Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to change the firmware version in a controller. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All flash-upgradeable controllers: CX9900, CX9940, ACX5720, ACX5740, all i2, b3, and bCX controllers.  Cause Controller firmware needs to be changed. Resolution Locate the firmware version that you need for each controller you want to change. The Continuum firmware files can be downloaded from the Schneider Electric Ecobuilding Exchange. The downloaded files are often a zip file which includes the release notes in PDF format and the flash file (UPD file). Note: You may need to upgrade or downgrade firmware (see also Is a controller shipped from the factory with the latest firmware revision supported in older versions of Continuum?) Make sure you check the document Andover Continuum Software and Firmware Compatibility Matrix for the appropriate firmware version for your system.   Copy the file to a disk drive accessible to your CyberStation workstation. Edit the controller object in ContinuumExplorer and click on the "Update OS" button. Browse to the file location in step 2 and click "Open". A progress box "Updating Controller OS..." will appear. During this time the controller is reset and not functional.  Once complete, and if successful, you will get  a dialog box indicating that the upload was successful and the controller will return On-Line momentarily. Click OK. Click the refresh button in the controller editor. Once the controller is on-line the version field should indicate the new version. At this point some controllers may need a reload, others will be reloaded from flash memory. This depends on the controller type. For example, the CX9900 has no flash memory and therefore will need to be reloaded. This procedure also applies to upgrading controller options such as adding Xdriver support. In this case a UPD file will be provided by the Repair Dept. In the case of added Xdriver support, after doing the Update OS procedure the version will not change. Look at the controller Options tab after it comes back online following the upgrade. The information here, such as a non-zero entry in the numbers next to the appropriate Xdriver Commport will be changed. The above procedure was based on an IP level controller such as the CX, bCX and ACX II. Infinet and MSTP controllers are done in a similar manner. IOU models are also upgraded similarly via the "Update IOU" button in the IOUModule editor. However, the files are .IOU files instead of .UPD files and the versions are in the fourth pair of characters in the Program ID field.  

Issue During certain situations, it may be required to switch from a hardwired to a wireless connection or wireless to a hardwired. In addition, you may be required to replace a failed NIC card with a new variant that may or may not be the same in terms of connection type. Other more rare situations where a technician travels with a laptop that has PCT "SERVER" mode installed would also be affected. Example: PCT Version - 1.1.2.57 Server mode was set up on a physical server that has two NIC cards. The initial setup was performed on NIC1 and now we are required to utilize NIC 2 which is wireless as a temporary solution. NIC card 1 is disabled and NIC card 2 is set up with the same IP details as NIC card1. In addition, the wireless network is an extension of the original network that was configured in NIC card 1. The server then gets rebooted. Once the server is up you start PCT and attempt to open a project. You receive the following errors: "VBoxManager.exe: error: Nonexistent host networking interface" "Failed to open project."    Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Windows Client versions (64 Bit Only) Windows Server versions (64 Bit Only) PCT SERVER versions (64 Bit OS Only ) SBO Project Configuration Tool All versions Cause During the initial setup of Project Configuration Server mode, you are prompted to select a network interface card from a list of available NICs. PCT requires that you continue to use the same interface and if you change your connection type at the windows level PCT has no method of knowing this and will not be able to connect to previously created projects. PCT will produce the following complaint as seen in the log below: "Nonexistent host networking interface"   You can find the log path as follows: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\loggermodule "ProjectsModule.log"   Resolution There are two solutions to address this: Revert your connection type back to the original Network Interface Card. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project. If the idea is to stick with a different NIC, you would simply need to reinstall PCT and select the new NIC during "SERVER" mode setup. Reboot the machine. Open PCT and attempt to get back into the project.

