Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Some things to look for when you get ID 0 errors when doing a Save to Database Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Database Cause There are several causes such as date and time settings, scan variables, IP addresses, etc. Some troubleshooting steps are listed below based on different possible causes. Resolution Confirm that the date has been set in the controller. Edit the scan system variable and put a description in the description field. Doing this will update the LastChanged attribute of the Scan system variable. Verify that an IP address has been configured in the controller. If you are saving a remote site back that is earlier than revision 1.52 you need to set an IP address in the remote controller. Verify that the CX controller is at least revision 1.5 Verify that the controller is not reset. In some rare cases we saw that you would have a problem if you created the CX controller while offline editing. The correction in this case was to go offline edit, delete the CX in Cyberstation, go online, recreate the CX and then do the save to database. If the controller you are saving back has to go through a firewall and the firewall has blocked the access to the other IP addresses of the other controllers this controller knows about. Port numbers 33487, 33440, and 33456 are blocked in a router. Specifically port number 33456 is used for the save to database functionality. Make sure Firewall programs are not blocking the network connections. Disable any firewall programs before doing a “Send to DB”. Create a debug file (Acc_Dump_Debug.txt). See the Infinity-to-Continuum Upgrade document. Look in the debug file and see where it failed and act accordingly. 

Issue Analog Producer value located in an RP-C controller cannot command light object(BACnet type: crs-lighting-output) or blind object(BACnet type: crs-blind-output) located in another RP-C's CRS expansion module. Analog Producer Value, Status flags: Fault and Reliability: communication-failure.     Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 24 V Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 230 V Cause Light and Blind objects support only two priorities (1 - Force, 2 - Normal). An error will be returned by the RP if the Priority in the Write request from the Producer Value is outside this range, ex. Priority 16. Resolution In the Analog Producer Value, set the default priority for writing to 2 (normal) or 1 (Force), as shown in below screenshot:  

Issue Unable to access the SE8xxx or SER8xxx Room Controller configuration parameters menu - displays an error code. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, Field Devices  Environment SE8xxx and SER8xxx Room controller SE8000 and SER8000 Series Ex. Viconics branding VT8000 Series Cause The PswrdSet parameter sets a protective access password to prevent unauthorized access to the configuration menu parameters. An error code is displayed whenever the password lockout is active and an incorrect password is used. Resolution Contact your region's Customer Care Center for a temporary password. The error code which is unique to that controller will be required by the Customer Care Center to calculate the temporary password.

Issue N4 software installation stops because; azul-zre-compact3-qnx7-arm tridium-qnx7-n4-titan-am335x software is missing Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Jace 8000 Cause A valid license including the features that meet the dependencies is not installed. Resolution Install a valid license containing the jre8J8000Azul, jre8Qnz7Zulu and qnx7, jreQnx7Zulu features before attempting to commission the Jace 8000

Issue Can report generation be scheduled in a Niagara G3 (AX) station? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 (AX) station Cause Set the report schedule in the Export Source Object. Resolution Reports can be generated at scheduled times: Add an Export Source object (from the Report Palette) to the Report Service. Double-click the Export Source Object and set the built-in schedule to the desired time and frequency (e.g. 6:00 AM Daily) Click the chevron near “Source” and browse to the ReportPx file. Click “Next” and choose PxView to Pdf in the Exporter field. Then click “Finish.” Drag an Email or File Recipient to the Report Service and link the Export Source to the Recipient. Set up the Email Recipient with email addresses. Set up the File Recipient with a folder for the file. Force an export by right-clicking the Export Source object and choosing “Actions – Generate”.

Issue Using provisioning Niagara to schedule (automated) ENC station backup Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 (AX) version 3.3 and above Cause The station in an ENC (Enterprise Network Controller) can be copied to the ENS (Enterprise Network Server) computer for backup. This can be done by a user using the ENC's Platform Station Copier. There is a need to have an automated process to back up the ENC's station periodically. Resolution Use provisioning Niagara and configure an automated station backup. Provisioning Niagara means an administrator can configure the Enterprise Network Server automation of the following: one or more pre-defined tasks (station backups, install software, update licenses, and copy files) against one or more (potentially many) stations in its Niagara Network done from the Enterprise Network Server in a way where results are recorded and can be referred to later. Refer to this document for a summarized procedure. You should refer to the technical document 'Niagara Ax 3.5 Provisioning Guide for Niagara Networks' for detailed information on using provisioning in Niagara. This document is included with the installation of the I/A Series G3 software and it is located in '\niagara\niagara-3.x.xx\docs\docProvisioningNiagara'. 

