Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is the process for converting a Continuum Single User system to a Continuum LAN system. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum CyberStation ContinuumDB SQL Cause Site wants to upgrade from Continuum Single User system to a Continuum LAN System. Resolution PRELIMINARY WORK Order Continuum Key Upgrades from all Continuum CyberStation workstations and WebClient Servers. Coordinate with customers IT department Order all TCP/IP node addresses Coordinate the purchase and installation of all software Order all necessary domain accounts Make sure all domain accounts have sufficient permissions to support the installed systems. PREPARE THE NEW CONTINUUM DATABASE ON SQL SERVER Set up your server and install SQL Server 2005 or 2008. SQL must be configured with the proper collation sequence.  (See CyberStation SQL collation) SQL must allow Name Pipes (See After installing Continuum 1.93 LAN, failure to initialize a new database) Install CyberStation on a service Laptop or PC . Disable all virus protection software Disable all spyware software Disable all firewall software. Install Continuum CyberStation Run Database Initialization on service laptop Create new Continuum database..  NOTE: The new database should be given a name that differs from the existing database. Create the service Laptop workstation with a unique Device ID and Network ID. Launch Continuum Logon and verify that Continuum appears to be running normally. MOVE FILES FROM EXISTING SU WORKSTATION TO THE SQL 2008 SERVER Backup PinFiles on original stand alone Cyberstation and move them to New Graphics Files folder on the new database server. Backup Background image files on original stand alone Cyberstation and move them to the background image files folder under New Graphics Files on the new database server. Backup the existing database and move it to the backup folder under SQL on the new Database server. Restore backup to Continuum database in SQL on the new database server.. Shut down all the Cyberstation workstations that are attached to the old database. Change DB Owner Run query on new Continuum database Enter the text SP_ChangeDBOwner Andover97 Execute this query.   Query should return Success. Run Database initialization on the service CyberStation and update the new SQL 2008 Continuum database. Launch CyberStation on the service laptop and verify that the system is fully functional. Shut down service laptop. CONNECT EXISTING WORKSTION TO THE NEW DATABASE SERVER Startup Existing CyberStation PC Launch Database Initialization Under Server, Update the new Continuum database with the same information entered via the service laptop..  Under Workstation update the server information and apply. Launch Continuum. Configure Graphic File Location From Start Programs Continuum, run Pinpoint Under the View menu select Options. Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Graphic (Pin Files) Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Image files Enter the path on the new Continuum database server for the Background files Select Check and verify that no errors appear (Red X) Ideally uninstall SQL Express or MSDE or at least stop the service from running. Delete the Windows Scheduled tasks: CS_Distn, CS_Hrly, CS_ Minute as these are now performed by Jobs on the SQL server. Test all Continuum functionality. Setup a scheduled automatic db backup routine in SQL. Setup a scheduled trend log truncation routine in SQL.

Issue Sigma Web Graphics must be installed as an Administrator, but most users do not have these rights. Environment Sigma Sigma Web Server Cause As most network users do not have Admin rights, there is a need to install Sigma Web Graphics across the network. Resolution The following text has been provided by the Sigma programmers and should be understood by the IT professionals. First you need to create a response (answer) file Then play back the response (answer) file  in silent mode To review the InstallShield Setup Parameters.pdf, please Click Here.

Issue Is MNL-V2RV3-APP the actual controller hardware or is it an application for the actual physical controller? Environment I/A MicroNet LonMark series controllers. MNL-5RF3-APP, MNL-5RH3-APP, MNL-5RR3-APP, MNL-5RS3-APP, MNL-5RS4-APP MNL-10RF3-APP, MNL-10RH3-APP, MNL-10RR3-APP, MNL-10RS3-APP, MNL-10RS4-APP MNL-11-RF3-APP MNL-13-RF3-APP MNL-20RF3-APP, MNL-20RH3-APP, MNL-20RR3-APP, MNL-20RS3-APP, MNL-20RS4-APP MNL-V1RV3-APP, MNL-V2RV3-APP, MNL-V3RV3-APP Cause Part Number description Resolution The MNL-V2RV3 is the actual controller; the extension -APP is an option for factory to install customer's in-house engineered application. Contact Customer Service for details.

