Building Automation Knowledge Base

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.

Issue The delay on and delay off functions do not work correctly inside of the 700 Menta alarm block. Instead of delaying the signal for the configured amount of time, the signal is delayed for a random amount of time before being passed on or turned off. Environment Vista XBuilder Menta Xenta Server 701, 711, 721 and 731 Cause Documented defect in 700 Menta alarm block. This defect has been confirmed in XBuilder 5.1.5 through 5.1.7. Resolution This 700 Menta issue has been corrected in XBuilder 5.1.8. If using a version of XBuilder 5.1.5 through 5.1.7 the following workaround can be used. Leave the delay on and delay off settings in the alarm block at zero. Add a delay block in front of the alarm block. Set the desired delay on and delay off values in the delay block.

Issue Selection and installation of a pulsed output module. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Heat Meter Multical 602 Pulsed output module No pulses Cause Installed card does not give output pulses. Resolution Selection of the output card. The Schneider Electric part number is MAPULSETOPC and this is the equivalent to Kamstrup part number 602-0C This card will provide 2 pulse outputs for energy and volume, CE and CV respectively. Normally, energy (CE) is connected to 16-17 and volume (CV) to 18-19, but other combinations can be selected via the PC program METERTOOL, also used to select pulse duration 32 or 100 ms. The MAPULSETOPC is actually a top module, which means that it is fitted into the top piece of the MC602 calculator, basically the inside LCD cover. This is released by pressing downwards in the middle of the plastic piece on the left, and at the same time pushing the top module towards the left.

Issue A version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software prior to version 5.7 had previously been installed on the computer and licensed with an expiring license.  The WPT software was updated to version 5.7.x.  When the previous expiring license was about to expire, the next expiring license renewal was requested.  However, when the previous expiring license did expire, the new one also expired. Environment Initial WIBS/WPT license on computer created by installation of any version Wonderware for Intelligent Buildings Software (WIBs) or any version prior to 5.7 of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software (WPT). New version (5.7.x or later) of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software installed on same computer. Cause New license request was incorrectly generated using the WIBSPurchase ("Purchase WIB Software" icon) program instead of using the "Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software" icon on the computer desktop. Resolution Use the "Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software" icon on the computer desktop to request any license updates for version 5.7.x and newer of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software.

Issue The reconfiguration of the log database (run from TAC Vista Server Setup) times out. Configuring the settings, for the first time after upgrading Vista, on the SQL server tab of TAC Vista Server Setup an then clicking on apply makes the following message appear: "Log database found but needs to be reconfigured. Reconfigure Log database?". After clicking yes the reconfiguring process starts, but times out. The message states the following:  Lock request time out period exceeded. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 1222) Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X SQL server  Cause The SQL server is busy. When a reconfigure of the database layout (or schema) is done, all connections to the database must be stopped to prevent corruption of data. If a number of applications/clients are trying to write data to the database, the request to lock the database will time out. Resolution Close the open connections to the database and try again. Generally speaking this shouldn't occur with just Vista running. It is when 3rd party clients access the SQL data directly that this problem can occur. To help identify the problem, the Activity monitor in SQL server management studio can be used.

Issue Remote Client Configuration Issues I.Net 2.31 and prior Product Line TAC INET Environment I/Net Seven version 2.xx with need for Remote Client configuration. Equalization, FileMaster, File Master, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Equalize, FM, EQ, RC, MSDE, Express, Full SQL, SQL, TCP/IP, Connection Cause Remote Client changes with I/Net Seven version 2.21 to 2.31 release. Resolution There are two different configurations for the Remote Client setup in I/Net Seven. Clicking the links below will open a PDF document which will show how the communication should be setup. This configuration is in the I/O Server under the current profile and can be found in the Workstation Options.   *IP Addresses are for demonstration purposes only.

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 After upgrade of Building Operation and / or I/NET, I/NET alarms and events have stopped updating within WorkStation. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven 2.4x Integration with Enterprise Server EcoStruxure Building Operation 1.8 and above Cause Within the I/NET Seven SQL database table [InetDb].[dbo].[Events].[EventId], the EventId has not incremented correctly, so there is a missing EventId (causes unknown). Because of this missing EventId Building Operation waits at this missing ID to appear before updating its own event.db database. Since this ID will never show, no events will ever be passed through to Building Operation and effectively stops any I/NET events appearing within Building Operation WorkStation This EventId is seen in a registry entry called NspAmtEventId under the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\CSI - Control Systems International\I/Net 2000\Configurations Resolution Current workaround is to manually edit this registry key NspAmtEventId value to: A value above the highest [InetDb].[dbo].[Events].[EventId].value - if the past events are not required. OR Increment its value by 1 if all past values are required to be retained. i.e. If NspAmtEventId = 82237682 typically only needs to be changed to 82237683 to correct this issue. If not then you should check the [InetDb].[dbo].[Events].[EventId].value After editing this registry value the Enterprise Server service needs to be restarted, after which events will then start to be processed by Building Operation. It should be noted if you use option 2 above that there will be some time for all this data to be updated within Building Operation and there may be some bogus (old) alarms appear, which should be taken into consideration before implementing this resolution.

