Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Does TAC Vista support the protocol ESPA 4.4.4? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.8 Cause Vista server supports: OPC Lon The Xenta 913 supports: Bacnet Modbus M-bus Clipsal C-Bus Resolution TAC Vista has no support for ESPA 4.4.4

Issue Can the I/A Series R2 ModbusAsync driver be configured to control minimum send time between Modbus messages to the bus? Environment I/A Series R2, Modbus Cause The Modbus device under control is unable to process messages at normal rates and requires a delay between messages received. Resolution The minimum send time between Modbus messages can be controlled by adding a parameter into the drivers.properties file. Note: Requires modbusAsync-2.302.514.v1 or higher. Open the UNC with the admin tool and go to the Installation tab. Edit the drivers.properties file. Add the property (shown below) on its own line within the file. Set the value the number of mSec of delay between messages. Save the file and reboot the station (remember to backup the station when requested). modbusAsync.minSendInterval=1000

Issue Attempting to enter a conversion that references an object (point, PE function etc) results in error.. "Could not validate conversion formula" Environment Automation Server BACnet interface b3 device. Cause By design in SBO a point conversion can not contain references to other objects in the server. Resolution Remove the reference and substitute a hard coded value EXAMPLE: sqrt(elecvalue) * kfactor In the conversion above, 'kfactor' is an analog value in the b3, the conversion can't be validated due to the reference to kfactor. The solution is to replace 'kfactor' with its actual value sqrt(elecvalue) * 10

Issue Bindings do not work. Environment Binding BACnet Output Digital Output Cause When the BACnet point changes in value, it does not change the value of the Digital output.   Resolution The StruxureWare Building Operation core architecture (as of version 1.3) allows cross server “read” references, but not cross server “write” references. This was the design from 1.0, and effects everyone – not just BACnet (ie. script programs would have the same behavior). What this means for the BACnet associated value is that inputs (which are “read” references) can be done cross server, while outputs (which are “write” references) can be only be within a single server.

Issue Camera will not move to preset PTZ on video alarm, from Video Monitor the camera can be moved to the preset in live video. Environment CyberStation Video Server Video Monitor Cause Issue with accVideoRecordingSrvc.exe at workstation that is logging the alarm. NOTE: The accVideoRecordingSrvc.exe problem could happen at any workstation not necessarily the workstation receiving the alarm. Resolution Check all workstations looking for any indication that there has been a problem with accVideoRecordingSvr.exe Shutdown then re-start Continuum on the workstation reporting issues with accVideoRecordingSvr.exe

Issue When receiving an alarm from a BACnet device, the alarm text display does not match the text entered in the SmartStruxure configuration of the alarm object. Also performing a 'Recheck' from the alarm viewer results in the alarm text fields going blank. Environment AS ES BACnet device Cause As of version 1.3 SmartStruxure uses BACnet protocol version 6, as a result of that SmartStruxure is not able to read or write the alarm text message from BACnet devices. If a device includes the text message with an alarm event SmartStruxure will use the message when displaying the alarm in the alarm viewer but on alarm re-check it will use the alarm messages in the SmartStruxure database as it’s not able to read that information from the device. When using messages from the device and performing an alarm ‘Recheck’ the alarm messages will be blank unless they are set on the SmartStruxure side. This issue will addressed by SmartStruxure In the future when BACnet protocol revision 13 is supported. Resolution To work around this issue do one of the following: Configure the BACnet device so that no text is sent with the alarm. or   Enter alarm text on the SmartStruxure side to match the text sent from the controller.

Issue Can an automation server be installed with a backup database without the need for Workstation?  For example, can a backup database be installed on a USB stick that is programmed to 'auto-run' when it is plugged into the automation server? Environment StruxureWare for Building Operations (all versions) Cause Customer works in the industrial refrigeration industry and his field personnel are primarily mechanics with limited pc knowledge.  Wants to use a stand-alone AS to control the refrigeration system.  Sites are mostly remote (several hours by car and/or flights).  Wants to send programming changes, due to site installation changes, as a self-extracting and self-installing file on a USB stick. Trying to avoid supplying the necessary laptops and Workstation training to the mechanics. Resolution This feature is not available.  Workstation is required for database administration.

