Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is it possible to repeatedly send messages from the 911 to keep a connection thru a 3G Cisco access point open? Environment TAC Vista 5.1.8 TAC Xenta 911 Cause There is no function in the 911 designed to do this. But the 911 can get it's time from a NTP server so specifying a NTP server in the 911 will make it ask the NTP server for the time. But the minimum poll rate for the NTP server is 30 minutes. Resolution Go to the Webpage for the 911. Under the time settings specify an NTP server. Now the 911 will ask the NTP server for the time with the time interval specified in the time settings and keep the connection open.

Issue In a TAC Vista server Network is a TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interfaces needed for each server? Environment TAC Vista Server 5.1.8 or later TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface SmartStruxure Cause Do I need to set up a TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface per TAC Vista server or can I use just one for all Servers? Resolution You don't have to set up an TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface per server but you can have several if you want to reduce the server to server traffic.

Issue Is there a min/max pipe diameter when using the SCP110/SCC110 condensation detector? Environment 006902500 SCP110 006902510 SCC110 Cause Application options for SCP110/SCC110 condensation sensor Resolution Applicable Pipe Diameters:   ¼“(14mm)  -  3“(90 mm) Length of strap included in package:  350mm

Issue A database update from 1.94 to 1.94 SP1 will generate an Installation error [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause A column in the db doesn't get converted properly. The SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type 'datetime' to 'int' is not allowed. The CONVERT function has to be used to run this query contained in the hotfix. Resolution 1. To correct this issue apply the following hotfix AFTER installing 1.94 SP1 but BEFORE running the database update 2.  Locate the hotfix on Exchange using the following link:  https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/search#keyword/14191/tab/documents 3.  Find the item entitled:  "Error when Updating the Continuum DB while Upgrading to CyberStation 1.94 SP1 - TPA-CONT-13-0003.00" 4. Select download and read the release notes and install the hotfix Upgrading to CyberStation 1.94 SP1 - TPA-CONT-13-0003.00  

Issue An update from 1.94 to 1.94 SP1 will generate an "Installation error! Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed. Use the CONVERT function to run this query." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause A column in the db doesn't get converted properly SQL Server Implicit conversion from data type datetime to int is not allowed Use the CONVERT function to run this query. Resolution To correct this issue apply the following hotfix AFTER installing 1.94 SP1 but BEFORE running the database update Hotfix for DataBase Update Error

Issue When attempting to communicate with a MNL controller using the Listen to service pin method, a neuron ID of all zeros (000000000000) is received after clicking on the 'Listen' button. This is an invalid neuron ID and the physical service pin on the MNL controller has not been pressed. Environment I/A Series WorkPlace 5.8.x Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit Echelon OpenLDV 4.0 Echelon Type II PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) LonWorks PC LonTalk adapter (PCC-10) (formerly PCMCIA) LONWORKS PC LonTalk Cause WorkPlace Tech requires that the PCC-10 LonWorks adapter to be configured to use NI Application NSIPCC. Resolution Here are the steps to configure the LonWorks Adapter to use NI Application NSIPCC in Echelon OpenLDV 4.0.  1. Go to Windows Control Panel and launch LonWorks Interfaces. 2. Click the PCC-10 interface in the list view on the left side of the user interface to display the interface's properties in the details pane in the right side. 3. The details pane lists the PCC-10 card’s system image and transceiver properties. 4. Click anywhere in the NI Application property, click the box to the right, and then browse to and select the NSIPCC image.  property, click the box to the right, and then browse to and select the desired system image from interface's properties in the details pane in the right side.

