Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What hardware platform can be used to replace the I/A Series R2 UNC-600 or UNC-610? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series R2 UNC-600 UNC-610 Cause The I/A Series R2 UNC-600 and UNC-610 are obsolete and can no longer be repaired. Resolution The JACE-NXT (TRD-NXT-R2) can be considered the replacement for a UNC-6xx. The JACE-NXT includes (2) 10/100 Mb Ethernet ports and (1) RS-232 port, one isolated RS-485 port, one FTT-10A LonWorks interface, four USB ports, a 250 GB hard drive and includes a Windows XP Embedded operating system. Similar to the UNC-610 the JACE-NXT supports LonWorks and BACnet Ethernet / BACnet IP. Legacy driver support includes GCM, ASD, and DMS. Note: The JACE-NXT will not directly support BACnet MSTP or MicroSmart devices. The JACE-NXT requires installation of R2 Release 2.301.532 or higher. TRD-NXT-UI (Web Browser Support) TRD-NXT-UPS (Optional UPS - includes UPS unit and battery)

Issue The Vista installation procedure completes with errors.  Vista Server and Workstation may appear to be installed but SQL Server Express is not installed. Environment Vista 5.1.7 SQL Server 2008 R2 Express VMWare Player 3,4 Cause The default hard disk space allocated to a guest OS in VMWare Player is 8GB.  When installing Vista 5.1.7 on Windows XP or above this may not be enough space for Vista to install properly.  The OS requires 5-6GB and SQL Server 2008 R2 Express requires 2.2GB Resolution Increase the disk space allocated to the guest OS in VMware Player 1.  Ensure that the virtual machine state is 'Powered Off'.  To change the state, play the virtual machine. Then go to the VMware player 'Virtual Machine' menu and select Power - Power Off. 2.  Choose 'Virtual Machine Settings...' from the 'Virtual Machine' menu. 3.  On the Hardware tab select 'Hard Disk (IDE)' in the device column. 4.  From the Utilities drop-down list select 'Expand...'.  You can then increase the hard disk size in 1GB increments.  I would suggest 10GB as a minimum. 5.  Please note that the additional space is not immediately available to the guest OS.  To claim this space you must run a disk management tool within the guest OS to increase the size of the existing partition on the virtual hard disk to match the expanded size.  Windows Vista and Windows 7 have built-in disk management tools, but on XP you can run third party tools such as Symantec/Norton PartitionMagic, EASEUS Partition Master, Acronis Disk Director and the open-source tool GParted.

Issue Continuum entries in the windows application events occasionally shows error related to the database connection. A database fault warning state was detected and cleared. This is an indication that the connection to the Continuum database was lost for a moment. "wuaueng.dll (46108) SUS20ClientDataStore: The database engine stopped the instance (0)". "wuaueng.dll (46108) SUS20ClientDataStore: The database engine started a new instance (0)."   Environment CyberStation Windows Event Viewer SQL Server Cause Informational entries in the windows application event viewer frequently refer to Continuum reporting a database fault warning. The warning may or may not be accompanied with other information such as: ClientDataStore: The database engine stopped the instance (0) ClientDataStore: The database engine started a new instance (0) These events can occur in the ordinary operation of the SQL Server environment, or they may be associated with errors. Resolution If a 'stopped' instance warning is immediately followed by a 'restarted' instance warning and not associated with an error then the event took place in the context of ordinary operation of the SQL server and can be ignored. If on the other hand there is an error reported such as ‘The database instance ran out of disk space.’ then corrective action will be required.

Issue The damper position value sometimes displays as "NA" Product Line I/A Series Environment I/A Series MNB VAV Cause The VAVActuator object in the controller's database has its position initialization mode set to 0 which means it will initialize the position value at its earliest opportunity following a reset. Therefore, the position will display as "NA" until the controller reaches the full open or full closed position Resolution The VAVActuator object in the controller's database has three options for the position initialization mode following a reset. If having the position display NA for a time following a reset is not desirable the position initialization mode can be set to force the controller to go open or closed following a reset and then it will display a value for the position following a reset. The following table is extracted from the WorkPlace Tech 5.x Engineering Guide Supplement. Set the Initialization Mode to 1 or 2 (in the VAVActuator object properties) and download the application. 

