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 Is a certain version of Technician Tool Mobile Application compatible with all versions of StruxureWare Building Operation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Technician Tool Automation Server Enterprise Server Cause The Technician Tool will always be backwards compatible, meaning that the latest version of the tool will work with any version of SBO. Older versions of the Technician Tool may not work with a newer version of SBO. Resolution Please note: Mobile experience to be replaced with EcoStruxure™ Building Operation v2.0 WebStation. For further information, please refer to Notice of Withdrawal of the Building Operation Technician Tool Always use the latest version of Technician Tool Mobile Application when possible, as that will work with all SBO versions.

Issue Changing BACnet Port for Continuum Cyberstation Environment Continuum Cyberstation BACnet controllers Cause Changing the BACnet Port number that Continuum Cyberstation communicates on Resolution By default Continuum Cyberstation communicates on port 47808 in hexadecimal that is BAC0. The BACnet controllers BCX & B4920 have the ability to have their default ports changed. If you change the BACnet port of a BACnet master and want to communicate with the Continuum workstation, you'll need to make a registry change in each workstation. Changing the Continuum Workstation BACnet port This key location is different in 32-bit and 64-bit systems. In 32-bit; the key to change is located in the registry at the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Andover Controls\Continuum\Settings". In 64-bit; the key location is now under the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Andover Controls\Continuum\Settings\" key. Once you're at that path you'll notice a key named "Cyberstation Port" .The value is stored in hexadecimal, so to change it make sure that you enter your new value in hexadecimal. After changing the value in the registry, the Continuum Cyberstation will need to be restarted. Changing the BCX or B4920 BACnet port To change the port on the BACnet controllers either BCX or B4920, open the configuration page in Internet Explorer by putting in the IP address and edit the port settings to the port number that you are changing to. This number will be in regular decimal format. Once changed make sure you save your change and commit the changes to the controller which will restart the controller. Changing the Continuum Workstation BACnet port example. Open the registry editor from Start\Run and enter regedit from the workstation. and explore down to the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Andover Controls\Continuum\Settings and open the Cyberstation Port key and enter BAC1 which is hex for 47809. If you have the Continuum Cyberstation running you'll need to restart the Cyberstation Once restarted, open the continuum explorer and select the Root and right click and select find new BACnet devices. The controller you have changed will appear as will all of its MSTP devices. Changing the port on a BACnet master controller example. To change the BCX/B4920 BACnet port to 47809 which is BAC1 in hexadecimal. Then log onto the configuration page of the BCX and change the BACnet Port Number -UDP, notice it is displayed in hex but on the controller configuration page you'll change the number using regular decimal. We'll change this to 47809, apply our changes and then on the left hand side select commit and apply on the commit page, which will restart the controller and the new port changes will be in effect. NOTE: If you already have BACnet network established, first delete my whole BACnet side, since after making port changes you don't want other controllers making an attempt to communicate with the previous port number in its known routing table.  IMPORTANT: Anytime you edit a registry, make sure you have backed up the registry and have a contingency plan in case you edit or delete some that that you should not have.  

Issue While Continuum controllers and EcoStruxure controllers do not utilize Power over Ethernet (POE), can plugging in a Continuum or EcoStruxure controller into a POE switch damage either the POE port or the controller? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment PoE Ethernet Cause Controllers must be installed on a subnet served by a POE switch. Resolution According to the IEEE standard, a POE switch shall determine if the connected device is POE capable before turning on the power. The detection if a connected unit is POE capable is done by measuring the resistance between the pair #2 - #3 and pairs #1 - #4. On a POE capable unit the resistance is 25kohm, with some tolerance. If it is lower or higher it is not considered to be POE capable. As there are no Continuum or EcoStruxure ethernet controllers that apply a 25K ohm load, a properly functioning switch port will not enable PoE power and the device will not be damaged. Find information on the PoE standard in the Fundamentals of Power Over Internet (PoE) PDF