Issue As a last resort when a Cyberstation is offline or there are difficulties connecting to a database, it is necessary to change the Workstation Initialization fields using the Windows registry. Environment Continuum Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Partial objects in a database and registry entries occasionally get out of sync. Resolution Caution! Editing of the registry can be potentially dangerous, make sure someone who is familiar with using regedit completes this procedure. It is best to get a restore point of the Windows PC, if the version allows, prior to taking the following steps. Shutdown Cyberstation From Windows, Start> Run> Regedit Expand the hives(folders) to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Andover Controls Right Click on Andover Controls and select export, name the file and save. (This file can be used to restore the original settings of this branch) Expand the folder to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Andover Controls\Continuum\Settings Double click on Workstation Name (Change this to the name required Ex. WS1) Double click on Network Id and select decimal (Change value data to the number needed Ex. 192) Double click on Device Node Id and select decimal (Change value data to the number needed Ex. 192) Double click on Container Name (Change this to the name required Ex. WS1folder) Close Regedit Go into database initialization and select Workstation and you will now see those settings there. Go to the database tab and enter in the password for andover97 and click Ok. If the database initialization screen comes back(resolves to the database)with no errors, then this new instance of the Workstation was successfully created in the database. Launch Continuum Note: On a 64- bit system the registry location is slightly different. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WoW6432Node\Andover Controls\Continuum\Settings   Continuum queries to get some of the Workstation Initialization parameters (Comments in parenthesis are not part of the query) select  * from device  (Device is the table name, uiname is the column where the Workstation Name can be found) select * from container (Container is the table name, uiname is the column where the Folder Name can be found) select * from device (Device is the table name, networkid is the column where the Network ID can be found) Device ID is not available, but is often the same as the Network ID

Issue Require details on how to setup multiple inputs to popup the same camera window if any of them are true. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause Unsure how to setup program for multiple inputs to display video from one camera when any of them are set to true Resolution 1. Under Events | Event Filters create a new Event filter 2. On the Event Types tab untick "Include All Event types" and select the Add button  3. Browse for "All Input Events", select "Input <ZONE_NAME> Opened" and click OK 4. On the Records tab select the Add button, select Device Type "Input" and your Controller, then the inputs that you want to popup this video 5. Save the Event Filter 6. Under Events | Actions create a new Action 7. Select the Type "Popup Camera Window", select the Event Filter you created in step 1, select the camera you want 8. Save the changes and test the scenario.

Issue Wants to have LO-2 with external momentary input switch works with schedule object of Continuum. Such as, when the input is ON and the schedule is ON then the PE program turns the lighting output to ON. Environment NetController(CX99xx & CX9680) IOU module (LO-2) Cause LO-2 provides 2 inputs (the 2 Class II Low Voltage override inputs) for direct control of lighting relays but no input signals are not available on LO-2 or NetController.  Resolution Use other input IOU modules such as UI8 or DI8 for the lighting control switch input, and create a PE program to check the input together with the schedule numeric value before turning the lighting control output value to ON or OFF.

