Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is Alarm decoration in EBO (EcoStruxure Building Operation) and how is it set up? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Cause Alarm decoration is used when you wish to change the alarm configuration or appearance in the alarm list for a specific alarm or a group of alarms if it meets certain conditions specified when setting up the alarm decoration. If any alarm in the system meets the conditions specified when setting up the alarm decoration the alarm will be displayed in the alarm list as specified in the alarm decoration rule. Examples of alarm specifications that can be changed by an alarm decoration rule are: Alarm text message Alarm priority Auto hide Background color Resolution See the video below: The video will show how to: Create an Alarm decoration Set up an Alarm decoration filter with the conditions: -Alarm text: *offline* -Priority: 20 Set up Alarm decoration presentation with the specifications: -Priority: 300 -Auto hide: Yes After the Alarm decoration is set up any alarm in the system where "offline" is part of the alarm text and having priority 20 will be auto hidden and given the priority 300.  

Issue Security Expert Data Service fails to start with error 1067: The process terminated unexpectedly  Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause Port used by the service is blocked or already in use Permission issues with the service logon account Prerequisite .NET Framework is incomplete or not installed correctly Resolution In Windows go to Windows Features and ensure that all .NET Framework items show a check mark to indicate that each sub item has been enabled. See Ensuring Windows features are installed for Security Expert SOAP service for details. In Windows Event Viewer, examine the Application log, it will typically have an entry with details about the reason for the error. In this case, we see an Address Already In Use Exception in the Socket Connection Listener. This is a clue the error is with the network port. The Security Expert data service has been configured to use the default port 8000. On the server, list the network ports using netstat. We can see PID 5660 is already using the port. Get the name of service associated with PID 5660. Once the service is identified, take corrective steps to ensure the two services don't use the same port. Make sure the Windows account the service is using to log on has the appropriate permissions. If port 8000 isn't being used, first Reboot the Security Expert PC and if the error still persists, uninstall Security Expert, reboot and reinstall.

Issue Controller replacement Product Line Field Devices Environment Field   Cause Controller Replacement Resolution The CXC controller provided compensated control. The CSC 5252 or CSC 5253 (With time clock) is the current replacement. Downloads The CXC data sheet can be downloaded here. The CSC data sheet can be downloaded here. The CSC User guide can be downloaded here.   Please be aware: since July 2016 the CSC compensator and other descrete controllers were withdrawn from service. To see "PA-00479 - Discrete Controllers - Notice of Withdrawal - Satchwell" click here.

Issue Is it possible to Import / Export data from Excel into the StruxureWare Building Operation Spreadsheet view? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Spreadsheet View Microsoft Excel Cause Engineer must complete a survey of the existing plant before starting the upgrade and wished to export the StruxureWare Building Operation data into Excel. Resolution Importing and Exporting to Excel at release 1.3 is not possible, using copy and paste are the only options. These functions are described in StruxureWare Building Operation "Help" under "How To". Copying from MS Excel to Spreadsheet View Copying from Spreadsheet View to MS Excel

