Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Referring to a local array by name in Plain English references data element one ([1]) instead of data element zero ([0]) as is the case when the array is a global point or value. In the example below, setting theArray and setting theArray[1] is actually the same, the value 10 is overwritten by the value 20 Environment Enterprise Server - ES Automation Server - AS CyberStation CX b3 i2 Cause Function as designed. Resolution Function as designed. This is the way Plain English works, the ability to access data element one ([1]) by just naming the array is provided for convenience.

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 By default, you are not allowed to shut down/restart the TACLIC/TAC License server when logging in to the Flexnet license admin web application from another PC than local. Product Line TAC Vista  Environment TAC Vista versions 5.1.8 and higher, using the web-based TACLIC tool.  Cause A remote shutdown/restart is required when adding/removing/editing license files in the License Files folder. Resolution The following steps should be done on the PC where the license server is located: In the "server.xml" file located in the "conf" catalogue (...\License Server\conf), edit the following string from " stopServerRemoteAllowed="false" "  to  " stopServerRemoteAllowed="true" " Then save the file and restart the license server.   The setting can also easily be changed using the tool called "TACLicenseServer Settings."

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 Attempts to login are unsuccessful and device reports that logins are blocked. Environment Xenta Server Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause The Xenta Server tracks attempts to log in by recording the IP address and Username of the login attempt. After 5 login attempts it will block any attempts to login to with that username and IP address for 10 minutes. Resolution Use a different user account on the Xenta Server to login and perform the necessary work or wait 10 minutes for the lockout to expire. If the lockout is continuing after 10 minutes then ensure that if the Xenta Server is in a Vista database that it is not running and trying to communicate to the Xenta Server with an incorrect username and password. Any changes to the root user password must also be changed in the Vista database to avoid perpetual blocking of login attempts on that computer and IP address.

Issue Receiving the following error when attempting to navigate to the Xenta web interface. "TAC C503Boot/x.x.x.x not configured". Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Xenta Server 511, 527, 555 Xenta Server 701, 721, 731 Cause Device web interface has stopped working or flash drive / hard disk has been corrupted on the Xenta Server. Resolution Attempt the following steps to resolve this problem: Try restarting the device and see if the unit comes back online, remember to wait 1-2 minutes for the unit to restart.  Check the RUN LED on the panel, if the LED is a solid green this indicates the device is running normally, and your access should be restored. If the LED is RED, solid or flashing this would indicate a problem with the device. Attempt to restore or upgrade the device to the latest firmware.    You can download the latest firmware version from the Schneider Electric Exchange. If this fails then then reference Xenta Server "Run" light is solid red with no communication via Ethernet.

Issue The values for programmable Xenta controllers display "Failed to Read Signal" in Vista Workstation. Environment Menta Vista Workstation Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Xenta Server 701, 711, 721, 731 Cause When Menta programming blocks that are specific to the 700 based menta are copied and pasted into regular menta, it will fail to complete a direct connect download. An error will pop up the reads "PARSER_CODE_ERROR". An example would be the RO output, that is a  700 based Menta programming block, being used in place of an AO output block in regular Menta. When performing a normal download through the system plug-in or workstation, the Menta will appear to download successfully. It is this situation that the value column will read  "Failed to Read Signal" for all points. Resolution The correct programming blocks must be used in its corresponding type of Menta. It is a wise practice to not copy and paste 700 based Menta programming into any other programmable Xenta controller. This will avoid accidentally adding a point that is not compatible.

Issue Double click on a point in Vista. The Edit Properties window should pop up allowing you to view the value, set the Forced-By-Operator setting, and set the forced value. Sometimes double clicking it does not open any window. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Double or dual monitor Cause The Edit Properties window is popping up off of the screen. Either it was dragged off of the screen accidentally or a second monitor was removed or is not accessible through remote connections. Resolution To display the dialog on the main screen: Double click a point in Vista. Do not click on anything else. The invisible Edit Properties window should be the current window. Press three keystrokes in this order: Alt + Space + X.  This is the Windows hotkey combination to the File menu, and will maximize the current window on the monitor. Possibly try hitting the Alt key twice. This brings the current window to the front. Alt + Space bar, then select Move with the mouse, after a tap of any arrow key, the mouse should lock onto the window allowing you to move it To prevent this from happening in the future: Download the TAC Vista Dialog Position Reset utility. Unzip and double click the executable file to run. Hit the Reset button.

Issue TGML Graphic Alert:  Unable to cast object of type 'org.mozilla.javascript.UniqueTag' to type 'org.mozilla.javascript.Function'. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation 5 TGML Graphic Cause A script tag somewhere in the TGML graphic file has a function defined in the Behavior attributes that does not have a corresponding function in the script Content or is misspelled in the script. Resolution This error tells you that a script tag in the file has a function defined but not used.  It does not tell you which script tag it is.  The first step is to identify which script tag has the extra function defined.   Click on the script tag.  Look at the Behavior attributes.  Compare the function names defined next to the events with the content of the script.  Click the "..." button next to the Content attribute to open the script editor.       In this example, the event OnDocumentLoad has a function named "load" defined.  But in the content of the script there is no function load defined.   Identify the unused event and delete the function name assigned to that event. If this is not the issue, verify that the function names defined next to the events with the function names declared in the script editor for spelling errors. 

