Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is there a limitation to the size the database can be on a Single User system in Continuum? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Single User Continuum system MSDE database Cause Microsoft has put a limitation in the size of the MSDE database. Once you hit this limitation your Single User Continuum system will not operate properly. Resolution The size limitation is 2 Gb. It may be possible to recover after hitting this limit by removing un-needed log entries from the database, but this is not always a guarantee you will be able to recover the database. Another way to recover from this is to back up the database, if you can, and restore it to standard SQL installation. From this point you can remove any unwanted logs and shrink the database. Then you can back up the database and restore it back to the Single User system. Another way to recover from this is to back up the database, if you can, and restore it to standard SQL installation and convert the Single User system to a LAN installation. Finally if all the above do not work for your system you will have to restore from the last known good backup of the database. See Microsoft Database size Limitations and Continuum for SQL Express information.

Issue Sub Device unable to come online when added to an SSC Controller on a system. When the controller that is offline is selected the save option is not available. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert in Cloud or Premise Installations Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Server 2012, Server 2014 Cause The controller is not  configured correctly (MR50) The controllers IP address is incorrectly configured,  or is not saved or made active on the system. (MR 51E) Resolution To resolve this, the following steps need to be followed: Add the interface type to the SSC Configure the interface for DHCP, Static or MAC address (MR51e) Once complete, select Save or Save & Close to save to the controller If multiple devices are being added, follow previous steps 1-3 above then:  Open up the Live Monitoring Window to check the status of the controller If the devices show offline, Right Click on the controller and select Reboot The Live Monitoring Window will show what is actually being sent to the controller Once completed the status will change to reflect what state the controller is in If correct it will be Online (Green), if not check the configuration again

Issue Some TGML javascript functions that work correctly in Vista Workstation stop working in Vista Webstation or break graphic performance. The following errors have occurred. Please correct these errors and/or contact the system administrator. An unexpected exception has occurred: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. System.NullReferenceException at TAC.WebStation.Modules.Graphics.TgmlLinkPage.CreateLinkData(TACOSTgmlPicture tgmlPicture, String oID) at TAC.WebStation.Modules.Graphics.TgmlLinkPage.GetLinkList(TACOSTgmlPicture tgmlPicture, String[] oIDs) at TAC.WebStation.Modules.Graphics.TgmlLinkPage.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.Web.UI.Control.OnLoad(EventArgs e) at System.Web.UI.Control.LoadRecursive() at System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain(Boolean includeStagesBeforeAsyncPoint, Boolean includeStagesAfterAsyncPoint) Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Webstation 5.x.x Graphic Editor TGML 1.x.x Cause Due to the differences in Vista Workstation and Vista Webstation being viewed through internet browsers some TGML javascript functions will not function, function as expected, or cause your TGML graphic page to be unusable resulting in a Java error message. Resolution To make TGML graphic pages compatible with Vista Webstation remove the following functions: getDate getYear getMonth getDay getHour getMinute getSecond To make TGML graphic pages compatible with Vista Webstation adjust the unexpected behavior of the following functions: setTimer - this function cannot be used in the OnDocumentLoad event getStatus - this function will always return a value of 2 invoke - this function can only be used on links, not bindings.

Issue Should managed switches be set to half duplex or full duplex? Prorduct Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation 2nd Generation Controllers BCX 4040, 4000, 9640 NC2 9680 ACX 5740, 5720 1st Generation Controllers CMX 9924 CX 9900, 9901, 9940 Cause Configuration for managed switches. Resolution Most sites will have managed switches set for Auto Sensing 10/100 For sites that must use a designated configuration, our 1st generation controllers communicate 10 half duplex while the 2nd generation controllers communicate 100 full duplex.

Issue Documentation on how to add and remove controllers in Version 3. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Version 3 Win10 and above Server 2012 R2 Premise Install Cause There is no documentation on how to add or remove controllers in Access Expert. Resolution This video shows how to add and remove controllers from one instance to another in Access Expert.

