Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The purpose of this verification checklist is to provide documentation to the Project Manager that the Site Engineer has confirmed the Continuum Security configuration. Basic Settings Access Events Reporting Alarm Event Notification and Alarm Enrollments Door Alarms Other Alarms Time Sync Video including Pelco Digital Sentry IP Camera System Administrative Tasks Other Tasks Basic Checklist Access Events Reporting Checklist Alarm Event Notification and Alarm Enrollments Checklist Door Alarm Checklist Other Alarm Checklist Time Sync Checklist Video Checklist Administrative Tasks Checklist Other Tasks Checklist Environment Continuum with Security enabled Pelco Digital Sentry IP Camera System Cause Beneficial checklist for Verification of security site settings. Resolution Please find the attached pdf document which will walk you through the Continuum Security Checklist. The first section provides step by step instructions for novice users. The second section is the actual checklist where each task should be initialed by the Site Engineer, and the whole document signed by the Site Engineer and the Project Manager. To print the Checklist section of this procedure, start printing on page 21 of the attached checklist. Please find the attached pdf document which will guide you through a Pelco Digital Sentry IP Camera System Quick-Setup

Issue WorkPlace Tech revision 5.7.7 installed on a Windows Server 2003, 64-bit machine, receives the following error: Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool version 5.7.7 Windows 2003 Server, 32 bit or 64-bit Windows 2008 Server, 32 bit or 64 bit (multiple processors) Cause WorkPlace Tech Tool (WPT) is not supported on computers with Windows Server operating systems, nor on computers with 64-bit operating systems. Resolution Install on an approved hardware platform, per the Installation Instructions.

Issue Serial connection to I/A Series G3 ENC serial system shell using Windows HyperTerminal Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Controllers: ENC-410-1 ENC-410-1-N ENC-520-2 ENC-520-2-N Cause There maybe a need to access the ENC via its serial port if the IP address of the ENC is unknown or for troubleshooting purposes when the ENC's Ethernet port is not functioning. Resolution Hardware required for connection to ENC's RS-232 port: 8-conductor flat silver satin stranded cable with standard male (plug) RJ-45 connectors. RJ-45 to DB-9 adapter (part number: UNCC-405) or a socket-to-plug type RJ-45 to DB-25 adapter (part number: UNCC-430). A functioning COM port on your computer. A 2-pin jumper for connection to the ENC's 'Mode' connector. Refer to the Installations Instructions for ENC-410 (pages 10 & 11) or ENC-520 (pages 10 & 11) for details on the cable and adapter.  Pinout configuration for a RJ-45 to DB-9 Null Modem Adapter (part number UNCC-405) used for serial integrations to a Niagara R2 UNC or Niagara G3 ENC also refers to these pin outs. Connection to ENC's serial system shell using Windows HyperTerminal (for operating systems without HyperTerminal, please refer to Hyperterminal on Microsoft Windows Operating Systems😞 Connect the cable and adapter between the ENC’s RS-232 port and the RS-232 COM port you are using on your computer. Start HyperTerminal (Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal). In the 'Connection Description' dialog, type a name for this session. For example, 'Connection to ENC'. Click OK. In the 'Connect to' dialog, use the 'Connect using' drop-down list to select the COM port you are using on your computer. Click OK. In the Com(n) Properties dialog, choose the following settings: Bits per second: 57600 Data bits: 8 Parity: None Stop bits: 1 Flow control: None Click OK. On the ENC circuit board, locate the 4-pin Mode connector and put a 2-pin jumper on the 2 outer pins. Refer to page 7 of the ENC-410 or ENC-520 Installation Instructions for position of the Mode connector. With your HyperTerminal session active and configured to log to a file, remove power from the ENC, let it cycle down, then reapply power.  The easiest way to power cycle the ENC is to unplug the 6-pin power plug from the circuit board, wait 15 seconds and plug it back in.  After some number of seconds, text should appear in the HyperTerminal window similar to: Press any key to stop auto-boot... Do not press any key, wait for the login prompt. If you did press a key to stop auto-boot, select option 1. At the login prompt, enter the platform user name, and at the password prompt, the platform password. The default user name is 'tac' and password is 'niagara'. The system shell menu should now appear. You should able to see the IP address of the ENC now. When finished using the serial system shell, do the following: Remove the 2-pin jumper from the Mode connector of the ENC. From the system shell menu, select the Reboot option. Type 'y' at the 'Are you sure you want to reboot [y/n]' prompt, and press Enter. Shutdown-related text appears in the HyperTerminal window, and then the connection is dropped. Press the Disconnect button on the HyperTerminal tool bar. Exit from the HyperTerminal application, selecting to Save if you wish to reuse this HyperTerminal setup for future connection to an ENC. If you are troubleshooting the ENC, send the HyperTerminal start up messages to Product Support for analysis.

