Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Archiving historical information Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Serve Workstation Cause Options for archiving historical information Resolution Archiving of historical data is available via WorkStation and Enterprise Server or WebReports Server. (Archiving is not available via Automation Server or WebStation, also the IE built in option to "Export to Microsoft Excel" has not been implemented) The Archive options on the ES are shown below. A manual archive can be forced by right clicking on "Archive Settings" and choosing "Actions" then "Create archive(s) now" NOTE1 - CSV option currently produces a Semicolon Separated Value file. NOTE2 - Individual logs can be saved to a CSV or XML file from an AS or ES within WorkStation only, see How to Export a Trend Log List as a .csv File.   The .CSV file that is used by SBO to export logs uses a semi colon to separate the fields. This makes it suitable for use in all countries around the world. Some countries use the comma to signify decimal places, so they would show a temperature of 22.5 DegC as 22,5 DegC which would confuse a CSV import with Comma delimiters. CSV files can have many delimiter characters not just commas. To show the formatted data in Microsoft Excel the following options can be used: One option is to rename the SBO log file as a .TXT file, then from Microsoft Excel, go to Open a file and select the type from the drop down list a "Text file". Browse to your log file and press Open. It will then start the Text Import Wizard. Choose the "Delimited" option and go to the next page. Here select the "Semicolon" option, select next, choose a date format and press finish. This will show the data formatted in columns as shown in the manual.   A second way to show the data is to open the .csv file in Microsoft Excel where all the data will be shown as text in the first column as per your description. Select the first column. Then go to the "Data" tab and start the "Text to Columns" Wizard. Select "Delimited" Original Data Type. Press Next. Select the "Semicolon" as the delimiter. Press Next. Change the date format if required and press Finish. This will also show the data in individual cells. Also other vendors Open Office applications may be used that unlike Microsoft Excel will allow semicolon delimited files to be opened directly.

Issue Replacement actuator for the STL-SR valve Product Line Field Devices Environment STL-SR Cause Replacement actuator for a STL-SR valve Resolution A M800 actuator or MV15B-24 or MV15B-230 actuator can be used to replace the actuator on the STL-SR valve series. Click here for the STL-SR datasheet. Notes: The original actuator e.g. M5CP, may have had a potentiometer fitted to provide position feedback to the controller. There is no direct replacement, the controller, actuator and valve may have to be changed. As a workaround, The M800 provides a 2-10V feedback, using a signal conditioner this could be converted to a resistive feedback. The original actuator may have had end switches fitted, order end switches to suit the replacement actuator. The M800 when used in floating control mode (dip switch 2= On) requires 4 wires. The original actuator used 3 wires to provide floating control.

Issue How to address TAC Network Variables in Menta. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Menta Xenta programmable controllers Cause Passing data between two programmable controllers on a proprietary TAC Network Variable (TANV). Resolution In Menta, create an AI or DI, depending on the data type of the remote signal. Double click the block, name it, and choose "Bind" Select the "Network Variable" option In the Network Address, use the following signal format: Device\Module\SignalName Device is the name of the source controller in Vista Module is the Software Module (if no module is defined, this will be the Menta file Program Specification) Signal Name is the Point Name Note: The browse option ("...") on the Network Address should only be used if the Menta file is being edited directly from a live Vista database. To browse to the point on a Menta file that resides on the hard drive will most likely only provide the correct point name, and not the correct full network path name of the eventual Vista database object. See Troubleshooting TAC Network Variable (TANV) Communication for techniques on troubleshooting TANV communication.

Issue Running Feenics applications on a Windows PC that is not server-based. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Premise Software Server 2016 Server 2019 Cause If running a Hosted Instance or on a Premise then a Windows 7 Client Workstation may be used but is not recommended nor supported.  We ask that you use Windows 10 for Hosted clients. However, if your solution is a Premise install, then the Windows Server must be a Server operating system.  If you have set up a Premise install on a Windows 7 PC and it works, please note that this is not a supported application and will not be supported.  You must upgrade your machine to Windows 10, Server 2016, or Server 2019. Resolution Only use supported Windows Operation Systems such as Server 2016 or Server 2019.