Issue Satchwell “AL..S” series Spring Return Linear Actuator requires replacement Product Line Field Devices Environment Satchwell “AL..S” series Spring Return Linear Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF series Plug and Seat Valve Body. Actuator type :- AL..S series. Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell AL..S series Spring Return Linear Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell AL..S series Spring Return Linear Actuator with S-E M700 Spring Return Linear Actuator and Linkage Kit : AL..S = M700 + L7SV (880-0126-000) Linkage Kit. N.B. M700 is available with two different spring return actions M700 - SRSU (880-0430-000) = Spring Return Spring Up          ( M700 - SRSU will CLOSE a Satchwell Valve.) M700 - SRSD (880-0440-000) = Spring Return Spring Down     ( M700 - SRSD will OPEN a Satchwell Valve.) Should the Satchwell AL..S series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following S-E M700 Actuator specifications which include 2 independent 24 volt 4 amp AC-1 rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches should be considered as appropriate: M700 - S2 - SRSU (880-0431-000) M700 - S2 - SRSD (880-0441-000) Alternatively Auxiliary Switch Pack S2 (880-0104-000) - Two independent 24 volt 4 amp AC-1 rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches may be purchased separately permitting local installation.  Particular care should be taken when selecting a TAC Forta M700 Spring Return Actuator to replace an existing Satchwell ALMS, ALXS or ALES Spring Return Actuator.  Please refer to Replacement of Satchwell "AL..S" series Spring Return Linear Actuator by S-E M700 Spring Return Linear Actuator due to obsolescence.(Actuator Wiring). Please check the latest catalog for current equipment.

Issue Advice on the configuration of a Sigma DNN (Distributed Network Node) when connecting it to a "Flat" Ethernet network. The DNN provides a communications route to Sigma controllers connected to an Ethernet or ARCnet sublan. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma Ethernet network Ethernet or ARCnet subnets Cause General configuration advice. Resolution A "Flat" Ethernet network is a network that does not contain any subnets, for instance a network who's address is 10.158.0.0 Mask 255.255.0.0 will contain network addresses 10.158.0.1 to 10.158.255.254. On this type of network the DNN will only require an IP address and Subnet Mask to be entered. This information and details of the DNN's "Default Server" are added to the device using the SDCU (Sigma Device Configuration Utility). If the DNN has RIP (Routing Information Protocol) enabled then it will broadcast the route to the sublan onto the network, if RIP is not enabled, then a persistent route must be added to the Sigma server. Please refer to Persistent routing on the Sigma server for more information.  To modify the DNN RIP settings, use the Pocket Terminal programme. RIP is enabled by default. To disable RIP on port 5 of the DNN. Start the Pocket Terminal programme. Enter RIPD 5 and select send. To enable RIP on port 5 of the DNN. Start the Pocket Terminal programme. Enter RIPE 5 and select send. To review the status of RIP Enter RIPS and select send

Issue How can two Niagara G3 stations run simultaneously on a computer? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 PC Cause To run two stations simultaneously on a PC, you must set up two ports to be different: The http port and the Fox port. Resolution Open the second station offline via My File System – Sys Home - Stations. Go to Services – Web Services – Properties – Http Port. Change it from 80 to 8080. In the offline station, go to Drivers – Niagara Network – Properties. Expand the Fox Service and change the Port to 1912. Be sure to save the changes and the bog file. Go to Platform – Application Director. Start the second station that you just edited offline. You should see the new ports under "Details."  Go to File - Open Station. Enter the IP address, but change the port to 1912. You should now be able to go to the Niagara Network and discover one station from the other on the same IP.

Issue Bind to more than 13 unique LON devices without running out of address table entries Product Line TAC Vista Environment LonMaker NL220 LNS Cause Using a broadcast SNVT binding type will save on address table slots by only consuming one slot per receiving subnet instead of one per receiving controller.  This will increase network bandwidth, but allows one-to-one bindings to many controllers in the same subnet.  Xenta programmable SNVT output limits would be the only limiting factor. Resolution Open the Network Variable Connection tool by right clicking on a function block in LonMaker and selecting Connect. Set the Connection Attribute to Repeated to use this as a starting point. Hit the Properties button.    On the Connection Details window, select New. Give the New Connection Description a name. "Broadcast" is a good description.    Hit the Advanced button for this connection type.    Set the Use Broadcast setting to Yes.   Try binding some outputs with this new connection type and it will reduce the number of address table slots consumed.

Issue Exporting/Importing Configuration Profiles and need to copy CCTV configuration from one machine to another. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Cause When Configuration Profiles are created on one PC and the user wants to copy it onto another PC, there is no easy way to do this even through the SQL database. To accomplish this the user would have to first, Export and then Import the configuration files from the registry. Likewise when setting up a second standalone machine to use the same CCTV interface or similar Host masking settings can take some time. This process will allow you to transfer everything configured under the profile setting to a new machine. Resolution The following step describes how to do this: Caution • Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. Before making changes to the registry, you should back up any valued data on your computer. • To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK. • You can use a text editor like Notepad to work with the registry files you create by exporting. • You can save registry files in the Windows format, or as text files. Registry files are saved with .reg extensions, and text files are saved with .txt extensions. • In Windows Explorer, double-clicking a file with the .reg extension imports the file into the computer's registry. To import a registry hive just double click it from Windows Explorer. Open the Registry Editor On the File menu, click Export. In File name, enter a name for the registry file. Under Export range, do one of the following: To back up the entire registry, click All. To back up only a particular branch of the registry tree, click Selected branch and enter the name of the branch you want to export. Click Save. HOST MASK information To share host mask configurations between PCs, browse to C:\I/NET SEVEN DATA and copy the .dat files relevant to the configuration profile