Issue This utility, TAC Vista Check References, will check references (every binding and every link) on every graphic at once and provide a summary of any empty or invalid database paths. It will also allow you to correct these broken or missing links and bindings. Environment TGML Graphics Vista Workstation Links/Bindings Cause Viewing the bindings or links of a TGML graphic can traditionally only be done on individual graphics one at a time. In addition, to see if a network path is invalid, it must be clicked on and will turn red if there is a problem. Resolution This utility was created by Benjamin Roswall at Schneider Electric Denmark. It is not an official release, nor is it supported by Schneider Electric. While it has been tested and used successfully, it should be used at your own risk. Download the TAC Vista Check References Utility by clicking here. Unzip the file onto the harddrive, view extracted files Double click TAC Vista Check References.exe Make sure Vista Server is running, click Login and log in to the database Choose whether to check for empty paths, and whether to validate .[OBJECT] bindings Click Check A summary of the network can be viewed and saved by switching between tabs.

Issue IOU Modules power requirement Environment CX9900 CX9940 CX9980 ACC LON IOU Modules Cause Limit on AC power supply capacity. Resolution See "Maximum number of I/O modules' in the I-O System Reference Guide document.

Issue What transport type should be used when setting up an ACX57xx, CX9702, or bCX9640? (UDP TCP Netcontroller) Environment ACX5720 ACX5740 CX9702 bCX9640 Cause What transport type should be used when setting up an ACX57xx, CX9702, or bCX9640? Resolution The definition on the transport type settings from our Technical Reference Guide states that: UDP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the UDP protocol. TCP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the TCP protocol. TCP/UDP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the TCP protocol, but can also speak to controllers and Workstations that communicate primarily using the UDP protocol.   You can set the controller to use either or both transport types for communication with other devices depending on your specific network requirements. UDP is the preferred option for Continuum devices. See the Andover Continuum Network Ports document for details on what specific ports are required. Three things you need to be aware of with this: Make sure that both the transport setting in the device object and the controllers IE configuration webpage are the same. No matter what transport type you choose make sure that any network firewalls are setup to allow packets through on those ports. View this document for some reasons to use Continuum's reliability layer over UDP rather than TCP.

Issue Using the IR Tool or RS 485 converter to communicate with the controller Environment NCP Palm IR Tool RS232 to RS485 converter. Cause Configuration and use of NCP Palm. Resolution Using the IR Tool to communicate with a Unifact Pro controller. Connect the IR Tool to your laptop and Unifact Pro controller. Start the NCP Palm programme. Select the correct serial communications port and uncheck the CTS / RTS selection boxes, then select OK. From the "File" menu select "Connect" Enter 0 for the Subnet address, 0 for the Node address, then select OK. This has now confirmed that you are connected to the IR Tool. To connect to the controller select the "File" menu and select "DisConnect" Select the "File" menu and then select "Connect". Enter 1 for the Subnet address, 1 for the Node address, then select OK. You are now connected to the controller. Using an RS 232/485 converter is similar to connecting to the controller, but the controller communications terminals are used instead of the IR Tool. For further details on NCP Palm, please click HERE.

Issue Is there is an application that will display the duress (panic) button alarm to the operator, when pushed, along with sound. Product Line TAC I/NET Environment I/NET Seven Automatic Page Display, Event Definitions & Sequences, User Defined Button  Cause Sample application / guide to program duress alarms in I/NET. Resolution I/NET provides various functions that allow it to provide a pop-up duress alarm, one feature is to use one (or many) graphic page(s) which automatically appear (pop-up) on activation of an alarm. Along with this, it is also possible to generate a sound either PC based or, the more preferred option, to an externally wired Buzzer / Siren at the same time.  The attached document shows a few steps as a guide to make a start on your own application using the following features: Automatic Page Display AMT Audible Alarm Event Definition / Sequences User-Defined Tools and Buttons If you are not familiar with these items you should refer to the TCON documents mentioned in the attachment.