Issue While RS485 requires a daisy chain topology, can b-Links be daisy chained along with b3 controller in the BCX segment. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment MSTP b3 B-Link RS485 Cause While RS485 requires a daisy chain topology, the addition of b-Links to a RS485 bus makes the limitations of bus wiring less clear. Resolution RS485 is an electrical standard.  The key to understanding RS485 topology conformance is to understanding that each segment of the RS485 bus must have a daisy chain topology with the required termination resistors installed at each end of the segment. The bus segment that runs from the BCX controller to inputs of several b-links and or b3 controllers would constitute one segment.  As long as this segment has a daisy chain topology with the proper termination resistors installed it conforms to the requirements of RS485 bus wiring. Each outgoing leg off of any given b-Link constitutes one distinct and separate segment. As long as this segment has a daisy chain topology with the proper termination resistors installed it conforms to the requirements of RS485 bus wiring.

Issue Replacing a 230 volt Satchwell mains actuator. Environment Satchwell MZxxx Valve Mains Actuator Cause Old Satchwell actuator is obsolete. Resolution The replacement mains actuator will be the MV15B-230 spec - 880-0460-000 for datasheet please click HERE. To fit the MV15B-230 actuator to a Satchwell MZxxx valve a L7SV linkage is required. spec 880-0126-000

Issue How does the offline detection work between an Enterprise Server(ES) and a SmartX server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause There is no online poll between an ES and a SmartX server, but the SmartX server will be considered as offline if it doesn't respond to any kind of message from the ES. Resolution The ES is constantly asking the SmartX server for new events and alarms so at least every second the ES will communicate with the SmartX server. If one of the messages from the ES is not responded by the SmartX server the ES will send out 3 more with a second in between, if no messages are answered by the SmartX server the ES will consider the SmartX server as offline. There is a 30 seconds delay before the offline alarm pops up in the alarm viewer in Workstation.

Issue Programming an application that requires a setpoint and deadband that operates in the same manner as the WorkPlace Tech Tool Thermostat object. Environment SmartStruxure AS or ES Cause No object exists in the Function Block library that is functionally equivalent to the I/A Series WorkPlace Tech LON/BACnet "Thermostat" object.   Resolution This is only one of several methods by which a differential type thermostat object can implemented in Function Block programming. The following Binary Expression (XPB) function block object can be used to simulate the differential type thermostat. Analog Input A is the "Input" Analog Input B is the "Setpoint" Analog Input C is the "Input Differential" Binary Input d is the "State Feedback"  This feedback link insures that the output state does not change when the input is within the range specified by the input differential The output of this object turns on when the Input value exceeds the Setpoint + 1/2 of the Input differential. The output of this object turns off when the Input value falls below the Setpoint - 1/2 of the Input differential. The xml file can be downloaded from here.

