Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The file structure is incorrect for MNL-FLOW-BAL 3.0 software for use with Windows 7 64 bit OS.  The FlowBalance.exe needs to be run in Windows XP (Service Pack 3) compatibility mode. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Windows 7 64 bit MNL-FLOW-BAL Balance Software Cause The paths for certain files being used by the software cannot be modified. When loaded on a 64 bit PC, the default paths are incorrect for the rest of the processes to find. Resolution Manually create and insert the folder structure required. Set the FlowBalance.exe compatibility Copy the TAC folder in the Program Files (x86) folder from Windows Explorer. Paste into the Program Files folder Open the pasted TAC folder and delete all the files except for the XIF folder and the FlowBalance.cfg file in the LON FlowBalance folder. Right-click the FlowBalance.exe icon created on the desktop Open properties/compatibility tab. Set as Windows XP (Service Pack 3)

Issue CSV file that has been edited with Excel does not import. There is no error given but the import has no effect. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause This problem can occur if the application used to edit the CSV file adds hidden characters. Resolution Make sure the file contains ONLY plain text. Use a simple text editor such as Notepad to avoid this issue

Issue Automation Server has license violation although correct embedded license is activated. ASBaseLicenseStatus has license violation status "inform"   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Cause Adjusting the Automation Server time and date to an earlier time, ex. prior to license activation time, causes license violation. Resolution Make sure that Automation Server has correct date, time and timezone or configure the Automation Server to synchronize its clock with a network time server, refer to: Time and Time Zone Configuration in Automation Server.

Issue When ordering the UG-3-A40, which venturi pipe is included? Environment UG-3-A40 Smoke detector UG-3-A4I Smoke detector Venturi pipes: VR-0.6M VR-1.5M VR-2.8M Cause Depending on application, different length venturi pipes may be required Resolution The 0.6M is included in the UG-3-A40 and UG-3-A4I package. Other lengths available are 1.5 and 2.8m lengths but needs to be ordered separately.  

Issue Bindings on every I/NET point in a converted graphic show the Server 1 instead of the correct server name Environment StuxureWare Building Operation Workstation I/NET 2.42 or higher Cause The INET Interface path parameter set in the Export INET Graphics to TGML converter does not revert to default after each conversion.   If the parameter is set to: /Server 1/INET Interface All binds will use that path even if the Server is named 'Building 1' Resolution OPTION 1 - Reconvert Graphics Change the INET Interface path to reflect the correct location. The most common is: ~/INET Interface The '~' symbol points the remainder of the path to the Server that the user is logged into during the import. If the user is not logged into the correct server, this may cause errors. INET Interface is the default name of the I/Net Interface but can be changed. For a site where the I/NET interface is named 'INET' and the Server is name 'Enterprise Server' the INET interface path could be set to: /Enterprise Server/INET OR ~/INET Option 2 - Change Server Name If every path on the I/NET interface references the incorrect server name: Change the Server Name to match the bindings Verify that the bindings now function with the matching Server Name Change the Server Name back to the desired name. The bindings should follow the name change.

