Building Automation Knowledge Base

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue taclogdata_log.ldf file is too big Environment SQL 2005   Cause Fail to perform frequent SQL DB maintenance   Resolution To Shrink the LOG file (.ldf) follow the procedure. Connect to taclogdata.mdf using SQL server management studio. Run the following command: dbcc shrinkfile (taclogdata_log,100,truncateonly)   This will reduce the size (taclogdata_log.ldf) to 100 mb. Note : You can get the logical file name for the log by running the following select statement: (select * from sysfiles) The following are the query results: 1          1          6400    -1         6400    2          0          taclogdata         c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.2\MSSQL\DATA\taclogdata.mdf   2          0          2624    268435456      1280    66        0          taclogdata_log  c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.2\MSSQL\DATA\taclogdata_log.LDF   If the database has the truncate log checkpoint turned off, then the transaction log file will be shrink to the target size only when the transaction log is backed up. OR If the truncate log on checkpoint is turned on then go to Enterprise Manager - all tasks - and click "truncate log". This will shrink the file down to the target size and will release all the unused space to the Operating System.

Issue After replacing Automation Server hardware the SNMP "msgAuthoritativeEngineID" changes, is this a possible security breach? Environment Automation Server SNMP Management console Cause This is intended behaviour and part of the snmpV3 implementation as described in RFC3414 2.2.1. msgAuthoritativeEngineID The msgAuthoritativeEngineID value contained in an authenticated message is used to defeat attacks in which messages from one SNMP engine to another SNMP engine are replayed to a different SNMP engine. It represents the snmpEngineID at the authoritative SNMP engine involved in the exchange of the message. When an authoritative SNMP engine is first installed, it sets its local value of snmpEngineID according to an enterprise-specific algorithm (see the definition of the Textual Convention for SnmpEngineID in the SNMP Architecture document [RFC3411]). Resolution The handling of this is not a StruxureWare Building Operation server activity. This is standard functionality as defined by the Automation Server's Linux platform and net-snmp protocol stack.

Issue When a controller goes Offline, no email is being generated from the system when set up. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Server2012 SQL2012 R2 Hosted Instance Premise Instance Cause There is no email server set up in the User interface for the system to use. Resolution To resolve this issue please follow these steps: On the General Configuration tab, click on System Settings Verify these settings or use the default Click on User Interface Tab Use a valid email address e.g. Name@Domain.com Verify that the system is generating the email by Triggering an Alarm  e.g (Controller Disconnected Long Time)             

Issue There are large jumps in Database ID numbers in the lists of objects in Security Expert. Most notably seen in the Trouble Inputs table. In the below example the Database ID's in the Trouble Input table jumped from 420 to 1424. Figure 1 - Database ID's Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Client Cause This is a rare occurrence but when seen can be due to the creation and deletion of Controllers and Expanders as a site is being configured or just normal operation as SQL maintains the Security Expert database. Resolution No action required. This is a benign condition which does not affect the normal operation of Security Expert.

Issue Vista locks up randomly and displays application crashes. Investigating the Windows Event log shows the following errors pointing to tacldv32.dll. For more information on Windows Event Log, see Viewing, Saving, Sharing Windows Event Logs for Troubleshooting Purposes. Faulting application tacos.exe, version 0.1.0.0, faulting module tacldv32.dll, version 1.0.0.1, fault address 0x00007310 Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server LNS Communication Port Large LNS network, or many smaller LNS networks Orion Stack Cause The DLL file, tacldv32.dll, is responsible for managing communications through an LNS communication port. If that is being overwhelmed with information from too many devices on the port, this DLL will crash. If the number of networks is only one and the database size is reasonable then the problem can be caused by a corrupted and non functioning LNS database.See Also Echelon LNS Utilities LNS Database Validator. Resolution If the number of networks is high then LNS communication must be managed by an Orion Stack, or NIC-852. This does not utilize tacldv32.dll and will stop the application crashes. If the number of networks is low, but the size of the networks is quite large, then it is also advisable to allow the Orion Stack to manage communication and will prevent the application crashes. If the number of networks is low and they are not very sizeable, then ensure that LNS database is working properly independently of Vista Server. If it has problems, investigate the LNS problems further, looking for any errors that can be searched on other articles. *Note that if you receive the tacldv32.dll error and are currently using an Orion Stack or NIC-852. There is a problem with the Orion Stack or NIC-852 installation or configuration. Hovering the mouse over the Communication Port objects in the TAC Vista Workstation should produce a pop-up window stating "Loytec Port". If it says "LNS Port", there will still be a need for using tacldv32.dll resource.

