Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Error message  "No default Mail server detected" when installing Continuum Environment Windows 7 Windows XP Windows Vista Continuum Outlook Express Windows Live Mail IE Internet Explorer Cause When Microsoft released Windows 7 they removed the email program "Outlook Express"  As a result of this in IE (internet explorer), default Email program is left empty, as Continuum can send emails there needs to be a default program selected Resolution Solution for this is to first install "Windows Live Essentials" from the following link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-live/essentials-other-programs?T1=t2 In some cases you will get an error message which will stop you running the program, if you get this error then follow the next link on how to fix this http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-system/how-do-i-reinstall-wldcoredll/2075e9bf-2e5a-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5 On successful install of the above program you will now need to go into IE (Internet Explorer) goto "Tools" then "Internet options" then select "Programs" you will now see a list of options, next to the E-mail: option click on the drop down and select "Windows Live Mail"  Apply the changes and close the program, you should now be able to install and run Continuum without getting the  "No default Mail server detected"  error message This problem can also happen in other OS environments i.e XP and Vista, in this case you do the same as above but instead of using Windows Live Mail you would use "Outlook Express" or you could use "Office Outlook" if you have a MS Office package installed

Issue Nuisance forced door alarms are showing when exiting through doors with panic bars. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause Need to stop a forced door event from registering an alarm notification when a doors panic bar is used. Resolution Enable the feature "Forced Door Sends Door Open" on the Door Inputs tab.

Issue How does controller part number relate to the controller type Environment Continuum 1.7 onwards for bCX Continuum 1.74SP2 onwards for NC2 Cause Require details on Controller type, these detail are available in the Operation and Technical Reference Guide Resolution Part Number Type NC2  9680 bCX1-R-?? 4000 bCX1-CR-??? 4040 bCX1-CR-???-INF 9640 The actual type can be confirmed by logging on to the controller web page Full details from relevant guide CX9680 NetController II with optional Network Security code linked with firmware, although the code may not be activated at run-time. This option provides secure, encrypted communication between the controller and a workstation. CX9681 NetController II without optional Network Security code linked with firmware. bCX4000 BACnet Router and BBMD only .. bCX1-R-64 = 64 MS/TP Nodes No xP module support No PE Driver support BACnet/IP, BACnet/Ethernet bCX4040 BACnet controller with MS/TP Bus xP expansion bus for up to 2 I/O modules + 1 Display module 1 MS/TP port and 1 RS232 port BACnet limitations are indicated by the bCX1 part number, and include: .. bCX1-CR-0 = 0 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-8 = 8 MS/TPNodes .. bCX1-CR-32 = 32 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-64 = 64 MS/TPNodes .. bCX1-CR-127 = 127 MS/TP Nodes .. bCX1-CR-0-SA = 0 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-8-SA = 8 MS/TP Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-32-SA = 32 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-64-SA = 64 MS/TPNodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-127-SA = 127 MS/TP Nodes w/SMNP Alarming bCX9640 Full function controller with Infinet Bus xP expansion bus for up to 2 I/O modules + 1 Display module, 1 Infinet and 1 RS232 port Infinet bus limitations are indicated by the bCX1 part number, and include: .. bCX1-CR-0-INF = 0 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-8-INF = 8 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-32-INF = 32 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-64-INF = 64 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-127-INF = 127 Infinet Nodes .. bCX1-CR-0-INF-SA = 0 Infinet Nodes w/SMNP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-8-INF-SA = 8 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-32-INF-SA = 32 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-64-INF-SA = 64 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming .. bCX1-CR-127-INF-SA = 127 Infinet Nodes w/SNMP Alarming The bCX can have XDrivers on comm1, comm2 or both ( add -X1, -X2 or -X12)

Issue How does Visitor Management work in V3? Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Hosted Premise Version 3 Cause No directions on how to configure Visitor Management in V3 Resolution In order to use Visitor Management in V3, here are the steps to get it configured: Open up a Chrome browser and enter this url http://ax.accessxpert.com Once the site comes up, enter the instance name and necessary user credentials From the AX Header, Select Visitor Management Tab Select the Kiosk Tab and Enter the visitor's name and email address and click Next to proceed Enter the person who the Visitor is seeing, system will automatically pull up the person, click on Next Capture the Photo of the Visitor and Crop accordingly Sign into the Window and click on Check in to see "Person" An email will be generated to that person to let them know that they have a Visitor A badge will be shown on the screen which has the Visitor's Photos and information Click on the Print Button to Print a badge that can be displayed on the Visitors body Depending on the printer (eg. Dymo being used), there are some settings that may need to be set for a good picture to be captured and Printed Choose the right paper source as well as scaling value.  In this case, it is set to 70 Once everything is correct click on the Print button to send to the respective Printer Attach to the Visitor for duration of the Visit Upon completion of the Visit, select Check Out and this will Check the Visitor Out of the system