Issue When Vista Server is running as a service how do you restore backup files? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 4.x.x Vista 5.x.x Cause The Vista Server program will not allow you to restore a backup when running as a service. Depending on the nature of the backup it might have to be deregistered as a service to do the restore. Resolution Vista backup is a zip file of the database directory Open Services from the Windows Control Panel. Stop the Vista Server service (TACOS.exe) Unzip the database backup into an empty directory of your choice. Start Vista Server Setup and browse to the directory the database was restored to in the Database folder path of the Vista Database tab. Click Ok. Start the Vista Server service (TACOS.exe) Vista backup is a full Vista backup (FVB) file Unregister Vista Server as a service, see Registering/Unregistering TAC Vista Server as a Windows service. Start Vista Server as a program. Login to the Vista Server program. Use the File\Restore Database option. Browse to the FVB file. Browse to a new folder. Click Ok. Close Vista Server. Start Vista Server Setup and browse to the directory the database was restored to in the Database folder path of the Vista Database tab. Click OK. Start Vista Server as a program. Ensure the database was upgraded. Stop Vista Server. Register Vista Server as a service, see Registering/Unregistering TAC Vista Server as a Windows service.

Issue After upgrading the WorkPlace Tech Tool software to release 5.8 and requesting / installing a new TIP demo license, the license is still shown as expired. License request was generated using the "Purchase WIBS Software" icon on the computer desktop. Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Tool software, release 5.7.2 or newer including release 5.8.x. Cause The WIBS Purchase program is used for licensing all WIBs product family software and the WorkPlace Tech Tool software, prior to release 5.7.2.  This licensing software is not compatible with Windows 7. The licensing subsystem software used with the WorkPlace Tech Tool software, release 5.7.2 and newer uses a new licensing subsystem that is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Resolution After installing the WorkPlace Tech Tool software, version 5.7.2 or newer, the "WIBS Purchase" icon can no longer be used to request a new or updated license for the WorkPlace Tech Tool software.  The "WIBS Purchase" licensing program does not work with the newer version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software. During the installation of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software, a new license request program is installed on the public desktop, if not already installed.. This license request program is named "Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software".  This icon must be used to create the license request and install the new license for the current version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool Software.  Depending on the computer configuration and user permissions, the "Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software" icon may have not been created on the computer's desktop.  If the program is not on the desktop, the corresponding program, WPTLPurchase.exe can be found on the computer in the folder C:\Program Files\WorkPlace Tech\Licensing\Core".  A shortcut to this program should be created on the computer desktop.

Issue Customer site is currently installed with Niagara R2.  A defective UNC has been replaced with the hybrid jace (-603 or -645) and is running the Niagara R2 station from the UNC. In the future, if the customer converts the building to Niagara G3 / AX, what has to be done to the jace to convert it from R2 to G3? Environment Niagara R2 Niagara G3 / AX jace-603 jace-645 Cause Future considerations Resolution If the site upgrades to Niagara G3 / AX, the customer orders part # TRD-G3-6XX for the hybrid jace. This will transfer the R2 license to the G3 environment. It will include any optional drivers (like Modbus) as well as Schneider-Electric proprietary drivers (like ibsASD).  Physically, the board remains as is.

Issue Issues have been reported with Continuum not starting after a fresh installation, and/or errors popping up when starting Continuum. One of the issues is accdataservices. Environment Installation with anti-virus software and/or firewalls enabled Cause There are many different anti-virus programs on the market and they all work a bit different. If the windows firewall is enabled it may block services within Continuum which does not allow it to start correctly. Resolution Disable any anti-virus programs and disable the Windows firewall while installing Continuum. After installation, enable the anti-virus programs and firewalls if necessary. If using the firewall built into Windows XP, go to the exceptions tab of the firewall editor and add services that are not starting to the exception list.

Warning Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue In some situations, there is a network connection problem or PC power management issue that causes the b3 firmware update to be interrupted. When retrying the controller update, an error pops up: "The Infinity2 controller is currently being flashed or reloaded." Resetting the controller and even doing a power cycle with the controller will not fix this problem. Environment BCX1 B3 Cyberstation Cause The update interruption may be because the b3 is busy. Resolution Take the workstation offline Delete the b3 controller Reset BCX1 from the editor and reload BCX1 Bring the b3 controller online Try to update firmware b3 again. It should be ok.

Issue Certain companies and SMTP mail servers require specific security protocols in order to accept messages. The requirement of Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols can cause errors when the Vista alarm email notifications fail to send. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Xenta Server Alarm Emails Cause Xenta server email notification does not have the option to use TLS or SSL security protocols TAC Vista email notification does not have the option to use TLS or SSL security protocols in versions prior to the 5.1.9 hotfix 17 build. Resolution The latest hotfix versions for Vista can be downloaded off of The Exchange Download Center. In order to obtain the SSL and TLS support for smtp server communication, Vista 5.1.9 hotfix 17 or later must be used. Prior to Vista 5.1.9 Hotfix 17 - Vista did not support Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for sending alarm email notifications. A workaround for this issue is to set up an SMTP server on the local machine or network that the Vista or Xenta server resides on. Then the email notification can be encrypted with TLS or SSL protocol before being sent on.

