Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 In WorkPlace Tech Tool, the Definition tab of a Custom Object, right click on any object to request Properties info. The response is an error "Exception happened finding Visio shape". What does this mean? Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.7.x Cause There was an error in Visio. The custom object may have been copied from a newer version of Visio to an older version. There may have been an error when creating the custom object. Shapes may have been added to the custom object when opened directly in Visio instead of being opened in WPTech. Some other corruption to the drawing took place. Resolution Do a “Rebuild Application”, and then try opening the shape properties again.  If this does not work, try creating a new custom object, and then try copying the contents of the old custom object definition page into the new custom object definition page (while in WPTech).  Then delete the old custom object, and then try the shape properties in the newly created custom object.

Issue Getting error message when reloading a Continuum controller: "Unable to reload attributes for \ \ . Reload Object's Type mismatches with object's in WCU Controller. Please Reload WCU Controller." Environment All Continuum controllers Cause The most common cause of this error message is duplicate alias names. For example, a controller object named "W Lobby" and a door object in the controller named "WLobby" (without the space) will have the same alias (WLobby). Resolution Rename one of the duplicate objects so that the alias is unique to the system.

Issue Opening an MTA file in Menta causes an "The device type is not supported" error message. Environment Menta 5.x.x XBuilder 5.x.x Cause The Menta file is for a Xenta 700 controller and cannot be opened in stand alone Menta which only supports the Xenta 280, 300, and 400 series of programmable controllers. Resolution Import the MTA file into an Xbuilder project's Menta Library in order to edit or view the MTA file.

Issue Pop-up error message displayed when trying to create ContinuumDB on stand-alone system. Unable to get past this to create the database. Error message similar to below: "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Setup The sa password must meet SQL Server password policy requirement. For strong password guidelines, see Authentication Mode, in SQL Server Books Online."   Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Stand-alone SQL Express Cause When SQLExpress was installed a "strong" SA password was not defined. Resolution As per Microsoft SQL password policy Strong passwords must meet the following guidelines: The password does not contain the account name of the user. The password is at least eight characters long. The password contains characters from three of the following four categories: Latin uppercase letters (A through Z) Latin lowercase letters (a through z) Base 10 digits (0 through 9) Non-alphanumeric characters such as: exclamation point (!), dollar sign ($), number sign (#), or percent (%). Passwords can be up to 128 characters long. Use passwords that are as long and complex as possible.   To change the SQL password: Download and install management studio express. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=8961 Change SA password so that it now complies as a strong password. Find the SA user under Security\Logins. Change the Password. Run Database Initialization again and create the new database using this new SA password.

Issue Checking operation of CSC. Product Line Field Devices Environment CSC5252 CSC5352 Cause The operation of the CSC compensator explanation. Resolution The operation of a compensator is to adjust the system flow temperature, in relation to changes in the outside air temperature. The system flow temperature can be further adjusted by the addition of a room temperature sensor, which will provide room influence. The CSC 5252/5352 controller is programmed with a complete set of "Default" settings, these settings will allow the controller to operate as soon as its powered up. Although the controller has a complete range of adjustable settings, accessed through the "Fine Tune Mode", for a basic installation the "Quick Set Mode" can be used. The screen shot below explains how to enter the Quick Set Mode and the settings available. Controller data sheet Controller User guide   Compensated Flow Temperature Set-point: The compensated flow temperature set-point is automatically adjusted based on a ratio for set-point adjustments against the outside temperature changes. A consistent ratio across the entire outside temperature range, may not provide suitable control. For example: with radiator type systems, radiators are less efficient at lower water flow temperatures and need to be provided with a higher temperature to compensate for this initially. The “Set compensator ratio 1”and the “Set Ratio 2” settings provide the ratio of the change to the flow temperature set-point for changes in the outside air temperature, the ratio used is based on the “Set Change-over Value”, with the compensated slope starting from the “Set Flow Origin”. The “Set Flow Temperature Set-up Value” and “Set Night Set Back Value” provide a constant adjustment of the flow temperature set-point to a given building control requirement. The default settings would give a resultant flow temperature as shown follows:     The CSC5352 Calculator presents these settings in a graphical and listed format, making it easier to visually confirm the effects any changes to these settings would make.    

