Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Eaton IP BACnet Lighting Panels are successfully discovered via the Find BACnet Devices but then go offline with error "Communications failure due to routing device not available" Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation Cause IP BACnet level Eaton devices configured with network number other than zero Resolution Set the network number to zero for all Eaton lighting panels. Then they will stay online.

Issue Communications from CyberStation to controller is flaky, controller goes offline during reload or while an object is under edit. Controller can be pinged consistently and access via the configuration web page works fine. Opening/editing objects randomly result in communication timeout errors. Environment CyberStation All CXs Cause Controller is online with two Continuum databases at the same time. Example: In a LAN system  with the controller is configured in the SQL server DB, a lap top running stand alone Continuum is connected to perform some troubleshooting, the controller exists in the SA database residing in the lap top. Resolution The controller MUST only be online with one ContinuumDB. Close Continuum on the machine that is looking at the second database.

Issue When is an "additional 500 points" license required for an Enterprise Server? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series R2 IA-ENT-1 Enterprise Server licensed with the IA-DRV-OSD Open Systems Device driver license Cause The basic Enterprise Server license does not include any external point driver capabilities.   Adding the IA-DRV-OSD allows the enterprise server to communicate with up to 25 points of each type, BACnet, OPC, SNMP and ModBus, all using IP communications. Resolution An Enterprise Server can be licensed to directly communicate with  BACnet, OPC, MODbus and SNMP points by adding the IA-DRV-OSD license and will support communication with up to 25 points of each specific type of points. For each additional block of 500 points of a specific type, you need to purchase an additional points license, IA-BAC-500, IA-OPC-500, IA-MOD-500 or IA-SNMP-500.  Here is an example of how these licenses are used.  The Enterprise Server needs to communicate directly with 1250 BACnet IP points and 60 SNMP points.  The following licenses will be required: IA-ENT-1 -- Enterprise server license IA-DRV-OSD -- Open System Driver for direct point communication, includes 25 points each of BACnet, SNMP, OPC and ModBus. IA-SNMP-500 -- allows ES to communicate with the 60 SNMP points, technically allowing communications with a total of 525 SNMP points (25 points included with IA-ENT-1 and 500 with IA-SNMP-500). IA-BAC-500 -- allows the ES to communicate with an additional 500 BACnet points bringing the total to 525 BACnet points IA-BAC-500 -- this second IA-BAC-500 license will allow the ES to communicate with the additional 500 BACnet points, bringing the total allowable BACnet point count to 1025 points IA-BAC-500 -- this third IA-BAC-500 license will allow the ES to communicate with the required additional 225 BACnet points, actually bringing the total allowable BACnet point count to 1525 points. NOTE: On most computers an IA-ENT-1 with the Open System Driver is capable of supporting a maximum of 4000 external points regardless of the number of points licensed in any one communication type.

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 A full backup immediately fails on the Automation Server.  Performing a configuration-only backup completes successfully. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation 3.x - first detected Building Operation Automation Server  Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Automation Server AS-B Cause A directory under the DB folder, called tc [TypeCache], within the database of the Automation Server, had grown close to 1 GB in size.  The combination of this with the large TrendDb caused the backup failure with the following message seen in the trace log:    nsp.csc.bar.BarBackupOperation BarBackupOperation Execute failed with: Internal Server Error: Insufficient_Space_For_Backup (0x80008) in module Bar_Manager(51). "/<servername>": Insufficient space for backup, XXXXXXXXX bytes estimated for new backup but only XXXXX available   This tc directory contains types fetched from other servers that are used in runtime. These are loaded either from the local database or the tc directory. If a type for another server is not found in the tc directory when accessed, it will first be fetched from that server.   There may be other reasons for the backup failure, presenting this Insufficient_Space_For_Backup message in the trace.log. Clearing this Type Cache does not adversely affect the controller and can be cleared as the first step to see if this will allow the full backup to occur.    The issue has only been seen in Building Operation 3.x, if the issue is presented in a later revision or you continue to have failures, then contact your local support and reference this article.     Resolution To clear the Type Cache contents, follow these steps: Navigate to the RuntimeDBManager object under /System/Modules/RuntimeDBManager/ Right-click on the TypeCache object. Select Type Cache Clear All Attempt a full backup of the server again.  If failures continue to concur, then contact your local support