Issue In a Niagara G3 station, what is the difference between a Station Save and Backup Station? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 (AX) Jace/ENC Niagara G3 (AX) Enterprise Server (ENS)  Cause Help determine which feature (Station Save and Backup Station) meet the requirement. Resolution A Station Save only saves the config.bog file to the local device (if an ENC, it will save the file on the ENC; if an ENS, it will save it on the ENS computer).  The Backup Station function performs a complete backup of the connected ENC or ENS station, saved as a dist file on the Workbench computer. The backup dist contains the entire station folder plus the specific NRE config used by that ENC or ENS platform, including license(s) and certificate(s). The dist also contains pointers to the appropriate NRE core, Java VM, modules, and OS. If ever needed, you can restore a backup dist using the platform Distribution File Installer view. The backup dist file also contains the TCP/IP configuration of the host when it is backed up. When restoring the backup, the choice to restore these settings, or retain the TCP/IP settings currently in use by the target host is available.

Issue External resistors are required for Biasing and Terminating RS-485 trunks connected to an Automation Server (AS) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Automation Server (AS) with  RS-485 trunk(s) under it. Field controllers on the RS-485 trunk; for example, the Network 8000 ASD controllers (MZ2, PEM1, etc)  Cause Bias and terminating resistors are not built into the AS hardware. Resolution External resistors are required for Biasing and Terminating RS-485 trunks connected to an  Automation Server (AS). See the Technical Reference Guide, revision 1.3, pages 2723, 2724, and 2771. Also check out the SmartStruxure-RS485-Network Installation Quick-Help video on the Exchange. Biasing and Termination details are now found in the "RS-485 Communications" chapter of SpaceLogic - Hardware Reference Guide

Issue The extended trend log contains approximately 50% of the configured storage capacity. For example, only 250 entries are in the Trend log view even though the ETL is configured for 500 entries.   After the ETL runs long enough to fill up the 500 entry capacity, ONLY 250 entries are shown in a Trend log list view. (see below)   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause An extended trend log (ETL) includes an equal number of internal entries hidden from view; these entries are overhead incurred in the operation of the ETL. For example, each time a transfer takes place, an internal entry is added. Depending on the specifics of the configuration (i.e., Maximum Transfer Interval), the percentage of internal entries for a given ETL relative to its full size varies. From EBO 3.2.3, the internal entries of an ETL are hidden, and no information is provided to give any visibility into how much storage is being used by internal entries. Resolution The solution is to increase the size of the ETL to ensure there is enough storage capacity for data and overhead. Typically, the size must be doubled (in this case, 1000) in the particular ETL to make sure 500 entries of data can be stored.  Although these transfer events are hidden, it is possible to identify these events by adding the Sequence number column in the trend log list.  It is also possible to decrease the overhead amount stored in the ETL by increasing the "Maximum transfer interval" in the ETL properties, as shown in the screenshots.  Here it can be seen that by increasing the Maximum transfer interval to 1 hour for an interval log of 5 minutes that ONLY 1 'overhead' record (sequence # 565) is added per 10 entries.   Using this or a similar setting will allow to reduce the storage requirement of the ETL.