Issue After the "Windows is shutting down" message, the Windows displays a non specific memory error as shown below: lmadmin.exe - Application Error The instruction at "0x00000000" referenced memory at "0x000000". The memory could not be read.   Environment SmartStruxure Windows XP SP3 Cause Flexera Software (Licensing software used within Building Operation) does not support Windows XP.  This is a known issue which will not be corrected. Resolution There is currently no known operational issues with this error and only occurs when shutting down the Windows XP machine.  Upgrading the Operating System will remove this error.

Issue Which pockets are included with the different size meters? Environment Kamstrup Heat meter Flow meter Cause Different applications requires different sensor pockets. Resolution 65mm pockets included up to DN20, 90mm pockets between DN25-DN80, 140mm pockets from DN100 and up.

Issue Linkage kits to be used with Satchwell ALE (s) , ALi, ALX (s), ALM (s) on Schneider Electric Venta V and VG Valve bodies Environment Linkage Kits Cause Linkage kits to be used with Satchwell ALE (s) , ALi, ALX (s), ALM (s) on Schneider Electric Venta V and VG Valve bodies. Resolution Use the L8TV linkage kit part no. 914-1080-000 on V type valve bodies e.g. V211, V211T, V311, V311T, V231, V241, V212, V222, V232, V292, V341 Use the L9TVG linkage kit part no. 914-108-000 on VG type valve bodies e.g. VGS211F, VG221F, VG311F

Issue What happens to Sigma globals if the network fails? Environment Globals Communications Networks Cause Site is to have a planned network shutdown, how will the Sigma controllers react to this? Resolution The Sigma controller using the global update, will continue to operate normally, but will use the last value received, so any changes will not be responded to. If the Sigma controller controls critical plant then the loss of global communications should be taken into account when programming.

Issue I/A Series G3 Software Drivers Returns Environment I/A Series G3 software drivers Examples: ENC-DRV-MOD, ENC-DRV-MOD-T etc.  Cause The wrong software driver was purchased for an ENC-520 and the ENC-520 has been shipped to the customer.  Resolution There are no returns on software drivers. A purchase would have to be made for the software driver that is required.  The existing driver that was wrongly purchased can be re-license for use on another G3 device by purchasing an I/A Series license change (IA-LIC-CHG). 

Issue Fan is activating though it is not commanded. Environment Zbuilder Xenta 121FC Xenta 121HP Cause Fan Conditioning is Active. Conditioning can be used to "stir" the air periodically, evening the temperature when the system is not commanded or forced off. Resolution Active fan Conditioning is determined by settings for Inactive time and Active time. (UCPTappOptions bit 8, Active=1) Inactive time - Maximum interval in minutes before the fan is activated, if not used during. Standstill time between Conditioning.(UCPTFanCondOffTime) Active time - Time in minutes that the fan runs at minimum speed during Conditioning.(UCPTFanCondOnTime) If the Fan Conditioning is active, the fan state will be monitored for activity during the specified Inactive time and turned on when Inactive time has passed. The fan will stay on for the specified Active time until reached then turn off, which begins the Inactive time monitoring again. If the fan is called for during the Inactive time before reaching the Inactive time, the Inactive time is started over when the fan is released.

Issue Customer did a full backup of a SIGNAL 4.4.1 installation.  A full backup is data, bitmaps, and executable files.  The computer hardware was replaced along with the operating system to Windows XP 32-bit.  The customer has SIGNAL version 5.0.0. Environment SIGNAL Cause Computer hardware replacement Resolution There are a couple of ways to restore the database.  Here is a simple method: - Install SIGNAL 5.0.0 - Restore the full backup from version 4.4.1 (this step overwrites all the executable files of 5.0.0) - Re-install SIGNAL 5.0.0 (this last step will update all the executables back to version 5.0.0) The license file, signal.dcf, may need to be checked to ensure it is for version 5.0.0.