Issue Reading 32 Bit Integer values from two 16 Bit registers. Environment IC-Modbus IC3-Modbus 32 Bit Integer 16 Bit Registers Cause The IC-Modbus cannot read 32 Bit Integer values. Resolution To read a 32 bit Integer value stored in two 16 bit registers, the following must be carried out. 1. Both registers must be read and their values stored in two Analogue Input objects. 2. The two AI values must be combined using a programmable object, similar to the one below. The object will take the high register value, multiply it by 65536, and add it to the low register, giving the equivalent of a 32 Bit register. 10 XFlo = POINT 0|64 (High register) 20 YFlo = POINT 0|65 (Low register) 30 ZFlo = (XFlo * 65536.0) + YFlo 40 RETURN VIA TEXT 200 VALUE ZFlo (Text 200 use a suitable text).

Issue Database initialization completes with errors Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Cyberstation installation Cause When running database initialization you will need full access to all of the database. Otherwise you may see errors similar to the following: Installation Error! <[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The SELECT permission was denied on the object 'syscategories', database 'msdb', schema 'dbo'.> Installation Error! <[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Cannot drop the procedure 'dt_IsColumnDifferent', because it does not exist or you do not have permission.>   Resolution Ensure that the Andover97 account has DBO privilege to the ContinuumDB, if not run the "Change DB Owner" query to restore Andover97 as the DBO, see Unable to Initialize Continuum Database following installing no SQL instance.   The above errors relate to setting up the SQL Server Agent Jobs that are held in the MSDB part of the database. Check that Andover97 does have the user mapping to this part of the database as per the following screenshot:     Also ensure your Windows User account has the required Administrator privileges to allow full access to the SQL database and its files.

Issue Using I/NET Audible Alarms with Remote Clients No audible alarms with Remote Client configuration Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Software 2.42 and newer I/NET Remote Client or Remote Client with I/O Server Cause The functionality was changed with the following TrackRecord 5940 fix in I/NET 2.42: Alarms in a Remote Client do not get an audible alarm Only clients configured as "Remote Client w/IO" are capable of routing alarms/events to the server. The masking on clients configured as "Remote Client" will not cause alarms/events to be routed to the server. On these clients, you can use the masking to get audible alarms with no danger of getting duplicate alarms.   Resolution To receive and activate audible alarms on a Remote Client, set the Distribution Group and Masking of the alarm point within AMT.   Note: This setting is only the case for I/NET 2.42 and above.  If this is setting is made in earlier versions of I/NET, it will cause alarms / events / trends to be routed to the server and possibly can cause duplicate events / trends to be sent to the server.  The following information is noted in TCON300: "Limitations to TAC I/NET Seven on Remote Clients   Remote clients configured as “Remote client w/IO” have access to TAC I/NET Seven’s full functionality. Remote clients configured as "Remote client" do not have access to the following areas of TAC I/NET Seven features:   Network functions                 Automatic DPU restore                 Archiving                 Dial after edit   Additionally, for any client configured as a “Remote client”, the mask settings in the AMT Configuration editor and Host Configuration editor are ignored. Only the mask settings on the server or on the client configured as “Remote client w/IO” will control what messages are received in AMT and what data is stored for trends. You can, however, use unique filter settings at each remote client to control what AMT messages are displayed." "Limitations to TAC I/NET Seven on Remote Clients" Remote clients configured as “Remote client w/IO” have access to TAC I/NET Seven’s full functionality. Remote clients configured as "Remote client" do not have access to the following areas of TAC I/NET Seven features: Network function Automatic DPU restore Archiving Dial after edit Additionally, for any client configured as a “Remote client”, the mask settings in the AMT Configuration editor and Host Configuration editor are ignored. Only the mask settings on the server or on the client configured as “Remote client w/IO” will control what messages are received in AMT and what data is stored for trends. You can, however, use unique filter settings at each remote client to control what AMT messages are displayed."  

Issue Access denied pop up messages occur at the end of a Continuum or Webclient installation MFC error Environment Continuum Webclient Windows XP Windows Vista Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause At the end of the Continuum or Webclient install an attempt is made to register a number of files and access is being denied. Resolution Reinstall Continuum or Webclient as a local Administrator with Anti Virus and any Firewalls disabled Download AccessDeniedReg.zip and follow the instructions in the RegInstructions.txt to run a batch file to register the files. Note: The workstation may require a reboot after running the batch file.

Issue User unable to find means to add I/O points for an AS-B in workstation Environment Automation Server Basic Cause User not selecing the AS-B-XX onboard IO object Resolution In the system tree browse to the IO Bus/AS-B-XX onboard IO Right click on the object and select New/Input or Output Point Select the type of IO and continue creating the IO point.