Issue Changing the MSDE SQL Server Sys Admin account password is not supported by the I/NET Seven DbCreate Utility. Users have been advised to uninstall and then reinstall MSDE to change the password. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven MS SQL Server (MSDE) Cause Need to change password Resolution Use the Microsoft OSQL Utility to change the Sys Admin account (user name, SA). Developed for Course 2002 I/NET Seven Installation and Startup - MSDE SQL Server OSQL Utility; Rev. 1/4/2007, by: M. Myers, TAC-KSG How to change your INetDb SQL Server SA account password using the OSQL Utility: On the I/NET Seven host workstation computer, shut down I/NET Seven completely, including the I/NET Seven I/O Server. Open the command prompt window. Select Windows Start > Run. Type the command, cmd, in the Run window, Open the dialog entry space, and click on OK. Enter the text exactly as is between the quotations. Connect to the I/NET Seven MSDE instance using the sa account. At the operating system drive, command prompt (i.e. C:\>), type the following OSQL command and press ENTER: osql -U sa Enter the command text exactly as it appears, including a dash before the capital U, and the spaces after the l and the U. OSQL will reply with the following prompt: Password: At the Password: prompt, type in the current SQL Server sa account password, and press ENTER. If the log-on command is correct, OSQL will return a line prompt:1>. Type the following string command at the 1> line prompt and press ENTER: sp_password @old = ‘old password‘, @new = 'new password', @loginame = 'sa' Enter the old and new passwords and the SQL System Administrator account name, sa, in apostrophes. Be sure to type each space and comma in the command. OSQL will return a second line prompt: 2> Type the go command at the 2> line prompt and press ENTER: go OSQL will return the password changed message and the 1> line prompt: Password changed.1> To close OSQL, type Exit at the 1> prompt and press ENTER. The Command Prompt will appear: C:\>_ To close the Command Prompt window, type Exit at the command prompt and press ENTER.  

Issue Installed the I/A Series(Niagara) R2 software on a new Windows computer but cannot get it to connect to an existing UNC that has the same release of the I/A Series R2 software.  One possible error, "Java.io.EOF Exception", that might be displayed is shown below: Another possible error message is an HTTP 401 error. This issue may also prevent the I/A Series R2 tunnel client from connecting to UNC. Environment Computer with any supported version of Windows software including the usual assortment of utility and security / anti-virus software. I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software (any version) installed on the computer. Cause The Windows Firewall and/or Anti-Virus/Internet Security software has been installed and configured such that it is blocking Ethernet communications into or out of the computer on certain Ethernet ports. According to the I/A Series Networking & Connectivity Guide, provided with the I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software, specific user definable Ethernet ports, must be open for two-way communications between the WorkPlace Pro software and a UNC.  If communications is blocked on these ports, the WorkPlace Pro software will not be able to communicate across the Ethernet network. Similar issues are caused by the firewall built into many of the Internet Security software packages.  The following programs have been known to cause port blocking issues: Trend Micro Internet Security - Workstation Edition Trend Micro Office Scan - Workstation Edition Symantec Internet Security Suite version 9 Avast 7 (Free) Antivirus with 30 day demo of Avast Internet Security Bitdefender Antivirus Software Kaspersky PURE 3.0Total Security Kaspersky Endpoint for Business Resolution Verify that the Windows Firewall has been configured to pass bidirectional Ethernet communications over the two required Ethernet ports (default ports are 80 and 3011 - for both the TCP and UDP protocols).  Refer to the online Windows Help for configuration information.  Note that  computers that are members of a Windows Domain may have firewall configuration restrictions enforced by domain policies.  In these situations, it will be necessary to contact the Domain Administrator or facility PC-Help Desk for assistance. Verify that any installed Internet Security software does not block the required Ethernet communications ports.  Some specific Internet Security software packages are known to permanently block the use of some Ethernet ports, for specific uses.  Any Internet Security software of this type must be totally removed from the computer before the required communications can be established.  Three known software packages of this type are the "Symantec Internet Security Suite, version 9", "Bitdefender Antivirus Software" and "Trend Micro Internet Security software".

Issue Is it possible to command the outputs on an MP-C controller before it has been commissioned in EBO? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Cause It is necessary to verify the field device wiring and control prior to the MP-C controller being brought online. Resolution The following video demonstrates how temporary outputs can be created and controlled in an MP-C controller without the use of a front end system.

