Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is there a way to use points in I/NET Seven to calculate the "Heat Index"? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Cause Desire to use Heat Index information Resolution You can determine the "Heat Index" within I/NET Seven. The only External points required are the following: Outside Air Temperature sensor Outside Air Relative Humidity sensor Please see the attached Word doc that shows the Calculations involved: 

Issue Utilize the RS-232 port to send text out to a third party device such as CCTV Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Cause Integration Assistance Resolution This V-Doc describes the way text output can be set up in I/NET to be sent out to third party hardware such as CCTV through the RS-232 port. The port that will be used for this application cannot be one that is already being used by the serial port section, A/C reader port, or printer port in the peripheral section of the configuration profile.   For the guide of integration with Pelco analog matrix, refer to How to integrate I/NET with Pelco Analog Matrix.

Issue Erie T200 series thermostats, display is blank, or thermostat will not hold setpoint, or thermostat function buttons do not work. Environment Erie T200 Series Cause Bad or missing thermostat battery. Resolution Replace the bad or missing thermostat battery p/n Energizer 357 or equal. Confirm voltage is between 20 and 32 VAC with 75mA to 1.2A of power is available. If the battery is good and voltage and current is within specification then replace the thermostat. Symptoms Display fades away after 1 minute then goes BLANK. No function with up/down buttons. SETPOINT will default to 70°F (21.1°C) in Heat mode and 76°F (24.4°C) in Cool mode when power is restored. If the thermostat was manufactured before 2000, the default was 75°F (23.8°C) for both Heat and Cool mode. With a good battery, the display will indicate space temperature. There are no functions with the up/down buttons. The last setpoint is maintained when power is restored.

Issue Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) is not supported by the TAC Vista Licensing system. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 Remote Desktop Connection Cause This feature is often seen as remote control feature but is actually a terminal server feature. Resolution The TAC Vista Licensing system does not support this feature. Using this feature as a remote control application causes every connection to spawn a new instance of the terminal server. When disconnecting, this instance will remain loaded and all applications started will continue to run. This can, of course, generate some problems like opened graphics generating a lot of unnecessary traffic on the field buses.

Issue I can not get my Xenta Groups to come online under my Echelon LTA in Vista classic or Xenta 911, or don't get any alarms from any of the Xenta's. The LTA is online and the LonWorks network is commissioned and online, but the Xenta groups will not come online. Environment Xenta Programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Echelon LTA Vista Classic network Cause The group master may be offline causing the entire Xenta group to also report an offline status. It may also be due to spaces in the naming conventions of the network. Resolution Verify that the Xenta group master controller is online Verify that no object has a name longer than 20 characters LTA name, LonWorks group name, or any Xenta group or Xenta name Verify that there are not spaces in the LTA name, LonWorks group name, or any Xenta group or Xenta name. Use underscores (_) instead of spaces. Verify that there are not \ or / in the LTA name, LonWorks group name, or any Xenta group or Xenta name. Use underscores (_) instead of back slash and forward slash.

Issue Do 3rd party BACnet MSTP devices count as nodes on a BCX controller that is node limited? Environment BCX controller Third-party BACnet MSTP devices Cause Knowing the information will ensure there is not more node than the BCX controller specifies. Resolution Yes they do count as nodes. If you do go over the node count you will see operational problems with the BCX BACnet controller. The BCX controller will scan lock when it tries to perform a time sync to the MSTP network. Modbus nodes communicating via xDriver are not part of the node count.

Issue   Xenta 700 Menta viewer in Internet Explorer displays some blocks at half-size Environment Xenta Server Xenta 701, 711, 721, 731 Menta Internet Explorer Cause Illegal characters in the description field of the point has caused problems with the web interface live Menta viewer. Resolution Verify that there are no strange characters in the description field of the point. In the most recent case, the = sign caused the block to shrink.

Issue The TAC Vista OPC server does not function using the evaluation license file for TAC Vista. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Server Evaluation License TAC Vista OPC Server Cause The TAC Vista OPC Server license is a separate license needed when a third-party program should read values from TAC Vista via OPC.  The TAC Vista OPC Server license is not included in the Evaluation License for TAC Vista.  Resolution If you had an existing OPC Server license and this needs to be transferred to a new PC, rehost the license as shown in the article Rehosting a Vista 5 License on the FlexNet License Server. If you need an evaluation license for TAC OPC Server, please contact your country-level Product Support.

