Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Cycling power 10 times doesn't clear Xenta base units version 3.61 or later. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta Programmable Controllers rev 3.61 or later Cause A change to the firmware got rid of the 10 power cycles clearing the application. Resolution To clear the memory of a Xenta 2xx/3xx/40x running system program 3.61 or later, i.e. clear out the Menta application, insert a reset plug into the RJ-45 serial connection and then give the controller power. If you don't already have one, it is quite simple to make. See How to Clear the Xenta Application for instructions on how to make a reset cable.

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

Issue Description of LED patterns on access readers, and how to change them Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site Cause Description of LED patterns on access readers, and how to change them Resolution How to control LED patterns on access readers ****For all Continuum controllers that support access control and modules except AC1 and AC-1A**** NOTE: AC1 and AC1A only support the Alternate LED pattern. Card Reader LED Patterns The LED pattern of the card reader is determined by the creation of an InfinityNumeric called AccessLEDPattern. TAC LED Pattern (AccessLEDPattern=0) This pattern is transaction based, meaning the reader LED indicates the state of the access transaction. Solid Red No door configured for this reader channel. The system will not process any transaction coming from this reader. Solid Green Door configured on this reader channel. System is ready to process an access transaction. Solid Red for 3 seconds following an access transaction Invalid attempt. Rapid flashing following an access transaction Valid access Slow flashing following an access transaction System is waiting for information needed to process the transaction. For example, transaction is being processed (remote validation) or the system is waiting for user entry. (PIN needed after card swipe.)   Alternate LED (Default) Pattern (AccessLEDPattern=1) This pattern follows the state of the door lock itself. This is the default LED pattern.  Solid Red Door is locked Solid Green Door is unlocked Rapid flashing following an access transaction Invalid attempt Slow flashing following an access transaction System is waiting for information needed to process the transaction. For example, transaction is being processed (remote validation) or the system is waiting for user entry. (PIN needed after card swipe.)   The above LED patterns are the most commonly used. LED Patterns 3 and 4 are for CardKey and Dorado Model 780 ABA Reader/Keypad please refer to the documentation in the ACX II Controller Operation and Technical Reference Guide for more information on these readers and further information on LED Patterns

Issue Is there a way to use points in I/NET Seven to calculate the "Heat Index"? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Cause Desire to use Heat Index information Resolution You can determine the "Heat Index" within I/NET Seven. The only External points required are the following: Outside Air Temperature sensor Outside Air Relative Humidity sensor Please see the attached Word doc that shows the Calculations involved: 

Issue Erie T200 series thermostats, display is blank, or thermostat will not hold setpoint, or thermostat function buttons do not work. Environment Erie T200 Series Cause Bad or missing thermostat battery. Resolution Replace the bad or missing thermostat battery p/n Energizer 357 or equal. Confirm voltage is between 20 and 32 VAC with 75mA to 1.2A of power is available. If the battery is good and voltage and current is within specification then replace the thermostat. Symptoms Display fades away after 1 minute then goes BLANK. No function with up/down buttons. SETPOINT will default to 70°F (21.1°C) in Heat mode and 76°F (24.4°C) in Cool mode when power is restored. If the thermostat was manufactured before 2000, the default was 75°F (23.8°C) for both Heat and Cool mode. With a good battery, the display will indicate space temperature. There are no functions with the up/down buttons. The last setpoint is maintained when power is restored.

Issue Windows Remote Desktop (RDP) is not supported by the TAC Vista Licensing system. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 Remote Desktop Connection Cause This feature is often seen as remote control feature but is actually a terminal server feature. Resolution The TAC Vista Licensing system does not support this feature. Using this feature as a remote control application causes every connection to spawn a new instance of the terminal server. When disconnecting, this instance will remain loaded and all applications started will continue to run. This can, of course, generate some problems like opened graphics generating a lot of unnecessary traffic on the field buses.

Issue Use Modulus in Menta Expression Block. Environment Xenta programmables Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Menta Cause The Modulus operation in Menta is used to obtain the remainder of a division. If for example you want to perform 10 Modulus 7 the result would be 3. Resolution To perform this function in Menta, use an expression block with the contents of A%B. However, the built in Modulus function does not work with numbers larger than 65535. To perform the Modulus function with such large numbers, write out the Modulus calculation in the expression block instead of using the % symbol. This expression accomplishes the same thing: A-(B*INT(A/B))  

Issue Unable to compile a b3 Script program if there is a bind to the priority array of a commandable property. How to command an object at a particular priority in b3 Script program. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 WorkStation Automation Server Cause Because of historical reasons (that are outside the scope of this article) in the evolution of the b3 firmware, binding to the priority array of an object within a Script program in the b3 is NOT supported. Resolution To command an object from a Script program in the b3 at a specific priority the WriteProperty command MUST be used. NOTE If the b3 firmware is 4.500064 then priority 10 will always be set rather than the one specified in the WriteProperty command. This was fixed in v4.500076, it is best to use the the latest firmware