Issue After updating the computers Java version to Java 7 update 51, graphics are not displayed when using Webstation. Then a security warning is displayed. Missing required Permissions manifest attribute in main jar: http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:/com.SE.webstation.Main/applet/applet-1.4.1.68.jar If you don't see the error above, but just get a blank window, please refer to Webstation graphics not working after updating to Java 7 Update 65. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC Vista Environment Webstation Cause From Java 7 Update 51 and onwards, Java has enhanced the security model to make user system less vulnerable to the external exploits. The new version of Java does not allow users to run the applications that are not signed (Unsigned), Self signed (not signed by trusted authority) and the applications that are missing permission attributes. Risks involved in running each kind of applications: Unsigned applications An application without a certificate (i.e. unsigned apps), or missing application Name and Publisher information are blocked by default. Running this kind of application is potentially unsafe and present higher level of risk. Self signed application (Certificate not from trusted authority) An application with self-signed certificate is blocked by default. Applications of this type present the highest level of risk because publisher is not identified and the application may be granted access to personal data on your computer. Jar file missing Permission Attribute Permissions Attribute verifies that the application requests the permission level that developer specified. If this attribute is not present, it might be possible for an attacker to exploit a user by re-deploying an application that is signed with original certificate and running the application at a different privilege level. Resolution As a workaround, the user can use Exception Site list feature to run the applications blocked by security settings. By adding the URL of the blocked application to the Exception Site list allows it to run with some warnings. Steps to Add URL to the Exception Site list: In control panel go to the Java Control Panel Click on the Security tab Click on the Edit Site List button Enter your site details (This example http://www.SBO-Site.com) Click the Add in the Exception Site List window. Select continue Repeat the process until all the sites AS/ES have been added. Then select OK to complete and OK on the next window to exit the Java control panel. Next time you use Webstation to access the AS/ES you will be asked if you want to run the application. Tick the box so this is not displayed again. Then select Run. The graphics should now be displayed. You will need to repeat this process on any computer you which to use Webstation on.

Issue Modbus write command setup and timing Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P, AS-B) Building Operation Enterprise Server (ES) Cause The Modbus value keeps being sent to a Modbus register (when write code 06 or 16 used) Resolution Control of the write timing is via the binding to the Modbus point within the Modbus network. If the Communication type is set to "Periodic" then the value will be sent based on the Period Communication Interval. If the Communication Type is set to "Change of Value" then the value will only be written when the value changes by this amount. The Re-transmit Interval should also be considered, as the register will also be written to based on this timing value, regardless as to whether it has changed or not. This value may need to be increased if the value should not be re transmitted apart from when the value changes. Up to v1.3 v1.4 and later Some Modbus devices get over these sort of issues by having a mode that can be set so that re-transmission of the same value is ignored, as the example below NOTE Block (Batch, Multiple) Writes are not supported (correct as 2020 11 01 and up to v3.2) Although they are used to write to 32, 48 & 64 bit Register types (so "Write Multiple Registers" packets will be seen when writing to 32, 48 or 64 bit registers) 

Issue Would like the ability to disable "Ping Failed" alarms in G3 Environment Tridium Niagara G3 (AX) network controllers (ENC, JACE-645, JACE6, JACE7) Cause Network communication issues sometimes causes device to timeout on a ping request, but quickly recovers. This failure causes an unnecessary alarm to be generated. Resolution 1.  Go to the Property Sheet of the appropriate network (e.g.. Lonworks Network, Bacnet Network) 2.  Expand Monitor, and set the Alarm on Failure field to False. 3.  Click Save  

Issue Need program example of Macro Block for Function Block program. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause Macro Block Library is intended as an example and may need to be adjusted to the actual application. Resolution A Macro Block Library is included in the installation of the Function Block Editor. Inside the Function Block Editor, right click in an empty space and select Load Macro. If you do not see the Macro Block Library directly, please navigate to  C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation 3.1\WorkStation\Function Block Editor Here, you can select Macro Library Function block to find different Macro Blocks:                  Macro Block Library Macro Block Library for TAC Xenta series Macro Block Library Xenta700 Macro Block Library For TAC Xenta 700 series Macro Library Function Block Macro Block Library For Function Block Editor Process Models Process Models Library For TAC Xenta series Process Models Function Block Process Models Library For Function Block Editor Process Models Xenta700 Process Models Library For TAC Xenta 700 series User Library Reserved location for user made Macro Block The first three folders in the list above (Macro Block Library, Macro Block Library Xenta700 and Macro Library Function Block) each contain the following sub folder structure: Air handling Control Function Calculation Common Efficiency Energy Psychrometric Heating Control Function Miscellaneous Function SNVT Timers The other four folders contain macro blocks without any sub folder structure, i.e. they are located directly in the folders.

