Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 Right after you start the Device Administrator, the program crashes. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Device Administrator Cause In rare cases, the XML file containing information regarding the default login and device list for the Device Administrator is empty or corrupted. That causes the Device Administrator to crash when launched, as the information in the file doesn't have the correct content format. Resolution Delete the settings.xml file which is automatically generated. Depending on the installed version it may be located in one of the following paths: Version 1.9 and lower "C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.X\Device Administrator" Version 2.0 onwards "C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation X.X\Device Administrator" Start the Device Administrator

Issue Where can I get information and documents on the Building Analytics service? Environment Building Analytics Cause Information and documentation is required on this product. Resolution Available documentation is available on the Download Center A diagram of network architectures can be seen Here.

Issue It is not clear which part of the license system handles the end-user license and which part handles the demo license. Having both TAC Vista and EcoStruxure Building Operation(EBO) installed on the same PC can cause conflicts in the license system. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation   Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server   Cause If an EcoStruxure installation is only used for engineering and therefore will only have demo licenses activated, you don't need to install the license server. The service "FLEXnet Licensing Service" is installed by any EcoStruxure software package, and that is the service that will handle the activation of demo licenses. Resolution If you will only use demo licenses on a PC and/or also have TAC Vista installed on the same PC, only install the license administrator and not the license server.   It is also possible to run TAC Vista and EBO using the same License server, please see Lesson Learned SmartStruxure license and TAC Vista license on the same PC

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 When a Room Controller device is created under an MPM using one of the predefined devices in Building Expert, a number of its BACnet objects are mapped to AVs in the MPM. It is not possible to tell from the AV properties if the BACnet objects are read-only or read/write. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment MPM SmartStruxure Lite Cause When a Room Controller device is added under an MPM using one of the predefined devices in Building Expert, a number of its BACnet objects are mapped to AVs in the MPM.  The BACnet objects made visible to the MPM are a small subset of the total number of BACnet objects in the device and consist of several different BACnet types, some of which are read-only and others are read/write.  Regardless of the BACnet type, they are all mapped to AVs whose properties do not distinguish between read-only and read/write objects. Resolution There is little documentation available on the predefined devices found in Building Expert. The best source of information is in PIC Statements and BACnet - Integration Guides. As an example I will use the SE8600UxB room controller. The "SE8600 Series BACnet - Integration Guide" is available on Exchange Download Center. In the MPM we have created a Lua script which monitors the occupancy status of the SE8600 and under certain conditions sets it to UnOccupied then turns it off after a delay. For this to work we need to know which AVs we can monitor and write to. Among the AVs mapped to the MPM for this device are "Occupancy Command", "Effective Occupancy" and "System Mode", which would seem to be suitable. The "SE8600 Series BACnet - Integration Guide" lists hundreds of BACnet properties of various object types, only 12 of which are mapped to the MPM. These 12 properties all appear as AVs in the MPM, regardless of their original BACnet object type. Also, although the object tables in the document list the read/write status of most of the objects, they do not list it for the objects mapped to the MPM. The only way to find out is to scan through the various tables of objects until you find one whose name matches one of the AVs in our example. Make a note of which table it is in. In our example: "Occupancy Command" and "System Mode" are in the MV table "Effective Occupancy" is in the MI table On page 35, under "Summary for Integrators", there is this line: "AI’s, BI’s & MI’s are not writable and are typically only used for status". "Effective Occupancy" appears in the MI object table, so it is read-only. As "Occupancy Command" and "System Mode" are in the MV table they are read/write. This procedure is applicable to all the Room Controllers available via the "Add Devices" command in Building Expert.

Issue When a MPM is replaced on a BACnet IP network, a "Duplicate network identifier" alarm is generated Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment MPM Automation Server Cause If the BACnet name and instance number in the new controller is not exactly the same as the original MPM, the Automation Server will consider that an additional device has been installed and an alarm will be triggered stating that the new device has the same BACnet ID as an existing device. Resolution Steps to replacing a MPM to prevent the Duplicate ID alarm being triggered: When replacing the original MPM, note the BACnet name and Instance ID. Install the new MPM and enter the same BACnet name and Instance ID. Refer to BACnet device can't be discovered due to duplicate name for more information about duplicate BACnet names.

Issue Access older I/NET 4.xx *.pag files from page markers in new pages made in I/NET 2000 Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET 2000 Cause Access older files from new pages made in I/NET 2000. Resolution Go to the Graphic Editor, right click on the page-marker, then select Properties. The next screen is called Graphic Page Marker. In the File Details section check path of the file name of the file extension type If they are not correct then click on Destination page. Select and then open your file. (You may select *.pag or *.gpg files.) Make sure the correction is now in the File Details then click Okay. Save the graphic and close Graphic Editor. Test your page marker. Your page should appear. For conversion up to StruxureWare Building Operation, import the original pag files and convert to gpg. Then using the graphics converter from Building Operation, convert the graphics pages.

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 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 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 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 When should the MSTP bias resistors be enabled on a MNB-1000? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment BACnet /MSTP trunk under an MNB-1000 Cause RS-485 biasing rules apply to BACnet / MSTP Resolution An MSTP network requires at least one set of bias resistors but no more than two sets. If a UNC device exists on the network it will provide one set of resistors.  No others are needed. If one or more MNB-1000s are on the network, enable only one set of bias resistors.

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 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))  

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 Even though "Clear when enabled" is configured on a trend log, the trend data is not cleared when the log activation is triggered. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server Trend Logs Cause The property "Clear when enabled" only affects the trend data when the trend log goes from disabled to enabled. This is not the same as the activation method of the trend log. Activation method changes the Status from Stopped to Started etc. Resolution To activate the "Clear when enabled" setting configured on the trend log: Select the Trend log, right-click on it and select Activation, then select "Disable trend log". Select the Trend log, right-click on it and select Activation, then select "Enable trend log". See the following online help topics for further information on Activation: Trend Log Activation Actions Menu - Activation Submenu

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 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.