Issue 3rd party BACnet Gateway can be seen  and points found when performing "send to database" but the Life Safety points do not show up. Product Line Continuum BACnet Environment Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Cause We do not currently support the BACnet Life Safety objects with the Andover Continuum or EcoStruxure Building Operation product lines Resolution Use an object that we do support, either an AV (Analog Variable) or MV (Multistate Variable) would probably suffice as long as the 3rd party Gateway can provide this instead of the Life Safety objects. See our BACnet PICS statements at the link below that show what BACnet objects each of our products support. https://www.bacnetinternational.net/btl/index.php?m=20

Issue MFC errors when starting or running Cyberstation or Webclient Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Windows 10 Windows Server 2012 Cause Microsoft Function Class (MFC) errors are typically caused by missing, damaged or altered files that an application is looking for and is having problems using. Resolution There can be a number of reason why MFC errors are being received. Here are a few causes related to Cyberstation startup. Check the Continuum compatibility matrix. If you are using a version of Windows Operating System that has not been qualified for a specific version (i.e. Windows XP SP2 with 1.93) then this can cause MFC errors. Viruses and Malware can also affect MFC files. Be sure to run both types of scans on Cyberstation, but this should be done after the Cyberstation or Webclient PC has been installed. If these types of products are active during an install, they can flag some of the files that would normally get installed as suspect and cause problems with the operation of Cyberstation even if it appeared that the installation was successful. Removing Continuum, rebooting, running scans and then disabling the active scans at the time of the Cyberstation install will often resolve these issues. Windows XP, Vista and Windows7 have restore points that you can sometimes go back to in order to restore to a point earlier where the MFC errors were not happening. As a last resort, you may need to reformat the hard drive on the PC, reinstall the Windows Operating System including the appropriate service packs and hotfixes and then install Cyberstation or Webclient. Links to other MFC related articles: MFC errors on Continuum startup after moving a database to another PC MFC error on Continuum startup or Continuum won't start on HP PC Running a listview is giving a MFC error

Issue CSMC 3805 Codes, CSMC User Guide. Environment CSMC3805 CSMC CSMC 3805 Cause There is a code displayed on the controller screen. What does this mean? Resolution The codes display the plant status under certain conditions. They are as follows: L05 = Return Water Temperature Low Limit. F = Water Frost Limit (Flow or Return). L01 = Inside Low Limit (Frost). H4 = Flow Water High Limit. A = Alarm (If alarm display is not required set code B61 to 1). 0 to 9 = Optimiser Status (only displayed if code B49 is set to 1). The User Guide can be downloaded from here.    

Issue Is it possible to create a switch, in TGML, which has a popup dialog to confirm the action taken (Yes/No)? Environment TGML editor 5.1.X Vista workstation 5.1.X Webstation 5.1.X Cause A customer wishes to confirm changes before applying them, to avoid setting variables by mistake. Resolution In the components library in TGML editor, there is a check box component which has a confirm function. Drag & drop the component onto the workspace and study the code. This can be used as a basis for a switch component.

Issue Is it currently supported in EcoStruxure Building Operation to make EWS requests with users managed by Active Directory (Windows user)? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause The EcoStruxure Building Operation software provides two methods to log on to the system, as a Windows user or as an EcoStruxure Building Operation user. Windows User A Windows user account is mapped to a Windows Active Directory user account group. Log On as an EcoStruxure Building Operation User When logging on as an EcoStruxure Building Operation user, you authenticate yourself with an EcoStruxure Building Operation account user name and password Resolution EWS only supports login to SBO domains (with Challenge Response, RFC7616) and NOT Windows domains added into SBO. It is not possible for an EWS request to authenticate using a Windows user only an EcoStruxure Building Operation user.

Issue Following a reboot of CyberStation, alarms continue to be logged but are not displayed in Active Alarm View. Environment CyberStation Active Alarm View Continuum Database Initialization Cause Alarms not being displayed in Active Alarm View. Resolution Performed a Database Initialization with Enhanced Alarm Logging and Enhanced Alarm Delivery selected on the workstation.

Issue CXR5805 CXT5605 and CZT5305 Climatronic Controller display flashing. Environment Satchwell CXR5805 CXT5605 CZT5305 Cause Manual Override Switch is set in a mode other than AUTO (Clock symbol) Resolution Reset Manual Override Switch to AUTO (Clock symbol) mode. N.B. Details of this and other Manual Override Switch mode options and associated selection / de-selection may be found in the respective Climatronic User Guides. CXR5805 User Guide may be viewed here. CXT5605 User Guide may be viewed here. CZT5305 User Guide may be viewed here.

Issue In Menta simulation mode, when changing the RI block (using the button on the left hand side), the TSCHI will get the same value When changing the TSCHI block, nothing will happen at all  Environment TAC Menta Xenta 701, 711, 721, 731 Cause This happens due to a bug in TAC Menta. Resolution Create the TSCHI block before the RI block (this issue will only occur when the RI block is created first). Please note the this issue only affects simulation mode of Menta, you won't notice it  when the project is downloaded to the device.

