Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 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 Error message when trying to edit the Licensing Settings for an Automation Server in Device Administrator. Error message: Failed to get current data from server: Error when attempting to get license information: :Request to [AS-IP-ADDR]:443 failed. [SSL: CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED] certificate verify failed (_ssl.c:833) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Automation Server Cause The Server has been added with EBO server protocol HTTPS, but no SSL certificate has been transferred to the server. The error message is displayed after taking the following steps: In Building Operation Device Administrator check Show licenses Select an Automation Server by checking the box in front of the question mark displayed instead of the server name Click License Settings Resolution This problem can be resolved either by adding a SSL Certificate to the server, or by changing the connection type to HTTP. Solution I: Adding an SSL Certificate to the server Click the server name in Device Administrator. (The server name will be a question mark as DA will not be able to communicate with the AS in this state.) Select SSL Certificate in the left menu and click Generate new certificate. Click OK if you agree to use an auto-generated password. (Otherwise click Cancel enter a password and click Generate new certificate again) Click OK Click Transfer to server Click OK Go back to the server list and verify that the State says Ready and that the name is displayed correctly. Solution II: Changing connection type to HTTP Remove the server from the Device Administrator Uncheck Show licenses if it is selected Select the server by checking the box in front of the question mark displayed instead of the server name Click Remove in the green bar above the server list Confirm by clicking Yes Add the server with connection type HTTP Click Add Server Enter the server address, password and choose HTTP as EBO server protocol

Issue After a power failure, the Automation Server has a designed procedure to restore script programs in to a particular state. This process should be taken in to consideration when designing the system.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server Cause Automation Server loses power and restarts, unsure where script programs will start from once the Automation Server comes back online. Due to the onboard "super cap" saving the database to flash on power loss, are the last script program line and variable values retained for when the Automation Server starts back up? Resolution The Automation Server saves it's current active database to flash before losing power completely, the super cap has enough power for it to do this one last task before the Automation Server loses power completely. See AS Power supply interruption or failure on how this is accomplished. On startup from power fail, any script Programs in the Automation Server will start scanning at the first program line. Make sure to keep this in mind and write your programs so that the first line sets your control values to the default "safe" value before moving on to further control logic.

Issue What third party Card Printers are supported for use with Security Expert? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Third-party Card Printers Cause There is no list of supported printers as there are too many devices to test.  Some testing has been done as listed in the resolution below.  If an issue should come up with a card printer then raise a support case and they will assist where possible and offer suggestions regarding the update of printer drivers, windows and printer preferences, etc. If necessary and the customer cannot resolve an issue then they may wish to supply the particular printer for testing and validation. Resolution There is currently no list of supported Card Printers, the following two printers have been tested by Engineering  with Security Expert: Datacard SD260 Datacard CD800 Indications that the HID Fargo HDP8500 and Fargo DTC4500e also work with Security Expert. In general, if the card printer presents itself in Windows as an XPS printer, then the printer should work with the Security Expert Client. This may require a printer driver to be downloaded and installed from the printer manufacturer for the printer to show up in the "Printers and Scanners" list in Windows.   Note: R&D has indicated that currently (12/19/2024) there is no list of printers or documentation as to what specific features or configurations are supported by each printer above.   Some functionality in Security Expert and within printer drivers allows the selection of landscape or portrait orientation. However, hopper selections are not currently supported. Printer testing was done with standard iso card printing using landscape and portrait using a single hopper. Any other requirements outside the above will rest fully with the partner/branch/customer to test and confirm it works as needed.    In unsupported printers it has been observed that some printer functions, such as badge orientation and hopper choice, may not work for all printers using the pop-up printer configuration window within Security Expert client. In those cases a workaround may be to manually change the default printer options in Windows to the required setting before printing badges. If specific functions or badge printers are required then a feature request can be submitted to potentially implement that in a future version of Security Expert. This will need to be raised with your local solution category management.