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 Slow reading/writing of log values and events might be caused by a fragmented index in the SQL database. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server SQL log/event data SQL Server 2005, 2008 Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express Cause If the SQL database has become fragmented in its index, these scripts can be run in SQL query software (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express). Downloaded this software for free at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=C243A5AE-4BD1-4E3D-94B8-5A0F62BF7796&displaylang=en Resolution Warning: Always take backups of the system prior to performing maintenance on the database. Run the following SQL query: SELECT * FROM sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats (DB_ID(N'taclogdata'), OBJECT_ID(N'TrendLogValue'), NULL, NULL , 'DETAILED') WHERE index_level = 0 order by index_id Look at "avg_fragmentation_in_percent" Or DBCC SHOWCONTIG Look at Logical scan fragmentation If the database is fragmented, e.g more than 50% run this script to defrag the index: USE TACLOGDATA DBCC INDEXDEFRAG('taclogdata','TrendLogValue') Or USE TACLOGDATA DBCC DBREINDEX('TrendLogValue')

Issue Can you cap the A port or B port of a mixing or diverting valve to change the valve to a two way (straight through) valve? Product Line Field Devices Environment VB-9313 series Cause Capping A port or B port of a mixing or diverting valve to change the valve to a two way (straight through) valve Resolution Schneider Electric does not recommend this modification for the VB-9313 series, because the valves are not equal percentage and therefore will not provide good control. The valve performs as a linear valve when both ports are utilized. These curves are not additive. Total flow is determined with both ports contributing. The valve will perform as a quick acting valve if the B port is plugged and a nominally linear valve if the A port is plugged. Additional problems that can occur are: Insufficient force to close off. Two way valves usually require high actuator forces to provide close off. Valves are not designed to be tight seating. Valves are rated ANSI III therefore flow leakage through the controlled coil can be expected. Flow direction through the valve can not be reversed. Flow must oppose the plug when closing. Flow aiding the plug may create hammer by causing the plug to overcome the actuator force and slam against the seat. When converted to a two way control valve for a variable flow system, 3-way valves tend to be extremely over-sized creating poor process control. After considering the pros and cons of making this type of modification, you may choose to proceed with this modification. The performance penalties should be less in chilled water applications and higher in hot water application.

Issue Group bindings are correct, Xenta programmables download successfully, and all controllers are commissioned and online in LNS. However, no programmable units will show online in Vista Workstation. Check the alarm queue in Vista Workstation (sorted by Last Change) for the following alarm (or similar):  Server-$EE_Mess  Physical device not defined/configured - TAC301: 040294360200 The controller type and Neuron ID will change each time the alarm updates (every 30 seconds or so) as it cycles through each programmable controller in the network.   Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause Group names must not exceed 20 characters in length and must not contain any spaces. Resolution Change all group names to adhere to the standard that they must be 20 characters or less in length and must not contain any spaces. It is also good design practice to change the subsystem names in LNS if that is where they originated from. This will help future service technicians to make sense of the network structure. For alternative solution, view System alarm message, Physical device not defined/configured.

Issue How to find a dongle ID (PSU ID) if it has rubbed off of the dongle. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista IV TAC Dongle Utility Cause The dongle ID (PSU ID) can be found printed on the side of a Vista IV licensing dongle. However, on older dongles, this number can rub off. It is still possible to extract the dongle ID using the TAC Dongle Utility. Resolution Download the TAC Dongle Utility Install TAC Dongle Utility and run the program. Start > Programs > T A C > TAC Tools > TAC DongleUtil Plug in a valid Vista IV end user dongle. Hit Refresh on the Dongle Utility PSU ID is displayed. This is the ID required to add new licensing to an existing dongle. ReadFind a Vista 5 dongle ID for how to find a Vista 5 dongle ID.

Issue All values in the Xenta 102-AX Plug-in are blank. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta 102-AX Plug-In LonMaker Cause If the Resource File Languages have become corrupted on your PC, then the plug-in will not know how to display the required data. Go to LonMaker > Network Properties > Resource File Languages.   If the only Language listed is "ENU," then the language files are corrupted. ENU is the default language and will display all data in the LNS environment -- plug-ins, browser, get values -- in an enumerated format that is not usable. Everything will continue to work, but monitoring data in the LNS environment and configuring ASCs via plug-ins will be impossible. Resolution Restore the Resource File Languages: Shut down LonMaker Go to http://www.lonmark.org/technical_resources/resource_files/ Download LonMarkResourceFiles1300.exe Run the executable Restart LonMaker Check Network Properties again. US English should be listed and the plug-in should populate with data. Note: There may be Beta versions 13.04 and 13.10 on this website. Do not use these LonMark resource files. The newer versions cause errors in the 102-AX plug-in. For more information see Opening the Xenta 102-AX plug-in results in "request for LonMark Object status" error .