Issue When accessing Webstation through Internet Explorer, receive the error “8000401A. Code:-2147467238” Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server 5.x and Webstation. Internet Explorer Windows 7 Cause Improper DCOM settings. ASP.NET not installed Incorrect Remote work station License used Resolution Set DCOM settings as per Vista Installation Manual (04-00001-04) Section 3.6. ASP.NET Start - Controlpanel- Programs - Turn windows feature on or off Navigate to Internet Information Services - Word Wide Web Services - Application Development Feature Make sure ASP.Net are checked, if not install it.Try webstation again. Helpful Vista Utilities - Configure DCOM instantly, Register ASP.NET is a link to a tool that can assist with setting DCOM and ASP.NET   Ensure correct Webstation licenses are installed.  Below are the options available.   0-008-8270-1      "Vista 5.1 Web station 1 CAL - One concurrent user license for Web station 5" 0-008-8271-1      "Vista 5.1 Web station 3 CAL - Three concurrent user licenses for Web station 5" 0-008-8272-1      "Vista 5.1 Web station 6 CAL- Six concurrent user licenses for Web station 5" 0-008-8273-1      "Vista 5.1 Web station 12 CAL- Twelve concurrent user licenses for Web station 5" 0-008-8274-1      "Vista 5.1 Web station Unlimited- License for unlimited users for Web station 5"

Issue In DUI-5R modules on installed MNL-800's the LED indications on the DUI follows the contact closure signals connected to them, but the values being read based on those status points do not match. Eg. DUI-5 has LED's on for inputs 1, 3, and 5 however the controller values have 1 and 5 on only. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment WorkPlace Tech MNL-800 Cause MNL-800 Inputs require an external parallel resistor (Rp=22.1 kohms, 1%) be placed across the UI input to which the DUI is attached. Some DUI models may incorporate this resistor that may be either switch or jumper selected. Resolution MNL-800 Inputs require an external parallel resistor (Rp=22.1 kohms, 1%) be placed across the UI input to which the DUI is attached. Some DUI models may incorporate this resistor that may be either switch or jumper selected. For example the DUI-5R available in Asia Pacific notes the following: Switch 1 set to ON for MNL-800 and OFF for all other controllers. In some models the switch is replaced by a jumper. Bridge the jumper for MNL-800s and leave open (jumper on one pin only) for all other MNL controllers.

Issue When defining a Communication Port - Loytec the Network interface drop down is empty when the device is connected and recognized by LConfig. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 4.4.0 - 4.5.0 Vista 5.x.x LoyTec NIC Cause Vista Server will only display Loytec devices connected to the computer when Vista Server is launched or started. If the NIC was connected to the computer after Vista Server was started it will not be visible until Vista Server is restarted. Resolution To populate the Network interface drop down with the currently connected devices: Shut down Vista Server Restart Vista Server If Vista is running as a service, then LConfig should function as a service also and service dependencies should be utilized to ensure that Vista Server (TACOS.exe) does not start until after LConfig.

Issue Is it possible to determine if a TGML graphic is being run in Workstation or Webstation? Environment TGML Graphics Editor 1.1.X Vista 5.1.X Workstation TacWebApps 5.1.X (Webstation) Cause There are differences in the rendering of graphics between Workstation and Webstation. Sometimes this leads to the necessity of creating two sets of components depending on where the graphics will be presented. By being able to programmatically determine the environment, one set of components can be used regardless of the presentation, reducing engineering time. Resolution The results of the JavaScript function Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty can determine whether the viewer is currently in Vista Workstation or not.    Note: This is not a supported function in TGML. Because it is unsupported, it is subject to change without notification, and should be used accordingly at your own risk.   Create a document-level script tag that runs OnDocumentLoad. Determine the current Vista version (and keep potential future upgrades in mind as well). The implementation of the property changed in an upgrade from Vista 5.1.4 to Vista 5.1.5. If the system is Vista version 5.1.4 and prior, use the following function: if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") == "ActiveX Scripting Host") If the statement is true, then the graphic is being run in Workstation. If the system is Vista version 5.1.5 and later, use the following function if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("java.runtime.name") == "IKVM.NET") If the statement is true, then the graphic is being run in Workstation. The following script can be run for any version of Vista 5. /*   returns what browser Tgml is viewed in (Workstation==false,Webstation/Webserver==true)  */ var getBrowserType = function() {    var browser = false; // initiates browser indication variable as Webstation/Webserver  if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") != null) { // checks Vista version   // evaluated for Vista is 5.1.4 or earlier   if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("browser") == "ActiveX Scripting Host") {       browser = false;   // indicates variable as Workstation   } else {      browser = true;    // indicates variable as Webstation/Webserver     }  } else {   // evaluated for Vista 5.1.5 or later   if (Packages.java.lang.System.getProperty("java.runtime.name") == "IKVM.NET") {    browser = false;   // indicates variable as Workstation   } else {    browser = true;    // indicates variable as Webstation/Webserver   }  }   return browser;     // returns browser indication } 

