Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Some attributes used within Continuum PE programs on b3/i2 controllers are no longer appropriate with EBO Script programming Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 Infinet Building Operation Server Script Programming Cause Some attributes used within Continuum PE programs on b3/i2 controllers are no longer appropriate or cannot be used with EBO Resolution An example of this would be the ElecValue attribute for an input or output. This can be used within the Conversion field of an input but cannot be used within a Script Program or Script Function. The Continuum example PE program for an STR502 or STR504 includes the line "If STR5xx ElecValue <= 0 then Return Upper" The correct result can be obtained within SmartStruxure by dropping the "ElecValue", so "If STR5xx <= 0 then Return Upper" Then ensure the STR5xx analog input is a Voltage type with no conversion configured. Note: The ElecValue keyword can still be used in the Conversion line of an Analog Inputs (e.g. for Counter input scaling). Some other Attributes not supported in Script Programming are: Size LogType

Issue A space temperature sensor is not reading correctly on a MicroSmart controller (Model # MSC-P-1504).  The type of sensor is not known due to its remote location.  What are the possible values for the SCALE, OFSET, and CVTYP elements? Environment MicroSmart MSC-P-1500 line of controllers Cause Trying to determine the type of sensor installed so a spare sensor can be brought for the service call. Resolution The different combinations of SCALE, OFSET, and CVTYP can narrow down the type of sensor installed (i.e. RTD, voltage, or current).  The exact model cannot be identified remotely.  See page Table 6 on page 17 of the Installation Guide for this controller family.

Issue A new computer has been configured as an InVue Client computer.  In Viewer, when displaying a typical graphic screen, the dynamic values for each OCX is replaced with the words "Access is Denied". What causes this message and how can it be corrected? Environment InVue Wonderware for Intelligent Buildings (WIB) Cause Primarily a Windows permissions issue or incomplete communications setup. Resolution Try each of the following to correct the problem: Make sure DCOM is enabled (Start -> Run -> dcomcnfg) and running on both the client and server computers. Use "telnet" command to see if port 135 is open and available for DCOM. Use dcomcnfg.exe to modify its settings: On Default Properties tab, verify that "Enable Distributed COM" is checked, default authentication level is "Connect" and Default impersonation level is "Identify" On Default Security tab, Default Launch Permissions - click Edit ... button, verify that the Administrators group is shown and has "Allow Launch" permission" On Default Security tab, Default Configuration Permissions - click Edit ... button, verify that the Administrators group is shown and has "Full Control" permission" Windows login account for the client pc must exist on the server as well -- same username and password -- administrative privileges mandatory Ensure wwuser.exe (factorysuite/common folder) reflects the local computer name and administrative user account Re-do the DDE Shares as outlined in Tech Bulletin 02-26 on the client computer. Turn off any firewall and disable/remove anti-virus / anti-spam program or service.

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 What is the startup process for i2 and b3 controllers. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment i2 Infinet controllers b3 BACnet MS/TP controllers Cause Startup and battery/ flash backup information required. Resolution On start-up an i2 or b3 controller will try to restart from the RAM if it contains valid data, programs continue from the last line, point values and logged data & alarms are retained. If the RAM checksum is not valid or the RAM backup battery is not connected (tag not removed) then it will try to do a Cool Start, copying over the Flash memory to RAM and starting all programs from the first line. Logged data, current values and alarm status is lost. You can check the validity of the flash memory using the ACCLastBackup and ACCStatusBackup, these should give the time/date of the last backup to flash and its current status e.g. backup valid or backup required. Otherwise if there is no valid flash the controller will cold start and require a reload from Cyberstation.