Issue Get the following error message when viewing a TGML graphic in Webstation:  Java-plugin 1.6.0_20 Använder JRE-version 1.6.0_20-b02 Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM Användarens hemkatalog = C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator ---------------------------------------------------- c:   töm systemfönster f:   slutför objekt i slutföringskö g:   skräpinsamling h:   visa det här hjälpmeddelandet l:   dumpa classloader-lista m:   skriv ut minnesförbrukning o:   utlösarloggning q:   dölj konsol r:   ladda policykonfiguration på nytt s:   dumpa system- och distributionsegenskaper t:   dumpa trådlista v:   dumpa trådstack x:   töm classloader-cache 0-5: ange spårningsnivån till ----------------------------------------------------  PostSender: Failed to create json object: request sent is includeHidden:true, tgmlId:, requestId:3211, path:objectId=715325441&, command:GetObject, includeViewType:true, includeAggregated:0, java.lang.NullPointerException             at java.lang.String.indexOf(Unknown Source)             at java.lang.String.indexOf(Unknown Source)             at SE.Graphics.communication.TgmlGetter.checkFileIfExistsAndNotModified(TgmlGetter.java:279)             at SE.Graphics.communication.TgmlGetter.readTgmlObject(TgmlGetter.java:374)             at SE.Graphics.viewer.TgmlJComponent.fetchTgmlStr(TgmlJComponent.java:127)             at SE.Graphics.viewer.TgmlJComponent.loadTgmlDocument(TgmlJComponent.java:108)             at SE.Graphics.viewer.TgmlApplet.init(TgmlApplet.java:104)             at sun.plugin2.applet.Plugin2Manager$AppletExecutionRunnable.run(Unknown Source)             at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source) Undantag: java.lang.NullPointerException or Unable to view TGML graphics in webstation. Get a blank screen with an error message from java console. Detected from bootclasspath: C:\PROGRA~1\Java\jre7\lib\deploy.jar Couldn't get Int parameter debuggingPort null returning 80 Couldn't get Int parameter minPollInterval null returning 500 @TgmlApplet#init object path is: objectId=1709965313&, server path: https://system.evalvomo.fi/webstation/active.tgml? key 0: ASP.NET_SessionId value 0: v30z342d1nj34zwcjm1a3agu Added cookie to result: ASP.NET_SessionId=v30z342d1nj34zwcjm1a3agu Proxy list:[DIRECT] proxy hosttype: DIRECT No Proxy for this hosttype - clearing proxy settings. executePost failed: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found proxy hosttype: DIRECT No Proxy for this hosttype - clearing proxy settings. executePost failed: HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found PostSender: Failed to create json object: request sent is includeHidden:true, tgmlId:, requestId:1734, path:objectId=1709965313&, command:GetObject, includeViewType Environment TAC Vista 5.1.X Windows 2003 server Cause The .tgml extension has for some reason not been registered in Internet Information Services. Resolution Confirm that the error is as described above Register the TGML extension Go to the Start Menu and select Run. Type INETMGR and click on OK - this will open the Internet Information Services (IIS) console. Locate the virtual directory Webstation (\Web Sites\Default web site\Webstation) and right click on it. Select Properties   Click on the Configuration button. Look for the .tgml extension in the dialogue Application Configuration that opens up, under the tab Mappings.   If the problem is as reported, .tgml should not appear in the list. Click on Add and add the .tgml extension. Click on OK on all the open dialogues and then restart IIS. Click on Edit  and verify the checkbox "Verify that file exists" is not checked. Restart webstation and confirm the TGML are now working.

Issue Unable to connect to a Xenta 527 or Xenta 527-NPR  with a newly installed computer on a Remote-Client Configuration Environment I/NET Xenta 527 Xenta 527-NPR Remote Client Site Cause Routing Table is not updated. Open I/NET Configuration Modify the Active configuration profile Click on the NPR button and the bottom of the screen Verify that the Xenta 527 or Xenta 527-NPR is not showing up in the listed NPR devices At the top of the screen click the checkbox for online devices and look for the NPR in the offline list If the device is not in either place then the Routing Table does not contain the address of the offline device Resolution Open I/NET Configuration Modify the Active configuration profile Add the IP address of the Router to the Reference Host list restart the I/O server Connect to the NPR using a web browser Modify the I/NET Configuration Add the IP address of the Workstation to the Reference Host list. Save and Restart the Xenta device Wait 2-3 minutes for the Xenta device to boot up Connect to the router in I/NET

