Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When communication is lost to an AC1 module, the doors lock down even if they are unlocked by schedule. Environment AC1 module Cause The doors will attempt to default to a secure position. Resolution When you lose communications to AC1 modules they will automatically fail to a secure position.

Issue Without a Niagara R2 UNC, Enterprise Server, or MNB-1000 on a BACnet/MSTP network, can the MNB controllers communicate reliably peer-to-peer (i.e. sharing outside air temperature between multiple MNB-300 controllers)? Environment MNB-300 controllers Cause Some site would like to avoid the use of Niagara R2 UNC, Enterprise Server, or MNB-1000. Resolution Yes. The implementation of COV subscriptions in the MNB controller line, with the 1.4x (or greater) firmware, allows for every MNB controller to function as both a COV server and a COV client. This allows peer-to-peer communications between all MNB controller models. To create peer-to-peer links, review Chapter 4 in the WorkPlace Commissioning Tool and Flow Balance Users Guide (F-27358) that details how to use Link Builder.

Issue Is Niagara R2 compatible with Windows Server 2003? Environment Niagara R2 Windows Server 2003 Cause Compatibility Resolution Niagara version 514 and higher was officially certified to operate with Windows NT, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. As a side note, if using Windows Server 2003, there are two issues to be aware: Windows Server will use IIS services causing a conflict with TCP port 80. This will have to be addressed when engineering the station database. There is an issue with Niagara and Windows Server 2003. Tridium released a Tech Tip as follows: R2 Web Supervisor on Windows 2003 Service Pack JDE will not start. If fui.exe is run from within the Windows command prompt, the following error is displayed: Error occurred during initialization of VM Could not reserve enough space for object heap. The problem is limited to instances where the user is accessing the computer with a Remote Desktop connection. On 8/8/2006, Microsoft issued an update KB921883 which unintentionally causes problems with applications that use large amounts of contiguous memory on a Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1-based computer. There is a Hotfix now available to resolve the issues generated by this update. Hotfix KB924054.

Issue After copying sections of logic from one application to another the pointers from that logic won't connect to other objects and therefore show up as red lines. Environment WorkPlace Tech Cause Copying sections of logic from an older application has been known to cause this. Resolution To recover the application remove all objects and reference tags that exhibit the connection issue, compile the application and then re-create the deleted logic by pulling objects from the Shapes window.

  Issue Replacing a SHR humidity sensor when set as  4-20mA loop powered (2 wire). Product Line Field Device Environment SHR100-T* SpaceLogic SLA**** Cause When replacing a SHR100-T* sensor, there are only 2 wires and the sensor is set to loop powered for measuring humidity. Resolution The SLA sensor when used for measuring humidity and is only available as a 3 wire device when used with both 24Vac or 24Vdc (20-30Vdc) for measuring humidity, these are: power, ground and signal.   Either use a 3rd wire if available or use an alternative device.   Download the SpaceLogic Sensor Installation Sheet        

Issue Display Window in AMT for all open Windows in I/NET Environment INET site Cause In AMT, how does one see all the open windows that I/NET has open? Resolution In AMT, there is a new Window in the Task Bar which allows the user to see all the open windows that I/NET has open. This includes Alarms, Messages, Transactions, Graphics and Tools. To use this, the following steps should be followed: Open AMT, on the task bar to the far right next to the "?" there is an Icon that looks like a window. Click on it and it opens an Editor that lists all the windows that I/NET currently has opened. The user can choose whether they want to close a window or leave it open based on the amount of information he wants to see on his screen. Note: Having multiple windows of the same information (AMT) may cause AMT to lock up and or shut down.

Issue All Card Readers on a DPU are not working.  Messaging is not working, but able to release door points manually. Environment DPU 7920 - non-mipped DPU 7910 7793 Cause The DPUs and 7910 have limited memory resources for storing access control data.  If the system tries to allocate to much space for card data then the doors will not work properly. Resolution Option 1 Upgrade Hardware to SCU 1284s. You may also need to upgrade to a 7798C. Option 2 Reduce memory allocation to the door. Backup the Database to function as a restore Point Select Access>Individuals Modify a tenant's individuals Note the range of individual numbers. (lowest number and highest number) Close windows Select Access>Tenants Modify the tenant Change the number of individuals allocated to the lowest possible value Repeat these steps on all Tenants Perform an SLI restore and DPU restore on affected controllers Test badges. (the key difference to look for is the restoration of AMT messaging)

Issue Which type of thread is used on the VZ*19E valves? Environment VZ219E VZ319E VZ419E Cause There are different types of standards on the market for pipe threads, often depending on regions. Resolution All threaded VZ*19E valves are using BSP (British Standard Pipe) male threads. 

Issue Logs in the UNC are not archiving to the Enterprise Server Environment I/A Series R2 Universal Network Controller (UNC) and Enterprise Server Cause The UNC station and the Enterprise Server station have their LogService 'archiveMode' property set to 'archive_disabled'.  Resolution Change the LogService 'archiveMode' in both the UNC station and the Enterprise Server station.  1. Set the UNC station's LogService 'archiveMode' to 'archive_remote'. The 'archiveAddress' property should have 'Supervisor' checked.  2. Set the Enterprise Server station's LogService 'archiveMode' to 'archive_local'. (The “archive_local” selection is valid only if the station is running the DatabaseService) The following have to be also correct in order for log archiving to happen: AddressBook entries should be properly setup in the Enterprise Server and UNC stations. Refer to Page 1-15 and 1-16 of the Niagara Standard Programming Reference for further information.  Supervisor checkbox in the UNC's LogService 'archiveAddress' property should be checked. In the Niagara Log Object properties, the 'archiveSetup' property should have 'nearFull' or 'daily' checked. It is recommended that both of these be checked. 