Issue Looking for more information on the Schneider Electric Advanced Display offering from the Smart X family of controllers. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure SmartX Controller Advanced Display Technician Tool Mobile App Cause Unsure where to locate more detail about the Advanced Display and do not know the part numbers to order the products. Resolution The Advanced Display is a convenient option for users to access, monitor, and service their SmartStruxure system. For additional information please reference the SmartX Controller - Advanced Display documents found on the The Exchange. Applications The Advanced Display comes with the SmartXKiosk application already installed on it. This app, when launched, limits which other applications may be accessed on the tablet. The only way to exit the Kiosk mode is to enter a six character PIN. Any of the available Schneider Electric apps found on the Google Play Store can be added to the SmartXKisok. Technician Tool mobile app AdaptiApps custom user apps WebStation The Technician Tool provides a simplified user interface for operation and maintenance of the SmartStruxure solution.   Communications and Wiring Options Communication Options Available Availability Wi-Fi to the BMS network (requires straight USB cable) All SmartStruxure versions USB direct communication to the Automation Server (requires Y-shaped USB cable) Versions 1.7 and newer Wi-Fi or USB direct communication to the Automation Server Premium (requires straight USB cable) Versions 1.7 and newer   The Advanced Display communicates with the SmartStruxure servers through an access point or starting in version 1.7 directly to the Automation Server via the USB port with the application named SmartX-Ad Link. If using an Automation server, the Y-shaped cable must be used to connect to a locally sourced power supply as well as to the Automation Server. The power required is 5 VDC with a minimum of 500 mA up to 1.3 A. The USB port on the Automation Server Premium (AS-P) has the ability to power the tablet directly thus only requiring a straight USB cable.    Ordering Part number Description SXWADTAB410001 Advanced Display 7 - inch - - No longer available! SXWADBUND10002 Advanced Display 10 - inch Bundle Includes Advanced Display tablet unit, mounting frame, bezel, and Micro USB 2.0 data cable 1 m (3 ft) SXWADUSBA10001 USB cable, Straight 1.5 m (5 ft) for connection to AS-P or AS-B SXWADUSBA10002 USB cable, Straight 3.0 m (10 ft) for connection to AS-P or AS-B SXWADUSBB10001 USB cable, Y-shaped 1.5 m (5 ft) for connection to Automation Server SXWADUSBB10002 USB cable, Y-shaped 3.0 m (10 ft) for connection to Automation Server   Note: The Advanced Display 10 - inch Bundle does not include a power adapter.  For configurations where the external power adapter is required the appropriate power adapter must be ordered separately for the country in which it will be installed.

Issue Connecting a serial cable to a Xenta 5/7/9xx controller Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause Xenta Servers have a service portal for use with HyperTerminal with a serial connection to the RS-232B port. Resolution Connect a serial cable, Programming Serial Kit, part no. 0-073-0920-0, between the PC and the RS232 port B on the TAC Xenta.  For more information about the cable see Cable Guide OFL-3972. Go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/Communications/HyperTerminal, and open the HyperTerminal. In Connection Description Windows, type any name you like in the Name box. Click OK. In the Connect to window, choose the correct COM port that the RS-232 cable is using. If you do not know which COM port it is using. Go to your computer device manager. (Right click on “My computer” icon, and choose “Manage”. Then under “System Tools”, choose “Device Manager”. Find “Ports (COM & LPT)” and expend it Find the COM port number that is used by the RS-232 cable. Click OK. In the COM Properties window, type 9600 for “Bits per second”, 8 for “Data bits”, “Parity” is None, “Stop bits” is 1, and “Flow control” is None. Click OK. Options: you can save this setting for future use. Click on File Menu and Save. Press ENTER to activate the command prompt. Default username and password is both “root”. Type “root” and press ENTER for both the username and password. Type “setip” and press ENTER. NOTE: Product support has also witnessed strange behavior with serial connections when certain laptops were not plugged into a power source or the Xenta Server was not grounded. If connection problems persist after the connection setting above are verified, make sure the Hyperterminal PC is plugged into a 120 vac power source.