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue Even though "Clear when enabled" is configured on a trend log, the trend data is not cleared when the log activation is triggered. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server Trend Logs Cause The property "Clear when enabled" only affects the trend data when the trend log goes from disabled to enabled. This is not the same as the activation method of the trend log. Activation method changes the Status from Stopped to Started etc. Resolution To activate the "Clear when enabled" setting configured on the trend log: Select the Trend log, right-click on it and select Activation, then select "Disable trend log". Select the Trend log, right-click on it and select Activation, then select "Enable trend log". See the following online help topics for further information on Activation: Trend Log Activation Actions Menu - Activation Submenu

Issue "Controller doesn't know Infinet Id" error when attempting to share data from a BCX9640 to a b3 under a BACnet BCX 4000 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX9640 b3 BCX4000 Cause A program that is attempting to map a point value from a BCX 9640 to b3 under a BCX 4000 receives a program error "Controller doesn't know Infinet Id." The infinity protocol does not get routed. Resolution The BCX4000 must be upgraded to a BCX4040 by requesting this from repair. Follow Share data between standard Continuum controllers and Continuum BACnet controllers to get the best performance.

Issue Wiring detail for using the B&B Electronics model USOPTL4 converter with PSI / XPSI Revision 4.1 Product Line TAC IA Series Environment PSI (Personal System Interface) Revision 4.1 XPSI (Xtended Personal System Interface) Revision 4.1 B&B Electronics USOPTL4 converter Cause PSI / XPSI Revision 4.1 does not work with the Patton Electronics RS-232 / RS-485 converter, model 2089-bc, that was widely used with earlier versions of PSI (rev. 3.13) and XPSI (rev. 2.0). Resolution One converter recommended for use with PSI / XPSI Revision 4.1 is the B&B Electronics model USOPTL4. To connect directly to the RJ-12 jack on an ASD device, or on a stat: Cut the RJ-12 plug off one end of an RJ-12 cable. Connect Black and Yellow wires and tape back. Connect the Green wire to the RDB(+) on the screw terminal of the USOPTL4. Connect the Red wire to the RDA (-) on the screw terminal of the USOPTL4. All four switches of the DIP switch on the USOPTL4 must be in the ON position to allow it to work properly on the ASD bus.

Issue Connecting from a TAC Vista Remote Workstation says "Ensure that TAC Vista Server is started" error, even though DCOM is set correctly Environment Vista Server Remote Workstation PCs in a network workgroup, not a domain Cause Connecting a TAC Vista Remote Workstation to a TAC Vista Server where both PCs are in workgroup rather than a domain. Resolution It is important to set the right DCOM permissions AND also remember that the Administrator password has to be the same on both PCs.

Issue How do the 7793 and 7798 handle retries?  Improving I/NET sublan communications Excessive MCU Lost messages in AMT Command Error messages in AMT Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET sublan 7793, 7798 Cause If there are issues on the physical layer of the network, this will effect the reliability of I/NET communications. However, these risks can be lessened with some best practices. Resolution Best Practices and Troubleshooting measures to improve sublan communications: Ground the 24V line coming into MRs and ASCs Connect ground to the earth ground terminal of DPUs and SCUs. Bond the shield of the LAN cable all the way through the network, not landing it on any controller anywhere and then tie it to earth ground in one location. (see diagram)   SubLAN Communication Explained: The first packet to any sublan device goes out on the primary channel, terminals 1 and 2 of the sublan connector on the 93/98. If the device doesn't respond in time, a second packet is sent out on the alternate channel, terminals 4 and 5. If there is still no reply, a third packet goes out on the primary Finally, if there is still no reply, that device is marked as lost which generates an "MCU Lost" message. Optional Configuration for only using Terminals 1 and 2:  If you are using only Terminals 1 and 2 you could be missing 33% of it's retry capacity. If you follow wiring guides and best practices the device will answer on the first packet every time, however if you have not followed the guide all it takes is a little noise to make the retries necessary. If you are unable to use a loop configuration, or want to avoid the extra potential for noise and EMI, in stall a jumper on the sublan connector from terminal 1 to 4 and from terminal 2 to 5 The allows you to get the extra retry, without the extra cable This will also function if you have some controllers on channel A and some on Channel B The SLI doesn’t have to be at the end of line on sublan communication  

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue Slow reading/writing of log values and events might be caused by a fragmented index in the SQL database. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server SQL log/event data SQL Server 2005, 2008 Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express Cause If the SQL database has become fragmented in its index, these scripts can be run in SQL query software (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express). Downloaded this software for free at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=C243A5AE-4BD1-4E3D-94B8-5A0F62BF7796&displaylang=en Resolution Warning: Always take backups of the system prior to performing maintenance on the database. Run the following SQL query: SELECT * FROM sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats (DB_ID(N'taclogdata'), OBJECT_ID(N'TrendLogValue'), NULL, NULL , 'DETAILED') WHERE index_level = 0 order by index_id Look at "avg_fragmentation_in_percent" Or DBCC SHOWCONTIG Look at Logical scan fragmentation If the database is fragmented, e.g more than 50% run this script to defrag the index: USE TACLOGDATA DBCC INDEXDEFRAG('taclogdata','TrendLogValue') Or USE TACLOGDATA DBCC DBREINDEX('TrendLogValue')

