Building Automation Knowledge Base

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

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

Issue Upgrading 4.05 sites to Sigma 4.06 Environment Upgrade 4.05 SEB Cause Overview on upgrading Sigma 4.05 versions to Sigma 4.06 Resolution General Overview of the upgrade process. This overview is for background information only; ensure that, when upgrading, the instructions in sections 6.2.4 to 6.2.8 of the release note are followed. This release provides upgrade utilities which, when run, detect the release at which configuration data was created and selectively convert it as required. The main utilities are: SgiConvert: Converts .SGI graphics and associated files to the original version of the .SWC format. SigUpgrade: Converts all data (including graphical and tolerances) to the current release format. It must be run after graphics have converted from early .DRW (BAS) and .SGI (earlier Sigma) formats. It examines Also available is the Graphics Optimisation Tool which converts BMP files to JPG files and amends file name references in associated graphics. This tool should only be used in specific circumstances. See section 4.4.3. Revised Web Optimisation Tool for details. In addition any old BAS Graphics can be imported using a DrwSwcCnvrt utility. During the upgrade it is necessary to shutdown all clients of the server. The point at which this is done must be chosen to suit site circumstances and to minimise downtime. When Releases 4.00 and later is uninstalled, all data files are left intact (unlike earlier releases). The Standard Client software release and the Web ActiveX Client software release must both match the release of the server software. Do not allow clients and servers at different releases to attempt connection during the upgrade process. This applies for both Standard Clients and Web ActiveX Clients. If Remote Alarm Manager is used to read alarm data from Sigma, Remote Alarm Manager 2.0 must be used.

Issue After powering off, pressing the reset and Reset IP button a bCX1 controller still will not start up. CPU does not flash and controller will not respond to a ping. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX1-CR-INF 9640 bCX1-CR 4040 Cause The controller is connected to an Ethernet network that is in a broadcast storm condition. This scenario can also occur if a patch lead is inadvertently looped back onto the same Switch/Router. Resolution Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the controller and it will start up correctly. On a very busy network or under a broadcast storm condition the controller will protect itself as detailed in Controllers go offline during a broadcast storm.

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

Issue Will a M1500 actuator fit onto a V232 valve? Environment M1500 Forta V232 Venta Cause Application assistance on Forta M1500 and Venta series V232 valve. Resolution The M1500 will fit, but since the V232 is only available in DN25,32, 40 and 50 size, we recommend using the smaller M400 or M800 instead.

Issue Need to bind program objects and as detailed in Deploying a Function Block Program to a Server it is not possible to interact (eg. bind its objects to the EcoStruxure BMS objects) with a saved program outside of Builder until it is deployed.  After creating a Builder for Function Block program it saves successfully but generates an "Undefined Problem" error when trying to deploy. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Building Operation Builder for Function Block Cause Program execution is not enabled on the specific server within PCT Resolution Follow the steps to enable program execution: In the PCT Client select the server containing the program Expand the Properties on the right hand side Check the "Enable Program Execution" box Save the changes Stop and Start the server as per the message to restart for the changes to apply Clear the message after restart Finally, back in Workstation observe when trying to deploy the program it is successful

Issue The I/Net Seven Help button goes to Windows Help instead of I/Net Help Product Line TAC INET Environment I/Net Seven Software versions 2.40, 2.40A, 2.41, 2.42 and above. Windows 7 (32Bit & 64 Bit), Server 2008R2 (32 Bit), Server 2008R2 (64 Bit)       Note: In Windows 10 (64 Bit) the Online Function was removed by Micrsoft Cause There are some Windows Downloads, from the Microsoft Web site, that needs to be manually installed on the PC.    Resolution Go to TCON Number and Title Cross Reference (with links) and download TCON 298 (Dated 4/12) Chapter 1, Page 2 see the note in the middle of that page for the required windows download to solve this issue. Also if you look in the readme.txt file in any of the I/Net 2.4X release you will see this comment: 9. If installing I/NET on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008R2 or Windows Server 2008R2 64 bit the following must be done to allow I/NET online help to work.  I/NET Seven's online help is a 32-bit ".hlp" file. In order to view I/NET Seven online help on Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008, you must first download "WinHlp32.exe" from Microsoft and install it on your workstation. Note: there are different downloads for 32 bit and 64 bit OS's WinHlp32 downloads.   Links to download WinHlp32.exe: Windows 8.1 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=40899 Windows 8 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=35449 Windows 7 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=91 Windows Server 2008 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=19771 Windows Server 2008 R2 : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=4424 Windows Vista : http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=5143

Issue Is EBO External Log Storage with PostgreSQL and TimescaleDB tested on Linux? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Timescale Database Cause Need to install External log storage with PostgreSQL on Linux. Resolution Quality assurance testing has been performed by Schneider Electric with TimescaleDB and PostgreSQL installed natively in Windows enviroment. Other deployment scenarios have not been tested by Schneider Electric. For tested Windows versions, check: Information Technology System Planning Guide

Issue Security Expert is denying user entry to a door and generating an event message stating waiting for Bio Mode Card Input Credentials.  Biometric credentials are not being used for the door. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause Custom credential settings are not correctly configured for the door and reader.  The door is set to use a Door Type expecting a Custom Credential but the Reader is configured to use a standard card format.   Resolution To fix the issue the Reader must also be configured to use a Custom Credential.  Navigate to Reader Expanders and select the associated Reader Expander. For the Reader set the Reader(x) Format to Custom Credential as expected in the Door Type Right click the Reader Expander, select Update Module, and after a successful update test the operation.