Issue Niagara G3 revision 3.5.25 guest login can result in NullPointerException. When using the guest account, depending on the authentication scheme being used the following error could be encountered when accessing the station from the browser: java.lang.NullPointerException at com.tridium.web.WbServlet.logon(WbServlet.java:272) at com.tridium.web.WbServlet.service(WbServlet.java:86) at com.tridium.web.SysServlet.serviceSpecial(SysServlet.java:149) at com.tridium.web.WebProcess.service(WebProcess.java:66) at com.tridium.web.SysServlet.service(SysServlet.java:108) at javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:802) at com.tridium.httpd.ServiceThread.handleRequest(ServiceThread.java:283) at com.tridium.httpd.ServiceThread.run(ServiceThread.java:85) Environment I/A Series G3 Cause The web.jar file is outdated. Resolution Upgrade web.jar file revision 3.5.25. to web.jar file 3.5.403.  Procedure details: Download web.jar 3.5.403 install new jar file in Enterprise Server or ENC

Issue When restoring I/NET database backup from another server in DBcreate, it shows an error: Error dropping PRIMARY KEY 'PK_DvrServers': Could not allocate space for object 'sys.sysserefs'.'clust' in database 'InetDb' because the 'PRIMARY' filegroup is full. Create disk space by deleting unneeded files, dropping objects in the filegroup, adding additional files to the filegroup, or setting autogrowth on for existing files in the filegroup. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC INET Environment I/NET SQL Server Cause Each SQL express version has its own database size limit. Refer to SQL and version compatibility for Filemaster, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Limitations of SQL. If the database size limit is reached, I/NET database will fail to update. The backup of the database will be fine, but when trying to restore onto another computer, it will also fail. Resolution 1. If the original I/NET server is still running, try to enable archive function to shrink the database in I/NET. And also follow Archiving and SQL database size keeps growing to set the database cap. 2. If the original I/NET server can't run, or the original database has been deleted, try to use SQL server version with higher size limit or full version SQL server which hasn't physical size limit. Like try to restore the backup from SQL 2005 Express (4GB limit) to SQL 2008 R2 Express (10 GB limit) or Full version of SQL 2005/2008. Refer to How to Troubleshoot on DBCreate for more issues about DBCreate.

Issue How to use the Known Occupancy Count (KnownOccupCount) number of an Area in Plain English (PE) programming. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Continuum Access Control Cause Need to be able to retrieve the Known Occupancy Count number of an Area for use in Plain English programming for limiting access to an Area. The attribute does not show up in the list of attributes in  the Area Listview. Resolution Even though we can't see the attribute in an Area Listview, you can use the "KnownOccupCount" attribute at the command line or in Plain English programs. Example 1 - Print Known Occupancy Count to command line. print AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Example 2 - In a Workstations Program, set a pre-defined AnalogValue to the Known Occupancy Count of an Area. Area1KnownCount = AreaFolder\Area1 KnownOccupCount Note: The Known Occupancy Count will not function with Entry only doors. Both Entry and Exit readers are required on the doors within the Area. See Known Occupancy Count number does not increase when Personnel enter the Area on this.

