Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is the Max object count in a B3 controller. Environment   Continuum 1.7X Continuum 1.8X Continuum 1.9X B3 Controllers Cause What is the Max object count in a B3 controller. Resolution The max object count for B3 controllers is 250.   200  user 50 reserved for System Variables

Issue Deleting an object that does not have a matching Index entry. Environment BAS2800+ Sigma Deleting Object Point No index entry Cause Although an object is shown in the Pntfle.rec, a matching entry is not present in the Index. Resolution If an object exists in the Pntfle.rec, and the Index entry for this object is missing, then the object cannot be deleted. The following describes the easiest way of correcting the problem. Using an appropriate tool review the Pntfle.rec file and make a note of the object details. These would include the complete mnemonic, the object type, the object number, and the controller number. Using Windows explorer navigate to the correct controller folder. Rename the existing Pntfle.rec to OLDPntfle.rec Rename the existing Pointer.bin to OLDPointer.bin Add a new object in the correct location within the Index to match the Mnemonic structure, that uses the recorded object number, controller number and object type. Using Windows explorer navigate to the correct controller folder. Delete Pntfle.rec Delete Pointer.bin Rename OLDPntfle.rec to Pntfle.rec Rename OLDPointer.bin to Pointer.bin The object can now be deleted as normal.

Issue Are there any STD100 spare parts available for ordering? Environment 5123002010 STD100-50 5123004010 STD100-100 5123006010 STD100-150 5123008010 STD100-200 5123010010 STD100-250 5123012010 STD100-300 5123014010 STD100-400 Cause Lost or broken parts needs replacement Resolution No spare / replacement parts are currently available for ordering.

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 ModBMS RUD (Request for Unsolicited Data) Updates Debug Environment Satchwell ModBMS Cause ModBMS appears to periodically not update certain points from the controllers. Resolution We can turn on the debug in ModBMS to see if we can capture any information that can assist with the troubleshooting. In the ModBMS directory, find the ModBMS.cfg file and open it using Notepad. Find the entry ‘Debug’ in the General section. If Debug is not there, add it. See the example below. The default value is 0. Setting to 2 will record only changes of data in RUD updates. Setting to 4 will record ALL RUD updates. We want to set this to 4. After editing, save the file and restart ModBMS. The example above has the value set to 4 ( 4 ). Turning on the debug will add additional information to the ModBMS.txt file. When an update issue happens, send this file to Product Support for analysis. You should turn the debug off / on depending on the recommendations from Product Support.

Issue VTRA valve is leaking and requires a stuffing box Product Line Field Devices Environment VTRA Stuffing Box 080488305 0804883005 Cause The data sheet indicates that the replacement part number is 080488305, but that part number is not found. Resolution The VTRA data sheet indicate that the Stuffing Box part number is 080488305, but this incorrect. The correct part number is 080-4883-005, for ordering purposes the part number 0804883005 without the hyphens (-) may have been used.

Issue Limit what is available to the user on a dedicated I/NET host on the Ethernet. For example, I do not want the user to be able to get to a DOS prompt then modify the Routing Table. Environment I/NET site Cause Limit what is available to the user on a dedicated I/NET host on the Ethernet. For example, I do not want the user to be able to get to a DOS prompt then modify the Routing Table. Resolution This can be done. Remove the DOS icon from Windows. Or, it may be better to edit the permission rights of the user.

Issue What is the pin out for a cable to commission a netcontroller (CX99xx)? Environment CX99xx Cause Need to create a cable to commission a controller. Resolution RJ Connector <- - - - -> 9 Pin RS232 PC Controller Comm3 Pin 1 - DTR <- - - - -> Pin 1 - CXD Pin 2 - CTS <- - - - -> Pin 7 - RTS Pin 3 - CXD <- - - - -> Pin 4 - DTR Pin 4 - RTS <- - - - -> Pin 8 - CTS Pin 5 - GND <- - - - -> Pin 5 - GND Pin 6 - RD <- - - - -> Pin 3 - TD Pin 7 - DSR <- - - - -> Pin 6 - DSR Pin 8 - TD <- - - - -> Pin 2 - RD On the RJ connector for the controller's comm3, Pin 1 is the furthest to the left with the insert clip facing away from you and the gold teeth facing you.