Issue Trying to use OPRIF to make a few programming changes to a MicroSmart controller. OPRIF is installed on a SIGNAL computer (Windows 98). With SIGNAL disabled, OPRIF is able to start and handshake with the COM port. However the Auto Answer feature is enabled by default and begins an endless loop of trying to synchronize with the modem. The looping effect prevents a proper connection to the DMS to do programming changes. How can the Auto Answer be disabled on startup of OPRIF? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment OPRIF or Operator Interface version 11.4 and higher Cause Initialization file was modified by default Resolution The readme.txt file in the DMS folder explains how to prevent Auto Answer from being enabled on startup of OPRIF. Click here to view the entire readme file. Below is the excerpt on how to disable Auto Answer: Changes to the command strings used for modem-initialization and control The default modem init-string "AT C1 E1 V1 S0=1 S7=51" has been changed. It is now "AT&C1&D2E1V1". If you or your modem don't like this string, you can now override the default. Using NOTEPAD or EDIT, create a file called MODEM.INI in the DMS directory. This file should contain a single line of ASCII, which will be your customized initialization string. The line must begin with the letters "AT", and must not contain the letters "DT". Other than this one restriction, your modem-init string can contain whatever commands your modem requires. Two separate default strings have been defined for turning auto-answer ON and OFF. These may be overridden by creating files with the appropriate names in the DMS directory. To specify a customized string to force your modem to STOP auto-answering, use NOTEPAD or EDIT to create file a called ANSWEROF.INI in the DMS directory. By default, this file would contain the single ASCII line "ATS0=0". If your modem requires a disconnect command, you could instead write a line that reads "ATH ATS0=0". The default autoanswer ON string "ATS0=1", instructs the modem to answer on the first ring. To answer on the third ring, use NOTEPAD or EDIT to create a file called ANSWERON.INI in the DMS directory. It should contain the single ASCII line "ATS0=3". SUMMARY: Description Default String Filename Comment Modem Initialize AT&C1&D2E1V1 \DMS\MODEM.INI Modified in 11.4 Auto-answer On ATS0=1 \DMS\ANSWERON.INI New in 11.4 Auto-answer Off ATS0=0 \DMS\ANSWEROF.INI New in 11.4

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 References to objects and points are not easily understood Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta Server (511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913) Cause The references relates to the internal indexes in the project Resolution Here is an example of how to locate a Menta signal referenced in an error log. The procedure is the same for all other types, although the file names may vary. This is an example taken from an error log:   1337 03-09-2014 10:41:19 AM minor trend TLogNotifier 1 menta.5.62 Variable type disagreement (Error#:61971) 1336 03-09-2014 10:41:16 AM minor trend TLogNotifier 1 menta.5.60 Variable type disagreement (Error#:61971) 1335 03-09-2014 10:41:13 AM minor trend TLogNotifier 1 menta.5.61 Variable type disagreement (Error#:61971)   Here is how to locate the signals menta.5.62, menta.5.60 and menta.5.61 Navigate to the XBuilder location on your hard drive, and browse to the folder "TargetImage\configdb". If the XBuilder project is part of a TAC Vista database, either save the XBuilder project outside the database, or locate the zip file containing the project and un-zip it. Depending on the signal reference browse the folder appropriate folder - in this example "menta". Open the file "menta.xml" in notepad or similar - for a better overview you can paste the content of the file on this web page: XML Pretty Print Locate the program id and note the reference. In this case it's id 5: Open the file "mentablocks.xml" in notepad or similar - for a better overview you can paste the content of the file on this web page: XML Pretty Print Locate the signal id's under that program id, in this case it's: Open the file "BHP BILLITON/Mentas/Water Meters.aut" in notepad or similar Locate the ObjectId's, in this case it's: #1 "MUNIC_ABL" [124,32,0,1] '','','946C6EE5-4884-4c24-804F-F7E95BAF262D' = XPR {A-B-C-D-E} #2 "RAIN_ABL" [125,77,0,1] '','','1277F8E5-5451-4dad-BEBF-1461EC75AC30' = XPR {A-B} #3 "GREY_ABL" [124,122,0,1] '','','3FF1B614-2379-47a2-BFCA-782EEE4ADAC4' = XPR {A-B-C-D}

Issue TAC Xenta I/O modules that are added as LonWorks units in TAC Vista, are converted to Xenta I/O modules belonging to a Xenta Base unit (SlaveSpeak devices) in EcoStruxure Building Operation, after conversion using TAC Vista Conversion Tool. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment Vista Server TAC Vista Conversion tool Xenta Xenta I/O-modules Cause In TAC Vista, the Xenta I/O modules are normally located on the same subnet as the Xenta Base unit, and belong to the Xenta Base unit, communicating as SlaveSpeak devices. If a Xenta I/O module is located on another subnet than the Xenta base unit, it could instead be added as a LonWorks Unit in Vista, and therefore communicating via LonWorks bindings to the Xenta base unit using SNVTs. Vista Conversion Tool does not handle this configuration. In the conversion tool, all Xenta I/O modules are expected to be connected directly to a Xenta base unit, located on the same Subnet, and are therefore always treated as SlaveSpeak devices. Resolution After running the Vista Conversion tool, you have to re-build the LonWorks Bindings between the Xenta I/O module and the Xenta Base unit manually in EBO, as the Conversion Tool does not handle the actual configuration setup.