Issue How to add another TAC Vista server node into an existing server in TAC Workstation. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Cause Multi-sever Vista system is the system which has more than one Vista Server in the network. One Vista Server will be assigned as the master and the rest will be assigned as slaves. The order of setting multi-sever system is very important in order to make the system work properly. Common mistakes are: Vista servers have different versions. Adding slave computers before adding the master computer. Using same names of Vista servers. Using dynamic IP address. Vista Server object names are the same. All folders and objects found at the root level of the servers must be changed to unique names before merging the databases. Resolution Before doing that, please back up all TAV Vista databases on all computers. All computers should run the same version of TAC Vista. Also make sure all your IP networks are functioning. In addition, all Vista Servers need to be the same version. (eg. Vista 5.1.3 server will not be able to communicate Vista 5.1.4 server when they are noded together.) All computers’ TAC Vista Servers need to have different names. The server name can be checked by opening your TAC Vista Server. By default, Server name is the computer name. If the sever name needs to be changed, please following the steps listed below: Go to TAC Vista Server Setup Go to Vista Database tab Under “Rename Vista Server to” text field, type the new name Click ok and start the Vista Server to make sure the name has been changed Choose one computer to be the Master and the rest of the computers will be Slaves. Start by shutting down all instances of TAC Vista Sever and TAC Vista Workstations. Add Slave Servers into the Master Server. Start the Master TAC Vista Sever, and then start its TAC Vista Workstation. Right click on the Vista Server object. Select New>Object>Node. Type $LAN.SlaveServerName. If the Slave Server name is different from its computer name, change the IP/DNS address in the property window. (Note: this step requires a static IP address) Right click on the Slave Server Node and select Properties. Type in the IP address in the IP address/DNS name field. Repeat steps a-e for any additional Slave Servers. Leave the Master Server on, and start the Slave Server. Follow steps 4 a-e for adding Master Server into Slave Server but use the Master Server’s server name and IP address this time. Then, right click on the TAC Server object in Slave Server computer, select Properties. Under the General tab, change the Network Master to the Master Server name. Then click OK. If you have multiple Slave Servers, add the Master Server into each of them. Shut down all instances of TAC Vista Workstation and TAC Vista Server. Restart the Master Server’s TAC Vista Server and its TAC Workstation first. Then start the Slave Servers’ TAC Vista Server and their TAC Workstation. You should be able to view the Slave Servers under Master Server. Note: Master Server can view all Slave Servers’ projects, and each Slave Server can view Master Server’s project. However, each Slave Server cannot see other Slave Servers unless you node Slave Servers to each other. Any change made in Slave Server’s TAC Workstation will be reflected in the Master Server’s TAC Workstation. Vice versa also works.

Issue System alarm message, Physical device not defined/configured, in the alarm window. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista (all versions) TAC Xenta programmable controllers Cause This message is displayed when there is a TAC Xenta 401/30x/28x that is attached to the physical network, but the name is not in the TAC Vista database. It is there to alert that there are unconfigured controllers on the network. Resolution Download to the controller from TAC Vista Remove the controller if it is not needed. For an alternative cause and resolution for the message, see Physical device not defined/configured.