Issue Modbus Register Groups feature can overcome some Modbus communication problems. It has been seen before where the Modbus controller falls offline for a few seconds then comes back online. This cycle will repeat every few seconds. When register groups are not used, there may also be issues with the amount of time it takes for a Modbus points to update. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Cause In a normal Modbus network, a Modbus polling device obtains data from a polled device by sending a query message to the device and then waiting for the response message that contains the requested value from the selected register. If data from another register is required, the polling device sends out a new query message and awaits the response message. This process is repeated until all subscribed points values have been read. The Modbus Register Groups are a batch read function to poll Modbus devices. Instead of reading each register individually, the batch read function reads registers in manually created groups. When all registers in a group have been read, the response message returns subscribed register values for the whole group. Register grouping provides a dramatic saving in the time taken to poll your devices. For more guidance and tips on this topic, see Section "Batch Read Function" in the EcoStruxure Building Operation Technical Reference Guide.  Note: When viewing a graphic containing Modbus values, those values will update at the same interval as their Modbus register group. Resolution When grouping Modbus points, it is important to keep in mind some of the following points. Try to ensure that as many Modbus points as possible are contained in as few groups as possible. This will reduce the overall time it takes the Enterprise Server or Automation Server to read all the subscribed points in each Modbus device. Network performance can be enhanced by choosing the method of grouping that is most suitable for each device in the Modbus network.  Network performance can be enhanced by selecting a different default poll time for each register group. Network performance can also be enhanced by grouping points that have the same or similar polls. Start with higher group poll times to ensure a stable system before reducing the poll time. Make sure to delete Modbus points out of a register group individually before deleting the group. If this is not done, it can cause system delays. See article Modbus Batch Read Multiple Registers Groups Creating a Modbus Register Group In Workstation, in the System Tree pane, right-click on a Modbus device and select New Object (1).  In the create object window select Modbus Register Group (2), provide a name and select Create (3). Now that the group has been created, existing Modbus points can be dragged and dropped into the group. New Modbus points can also be created in the group.  Right-click on the Modbus Register Group and select New Object (1).  In the create object window expand Modbus Point (2), select a point type (3), provide a name and select Create (4).

Issue A warning banner is displayed at the top of the Workstation window that states "A license violation has been detected." even though a valid evaluation license has been activated on the machine or site. The user will also find another warning message on the LicenseManager screen, under the System folder, that provides greater detail. This message will state specifically what is missing, for example "An additional X automation server license(s) are required. Please purchase the required licenses." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EBO Enterprise Server 2.X and newer EBO Workstation 2.x and newer Cause The new scalable licensing structure established in version 2.0 requires licenses for each automation server device (and field devices if the system is a new database). The evaluation (demo) license will account for the required licenses as long as it is valid but sometimes can be stuck in a state where it has not been validated.  Resolution In the majority of situations, simply rebooting or performing a warm start of the Enterprise Server will clear this warning as long as there is a valid evaluation (temporary) license hosted in the license administrator the ES is referencing. Troubleshooting Steps: Restart the Enterprise Server. Restart the License Server (if on a different machine as the ES). If required, restart the ES again. Check for any errors in the License Server and verify that the Vendor Daemon is up and running. See Unable to log into WorkStation due to license error codes -12, -15, -18 or -97 for more details around this troubleshooting step. If these steps have not resolved the issue, then open a support case with your local country support organization.  For more information about the enforcement of licenses see the EcoStruxure Building Management WebHelp article, Licensing Enforcement. 

Issue Solid red light Blinking red light Blinking green light Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta Programmable Controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause The indicator lights on the face of the Xenta controllers can help explain the state of the controller with different actions.  Resolution There are two LED indicators – one red and one green on the Xenta programmable controllers.   The red service diode is primarily an error indication. It also lights up if the Service pin is activated. A solid red light usually indicates that the hardware has failed.  Please see a few simple steps to deactivate the solid red light below. Use a reset dongle to wipe the controller then reinstall the firmware and menta program. If the controller is the group master you might try to assign a different controller to group master.  This method has not been proven but has worked before during internal testing. NOTE: The hardware may need to be replaced if the solid red light continues after these steps. If the red indicator light is blinking once per second this will indicate a non-configured node. If the controller has been commissioned you might try to decommission the controller and try again. If the red indicator light is off this would indicate that it has been commissioned and added properly to the network.  You should not see the red indicator light if the controller is working properly. The green status diode blinks once per second to indicate that the program is running properly.

