraded, the sensor will upgrade automatically which takes about 10 to 15 minutes and the status will be operational. The screen will then display properly.

Issue The Area Report shows a list of cardholders by first and last name along with the name of the Area that the cardholder is located in. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Area Report is not included in Access Expert Reports by default Resolution To Run an Area Report Select the 'Access Control' Tab. Select the "Reports" Button. Select "Add Report". Double-Click "Area Report" (OPTIONAL) Enter a Display Name if you would like to save this report configuration for later. (OPTIONAL) Enable "Include Child Folders" if you would like to include all people within an Enterprise Click "Generate" to run the report, or "Save & Generate"

Issue Reporting is a powerful tool that allows for advanced monitoring of a system. It also allows for individuals or departments to monitor the usage and patterns of access. Scheduling a report allows for the delivery of reported data at a reliable interval and allows for the meeting of process requirements. *Important Note: This is a Hosted Feature Only Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Scheduled Reports not included in Access Access Reports by default Resolution When adding a New Report, the Schedulable column indicates whether a report can be scheduled or not. Scheduled Reporting Each report can be generated at the moment desired or configured to run on a schedule. *Note: Scheduled reports must be created by a user within the instance the report is to be run in. To schedule a Report Open the desired report. Click the “Schedule Report” button. Name the scheduled report. Select the Scheduled Report Tab on the Bottom Left Corner Enable the Report Set the desired timing. Apply the appropriate filters. Click “Save”. The report will now run based on the set schedule. Report Settings The Report settings configure the name of the report, the duration that the report will run, and the recipients of the report. The Display Name is the name that will show within Access Expert for that report. The ‘Starting On’ and ‘Ending On’ dates are OPTIONAL fields that allow a report to be run for a given time frame. For example, if construction is occurring in a section of the building for 3 weeks, an access request report can be run on the readers going into that area for the 3 weeks construction is taking place. The “Enabled” checkbox turns the scheduled report on or off. By unchecking this box, the report is scheduled but never runs. This box is checked by default. The recipient list shows who will receive the report. By default, the user who creates the report will receive the report via email. Additional recipients can be added by selecting the “Add Recipient” button and typing the name of the additional recipient. Setting the Timing The timing of the report is set using the generation time and pattern. Report Generation Time The Report Generation Time is the time of the day that the report will run on. The time zone drop-down allows the time to be set into the local time. By setting the time on the drop-down to 8:30 AM and the time zone to Central Time, the report will start to run at 8:30 AM central time every time it runs. Recurrence Pattern The recurrence pattern sets the frequency the report will run on. Daily: This sets the report to be run every given number of days. Weekly: This option allows for the report to be run on specified days of the week. The report can be set to run weekly or every 2/5/etc. weeks. The example below shows the report configured to run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Monthly: This option allows for the report to be set up to run every X months, i.e. every 3 months for a quarterly report, or monthly on a specific date. It is important to note that if a date is selected that does not occur in that month, the report will not run, i.e. the 31 st . If a monthly report is desired for the end of the month, it is best practice to set the report to run on the 1 st  of the month. Context Menu To access the Context Menu, Right-Click the desired report as shown below. 

Issue The Event History Report shows the Event History for the instance over a period of time. The report will show the event, the priority, if the event was acknowledged, the time and date the event occurred on and the controller, reader, displayed card number and person associated with the event (if available). Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Documentation does not detail the steps to run an Event History Report Resolution To Run an Event History Report Select the 'Access Control' Tab. Select the "Reports" Button. Select "Add Report". Double-Click "Event History Report" (OPTIONAL) Enter a Display Name if you would like to save this report configuration for later (OPTIONAL) Enable "Include Child Folders" if you would like to include all people within an Enterprise (OPTIONAL) Filter by People, Access Levels, or Badge Types Filter by a timeframe or Date Range. Click "Generate" to run the report, or "Save & Generate" Scheduling the Report The scheduling and timing of the report should be set up as described in Scheduled Reports. Then the options for the report are selected. The scheduled report only allows for the selection of a time frame instead of the selection of a specific date range. This forces the data to calculate the dates based on the scheduled time of the run.

Issue The Reader Mode Report shows the readers configured for the instance. The report will show the reader if the reader is running in the online access method, if the reader has a programmed reader mode, the schedule associated with the reader mode, the action and access method of the reader mode. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Documentation does not detail the steps to run a Reader Modes Report Resolution To run a Reader Modes Report Select the 'Access Control' Tab. Select the "Reports" Button. Select "Add Report". Double-Click "Reader Modes Report"

Issue The Output Summary Report shows the outputs configured for the instance. The report will show the output, the address of the output, the programmed activation time, and the downstream the output is attached to. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Documentation does not detail the steps to run Output Summary Reports Resolution To run an Output Summary Report 1. Select the 'Access Control' Tab. 2. Select the "Reports" Button. 3. Select "Add Report". 4. Double-Click "Output Summary Report" 5. (OPTIONAL) Enter a Display Name if you would like to save this report configuration for later. 6. (OPTIONAL) Enable "Include Child Folders" if you would like to include all people within an Enterprise 7. Click "Generate" to run the report, or "Save & Generate"