Issue Field Bus controller shows its version number as 0.000000. Learn controllers from comm port is very slow and fails when reloading the controller. Updating the firmware will not fix this problem. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation 1.74 above i2 controllers B3 controllers Cause There are many reasons that will cause the i2 and B3 controllers show their version number as 0.0000000 Wireless network enabled or Multi-Network card enabled on the machine. Database snatched from Flash RAM after power-cycle does not match to the Continuum Database Some controllers with special firmware (Such as B38XX-V with 4.501043) have points referenced by other controllers, this will make the source controller buffer to be full after more than 20 hours Unknown application software installed on the CyberStation PC B-Link fault will also cause this problem Resolution Exit Continuum CyberStation, then ensure only a single network card is enabled Fix the problem caused by database mismatching: Create a new database and bring the master controller online, Do learn from the commport and bring the field controllers online Click the "Reset" button on the Runtime tag after opening the controller editor. Do database initialization and connect the original database to see if the version number is correct or not. If not, skip to item 4. If yes, do SendToController and then BackUpToFlash Update the controllers to the latest version. Rebuild the CyberStation PC. Only have the Windows operating system and Continuum CyberStation installed. Skip over B-Link and connect Field bus to BCX1 comm2 directly to verify B-LINK has some fault, and then replace it with new one, if required

Issue Access denied and/or insufficient access errors reloading CX9680 or ACX2 (5720/5740) The above typically happens following an uprev of the controller FW to a different version. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause RAM Memory issue due to the difference between the two builds, this problem will be addressed in future releases of the FW A similar warning can be seen if an XDriver is not correctly loaded. (Xdr may be referred to in the Distribution Properties page) Resolution Remove the battery Power down the controller, wait 5 minutes to make sure RAM is fully erased. Power up and reload the controller once it is online. Or reload the XDriver correctly first

Issue Require details on where to find the Pelco VideoXpert integration package and which versions are supported with Security Expert as the information cannot be found on the Scheider Electric EcoXpert Extranet. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Pelco VideoXpert Cause Pelco now supports the VideoXpert integration with Security Expert directly. Resolution All information can be found on Pelco's  partners website, this includes: Security Expert VideoXpert Integration User Guide Security Expert VideoXpert Integration Download Installer Access Control OpsCenter Plugin Information on required licenses A contact form for further support

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 Procedure for converting a bCX9640 to a CX9680 (NC2) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX9640 CX9680 (NC2) Cause Documentation Resolution This article provides some guidelines for converting a bCX9640 to a CX9680 in the field. As of version 1.94 CyberStation does not automatically convert a bCX9640 to a CX9680, such conversion while complex and error prone can be done manually.   DISCLAIMER: Be aware that due to the differences between the two models not everything can be converted; certain items may have to be re-created from scratch in the new CX9680 controller. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BCX9640 AND CX9680   Feature bCX9640 CX9680 1 System Variables 47 65 2 Comm Ports 2 4 3 IO Expansion Modules IOU Modules 4 Infinet 1 2 5 Access Control No Yes 6 UPS Support No Yes 7 Display Module Support Yes No   Procedure: Make sure you have a recent backup of the SQL ContinuumDB as a precaution. From CyberStation send the bCX including children to a text file, the dump file can be later used for reference. Take note of the bCX9640’s name, AccNetID and network settings. Put the CyberStation in offline edit mode and delete the bCX9640 then create the CX9680 using the exact Name, ACCNetId and network settings as the deleted bCX. After creating the new controller object it will come online, at this point you are still communicating with the bCX9640 hardware. In the ‘Send to Database’ options make sure to select ‘Save attached objects and controllers’ then select the new controller in the Continuum explorer and perform a ‘Sent to database’, depending on how many Infinet devices you have this make take a while. When the send to database operation has completed you are ready to remove the bCX9680 hardware and connect the CX9680 hardware. After disconnecting the bCX from the network commission the CX9680 hardware with the same AccNetID and network settings as the bCX it is replacing. When the new hardware comes online reload it from Continuum making sure you don’t reload the Infinet devices (Reload attached objects but not attached controllers)   At this point you have converted the bCX9640 to a CX9680, the next steps in the process is fixing the items that do not convert properly due to the differences between the two controllers. LCD Display Configuration If the bCX has an display module attached all configuration related to the display module must be removed as the CX9680 does not support it. Fixing IO If the bCX had IO then appropriate IOU modules must be configured in the CX9680. In some cases points may have to be moved to a different IOU. For example if you were using a xPBD4 (which has both inputs and outputs) then you’ll have to put the inputs and outputs on different IOU modules as there is not an IOU module that is the equivalent of the xPBD4. Fixing References Any references in programs/functions to objects that do not exist in the CX9680 must be manually removed/fixed. For example the CX9680 does not have some system variables supported in the bCX such as all the system variables related to the display module (ACCLCDBeeper etc) Other items that need partial or complete manual fixing include… Alarms, links will convert ok, but references to Graphics, Program, Video may be have to be re-assigned. Extended logging   Use the dump file created on step #2 for reference when manually re-entering lost configuration.   Article as a document: Procedure For Converting a bCX9640 to a CX9680