Issue The value of an exported Infinet point is not updated in some or all of the subscribing controllers. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Andover Continuum Environment Building Operation Automation Server Continuum i2 Controller Cause The subscribing controller is offline or inaccessible when the IE update is broadcast. Resolution The main disadvantage with the Continuum Import/Export (IE) system is that, in certain cases, it is possible that the updated value may not reach one or more of the subscribers due to various reasons such as network or controller down problems, excessive traffic on the network, etc. This is not of big concern when the point is of an analog type that changes frequently such as a temperature input since the point will update again when the temperature changes in a matter of seconds or minutes at the most.  For binary values though, a missing update is a big concern. Consider an occupancy schedule point that turns ON at 08:00 and off at 17:00.  If a subscriber misses the 08:00 update the zones under control by the subscriber will be unoccupied the entire day. The Point’s Refresh Attribute. Continuum points have a ‘Refresh’ attribute that is used to force the IE system to send a new updated value, setting the refresh attribute to true forces the Infinity controller to export the point’s value regardless of whether it has changed or not. It is IMPERATIVE that a PE program periodically refreshes binary points that are exported in Infinity controllers such as i2 devices. In the schedule example described above, a program* can be added to the Infinet controller that hosts the exported point.  This program should be triggered by the minute system variable and coded as follows: *make sure the program is of the type Infinet Script Program This will ensure that any subscribers to the schedule OCC flag won’t go more than a minute with a stale value of the point. Refreshing points that reside under the Infinet interface of the Automation Server (EBO 3.1 and greater) If the point to be refreshed resides under the Infinet interface of the AS-P then there are some differences in the way the refresh is accomplished. The program will be of the type Script Program. The point will have a REFRESH property, you bind to the refresh property in the Script Program instead of the point's value. The most important difference is that while in the i2 device the export takes places when you set the value of the refresh property to true, in the Automation Server the export takes place when the value of the refresh flag is toggled, regardless of the value (true or false) Below is an example of a Script Program refreshing some value objects that reside at the Automation Server under the Infinet interface The statement DigValue1 = (DigValue1 = false) is just a very efficient way to toggle the value of the refresh property, it is equivalent to saying.... If DigValue1 = false then set it to true and if DigValue1 = true then set it to false. Things to consider when refreshing exported points. Do not refresh points at a fast rate as this will cause unnecessary traffic on the Infinet field bus, refresh rates of one minute or more are strongly recommended. For the same reason, when refreshing many points, the operation should be staggered to avoid flooding the Infinet bus with an avalanche of IE traffic at the same instant.

