Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How to export personnel records to a .CSV file in Continuum Environment Continuum Explorer Cause -none- Resolution 1.  In Continuum Explorer, right-click on the Personnel folder, and select View.  This will open the PersonnelClassDefault Listview that will contain all personnel records 2.  In the listview, select Object > Export All.  The Open dialog box will appear. 3.  Create or select a folder on the hard drive and indicate a file name (*.csv), then click Open. If the file is newly created, it will ask you ant to create it.  Select Yes.  The CSV file will be created. 4.  Have a look at the video tutorial: http://community.se.com/videos/1562

Issue The IC3 Modbus IP interface is a client. How can this be linked to another Modbus IP client such as the Carrier i-VU gateway? Environment IC3 Modbus IP Client server Sigma Carrier I-VU Cause The IC3 Modbus only supports the IP client and cannot be directly connected to another IP client.   Other systems such as Carrier are similarly only IP client. Resolution Using the BCX1 as a Modbus IP server to hold a mapping table will allow both clients to read/write data to it.

Issue Steps for setting up and configuring an Automatic DPU Restore are needed as well as an explanation on how it works. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven 2.11 and above DPUs Cause The Automatic DPU Restore feature performs two functions. It assures that Access edits are sent to DPUs and that edits done by the badging system are sent to the DPUs. From the I/NET editor usually if an edit is done, it is sent to the appropriate DPUs. However, if any DPUs are not communicating at the time of the edit the Automatic DPU Restore will perform a DPU Restore/Warm Start when the DPU comes back on line. The Automatic DPU Restore feature configures up to five possible Restore Hosts which will minimize the number of hosts that attempt to send DPU Restore commands when the DPUs come back on line. ID Works is configured to send a message to it’s I/NET host which prompts the host to send its data to the DPUs. Resolution How automatic DPU restore works Since Host Masking is set for supervision, all Restore Hosts know who is online.  When an edit is done that could not be downloaded to a DPU the Automatic DPU Restore program enters the Host number of the designated Restore Host and the address of the off line DPU in its table.  If the designated Restore Host is not on line, the program checks the next Restore Host until it finds one on line and puts that Host number in the table.  If the Restore from local host box is checked for a link, that Host number is entered.  When the DPU comes back on line, all Restore hosts that should be masked to see the message check the table and if its number is in the table for the DPU it performs the  Restore DPU/Warm Start.  The Automatic Restore program runs every ten minutes so any DPUs that have come back on line that need to be Restored and can be are.  The Badging program uses the audit message to trigger a download to DPU using the Automatic Restore program since it is only set up to update the SQL database.  MSDE or SQL Server must be running on the Badging host.   How to set up and configure the automatic DPU restore Open AMT Select Edit > Configuration Note the Group 1 Masking Settings Open I/NET Select Access > Options   Select Group 1 for Audit Trail Messaging. Set up the Audit Trail for Group 1. Note: the masking here must match the AMT Group 1 setting.   Ensure that the masking for Audit Trail is set the same as the AMT Configuration. Masking here must match the masking set in Step 2 in the Audit Trail.   Select Edit > Host Computer > Network Configuration   Choose the links that you want to connect to the Reference Host PC, then choose the Modify button.   Verify the Host Number   Set up Automatic DPU Restore Function. Please note that #60 is the host number of the Reference Host PC. Check the Local Host Box.   Make sure in the I/O Server that the Host Masking for all the links that need to have Reference Host connections are set to match the AMT Masking for Group 1.

Issue A MicroZone II (MZ2) indicates "cold reset" or "warm reset". What do these error messages mean? Environment MicroZone II (MZ2) controller Cause The error messages are in response to interruptions to the controller's  24 Vac power. Resolution For a detailed explanation of the "cold reset" and "warm reset" messages, see the MicroZone II Programmer's Manual, F-23118, "System Resets". Click here  to see an excerpt from the manual.