Issue Can the gaskets included in the connection kits be ordered / purchased separately? Environment V241 V241 Venta Connection kit gasket Cause Gasket replacement requested if lost or worn out. Resolution Unfortunately the gasket part of the connection kit is not available separately and this can only be ordered as a complete kit.  

Issue When activating a Vista trend I get the error message "May only be changed in online-mode" Environment Vista Cause You have Vista offline. This is indicated by a red cross in the Vista server icon. Resolution To place Vista into Operating mode follow these steps: Navigate to the object $System in the root directory of the project. Right mouse click on the object and select properties Under the general tab check the "Operating" check box Select the ok button. The red cross should now disappear and you should be able to activate your trend.

Issue The BDelay object from the LonWorks jar conversion library intermittently shows very large "remaining time" causing logic issues. Environment R2, UNC's Cause The BDelay object does not initialize the time remaining properly under some conditions. Resolution In the Lib jar - programObjects - hvac folder there is a program called DelayedOutput.sns.  This program can do the delayed on and off function but will need to be enhanced if the time remaining output is required.

Issue NPR loses the program when AC power is Removed Environment I/NET NPR Cause On Board Battery Resolution You can either: Remove the cover and look at the green colored on board battery. It is located on the right side of the lower board, next to the upper board. Replace this battery Use a UPS power supply to prevent AC power loss Replace the device.

Issue Can not get graphics to work through firewalls when using webClient prior to Version 1.73. Environment webClient prior to Version 1.73 Cause Prior to 1.73 when dealing with WebPinpoint and firewalls you would need one of the below IIS server configurations. Resolution Scenario 1 -- All Client browsers inside the firewall. IIS server needs to be located inside firewall. Web Pinpoint will function correctly.   Scenario 2 -- All Client browsers are Outside the firewall. IIS server needs to be located in a DMZ ( 2 firewalls required to have a DMZ). Web Pinpoint will function correctly.   Scenario 3 -- Clients are located inside and outside the firewall Two IIS servers required, one inside the Firewall and one located in the DMZ. Web Pinpoint functions correctly. Or One IIS server required, client machines outside the firewall access the IIS through a VPN. Web Pinpoint functions correctly.   Scenario 4 -- All client machines are located outside the firewall. IIS server and ALL controllers located outside the firewall **Not recommended**   At revision 1.73 firewalls will no longer be an issue and there is no special configuration needed, just set it up as if there were no firewalls.

Issue The computer hardware for a SIGNAL installation has changed and there are no parallel ports for the security plug. Is there a USB key for SIGNAL? Environment Computer without parallel ports SIGNAL Cause Computer hardware limitation prevent the use of security plug. Resolution As noted in Product Announcement PA-00280, Signal support ended on June 30, 2014.  Replacement parallel port and USB keys are no longer available. Yes. Here are the part numbers: SIG-USB-CHG -> (OBSOLETE) Replaces the parallel security plug with a USB version for an existing SIGNAL installation. Contact Customer Service to order this part.  It is not available via iPortal. SIG-USB-KEY -> (OBSOLETE) Replaces the parallel security plug with a USB version for a new SIGNAL order

Issue Using the 0 - 20 mA output on the new surface mount Analogue Output boards. Environment Sigma X96 Outstations New style surface mount Analogue Output boards Cause Configuration of the Analogue Output board for use where a device requires a 0 - 20 mA control signal.  Resolution The new style surface mount board provides channels 15 and 16 for use with devices that require a  0 - 20 mA instead of the traditional 0 -10volts. Channels 15 and 16 can be configured for 0 - 10 volts or 0 - 20 mA by selecting the appropriate setting for link LK1, which is located on the board.

Issue Error received when compiling a large program. Environment Windows XP Cyber Station 1.8X and  1.9x Master Controllers Infinity Controllers Cause The following limitations apply to programs: For Workstation or Infinity programs, the maximum text length is 32000 characters For Infinet programs, the maximum text length is 16000 characters Resolution Create smaller programs. Span across multiple programs. Remove comments as needed.

Issue Original database incorrectly built using an improper collation sequence. Environment Continuum SQL DTS Cause Source database is damaged. Resolution Create new database using Continuum Database Initializer. Use SQL Data Transformation Services (DTS) to transfer the data from the defective database into the new database.

Issue When replacing a EM5C BB actuator with a TAC Forta, the EM5C BB may have had  220V running through the switches to control pumps or similar.  Environment TAC Forta with S2 option Cause Using the S2 option to control 220V power supply. Resolution The S2 option is in no way designed to handle 220V, and we do NOT recommend this.

Issue If a wink is attached to a circuit that is attached to more than one zone on which zone will it work? Environment I/NET site Cause Wink cycle attached to a circuit that is attached to more than one zone on which zone will it work? Resolution If you have a circuit attached to more than one zone with a wink cycle on it, the circuit will wink on the zone that turns off last. If you have a circuit attached to two zones and both zones turn off the lights at five, then the wink cycle will start at five.   If you have a circuit attached to two zones and one zone shuts off at five while the other zone shuts off at six, then the wink cycle will begin at six. One more example, is if the zone is set to two different zones and the zones are at different times. One is from seven to five and the other zone is on from eight to eleven, then the wink cycle will work at five then at eleven.