Issue Can you cap the A port or B port of a mixing or diverting valve to change the valve to a two way (straight through) valve? Product Line Field Devices Environment VB-9313 series Cause Capping A port or B port of a mixing or diverting valve to change the valve to a two way (straight through) valve Resolution Schneider Electric does not recommend this modification for the VB-9313 series, because the valves are not equal percentage and therefore will not provide good control. The valve performs as a linear valve when both ports are utilized. These curves are not additive. Total flow is determined with both ports contributing. The valve will perform as a quick acting valve if the B port is plugged and a nominally linear valve if the A port is plugged. Additional problems that can occur are: Insufficient force to close off. Two way valves usually require high actuator forces to provide close off. Valves are not designed to be tight seating. Valves are rated ANSI III therefore flow leakage through the controlled coil can be expected. Flow direction through the valve can not be reversed. Flow must oppose the plug when closing. Flow aiding the plug may create hammer by causing the plug to overcome the actuator force and slam against the seat. When converted to a two way control valve for a variable flow system, 3-way valves tend to be extremely over-sized creating poor process control. After considering the pros and cons of making this type of modification, you may choose to proceed with this modification. The performance penalties should be less in chilled water applications and higher in hot water application.

Issue Group bindings are correct, Xenta programmables download successfully, and all controllers are commissioned and online in LNS. However, no programmable units will show online in Vista Workstation. Check the alarm queue in Vista Workstation (sorted by Last Change) for the following alarm (or similar):  Server-$EE_Mess  Physical device not defined/configured - TAC301: 040294360200 The controller type and Neuron ID will change each time the alarm updates (every 30 seconds or so) as it cycles through each programmable controller in the network.   Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Workstation Xenta programmable controllers Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause Group names must not exceed 20 characters in length and must not contain any spaces. Resolution Change all group names to adhere to the standard that they must be 20 characters or less in length and must not contain any spaces. It is also good design practice to change the subsystem names in LNS if that is where they originated from. This will help future service technicians to make sense of the network structure. For alternative solution, view System alarm message, Physical device not defined/configured.

Issue Which antivirus software is compatible with Niagara R2 and G3? Environment Niagara R2 Workplace Pro (all versions), Niagara G3 Workbench (all versions) Cause Antivirus software can block ports and services used by Niagara R2 and G3 Resolution By default, Niagara R2 software needs the following ports/services/applications "open", or unblocked: Port 80 (station communications & Web access) Port 3011 (Admin Tool) Niagara Service (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services) Files in the C:\ < niagara r2 release number > \nre\bin directory By default, Niagara G3 software needs the following ports/services/applications "open", or unblocked: Port 80 (Web access) Port 1911 (station communications) Port 3011 (Platform access) Niagara Service (Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services) Files in the C:\ < niagara g3 release number > \bin directory Various antivirus software products by default will block one or more of the above, and need to be configured to allow or "unblock" them.  Niagara R2 and G3 software will work with any antivirus program that allows unblocked communication to the above ports, services, and files.   NOTE: The specified ethernet ports must be open bidirectionally for both TCP and UDP traffic.

Issue How to find a dongle ID (PSU ID) if it has rubbed off of the dongle. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista IV TAC Dongle Utility Cause The dongle ID (PSU ID) can be found printed on the side of a Vista IV licensing dongle. However, on older dongles, this number can rub off. It is still possible to extract the dongle ID using the TAC Dongle Utility. Resolution Download the TAC Dongle Utility Install TAC Dongle Utility and run the program. Start > Programs > T A C > TAC Tools > TAC DongleUtil Plug in a valid Vista IV end user dongle. Hit Refresh on the Dongle Utility PSU ID is displayed. This is the ID required to add new licensing to an existing dongle. ReadFind a Vista 5 dongle ID for how to find a Vista 5 dongle ID.

Issue MSMQ error message: "Appears to be a problem with configuration of system please check to make sure you have MSMQ correctly installed" Environment Continuum 1.9X Windows XP and 2003 Server Cause Message Queuing Not installed Resolution Open Control Panel Select Add and Remove Programs Select Add / Remove Windows Components Select Message Queuing Restart System and test.

Issue Created a digital schedule in an Automation Server folder and it never changed the value of the digital value Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Building Operation Automation Server (AS) Cause Digital value bound to a digital schedule failed to change the value at a time when a scheduled event should have triggered. The probable cause is that the Automation Server time setting is incorrect. Resolution Configure Date and Time of an Automation Server: Click on the Automation Server in workstation Go to the Date & Time tab Set the proper time zone and save the changes. Use Network time synchronization or manually adjust the time if needed and save the changes again. Note that it might take some time before changes to the Date & Time settings affects the Automation Server system clock if you use Network time synchronization.