Issue Need a M-bus device template for Multical 602 to use in Xbuilder Environment Vista 5.1.8 Xbuilder 5.1.8 Cause an Xbuilder device template for Multical 602 is required to integrate it with a Xenta Server (such as Xenta 913) Resolution Here is a M-bus device template for the Multical 602

Issue Certain animations in graphics may cause StruxureWare Building Operation to inadvertently close. Crash Report A problem occurred in this application Exception message: NO_MODIFICATION_ALLOWED_ERR: An attempt is made to modify an object where modifications are not allowed. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.0 Cause Creating a graphic animation page without specifying the visibility will cause the graphic to close the StruxureWare Building Operation program.  Resolution In the image below, showing the Graphics Editor in SmartStruxure, this is a simple graphic page with one Ellipse which alternates between hidden and visible depending on the state of a single digital value being True or False. The red arrow shows that we are viewing the Source code for the graphics page. The blue arrow is pointing out the Appearance and the Visibility being selected. The green line in the source code shows the text which is inserted upon selecting the visibility the blue arrow refers to. The key is, failure to select the visibility, which inputs the Visibility="Visible" causes StruxureWare to close without notice and produces the Crash Report shown in the Issue. Download this Graphics Test Folder, which includes the Graphic, and the Digital Value for import to your Graphics Folder Note: Close or Crash does not occur in StruxureWare releases greater than 1.0.0.173

Issue DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Alarm LED is illuminated. Environment Stand alone discrete Controller in Alarm mode. DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller. DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller. Cause DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Alarm LED has been triggered by the occurrence of one of the following conditions: Sensor Input is short circuit or open circuit and / or out of range. Boiler Temperature at least 10 deg C above Boiler High Limit value. Boiler Temperature below Boiler Low value after one hour. Compensated Flow Temperature below Flow Low value after one hour. Resolution DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Alarms may be viewed and / or cleared using the following procedures. VIEW ALARMS DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Alarms may be viewed as follows :- Turn Front Panel Selector to SET Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to SYSTEMS MENU Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to TEMPS & ALARMS Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to VIEW ALARMS CLEAR ALARMS DC1100 / DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller Alarms may be cleared as follows :- Turn Front Panel Selector to SET Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to SYSTEMS MENU Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to TEMPS & ALARMS Using Up and Down Arrow Keys move Screen Display Arrows to CLEAR ALARMS Using Up and Down Arrow Keys Select Pass Number (0112) and ENTER In the event that an Alarm is not cleared by the above procedure and the Alarm LED does not extinguish then the Sensors and / or installation in general should be checked further. DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller overview may be viewed here DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller details and menus may be viewed here DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller overview may be viewed here DC1400 Optimiser / Compensator Controller details and menus may be viewed here

Issue Set extra DCOM Settings when TAC Vista Server and Remote Work Station in Workgroup. Environment TAC Vista Server Remote Workstation Cause Cannot access TAC Vista Server from Remote Workstation, even though DCOM's set properly (in Workgroup). Resolution When using Remote Workstation and TAC Vista Server in same Workgroup and completing the DCOM settings based on the TAC Vista Installation Manual (04-00001-xx) and you still cannot access the TAC Vista Server PC, try the settings in the attached the document. Click here to download. Also refer these articles for more information: Helpful Vista Utilities - Configure DCOM instantly, Register ASP.NET Error: The RPC server is unavailable. Connecting from a TAC Vista Remote Workstation says "Ensure that TAC Vista Server is started" error, even though DCOM is set correctly Necessary Accounts for DCOM and Firewall Security Settings