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

Issue Enterprise Server is taking a very long time to run after restoring the database. Example: in EBO 3.2.3, It would start after 2.24 hours with about 20,000 trend logs, and with 10,000 it would take about an hour. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause When restoring the configuration only of a Database, specifically one that has a lot of Trend logs configured, EBO initializes the Trend DB before starting the ES. Resolution Select to restore ALL DATA of the database, thus the Trend Database has already been initialized and the Enterprise Server will Run.  

Issue Following a workstation crash and subsequent replacement of the workstation PC, cannot bring the existing CX9200 online with the new Continuum Installation. Environment Cyberstation 1.6 CX9200 Windows XP SP3 Cause Continuum 1.62 does not support Windows XP with Service Pack 3. Resolution Install Continuum 1.62 on a Windows XP SP2 platform.

Issue Understanding Access Expert's schedules holidays and one-offs and their interaction with Triggers and Procedures Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Server Hosted Software Access Server Premise Software Cause More details on schedules holidays and one-offs are needed to clear confusion about Triggers & Procedures configuration. Resolution Let's first break this down into some basic principles on Schedules and Holidays.   Schedules can become active or inactive. A status change is commonly used as a Trigger to some procedure (ie change a reader mode to unlocked) Holidays act as schedule masks so that schedules cannot become active or inactive, thus never triggering. With that in mind; One-off dates are SCHEDULE behaviors, similar to how choosing "Monday" is a scheduled behavior. All schedules can be masked by holiday configurations. Special dates are HOLIDAY behaviors. They act as flags that effectively invert the bit that would normally mask, performing the inverse behavior. Now that we've established those event types and configurations, let's go over Triggers & Procedures. As mentioned in (1) that a status change is a trigger because it is a generated Mercury event. These triggers do whatever procedure you instruct them to do. As a result, whenever a trigger occurs that activates procedures A or B, or C, those procedures will execute.   When configuring many reader modes you can quickly and easily produce conflicts where a schedule becomes active and thus a procedure occurs, which sets a behavior that another schedule does not like because that trigger already happened. There is no concept of "following a schedule" in Mercury. In order to correctly configure reader modes, you will want to limit the normal modes to as few as possible (preferably 1) and instead create intelligent sets of schedule INTERVALS within one schedule, more specifically, you wouldn't use multiple modes, you would use 1 mode with a schedule containing multiple intervals.   If you would like a schedule to ignore a holiday, you would set "ALWAYS ACTIVE ON" and choose your holidays in the interval(s). The trick here is not to apply holidays to schedules that are not normally active.   Mercury controllers support up to 8128 Triggers and 8128 Procedures. Holidays Mask schedules from becoming active. Always Active On will ensure that a schedule is NOT MASKED for that holiday group, by flipping a bit.   For customers using many sites which their own holiday restrictions, we offer enterprise licensing. Each location should have its own shared instance where holidays are localized to that instance's controllers and hardware. Holidays should only be implemented when you want to mask schedules, if you then have schedules that shouldn't be masked, you would apply the "always active on" for those groups. If you have a schedule that won't become active on that holiday, then there's no need to override using always active on.

Issue The user of OpenLDV and Echelon U10 USB adapters with their Engineering Laptops are concerned that Niagara 4.9 does not have a 32-bit installation option. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 4.9 and later Windows 10 64 bit Cause OpenLDV 5 runs as a 32-bit application on both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows. It cannot be called from a 64-bit client application. In order to use OpenLDV on 64-bit Windows, the OpenLDV client application must be compiled and run as a 32-bit application. Prior to Niagara 4.9, some customers used the Niagara 32-bit installer exclusively, which no longer exists, so that they could use OpenLDV.  Resolution The 64-bit Niagara 4.9 Windows install includes a 32-bit daemon application that, without any extra configuration, provides a bridge between 64-bit Niagara and 32-bit OpenLDV. This means that technically, the Echelon U10 USB adapter should work in 64-bit Niagara version 4.9 and newer, on a Windows host (Tridium cannot guarantee operation). There is no longer a need to install 32-bit Niagara, and in fact, it is no longer available. 

Issue DC1100/1400, how does the "Set Back" operation work? Environment DC1100 DC1400 Drayton Set Back Cause The Set Back operation has been enabled, but does not appear to work. Resolution There are two modes of operation when using the Set Back function. 1 - Set Back Enabled - Space Night Setpoint - Disabled. - Do not use this option. Expected result At the end of occupancy, the plant will continue to operate, and the compensated setpoint temperature will reduce by the "Flow Night Setpoint" value. The display will show "Set Back". Actual result Controller switches off and displays "Outside Occupation". 2 - Set Back Enabled - Space Night Setpoint - Enabled. Space temperature above "Space Night Setpoint" setting. Controller acts as expected, it switches off and displays "Outside Occupation". Space temperature below "Space Night Setpoint" setting. The plant will switch on, and the compensated setpoint temperature will reduce by the "Flow Night Setpoint" value. The display shows "Set Back". The image below shows the appropriate section of the programming menu structure.  

Issue Loading or upgrading new firmware into a 102-AX VAV controller that resides under a Jace controller Environment Jace Vista Xenta 102-AX Firmware Cause Updating firmware in a 102-AX VAV controller that has previously been commissioned into an existing network Resolution Please click here to see a step by step procedure document on the recommended procedure for this task.

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 Is it possible to print alarms automatically with SBO Workstation in matrix printer whenever there is an alarm? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause A number of sites still prefer to directly connect a Dot Matrix Printer to their BMS to automatically print off incoming alarms rather than using more modern emailing of alarms available from EBO. Resolution The following File2Printer software has been made freely available on the EcoStruxure Building Operation Community for exactly this purpose. https://community.se.com/t5/EcoStruxure-Building-Operation/File2Printer/m-p/351127#M71948

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