Issue When a Zigbee device is imported to EBO there is a lot of different configuration settings for the device, like the below settings for the Wiser Radiator Thermostat: How do I know what the different settings do? Do we have any documentation explaining that?  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) Cause The different objects under the Zigbee device like "Thermostat" and "Power Configuration" is coming from something called clusters and a cluster is defined in the "Zigbee Cluster Library Specification". For example the "Remote sensing" attribute for the "Thermostat"   Look like this in the "Zigbee Cluster Library Specification" When joining a Zigbee device it will specify what cluster it support and that information is what will be used when building the import file which is imported to EBO. Resolution EBO doesn't know anything about the functionality of the Zigbee device. Instead it gets information from the device what clusters it supports, and will make sure the correct objects and attributes for the different clusters are created in EBO so it is possible to set all configuration parameters in the device. So to know what the different settings actually do in the device please contact the manufacturer of the device.

Issue RP-C-16B-230V Transformer 24Vac output Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartLogic SmartX IP Controller RPC-16B-230V Cause More details about the internal transformer power supply required. Resolution The voltage regulation of the transformer is around 15%, thus if the "230Vac supply" is towards it's upper tolerance (230Vac +10%, 253Vac) the no load voltage of the "24Vac output" can be about 30Vac. If the RPC power supply is 230Vac, then the no load voltage of the 24Vac output will be around 28Vac With the 224Vac output" half loaded, the voltage is around 26.5Vac With the "24Vac output" fully loaded the voltage is around 24Vac See SpaceLogic - Hardware Reference Guide

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 Need to backup or share the project with another user. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT)  Cause One way of sharing a project is to move it and another way is to Export the project. Resolution Move the project Stop all servers in each project and stop all projects. Close PCT application. Copy the “projects” folder from the PCT storage location and paste it to another storage location (suggested by WebHelp topic Move a Project) OR backup all servers through Workstation. Default PCT Project Folder Locations Versions prior to PCT 1.2 C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\storagemodule\projects PCT 1.2 or higher C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\storagemodule\projects Default PCT Template Folder Locations Versions prior to PCT 1.2 C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\templates PCT 1.2 or higher C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\templates   Export the project In Project Configuration Tool, in the Project view, select the project you want to export. On the Header toolbar, click the Export project button or right-click on the project and select "Export". On the Export selected project(s) dialog box, in the Folder box, browse to the folder on your hard drive where you want to save the exported project. Click OK. TIP: You can select multiple projects and export all of them at once. Note: In order to be more future proof, there is a new export/import format of PCT projects starting in PCT v1.3.2 with exports having an extension of '.pct_export'.  Projects exported at an earlier version have an extension of '.ppb' and they must be converted to '.pct_export' files before import into PCT v1.3.2.    Please refer to point 2.1 in the release notes.   Also prior to PCT v1.3.2 the project had to be stopped before export was possible.  In PCT v1.3.2 the project has to be running before it can be exported.    

Issue In the field it can be advantageous to flash an i2 to a b3 or a b3 to an i2 Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Infinet controllers BACnet controllers i2xx/i28xx-V b3xx/b28xx-V Cause Flashing controllers in the field can save time Resolution If the controllers are i28xx-V or b38xx-V then these can be flashed back and forth in the field.  Please refer to Update b3 or i2 OS which also contains information on converting a bCX4040 to/from bCX9640 Refer to Conversion of Continuum devices from i2 to b3 and vice-versa in the field for non -V models If the i2/b3 controller is NOT included in the above (any other type of controller) then it cannot be flashed in the field, it will need to be sent to repair to change from an Infinet to BACnet or BACnet to Infinet.  If you attempt to flash this way in the field it can cause the controller to become a non-functioning controller.