Issue Ordering the proper software options for a Vykon Energy Suite installation on a Niagara G3 jobsite. Environment Niagara G3 Cause The Vykon Energy Suite is only available for purchase via Sourced Products from Tridium.  The part numbers and descriptions are difficult to locate. Resolution The feature that licenses TEA-BASE (eas) is included with the standard ENS-1. So, a separate purchase of TRD-TEABASE-G3 is no longer required (since it is not usable without licensing stations or points). TRD-TEASTA-G3 increments the station limit parameter and allows unlimited points from an ENC. TRD-TEAPNT-G3 increments the point limit parameter and allows individual points from an ENC as well as points within the ENS as required. Additional documentation: VES G3 Users Guide VES G3 Datasheet These two part numbers are now available on iPortal for ordering.  Contact Customer Care at ccc.orders@schneider-electric.com or 1-888-444-1311 (press 1) to place an order.

Issue After 2000 backups an attempt to perform a backup to flash results in the error 'Flash backup for this controller has been disabled.' Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Andover Continuum Environment b3 controller i2 controller Cause Flash memory has a limited write count; Controllers implement a flash circuit breaker that trips after 2000 backup operations in order to protect the flash device from damage. Resolution (Applies to all b3 and i2 controllers) EcoStruxure Building Operation In EBO, a command has been added that will re-enable backup to flash after the circuit breaker has been tripped (2000 backups) From Workstation, in the object tree, right-click the i2/b3 device. From the context menu select, DEVICE->ENABLE BACKUP TO FLASH     Andover Continuum From CyberStation command line set the ACCStatusBackup system variable of the device to ACCBackupEnable. NOTE: The flash circuit breaker CANNOT be reset from Script/Plain English.  This is by design as it was deemed too risky to allow resetting it programmatically.  A poorly written program could very quickly cause damage to the flash device.

Issue VTRA Valve Body requires replacement due to obsolescence. Product Line Field Devices Environment VTRA 3-port Mixing Valve Body Cause Obsolescence of VTRA Valve Body Resolution VTRA Valve Bodies are obsolete and have been for many years. VTRA Valve Bodies were available with either Flanged or Screwed connections.  Details of the various size / connection combinations available appear VTRA Specification Sheet. REPLACEMENT OF VTRA FLANGED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (32-80mm) may be selected from the VTRE range of Flanged Valve Bodies, see VTRE S-E Specification Sheet for more datails. N.B. It should be noted that the VTRE Valve Body is rated PN6 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10. The VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the EM9 Actuator, see Alternatively the VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the M9B Actuator, See EM 9 Specification Sheet for more details. No Linkage Kit is required to mount the EM9 or M9B Actuator on the VTRE Valve Body. Alternatively a replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (65-80mm only) may be selected from the the S-E VG311F and V321 3-Port Flanged Valve Bodies, more details can be found in the Venta VG311F 65-150C Specification Sheet and the Venta V321 Specification Sheet N.B. It should be noted that the S-EVG311F and V321 Valve Body are rated PN16 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10.   REPLACEMENT OF VTRA SCREWED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Screwed Valve Body (15-50mm) may be selected from the MB range of Screwed Valve Bodies, see the MB/MBF data sheet for more details. The MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10B series Actuator, see the MD10B specification sheet for more details. Alternatively the MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10A Actuator, see the MD10A specification sheet for more details.  

Issue Where to find a statement of discontinued products if needed. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Obsoleted Continuum Controllers DCX250 DCX 250, Netcontroller CX9000, CX9400 Infinity products Cause Which products are no longer available? Resolution The following link details all products that were discontinued in 2007/ 2008: 2007/ 2008 Discontinued Products Also the DCX250 was obsoleted in 2011 see Product Announcement Discontinuation of Infinity 01-0008-300 (DCX 250) Also see Display options now the DCX250 is no longer available for DCX250 alternatives.  Search for all discontinuation announcements on The Exchange.