Issue What is the accuracy of RTC? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Site with controllers using the RTC Crystal Quartz chip (controllers such as the ACX) Cause What is the accuracy of Real Time Clock?  Resolution When the controller is powered down, the battery-backed RTC Chip has an accuracy of +/- 1 minute per month. When powered on, the controllers use the RTC chip as a reference point but keep time in software. Experience has shown an accuracy of 1 – 2 seconds per month when controllers are offline and not re-synched from the Network. Since that is typical and not calculated, a conservative number would be +/- 10 seconds per month. When Online,the accuracy is determined by Cyberstation which can itself be synched to an extremely accurate NST Server. I2 and B3 controllers are re-synched once per hour. For Sync time in Cyberstation(s) and Server check Sync time in Cyberstation and Server. For more information see What are the differences between a hardware and a software Real Time Clocks (RTC)?. For how field controllers keep their own internal time check How do our field controllers keep their own internal time?

Issue Some attributes used within Continuum PE programs on b3/i2 controllers are no longer appropriate with EBO Script programming Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 Infinet Building Operation Server Script Programming Cause Some attributes used within Continuum PE programs on b3/i2 controllers are no longer appropriate or cannot be used with EBO Resolution An example of this would be the ElecValue attribute for an input or output. This can be used within the Conversion field of an input but cannot be used within a Script Program or Script Function. The Continuum example PE program for an STR502 or STR504 includes the line "If STR5xx ElecValue <= 0 then Return Upper" The correct result can be obtained within SmartStruxure by dropping the "ElecValue", so "If STR5xx <= 0 then Return Upper" Then ensure the STR5xx analog input is a Voltage type with no conversion configured. Note: The ElecValue keyword can still be used in the Conversion line of an Analog Inputs (e.g. for Counter input scaling). Some other Attributes not supported in Script Programming are: Size LogType

Issue Continuum errorlogs from i2 controllers show many 1465 CRC errors for each controller. There is no other information, warnings, or errors logged. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 1.81 CX9900, 1.52000022 I2, 3.x Cause Some controllers with special firmware contribute to 1465 CRC errors greatly. Resolution Upgrade CX controller to latest firmware version 1.53000026. For more detail about 1465 CRC, refer to What do CRC errors (1465) indicate?

Issue Personnel are not deleting properly using a stand alone database in 1.82 and above Environment Continuum 1.82 Continuum 1.9x SQL Express 2005 (Stand Alone) Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause There is a different mechanism used to delete personnel in SQL Express than was used in previous versions of Stand Alone databases (MSDE). The SQL agent is no longer available in SQL Express so a combination of batch files, SQL queries and Microsoft scheduler are used to accomplish this task. Resolution Several things to check: Ensure all controllers are online (a controller offline can cause deletions to not happen) A personnel listview with the deletepending attribute indicates True A controller was not deleted No areas were deleted Expiration date is not greater than 2031 Check the access distribution view for any errors At times for permission issues not all the components for deletion are configured by the Cyberstation installation and it's necessary to troubleshoot those components. Click here for a Word document describing these components to help troubleshoot.

Issue How to create i2xxx and b3xxx controllers from a CSV dump file. Environment Continuum i2xxx Controllers b3xxx Controllers Cause In this scenario they wanted to create the beginning of a site database from CSV dump files before deploying on site.  Resolution It seems that when creating an i2 or b3 object, the path is also required when defining the comm port. Make sure to add the path to the Port field and this should allow the controller object to be created. See the original CSV I exported below, how it was modified, and then imported back in successfully. Original Export to CSV InfinityInfinetCtlr Name,InfinetId,Port,DeviceId,SerialNum,Alias,CntrlType i2_850,32,Comm1,Network1\ACX11_10th,11111,i2_850,i2920 Modified Import CSV InfinityInfinetCtlr Name,InfinetId,Port,DeviceId,SerialNum,Alias,CntrlType i2_920,32,Network1\ACX11_10th\Comm1,Network1\ACX11_10th,11111,i2_920,i2920 Now, this import does complain about the CntrlType in the distribution Properties window but does create the controller and sets the type correctly. If you don't want any errors you can remove the CntrType attribute and the controller object will still be created but will default to a 240 controller. See below. Import CSV without CntrlType InfinityInfinetCtlr Name,InfinetId,Port,DeviceId,SerialNum,Alias i2_920,32,Network1\ACX11_10th\Comm1,Network1\ACX11_10th,11111,i2_920   This can then be changed to whatever controller you require through the controller Device object dialog.  