Issue LonPort is discovered and shows as online but no Service Pin is received Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation ES 1.1 LConfig Cause Since StruxureWare Building Operation ES is running as a service, the legacy driver also has to be. Resolution Open LConfig Click advanced Change Legacy Driver to run as service

Issue As per RFC 4510 The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet protocol for accessing distributed directory services that act in accordance with X.500 data and service models. Do EBO servers support LDAP protocol? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Cause Need to know if EBO supports LDAP protocol. Resolution EBO doesn't support LDAP protocol. EcoStruxure Windows based BMS servers (Enterprise Server/ Enterprise Central) support integerationto Windows Active directory. The Active Directory integration is not using LDAP directly, but the NetLogon service on the Windows OS that ES/EC is running on.  This connection enables inherited user account groups from the Windows Active Directory to EcoStruxure Building Operation software, and allows users to log on to WorkStation with their Windows user accounts. Refer to: Windows Active Directory User Groups and Integrating Windows Active Directory user accounts with EcoStruxure - Communities For EBO 2022 or higher, Authentication using SAML 2.0 is also supported (Edge Server, AS-P, AS-B, ES and EC) . This enables configuring WebStation to use single sign on (SSO) using Federated Authentication, refer to: Federated Authentication. SAML Authentication feature requires license.

Issue MESSAGE [08:29:10 31-May-13 CDT][sys] *** Station Started (203ms) [1919ms total] *** niagara>MESSAGE [08:29:12 31-May-13 CDT][history.db] Starting async warmup of history config index... MESSAGE [08:29:12 31-May-13 CDT][history.db] Async history config index warmup completed in 15 ms. ERROR [08:29:16 31-May-13 CDT][web.server] HTTP Server failed to bind to port. Address already in use: JVM_Bind ERROR [08:29:21 31-May-13 CDT][web.server] HTTP Server failed to bind to port. Address already in use: JVM_Bind Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 Enterprise Server, all versions Cause Another service on the pc is using port 80, conflicting with the Enterprise Server. For example, Skype will use port 80 as an alternative unless you uncheck the box in Skype options. As a second example, another Niagara station may be running on the same computer. See Changing the HTTP, HTTPS, or TCP ports of the Enterprise Server for a similar port conflict issue with SmartStruxure. Resolution In the Skype menu > Tools > Options > Advanced > Connection, uncheck the box for "Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections"

Issue Choosing a terminator, found there were several choices (Loytec and TAC). Which one should I choose? What are the differences between them? Environment Vista LON physical network FT-10 Cause There are several types of terminators for different use in the LonWorks network. Resolution TAC terminators One TAC terminator has 4 wires, however, only need to connect two wires (red or green). Red wires are used for bus topology Lon structure. And, green wires are used for free topology Lon structure. TAC terminators can only be used in FT-10 (78kbps) LonWorks network. In addition, one TAC terminator can only connect to ONE end of a channel. Which means, a channel without a repeater, you need TWO TAC terminators, and a channel with a repeater, you need FOUR TAC terminators. Note: To test an end of the line resistor (EOL), take a reading of the capacitance across the leads (either the two green or two red leads). You should read somewhere around 50 uF.  LOYTEC terminators (L-term) For LonWorks networks, Loytec has 3 different types of terminators: LT-03, LT-13, and LT-33. LT-03: One network terminator for TP/FT-10 channel (bus or free topology), similar to TAC terminators.  LT-13: One network terminator for TP/FT-10 channel (bus or free topology), and one network terminator for TP/XF-1250 channel (bus or free topology). Barely used in TAC Vista system. LT-33: Two network terminators for TP/FT-10 channel (bus or free topology).  One connection is on the top, and one is at the bottom.  Since you cannot separate two connections, most likely it is used before and after a repeater.

Issue The Modbus Server / Client is unable to read the values from address of a 32 bit Modbus register in a Building Operation server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation server Modbus Cause The original Modbus/JBUS protocol specifies the use of 16-bit integer registers for Analogue Inputs and Analogue Outputs. The number range able to be represented in 16-bits is: Unsigned: 0 to 65353 Signed:     -32768 to 32867    In order to represent larger numbers, it is common for 16-bit registers to be combined to represent 32-bit or 64-bit numbers. When a Modbus Client or Server reads a 32-bit Modbus value, it will be reading two consecutive 16-bit registers. An error will occur if  two 32-bit Local Modbus registers are created in Building Operation using consecutive register addresses since only the starting modbus register address is used for the request.  Resolution When configuring 32-bit Local Modbus registers in Building Operation, the next register address should not be used. Create the next Local Modbus register using the 3rd available Modbus register address. 