Issue SE7300 and SE8000 room controller fan speeds do not turn off when fan mode is set to auto. When cooling and / or heating is no longer needed, the fan speed remains at low speed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, Field Devices Environment SE7000 series room controller SE8000 series room controller Cause It is required that the fan be turned off when no demand for cooling or heating is needed. Resolution SE7300 controllers Enter the configuration mode of the room controller. Refer to page 19 of the SE7300 Series Installation Guide for the procedure to enter the configuration mode. In configuration mode, there is a parameter 'AutoFan'. The default mode for this parameter is 'AS'. In order for the fan to stop when there is no demand, the mode should be set to 'AS AD'. AS (Default) = Auto Speed during occupied periods. Fan is always on during occupied periods. Low, medium and high speeds operate on temperature offset from set point. AS AD = Auto Speed / Auto Demand during occupied periods. - Medium and high speeds operate on temperature offset from set point. Low speed operates on demand and will shut down when no demand is present. SE8000 controllers On the room controller, select the fan mode parameter from the home screen. The fan mode must be set to Smart in order for the fan output to function as expected. In Smart mode the fan will turn off when there is no demand for cooling or heating. For SmartStruxure applications of the SE8000 controller This issue can also be seen when binding to the "Value field of the Occupancy Command of the SE8000 controller. Make sure to bind to a priority, not to Value otherwise the fan command will not turn off.

Issue What is the difference between an EBO SmartDriver and Smart Connector? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation SmartDriver Cause SmartDriver and Smart Connector enhance the openness for the EcoStruxure Building Operation, EBO, BMS system. They enable integration between EBO and 3rd party systems, even via not supported or nonstandard protocols. Resolution SmartDriver: SmartDriver enables you to create a customized interface to monitor and control 3rd party devices from the EBO server. The following block diagram shows a SmartDriver Interface and a SmartDriver Driver. The SmartDriver Interface (similar in concept to other protocol interfaces such as Modbus and BACnet) is part of EcoStruxure Building Operation software and enables you to create SmartDriver objects in the System Tree pane. The SmartDriver Driver is installed on the server drive and provides the network communications control. More information at Web Help SmartDriver Overview. Smart Connector: A development framework that simplifies and accelerates integrations with third-party systems or other data sources. It is an open, extensible and configurable application framework that allows developers to create innovative new capabilities, applications, and solutions that extend and enhance EcoStruxure Building solutions. The Smart Connector itself runs outside the EBO server and consume or server data to EBO server via the EcoStruxure web services "EWS". Watch short explainer video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/embed/DXHvRRL4ycY   For more information, visit the Smart Connector Developer Community on the Exchange: https://community.se.com/t5/SmartConnector/ct-p/smart-connector   For developers wanting to get started using the Smart Connector framework visit: https://www.smartconnectorserver.com   Smart Connector shop at Exchange:  https://shop.exchange.se.com/en-US/home 

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 SQL Database is full, or the partition the SQL is installed is full Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Report Server Cause If a site is using SQL Express 2008, the limit is 10 GB. If using the full version(s), it is unlimited. If the database or the partition where the Reports Server resides is full, here are some steps to reduce the SQL table volume and offer a short-term solution. Resolution Before continuing, make sure there is a good backup of the database. Using SQL Server Management Studio, highlight the StruxureWareReportsDB and select New Query Use the following Script in that Query: SELECT t.NAME AS TableName, s.Name AS SchemaName, p.rows AS RowCounts, SUM(a.total_pages) * 8 AS TotalSpaceKB, SUM(a.used_pages) * 8 AS UsedSpaceKB, (SUM(a.total_pages) - SUM(a.used_pages)) * 8 AS UnusedSpaceKB FROM sys.tables t INNER JOIN sys.indexes i ON t.OBJECT_ID = i.object_id INNER JOIN sys.partitions p ON i.object_id = p.OBJECT_ID AND i.index_id = p.index_id INNER JOIN sys.allocation_units a ON p.partition_id = a.container_id LEFT OUTER JOIN sys.schemas s ON t.schema_id = s.schema_id WHERE t.NAME NOT LIKE 'dt%' AND t.is_ms_shipped = 0 AND i.OBJECT_ID > 255 GROUP BY t.Name, s.Name, p.Rows ORDER BY t.Name Select Execute to run that Query as shown in the screen capture below: The Results show each of the tables and the size of those tables as shown in the screen capture below: Purely for example purposes, a script to reduce the number of Events would be delete from tbEvents where DATEDIFF(day, datetimestamp, getdate()) > 180 To gain back the space after deleting rows, right-click on StruxureWareReportsdb > Tasks > Shrink > Database