Issue Cannot upgrade CyberStation key. Environment CyberStation Cause Received key activation code from Repair Dept. to add an option to CyberStation. After entering the activation code into the KeyWriter application, getting the error "Invalid Key Activation Code: Please try again..."    Resolution There is a KeyWriter application for the Continuum Reports Add-On Software and a different one for activation codes from the Repair Dept..  Use ...\Program Files\Continuum\CyberKeyWriter2.exe for the codes from the Repair Dept.

Issue Connecting Modbus RS-485 to a CX9200 Comm4 will not operate correctly. Environment Modbus RTU XDriver Serial port XDriver Cause Different ports support different electrical standards. Resolution Comm1 and Comm2 of a CX9200 has RS-485 ports and can be used directly with the Modbus RTU XDriver. As a first generation controller it requires the 1st Generation driver. Second Generation X Drivers are only for the second generation controllers (bCX1, NC2 &ACX) The comm ports also have RS-232 ports that can be used and using an external RS-232 to RS-485 converter they can support an RS-485 network. On Comm 4 it has 2 ports they are RS-232 and RS-422 which is sometimes referred to as "4 wire RS-485". But this is not the regular 2 wire RS-485. The difference between regular RS-485 and RS-422 (4 Wire RS-485) is half and full duplex. The RS-422 with + and - connected is not a true RS-485 2 wire as the transmitted data will also be received by the transmitting controller (feedback). Regular RS-485 will turn off its receiver when it is transmitting.

Issue Is it possible to download the Xenta 511 firmware to a Xenta 511-B? Environment TAC Xenta 511-B version 5.1.7 Cause The 511-B version became obsolete in Vista version 5.1.5 as all Xenta servers got support for Modbus and the B stands for Modbus support. After version 5.1.5 it is only one firmware for the 511 and that is possible to download also to a 511-B.   Resolution The 511-B version became obsolete in Vista version 5.1.5 as all Xenta servers got support for Modbus and the B stands for Modbus support. After version 5.1.5 it is only one firmware for the 511 and that is possible to download also to a 511-B.  

Issue Issues with Operator username/password which can arise when restoring an SP-C-Web Database.   Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert   Environment SP-C-Web   Cause The SP-C-Webs Database Restore process is different from the Security Expert Client/Server.   Resolution SP-C-Webs are unlike the Security Expert Client/Server model in that the SP-C-Web contains its own on-board controller database This controller database can be backup by the customer and then restored onto another SP-C-Web by a field or support engineer However, issues can arise when trying to access that restored SP-C-Web customer database using the customers own provided Operator username/password

Issue Modbus integration to Data Industrial Series 3050 BTU monitor Environment I/A Series G3 ENC-520 Modbus Asynchronous (Async) driver Cause Required to read the values in the BTU monitor via Modbus Async. Resolution The below Modbus registers table is provided by the BTU monitor manufacturer. Here are the basic procedures and settings in an ENC for this integration. Add a ModbusAsyncNetwork to the station database.   In the ModbusAsyncNetwork properties, configure the Serial Port Config. Port Name: COMX (where X is the COM port number of the ENC used for this integration). Baud Rate: As per baud rate setting in the Modbus device. We recommend the baud rate of 9600 as this appears to work best with this device. Data Bits: 8 Stop Bits: 1 Parity: None Flow Control Mode: No   Other properties of the ModbusAsyncNetwork to be left at its default values.   Add a new Modbus Async Device to the ModbusAsyncNetwork. The device address is as per address set in the BTU monitor device.   Leave all properties in the Modbus Async Device object as their default values.   Go to the Points folder of the Modbus Async Device and add the required Modbus objects. Configure the properties of each object as per the following. Address Format: Decimal Address: Refer to the table above. If reading register 30002, use 2 as the address. Reg Type: Input Data Type: Long   Set the Facets for the object  

Issue Search widget graphics can't find graphic pages created under child servers.    Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Webstation Cause Currently, in EBO 2023, the dynamic search widget will only find graphic pages created on the server the user is logged into on WebStation. The dashboard search widget is not related to the native EBO search object and cannot search child servers. Resolution EBO 2024 (V6) or higher: From 6.0.1 it is possible to include TGML widgets from sub servers (all servers must have EBO version 6.0.1). Note that this functionality is only supported when you use HTTPS as the protocol between the servers, which is the default protocol in 6.0.1.   EBO 2023 (V5) or lower: If graphic pages are located under child servers, they need to be added to the dashboard manually.  Refer to: Adding a Graphic to a Dashboard

Issue Which adaptor should be used when mounting a M3000 actuator on a V321 DN125/150? Environment V321 Forta M3000 M22 M50 Cause Forta actuators are a direct fit to V321 on all sizes DN100 and smaller unless stated differently in the catalogues/data sheets. Resolution The M3000 actuator will not fit on the V321 DN125 and DN150 sized valves due to the different design of the valve body. For DN125/150, actuators M22 and M50 should be used. 