Issue When a user logs on to Workstation and accesses the hyperlink, the website is displayed without prompt for login credentials Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Microsoft Internet Explorer Cause EcoStruxure Building Operation software uses Microsoft Internet Explorer to present web pages. How the page logs on is an IE function and not a function of EBO Workstation Resolution  Log off from the web site before logging off from Workstation  Configure Internet Explorer to delete browsing history on exit Go to Internet Explorer settings and then the Internet Options On the General tab, under the Browsing history, enable the checkbox for 'Delete browsing history on exit' (computer restart may be required)

Issue Following an upgrade to V1.5 from V1.4 the AS goes off/ online. Environment Automation Server AS Enterprise Server ES V1.50 and above. Cause Following an upgrade to V1.5 from V1.4 the AS goes off/ online caused by an incorrect setting of the Default Priority Level. Resolution This issue only occurs if the site has changed the BACnet "Default Priority Level" from the default value of 16, to 8 or a smaller numeric value in the Automation Server while running in V1.4. So before upgrading to 1.5 make sure the "Default Priority Level" within the Automation Server is set to 9 or higher. If the system has been upgraded with the incorrect values, then:  If the site uses single servers, or the ES/AS communication still operates correctly, then this can be corrected by changing the setting in both the AS and the ES to a value of 9 or higher. If after upgrading a multiserver configuration and the AS does not stay online, then a Hotfix can be used fix the problem using the following steps: 1. Apply the hot fix #1.5.0.4301; available from Product Support Services 2. Fix the multi-server (by detaching/re-attaching the servers) 3. Correct the two properties (AS and ES). WARNING: It is essential for any BACnet system at 1.5 or later that the "Default Priority Level" has a larger numeric value than the "Force Priority Level, otherwise some BACnet functions may not behave as expected, this also applies even if the hot fix is installed. The effects of not setting the Default above the Force Priority level are: 1. If Force Priority Level is equal to the Default Priority Level: Changing the Value of a BACnet value or a BACnet output object will cause the Value to appear Forced. This applies to the BACnet objects in both SBO servers and those in 3rd party BACnet devices. 2. If Force Priority Level has a larger numeric value than the Default Priority Level: Changing the Value of objects mentioned above will cause the Priority Override icon overlay to be turned on next to the Value property in the WorkStation’s property grid. Note: The Default and Force Priority Level are located/ defined in the Green "System" folder, "Interface Manager", "BACnet" for each Server.

Issue Need to capture steps taken to reproduce a problem or a solution Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, OTHER, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows 7 Windows 10 Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016 Cause A series of screen captures will help to demonstrate the steps needed to reproduce a problem or a solution. You can use this tool to capture the steps you take as a problem occurs and send the output to someone so they can see a screenshot of each step. Resolution In Windows click on the Start menu button  Type "PSR" Windows 7Windows 7 Windows 10, 2012, 2016Windows 10, 2012, 2016 Open the Problem Steps Recorder Windows 7Windows 7 Windows 10. 2012, 2016Windows 10. 2012, 2016 Click Start Perform the desired tasks Click Stop Choose a location to save the file output The .zip file will contain a .mht file which can be opened in a web browser The screenshots will appear in order  This will be followed by a detailed output of keystrokes and mouse movements. For additional information please refer to Microsoft webpage on this topic: Record steps to reproduce a problem 

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 Dependencies for Vista Server running as a service Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause The Vista server can run into issues if it starts up before other services. Resolution Ensure that Vista Server does not start up before Aladdin Privilege Server by making some changes to the registry. Select the start menu, select run, and type “regedt32”. Once the program opens you should browse to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\TACOS\ The key named DependOnService should by default contain the value RPCSS. To add a dependency to this service just modify the value of the key and add the name of the service you wish to start before this one. In the case of Aladdin Privilege Server just add the text “Privilege Win32 Server” to the registry key. Close the registry editor and the dependency will be visible in the services properties window for TACOS. Note: If you need Vista to start late in the boot cycle but you do not have a specific service dependency, as explained above, then choose one of the services which startup last as the data value for the value "Depends on Service". Services commonly selected are Spooler and Messenger.