Issue You want to search for a specific LonWorks device in the database Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Lon Cause You might have a duplicate Neuron ID Resolution Make a new search right clicking the LonWorks network and then selecting "New" > "Search" Write an asterisk (*) in the search field Click "Advanced Settings" In "Include types:" select the type you want. Either select the specific device template, or just select all device templates. In "Conditions:" enter the neuron ID or other criteria you want to search for. Now click the search button, and you should find the device you are looking for. Here is an import file with a search sample.

Issue Continuum single user system database backup with SQL 2005 Express. Environment Continuum Cyberstation single user (SU) Cause Method to backup system database. Resolution Continuum single user system database backup with SQL 2005 Express. Using SQL Express Management tool Right Click on the Continuumdb> Tasks>Backup Add a Destination where you want the .bak file to be located Click Ok Using sqlcmd With the limited release version of Continuum 1.82 and future 1.9x releases SQL 2005 Express will be the database platform that is used for Single User configurations. Some of you may remember backing up databases in earlier versions of SQL from the windows command line and recall having to create a backup device in order to perform the backup operation. This is the case for backing up a database in the SQL 2005 Express version as well.  Open up the Windows command line and type in CD\ and press enter. This puts us at the root of the drive. Log on to the SQL 2005 server, by typing sqlcmd -Syourmachinename\sqlexpress and press enter. You should see 1> at this point. If you do not see the 1> prompt at this point, a few things could be going on. Make sure you type in your computer name without spaces following the -S switch. Another problem could be that your user logon doesn't have admin privileges. You need to have admin privileges to backup the database.  Once at the 1> create a backup device. Type EXEC sp_addumpdevice 'disk', 'MyDBbackup','c:\myTest.bak' and press enter, which should bring you to the 2> prompt At the 2> type in GO And press enter. This will create a device that we can now use to backup the database. The device should only need to be created once. Now that we have a device named MyDBbackup (you can name yours differently) and are at the 1> again, type in BACKUP database continuumdb TO MyDBbackup with init press enter and you should be at the 2> now type in GO You should have a backup of your database at the root of c:\ named mytest.bak It would be a wise idea to write down the name of the device you have created, since you can use the same device again.  Using the windows task scheduler, you can setup a task to backup your database automatically at the times you've specified in the task scheduler is an easy thing to do.

Issue V321 had a design revision in 2007 that made the original part numbers obsolete. And again in 2020, valve sizes DN65, 80 and 100 were also revised. Product Line Field Devices Environment V321, DN65:  7312153000 (2007), 7312153010 (2020) V321, DN80:  7312157000 (2007), 7312157010 (2020) V321, DN100:  7312161000 (2007), 7312161010 (2020) V321, DN125:  7312165000 (2007) V321, DN150:  7312169000 (2007) Cause Revision in part numbers. Resolution In 2007, stems were changed from brass to stainless steel. In 2020, on sizes DN65, 80 and 100 the bonnet profile was changed, see PA-00790 New Valve Part nos V222, V292, V321.    Please use the latest available revision in part number when ordering, See your local price list, or product data sheet, or contact your Orders Dept for details.   At 2021 part no's are: V321, DN65:    7312153020 V321, DN80:    7312157020 V321, DN100:  7312161020 V321, DN125:  7312165010 V321, DN150:  7312169010  