Issue Is there any thermic actuator that can be used with the VZ*19 valves? Environment VZ219 VZ319 VZ419 MZ20A MZ20B Cause In some applications, a thermic actuator is requested Resolution Unfortunately, the only available actuators for VZ*19 valves are the MZ20A (24V, 0-10V modulating control) and MZ20B (24V and 230V, 3 Point floating control)

Issue When replacing a valve where the MZ140 actuator is used, which valve will fit? Environment MZ140-24T MZ140-230T VZ208E, VZ308E, VZ408E VZ208C, VZ308C, VZ408C Cause Valve that fits the MZ140 actuator Resolution The MZ140 is designed to be used with the VZ*08* valves (VZ208E, VZ308E, VZ408E VZ208C, VZ308C, VZ408C).

Issue Parameter changes lost when downloading XBuilder project even though upload parameters has been performed. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista TAC XBuilder TAC Xenta Server Cause When you upload parameters from a Xenta server in TAC Vista the values are stored in the TAC Vista database. To restore them to a Xenta Server, you have to download parameters as well. Resolution Upload parameters from TAC Xenta Server in TAC Vista Download from XBuilder Download parameters from TAC Vista Note: When you do changes in an XBuilder project and download it, these changes are saved to the Vista db, overwriting the previous values saved during the upload parameters process. This means that the download parameters won't have any effect. The upload/download parameters feature is intended to be used when: Someone has made (erroneous) value changes from the OP7 panel or the web interface (and you want to revert them) You need to replace the Xenta Server. Before replacing it, you make an upload. Then you download the XB project to the new Xenta Server and download.

Issue Pinpoint crashes when Animation is selected under the Active Components menu.  The crash occurs both when editing an existing animation or when attempting to create a new animation. Environment Pinpoint Active Animation Crash Cause Domain account permissions were restricted Resolution The network administrator increased the permissions for the account user.  No further details are available.

Issue Trying to purchase a Network 8000 conversion from the TAC I/A Series Migrator and the "Add to Cart" button is missing? Environment iPortal and TAC I/A Series Migrator tool Cause This can happen if someone adds a conversion file to a cart and leaves that cart without checking out or if a conversion file is added to a cart and then deleted from the cart. Resolution When this occurs the file migration must be done again.  Once the conversion is complete the "Add to Cart" button will be displayed and the file can be purchased.

Issue There is a need to be able to display pdf files from within a webpinpoint graphic Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause instructions to open a pdf file with webpinpoint Resolution Within a graphic in Cyber Pinpoint, add a Windows Control> Web Browser object Edit the object and go to object properties and select the .pdf to display (Change the file type drop down to all files from .htm)  It is recommended to place the pdf files in C:\program files\Continuum\NewGraphicsFiles for permissions reasons.  Once that object has been selected, it can be saved and run in Cyber Pinpoint The same object will open up webpinpoint and the pdf will display.

Issue TAC Vista interface stops  Environment Vista StruxureWare Building Operation TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface 1.0.0  Cause When acknowledging an Vista alarm in SmartStruxure, the TAC Vista SmartStruxure interface stops.  Resolution Please download and install the latest Vista hotfix versions for your system from the Exchange.

Issue Does StruxureWare Building Operation support oBIX protocol natively? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment   oBIX Cause In Knowledge Base articles as well as some other sales documents, it shows SmartStruxure as compatible with Obix. Resolution StruxureWare Building Operation does not have built-in native support for oBIX, but there is a gateway product that can talk oBIX.  

Issue When PIV card is presented at the card reader a Bad Card Parity event is generated. Non PIV cards present no problem. Environment Card Access AC1 module PIV Format cards PIVReaderFormat Cause The controller was improperly configured for PIV cards. Resolution In this case the PIVReaderFormat system variable was not set. When the PIVReaderFormat is left blank the system defaults to FIPS_PIV_75 Bit for FIPS cards, if the FIPS reader is configured to send a diferent FIPS output such as FIPS_PIV_Full_FASC-N (200 bits) then the system will generate a bit count not supported error. Once the PIVReaderFormat system variable was set to the proper value the cards generated valid access events.