Issue System was running fine with EBO version 3.2.3 and Active Directory (AD) integration. But after upgrading to EBO version 2022 no AD user could login to the ES. The Workstation Error when trying to login is: User_Not_Associated_With_A_Group And the error message seen in the ES trace log is: WinES\server\nsp_servers\csc\accountaccess\source\AccountAccess.cpp(486) Workstation Error: User_Not_Associated_With_A_Group (0xc002a) in module Account_Access(28).  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause The Windows AD integration performance in EBO was improved in version 2022 by storing and comparing the SID for the AD-groups. During the upgrade from version 3.2.3 to EBO 2022 all EBO groups should have been updated with an AD-connected group SID. This was not done as the AD server was offline when doing the upgrade of the ES. Resolution If turning on the below property in the properties the old way used in EBO version 3.2.3 of matching groups during logon will be used: In the "ES.properties" file usually placed in C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation 4.0\Enterprise Server\etc\config add and save: NspServer.Windows.Group.MatchByName = true   To utilize the AD performance improvement in EBO 2022 re-connect the AD group to their respective EBO group. This is done by changing the "Windows group name" property in the EBO group to anything else or an empty string and then change it back to its proper value, i.e. the AD group name. Doing so should correctly populate the hidden "External SID" property for the EBO groups that is missing as the upgrade was done with no connection to the AD server.  

Issue How can I streamline badge creation in Security Expert? Product Line EcoExpert Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Client   Cause There is no "Import/Export badge" feature available in Security Expert (unlike in Episuite/Continuum) Resolution This video demonstrates how to streamline badge creation in Security Expert.     Badge templates are normally provided by the customer.  They should be provided in bitmap (.bmp) or portable graphics format (.png) format. JPEG image format does not work well for resizing.     A new template can also be drawn though this is time-consuming.      Blank template from client 1. In Security Expert Client menu, go to Users--> Card Template Editor   Add and name new template, 2. Add blank template as image, go to right side Properties-->Images   Add blank template Adjust image to fit blue outline   3. Add dynamic user fields, go to right side Properties-->User Fields   Add and name fields ONE AT A TIME by dragging out items on to plan (drag one at a time to avoid confusion)     4. Name and place dynamic user fields over-top of blank template layout (Photo, Name, Dept, etc.)   Stretch, Align and Center Fields for uniform finish         5. Save template   6. Preview badge In Security Expert, go to Users--> Users-->Photo tab   Select a user:   Photo ID: Card template(drop-down menu)--> Choose your newly created template Hit the preview button Note: Do not choose Print & Read if no USB card reader is attached; this will cause an error and shut down Security Expert   Print Preview:

Issue How can the reports list sort order be changed and saved so that reports are always displayed in a specific order.  Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause Reports are printed in order of Database ID by default. There is a need to have this changed to a custom sorting order.  Resolution This video demonstrates how to create, configure and save report layouts in Security Expert.         1. Create your report      In Security Expert Client menu, go to Reports --> Setup--> User Add and name the new report Choose a Report Type and give your Report a Title (this will appear at the header of your report) Skip sorting properties Save your report 2. Add Columns to your report With your new report highlighted, go to the "Columns" tab Click Add to add desired columns for your report Save your report 3. Configure your report: Return to the "General" tab and click "Edit in report view" as seen below   Filtering: right-click the column you want to filter and select filter editor  Add your desired filters   Apply to view changes and OK to close the editor Sorting: right-click the column(s) you want to sort Click Save Report Filter to save your changes   Note: 1. You can clear custom sorting of the report table by:: Right-click tab and hit clear sorting Click Save Report Filter 2. You can also filter multiple columns: Right-click the columns Sort primary column (Dept, Access Level, Region) Sort secondary columns Click Save Report Filter