Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue In a Vista system how do you get alarm sounds on only selected alarms Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.x.x Cause It is not clearly defined how to associate alarm sounds to a specific set of alarms. Resolution To add alarm sounds to specific alarms in Vista follow these steps. Locate the alarms that are required to sound and alarm at the PC. Set a unique ID that will be able to be filtered on. A good example would be use a unique alarm priority. Priority 7 has been used in this example. Add a new Alarm Viewer in Your Vista  Database. Right click on the new Alarm Viewer and select properties then select the Alarm Priorities tab. Add the priority 7 to the viewer. This will allow only alarms with priority 7 to be displayed in this viewer.   Then set that Alarm Viewer to sound on an alarm. In the new Alarm Viewer right click in the alarm area and select customize. Then select the Miscellaneous tab and check the Alarm Buzzer option. This will result in a new alarm viewer that only receives priority 7 alarms and will trigger the alarm buzzer when an alarm is received. This Alarm Viewer will need to be added to the program settings of the user. To change the alarm sound use the Window's Sound option (found in Control Panel) and locate the Vista alarm sound. You can then browse to a new sound if required. A tool has been developed to streamline this process: TAC Vista Alarm Notifier

Issue What mode must a LoyTec L-IP be configured to work with EcoStruxure Building Operation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Loytec L-IP Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause The operating mode limits the capabilities of the LoyTec L-IP when used with an Enterprise Server Resolution Smart Switch Mode Ensure that the LoyTec L-IP is in Smart Switch mode. This is achieved by using the DIP switch settings for switches 1 and 2 in the ON position.     Reset Forwarding Tables Press the status button for at least 20 seconds. This will clear the forwarding group, the subnet/node forwarding, and the router domain table when used in smart switch mode. Important: If the L-IP is operated in smart switch mode and is moved from one location to another or if major changes to the configuration of the network are made, it is recommended to reset the L-IP forwarding tables Important: Wait at least 30 seconds after power-up of the L-IP before pressing the Status Button to ensure that the L-IP has booted properly!     For additional detail please reference the LoyTec L-IP user manual.

Issue Need to protect Continuum Workstations from Virus and Malware threats. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Workstation Cause There are many Anti Virus applications on the market, how to choose which one to use on a Continuum Workstation machine. Resolution We do not qualify any specific Anti Virus applications or definitions for use with Continuum software. You can use whatever Anti Virus you want on the machine Continuum is installed on as long as Continuum was installed when that Anti Virus was disabled as this can hinder files from being copied, dll's from being registered, and registry entries from being created / modified. If there are conflicts with Continuum and the specific Anti Virus application being used, you may need to add the Continuum folder and / or the Continuum processes to the exclusion lists. For details on specific environments that have been qualified with Continuum see Software and Firmware compatibility matrix for older versions of the traditional product lines.

Issue How to find a Vista 5 dongle ID if it has rubbed off of the dongle. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5 Windows Command Window Cause The Dongle ID is required for locking TAC Vista licenses to a site dongle. Normally, the dongle ID can be found on the side of a Vista 5 licensing dongle. However, on older dongles, this number can rub off.  It is still possible to extract the dongle ID using the GetTACHLInfo.exe dongle utility software. Resolution On the Start menu, click Run. In the Run dialog box, type cmd Click OK. In the dialog box, go to the folder C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\License Server (as default) NOTE: for TAC Vista 5.1.3 and prior, go to the folder C:\Program Files\TAC\License Server. Use command "cd.." for going to the parent directory and command "cd folderPath" for going to a child directory. Can also view items in the current directory by typing "dir". In the dialog box, type GetTACHLInfo (or GetTACHLInfo.exe) and press Return. The dongle ID is listed after "TAC_HL_ID=". Read Find a Vista IV dongle ID (PSU ID) for how to find Vista IV dongle ID.

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 BASEDON keyword and Plain English Programming BASEDON key word fail Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site with up to release 1.3 Cause Below is a sample program which uses the BASEDON keyword. Also, here are the steps to use that program: Create script program using keyword BASEDON (Below) Create an input and output for the program (below program that is EntreeBase and SortieBase) Set the input Entreebase to 1,2,3,4,5 and program errors out. Set input to 6 and program runs   Numeric Input EntreeBase Numeric Output SortieBase Line Debut basedon Entreebase goto 1,2,3,4,5 goto 6 Line 1 SortieBase=1 goto Suite Line 2 SortieBase=2 goto Suite Line 3 SortieBase=3 goto Suite Line 4 SortieBase=4 goto Suite Line 5 SortieBase=5 goto Suite Line 6 Sortiebase=6 goto suite Line suite if sortiebase<1 then Sortiebase=20 if ts<5 then goto suite else goto Debut Line E Sortiebase=10 goto Suite  Resolution BASEDON keyword has been submitted as an issue and expected to be corrected in a future release.