Issue Instructions are needed to configure the new SMTP configuration. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Non-Microsoft Exchange/Outlook SMTP Email Cause Configuration for the SMTP Configuration for email alarming in Continuum 2.00 through 2.03 Resolution In Cyberstation 2.0 and above, you no longer need Microsoft Outlook and Exchange to send email alarm notifications. Other SMTP servers can be used on the network and other email clients can be used also to send email alarm notifications directly to an intended recipient. Note: Public SMTP servers such as Gmail SMTP and Yahoo SMTP do not currently work with this solution as they require SSL or certain unsupported port combinations. The connections these servers establish cause connection issues within the SMTP application. Private SMTP (In-house) servers can be set up and used.   Steps to Configure SMTP Email Alarming   Open and Event Notification Navigate to the Actions Tab Select which events to receive email alarms Select the Delivery Tab Click the Add Recipient button to open the recipient configuration Browse for the recipient Cyberstation by click the ellipsis Select the recipient Cyberstation Select the SMTP Configuration button in the Recipient Configuration window Fill in the Server Configuration fields in the SMTP Configuration window Specify the SMTP Server address, port and login information Fill in the Email Configuration Specify the sender's email address - this is the email address the email will be sent from and it is also the email address that failed emails will be sent to    Type in a Subject line if needed or the default Continuum email subject line will be used Alarm Option Settings - Fill in the RetryCount and Retry Time fields  Retry Count - once you pass this value the email is dropped. The maximum Retry Count is 10  Retry Time -  field is in minutes. The maximum is 1440 minutes (24 hours) Adding an email address to the recipient list Click the Display Master List to open the SMTP Master Email Configuration Dialog Place a check in the check box to add an email address from the existing Master List to the Event Notification's recipient list and then click OK Adding or deleting email addresses from the Master Email list Open the SMTPMasterEmail Event Notification in the templates folder In the opened SMTPMasterEmail Event Notification click the Display Master List button Click the Add Recipient or Delete Recipient button depending on what is needed After selecting Add Recipient supply the email address in the recipient field and click Add Recipient After selecting Delete Recipient, select the address to highlight it and then click the Delete Recipient button. Multiple Selection is supported To deliver email notifications to the added email address, select the check box next to it Testing to ensure email address recipients receive emails Select the address you wish to test and click the Test Selected button Successful email to SMTP Server test will display a pop-up Failed email to SMTP server test will display a pop-up to the Sender's email address Final address configuration Recipients Configuration Options Place a checkmark next to the option needed Ex. Primary or Backup  SMTP Email A checkmark next to Repeat. Repeat will function as if it were an Outlook email alarm and send until the alarm is acknowledged. Known issues: In order for BACnet controllers to use the new SMTP feature, the following hotfix from the following link is needed.  CyberStation v2.00 (Only) SMTP Emailing & BACnet Alarms - Hotfix 2.03 contains the hotfix listed above   For additional information, see the Cyberstation Help, search for SMTP.

Issue When viewing the "Device Properties" of an MNB device in the Workplace Commissioning Tool (WPCT) the controller status indicates "Operational, Read-Only"? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment BACnet MNB controllers WorkPlace Commissioning Tool all versions Cause The MNB-xxxx series controllers contain circuitry that is designed to protect the integrity of the embedded flash memory under low-voltage or questionable input voltage conditions.  In the event of a controller-perceived low-voltage condition, the controller will set a read-only flag and lock out all writes to memory, as well as turn off controller outputs. Resolution The Read-Only status can help serve as an indicator that the input voltage to the controller may be questionable. Attention should also be paid to the wire distance between the central transformer and the secondary loads, especially in the case of half-wave input devices like the MNB-70, MNB-V series and MNB-300 controllers and the MNB-1000-15 remote I/O module. With half-wave type input devices, significant AC input current spikes can occur during the positive half-cycle of the AC input. Large resistances due to the wire lengths can cause significant voltage drops as seen from the controller AC input. In extreme cases, the controller may enter the read-only mode at apparent AC voltages exceeding 20 Vac due to the asymmetrical nature of the AC input voltage waveforms. In these cases, reducing the load on the transformer, reducing the wire length between the controller and the transformer, and using higher current rated wire will correct the problem.  For complete wiring guidelines consult the Micronet BACnet, Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide. Once the power issue is resolved cycling power to the controller will clear the read-only portion of the status. 