Issue After a specific date, trend log values are no longer transferred to the report server.  In the table tbEventLogs, the column NumberOfRecords continously shows over 50000 Environment Web Reports Cause For a currently unknown reason, at some point a mismatch between index sequence numbers and time stamps has occured, and therefore the same log values are attempted transferred over and over again. Resolution The reporting agent needs to be set up to read more records to get over trouble 1: Open the file "SE.WebReports.StruxureWareReportingAgent.exe.config" located in the reporting agent installation directory. Use notepad or similar. 2: Edit the line containing "numLogTimeRecordToRead"  changing the value 5000 to 20000 3: Restart the agent 4: Wait until the column NumberOfRecords in the table tbEventLogs shows a number lower than 20000 5: Change the value back from 20000 to 5000 in the config file 6: Restart the agent

Issue Is a controller shipped from the factory with the latest firmware revision supported in older versions of Continuum? Environment Continuum 1.xx Cause Running an older version of Continuum (1.74sp2) and bought a new Netcontroller II, that has 2.10000xx for a firmware version. Resolution Please refer to the Continuum Compatibility Matrix for Continuum versions and Controller firmware versions. Andover Continuum Software and Firmware Compatibility Matrix Versions 1.94 SP1 Example: Running Continuum 1.74sp2, first Continuum version to support the Netcontroller II 9680. Bought a new Netcontroller II 9680 and the current version of Continuum available is 1.92. The firmware installed on the controller (2.10000xx) is the latest available, and for older installations of Continuum you would need to down rev the firmware a version support per the Continuum Compatibility Matrix and in the instance of 1.74sp2 that would be 2.00000xx.

Issue When making modifications to a Functional Block program will this result in outputs cycling? Environment Enterprise Server Automation Server Functional Block Cause Functional Block programs operate by sending the signal of each block to the next connected block each program cycle. The functional block program also stores in its memory the last value of the block when committing a change and restarting the program. Due to the memory of the block values outputs of the Functional block program should normally avoid fluctuation when saving to the database. Situations where value will be held No change to logic impacting this output in save to program and Delay blocks are not used Situations where value can fluctuate Change to logic that directly impacts the output signal Use of Delay blocks in control logic for output The delay block will reset to the specified default value when you save the application and if this used in the control logic for your output it can result in a one program cycle fluctuation in the output value. Resolution To avoid any physical device damage when saving a change to the Functional Block program it is recommended to be cautious and use overrides while the program change is occurring. This can be done in software by forcing an output value (on IO module) or using Hand/Auto/Off (HAO) controllers on the output device. Use of these overrides will protect your physical equipment and allow you to validate the programming logic changes after saving.

Issue The path to the templates and libraries is not documented Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment Graphics editor Cause In order to use your own color and gradient templates and to copy component and snippet libraries you need to know the path to these files and folders. Components and snippets can preferably be managed directly through the graphics editor. Resolution In TAC Vista The libraries and templates are one and the same for all users: Colors and gradients: C:\ProgramData\TAC Graphics Editor\Brushes Components: C:\ProgramData\TAC Graphics Editor\Components Snippets: C:\ProgramData\TAC Graphics Editor\Snippets In SmartStruxure Each user has their own set of libraries and templates: Colors and gradients: C:\Users\%username%\Documents\StruxureWare\Graphics Editor\Brushes Components: C:\Users\%username%\Documents\StruxureWare\Graphics Editor\Components Snippets: C:\Users\%username%\Documents\StruxureWare\Graphics Editor\Snippets

Issue Certain animations in graphics may cause StruxureWare Building Operation to inadvertently close. Crash Report A problem occurred in this application Exception message: NO_MODIFICATION_ALLOWED_ERR: An attempt is made to modify an object where modifications are not allowed. Environment StruxureWare Building Operation 1.0 Cause Creating a graphic animation page without specifying the visibility will cause the graphic to close the StruxureWare Building Operation program.  Resolution In the image below, showing the Graphics Editor in SmartStruxure, this is a simple graphic page with one Ellipse which alternates between hidden and visible depending on the state of a single digital value being True or False. The red arrow shows that we are viewing the Source code for the graphics page. The blue arrow is pointing out the Appearance and the Visibility being selected. The green line in the source code shows the text which is inserted upon selecting the visibility the blue arrow refers to. The key is, failure to select the visibility, which inputs the Visibility="Visible" causes StruxureWare to close without notice and produces the Crash Report shown in the Issue. Download this Graphics Test Folder, which includes the Graphic, and the Digital Value for import to your Graphics Folder Note: Close or Crash does not occur in StruxureWare releases greater than 1.0.0.173