Issue Daylight saving (DST) settings when using external time controller. Environment Vista Server NTP External Time Controller Cause Sometimes customers prefer to use an external software and/or device to monitor and set the actual time in the computer, sometimes it also controls the daylight savings. Resolution When using TAC Vista servers in a network with an external time server (e.g. connected to the TAC Vista master server) it might be a good idea to switch of the daylight saving and only use standard time. The daylight saving/standardtime is controlled by the events, $Summer and $Winter. They can be changed in the property menu for the server object. First, make sure that all computers don’t have the checkbox “automatically adjust clock for daylight savings” checked in the date and time property dialog, with this box unchecked, TAC Vista controls the daylight savings on the computer. You also need to set TAC Vista in standard time status (if it isn't already).If it is, go to the properties menu on the server object, Time control. Make sure that “daylight saving difference” is changed from 60 min to 0 min. Then go to the daylight savings menu and uncheck the start and stoptime to make sure that the event doesn’t run next time. Do the same thing in the standard time menu. If you’re in daylight savings mode already, you have to run the standard time event. Do this by selecting weekday and month. e.g. third Wednesday in April. Change the start time to a couple of minutes later, press ok and open the properties dialog again to make sure that next event is happening soon. Check the state in the properties menu on the server object, Time control, it should be standard time now. Now do the settings mentioned in chapter 2. By doing this the external time server now can control time and daylight savings in the TAC Vista network.

Issue When the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool browses a network or internetwork, not all controllers on the network will be found. Environment WorkPlace Commissioning Tool Cause Increase the reply timeout value in WorkPlace Commissioning Tool Resolution If controllers are missing from the list, the recommendation is to Refresh the list after the first attempt  Increase the reply timeout value in the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool to 40,000 milliseconds or greater. With large quantities of controllers (for example 80 or more), wait for the entire reply timeout value to expire for the list to stabilize.

Issue Adding area(s) to multiple personnel objects in one operation Environment CyberStation Cause Need to add area(s) to multiple personnel objects in one shot Resolution In the Continuum Explorer select the folder that contains the personnel object. In the right pane select the personnel objects you want to add the area(s) to, you can select ‘Edit\Select All’ from the pull down menu or use a combination of the Shift/Ctrl key with the left button mouse click to multi select. Right click on one of the selected Personnel objects and select ‘Add Areas…’ from the context menu. In the ‘Area’ window you can select one or more areas to assign.

Issue Is it necessary to create a separate network for a site even if it is the only site outside of the eastern time zone? Environment Continuum UTC Time Zone Continuum Networks Cause Site is in a different time zone than the rest of the sites on the being brought into the Continuum system. Resolution While schedules can be mitigated locally and alarms be stamped with the time of occurrence with respect to the local time zone, neither of these are optimal ways to run Continuum.  Extended logs are not manageable when points are being logged in a controller in time zone A and then downloaded by a Cyberstation in time zone B. For this reason it is not advisable to have controllers that reside in different time zones under one Continuum Network.  Note: Extended logs are stored in the db with UTC time stamp and are interpreted by Cyberstation via reports or groups.

Issue When using an MNL controller to accumulate a usage total, the output appears to reset when the pulse rate gets too low. Environment MNL family of controllers Cause As designed, if the pulse rate is too low, the output goes to zero. The Pulse Counter function of the Binary Input object is designed to calculate a pulse rate value and a total pulse count value.  Due to mathematical restraints within the processor of the controller, if the interval between pulses is too low, the pulse rate output goes to zero.  Resolution The standard Lon controllers (MNL-50, 100, 110, 130, 150, 200, VAV) handle pulse rates down to a minimum pulse rate of 1 pulse per minute.  If the pulse rate falls below one pulse per minute, i.e., less than one OFF to ON transition per minute, the pulse rate output will go to zero until the next pair of OFF to ON transitions that occur within one minute. For the MNL-800 controller, the minimum pulse rate is one pulse every 4 minutes.

Issue Is there a way to edit the Continuum Security Group export file outside of Continuum? Environment Security Groups .sdf file format Cause The need for a more efficient method of editing Continuum user Security Groups. Resolution There is no method of editing the Security Groups export file outside of Continuum.