Issue When attempting to run the WorkPlace Tech Tool, Application Menu missing or grayed out. All WorkPlace Tech Tool related entries in the Tools menu are grayed out or missing.   Project Toolbars are not displayed. "Unknown error occurred in an add-on to WorkPlace Tech" Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.7.4 and later versions Microsoft  Visio 2003 or Visio 2007 Microsoft Windows XPsp2, XPsp3,  Vista or Windows 7 Cause Various causes beyond the scope of this article. Resolution There are several different reasons why these entries are grayed out or missing and therefore not selectable. The exact procedure for correcting the problem depends on the version of Visio and the version of Windows being used. WorkPlace Tech with Visio 2007 Open Visio 2007 Open the Tools Pull down. Select the Trust Center Select Add-ins. Verify that the box "Disable all Application Add-ins" is NOT checked. At the bottom of the screen, COM Add-ins is the default selection. Press GO. In the COM Add-ins box displayed, un-check the box for each third-party add-in. Click [OK] to apply. Close Visio 2007 Delete the Visio Directory Cache file, as follows, depending on the version of Windows. If running Windows Vista or Windows 7, delete the file c:\Users\< username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Visio\content12.dat If running Windows XP, delete the file c:\Documents and Settings\< username >\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Visio\content12.dat Open Visio 2007 and wait for the "Getting Started with Microsoft Visio" window to be displayed. Close Visio 2007. Open WPT, all menu items should be there. Workplace Tech with Visio 2003 Open Visio 2003 Open the Tools menu. Select Options, then Security. Verify that the box for "Enable COM add-ins" is checked. Check the box for "Enable Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications". Check the box for "Enable Automation events" Click [OK] to apply. Open the Tools menu and select Macros then select "COM Add-ins" Uncheck all third-party add-ins shown in the list. Click [OK] to apply. Close Visio 2003. Delete the Visio Directory Cache file, as follows, depending on the version of Windows. If running Windows Vista or Windows 7, delete the file c:\Users\< username >\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Visio\content.dat If running Windows XP, delete the file c:\Documents and Settings\< username >\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Visio\content.dat Open Visio 2003 and wait for the "Choose Drawing Type" window to be displayed. Close Visio 2003 Open WPT, all menu items should be there.

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 Naming a point in Menta results in a pop up error Warning Syntax error Product Line TAC Vista Environment Menta Cause Special characters are not permitted in the names of Menta signals. Resolution Remove all of the following characters from the Menta signal name: space . period, ? question mark - dash (hyphen) !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, (, ) \ backslash denotes the Menta module name separated from the Menta signal name. One is permitted, the second will cause a syntax error The best rule to go by is to use nothing but alphanumeric characters and (_) underscores in Menta naming conventions.

Issue Multical 602 - No pulse output detected for cooling energy from top module 602-0C Environment Kamstrup Multical 602 heating/cooling meter with 602-0C top module (part number MAPULSETOP-C) Cause The 602-0C top module was purchased separately from the Multical 602 meter. The 602-0C top module is factory configured for a heat meter. Output C (terminals 16 and 17) is associated with heat energy CE+ which is stored in the calculator at register E1. The cooling energy CE- is stored in a separate memory location of the calculator at register E3.  Resolution Configure output C to cooling energy E3 using the METERTOOL HCW software and USB optical eye tool. Contact Product Support for the METERTOOL HCW software and the USB drivers for the USB optical eye tool The USB optical eye part number is MAOPTICUSB Procedure to configure output C to cooling energy: 1. Run the METERTOOL HCW software  2. Place the optical eye over the small window on the front of the calculator 3. Make sure that the optical tool is held in place magnetically and is resting on the lower pins 4. Press the connect button in METERTOOL HCW 5. Select Modules from the menu on the left-hand side 6. Select Configure Top Module from the next screen 7. The configure button will be inactive and in order to make any changes, you must read current configuration. Press the Read button 8. Output C is set to CE+ and that Output D is set to CV+ and the Configure button is now active 9. Using drop down box for Output C, select the option CE- to specify that this output will connect to the Cooling Energy register E3 10. Press the Configure button to write the new setting to the 602-0C top module and wait for this write process to complete It is recommended that the meter be cold started to ensure the changes takes effect. The procedure to cold start the meter is as follows.    Remove the calculator top piece from its base Click front buttons a few times to use up power (drains super-cap) Once display goes blank, wait for 30 seconds Replace the calculator top piece onto its base Display should come on and meter initialises it is best to cold start the meter to ensure changes takes effect, maybe we should mention that here, to do this...   a) remove the calculator top piece from its base b) click front buttons a few times to use up power (drains super-cap) c) once display goes blank, wait for 30 seconds d) replace the calculator top piece onto its base e) display should come on and meter initialises it is best to cold start the meter to ensure changes takes effect, maybe we should mention that here, to do this...   a) remove the calculator top piece from its base b) click front buttons a few times to use up power (drains super-cap) c) once display goes blank, wait for 30 seconds d) replace the calculator top piece onto its base e) display should come on and meter initialises

Issue A Macro comes installed in the default directories with Menta.  This macro will create a PWM signal that can be used for a variety of purposes in Menta.  It will not, however, drive most industry-standard PWM hardwired actuators.  For information on this, see Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) outputs in Menta. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Menta PWM actuator Cause Creating an a pulse width modulated output. Resolution Go to Program Files > TAC Menta > Library > Macro Block Library > Miscellaneous > Function > PWM.aut and PWM.doc These two files will give you a PWM function for Menta and an explanation. In simulation mode it will appear that the PWM increments at very crude levels but when the application is downloaded the processor actually runs at less than 1 second increments. Download this application to a controller and connect up a transducer and vary the control signal to be comfortable with the performance. Use a PVR block to generate a manually controlled signal.