Issue Have to download a new NXE file, and I have now 4 possibilities: Keep current configuration in device Download current configuration to device Download default configuration to device Upload configuration from device.   So, what happens when I select the different lines? The 4 options available when commissioning a Xenta 100 Series device as well as performing a NXE download are misleading. Environment SmartStruxure 1.4.1 and 1.5 LonWorks Interface Cause Current descriptions of the four choices are not clear when the Device Application (NXE) file is downloaded at the same time as configuration parameters to the device. The 4 actions are executed after the NXE download.  Before downloading or uploading the device configuration, carefully consider the effects of overwriting the current device configuration in the LonWorks device or Building Operation server. Resolution When the Device application file check box is selected during the Commissioning of a LonWorks device the following is true for each of the four options: Keep current configuration in device The NXE file is downloaded, but as the NXE also contains the default parameters which will place the configuration in the device back to default. This causes a mismatch between Building Operation database and the properties in the device. To get the device to work you must perform a Download the device configuration. Download current configuration to device The NXE file is downloaded, and the configuration is then downloaded from the Building Operation database to the device. The device works OK after the download. Download default configuration to device As the text says, the Default configuration is downloaded after the NXE file is downloaded, and also loaded into the Building Operation database. Upload configuration from device The NXE file is downloaded, but as the NXE also contains the default parameters, the configuration in the device will go back to default. After the NXE file is downloaded, the configuration in the device (which now is the default configuration) is automatically uploaded to the Building Operation database. If this option is picked your device will be set back to the default setting along with your Building Operation database after the download. This option should not be selected as any configuration made to the device will be lost. The 4 actions are executed after the NXE download.  Before downloading or uploading the device configuration, carefully consider the effects of overwriting the current device configuration in the LonWorks device or Building Operation server. Future plans (beyond 1.5) are to move the Device Application file (NXE) download to a separate dialog window to perform this function. 

Issue Is SIGNAL supported on Windows 2000? Environment SIGNAL version 4.4.1 and 5.0.0 Cause Windows 2000 was not included in testing Resolution SIGNAL 4.4.1 is compatible with Windows 95/98. SIGNAL 5.0.0 is compatible with Windows XP.

Issue Jobsite is visited every few months.  It seems like database elements have changed value since the previous visit.  These are elements that do not need changing unlike setpoints or schedules. Is there a built-in feature with a DMS panel or the programming tool (OPRIF) that provides database analysis? Environment DMS OPRIF Cause Wanting to cross-check current element values in the database with the previous visit Resolution Due to the generation of the product, database analysis tools were not a built-in feature. Supervisory computers allowed for tools to analyse databases and save information to file for future review (i.e. UltiVist, SIGNAL, etc...) With only OPRIF available, screenshots of point configuration screens are the only way to store values for review later. DMS databases are not formatted for offline viewing. Comparing one database copy to another is to use a second DMS panel.

Issue JACE-645-R2: The changing of the time zone in G3 Platform Administration is not being reflected in the R2 station? Environment I/A series G3 JACE-645 R2 Cause The time zone is not getting changed in the time.properties file for the JACE.  Resolution Manually set the Time Zone in the time.properties file as described below.  1. In the G3 platform select File Transfer Client and on the right side go to /niagara/niagaraR2/sys to view the time.properties file. 2. Highlight the time.properties file and using the left arrow transfer it to the pc.  3. Using a text editor like Notepad open this file, manually type in the desired time zone and save the change.  4. Use the G3 Platform - File Transfer Client to transfer the altered time.properties file from the pc to the JACE and reboot the JACE.  5. Open the station with R2 and confirm the time zone has been altered as desired.

Issue On a SE7600 controller, is the nciSccModel snvt read-only or will it modify the controller's profile?  Customer has replaced the HVAC equipment such that the existing profile does not match up with the existing SE7600. Environment SE7600 VT7600 Cause Mechanical equipment was replaced with a different design Resolution The nciSccModel snvt does not modify the SE7600 profile.  It is a read-only. A different model of controller is the best option for the new mechanical design. An external solution may also work (i.e. the use of a relay).