Issue Information on how the MNB-Vx determines damper position after a power cycle. Environment MNB-V1 and MNB-V2 Cause Understanding damper behavior after a power cycle Resolution After a power cycle, the damper does not know exactly where it is and it is NOT stored in non-volatile memory. So, it must drive open or drive closed to re-synch the hall effect sensors embedded in one of the gears that provides positional feedback. There are two Hall-Effect sensors that detect a magnet, embedded in one of the drive gears, as it spins. Each sensor sends a pulse to an internal counter each time it detects the passing magnet. The two Hall-Effect sensors help with identifying clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation. The accumulated pulse count and the gear ratio help in calculating the damper position. Right-click the VAV Actuator object in WorkPlace Tech and go to its Properties, there is a setting called 'Position Initialization Mode'. Select open or closed as the choice when initializing after a power cycle.  

Issue A newly added Microzone II does not appear in the Node List in PSI.  The ASD trunk contains existing controllers connected to a UNC-520.  All existing ASD controllers appear in the Node List.  Environment Niagara R2 ASD Cause The new ASD controller must be 'learned' into the R2 station in order for it to appear in the Node List in PSI. Resolution Access the R2 station and use Device Manager to find and learn the new controller into the station. 

Issue Do we have a replacement for the Fire Rated Damper Actuator: Make: Siebe Environmental Controls Part No: MA – 223   Environment Fire Rated Smoke actuators MA-223-0-2 Cause Siebe Fire/ Smoke rated damper actuators are all obsolete. Resolution Schneider Electric no longer manufacture any fire and smoke actuators so the MA-223 range are obsolete with no replacement. The only suggestion we can offer is for the customer to contact the damper manufacturer that this actuator is mounted on and see what they would use to replace the actuator. We only sold these fire/smoke rated actuators directly to the damper manufacturers.  

Issue Intrusion Alarm System for TAC I/NET Building Automation Systems Environment I/NET Site using Intrusion Alarm System for TAC I/NET Building Automation Systems Cause Certification Requests Certification Requests including Grade 3 Resolution The I/NET Access Control security products are certified and Listed under Underwriters Laboratories standard UL294. We do not have certification with NSI or SSAIB. Reference to NSI and SSAIB suggest a probable European security application. If that is the case, the application may be a candidate for our recently released TAC I/NET security products listed below - ICPB - Intrusion Control Panel Base ICPE - Intrusion Control Panel Expander ICPD - Intrusion Control Panel Distributed OP5 - Operator Terminal The above system panels were certified to the European Security System Standard EN50131 and the Swedish standard SSF1014 by - SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden Tel: +46 (0)10 516 50 00 Telefax: +46 (0)33 12 50 38 Internet: www.sp.se The Security system panels and their functional performance were tested and certified to the following standards - EN50131-3:2009 Alarm systems - Intrusion and hold-up systems - Part 3: Control and indicating equipment EN50131-6:2008 Alarm systems - Intrusion and hold-up systems - Part 6: Power supplies The above two standards are used to test/evaluate intrusion systems for compliance with EN50131-1 SSF1014:2005 System components – Intruder Alarm Systems Requirements and test methods EN60950-1:2001+A11:2004 Information technology equipment - Safety EN61000-6-3:20007 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Generic Standards - Emission standard EN50130-4:1996/A1:1998/A2:2003 - Electromagnetic Compatibility - Product family standard: Immunity requirements for components of fire, intruder and social alarm systems. The TAC I/NET EN50131 compliant system is documented in TCON314 Installation Manual and TCON315 operators Manual. The security system detailed above was certified and registered with the organization - SBSC SBSC is Sweden’s leading organization for certifying companies, products, management processes and personnel within fire protection and crime prevention. This is covered under SBSC Certificate number 10-523 (copy available at link provided) PA-00148 Vista Security Intrusion Certification.

Issue Is it possible to Import / Export data from Excel into the StruxureWare Building Operation Spreadsheet view? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Spreadsheet View Microsoft Excel Cause Engineer must complete a survey of the existing plant before starting the upgrade and wished to export the StruxureWare Building Operation data into Excel. Resolution Importing and Exporting to Excel at release 1.3 is not possible, using copy and paste are the only options. These functions are described in StruxureWare Building Operation "Help" under "How To". Copying from MS Excel to Spreadsheet View Copying from Spreadsheet View to MS Excel

Issue LD-1 program was working, then suddenly stopped. Environment LD-1 Display Module Cause Corrupted InfinityString points. Resolution Deleted and recreated corrupted InfinityString points.