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 How do I configure outbound email to satisfy a hosting service that requires SSL/TLS Product Line TAC IA Series Environment ENC-410 ENC-520 JACE-2 Cause Many SMTP(email) host no longer except non-secure email for transmission.  They require, at minimum, SSLv3 inbound messages. Resolution The devices mentioned in the "Environment" section all use the IBM J9 Java Virtual Machine and can not be configured for the minimum secure socket the hosts require.  You must upgrade this hardware if you want to use one of these secure SMTP Host providers. If you are unsure of the JVM on the device, look at the Platform of the device.; The Jace 6E/645 and the Jace 8000 use the Oracle-Sun HotSpot JVM and meet the requirements. ENC 520 (J404) unsupported SSL/TLS Jace 6E-645 Supported TLS using the Oracle-Sun Hotspot JVM Jace 8000 Supported TLS using the Oracle-Sun Hotspot JVM

Issue Power Monitoring Expert (PME) is able to make its data objects and alarms visible to EBO via EcoStruxure Web Services (EWS). But when viewed, the Alarms from these EWS objects only shows a number rather than its actual object name in PME. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server EWS Integration Cause There are two stages to bringing data via EWS into EBO.  The first is to create the EWS interface in EBO so that the EWS source (in this case PME) can be discovered.  However, if those discovered EWS objects are not then hosted in EBO, the Alarm Source details will be not complete. Resolution 1. First Identify an object in PME which is also in Alarm and will also be Alarming in EBO when hosted. The date and time of the actual Last Occurrence can be useful here. 2. Notice that the Source name and Source of the same Alarm in EBO is only a number. In this case 3 or EWS Client/3. 3. Now select Host EWS objects from the EBO Menu and host that point or controller onto the EWS interface 4. Note now that all Alarm references previously showing just a number now immediately update with the correct Source name and Source now that the point has been hosted in the EBO Database.  In this case PDU_2B_1_6A_ION9200 Note:At this point it would be very easy to simply decide to Host the entire PME Server onto the EBO Interface rather than a single object or controller as this would then update the sources of all alarmed objects.  However care must be taken that at this point not to overload the system.  Every hosted object will then be polled for value and alarm status periodically adding greatly to the comms between the PME and EBO systems and while the polling rate for Value and Alarm can be adjusted to sensible values there is an argument to only host those EWS objects that data is required from.

Issue While moving a SmartX Controller from one AS-P to another, there is an error stating "The following devices appear to be hosted by another server. In order to host them, you must first right click the device and select 'Clear host information' ".   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Building Operation IP-IO Building Operation Room Controller Cause SmartX controllers can only be hosted by one automation server at a time. Resolution Use the Device Discovery tab in the AS-P Once the MP is found, right-click on the device Select clear host information    

Issue Graphics not working in Webstation. Only the menu bar is shown. Some graphics might work. The graphics are working fine in the Workstation and in the editor. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation TGML Cause Some images (PNG, JPEG, BMP) can have wrong information in the image file. In some cases, this corrupted image information will block the graphic from being rendered in Webstation although it works fine in the editor and in Workstation. Resolution Make a copy of a graphic that is not working and delete all the images in the graphic. If the graphic can now be viewed in Webstation, delete the images one at a time viewing the graphic in Webstation after each save.  This will allow the location of the image(s) having the issue. Open the image in a graphics editor such as PaintBrush and save it with a new name. Import the new image and save the graphic. Check that the graphic can be viewed in Webstation Another option to easier find the file image having the issue, is to extract the images from a graphic that is not working in Webstation with the "TGML Image Extract" tool, and run all the images through an image checker, such as "Bad Peggy" or "Corrupt JPEG Checker"

Issue What are the main differences between Continuum v1.94 SP1 and Continuum v2.0? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum v2.0 Cause Required a quick list of differences between the versions of Continuum to evaluate if a site upgrade to v2.0 was beneficial. Resolution The main features that Continuum v2.0 has over v1.94 are listed below. Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 32 bit support SQL Server 2012  Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 32 bit support Software licensing Support. See Software Licensing for Continuum 2.0 and StruxureWare Solution. Email SMTP Support. See SMTP Email Alarm Configuration in Continuum 2.0. Extended Custom Wiegand Card* (ACX Series Only). See Extended Custom Wiegand features available for ACX57xx controller released in V2.0. Support for new door attribute 'ValidAttempt' see New Door attribute 'Valid Attempt' added in Cyberstation 2.0 for more information. You can also find more details in the v2.0 Feature Blast. And further information on Continuum v2.0 with the links in Continuum 2.0 Product Announcement, Feature Blast, Compatibility Matrix and Installation Guides.