Issue Modbus slave device only supports function code 10 hex/16 dec for writing of holding registers. Environment Xenta 913 Xenta 701/711/721/731 Xenta 511/527 Cause In system program 5.1.4 a trigger was added to the Xenta Server software that enables the device to use only the Multi-Register function code. This command is executed from the console port or from the VXI web shell command webpage. VX M 1 = Enable Multi-Register write VX M 0 = Disable Multi-Register write VX M = Display current status of the trigger Note: This setting is persistent on the unit until the firmware has been reloaded. If the unit is upgraded the setting will need to be reapplied. Resolution Log In to the webpage of the Xenta Server Access the Utilities\Target System\VXI Web Shell Commands webpage. Issue a "VX M" command to display the current status. Issue a "VX M 1" to enable the multi register write command option. Some of the Xenta Servers with recent Modbus support do not have the VXI web shell commands web page and the console will need to be used instead. The VXI web shell commands web page should be available in firmware 5.1.6.

Issue Operating Systems and SQL Supported in I/NET Seven 2.40, 2.40A, and 2.41 Environment Windows Server 2003 w/ SP1 Windows XP Professional w/ SP3 Windows Vista Enterprise w/ SP1 Windows 7 Professional 32-bit SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine(MSDE 2000) SP4 SQL Server 2000 Standard SQL Server 2000 Enterprise SQL Server 2005 Express SP3 SQL Server 2005 Standard SP3 SQL Server 2005 Enterprise SP3 SQL Server 2008 Express (32-bit) SQL Server 2008 Standard (32-bit) Cause Issues may arrive if the I/NET software and SQL Server versions do not follow the below guidelines. Resolution  Click here to download this document in PDF format.     Operating Systems     Windows Server 2003 w/ SP1  Windows XP Professional w/ SP3  Windows Vista Enterprise w/ SP1  Windows 7 Professional 32-bit  SQL Server  SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE2000) SP4   Yes   Yes       SQL Server 2000 Standard   Yes         SQL Server 2000 Enterprise   Yes         SQL Server 2005 Express SP3   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   SQL Server 2005 Standard SP3   Yes   Yes   Yes   Yes   SQL Server 2005 Enterprise SP3   Yes         SQL Server 2008 Express (32-bit)         Yes   SQL Server 2008 Standard (32-bit)         Yes  General Notes: Do not mix versions of SQL server among equalized or client/server workstations in your TAC I/NET Seven system. Ensure that the edition of SQL server installed on each workstation used in a client/server or equalized setting are based on the same version of Microsoft SQL, either 2000, 2005, or 2008. It is strongly recommended that you defragment the PC's hard drives on a regular basis. Severely fragmented hard drives can cause poor system performance and in some cases can introduce data errors. The use of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard or Enterprise edition, or any edition of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will require that the PC have at least 2 GB of RAM. Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008 Express Edition cannot be used on a TAC I/NET Seven filemaster.

Issue What X Drivers are available? Environment All Continuum controllers that support X Drivers (XDrivers) 3rd Party interfaces Cause How to find out what standard X Drivers are available to integrate with Continuum controllers. Resolution The Third Party Communicates Interface and Protocol Brochure can be found on The Exchange Download Center that lists all available X Drivers and product compatibility. Also all of these listed drivers are available for download from The Exchange Download Center here for use on X Driver enabled controllers. Should a new driver development be required, or other special interface; then you can contact the team that develop X Drivers: Adam.Summers@Schneider-Electric.com You will need to provide protocol details if you require a quotation.

Issue Doing a Niagara G3 integration with a Modbus controller from ASCO Power Technologies.  What type of Niagara object is required to read register 40158?  Click here to view Modbus Register Map Environment Niagara G3 ENC-520 ASCO Power Technologies controller Cause Cannot identify what type of object is needed. Resolution The number appears to be an enumerated value (1-22) and is a read-only integer. Use a Numeric Point.