Issue IO Modules must be added to a NetController that cannot be powered down. Environment IO Modules Cause NetController cannot be powered down in order to install new IO Modules. Resolution There are two methods that may be used when replacing or adding IO modules. Method 1 -- Power down NetController. Turn off the power supply. Disconnect the batteries. Replace or add the IO module. Turn the power supply on. Reconnect the batteries. Reload the NetController. Method 2 -- Remove power from the IO bus only. Turn the power supply off. From the Continuum Workstation, navigate to the appropriate controller. In the Command Line field in Continuum Explorer, type the following command -- Set IOUPower to Off Replace or add the IO module Turn the power supply on.

  Issue EBO 5.0 and all other revisions, In workstation When selecting `View history` of an alarm, we get columns more focused on alarms such as Alarm state, Alarm text,.. etc  But  in WebStation, we have “ View Events “ that shows columns that are more focused on object event history (including Value before, Value After, etc) rather than alarm history.       Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Navigating to View Alarm history in webstation is different than in workstation Resolution Alarm is a subset of Event, so it is reasonable to see it is under 'Event viewer'. There is no such a thing called 'Alarm history record' in webstation.This is Function as Designed (FAD) If we click on any of the events, after opening it we can see full alarm details.

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. 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 If you lose access to your comms expander or need to reset all of the settings how do you default the module? Product Line Security Expert Expert Environment Security Expert SP-MNR2 Firmware 1.0.27 (and higher) Cause A physical link is needed to default the module Resolution These are the settings that are resets Password to admin Repeater Mode to RS-485 mode UDP IP/Host to 192.168.1.2   1. Link the N+ N- NA and NB connections between all three COM ports 2. Cycle power to the device   Please note: this does not reset the IP address, so you may need to default the IP address separately. 1. Unlink all COM3 terminals and leave COM 1 and 2 linked 2. Cycle power and connect to the built-in web interface at 192.168.111.222 3. Configure IP address as desired 

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 Using CARD + BIOMETRIC credentials at an integrated Suprema reader for user access. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Suprema Biometric Reader Cause Security Expert does not support CARD + BIOMETRIC credentials being read at the integrated Suprema reader. Only BIOMETRIC credentials are supported to be read at the Suprema reader. Resolution For situations where CARD and BIOMETRIC credentials are required to authenticate users a supported solution is to install a Security Expert reader in conjunction with a Suprema reader at the door. The Security Expert reader will read the Security Expert Mifare/DESFire tags, compare this to the credentials configured in Security Expert user and then wait for the proper biometric to be provided before allowing access through the door.

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 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 How to reset a CSC 5 series controller Environment CSC5352 CSC5252 Cause The CSC controller has become non operational and has frozen. How to reset a CSC 5 series controller? Resolution This procedure will clear any settings and return values to defaults. Switch OFF the power. Press and hold down the ENTER key, turn the power ON. The controller will display "reset" followed by the firmware no. The controller will now display "dflts". Release the ENTER key. The controller will display "reset" again, followed by the firmware no. The controller will now go into Review mode. Re-enter the site parameters.

Issue A Log Processing Trend Log created in an EBO server and connected to an Extended Trend Log will not transfer any records even if the Force Transfer command is executed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause Log processing trend log records are not saved to database, so they will not be transferred to Extended Trend logs. Resolution In the Basic Properties of the Log Processing Trend Log, set "Persist data" to True to store trend data in the database. This will enable the records to be transferred to the connected Extended trend Log.