Issue UI-8-10 input reads only 5 volts dc  when dip switch is set for 10 volt input. Environment UI-8-10 Input Cause Improperly configured input. Resolution Page 40 of IO Module System Reference Guide states.  The 0-10V range allows connection to signals up to 10.00V. In this mode the circuit actually uses the same input measuring circuit as the 0-5V range, however, it divides the voltage present by two thereby limiting the internal circuitry to 0-5V. When you read a 0- 10V input the actual reading will be 0-5V. You must adjust your readings for the higher range via formula. This is accomplished by applying a conversion factor to the reading. When creating a 10V InfinityInput, set the Conversion to ElecValue * 2.   When using the 10V mode be sure to set the Reference resistor switch to Off.   Note: Setting the Reference Resistor enable switch to ‘ON’ and setting the Range to ‘10V’ is invalid. Switching to 10V inputs dramatically lowers the impedance of the input to 4.4 KΩ.

Issue LonMaker restore backup error message: "The operation failed because access was denied to the target drive or directory. Please verify that you have write access" Environment LonMaker Cause This will happen if the TAC Vista server is running and already using the database. Resolution Close TAC Vista server and try again. If that doesn't work, make sure that you have full write access to the folder you are restoring to and that you are an administrator on the PC.

Issue When using I/A MNL800 controllers in Vista classic network (without using LNS database), an issue will happen when commissioning and downloading the controller: Local Network Management Failure, Info: nci_Location. The xif file has been updated to the newest version of the WPT program. Environment WPT version higher than 5.7.2 Vista 5.1.6 Cause The possible cause is that the WPT version is too high for Vista classic network to integrate. Resolution Firstly it isn't recommended to use I/A LonWorks controllers in Vista system. And there is no specific compatible matrix for Vista and WPT. Currently the proved version of WPT that can be used with Vista 5.1.6 is 5.7.2. The version higher than this will has this issue. So the only solution is to use the xif file generated by WPT 5.7.2 in Vista classic network.

Issue Older Continuum access controllers (CX9900, CX9702, ACX700, ACX781) can only store one card credential per user in their local databases as opposed to the newer CX9680, ACX5720/40 that store two credentials per user. What is the behavior of said older Continuum access controllers when the system is configured for dual credentials? Environment CyberStation CX9900 CX9702 ACX700/1 ACX780/1 Cause Documentation Resolution To allow older controllers to validate the second credential enable remote validation in the controller by setting its Access Server system variable to the ACCNetId of the primary access server (for consistency, in actuality it can be set to any number in the range 191-254) Explanation: When configured for dual credentials CyberStation will not distribute credential2 to older controllers that can only store one credential, however, when the second credential is presented at a door configured at an older controller the controller will send a remote validation request to the primary/secondary access server and access will be granted or denied appropriately. Note also that changing the Allowed Credentials at the CyberStation has no effect on older controllers that have no concept of the Allowed Credentials functionality, if for example the Allowed Credentials is changed from Credentials 1 and 2 to only credential 2, controllers that support the new functionality will stop granting access to credential 1 but older controllers will continue to grant access to credential 1 until reloaded.

Issue Can bCX comm1 power a port-powered RS232-to-RS485 converter?. Environment bCX Cause Need to connect Modbus RTU devices on RS485 bus to Xdriver on bCX comm1. Resolution This has been done successfully according to posts on the Exchange commnuity. It is not a configuration that Product Support Services supports as it is not tested and there are many different devices on the market - some of whch may work and some which may not. 

Issue Why not enter more than one reference host in a host or NPR configuration? Environment I/NET site Cause Why not enter more than one reference host in a host or NPR configuration Resolution Because if someone brings in an NPR to a site which has been used before, it will contain all of the IP addresses and links from the previous site. If any host or NPR on site refers to it as a reference host, those addresses may get spread to all of the hosts/NPRs on site. More than one reference host will make it tricky to get rid of the erroneous addresses. Besides that, the system doesn't need more than one.

Issue If airflow direction is reversed in duct from f.ex. 100 Pa to -100 Pa, will the SPD310/SPD360 break? Environment SPD310 SPD360 Cause Reversing airflow direction in duct. Resolution It will not break. If the "sym" jumper setting is changed when airflow direction is changed (reversed), it will read the value correctly.