Issue Webclient fails to send alarm events (using Outlook). This happens every few days. The Windows event viewer on the IIS (Webclient) server has a few errors happening at the same time. Errors include Continuum losing connection to the database and going into 'no database mode'. Then it restores the connection after few minutes. At almost the same time an error occurs related to 'accdataservices.exe'. Also, an error occurs indicating that Outlook has failed to communicate with the exchange server. Environment Webclient v1.74, v1.81, v1.82, v1.90 MS Outlook MS Exchange Cause Continuum will randomly stop sending emails for alarms that are configured to send emails. Manually sending of emails from Outlook still works but CyberStation will not send out the message. There are no Outlook errors posted in the Windows Event Viewer and there are no Cyberstation error messages related to email. Resolution There are hotfixes, for some of the above versions, to fix this issue.  Contact Product Support Services if you need these hotfixes. Note: Versions 1.91 and higher have the updated code. 

Issue Creating a Listview/Report to show all the personnel objects which have access to a given area.   Product Line Andover Continuum   Environment CyberStation   Cause Reports can be used to do a security audit of which individuals have access to certain Areas in a building.   Resolution Create a Listview object In the class field select AreaLink Add columns for PersonID and AreaID (Add any other column as needed) In the Qualifier tab enter the following qualifier: AreaID Is XXX Id where XXX = full path to area Example: AreaId is Root\AreaFolder\Lobby Id **NOTE Use folder\area aliases ONLY in the qualifier, do not use names. Save and run the Listview.  The Listview should show all Personnel objects that have the Area specified by AreaID in their Area list. To generate actual Report Object from the list view see How to create a Report from a Listview.

Issue Can Inovonics wireless equipment be used with Xenta Servers? Environment Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 555, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 Cause The Inovonics Frequency Agile product line which is compatible with the Xenta Server driver is being obsoleted by the manufacturer Inovonics at the end of 2011. Resolution If you have existing devices installed in the field then they should continue to work and function. New installations should explore other options for wireless sensors due to unavailability from the manufacturer. The ability to add a RS232 wireless Inovonics interface was removed from XBuilder beginning in version 5.1.8.

Issue Trying to add B3 controllers to BCX and they are not coming online. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX 4040 Continuum 1.9X B3XXX  controllers Cause BacNet wiring can not be in a star configuration. There can not be more than two terminating 120 Ohm resistors. Resolution The Bus must be wired in series with end line 120 Ohm resistors. Install a B-Link if the bus path cannot be wired in series. Please see the BacNet Technical Reference manual for wiring examples.

Issue If the PC is shut down or rebooted, Vista Server can be configured to run automatically on startup of the PC. This is not the same as running Vista Server as a service (for information on that, please see Registering/Unregistering TAC Vista Server as a Windows service). The server still runs as an application, but starts once at Windows Startup. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Microsoft Windows Vista Server Cause In the event of a power loss or reboot, the Vista Server will start automatically for the user, which enables trending and event logging, without requiring a manual start of the application. Resolution These instructions are tailored to the Windows 7 environment, but the process is very similar in all Windows versions (add a shortcut to the application to the Windows Startup folder): Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Vista 5.1.X In that folder, locate Tacos.exe Right-click on Tacos.exe and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) This will place a shortcut on the desktop to be used in a later step. Click on Start > All Programs Locate the folder called Startup Right-click on Startup and select Open all users This will open a Windows Explorer window to the appropriate folder Drag and drop the Tacos.exe shortcut from the Desktop to this folder