Issue When a Netcontroller is powered off, resets or loses communication to the AC-1 IOU modules, the modules become stand alone. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Netcontroller II (CX9680), Netcontroller (CX9900, CX9940) IOU Modules AC-1, AC-1A, AC-1Plus Custom Wiegand Events Cause Need to understand what functionality AC-1 IOU modules provide without a Netcontroller Resolution If using one of the standard Wiegand data formats i.e. Continuum 37 bit, 26 bit etc then the AC-1 module will operate in site code only: This is known as degrade mode and means any card from that site will be granted access to the door. The module verifies the presented card is of the correct data format and has the correct parity, The module checks the site code against one of the 4 possible site codes stored in NVRAM. The AC1 and AC-1A only support the first two site codes in degrade mode. The AC-1Plus can support all four site codes in degrade mode. There is no recording of events when the Netcontroller comms are lost. Programs that are controlling the module no longer work This is different to normal operation where both the card number and the site code are verified to ensure that the individual person has access to the specific area.   When using custom card formats and the module is operating in degrade mode: Refer to Setting Up a Custom Wiegand Format for information on the behavior of the AC-1, AC1-A and AC1Plus. Refer to Multi Custom Card Formats as the site codes also need to be saved in the AC1 module using a Plain English program, 

Issue What version of Microsoft.Net Framework and ASP.NET is used by Webstation 5.1.9? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Webstation 5.1.9 Cause ASP.NET is a web application framework developed and marketed by Microsoft to allow programmers to build dynamic web sites, web applications and web services. TAC Vista Webstation is developed using ASP.NET, which is a part of the Microsoft.Net Framework. Resolution TAC Vista Webstation uses Microsoft.Net Framework 4 and ASP.NET 4. For details on additional Vista versions and the .NET framework and ASP.NET versions required please consult the compatibility matrix in the Supported version of .NET framework and ASP.NET for Vista software.

Issue After launching WebClient logon screen appears but attempt to logon results in "Webclient is unavailable"  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows Vista Windows 7 WebClient Cause Incorrect Internet Information Services (IIS) configuration. Resolution 1. Open Internet Information Services Manager 2. Expand the Computer Name in left pane and click on Application Pools in treeview 3.  Select DefaultAppPool and click Set Application Pool Defaults 4. In Application Pool Defaults dialogbox select Identity under Process Model. A selection control should appear in the second column. Click this button 5. Under Built-in account select Network Service in the dropdown listbox. Click OK 6. Click OK button in Application Pool Defaults dialogbox

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 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. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara R2 UNC-520 Niagara G3 ENC-520 Cause Pinout diagram for wiring Resolution This image details two pinout configurations:  Null Modem and Straight-through.  The Null Modem version is available for purchase using part number UNCC-405.  The Straight-through version is not available for purchase. This image is also part of the UNC-520 Installation Instructions (F-27391)

Issue SigmaX was installed but will not open. Sigma will not seat a client and BAS 2800+ is looking for a dongle. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma SigmaX BAS 2800+ tools Cause SigmaX requires an unlocking code. Resolution SigmaX 7.0.9 does not require an unlocking code, if your using an older version of SigmaX you will need to uninstall SigmaX and install SigmaX version 7.0.9. Latest version of SigmaX download provides some information on the changes in SigmaX version 7.0.9 and provided a link were the software can be downloaded.   With the release of SigmaX 7.0.9 the following procedure is no longer required and will not be available in 2017 If you are a Schneider Electric employee you register your PCID number via Lotus Notes, or use the SigmaX Registration Portal if you do not have Lotus Notes. Finding PCID: The SigmaX PCID number for your SigmaX installation is provided by running t.he "RegSigmaX.exe" program (C). The "RegSigmaX.exe" program (B) is located under "C:\SigmaX\Bin" (A).     For Schneider Electric employees with Lotus Notes The engineer must be on the Schneider Electric network via VPN or office to be able to follow the steps below. From the Lotus Notes client, From the top menu, choose File then Application or Ctrl + O to bring up the Open application dialog box.   Click on the down arrow to the right of "Look in:" text area and choose AAGB0010.GB.Schneider-Electric.com/A/SVR/Schneider from the list.  If it doesn't exist, then either type it in or select another server and modify the entry. The list in the scrollable window should look like the picture above.  Scroll down the list until you see a directory called "apps".   Double click on this entry.  Scroll down the new list until you see "Sigma X Registration 2015" Select the entry and then click on Bookmark.  From the next dialog box, choose "Bookmark bar" from the "Add to" list. See below.     will appear in their bookmark bar or Open list.  To access the application, click on the icon.     For partners and Schneider Electric employees without Lotus Notes 1. Go to https://sigmaxregistration.schneider-electric.com to register all new SigmaX code   2. Log in If you do not have access you will need to register using one of the options provided on the landing page If you do not know your access details, you will need to communicate with your local sales representative   3. From the left hand side, select "Sigma Registration"   4. Click "Continue" to continue to the registration page   5. Enter the information required A - Check the correct name is displayed. B - Check the correct email address is shown, edit the address if it is incorrect. (The unlocking code will be sent to this email address) C - Enter your office region. D - Add the product identity number. E/F - Select whether the unlocking being requested is either an addition or a replacement. G - You can leave a comment regarding the request. H - Submit the request.   Once your unlocking code has been approved (normally within the hour), you will receive an email with your new unlocking code. Once you have registered your PCID number, you should receive an email each December with the next year’s unlocking code. Download the instructions as PDF