Issue Trying to open TGML Graphics Editor and an error appears before the editor crashes.  Crash report shown below: Font 'Arial' does not support style 'Regular'. ArgumentException at System.Drawing.Font.CreateNativeFont() at System.Drawing.Font.Initialize(FontFamily family, Single emSize, FontStyle style, GraphicsUnit unit, Byte gdiCharSet, Boolean gdiVerticalFont) at System.Drawing.Font..ctor(FontFamily family, Single emSize, FontStyle style, GraphicsUnit unit) at SE.Graphics.Viewer.Windows.GDIPlus.RenderText..ctor(Double left, Double top, String textContent, Double fontSize, String fontFamily, Int32 fontStyle, Int32 fontWeight, Int32 horizontalAlign, Int32 verticalAlign, Int32 textDecoration) at SE.Graphics.Viewer.Windows.GDIPlus.DrawingFactory.createText(Double left, Double top, String textContent, Double fontSize, String fontFamily, Int32 fontStyle, Int32 fontWeight, Int32 horizontalAlign, Int32 verticalAlign, Int32 textDecoration) at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlText.getUncachedShape() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlStrokeShape.getShape() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlTextShape.getShape() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlStrokeShape.getUncachedBoundingBox() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.getBoundingBox() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.HandleAfterBoundingBoxChanged() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.OnAfterBoundingBoxChanged() at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.OnChildElementChanged(Node element, ChangeType changeType) at SE.Graphics.DOM.TgmlInheritedElement.FireChildElementChanged(Node element, ChangeType changeType) at SE.Graphics.DOM.TgmlInheritedElement.insertBefore(Node newChild, Node refChild) at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.dom.NodeImpl.appendChild(Node newChild) at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.dom.ParentNode.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.dom.ElementImpl.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.dom.ParentNode.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at com.sun.org.apache.xerces.internal.dom.ElementImpl.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at SE.Graphics.DOM.TGML.TgmlShape.cloneNode(Boolean deep) at TAC.Graphics.Editor.Core.GraphicsComponent.ExtractContent() at TAC.Graphics.Editor.Core.ComponentStencilItem.LoadItem(String file, String imageFile, String& description, Image& image) at TAC.Graphics.Editor.Core.FileStencilItem.Load(String file) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation TAC Vista Environment TGML Graphics Editor Multiple installations of Microsoft Office Cause If a PC comes with Microsoft Office 2010 (which is not currently compatible with Vista) and additional versions of Excel 2007 are installed, for example, it could remove or corrupt the installation of certain fonts. Resolution Obtain a fresh copy of the font .TTF file.  In this example, Arial.ttf. Install the font by dragging and dropping the .TTF file into C:\Windows\Fonts directory.

Issue How is the MAC ID for an AS calculated? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Cause MAC ID for an Automation Server calculation Resolution A Mac address ID of an IP level Automation Server is made up a 48 bits. The first 3 bytes are unique to each vendors organization and has a unique IEEE 3 octet identifier. The last 3 bytes are created by the individual companies and EBO's last 3 bytes are automatically pulled down from a database to a buffer in the product level test equipment where one is assigned for each tested AS, printed at the side sticker and logged in the Trace test report. Example  00-50-06-00-D0-15

Issue The Vista administrator user account (system manager) is created; however, that account does not have administrator rights such as add/edit/delete any user, cannot change time schedules, graphics, etc. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation 5 Cause When adding a system manager account in Vista, that account also needs to be added into the administrator group ($Administrators). If the system manager account is not listed under the administrator group, it will not be able to behave as the administrator. Resolution Maker sure the user account is set as a “System manager” Log into Workstation as an administrator and click on the root project folder in the left panel, right click on the user account in the right panel, and then select property. Under “General/Authority level”, it should say “System manager”. If not, change to “System manager”.                             NOTE: If the textbox is grayed out, it means the current logged in account does not have the permission to make changes to that user account. Please read Cannot edit or delete a user account in TAC Workstation to add the control rights. If this articele fails also, please go to step 2.   Click on the root project folder in the left panel, and right click on the “$Administrators” in the right panel, then select “Properties”. Under “Users”, all administrators should be listed here. Make sure the desired user account name is listed. If not, use “Add” function to add the user account. If the text box is grayed out, log in as one of the system manager account listed under “Users” to process this step.                  NOTE: If all system managers listed under “Users” are no longer available. Please contact product support to unlock the database.

Issue What SQL collation is supported by CyberStation Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation SQL Server Cause Which SQL collations are supported by CyberStation. Resolution Only the SQL_1xCompat_CP850_CI_AS collation has been tested with CyberStation. Note: In more recent versions of SQL server (i.e 2005), you can have the Collation on a per-database basis so ContinuumDB will have its collation set to SQL_1xCompat_CP850_CI_AS and another database can use a different collation setting. Also when the continuum database is restored it will retain the original collation that it was created with.

Issue  Where do I find our BACnet controllers BACnet PICS? (Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement) Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment All BACnet controllers Cause Alternative locations to find BACnet PICS for our controllers. Resolution PICS documentation can be found on The Exchange Download Center and BACnet International website.