Issue BACnet COV subscription system Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment BACnet Settings COV subscriptions v1.7 and earlier Cause A site will have a problem with the amount of traffic because of misconfigured COV Increments. The problem is that Building Operation, the  ES and AS resubscribes to values every 10 seconds and one by one. So for example: hh:mm:ss 00:00:00 Value1 00:00:10 Value2 00:00:20 Value3 00:00:30 Value4 ... 05:00:00 Value1800 If you have more than 1800 subscriptions the ES or AS is not able to do all subscriptions in 5 hours.   5 hours is used because Building Operation subscribes to the values with a lifetime of 5 hours.   Resolution BACnet COV subscription system is not influenced by the requested transfer rate in the edit bindings system (Subscriptions using BACnet). That is used in the case where the external device does not support COV, and read-property must be used instead. The design in 1.4 and 1.5 simply did not anticipate such large numbers of COV subscriptions. Workaround: 1.Exit Workstation 2. Stop the Enterprise Server Edit using notepad the server.properties file located in "C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\etc\ Find at the bottom: # Set GenericConsume communication defaults Add the two following lines: NspServer.BACnetPlugIn.COVSubscriptionLifetime entry = 28800 NspServer.BACnetPlugIn.COVTimerPeriod entry = 5 Save your changes and close the server.properties file. This changes the default values from 5 hours to 8 hours and 10 seconds to 5 seconds. NOTE From version 1.8 the BACnet Interface manager (/Server 1/System/Interface Manager/BACnet) provides access to these settings (COV subscription lifetime (default 8 hours) and Server COV renew rate(default 5 seconds)) The settings will be controlled via the Enterprise Server if connected.

Issue What is the purpose of the Max Info Frames attribute in a Continuum BACnet controller? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BACnet MS/TP, MaxInfoFrames Optimizing MSTP Cause Information on the Max Info Frames function. Resolution The Max Info Frames setting on the BACnet controller object editor specifies how many messages that the controller can send out to other controllers when it has the token on the network. For instance, a B3 controller has a default of 2 for this setting. If it receives the token on the MSTP network and it has 5 COV or Event notifications to send to other controllers or workstations, it will send the first 2, and wait until it gets the token the next time around and send 2 more, etc. The BCX controller has a default of 8 for Max Info Frames. This setting is changeable through the BACnet controller editor, however care should be taken not to increase it to too large a number. The larger the setting, the more time that particular controller can hold the onto the token, which in turn denies other controllers on the network the capability of sending out their data in a timely manner. It should only be adjusted if there is a definite need for increased messaging, but on the MSTP network it is not recommended to go above 10, although we do not limit the value. In a Cyberstation Version 1.8 or above the setting can be made on the details page of the BACnet controller device editor. If adjustment of this parameter is done using any Cyberstation prior to version 1.8, the setting will not stay at the new value after a controller reload from the Infinity side, it will revert to it's default. You will need to create a PE program in the controller to set this parameter to the desired value if it is reloaded. The program should be autostart and fallthru, and use the "Writeproperty" keyword to set the parameter. The syntax should be as follows: Line SetMaxInfo WriteProperty ("Full Bacnet path name of controller", MaxInfoFrames, "New Value") Stop