Issue Time schedules are not switching off according to the workstation time. Time schedules are delayed. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista, Xenta Servers and Controllers (280/300/400) Cause The Time in the TAC Xenta 911 and TAC Xenta controller is not the same as in TAC Vista Server. Resolution To check the time in the TAC Xenta controller follow these steps : Browse to the TAC Xenta controller Right Click on the controller and select Properties Select the Information Tab. This will display the time in the TAC Xenta controller To check the time zone of the TAC Xenta controller select the time settings Tab. Once the TAC Xenta controllers have been set in the right time zone TAC Vista server will sync them to the correct time. By default this occurs every 10 minutes The final step is to ensure the time and time zone of TAC Vista server is correct. To do that locate your TAC Vista Server object and right click then select properties.  Select the Information Tab to show the server time. This time is governed by the PC time so to adjust the PC time through Windows.

Issue The following issues have been found to occur due to the Windows 7 User Account Control Settings: When starting I/NET, receive an error message indicating, "This is an unregistered version of I/NET.  Please contact TAC to register this copy of I/Net." DBCreate does not accept Windows Authentication login.  It only allows access to DBCreate using the SQL Server authentication login option. Login Issue with SevenReports (Crystal Reports)  Product Line TAC I/NET Environment I/NET Seven 2.4x Windows 7  Windows 10  Cause The User Account Control Settings appears to block access to these files required by the I/NET applications. Resolution Set the User Account Control Settings to "Never notify". Go to Windows Start Icon In the Search prompt, type in User Account - Select the option "Change User Account Control settings" from the Control Panel options shown below: The default setting is shown. Change this setting to "Never notify." You will be presented with the following confirmation - Select Yes Restart your PC Test the issue and re-install I/NET (a repair may be adequate) if the issue remains before contacting support.  This setting is only required to be done once for all users on the PC.

Issue How to calculate the input value for a Lookup table for a resistive AI device. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Software Environment Lookup Tables Cause A lookup table needs to be created for an additional resistive AI device. An existing lookup table does not exist. Resolution The following parameters are needed, the device's datasheet will normally provide this information. The resistance of the device at a known value e.g temperature or a feedback potentiometer. The following calculation is then used. lookup table input value = R1*250 / R1+14700    (Where R1 is the resistance value) The output value in the lookup table will be the known value (e.g temperature or a feedback potentiometer) for the resistance used in the calculation above. Example: Resistance = 5905 ohms at 17'C Table input = 5905*250 / 5905+14700 = 71.6452 and Table output = 17.0 The more samples taken, greater the accuracy. Input values need to be entered with at least 3 decimal figures.

Issue How to set an LNC-100 back to factory-default settings. This will erase all block programming and device configuration. Environment Network 8000 LNC-100 and related controllers based on the GCM-861X0 series platform, including the GCM-86110, GCM-86120, SIM-CCN, SIM-MTECH, SIM-TRANE, and SIM-YORK Cause Sometimes it is necessary to manually clear the controller EEPROM in order to reload a database. Resolution Follow the steps below: Backup the controller database. Clear the controller's EEPROM. This is accomplished by pushing the reset button and the EE CLR button and holding both for at least 20 seconds before releasing. The reset process is complete when the top two red LEDs on the right edge of the controller begin blinking in their normal sequence (second LED blinks twice as fast as top LED). This process will clear the user programmable memory (including all block programming), returning the controller to its original factory condition. This step is important as it insures there will be no conflict between the new revisions firmware and the older version. The procedure above is excerpted from Technical Bulletin 99-27 , steps 1 and 2.