Issue Direct substitute for the obsolete CSI Lini-Temp sensors Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Cause Need a part number to replace a discontinued part Resolution Yes, there is a direct substitute for the 2-wire and 3-wire versions of the old Lini-Temp sensors. The company is ACI (Automation Components Inc.). For this substitute, use the ACI/592-10K Series sensors attached. Their website is located at http://www.workaci.com/. If you are not sure what ACI Product matches the old CSI product, their Customer Service or Sales Engineers are knowledgeable in the CSI Product line. They will be glad to help you with your selection.  

Issue Using an EP1501 as a controller and unable to add reader one. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Server 2012R2 and above Cause Using an EP1501 as a controller as well as a card reader controller. Resolution To resolve the issue, please follow the steps listed: Wire the RS-485 bus to reader port 1, Clock and Data Wire the reader being used on port 2 When programming the reader on the device, it needs to be added as Reader 1 The Door Address needs to be set as 0 as well

Issue Where can older versions of Cyberstation software be downloaded from? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Older version of Cyberstation software archived to FTP site. Resolution Log on to FTP server ftp://ftp.andovercontrols.com/ Customer UserName: andoverrep Password : andoverrep   Older CyberStation versions are found in the CyberStation_Revisions directory.

Issue With Microsoft's new licensing model there is uncertainty around which parts of a Security Expert system need to allow for addition device CAL's for SQL Server. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Microsoft SQL Server Cause Unclear documentation. Resolution Security Expert Controllers do not talk to the SQL Server, are not a client on SQL and do not require a CAL. The Controllers talk to the Security Expert Software, not SQL or the Operating System. A card holding user who is NOT a Security Expert Operator will not require a CAL. The Controller and any attached equipment are NOT a user in SQL, they do not inject or operate queries against it, so a CAL is not required. A CAL would be required for a Windows user to log into their Windows user account, and the Security Expert client would connect to the Server using the CAL associated with the Windows user account.

Issue Licenses for MS SQL Server 2008 are becoming difficult to source, is MS SQL Server 2012 going to be supported? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Cause As retailers deplete their old stock, it will become harder and harder to obtain licensing for MS SQL Server 2008 which is the most recent version of MS SQL Server that Continuum v1.94 supports. Purchasing SQL Server 2012 licenses to downgrade deployment rights does not seem to be an option with current Microsoft licensing as this option only applies to volume licensing and not retail license packages. (Refer to page 16 of the Licensing Reference Guide from Microsoft here.) Resolution Continuum v1.94 was not qualified with MS SQL Server 2012 at the time of release, this has since been tested and qualified with Service Pack 1 for Continuum v1.94. Please see the Continuum Compatibility Matrix in Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines for details of supported environments. To use Microsoft SQL Server 2012 you will need to upgrade your installation to Continuum v1.94 SP1 or higher. You will be able to use MS downgrade rights to downgrade an SQL 2014 license so that SQL 2012 can be installed. See references from Microsoft below. http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/briefs/downgrade-rights.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/sql2014.aspx For sites using Continuum v1.94 or older that do not wish to upgrade, downgrade deployment rights can be used with volume licenses of MS SQL Server 2012 to deploy an older version of SQL Server (say MS SQL Server 2008 R2 that is currently qualified with the version of Continuum you have). Note: Continuum v1.94 SP1 has been qualified with MS SQL 2012 (SP1) but has not been tested with SQL 2014.

Issue Which actuators are suitable for VG311F? Environment VG311F Venta Forta M700 MG900SR M800 M1500 MV15B M3000 Cause Which actuator to choose for MV15B Resolution The following actuators are, depending on application requirements, suitable for use with the VG311F valve: M700, MG900SR, M800, M1500, MV15B, M3000 For more information on the valve / actuator selection, please see the valve data sheet here. For more details on each actuators, please see their data sheets respectively. They are available for download from the Extranet or public website.