Issue A project calls for an ETR503-LCD which I can purchase though the Schneider Electric iPortal. Is this a programmable smart sensor? Environment Continuum field controllers ETR500 ETR501 ETR502 ETR503 LCD ETR Cause A project calls for an ETR503-LCD which I can purchase though the Schneider Electric iPortal. Is this a programmable smart sensor? Resolution The ETR503-LCD is not a programmable "smart" sensor. It's a wall-mounted 10K thermistor sensor with an override pushbutton and setpoint slider. These points can be programmed as inputs and Plain English can be used to perform control or alarming but the LCD is fixed function - just displays the temperature. There are no terminals or jack for extending the RS-485 network for a field service tool. The data sheet  and manuals can be found on the iPortal website. https://iportal2.schneider-electric.com/

Issue I/A Series R2 station on a JACE-603/645 platform indicates ENGINE WATCHDOG TIMEOUT STACK DUMP and App Failed when attempting to start the station.  Reboot of the station fails to correct the issue.  Example startup output window for the JACE-645 shown below: Tridium Niagara Station, r2.301.535.v1 [MedPlace1] MESSAGE: ErrorLogService installed [/MedPlace1/services/ErrorLogService] {lon} Maximum londevices = 27 Start service: ControlEngineService [3] ControlEngineService Start service: UiEngineService [12] UiEngineService Start service: NotificationService [6] NotificationService Start service: LogService [5] LogService Start service: AuditLogService [2] AuditLogService Start service: ErrorLogService [4] ErrorLogService Start service: WebUiService [13] WebUiService Start service: MailService [17] MailService DEBUG: setDebug: JavaMail version 1.4.4 Start service: LonWorksService [15] LonWorksService >>> Lon Driver opened! Start service: BACnetService [14] BACnetService ENGINE WATCHDOG TIMEOUT STACK DUMP @ Tue Mar 18 15:29:19 GMT-05:00 2014 App Failed Environment I/A Series R2, I/A Series G3, JACE-603, JACE-645 Cause The issue is related to an improper implementation of the JRE files required by the R2 mail service on the embedded platform.  A JACE-603/645 will fail if the platform is commissioned for I/A Series R2 use with distribution files provided in I/A Series G3 versions 3.7.46, 3.7.106, and 3.8.37. Resolution The issue can be corrected by installing a clean distribution and commissioning the platform with I/A Series G3 version 3.6.47.

Issue "invalid data on _schedule address_" error when downloading application Environment Xenta Programmables Xenta 280, 281, 282, 283, 300, 301, 302, 401, 401:B Cause This error can occur when the time schedule data has become corrupted in the Xenta programmable controller. Resolution To fix the controller either: Clear the MTA file by using the clear application process (see Xenta Controller Will Not Download / How to Clear the Xenta Application for more information) Download the MOT file and empty the application memory (see Instructions on how to download an .MOT file into a Xenta Programmable controller for more information).  

Issue When using COV with BACnet and Niagara R2, what object types should be used with it? Environment BACnet Niagara R2 COV Cause To get the most benefit from implementing COV and make certain it performs well. Resolution Per the Niagara R2 BACnet Integration Manual follow these COV Strategies: Best Candidates for COV:  In general, the best usage of COV is for objects that have values that change infrequently - typically binary and multistate input objects or binary and multistate value objects. These are represented by BACnet shadow object types BI, BV, MSI, and MSV. You can also use COV for analog input and value objects (AI and AV). However, to reduce notifications you would have to increase each object’s covIncrement value, which would also reduce sensitivity to changes - consider that only changes larger than the covIncrement value will be reported. Poor Candidates for COV:  Starting in release r2.3.4, the priorityArray property of output-type objects (AO, BO, MSO) and value-priority objects (AVP, BVP, MSVP) is polled, in addition to presentValue and statusFlags properties. This is done as part of a “rewrite mechanism” (see “Rewrite Mechanism,” page 3-25). Although you can configure any of these BACnet objects to useCOV, the object remains in the poll queue to receive priorityArray - as this property cannot be received using SubscribeCOV logic. Therefore, configuring these objects to useCOV will not significantly reduce message traffic. The poll message for each will request only one value instead of three, but this typically makes little difference. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not configure any output-type and value-priority objects for COV usage, unless the device can support plenty of COV subscriptions, and you have already subscribed all of the input and “non-priority” value type objects.