Issue What is the part number for a Vista 5 Engineering Dongle? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5 Cause There are several part numbers on iPortal for Vista 5 licenses, end-user dongles, engineering dongles, etc.  It may not be very clear which is the right part to order to obtain an in-house engineering license/dongle.   Resolution On Schneider Electric iPortal website (https://iportal2.schneider-electric.com/😞 Part Number: 000885000 Part Name: 1YEAR VISTA INHOUSE Part Short Description: Vista In-house Subscription for internal personnel only. Includes in-house dongle, which allows Vista 5.X software to run without any license file. Part Long Description: Vista 5 Vista In-house: 1 year in-house subscription* for Schneider Electric's and partners' internal personnel only. Includes the in-house dongle, which allows Vista 5.X software to run without any license file *Currently the subscription is unlimited, though the description indicates it is only valid for 1 year.

Issue Unable to activate the AD-Link on a SmartX Advanced Display Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Advanced Display V1 Building Operation Advanced Display V2 Cause Changes to the license server made current AD-Link software inoperable Refer TPA-SBO-17-0009.00 for details about the issue Resolution Note: Advanced Display V1 is discontinued. Effective July 31, 2023, Service Support for Advanced Display v2 will also be discontinued. The licensing server responsible for activating AD-Link and Kiosk features will be decommissioned. After this date, no new Advanced Display v2 could be commissioned as the mentioned server will be decommissioned. Advanced Display V3 can replace it. Refer to: PA-00923   The issue is solved in a new version of AD-Link To install a new version of AD-Link, there is a need to first uninstall the old version of AD-Link Go to the settings page on the SmartX Advanced Display Tap on "General" Tap on "Security" tab Tap on "Device administrators" Un-tick the AD-Link Uninstall the old AD-Link app   You will first need to uninstall the old version of AD-Link. To uninstall the old AD-Link you will need to un-tick the AD-Link in the device administrators tab,   In the settings page you will be able to go to the "General" tab and then "Security" tab, then "Device administrators"  In there you will see the AD-Link, untick it.  You should now be able to uninstall the old AD-Link app You will first need to uninstall the old version of AD-Link. To uninstall the old AD-Link you will need to un-tick the AD-Link in the device administrators tab,   In the settings page you will be able to go to the "General" tab and then "Security" tab, then "Device administrators"  In there you will see the AD-Link, untick it.  You should now be able to uninstall the old AD-Link app

Issue Need to a method to automatically enroll users into Access Expert? Product Line Access Expert Environment Premise Install Hosted Instance Cause Enrollment readers are not used in Access Expert.  Resolution When a card is read at the Door Reader, it will result in an "Access Denied/Card Pin Not Found" event being generated. This event can then be used to create a new user. Once this user has been created and added to the system, the card will become active and have access to the doors it's assigned to. 

Issue Procedures to purchase and unlock a permanent copy of WorkPlace Tech Tool (Asia Pacific customers) Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Tool software version 5.x. Cause WorkPlace Tech unlock code request should not be sent directly to Customer Care since orders in Asia Pacific are placed through Hub Asia.  Resolution 1. Install WorkPlace Tech. 2. After installation, generate the codes required to request an unlock code. 3. Complete the Unlock Code Request Form or output it to the file (InVueOrder.txt). Submit the form or the file together with the purchase order to your local orders processing team.  The procedure to generate the order codes can be found in the WorkPlace Tech Tool Installation Instructions. 