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 Changing readers from ABA to Wiegand and getting card not in database Environment Continuum ACX7xx ACX700 Cause When you change card readers from ABA to Wiegand on a ACX7xx controller you need to make sure you also change the switch and jumper positions also Resolution You will need to remove the cover of the ACX7xx to reveal the dip switches and the resistor like jumpers that you will need to change, please see the attached document for how to make these changes . Link

Issue How to upgrade remote MPMs with a Canbus, Zigbee network. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager MPM Cause Cannot connect to an MPM directly to perform a firmware upgrade Resolution This procedure explains how to perform a firmware upgrade on multiple remote devices at once, in order to save time and standardize the firmware versions across your deployment. This process will induce traffic on the network, therefore it is recommended that this procedure be performed after-hours or when it is less likely to disrupt normal operations. Step 1: Verify your monitor Manager's firmware version Ensure monitor MPM has the same or higher firmware version than the the version intended to be installed on the remote MPMs. Highlight the MPM in the Network Panel on the left side of your screen and either click on the "About" button or navigate to CFG1 object to verify firmware version. Step 2: Download and rename the firmware file The firmware can be downloaded from the Exchange then firmware file must be renamed "upgrade.bp" Step 3: Upload the firmware file to your Manager Choose the File Manager tab and click on the “Upload File” icon. A dialog box will open to select the firmware file on your local PC. Browse to the correct file and select it. Click the “Upload” button to send the file from your computer to the controller. When the file upload is completed, the file will be shown in the Upload Manager list.   Step 4: Initiating the remote upgrade Inside the File Manager panel, either right-click on the firmware file that was just uploaded and select “Add to all” to copy the same file to all the remote nodes, or drag and drop the file from the left panel onto the desired Manager on the right panel. The file will be displayed under each of the remote nodes (or a single node if the file was copied using drag and drop) under the Network panel, on the right side of the window.   In order to initiate the file transfer to the remote nodes, click the Start button. The status will change to “In Progress” and you will be able to follow the progress of each node in the Network panel. Once the file transfer is complete, the remote nodes will reset and perform the firmware upgrade. Step 5: Verify the firmware version of the remote nodes You can verify that the upgrade process completed successfully by highlighting the remote node in the left panel and then select the “Controller Configuration” (CFG1) object. The version # will be displayed in the bottom section.

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 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.

Warning Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue SmartX SpaceLogic/EasyLogic device is offline, inspection of the device's status LED reveals a solid red pattern instead of the normal solid green.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartX SpaceLogic Controller SmartX EasyLogic Controller Cause A solid red status LED indicates the application can't be launched, typically there could be two reasons as the root cause of this situation: The application has become corrupted, this happens very rarely. Application keeps crashing on startup. To prevent an infinite startup->crash->startup loop, the firmware in the SmartX SpaceLogic/EasyLogic devices implement a feature known as the application startup retry counter, if the application has crashed multiple times, never running for longer than an internally defined time (typically 10 minutes), the boot applet will stop all attempts to launch the application. Resolution We can attempt to recover the device by performing the following steps: Cycle power to the device. Cold start the device by holding down the reset button for more than 5 seconds but less than 9 If the controller starts up and shows a normal status LED (solid green), immediately start  a device upgrade firmware operation, the goal is to get the uprev operation going before the application crashes again.

Issue Workstation displays power in Btu/s when VA is required. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation Cause The units displayed in Workstation are based on the Regional and Language Options settings in Windows Control Panel as talked about in Metric vs. English (Imperial) Operating System. Resolution The Unit Conversion Exception tool can be used as a solution for this issue. This is located in the Domain portion of Workstation's Control Panel. For more information on the Unit Conversion Exception see Unit Conversion Exceptions feature or the Online help located here. In the situation where VA has been set as the power unit but Btu/s is still displayed, the unit conversion shown below will resolve the issue. Note: If your desired value units have a prefix, then this needs to be done in the Unit Conversion Exception as well (kVA). Note: WebStation (as of v1.3 SP1) does not use the Windows OS setting because the AS does not currently have localization - it uses only the International System of Units (SI) - not the Imperial or US units.