Issue Public time sync Servers for the United States Product Line Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment IP Level Devices USA Cause Time synchronization is required for accurate alarming and reporting Resolution Here is a web site referencing several US based Time Sync NTP Servers. http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi

Issue Continuum runs very slowly. Taking up to two minutes to first startup. Generally opening up Continuum Explorer and any other objects are seen to be slower than normal as well. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum v1.94 and above Cause There was no Security Key connected and Continuum was running in Demo mode.  This symptom can also be caused by a missing or corrupt driver for the Security key, see Re-install of Continuum system and security key is not being recognized for details on re-installing the Security Key driver. Resolution Install valid Security Key and restart Continuum. Note: Want to know what features are supported in Demo mode? See How do we run Continuum in Demo mode and what features are available?

Issue Require details on how to setup multiple inputs to popup the same camera window if any of them are true. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause Unsure how to setup program for multiple inputs to display video from one camera when any of them are set to true Resolution 1. Under Events | Event Filters create a new Event filter 2. On the Event Types tab untick "Include All Event types" and select the Add button  3. Browse for "All Input Events", select "Input <ZONE_NAME> Opened" and click OK 4. On the Records tab select the Add button, select Device Type "Input" and your Controller, then the inputs that you want to popup this video 5. Save the Event Filter 6. Under Events | Actions create a new Action 7. Select the Type "Popup Camera Window", select the Event Filter you created in step 1, select the camera you want 8. Save the changes and test the scenario.

Issue Wants to have LO-2 with external momentary input switch works with schedule object of Continuum. Such as, when the input is ON and the schedule is ON then the PE program turns the lighting output to ON. Environment NetController(CX99xx & CX9680) IOU module (LO-2) Cause LO-2 provides 2 inputs (the 2 Class II Low Voltage override inputs) for direct control of lighting relays but no input signals are not available on LO-2 or NetController.  Resolution Use other input IOU modules such as UI8 or DI8 for the lighting control switch input, and create a PE program to check the input together with the schedule numeric value before turning the lighting control output value to ON or OFF.

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.

Issue Doing a Niagara G3 integration with a Modbus controller from ASCO Power Technologies.  What type of Niagara object is required to read register 40158?  Click here to view Modbus Register Map Environment Niagara G3 ENC-520 ASCO Power Technologies controller Cause Cannot identify what type of object is needed. Resolution The number appears to be an enumerated value (1-22) and is a read-only integer. Use a Numeric Point.

Issue Can Inovonics wireless equipment be used with Xenta Servers? Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause The Inovonics Frequency Agile product line which is compatible with the Xenta Server driver is being obsoleted by the manufacturer Inovonics at the end of 2011. Resolution If you have existing devices installed in the field then they should continue to work and function. New installations should explore other options for wireless sensors due to unavailability from the manufacturer. The ability to add a RS232 wireless Inovonics interface was removed from XBuilder beginning in version 5.1.8.

Issue There is no specific entry in the Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software program license list for the Commissioning Tool.  What license do I order to be able to use this software? Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.x Commissioning Tool software Cause Customer has purchased the WPT5.8 software and is installing only the Flow Balance and Commissioning Tool software on their facilities notebook computer.   What product code do they use to purchase a license for the Commissioning Tool?  Flow Balance does not need to be licensed. Resolution The WorkPlace Tech Tool "Commissioning Tool" software uses the WorkPlace Tech Tool (WP-TECH-xxx) license.

Issue Knowing the type of cryptographic protocols that Vista uses for communication security. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Server TAC Xenta Server SSL Cause Some systems will require to know the security protocols that TAC Vista uses in order to ensure communication across their network.  Resolution At this time TAC Vista only supports Secure Socket Layer version 3 (SSLv3) to ensure data integrity and security for network communications. More specifically the SSLv3 cryptography algorithm is: SSL_RSA_WITH_RC4_128_SHA This security protocol is hardcoded into the server and is not adjustable. Note: Be aware of other SSL-related issues, mentioned in the following articles: TAC Xenta servers are going offline in TAC Vista Error connecting to Xenta Server in browser using HTTPS

Issue Cycling power 10 times doesn't clear Xenta base units version 3.61 or later. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta Programmable Controllers rev 3.61 or later Cause A change to the firmware got rid of the 10 power cycles clearing the application. Resolution To clear the memory of a Xenta 2xx/3xx/40x running system program 3.61 or later, i.e. clear out the Menta application, insert a reset plug into the RJ-45 serial connection and then give the controller power. If you don't already have one, it is quite simple to make. See How to Clear the Xenta Application for instructions on how to make a reset cable.