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 for assistance. Issue ASC stopped communicating Continuous Lost/Restore Reset the memory in an ASC Controller Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET SubLAN Controllers All ASC Controllers Cause When the MR-AHU resides on a communication sub-LAN, it is susceptible to communication errors from external sources. These communication errors could result in corruption of the ASC's NOVRAM. When this occurs, the ASC will stop communicating, or will cause continuous Lost/Restore messages. For this reason, the ASC is provided with a means of clearing its NOVRAM. Caution: Clearing the MR-AHU memory causes the binary instruction set for the controller to be deleted. In order to reload the binary instruction set, you must have a TAC I/NET host with the appropriate UPD files, and the ASC Controller must be communicating through an interface controller (MRI, MCI, or I/SITE LAN). Resolution Prior to clearing NOVRAM of the ASC and you are using MR-VAV's and they have already been balanced, VAV parameters must be recorded (screenshot may be the quickest method). Follow the following steps to RESET the device  Remove power from the ASC. Set DIP switches 6 through 12 to the "On" position and restore power. Remove power again. Set DIP switches 6 through 12 to the "Off" position and restore power. Remove power again and reset the switches to their normal configuration. Normal communication should be restored to the ASC. If not, then the problem lies elsewhere. Once communication is restored, perform an "ASC Update" from the TAC I/NET host to restore the NOVRAM image to the ASC. Refer to the TAC I/NET System Operator Guide for ASC Update instructions.

Issue What functions can you do in I/NET if you change the Windows users rights? Environment All versions of I/NET Seven Software Cause Changing the Windows users rights affects the way I/NET functions. Resolution   User Account I/NET Seven Operation Administrator Power User User Install I/NET Yes Yes No Remove I/NET Yes Yes No Upgrade I/NET Yes Yes No I/NET Configuration Yes Yes Yes         DBCreate Functions       Create db Yes Yes Yes Import I/NET 2X Yes Yes Yes Verify existing db Yes Yes Yes Remove existing db Yes Yes Yes Backup db Yes Yes Yes Restore db Yes No No Import Docutrend Archive Yes Yes Yes Upgrade db Yes Yes Yes         Seven Reports       View Yes Yes Yes Run Yes Yes Yes Configure Yes Yes Yes Save Yes Yes Yes Print Report Yes Yes Yes Mount Archive Yes Yes Yes View Archive Yes Yes Yes Run Archive Yes Yes Yes Print Archive Report Yes Yes Yes         Archive Configuration       Event Archive Configuration Yes Yes Yes Run Yes Yes Yes Trend Archive Configuration Yes Yes Yes Run Yes Yes Yes View Yes Yes Yes         I/O Server Configuration       Promote Filemaster Yes No No Demote Filemaster Yes No No Promote Client Yes No No Demote Client Yes No No   There are two components of security available to users of I/NET Seven: I/NET Seven passwords and Microsoft Windows user accounts. I/NET Seven passwords are specifically aimed at limiting a user’s access to features and functions within the I/NET Seven system. The restrictions imposed by I/NET Seven passwords are application-specific (i.e., they only affect the I/NET Seven system) and do not provide a replacement for domain security methods. Microsoft is very clear about the importance of limiting permissions to users in a network environment. The user account permissions that are standard in Windows 2000 and Windows XP allow full management of the computer to users with “Administrative” group membership or any group containing administrative permissions. The “Power User” group permissions allow users to install programs but restrict what these users can do to the operating system. The “User” group is the most secure because its operators cannot modify operating system settings or other users’ data. Microsoft clearly states that operators assigned to the User group may have trouble running legacy programs. This should pose no problem for I/NET users since I/NET Seven has been specifically developed to run on the Windows 2000 and XP operating system. Most functions of I/NET Seven including general system operation, AMT (alarms, messages, and transaction) processing, reporting (Seven Reports), and archiving are available to an operator assigned to the User group or any group with those permissions. However, these operators cannot install I/NET Seven or delete or upgrade its database. Seven Reports is password-protected but can be configured within I/NET Seven to allow automatic logon to operators of a Host PC. The above spreadsheet shows the functions/operations that can be performed by members of the Administrator, Power User, and User groups. For further information about Windows security, please refer to Microsoft Windows online help for more information about user accounts, permissions, and Microsoft Management Console best practices". https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/tn-archive/cc750076(v=technet.10)

Issue Values are not updating in a specific TGML graphic in webstation. Red x on all values in a TGML graphic, other graphics working fine. Crossed out values in TGML graphic. String value (text) with " in the text not displaying Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.6 TAC Webstation 5.1.6 Cause If there is a string value (text value) in the graphic with the a double quote quotation mark (") in the text, all signals stop updating on that graphic. Resolution Make sure there are no " in any string on the graphic.