Issue The "Transactions Individual" report in Seven Reports does not sort the transactions by Date and Time. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Seven Reports Cause The "Transactions Individual" report is not sorted by Date and Time Resolution The "Transactions Individual" report is not sorted by Date and Time for a reason. I was determined by TAC, that the customer needs to design the method by which they want this report to be presented. This White Paper will define how to go about setting the Sort process by the Date and Time Option. Start Seven Reports and open the “Transactions Individuals” report Once the report is fully developed on the screen. Choose the “Design” tab In any of the blank white area do a “Right Mouse” Click In the “Popup” window selects the “Report” Option In the next “Popup” window selects the “Sort Records…” Option In the next “Popup” window you need scroll the left window unit you find the “RptEvents.DateTime” Option. Then Select the “Add” button the place the “RptEvent.DateTime” Option in the right window. After you do Step 6 this is what you will see in the right window You need to highlight the “RptEvent.DateTime” function. Then select either “Ascending” or “Descending” sort order.  In the “Ascending Mode” the “Oldest Date” is on the top of the list and the most “Recent Date” is at the bottom of the list.  In the “Descending Mode” the most “Recent Date” is on the top of the list and the “Oldest Date” is at the bottom of the list. I selected the “Descending” Mode as the way I wanted to sort the Date and Times. You also need to select the “OK” button to finish the setup process. You need to close out of this report. Select “Yes” button to save the changes you made in the “Canned” report. Remember to rename you newly created report to something other than the Original “Canned” report name.

Warning Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support Services for assistance. Issue Remove Server information shown in WorkStation drop down list Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Cause Building Operation WorkStation 'caches' user customization's including the server names / IP addresses that it has previously successfully logged on to. Resolution Two tools are available on the Community that can assist in this process. Refer to the details and instructions for both on the Community. SBO Reset WorkStation Login SBO WorkStation Favorites To manually delete the file containing the servers list (among other information), navigate to and delete the file. The location and file name depends on the installed version of WorkStation. Version 1.3 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric\Workstation\TAC.ClientUserProfile.bin Version 1.4 and 1.5 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\TAC.ClientUserProfile.bin   Versions between 1.6 and 1.9 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\SBO.ClientUserProfile.bin Version 2.0 and above When hovering over a server in the drop down list, a trash can appears at the right side that allows the server to be deleted from the list: WorkStation 2.0 and above Alternatively the path to the file is: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Schneider Electric EcoStruxureWare\Building Operation\WorkStation\SBO.ClientUserProfile.bin Next time you run WorkStation again, a new user profile file will be created. Note: All IP addresses will be cleared and you will lose settings such as column widths and similar user customization's.

Issue CyberStation and webClient on same computer. Second Security Key disables one or more features of the fist Security Key Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Andover Continuum CyberStation Andover Continuum webClient Cause Second Security Key inserted into USB port on workstation or only one computer to use. Resolution Only one Security Key (dongle, USB Key) per workstation(PC Computer). It is required that the key be installed to run the Continuum Cyberstation or WebClient server. Never install Cyberstation and webClient on the same workstation. Even on a LAN environment, there needs to be separate computers for Cyberstation and Webclient.  Note: webClient has some services disabled to allow for a more robust web capabilities. To see what is enabled on a Security Key, check out How to identify what is enabled on a Continuum Security Key.