Issue Running an ActivityEvent ListView with filter longer than one week (example - One MonthToNow).  Listview returns 13621 events. When trying to page down the list,  CyberStation locks up. There are 3 popup windows that occur in this order: Error: Continuum has detected an internal error. If you continue experiencing problem, it is recommended that you shutdown and restart Continuum. Reason Code: 4 ListView: It is illegal to call out while inside message filter. CONTIN~1: The RPC Server is unavailable. At this point CyberStation must be shut down via ContinuumProcesses.exe and then restarted. Environment CyberStation v. 1.81 Windows XP   Cause RPC error occurs and CyberStation locks up when running a large listview. Resolution Increase Windows virtual memory for the workstation from the default value (set by Windows) to a custom size. The "Initial Size (MB)" should be set to a minimum of 1000MB (per the CyberStation Installation Guide). For fastest performance do not set the Maximum Size (MB) to more than the amount of RAM. This will avoid using the hard disk for the virtual memory and RAM is faster than disk drives. If necessary to run the task, increase this setting beyond the amount of RAM. To change the virtual memory settings open Control Panel. Then System>>Advanced tab>>Performance Settings>>Advanced tab>> Virtual Memory Change.

Issue How to determine if SU (single-user), LAN, or WEBC (WebClient) license keys are required for your project. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum WebClient Cause The Engineer is unsure as to which Continuum License Keys are required for a new site or if additional Cyberstations or WebClient users can be added to an existing site. Resolution Depending on how large your system is and how many Cyberstations are required, you will have one of the four system configurations described below: A stand-alone system, which is comprised of up to three (3) PCs; (PC 1) Requires a SU key allowing SQL Express + Continuum. (PC 2) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum. (PC 3) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum. Note1: When changing from a LAN configuration to a SU configuration, an existing LAN key can be used in place of having to purchase a new SU key.) A stand-alone system with WebClient, which is comprised of up to three (3) PCs; (PC 1) Requires a SU key with WC1 or WC2 option allowing SQL Express + Continuum + one or two WebClient browser users. (PC 2) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum or no key allowing WebClient browser user connection. (PC 3) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum or no key allowing WebClient browser user connection. Note2:  In a stand-alone system there can be a maximum of 3 client connections; 3 Cyberstations OR 2 Cyberstations and 1 WebClient OR 1 Cyberstation and 2 WebClients. Note3:  When using this option of having WebClient running on the same system as the Cyberstation and SQL Server, make sure that the system has enough resources to adequately support these resource-hungry processes. A LAN system, which can be comprised of many PC's; (PC 1) No key required. Allows SQL Server only. In a LAN environment the Continuum Cyberstation is not installed on the same PC where SQL Server is installed). (PC 2) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum (PC 3) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum (PC 4) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum (PC 5) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum etc... A LAN system with WebClient, which can be comprised of many PC's; (PC 1) No key required. Allows SQL Server only. In a LAN environment, the Continuum Cyberstation is not installed on the same PC where SQL Server is installed. (PC 2) Requires WEBC key allowing WebClient on dedicated IIS server (up to 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 WebClient user(s) licenses available). (PC 3) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum (PC 4) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum (PC 5) Requires LAN key allowing Continuum etc... Note4:  An SU key cannot be used in a LAN system as it does not allow a remote SQL connection. To connect to a remote SQL Server a LAN key is required.)   For more information on Cyberstation License Key part numbers and the different options available for these keys, see "CyberStation & web.Client v2.0 PA-00353" or similar on ExchangeOnline.

Issue It is unclear how to unlock a door from a graphic. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment V2   Hosted Instance & Premise Install See Premise Installs on Windows OS for supported Windows OS Cause In order to unlock a door from a graphic, the door reader must first be added to that graphic. Resolution To add a door reader to a graphic, do the following: From the “General Configuration” tab navigate to “Floorplans” and select the correct floorplan, then go to the hardware tab. Add the appropriate reader by clicking the green +, then drag it to the correct location on the floorplan graphic. Save the change to the floorplan graphic. From the “Access Control” tab navigate back to the newly updated floor plan. Now you can right-click on the reader and select “Unlock”. This will unlock the corresponding door.