Issue RM3601 / XRM3201 Wiring connection details. Environment RM3601 3601 XRM3201 3201 Actuators Wiring connection details Cause Actuator wiring details. Resolution The RM3601 actuator is a 230 volt actuator, its connection details are as follows; Terminal 1 - Connection for open signal (230V live) Terminal 2 - Connection for close signal. (230V live) Terminal 3 - Connection for Neutral. Terminal 1T - Transfer connection, passes 230V to other devices when actuator is open. Terminal 2T - Transfer connection, passes 230V to other devices when actuator is closed. The XRM3201 actuator is a 24 volt actuator, its connection details are as follows; Terminal 1 - Connection for open signal (24 volts) Terminal 2 - Connection for close signal. (24 volts) Terminal 3 - Connection for zero volt. Terminal 1T - Transfer connection, passes 24V to other devices when actuator is open. Terminal 2T - Transfer connection, passes 24V to other devices when actuator is closed. To review the data sheet please select HERE.

Issue What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Environment Infinet SCX920 SCX900 Cause What do the error codes mean on the SCX920 LCD display? Resolution See the attached 1995 INETGUID.pdf starting on page 4 for the LCD error code listing and troubleshooting tips. 

Issue When adding a new reader to a controller, the readers status shows "Unknown" in the hardware tree. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Xpert Version 2 Hosted & Premise Install Cause The newly added reader has not been brought into "Online Mode" Resolution From the hardware tree right-click on the reader and select "Online Mode". The reader should now show up as online, and the user should be able to control the door operation.     **Note - If unable to put the readers into online mode, it is necessary to first make the controller active, as shown below. After selecting this, a reboot of the controller is necessary for the changes to take effect. 

Issue Is there anything that will convert AC256 drum programs to Continuum Plain English programs? Environment Cyberstation Plain English Cause When doing an AC256 to Continuum upgrade, is there a utility to convert drum programs to Continuum Plain English. Resolution Various partners and branches have written their own utility. Product Support does not distribute or support any of these. The results of most are underwhelming - PE code that looks "drum-ish" and often involves enough clean up that is better when PE is done from scratch. Alternatively, a request for improved or other utilities can be made on the Exchange Community.  

Issue When a NCII 9680 starts up what determines which mode is used, as it does not have an ACCRestartMode system variable as per the bCX1. Environment Netcontroller II CX9680 NC2, NCII Cause Clarification of the way a Netcontroller II starts up is required. Resolution It is only the BACnet bCX1 controllers that allow you to manually set the ACCRestartMode. The NCII however still can do the 3 different start up modes (Warm, Cool or Cold) but it will depend on the situation. When the controller powers up it will try to do a warm start, if the battery is plugged in (it is shipped disconnected) and the internal RAM checksum is valid it will continue the programs from where they were prior to power fail. Also all data and logging will be retained. If the RAM is not valid the controller attempts a Cool start, if you have a valid Flash backup (see Sys Var' ACCStatusBackup) then it will copy over the data from Flash to RAM and all Auto start programs will start up from their first line. If there is no valid RAM or Flash backup the controller will be empty and do a cold start.