Issue With triac digital outputs, such as those in the i2866-V, what is the fastest they can switched for Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) applications? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum controllers with triac digital outputs. Cause Require information on using triac outputs for Pulse Width Modulation control. Concerns over minimum pulse times and frequent switching. Resolution The triac outputs on some Continuum controllers (such as the i2866-V) will be able to perform pulse width modulation from a minimum of 0.1s pulses. As apposed to relays, outputs using triac's have negligible wear and tear during extended use. Switching the outputs frequently, such as once a second, should not cause any premature failure issues.  Further data on the triac outputs on the i2866-V: Specification sheet Installation Guide for wiring details. i2 Technical Reference Manual

Issue Provide the information required to support ProView for LON with Niagara G3 and N4 Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 (3.5.34 or higher) I/A Series Niagara N4 (4.1.27.20 or higher) ProView for LON (MNL-PROV-WAL) Cause Required files for configuring the ProView for LON display with G3 and N4. Resolution Support for ProView for LON with I/A Series G3 and N4 requires the download and installation of the Distech Controls EC-NET-AX Support Package and EC-Display Configuration files.  Those files are available for download from The Exchange Download Center. Download the following files. BCS Distech Controls EC-Display Configuration v3.4.369 Setup.zip Distech Controls EC-NET AX Support Pack v4.4.17198.1 Setup.zip Unzip the files and run the executables to install the Distech Controls EC-NET-AX Support Package and Distech Controls EC-Display Configuration files. Follow the instructions to install the version(s) required. Install the Distech distribution file into the ENC (if required) using the platform distribution installer. The distribution file will be located in the Distech Controls Files directory added to G3 or N4 during the installation process. Open the distechControls palette (LonWorks - Services container) and add the LonWorksWizardService to the Services. Open the Drivers - ConfigurableControllers container and add the EcDis210 device object to the LonNetwork. Commission the ProView device using the LON Device Manager. Right-click on the EcDis210 and select Views - Ec Dis Wizard to test the wizard connection and launch the display wizard.

Issue In some situations, netcontrollers including BCX,CX, and ACX controllers will go offline when doing "teach" and then go back online after a couple of minutes. When reloading the controller, during the period of "teach", controllers go offline. Controller is online with Cyberstation but goes offline during the reload, reloading by class (Numerics, inputs etc) works fine. Environment Cyberstation 1.90~1.93 Windows XP sp3, Windows 7 professional. Cause 1. Some offline cyberstation has same IP address or Network ID as the cyberstation which you are doing the "teach" 2. Also caused by Cyberstation configured for DHCP instead of static ip address Resolution SOLUTION  1: Get rid off the offline cyberstation in the system, or modify ID address and Network ID of your cyberstation. Restart Continuum SOLUTION 2: Assign static IP address to the Cyberstation.

Issue Where are the reports of fixed issues/bugs for the various product lines located? Product Line TAC Vista, TAC INET, Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert, Access Expert, Security Expert Environment Technical Product Announcements Cause TPAs contain information of changes made per version of the different product lines. A TPA may report enhancements and/or broken functionality. Resolution Navigate to Exchange Extranet to view all TAC Vista documents tagged as TPA. The documents will be listed in reverse chronological order. Log in to view these documents. See Register for The Exchange Download Center for more information on registration.

Issue How to program software for Automatic Windows Environment BAS SIGMA Cause Windows are open and close type, but the requirement is for the Windows to modulate. Resolution The windows can be modulated but only in fixed stages. The window travel time needs to be known from fully closed to fully open and vice-versa. Open and close should be equal time. The example below is for automatic windows in a classroom where the teacher could override the windows open or closed, along with the other interlocks e.g. wind direction and rain. Click here for the word document or here for the pdf containing the objects that are required to achieve this.

Issue Importing a .CSV file into Access Expert gives the following error: Product Line Access Expert Environment .CSV File Cause During the import the Excel doc holds the file open and causes a sharing violation in Access Expert. Resolution Close the Excel .CSV file during the import. This will happen with the sample file from Access Expert or one created manually with the appropriate fields.

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 Do Xenta controllers support PT100/PT1000 sensors for measuring the temperature? Environment Xenta Controller TAC Menta PT100/PT1000 Temperature sensors Cause Requirement to measure the temperature using PT100/PT1000 Temperature sensors. Resolution PT100/PT1000 sensors are not supported within any of the Xenta controllers.  The following is a method to achieve this using Menta: When using PT100/PT1000 to connect to a thermistor input, Menta Logic is required to add a polynom using the expression block. It is also strongly recommended to implement some calibration software in Menta to allow for fluctuations in resistance for every input that PT100/PT1000 is connected to. If a sensor is replaced / changed, re-calibration will be required. Sample experiment results and Menta Logic's are available here.

Issue It is possible to browse and bind the public signals while working on MTA files on your hard drive, however this has repeatedly led to problems when downloaded due to differences in controller names between the MTA file and the controller name in the Vista database. Environment TAC Menta TAC Network Variables Xenta programmable controllers Cause Waiting until the application is imported into the network will allow the Vista database to automatically provide you with the correct controller name to the public signal you are wanting to use. You will have a database browse window rather then a file select window which is your indication that you are doing this the correct way. This method to reduces the chance of operator error. Resolution While generating your Menta application, do not set the Network Address while binding Inputs to the Network Variable option Complete the other parts of the application and import the .mta to the Vista Database using the System Plug In. Once the application has been incorporated in the Vista database you can then edit the application and browse the Network Address of the Input.