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 Need a method for mass importing User photos for creating / updating the Users for a Security Expert site. Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Security Expert Data Sync Service (SX-DB-SYNC) Cause Data Sync Service is typically used to import data from the third party system.  In this instance, a CSV file containing the data to be imported into the Security Expert database is used. The Data Sync Service is configured to monitor the folder where this CSV file is located and automatically (if configured) import the relevant data into Security Expert, creating records (including users, access levels, areas, doors, schedules, and so on) for each matched entity. Resolution The Data Sync Service can be used to map specific fields from a CSV file to fields within Security Expert. One of those fields can be the User photos. Below is a guide on how to implement this.   1. Directory Setup Before opening the Security Expert Data Sync Service, it is necessary to setup a CSV file and directory for the Data Sync Service to work with. The only requirement for now is that each image must have a unique name and that the folder housing the images must be called "Photos". Figure 1 shows an example folder structure: Note: The names of the folder, CSV file and image names are not critical. As long as the image names match what is in the CSV file.   2. CSV File A CSV file is a comma separated file with each row being a separate record and columns (fields) separated by comma's. An example CSV is shown below:   UniqueID,FirstName,LastName,AccessLevel,PIN 101,First,User,Visitor,1284 102,Second,User,Visitor,5618 Note: The UniqueID field will need to be the file name of the Users image. For the below example CSV, two images must be present in /Photos/ with the names 101.jpg and 102.jpg.   3. Security Expert Operator It is recommended that a new Security Expert Operator is added for importing from the Data Sync Service. This ensures that records that have been added / modified / deleted by the Data Sync Service can easily be identified. To proceed past the Data Target section the Show PIN numbers for Users option must be enabled in the Operator object.   4. Data Target Now that an Operator, directory and CSV have been set up, open Security Expert Data Sync Service and follow these steps: Select Security Expert from the Target System dropdown. Confirm the SOAP Server Address. If the defaults were accepted during the installation of the SOAP Service, enter http://localhost:8030/SecurityExpertSOAPService/service.svc. Enter the Username of an Operator. Enter the Password for that Operator. From the Site dropdown, select the Site that the records are to be imported to. All Sites that have been added in Security Expert will be available in the dropdown. Overwrite the Site ID during the field mapping process if the records are imported to different Sites within a single import. Note: The rest of the fields on the Configuration window are disabled until a valid Server Address, Username and Password have been entered.   5. Sync Options Set the Resynchronize Every time to a time interval over which the service should resync data. Tick the Enable Error Log checkbox to populate the Event Viewer with events that will make error solving simpler.  6. Data Mapping  Configure the records and import file with the following steps. Select Users from the Record to Sync drop-down.  In the File Directory field, enter the created folder. If importing a single file, enter the name of the file in the Import File field. If the checkbox is left unticked, all files in the File Directory will be imported. From the File Format drop-down, select Delimited. If the import file is a CSV, select {CR}{LF} as the Row and {Comma} as Column delimiters. Enable the option to Start Import At Row 2 to skip the header.    7. Field Mapping The data mapping phase allows CSV columns (Source Column) to be mapped to a record type in the Security Expert Database (Target Field). To import the example CSV, the field mapping must be configured as below. Link a Target Field and Source Column, simply select both in the interface, complete the following: Link the following [Target Field : Source Column]: ImageID : 1, First Name : 2, Last Name : 3, UserAccessLevelGroupDataData > UserAccessLevel : 4 PINNumber : 5, Select ImageID (Column 1) as the Unique Field. For UserAccesLevel, open the Advanced Data Configuration by clicking the [ … ] button. Ensure that Use This Field As The Group Data Identifier is set and Grouping Type is Singular Data. Ensure Target Field Record Type is ticked and set to Access Levels. Click Save and then Start to begin the syncing of Users. 8. Troubleshooting If troubleshooting is required, examine the following logs: All Events - In Security Expert under Monitoring > Status Page View, open the All Events view to view Data Sync Service events. Event Viewer - Open the Windows Event Viewer and navigate to Event Viewer > Applications and Services Logs > Schneider Electric Security Expert event log.

Issue TC300 Series & accuracy Environment BMS Site Cause TC300 Series & accuracy Resolution The TC300Series-HotelApplication Stand-alone Digital FanCoil Thermostat specifications are as follows: There are two sensors possible for the unit. An embedded sensor is NTC100K, and for the external sensor as (below picture) it is NTC10K (3950). This chart defines the NTC Sensor accuracy (not the Control Accuracy which is in the specifications above):   The RS-03 10k NTC Remote Sensor-3m (Meters). Sites that want to extend further than the 3m, should know that the maximum length is 20m, we don't suggest more, but doesn't mean >20m have issues. The problem depends on the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Compatibility (EMC) in the field. Every site is different, and it is suggested to try in the field and see if it works fine. (When a remote sensor is connected (terminals S1 & S2) this remote sensor is automatically used. The internal sensor is ignored.) Note: TC300 thermostat supports Modbus RTU only. If you require LON, consider the SE7000 series controller. TC300 series replaces the DEGA 006905432 which is obsolete as of March 2004.  To control multiple fan coils with one ST300, a connection called the ST-2 is required. This expands the control up to 4 fan coils simultaneously but is not recommended since it may lead to uncomfortable temperatures in building area. For more info, visit The Exchange with search keywords TC300. The TC300 is only listed in the EMEA and AsiaPAC market. They are not UL approved.  