Issue How to create a successful LDAP Query on Version 3. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Win 10 and above Version 3 Premise Hosted Cause There are no instructions on how to create an LDAP Query to bring in users from Active Directory.  Schneider Electric does not normally write the queries as these are duties more geared to a LDAP person or IT person who is familiar with the structure of the AD. Resolution The following steps are needed to create a successful LDAP Query: Make sure the LDAP appliance or Service is running and that the default port 389 is opened From Access Expert, select the General Configuration Tab and then the LDAP Agents Once opened, create a new LDAP Query by entering all the necessary fields and information to connect to the AD (Active Directory) Enter the mapping fields in the Set Person Mapping fields When Finished click on the Save button that will run the query Select the Access Control Tab and click on the List Icon If the query was successful, then all the users that the LDAP Query was based on will be displayed If it was unsuccessful, then it would be blank.  To troubleshoot any issues, connect to the appliance if possible and browse to the SEQ Folder Open up the Browse SEQ Look at what is displayed on the window to determine what the issue could be Click on the Error on the Right Side of the Window to bring up the Error Messages View the error and correct accordingly (for the most part it is probably the query having extra spaces) Once corrected, re-run the query and verify that it updated correctly by following step 6 again

Issue To assist locating data sheets if you do not have access to the Schneider Electric Buildings Business Extranet and other company storage areas. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet Environment Unifact Pro Data sheet NCP Palm Cause To assist customers that do not have access to our internet or partner websites Resolution Click here to download the MLi for the Unifact Pro Controller. Click here to download the data sheets for Unifact Pro Controller. Click here to download the NCP Palm Engineering Guide.

Issue Unable to configure alarms to remain active after being acknowledged if they are still in the alarm condition. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Security Expert handles alarms a little differently to the rest of our product lines. The main difference being that everything is event based with each transition being an event which can itself trigger an alarm if it has been configured to do so. Those alarms are then seen as "active alarms" in the system (showing up in the Active Alarms Status Page View) until they are acknowledged by an Operator. Each alarm transition is separate with there being no direct tie to the current status of the object/condition that triggered the original alarm. Resolution What you can do is have both an Active Alarms list and an Acknowledged Alarms list in the same status page view. That way you will be able to see the last events that have triggered an alarm and if it has been acknowledged by an operator yet or not. This coupled with a status list of the objects you are monitoring can provide the operator with enough information to identify and manage each event transition of the alarm condition.

Issue Can a Remote Client run I/NET Reports (SevenReports) from the I/NET Seven Server's SQL database? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven SevenReports Cause In a Remote Client configuration, the local SQL database is not used and is typically blank.  To enable the local SevenReports engine to connect to the I/NET Server the ODBC data source must be configured to successfully connect to this server workstation.  Resolution To download more detail instructions please Click Here Remote Client: The following procedures describe how to configure the local I/NET Seven ODBC data source to communicate with the SQL server on another I/NET Seven workstation. Open the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor. (Control Panel / Administrative Tools) In the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor, click the System DNS tab, highlight the Seven ODBC data source, and click Configure.... In the DSN Configuration editor, use the Server field to specify the name of the I/NET Seven workstation and SQL Server instance that will be used as the server for this workstation. Click Next and enter the third-party Login ID and Password appropriate for the selected server. If the server is using the default settings for these parameters, the Login ID will be INetThirdParty and the Password will be passinetdb3p_SE. Click Next two more times and then click Finish. In the resulting window, review the summary of settings. If necessary, you can use the Back button to return to previous screens and make changes to the configuration. Click the Test Data Source... button to test the connection. Click OK to close the Test Results window. Click OK to close the DSN Configuration editor. Click OK to close the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor. Third-Party Applications Use the following procedures to create a new ODBC data source on a PC that is not running I/NET Seven. The purpose of this task is to allow local third-party applications to communicate with I/NET Seven running on another PC. Open the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor. (Control Panel / Administrative Tools) In the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor, click the System DNS tab and click Add.... In the resulting window, scroll through the list and highlight the driver appropriate for the version of SQL Server installed on your PC:  - For MSDE/SQL Server 2000, select SQL Server. - For SQL Server 2005, select SQL Native Client. - For SQL Server 2008, select SQL Native Client 10. Click the Finish button. In the DSN Configuration editor, make the following settings:  - Define the data source Name as “Seven ODBC”.  - Define the Description as “ODBC Connection for I/NET Seven”.  - Use the Server field to specify the name of the I/NET Seven workstation that will be used as the SQL server for applications on this PC. Click Next and make the following settings:  - Select the With SQL Server authentication using a login ID and password entered by the user option. - Near the bottom of the editor, enter the third-party Login ID and Password appropriate for the selected server. If the server is using the default settings for these parameters, the Login ID will be INetThirdParty and the Password will be PassInetDb3p_SE. Click Next two more times and then click Finish. In the resulting window, review the summary of settings. If necessary, you can use the Back button to return to previous screens and make changes to the configuration. Click the Test Data Source... button to test the connection. Click OK to close the Test Results window. Click OK to close the DSN Configuration editor. Verify that the new ODBC data source has been added to the list of System Data Sources. Click OK to close the ODBC Data Source Administrator editor. More detailed information is also available on Extranet in TCON301 Chapter 2 - ODBC Driver Interface section.