Issue How to set the IP address of a Xenta 5/7/9xx through serial communication. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause If the IP address of a Xenta 5/7/9xx is not known initially, then no configuration can be done through the IP interface. The IP address must be set through serial communication. If the device is new out of the box, or has attempted recovery after a format command, please see Default IP address following Xenta Server "format" command is different than from factory for the known default IP addressing. Resolution Preparation: You need to have an RS-232 serial cable (TAC Xenta Programming Serial Kit 0-073-0920-0). Plug the RS-232 cable in to the RS-232 B port. The RS-232 B port is the second left port at the front. Then connect the other end to the computer. Configuration steps: Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > HyperTerminal, and open the HyperTerminal. In Connection Description Windows, type any name you like in the Name box. Click OK. In the Connect to window, choose the correct COM port that the RS-232 cable is using. If you do not know which COM port it is using. Go to your computer device manager. (Right click on “My computer” icon, and choose “Manage”. Then under “System Tools”, choose “Device Manager”. Find “Ports (COM & LPT)” and expend it Find the COM port number that is used by the RS-232 cable. Click OK. In the COM Properties window, type 9600 for “Bits per second”, 8 for “Data bits”, “Parity” is None, “Stop bits” is 1, and “Flow control” is None. Click OK. Options: you can save this setting for future use. Click on File Menu and Save. Press ENTER to activate the command prompt. Default username and password is both “root”. Type “root” and press ENTER for both the username and password. Type “setip” and press ENTER. Type the appropriate information for DHCP, IP-address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, DNS, Website name, Domain name, and Host name. Type “yes” for “Do you want to restart the IP interface”. Quit HyperTerminal when the restart is finished. See [Video] Setting the IP address of a Xenta 5/7/9xx through serial communication to watch a video of this process.

Issue Does EcoStruxure Building Operation support virtualization?  Can the Enterprise and Reports server be on a virtual machine? Can EcoStruxure Building Operation be installed in cloud environments? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment VMWare Hyper-V Microsoft Azure Amazon Web Services EcoStruxure Building Operation 2.0 through current release. Cause Desire for virtualization or cloud environment. Resolution Emulating environments Virtualization has several interpretations. In this article, we'll specifically address running EcoStruxure Building Management software in emulating environments like VMware or Hyper-V. These emulating environment software packages replicate a physical PC environment, allowing multiple computers to operate on a single machine, hence the term "virtualization". Several software vendors offer emulating systems, with VMware and Hyper-V being the most prominent. The advantages of running an emulating environment include reduced physical machines, minimized space requirements, and lower maintenance costs.   It's important to note that other potential meanings of "virtualization" such as remote desktop, remote control software, terminal server environment, or cluster environment are not covered in this article.   EcoStruxure Building Management in emulating environments Currently, numerous installations are running EcoStruxure Building Management on VMware and Hyper-V without significant issues. Some challenges have been observed related to Veeam setup, which doesn't seem to integrate seamlessly with ES (and possibly EC).   VMware is utilized internally in R&D and Product Support teams with positive feedback on its performance. Users should have familiarity with the emulating product to configure settings correctly, ensuring network functionality. It's important to highlight that no specific efforts have been made to develop EcoStruxure Building Management to comply with emulating environments. Additionally, there are no specific tests to verify its functionality in emulating environments. Certain issues have been seen with the License system used by EcoStruxure Building Operation when running on specific emulating environments due to limitations in the license system's support for these environments.   Support for EcoStruxure Building Management installations running in emulating environments Product Support provides support for EcoStruxure Building Management software, irrespective of whether it runs on PC hardware or in an emulating environment. Support is provided for problems related to the EcoStruxure Building Management Software itself, but not for issues related to the environment it runs on. Except for approved operating systems and minimum memory requirements, Product Support does not offer guidance on configuring specific PC hardware or emulating environments. Cloud environments Cloud computing environments such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services provide on-demand availability of computer system resources without direct active management by the user. Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources and typically uses a pay-as-you-go model, which can help in reducing capital expenses.   One of the challenges of cloud computing is reduced visibility and control. Cloud users may not have full insight into how their cloud resources are managed, configured, or optimized by their providers. They may also have limited ability to customize or modify their cloud services according to their specific needs or preferences.   Support for EcoStruxure Building Management installations in Cloud environments EcoStruxure Building Operation has not been developed or tested with Cloud environments in mind and it is therefore not currently a supported environment.