Issue How can the password (PSWRD) be reset back to the factory default value of “0” on the Viconics VT7200x5x18, VT7300x5x18, & VT7600x5x18 series thermostats? Environment Viconics VT7x00 and SE7x00 thermostats Cause unknown password Resolution There's no way to restore the password back to “0”.  An error code will be displayed when an incorrect password is used. Contact Product Support Services with this error code and a temporary password will be given to allow the ability to create a new password.

Issue There is no indication that a card has been read when being presented at a Security Expert Smart Card Reader. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Security Expert Smart Card Reader (SX-DRD-??, SX-DRK-??, SX-RD-??, SX-RK-??) Cause Reader is configured but there is no LED activity or beep when a card is presented at the reader. Resolution If the Security Expert Smart Card Reader does not blink or beep, then the reader cannot read the card for one of the following reasons. Wrong technology, e.g. trying to read a 125khz card on a 13.56mhz reader will not work and vice versa The card is encoded with a proprietary format/encryption The card is encrypted and the encryption keys are not programmed into the reader (note that this is different from the above case; there are many scenarios where cards are encrypted but not proprietary and therefore if the encryption keys are programmed into the reader it can be read) If you get a single beep/short flash of the reader ports reader LED but no event/data in Security Expert it means that the reader can read the card but the format at the reader port is not able to correctly interpret the data which is why no events are being logged. Another format should be selected from the Reader Format list to suit the card type, if no suitable format exists in the list a custom format must be created.

Issue TAC Xenta Server webpage does not work smoothly. A typical example is when you try to change a value. The small dialog that should pop up to change a value might pop up and immediately disappear. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TAC Xenta Severs Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 TAC Vista 5 Webstation Cause Using unsupported version of Java may cause various issues. For example, Xenta server webpage does not display smoothly, time schedule does not show up or can not be edited, etc. Resolution Below is the Java compatibility matrix of TAC Vista 5.   5.1.9 5.1.8 5.1.7 5.1.6 5.1.5 5.1.4 5.1.3 5.1.2 5.1.1 5.1.0 5.0.3 5.0.2 5.0.1 5.0.0 Java 1.5 update 06               X X X X X X X Java 1.6 update 11           X X               Java 1.6 update 17            X 1                 Java 1.6 update 20 X X X X X                   Java 1.7 update 51 X                           1  TAC Xenta Server 5XX/7XX/913 SP1. Log into The Exchange and then click here to download the full Vista Compatibility Matrix. To uninstall an unsupported version of Java and install the supported version, refer to Xenta Server webpage automatically logs out while waiting for Java to load.

Issue When trying to download a b3866 device, receive an Untranslated BACnet Error. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server (AS, AS-P, AS-B) BACnet b3 or Infinet i2 Controller Cause Infinet ID 0 or duplicate Infinet Id Resolution Export the objects in the controller. Delete the b3866 (or other b3 or i2) controller. Re-learn the controller. Manually assigned the Infinet ID to the next one available. Software reset the b3/i2. Download the b3/i2. Back up to flash. Import the objects. Download the b3./i2. Back up to flash.

Issue Seeing "An Object_Identifier has been specified for an object that does not exist in the object database of the addressed BACnet device", when trying to open a BACnet Device in Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment bCX 4040 BACnet Cause When trying to send a controller's obejcts to the Database on the BACnet side the following messages are seen in the Distribution Properties window. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM The operation 'Save to Database' is finished. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM Unable to save objects to the database from Id:36922175.           An Object_Identifier has been specified for an object that does not exist in the object database of the addressed BACnet device. 10/10/2013 12:50:07 PM The operation 'Save to Database' is starting.   In the case of the affected controller being a bCX, all b3's underneath the bCX are able to be seen and their objects opened, but a user is unable to open any of the objects in the bCX itself on the BACnet side of the Continuum system tree.  Some/all objects are either not located in the BACnet side of the bCX Device or they have been malformed as they were initially created. Resolution The Device needs to be removed and re-discovered Delete the BACnet side of the bCX Device. Perform a "Find new BACnet Devices" from the Root. Then "Send to Database" on the BACnet side to upload all of the BACnet objects back into the Database.  