Issue Satchwell CZU Mk2 Zonemaster Controller requires replacement. Product Line Field Devices Environment Stand alone Fan Coil Unit Temperature Controller. Satchwell CZU Mk 2 Zonemaster Controller. CZU 2201 CZU 2202 CZU 2203 Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell CZU Mk 2 Zonemaster Controller. Resolution Replacement of Satchwell CZU Mk 2 Zonemaster Controller with S-E Satchwell CZU Mk 4 Zonemaster Controller. The CZU 4201 may be used to replace the following CZU Mk 2 Controllers :- CZU 2201, CZU 2202, CZU 2203 N. B. CZU 2201 Controllers provided an additional -9 to +9 V d.c. output enabling connection to peripherals such as the Satchwell NSU 1401 Night Set-back Override Unit, TSU 1402 Two Step Auxiliary Unit and SSU 1403 Signal Selector Unit. CZU 2202 and CZU 2203 Controllers provided an additional -0.5 to +9 or -9 to +0.5 V d.c. output enabling connection to the Satchwell NSU 1401 Night Set-back Override Unit.  Additional outputs are not provided on the CZU 4201 Controller and in those applications where these are required then it will be necessary to consider an alternative Controller to the CZU 4201. Details of the CZU 4201 may be viewed here. A remote Satchwell Adjustable Room Temperature Sensor such as the DRT 3451, or a remote Satchwell Duct Temperature Sensor from the DDU range of Sensors may have been installed and connected to the Controller. Any existing remote Satchwell Temperature Sensors may be retained for connection to the CZU 4201. Should the remote Satchwell Adjustable Room Temperature Sensor require replacement then this may be replaced by an S E STR 612 Adjustable Room Temperature Sensor. Details of the STR 612 may be viewed here. Should the remote Satchwell Duct Temperature Sensor require replacement then this may be replaced by an S E STD 670 Duct Temperature Sensor. Details of the STD 670 may be viewed here

Issue Replacement of Obsolete ZVX 4302 , ZVX4302, ZVX-4302 Environment site with ZVX 4302 that needs to be replaced ZVX4301 ZVX4302 ZVX4303 Cause Obsolete ZVX 4302 valve , T-type, 3port, 230V with Actuator, screwed, 3/4 inch size. The ZVX 2-port Flow Control and 3-port Diverter Valves are for the regulation of low pressure heating and chilled water circuits where on/off control is required. Resolution The Satchwell ZVX 4202 was just one specification among many of similar ZVX series Zone valves. Details of the complete range of ZVX 2-port and 3-port Zone Valves from the Satchwell “Options” range appear in the pdf attached in the link at the bottom of this article (pdf). The ZVX range of Zone Valves were “badged” Satchwell and, to the best of my knowledge, were of ORKLI manufacture. Please note at the present (2011) there is no direct replacement for the Satchwell ZVX series of Zone Valves. This may require the pipe and fittings to be replaced or altered. At present the replacement for the Satchwell ZVX range of Zone Valves still appears to be the ERIE VT range of Valve Bodies and ERIE AG/AH range of Actuators. Replacement details are included in the following extract from an earlier cross-reference document produced by Gina Kimmins whilst in the Product Sales division of TAC / Satchwell WHEN ORDERING BODY & ACTUATOR TOGETHER, DROP THE "A" FROM THE ACTUATOR EG. VT2231G13A230 AND USE THIS PART NUMBER TO ORDER   Here is the documentation for the Satchwell ZVX 2 port and 3 port zone valves. VT Valve Body and AG / AH Actuator that currently replace the ZVX ERIE POP TOP Datasheet and ERIE POP TOP Install Guide

Issue What is the part number for a flying lead temp sensor for Continuum? Environment Measuring air temperature in fan coil applications or exhaust ducts Cause On site or inability to find the HVAC Sensor Catalogue Resolution STD550 The 550 is intended for measuring air temperature in fan coil applications or exhaust ducts. The sensor, which are made of stainless steel, is delivered with a 2m (6.5 ft.) cable, PVC sheathed overall. Mounting details such as screw and clamp are included with the product. Description Duct Temperature Sensor STD550 Order Code 5123058400 Part Number STD550 For Continuum Systems   HVAC Sensor Catalog in pdf format

Issue iClass Reader consolidation Environment Electronic Access Control Continuum & I/Net readers Cause HID has discontinued some of the iClass readers. Resolution The following 2 links cover the parts obsoleted and their replacements: PA-000336: Schneider Electric Part Numbers PA-00172: HID Part Numbers