Issue After having discovered a b3 device attempting to download results in a failure. Error details show device as being offline. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Automation Server with b3 device on BACnet MSTP network Cause This issue can be caused by a missing serial number for the device. Resolution Check to see that the serial number of the device is set. This can be viewed by right-clicking the device and selecting Properties and then going to the Advanced tab. By default, the serial number is part of the Object ID and the BACnet name. You can extract the numeric portion then paste it into the Serial number field and then try to download again. The serial number can also be found on the tag on the device itself.

Issue Definition clarifications for Thermistor Type in Technical Reference Guide for StruxureWare Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation site with Thermistor temp sensors Cause In the image below of the technical reference guide for StruxureWare Building Operation on page 3164 the accuracy of the supported thermistors seems to be difficult to decipher or at least very hard to figure out what accuracy goes to what thermistor type. The issue is the input specifications does not clearly separate the Thermistor type (Continuum, I/NET, etc) with the accuracy. If there was a line or something to separate the accuracy definitions from each other that would help. What defines one set of values from the next? The ending of the parenthesis defines the end of the information for each sensor type, but this is not clear.  Resolution A defect has been recorded and it has been requested that in the next release of the Technical Reference Guide for StruxureWare Building Operation, this be corrected and offer clarification as to the accuracy with a Hard Return. The lines are actually separated by the end of the parenthesis, but this is difficult to decipher.  

Issue What SNVT_temp_p value in the AS local node is required to force an MNL controller to fallback to a Not Active (NA) condition?  The AS station is configured to use degrees Fahrenheit and standard SNVT_temp_p definition uses degrees Celsius. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Cause SNVT_temp_p is defined by the standard as a degrees Celsius temperature with a range of - 273.17 to + 327.66 Deg C (0.01 Deg C).  A value of 327.67 Deg C (0x7FFF) will cause the MNL controller to fallback to an NA condition.  The AS station is configured to use degrees Fahrenheit the value must be entered in Deg F. Resolution Sending a Not Active (NA) To write SNVT values, one is to write from programming logic to the local node out of the mirrored network variable to the controller SNVT.  Example: Mirrored variable, local node -> Vav??? -> nvoSetpoint, writes to VAV??? nviSetpoint [MNL-V2RV3] Go to the local node Find the nvoSetpoint Expand to Temperature value Right-click and select Properties Under Basic tab, General Information Section, Limit Section, locate the Invalid value Use the following value for NA in your programming [for SNVT_temp_p it is 621.81]

Issue An error occurred while installing DSS: MSDTC The content of the dialog box or windows event entry starts with: System.EnterpriseServices.RegistrationException: Unable to open COM+ 1.0 catalog to configure components. ----> System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x8004E00F): COM+ was unable to talk to the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Installation DSS Cause This happens when there is a problem with Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MDTC) Resolution Go to Control Panel Administrative Tools – Services Check if MSDTC in running as a Service. The name that you should see in the service list is 'Distributed Transaction Coordinator' Make sure that this is Started, Automatic, Network Service (for XP and Win2003) Here is how to install it if it is not already running: Open cmd prompt Navigate to C:\Windows\%windir% Type "msdtc -install" which installs Msdtc. The service now appears under the 'Services' area. After installing follow the steps in Microsoft Technical Bulletin.

Issue Values sent from a 102-AX via SNVT bindings are not making it to the receiving controller. Viewing the outbound SNVT on the 102-AX shows a value, but the inbound SNVT on another controller is invalid or a default value. Product Line TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Xenta 102-AX LNS SNVT bindings LonMaker NL220 Cause The Node Configuration parameters are set with a send heartbeat of 0 seconds, which tells the controller to never send an update on the output SNVT.  All 102-AXs come with a default send heartbeat of 0 seconds, so for them to function in an LNS network where they must send data to another controller, the send heartbeat must be set to something greater than 0 seconds. Resolution Open the Xenta 102-AX device Plug-in Go to the Node Configuration Tab Set the Node Minimum Send Time (SCPTminSendTime) to a non-zero value. The range is 0-6553.4 seconds. nvoSpaceTemp nvoStatOccBtn nvoSetPtOffset nvoLocalOccLatch nvoEmergCmd nvoUnitStatus nvoBoxFlow nvoTerminalLoad nvoEffectSetPt nvoFlowControlPt nvoOccpncyStatus Set the Node Send Heartbeat (SCPTmaxSendTime) to a non-zero value. The range is 0-6553.4 seconds. nvoAirFlow nvoAuxTemp1 nvoAuxTemp2 nvoUnvInput1 nvoUnvInput2 nvoUnvInput3 nvoUnvInput4 nvoCO2sensor nvoFanLoad nvoHeat1Load nvoHeat2Load nvoMotorPositn nvoActualValue nvoOAirFlowRatio nvoAirPressure It is typical to set the Node Minimum Send Time and the Node Send Heartbeat to 60 seconds and the Node Receive Heartbeat to 0 seconds.