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 for assistance. Issue PCT project folder size increases when an object is deleted. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool, PCT Cause Any change made in PCT increases the size of PCT project folder. This is by design and it is a normal behavior of PCT. The reason for this is that a project is a virtual machine using a dynamically allocated image that grows when memory is needed, but the image will not shrink when something is deleted.  Resolution The only way to reduce the folder size of a project is to backup all servers in the project, create a new project, restore the server backups to the new project and then delete the old project.

Issue How to upgrade from Continuum v1.4 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause What are the steps in upgrading from Continuum 1.4 Resolution For a smaller site it may be quicker and more reliable to install the current Cyberstation version, then upload from the controller, this has the advantage of ensuring you have a clean database. The alarms, workstations etc, would needs to be rebuilt from scratch. If the current database is clean (Passing continuum analyzer is NOT proof of a clean database, only a helpful initial step) and it is decided to upgrade the existing database from 1.4, you will first need to upgrade to v1.5x, then follow Upgrading Continuum from 1.5x to Continuum 1.9x. The overall process can be a little complex as various operating systems need to be available/installed. See the Continuum Compatibility Matrix for details for the PC and Controller firmware requirements Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of I/NET, Vista, Andover Continuum, Satchwell Sigma, I/A Series, and StruxureWare Building Operation See the Continuum installation guides for the PC hardware requirements The v1.4 graphics could be .pan or .pin files. The .pan would need to be re-drawn as .pin files, in order to be compatible Run Continuum Analyzer before/after each upgrade, also run Continuum to ensure it runs correctly.

Issue Where is the 0-10 volt control signal connected, on a Forta actuator? Environment Forta M400 Actuator Wiring Connections Cause The customer was uncertain how to connect the M400 actuator. Resolution The general configuration and connection details are the same for all of the Forta range of actuators. All of the range can accept a 0-10 volt dc input or increase/decrease signals. Terminal Function Designation G                  24 V AC Supply G0                24 V AC return X1                 Input MX                Input, neutral VH                Increase VC                Decrease G1                16 V DC Supply for RC Y                   0–100 % Feedback signal The 0-10 volt control signal is connected to (X1) and the associate 0 volt is connected to (MX). If there is not an associated 0 volt available then (MX) should be connected to the (G0) terminal. To download the Forta Handbook please click HERE.

Issue When swiping card, the access is denied. The message shown in AMT is "Bad Card Read". Environment I/NET Cause There may be two causes for this message: The tenant code isn't correct when using Wiegand 26 format in the door parameter. The digit of card number exceeds the setting in the setting of card reader type. For example, the card format is Wiegand 35, but in the door parameter, the card reader length is set to 36 digits. Resolution For cause 1, enter the correct tenant code in the Tenant Editor. For cause 2, set the correct card reader type and digit.

Issue Before installing Access Expert on premise server software, the Mongo DB must be installed and the Mongo service started, this requires creation and editing of a configuration file where the data and log directories are specified. There have been many cases of YAML errors seen during V3 on premise installation when attempting to start the Mongo service. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment V3 Mongo DB Cause The YAML parser that reads the "mongod.cfg" file is very sensitive to the format of the configuration file including some very strict rules about spaces, double quotes and back slashes. When editing the file, it helps to setup the text editor to display ALL characters which will show any hidden characters that might be causing a parsing error. Ex. In Notepad++: Select View>Show Symbol> Show All Characters Resolution Space is needed between key and value pair. Enclose paths in double quotes. Double back slash required in Windows systems.

Issue Not possible to get a Xenta Server / 911 online in TAC Vista. It is possible to ping it and connect to it via a Web browser using ports 443, 80, and Port 1068 is open, but it is not possible to get online in Vista. Product Line TAC Vista Server Environment TAC Vista TAC Xenta 911 TAC Xenta Server Cause The problem, in this case, was that another Vista server was connected to the Xenta Server / 911.  This could have been from a technician or the customer who started Vista with this database loaded and had the device online in their Database. The Xenta Server / 911 will only communicate with one Vista Server at a time and will close the connection if another Vista tries to communicate with it.    Using Wireshark it is possible to monitor this scenario as shown below:  Packet number 57439: Vista is trying to establish communication with the Xenta Server or 911( sending an SYN). Packet number 57440: The Xenta sends an acknowledgment on the SYN from Vista, but with the window size set to zero, this is because the Xenta can't buffer information as a computer does. Packet number 57441: Vista  sends an acknowledgment on the message from the Xenta Packet number 57448: The Xenta sets the correct window size. Packet number 57449: Vista starts to communicate Packet number 57452: The Xenta closes the communication to the Vista server  Resolution Ensure only one Vista server is started when the Xenta server / 911 is included in the database.