Issue Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Environment CyberStation Modbus RTU Xdriver Liebert CRAC Units bCX and CX controllers Cause Liebert CRAC units will store multiple binary alarm points in one 8 bit Modbus register. How can I read each bit and set values for each alarm point in Continuum? Resolution Using a PE program you can efficiently poll one register and update multiple alarm points in Continuum. The attached program polls the Modbus Xdriver to get the value of an xdriver point just once and then sets the value to the local numeric ReadRegister###.  The individual bits of the ReadRegister### are then written to the alarm points. This reduces the number of polling requests to the xDriver for the same point A dump file for the points referenced in the program is also included in the attachment.

Issue Assistance is required to create this programme. Environment Sigma Programme Chiller control Prog points Cause This programme has been attempted, but does not operate as required. Resolution The programme must control 5 chillers in a fixed sequence. There must be a delay of 20 minutes between starting chillers, (configurable). The temperature differential from zero to all chillers operating must be adjustable. The suggested programme is as follows: 10 XFlo = POINT 0|144 - POINT 0|140 20 IF XFlo <= 0.000000 THEN XFlo = 0.000000 30 IF XFlo >= POINT 0|141 THEN XFlo = POINT 0|141 40 XFlo = ( XFlo / POINT 0|141 ) * 100.000 50 XInt = 0 60 IF XFlo >= 20.0000 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 70 IF XFlo >= 40.0000 AND YInt >= 1 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 80 IF XFlo >= 60.0000 AND YInt >= 2 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 90 IF XFlo >= 80.0000 AND YInt >= 3 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 100 IF XFlo >= 100.000 AND YInt >= 4 THEN XInt = XInt + 1 110 IF TIME LEFT THEN GOTO 180 120 IF XInt > YInt THEN GOTO 150 130 YInt = XInt 140 GOTO 190 150 ZInt = INT ( POINT 0|142 ) * 60.0000 160 SET TIMER ZInt 170 YInt = YInt + 1 180 IF XInt < YInt THEN SET TIMER 0 190 RETURN VIA TEXT 92 VALUE FLOAT ( YInt ) Objects: 140 - SPA Object - Setpoint 141 - SPA Object - Differential required - 0 chillers to 5 chillers (degrees over which all chillers switch on) 142 - SPA Object - Delay time in minutes required. 144 - AI Object - Chillers Return Temperature Link this programmable object to the chiller commands, using the hysteresis option. On each chiller command object, enable the hysteresis option, setting will be as below. Chiller 1 -  hysteresis low setting  0.1 and high setting  0.9. Chiller 2 -  hysteresis low setting  1.1 and high setting  1.9. Chiller 3 -  hysteresis low setting  2.1 and high setting  2.9. Chiller 4 -  hysteresis low setting  3.1 and high setting  3.9. Chiller 5 -  hysteresis low setting  4.1 and high setting  4.9. For a copy of the above text, click here.

Issue Sigma installation failure due to OCX error. Environment Sigma Registration Error OCX Cause Windows user account did not have Admin rights. Resolution This error is caused because the Windows user does not have Admin rights, and this is required to install Sigma. This requirement is shown in the release note. To correct this issue, log onto Windows as a user with Admin rights and then the software will be loaded correctly. For a copy of the 4.05 SEB release note select HERE.

Issue Can BAS 2800+ parts still be obtained? Environment BAS BAS2800+ BAS 2800+ NIU Outstations Cause BAS 2800+ NIU has failed. Resolution Below is an extract of the discontinuation document, for the full document select HERE. In order to provide you with the opportunity to purchase any spare products for sites that may still be running the BAS Platform, the intention is to provide a 3 month window to place orders for BAS products that are currently still available. Because these products are in limited supply we cannot guarantee availability for all orders placed for the 3 month period between 1st May 2011 and the 31st July 2011. We will do our best to supply all parts that have been ordered during this period; and intend to keep manufacturing the product up to the end of October to enable us to meet any outstanding orders. This means that orders for the product can be placed up to the 31st July 2011 but no product will be manufactured after the end of October 2011.