Issue Using STR-350 Bypass button as On/Off button in Classic Network Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista STR-350 STR-351 Cause Sometimes on/off function is needed when using STR 350/351 to start or stop a device. Resolution Following the steps below to realize this function in Classic Network: Create a Menta file and Click "Add STR Module" in the Device Specification. In the Bits field of HVAC settings, change the value of the last 3 rd bits of the first line from "0" to "1". This bit is to switch the using Bypass button as on/off function on. Create an STRIN and STROUT module. Bind the STRIN to OccManCmd variable, while bind the STROUT to EffectOccup. Connect the STRIN to an real DO point to control the start/stop of device. But an calculation is needed because when the button is off, the value is 2 while the button is on, the value is 3 instead of simple 0/1. Also connect the STRIN to STROUT to make the output synchronize with the input, like the program below. You can also download the sample from here. For the application used in the LNS network, refer to the Using STR-350 Bypass button as On/Off button in LNS Network.

Issue Xenta programmable controllers can communicate to each other using TAC Network Variables (TANV). These are defined in the Menta programming and travel on Xenta Group Bindings in the LNS environment. If data is failing to update in the receiving controller, there are a few troubleshooting techniques that can help. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Menta LonMaker/NL220 Cause TAC Network Variable communication can be compromised for four reasons: Network path not defined correctly in the Menta file Network path name is too long Group Bindings not done correctly in LonMaker/NL220 Controller's network output capacity has been exceeded Resolution Verify the Network Path If the network variable has been populated by browsing Menta files on the hard drive, or was entered manually, it can be the cause of the problem. Even visual inspection of the network path is not 100% reliable -- a lowercase "l" and an uppercase "I" appear the same, for example. The only way to be certain the path is correct is to browse it in through the Vista database. Open the Menta file from the Vista database. Right-click on the receiving controller and select Edit. Editing a Menta file directly from the hard drive of a computer does not give you the same network browsing options and can lead to incorrectly mapped network variables. Double click the network variable AI block and go to the Bind dialogue. Next to the Network Address text field is a browse button ("..."). Click it to open the network browse window. This tree structure should be the same as the folder view in Vista Workstation. Navigate to the sending controller's public signal and click okay. Download the application to the controller. Verify that the Network Path Name is not too long If the network variable path name, or the Network Address, is too long then this will cause a problem.The network variable path name, if the point is in a module, looks like ControllerName\ModuleName\PointName. If it is not in a module then it will have the Program Specification name instead of a module name. So it would look like ControllerName\ProgramSpecificationName\PointName.  If the ModuleName\PointName or ProgramSpecificationName\PointName part of the path is longer than 33 characters, counting the "\", then it will not work. Verify Group Bindings are correct Refer to Verifying Xenta Group Bindings in an LNS system for the procedure on verifying group bindings. If the group bindings are not correct, redo group bindings and download the sending and receiving controllers. Calculate the total output of the controller Depending on the controller type, there are different limits on the network variable outputs.  This includes both SNVTs and TANVs.  If together, they exceed the capacity, there will be spotty updates and random signals that don't make it to the receiving controller.  Unfortunately, there is no easy way to count the TANVs. In the Menta file of the sending controller, go to Options > Memory Usage... > Advanced... Make note of the TACNV/SNVT Out Free number.  Each SNVT output defined in the Menta file consumes one of these outputs and decreases the number of Free signals available for use with a TANV. The only way to count the number of network variable outputs is to know each receiving controller that is pointing back to the sending controller with a TANV.  Unlike with SNVTs, EACH signal in EACH receiving controller consumes one of these available outputs.  If the output limit has been exceeded, the communication will suffer. Reduce the number of network variables coming from one controller by "cascading" signals.