Issue Will a certain badge printer, signature pad or capture device work with Continuum? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause Certain badge printers. signature pad and cameras that have been tested and approved by ImageWare are supported. Resolution Note: ImageWare is a third party add on for Continuum, all support on compatibility questions should be directed to ImageWare at the following ImageWare Support Link. Please check the EPISuite compatible hardware list to verify whether a badge printer, signature or capture device has been tested by ImageWare. See also current device driver download page. Update as of August 2015 direct from ImageWare Systems EPI Builder Updates NEW QR Code barcode plug-in ImageWare has recently built a plug-in that provides the ability to create QR Code barcodes within EPI 6.x Designer. If you are interested in testing out this update, please let me know and I will provide you with a link for download. Camera Hardware Compatibility List: Canon cameras EOS Rebel XS, EOS Rebel T3, EOS Rebel T5 and EOS Rebel T5i Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit) and Windows 8.1 (64-bit) Requires IWS custom software plug-in to provide direct control and image capture from the client workstation to the camera. Plug-in is licensed and sold per client workstation. Videology cameras 1.3 MP USB Color Box Camera Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit) Camera can be used out of the box with its TWAIN driver (TWAIN data source SFT-10011 REV2.1.18). No additional IWS software plug-in is needed. 5 MP USB 2.0 Camera with Synchronized Flash and Auto Focus (24C708AF) Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit) Test PENDING for Windows 8.1 Camera can be used out of the box with its TWAIN driver (TWAIN driver version 2.1.22). No additional IWS software plug-in is needed. Sony camera (PENDING IWS custom plug-in release) EVI-D70 Pan/Tilt/Zoom Color NTSC Video Camera Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit) and Windows 8.1 (64-bit) IWS custom software plug-in provides direct control and image capture from the client workstation to the camera. Plug-in is licensed and sold per client workstation. Camera requires the dPict Aexeon LT video capture card hardware to be installed within the client workstation. Webcams EPI Builder works with most Webcams with compatible TWAIN drivers. IWS has worked with both the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 and C920 camera models. Most webcams can be used out of the box with its TWAIN driver. No additional IWS software plug-in is needed. Signature Pad Hardware Compatibility List: ePad-Ink Signature Pad VP9805 Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) and 8.1 (64-bit) Requires IWS custom software plug-in to provide direct control and image capture from the client workstation to the device. Plug-in is licensed and sold per client workstation. Topaz SigPlus Signature Pad -L-460-HSB, T-LBK460-HSB-R and T-S571-HSB Tested on Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Requires IWS custom software plug-in to provide direct control and image capture from the client workstation to the device. Plug-in is licensed and sold per client workstation. NOTES EPI Builder typically supports the generic TWAIN driver, as well as Video For Windows (VFW). Furthermore, EPI also indirectly supports the WIA drivers, which Windows ports internally to the TWAIN driver. Each device manufacturer will provide drivers of some or all of these types with an implementation of their own specific functions. WIA is supported under certain circumstances. In each case the functions that will be present depend on the Manufacturer's implementation of these drivers. If you would like to internally evaluate any IWS EPI capture plug-in, please let me know and I will supply you with a 30 day evaluation license. Printer Hardware Compatibility List: Below are some of the current printers which we have received in house for testing.  Datacard SR300 Tested on Windows 7 Tested Mag encoder Digital Identification EDIsecure DCP360+ Tested on Windows 7 Fargo DTC 4500e Tested on Windows 7 and 8.1 Tested Mag encoder Fargo HDP 5000 Tested on Windows 7 Tested Mag encoder Magicard Rio Pro Duo Tested on Windows 7 and 8.1 Tested Mag encoder Matica Technologies XID 8300 Tested on Windows 7 Tested Mag encoder NiSCA PR-C101 Tested on Windows 7 Tested Mag encoder Zebra ZXP Series 7 Tested on Windows 8.1 (Windows 7 testing is pending) Tested Mag encoder Zebra ZXP Series 8 Tested on Windows 7 and 8.1 Tested Mag encoder IDP SMART-50L M N Tested on Windows 7 and 8.1 Tested Mag encoder POINTMAN USA  Test PENDING for October 2015 NOTE: We have tested other printers on Windows XP and they may be supported in Windows 7 and 8.1 depending on the available drivers. Also, other printer make/models are being used with the EPI software, but we only list printers that we've received in house for testing. If you are interested in having IWS test a specific make/model printer, please let us know and we will try to work with you and the manufacturer to obtain a demo printer in house to run through compatibility testing.