Issue For various reasons sometimes it is necessary to clear the error log in the controllers.   NOTE: First generation controllers such as the CX9200 and CX9900 (NetController 1) and Infinet1 devices do not support the error log utility, this article does not apply to those controllers.   Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation bCX9640 bCX4040 bCX4000 CX9680 ACX5740 ACX5720 All b3 devices All i2 devices Cause Guidelines for clearing the controllers error log in the field. Resolution bCX4040, bCX4000, b3s Error log is cleared by setting the Errors system variable to 0 (zero)   IMPORTANT It s not recommended to set the errors system variable from within a Plain English program, doing so risks damaging the controller's flash memory which has a limited number of write/erase cycles. Only reset the errors system variable to 0 from the command line or from the system variable object editor.   If the Errors system variable has a non zero value all that is required is to reset it to 0   NOTE: In some older version of the firmware, if the Errors system variable is at 0 then it has to be changed to a non zero value before it can be reset to 0 One easy way to generate an error is to create an InfinityProgram that attempts a DIVIDE BY ZERO I.e. Program is AutoStart and FallThru Numeric N n = 1/0   Create the InfinityProgram above in the controller, once the program saves and runs it will be disabled and the Errors system variable will increment by one. Remember to delete the program as it is no longer needed bCX9640 CX9680, ACX5740, ACX5720 Use the controller error log tool to clear the error log.

Issue No alarms are being displayed in the alarm queue. This includes alarms from any automation server that has been added underneath an enterprise server database or enterprise server alarms. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment WorkStation Alarm Queue Cause This is a result of the alarm queue filter containing active filter conditions. Resolution Remove alarm filters: Click the Alarm Filter icon on the toolbar of the alarm queue. In the Select Conditions window, make sure that all of the alarm conditions have been removed or only the filters that you want remain. To remove an alarm condition, simply click the trashcan button on the far right side of the condition. Note: If a blank condition is left behind, it will prevent any alarm from being displayed in the alarm queue.

Issue The Universal Input real-time values on a MNL-800 (or Microzone II) are fluctuating unrealistically.  They rise, peak, drop, valley and then start over again very quickly.  It is similar to an AC wave pattern. It is happening with all the inputs no matter their configuration. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment MNL-800 Microzone II (Network 8000) Cause When an actuator is interfaced with a MNL-800 (or MicroZone II), and the UI cable shields are connected to earth ground (the SHLD terminal), the shield has a common mode AC potential that couples to the UI input. Only a very small signal (UI shield to signal common) is needed to result in objectionable UI signal fluctuation. Resolution Connect all drain shields on UI inputs to UI common (C terminal). Read additional solutions and a more descriptive cause in Technical Bulletin 01-36.

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 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 When trying to add an automation server underneath an enterprise server the following error is given. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation  Automation Server Cause Something has been left behind in the automation server that causes a conflict. Resolution Reformat the automation server by performing a New database download. Create a backup of the automation server. See Backup of StruxureWare/EcoStruxure Building Operation AS and ES. Launch Device Administrator and add the automation server. Select the automation server and click on the Upgrade Device button in the top left corner.  In the Upgrade device window, choose "New database" in the Type of upgrade field. Click OK. Once the download is complete, log into the automation server and restore the database. See How to restore a StruxureWare Building Operation server backup set. Now add the automation server underneath the enterprise server.

Issue Provide a solution for displaying local server time Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause Request to display local server time Resolution Example code below can be inserted into a PE Script to allow display of local server time from within the workstation. By converting the time into a string the display of the information is not affected by any localization that is attempted by the client. *************************** datetime output ServerTime, ClientDisplayTime string output DisplayTimeString, DisplayTimeString2 String ampm numeric h1, h2 numeric Adjustment ' Time Adjustment: UTC Offset, DayLight Savings Time Adjustment = 4*3600 ServerTime = Time 'Set the desired Client Display Time ClientDisplayTime = ServerTime + Adjustment 'Set String to ServerTime print ServerTime to DisplayTimeString h1 = TimePiece(hour, ServerTime) if h1 = 24 then h1 = 12 if h1 > 12 then  h2 = h1-12  ampm = "PM" else  h2 = h1  ampm = "AM" Endif print TimePiece(month, ServerTime);"/" ;~       TimePiece(dayofmonth, ServerTime);"/";~       TimePiece(year, ServerTime),~       h2;":"; ~       TimePiece(minute, ServerTime);":";~       TimePiece(second, ServerTime), ampm to DisplayTimeString2 ****************************