Issue The network card is not working on the PC.  Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Access Expert, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Security Expert, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC IA Series TAC I/NET, TAC Vista Environment PC Network Interface Card Cause Require a method to test the network card. Resolution Assuming you have the correct protocols loaded:- Open up a command prompt and type ‘ipconfig’(1) then press enter to get a list of the available network cards. Find the specific network card by name (2) Record the IP Address (3) assigned to the card, e.g. 192.168.5.90 If the card is unplugged (4) connect a network cable and start back at step 1 If the network card does not appear in Device Manager check the drivers are correctly installed for the card and when installed correctly start back at step 1. If the network card still does not appear it could be disabled.  In Network Connections right click the adaptor and select Enable (5) and start back at step 1. After these steps if the network card still does not appear when running ipconfig it is most likely damaged. If/when an IP Address is successfully obtained open a Command Prompt and type ping followed by the IP Address of the card, for example ping 192.168.5.90 (1). A functioning card will respond with 4 successfully replies (2) and the associated statistics (3) As additional information a good first step would be to "ping 127.0.0.1". This will not test a network card but indicates that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and functioning on the host PC.

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.

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 for assistance. Issue Project Configuration Tool generates a 'failed get matching version' error when attempting to start an existing server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause The associated PCT server package files are not installed, cannot be accessed or are corrupt Resolution The "get matching version error" can occur when the associated server package files are not installed, cannot be accessed or are corrupt.  Try the following steps:   Check the associated PCT server package is installed, click manage packages (1) and check the Manage packages window (2)   Install the package if it is missing and then attempt to start the server If still unsuccessful, reinstall the server package and then attempt to start the server When installing the package if the error below occurs navigate to 'C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\logs' and open the ConfigurePCT.log file to try and identify the problem                                                                                                  In the case the server package config file is corrupt navigate to the server packages folder at 'C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool\external\VM\cfg' and delete the associated *.cfg file.      Reinstall the server package and then attempt to start the server Additionally consult PCT error installing EBO package for further suggestions

Issue After installing the Niagara AX Lon Tunnel Client, the service fails to start and Windows displays the following error: Could not start the NiagaraAX Serial Tunnel service on Local Computer. Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start. Environment I/A Series AX Lon Tunnel Client Cause There are two possible causes of this issue. The LON port specified is already in use and assigned to a physical LON adapter.  The LON adapter assigned to this port may not necessarily be currently installed into the computer. One of the underlying Windows functions or services required by the AX Lon Tunnel is not installed or is corrupted. Resolution To verify that the LON port you have selected is not already installed in the computer, perform the following steps: Open the "LonWorks Interfaces" applet from the Windows Control Panel (Procedure describes operation with OpenLDV 4.00 installed.  The procedure for OpenLDV 3.20 or OpenLDV 3.40 is similar to what is shown in the following steps. Under the "View" menu, insure that "Show detached interfaces" is checked. Select a LON port that is not already shown in the list and enter it in the "Lon Port" field of the "Niagara AX Lon Tunneling" Windows control panel applet. If the LON port name is valid and the NiagaraAX Lon Tunnel service still displays the 1068 error message, an issue could be occurring with another Windows service or DLL file.  Microsoft provides a method of diagnosing and possibly correcting this type of issue. Open the Windows Start Menu and in the "Search Programs and files" box enter the command:       cmd In the Command Prompt window, type in the following command:       sfc /SCANNOW This command "scans integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible". In the event that this process finds an uncorrectable issue, the program will stop, displaying an appropriate diagnostic message.

Issue "Helix YUV Codecs (remove only)" shows up under Windows "add/remove programs" after Continuum is installed. What is this and is it part of Continuum? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation 2.02 and earlier Windows Cause A Continuum Cyberstation installation brings with it several additional programs in order to run properly. These can be seen in the "Add/Remove Programs" interface. These programs may remain installed even after an uninstall/upgrade of Continuum. Resolution Helix YUV Codecs is part of the Continuum installation. The installation file is "yuvcodecs-1.2.exe" located on the CD in "..\Continuum\ISSetupPrerequisites\{1D2652A6-D9B2-43ED-8009-987E762962A2}". The Codecs install is part of the SVG viewer program for WebClient graphics in Continuum 2.02 and earlier.  This was removed from the Continuum 2.03 installation. If desired, this program can be removed if it is no longer in use.