Issue Does the part number, ENS-MOD license the Enterprise Network Server for both Modbus TCP master and slave functions? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 Enterprise Network Server Cause The Enterprise Network Server needs to function as a Modbus master or slave device.  ENS-MOD only licenses the Enterprise Network Server to function as a Modbus master device. It does not license it to operate as a Modbus slave device. Resolution ENS-MOD only licenses the Enterprise Network Server to function as a Modbus TCP master (client) device. As of 2013, the ENS can also be licensed as a Modbus TCP Server (slave) using the part number ENS-MOD-SL. 

Issue The current version of the VAS client cannot query for records for years beyond 2010. There are two versions of the VAS Client upgrade on The Exchange Download Center. How do I determine which version of the VAS client is needed to update a site? Environment I/A Series R2 Enterprise Server Vykon Alarm Service Client 2.4x Vykon Alarm Service Client  3.xx Cause The Query Wizard in the VAS 2.4 system could not query record dates beyond 2010. Resolution VAS Client 2.50 -- The VAS_2.50_Client.zip file contains the VAS 2.50 Client Installer and associated Enterprise Server vas service module (vas-2.301.532.v2.jar). VAS 2.50 is for use with Enterprise Servers that utilize database management systems including Cloudscape, MSDE, Microsoft SQL, or Oracle. If currently using VAS 2.4x, upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v2 jar and VAS 2.50 client. If currently using VAS 3.xx, do not install this version. Download and upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v3.jar and VAS 3.92 client. VAS Client 3.92 -- The VAS_3.92_Client.zip file contains the VAS 3.92 Client Installer and associated Enterprise Server vas service module (vas-2.301.532.v3.jar). VAS 3.92 is for use with Enterprise Servers that utilize MSDE, Microsoft SQL, or Oracle database management systems only. VAS 3.92 Is not compatible with Cloudscape. If currently using VAS 3.xx, upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v3 jar and VAS 3.92 client. If currently using VAS 2.4x, do not install this version. Download and upgrade to vas-2.301.532.v2.jar and VAS 2.50 client.

Issue Can the user set the 'Number of States' and the 'State Text' in a multi state object? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment BACnet b3 controllers Multi-state values Cause The b3 firmware does not allow the Number of States or State Text to be modified This is Function as designed. Resolution Continuum DOES NOT allow changes to the default number of states and state labels. The 'Number of States' field is read only. An attempt to change any of the label will result in the following error: An error code was returned from a BACnet operation, but the reason could not be determined. The same is seen in EBO if any attempt is made to edit the State Text, see below

Issue What can the Boost relay (R2) be used for? Environment Boost Termination Day control Relay R2 Cause The plant continues to operate even when the temperature is greater than the Td setting. Resolution The SVT Optimiser has a primary function of performing and optimised timed start, this is achieved using a space temperature sensor to provide an indication of the buildings internal temperature The controllers secondary function will allow a "Boost Function" or "Day Control" of the plant. The controller output relay R2 is used for this function. Boost Function. Relay R2 contacts 5 - 4 make at the end of occupancy, ready for boost period. Relay R2 contacts 5 - 3 make at Occupancy start and provides a termination of the Boost period. For Boost Operation set the slide switch to position "A" as shown below.   Day control. Relay R2 contacts 5 - 4 make when the space temperature is above the (Td) setting. Relay R2 contacts 5 - 3 make when the space temperature is below the (Td) setting. To review the complete SVT data sheet, please chick HERE.