Issue Running Bomgar Remote Support Client from Linux for support from Product Support Services Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Cause Bomgar session downloads Bomgar-scc-[long string of characters].desktop file and need to run to connect with a Product Support Services agent. Resolution The file needs to be granted permission to execute and then run. Open browser on Linux OS for website: https://seconnect.se.com  Enter the 7-digit Session Key and press SUBMIT button. After saving the client to the Downloads folder, right-click on the bomgar-scc-[long string of characters].desktop file, then click Properties.  Click on the Permissions tab, then check the checkbox next to Execute to Allow executing file as program.  Open Terminal, then type "sh " (without quotes and not forgetting a space), then drag the file to the Terminal window, then press Enter. The full command will look similar to this image.  Once the executable runs, this image will appear on the screen as the full session begins.  Click Allow to let the agent view and control your computer. 

Issue Niagara 4.9 (or later) sometimes has a new Host ID that differs from the Host IDs of other versions of Niagara that were installed on the same host PC Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server Cause Niagara 4.9 and later, are only available in a 64-bit version. The older Niagara versions installed on the host PC are probably 32-bit versions, which will always have Host IDs different from 64-bit versions. Resolution If the older versions are Niagara 4.3 or lower, you may need to update the older versions, as per the following document… I/A Series G3 and N4 Eliminating multiple HostID on a single PC  Niagara 4.9 (or later) is only available in a 64-bit version.  The other Niagara versions installed on the host PC are probably 32-bit versions, which will always have Host IDs different from 64-bit versions.  In this case, the host PC will require one of the following Un-installing the 32-bit versions and re-installing 64-bit equivalents One license, to be "transferred" to a different Host ID when necessary Multiple licenses, one for each unique Host ID.

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 In Niagara Enterprise Server versions older than N4.9, the Niagara Service fails to start. Typically the service successfully starts when the 'plat installdaemon' is executed. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server (earlier than N4.9) Cause The Niagara daemon fails to restart automatically after a server reboot Resolution For older Niagara versions, these are two workarounds that may work in some cases:   Option 1:  Go to Start > Run > and type regedit  Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control  With the control folder selected, right click in the pane on the right and select new DWORD Value  Name the new DWORD: ServicesPipeTimeout  Right-click ServicesPipeTimeout, and then click Modify  Click Decimal, type '180000', and then click OK  Restart the computer Option 2: Create a Task Scheduler task that calls the command "net", with the arguments "start niagara" five minutes after boot.   Alternative Solution (reported to work on Niagara older than 4.7): There are two solutions to implement in the Niagara Service. Before performing the settings below you must first have NiagaraD successfully installed. After the computer has rebooted, manually install NiagaraD using 'Plat installdaemon'. Once the service is installed implement the two configurations below. Open Windows 'Services' and then double-click the 'Niagara' service to open the Niagara Service Properties window . You can select to delay the start of the Niagara Service which helps give Windows time to initialize before the service attempts to start. Set the recovery options on the 'Recovery' tab. It is recommended to set all three 'failure' options to 'Restart the Service'

Issue How does Continuum synchronize a person's current area across controllers and what happens if a controller is offline at the time of synchronization? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All Continuum controllers that support physical access control CX9900 CX9702 CX9680 ACX5720 ACX5740 Cause Understanding the synchronization process can help with troubleshooting issues. Resolution Upon processing a valid access at a door the controller sends out a Personnel Update message to all peers controllers as well as down its Infinet for the benefit of ACX7xx field devices. Note that the message is sent out to ALL controllers that have been taught regardless of whether they are doing access control or not or whether they contain a distributed copy of the personnel object. The update personnel message includes the following information The time the update message was built The ID of the door where access was granted The handle ID of the personnel object that was granted access at the door The handle ID of the area the person was granted access to The time access was granted Upon receipt of the message, the recipient controllers performs a find by ID of the personnel object, if found the object’s current area is updated otherwise the message is discarded. The recipient controller must acknowledge receipt of the message, if it does not, the sending controller retries 3 times, if a controller is offline and misses the update the corresponding record in its database will be stale, this in turn may cause entry-egress and/or anti-passback not to operate correctly until the next update message is received.