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 Mobile Apps for Access Expert Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert site desiring the use of modern technology Cause Unable to find or know where to look for the Mobile Apps for Access Expert Resolution Based on the version of software using Version 2 (V2) or Version 3 (3) the apps are different for each, so please understand the differences. These can be downloaded from the app store on iOS devices.  For Version 2, there are three Mobile Apps depending on what is needed by the client, these are: Go to the App Store, click on Search and enter Keep and download the following apps Keep Monitor - which monitors what is taking place like the events on the system Keep Notify - which notifies the user via emails and texts if there is an Alarm that has been generated Keep Personnel - where existing users can be verified or picture updated etc For Version 3, there is only one Mobile App called Keep Mobile, this gives a general oversight of the system and what is going on with it. Go to the App Store, click on Search and enter Keep and download the following app Keep Mobile - which gives you the ability to see all users, events and Hardware that are configured on the system

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 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 Generating a Menta application results in the following error if the maximum number of Menta blocks is exceeded in the application: TAM32 The maximum number of Alarm blocks is exceeded in the application. The problem must be solved before the application can be generated. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Menta Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 281, 282, 283, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause Generating a Menta application results in an error if the maximum number of Menta blocks is exceeded in the application. Resolution There can be no more than 127 alarm blocks in a Menta application.

Issue Is there a difference between the IDisc wand for I/NET 4.xx and I/NET 1.xx or 2.xx systems? Environment I/NET Site Cause Is there a difference between the IDisc wand for I/NET 4.xx and I/NET 1.xx or 2.xx systems? Resolution Yes, there is a difference. In the I/NET 4.xx system, the Dongle (the Gray plug) is a 25-pin connector. This connector also contains a circuit board that is only compatible with I/NET 4.xx. In the I/NET 1.xx and 2.xx systems, the Dongle is a 9-pin connector. This also contains a circuit board that is only compatible with I/NET 1.xx and 2.xx systems.

Issue There is no specific entry in the Purchase WorkPlace Tech Software program license list for the Commissioning Tool.  What license do I order to be able to use this software? Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool 5.x Commissioning Tool software Cause Customer has purchased the WPT5.8 software and is installing only the Flow Balance and Commissioning Tool software on their facilities notebook computer.   What product code do they use to purchase a license for the Commissioning Tool?  Flow Balance does not need to be licensed. Resolution The WorkPlace Tech Tool "Commissioning Tool" software uses the WorkPlace Tech Tool (WP-TECH-xxx) license.

Issue No documentation available through regular sources. Environment GV Air flow Sensor: 63 mm 5515010063 80 mm 5515010080 100 mm 5515010100 125 mm 5515010125 160 mm 5515010160 200 mm 5515010200 250 mm 5515010250 315 mm 5515010315 400 mm 5515010400 Cause Hard to find documentation on these sensors Resolution Data sheet is available here. Mounting instructions here.

Issue Request to exit motion sensor seems to be causing nuisance alarms. Environment CyberStation, ACX family, AC1 family, REX motion sensor  Cause Even though the exit request variable is "On" in the door object, if the door opens and closes more than once, a forced entry alarm is created. This causes issues when the REX motion never turns off and multiple users exit the door. Resolution In Continuum controller firmware once the door is closed and locked a change of state of the REX input is required to keep the alarm shunted. To simulate this, trigger the REX motion detector and then open the door while it is unlocked. The door relocks 1 second after opening. If the door REX signal goes OFF and then ON again, the door unlocks. If, while the door is unlocked, the REX signal goes OFF and ON and OFF and ON the door can be opened and closed with no forced entry OR it can remain open and no door ajar will occur. The same is true if you do not check 'unlock on exit request' - it's just harder to test because you cannot watch the REX signal as easy as the unlock output. The key to avoiding the nuisance forced entry alarms is to let the REX motion sensor cycle quickly - have it turn on and then off after 1/2 to 1 second. The forced entry alarm will be shunted until the door relocks. Then if there is still motion at the sensor the REX will come on again and the controller will continue to shunt the alarm.