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 Alarm Control Panel items created within the Enterprise Server are not been pushed down to the Automation Server. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Buildings Operation 1.3 SP1 Cause There seems to be a corrupt entry in the Automation servers Resolution Log into each Automation server and remove the Lead object from the Alarm panel. Refresh the automation server and the categories are now editable. Delete all user created categories leaving the default Energy Exceptions. Delete all the Cause Notes, Action notes and Check lists. Do the same procedure on all Automation Servers. Log back into the Enterprise Server and then on each Automation server add the Lead object back into the Alarm Control Panel that was removed in step 1. The Enterprise Server will now distribute the entries to the Automation server. If this fails, ensure that all firewalls are open between the AS and the ES. You may want to use the SBO Firewall Config Tool.

Issue When replacing an EP1501 controller, do all doors and schedules have to be recreated? Product Line Access Expert Environment Microsoft Windows Server 2012 or later Microsoft SQL 2012 R2 or later Access Expert EP1501 Controller Access Expert v3 Premise Software Access Expert v3 Hosted Software Cause Recreating all the doors and schedules can cause a lot of downtime during the replacement process of an EP1501 Resolution Open up the instance that the device is configured on From the hardware tree, select the device that needs to be replaced and double-click on it to open a new window Once the replacement device is powered and configured, copy its MAC address and paste it where the old devices MAC address is showing Click save and close at the bottom right of the screen Right-click the controller in the system tree and select Push Controller Database Once the controller comes online again it will start communicating with the sub devices Open up a Live Monitoring Window and verify that events are being properly reported

Issue Error message "Invalid Object Name" Error message "Failed to transfer application file to TAC Vista"   Product Line TAC Vista Environment LonMaker NL220 Menta TAC Vista System Plug-In Cause Error message "Invalid Object Name" appears when browsing in a Menta file in TAC Vista. Add it via the System Plug-in results in an error saying "Failed to transfer application file to TAC Vista"  Resolution This could have different causes. There could be a signal name that is to long (longer than 20 characters). The problem can also be that there is an ALARM that have an alarm controller object defined that are using a $ (other than the default $Alr_Cntrl). TAC Vista will try to add the object and you are not allowed to add objects with $ in them. For more help see "Update Vista database failed" Error in Vista System Plug-In.

Issue Alarms about BACnet devices with duplicate names These are not required on the site Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Third Party BACnet Devices Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause In EBO, BACnet device name uniqueness enforcement has been removed but an alarm is sent regardless to alert of the problem. Resolution Disable the alarm if it is not require in the alarm view. This is achieved by right clicking on the alarm in the Alarm Pane and 'Disable Alarm'

Issue Is there a way to get all my MTA from a files saved off to disk from a Vista db? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Database Generator Menta Cause Archiving/extracting all Menta files from a Vista database at the same time. Backup all applications quickly. Resolution You can use the Database Generator    to do this. Vista Server must first be running before performing these steps: Start Database Generator (Start > Programs > Schneider Electric > TAC Tools X.X.X > Database Generator). May need to right-click and Run As Administrator. Go to the Database Menu and select Export Data from Database Click on the browse button for the object. Select device navigation, and browse to your Network object and click OK. In the Export from Database dialogue, keep the default settings and click OK. All MTA files in the selected Network will be saved to the $wrk directory in the Vista database.   MTA files will be updated with any changes made from Vista to PVR blocks, TSCH blocks, etc. If changes have been made while directly connected from Menta or an OP, right click on each controller and select "Upload Parameters" before exporting the MTA files. If more than one Network exists in one database, a separate export must be performed for each network.

Issue Managing servers with Microsoft System Center Environment A site with Schneider Electric SmartStruxure Cause Microsoft System Center is a set of server products aimed specifically at helping corporate IT administrators manage a network of Windows Server and client desktop systems. Microsoft Servers (previously called Windows Server System) is a brand that encompasses a line of Microsoft server products. http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter  Microsoft Software Asset Management (SAM) Is there a way to integrate Microsoft System Center with Schneider Electric SmartStruxure? Resolution Integration of Microsoft System Center with Schneider-Electric SmartStruxure has not been tested, nor is it supported. With System Center, the management of Server environments is outside of the installation and use of Schneider Electric SmartStruxure.