Issue Use Modulus in Menta Expression Block. Environment Xenta programmables Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Menta Cause The Modulus operation in Menta is used to obtain the remainder of a division. If for example you want to perform 10 Modulus 7 the result would be 3. Resolution To perform this function in Menta, use an expression block with the contents of A%B. However, the built in Modulus function does not work with numbers larger than 65535. To perform the Modulus function with such large numbers, write out the Modulus calculation in the expression block instead of using the % symbol. This expression accomplishes the same thing: A-(B*INT(A/B))  

Issue TAC Xenta does not show the same time as TAC Vista. Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation Xenta programmable controllers Cause The time in the Xenta comes from the Vista server. However, it can be adjusted for time zones and daylight savings time settings. Resolution Check daylight savings time and time zone settings in TAC Xenta. The setting should be the same as in the Operating Unit (if they are in the same time zone). Check if a PVR object name XENTASYSREG is in the Menta application with a value of 2. This inverts Europe daylight setting and causes the controller to adjust its time. Note! This is NOT the regional settings on your PC, but the setting in the Vista object in your DB. Here is a quick video showing the regional setting process.

Issue Several doors need to be removed in an existing I/NET Seven System. What is the proper way to do this? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven with Access Control Cause Steps to remove Doors in an existing I/NET Seven System Resolution It should be sufficient to just deselect the door from the tenant and then NETCON on one equalized client, the file master, or Standalone PC. If the door physically goes away, the next time an operator enters an individual or group that had that door it will display a * for the offline/deleted door. At that time just select "Unselected" option and that door will be removed from that list. If all trace of the door needs to be removed: Remove all access privileges from a door. Be sure to check System View to verify they are all removed. Remove the door from all tenants Connect to the Controller and select Edit>Controller>Doors Delete the Door Close of the Door editors and select Edit>Host Computer>Network Configuration Penetrate to the Door level and delete the door objects. Next, In the Resident I/O editor delete any points associated.

Issue How can the Continuum version and features that are activated be viewed on a Keyless license? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment HASP Keyless License Hasp Key Utility Cause It is not known what version and features are enabled on the keyless license. Resolution From the Program Files\Continuum folder, launch the HaspKeyUtility application. Select the button labled Show Key Information. The license information will be displayed.

Issue LMHOST Setup for File Equalization Issues where mapping PC/IP is necessary. (Networking, DSL) Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Site Cause Setting up Equalization over a Network/DSL Connection on XP Service Pack II PCs, there may be an issue. At some point in File Equalization, the client needs to connect to the File Master by its machine name even though the setup identifies the FM using an IP address. Resolution For users that are trying to set up Equalization over a Network/DSL Connection on XP Service Pack II PCs, there may be an issue. At some point in File Equalization, the client needs to connect to the File Master by its machine name even though the setup identifies the FM using an IP address. This is a change that was probably introduced by XPsp2 and/or MSDEsp3. In any case, to get the remote client (PC Name=XXXXX1 / IP=X.X.X.X) to connect to the file master (PC Name = XXXXX2 / IP=X.X.X.X), setup a LMHOSTS file in each PC. This file is located in C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc. Please use the following document to help set up the LMHOST: LMNHOST File.doc. To setup a second client to point to the file master, the LMHOSTS file from the first client will need to be copied into the same location on the second client PC. This will allow the new client to know both the IP address and machine name of the file master. Note: If you are not familiar with the LMHOST instructions, please seek an IT professionals assistance.

Issue Using BACnet Multistate points within Continuum Environment Continuum BACnet Cause Can't use Multistate points values to trigger graphics or other objects Resolution A third Party Multistate BACnet object needs to be mapped to a Continuum Infinity Numeric before it can be read as number. A third Party Multistate BACnet object may be read as State 1, State 2, state 3 or On, Off, -On or other values These should be either mapped to Infinity Strings or Numerical to be displayed or measures as required. eg. ContinuumNum = BACnetFullPath\PointName (if a number is required) Then a ContinuumString can be set based on the ContinuumNum value if the text read from the third party point requires modifying. Other MultiState Bacnet Notes When setting the value of a third party Multistate Bacnet Objects eg "Heat", "Cool", "Auto", "Off", try using an integer ie WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, 4, 1) rather than WriteProperty(Bacnet Object, Heat, 1) Note: Some 3rd party bacnet devices default their multi-state values to 0 instead of 1. Cyberstation will not accept a default value of 0. Get the 3rd party vendor to set the default to 1 if possible.

Issue Can't communicate with more than 1 device on LG Gateway at the same time. Updated with solution on 12/15/2017 Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment LG Gateway Model:PQNFB17C1 Firmware version: 1.11.4 Cause The gateway can only provide one source address when there are multiple device IDs. The wireshark capture confirmed that no unique source ID provided by the gateway with different device IDs. Resolution Update the firmware version to 5.08.1h Configure the "BACnet Type Setting" to "B Type".