Issue Use of the Building Operation Script editor and general Script programming is covered in the Training courses and technical reference guide, what other techniques can be used to debug a program? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment  Building Operation Script editor. Cause Often additional techniques are required to debug Script programs, especially when attempting to analyze, modify or fault find other people's code. Resolution Some techniques you can use for debugging your program and isolating problems are: Add in additional line labels to the program to isolate where the program is disabling or failing, if it disables you will be able to see the "CurrentLine" it has failed on and therefore know which line of code is causing the problem. Use the Trace feature to step through a program and monitor the binding variables, stepping through each line of code to ensure the values are all set as expected. Even if a program does not disable you can use the "Stop" keyword in the program, it will act as a break in the code and you can look at the values of the various variables, this may be a useful alternative to the Trace feature. Use the Watch window and the Binding Variables window to show the values of the various objects, when used with the above two techniques it allows you to accurately trace a program flow. Ensure all of the code used is compatible with the Script programming rules and that Continuum Plain English programs are not just used without conversion. Check the Plain English and Script Difference Guide. For programs in an i2 or b3 controller, ensure none of the Program size limitations are exceeded, see Plain English program limitations on number of characters in program and line labels.  

Issue Displaying Automation Server status on a graphic page Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation Automation Server Cause The online / offline status of an Automation Server can be viewed in the Workstation System Tree (Servers folder). However, there is currently no 'built in' method of displaying the Automation Server status on a graphic page.  Resolution There are two possible ways to workaround this   Within TGML Bind any Automation Server attribute that is shown only when the Automation Server is online (such as DateTime) and convert the status either by TGML script or a ConvertStatus element. See the attached example.   Using a script program We can create a point in the Automation Server and use another server to monitor this point. Below is an example of using the Enterprise Server to monitor an Automation Server.  Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, I have created an Analog Value point and set it to a value of 88.8. This value does not really matter but I have set to this value for easier recognition. Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, I have created an Analog Value point and set it to a value of 88.8. This value does not really matter but I have set to this value for easier recognition 1. Create a value point in the Automation Server. In this example, an Analog Value point (named 'Status')is created and set to a value of 88.8. The value set does not matter. It has been set to 88.8 for easy recognition.    2. In the Enterprise Server, create a new Program point (named 'Monitor AS' in this example) with the following codes.  Numeric Input In1 String Output Out1 Numeric Output Out2 Out2 = In1 If In1.Offline = true then Out1 = "Offline" else Out1 = "Online"   3. Edit the binding of the Script program and bind 'In1' to the Value Point that was created in the Automation Server.    4. When the Automation Server loses connectivity to the Enterprise Server, the Out1 output of the Script program will show 'Offline'. You can then bind this to a graphic page.

Issue Getting error "Communications failure due to routing device not available" when reloading BACnet Controller Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation 1.74 above b3 controllers BACnet bCX1 Cause Anti-virus applications can prevent the BACnet objects from saving into the Continuum Database (BACnet objects may also not appear on the BACnet side).   When you reload the BACnet controller which contains these objects, they are 'inaccessible' and the error is generated in the distribution property window Resolution Close Continuum CyberStation Disable all the Anti-Virus applications then restart Continuum CyberStation From the BACnet Device side, Right click the Controller you want to reload then select SendToDatabase, all the BACnet objects will appear under the controller. Reload the controller again.

Issue After configure web client, the log on page appears, then type the user name and password,  the log on process not continue and get server error in '/webclient' application. When use IE browser on the IIS server machine to access web server will get the error as shown as the capture picture below:    When use IE browser on the client machine to access web server will get the error as shown as the capture picture below Environment LAN Windows server 2008 R2 SQL server 2008 IIS 7.0 IE 7.0 Webclient 1.90 Cause Incorrect IIS server configuration, some items is unchecked except CGI and ISAPI Resolution Go to IIS manager, check all the items of web service extension except CGI and ISAPI Try to log on again from browser, that should be ok.