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. 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 What are the steps for replacing a failed AC1 or AC1Plus IO module hosted under SP-AC1 controller with available module either brand new or previously used? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Continuum AC-1 IO Module Security Expert Server Cause Guidance needed on steps to replace a failed AC1/AC1Plus module hosted by SP-AC1 Security Expert controller Resolution While the recommended upgrade path is to replace any failed AC1 module with Security Expert IO module such as the SP-RDM2, it is possible to replace with same module type (AC1 or AC1Plus) using the steps below.   Take note of the failed module address, this can be done either in the "Module addressing" window or by looking at the "Physical address" field in the Reader Expander. Using Continuum Cyberstation (or CX9900 Net Controller 1 with terminal interface) set the ID of the replacement module to the same as the ID of the failed module. Remove the failed module and put the replacement module in its place, once power is applied, the COMM LED of the replacement module should blink normally. Re-start the SP-AC1 controller, this can be done either by cycling power to the controller or by performing a re-start in the controller's web interface from a web browser. Once the controller is back online, from the client go to Sites\Controllers, right-click the appropriate controller, and select "Module addressing", in the module addressing window you should see the failed module offline and registered, the replacement module should also be present using the same ID as the failed module but offline and NOT registered. Click on "Update modules" After the system displays "Update module command sent OK" wait a minute, then bring up the "Module addressing" window once again, the failed module should now be gone and the replacement module should now be online and registered. You should also see an entry in the "Status page view" for each module indicating the module has registered successfully.

Issue Xenta 7xx stuck in continuous reboot loop. If connected to Hyperterminal while booting may see error that says "Wrong number of IO's in <Menta file path>". Environment Xenta 701 Xenta 711 Xenta 721 Xenta 731 Cause Downloading Xenta 7xx with Menta files that contain test probe blocks will cause this error. Test probe blocks are for testing code only and should not be left in Menta programs once an XBuilder project is going to be downloaded. Resolution Locate all test probe blocks and replace with the appropriate programming. Search Menta programs for any test probe blocks (TPAI, TPDI, TPAO, TPDO) and delete all of them before attempting to download the device again.

Issue SE7000s (all) and old hardware SE8000 (firmware <= 1.7.4) won't support EBO Zigbee. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SSL SE7000 SSL SE8000 Cause EBO Zigbee has Standard and High-Security levels. The SE7000s and old hardware SE8000 (firmware <= 1.7.4) only supports Zigbee Low Security. Resolution Replace the SE7000s and SE8000s old hardware using SE8000 with the current hardware that supports firmware 2.0.0 and newer.

Issue When Remote Alarm Manager attempts to initialise the GSM modem it fails during reset command. Modem will reset correctly if the same commands are sent from a terminal emulation program. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC Vista Environment Vista RAM Sigma Ram MicroNet RAM BAS RAM GSM Modem Cause The result codes from the modem are not returned in the format expected by Remote Alarm Manager Resolution The Mobile Equipment Errors setting (AT+CMEE) sets the format that error responses from the modem are returned in, the possible formats are: 0 disable result code and use ERROR instead 1 enable result code and use numeric values 2 enable result code and use verbose values The GSM driver in Remote Alarm Manager expects to see these results in numeric format. To Check and set the format do the following: Using a Terminal Emulation Program such as Hyperterminal connect to the modem Enter the command AT+CMEE? to show the current setting Enter AT+CMEE=1 Enter AT&W to store the current settings to non volatile memory. Disconnect Hyperterminal and test with Remote Alarm Manager.

Issue Cannot do a backup to flash on bCX4040. Distribution Properties indicates "The flash for this controller does not need to be backed up." Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX4040 Cause ACCStatusBackup is set to ACCBackupInactive when ACCRestartMode is set to ACCWarmStartOnly. This occurred when a bCX9640 was flashed to a bCX4040.  ACCWarmToCool is the default ACCRestartMode for the bCX4040. Resolution Change ACCRestartMode to ACCWarmToCool and then try the backup. For more information on the ACCRestartMode refer to Chapter 5 of the bCX1 Series Controller Technical Reference document # 30-3001-890.