Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Is it possible to use DC voltage to power the 7793, 7798, and the DPUs (7910, 7920)? Environment 7793 7798 7910 DPU 7920 DPU DC power Cause Although this is not the preferred method of powering these devices they are capable of this configuration. We strongly recommend the use of DC voltage be reserved for emergency backup power. Resolution The 7798B Controller, 7910, and 7920 DPUs can be powered by +24 VDC. The DC voltage should be at least +24 VDC - +27 VDC is best. Refer to the following TCONs for specific wiring detail and installation instructions: 7798B TCON 138 7910 TCON 116 7920 TCON 117

Issue Adding Custom Buttons in Vista 4.2 Environment Vista 4.2 Cause In Vista 4.2 you can add custom buttons to the Tools menu or the Toolbar. This can be useful to make shortcuts to the desktop, your Vista database directory, or WordPad. Resolution Right click on any tool bar and choose Customize. On the Tools tab, insert a new shortcut. Enter a name for the button and the Path for the EXE you wish to execute in the Command box. Click Close and your button should be visible from the Tools menu. You can also drag and drop this button on any tool bar.

Issue When creating links between an Enterprise Server and a UNC, the process takes 2 to 3 minutes per link. Why? Environment Enterprise Server UNC (Universal Network Controller) Cause The Enterprise Server station's address book may contain a UNC (or more than one) that does not exist or is offline. Resolution If a UNC no longer exist or is offline, it will slows down the link creation process. Remove the entry from the address book and restart the station, or, enable the UNC so that it is online.

Issue Two different new batteries were installed into a DMS-350A. Neither of them has charged to the point of indicating GOOD. The voltage on the battery clips with the battery installed reads 4.5 Vdc. Why doesn't the battery charge? Environment DMS-350A Cause Poor connection between the battery and battery holder. Resolution Clean the battery holder contacts and bend them for a better connection.

Issue Why is it recommended that the Firefighters Smoke Control Station Interface (FSCSI) database consists entirely of internal points and point extensions? Environment Firefighters Smoke Control Station Interface (FSCSI) Cause This allows the same database to be used regardless of whether the FSCSI is an ICI PCU or even an MRI. Resolution This allows the same database to be used regardless of whether the FSCSI is an ICI PCU or even an MRI. For more information see TCON 231, Smoke Control Systems Manual, Database Logic.

Issue MN-CI revision 4.1 returns an error 511 when sending a “Reset” command to a MicroNet 2000 controller. The controller does reset as commanded. Environment MN-CI rev. 4.1 software, MN-FLO, MN-FLO3T, MN-HPFC Cause The problem is caused because MN-CI rev. 4.1 sends the “Reset” command twice, and temporarily loses communications with the controller. Resolution The error is considered a nuisance and can be ignored.

Issue There are 2 different packing types available for ordering when choosing connections for the V241/V341 Environment V241 V341 Cause There is a difference in material used in the gaskets included with the connection packages. Resolution The "Packing, std" is a standard type gasket. "Packing, spec" is intended to be used in primary circuit district heating applications. Material in gasket is PTFE.

Issue When UltiVist completes a backup, where is the backup file stored? Environment UltiVist Cause For copying to portable media and safekeeping offsite. Resolution The backup file is located in the \FI\UVDBSAVE folder.  The backup file is named:  UVBACK01.ZIP or UVBACK02.ZIP or UVBACK03.ZIP UltiVist will create one file each time a backup is done.  It will overwrite one of the three files above so that there will only ever be three backup files in this directory.

Issue When attempting to use the Door Entry Requires Verification option in a Door Type the verification window does not pop up when a User badges at the door. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause This option requires a Camera record to be assigned to the Door record even if there is no physical camera at the door. Resolution Create a Door Type that has the Door Entry Requires Verification option enabled. Door Type Create a Camera under Monitoring | Setup | Cameras and set the Type to Direct Camera and URL to any value (this needs to be set even if it is not correct). Camera Configuration In your Door set, the Door Type to the new one created earlier and the Camera (Entry) to the camera just created. Door Configuration Operation: Badging a valid User at the Door will create an Entry Verification event (1) that pops the camera window that includes an Unlock Door button (2) allowing the Operator to manually open the Door (3) once visually identifying the User. Operator Verification

Issue The SIGNAL serial numbers on the security plug and the first installation diskette are different. Will they work together? Environment SIGNAL computer Security plug installation diskette Cause Information about the date code found on SIGNAL system. Resolution Every SIGNAL serial number is 8 digits long. The first 4 digits are a datecode and the second 4 digits are the actual serial number: Serial# xxxx-yyyy where x = datecode  and y = serial number The first 4 digits will differ if either the original security plug or original installation diskettes were lost and replaced. As long as the last 4 digits are identical, they will work together.

Issue There is a position feedback signal feature on the Forta series actuators, how do I connect to it? Environment Forta series actuator Cause How to correctly connect the wiring for the position feedback signal. Resolution Connect between block "Y" and "MX" to get the feedback signal. It's a 0-100%, 2-10V, where 100% always refers to full open position.

Issue Can I edit the "covIncrement" of a BACnet point in a BACnet controller from the ENC? Environment G3 ENC's Cause This may be necessary to increase the covIncrement of a BACnet point if it is triggering excessive "cov notifications" to the ENC. Resolution In revision 3.2 and newer under the Device object a new selection called “Virtual” was added. BACnet virtual points are transient and are created and subscribed only when accessed. Expand Virtual and all the BACnet objects in the device are listed. Right click the object of interest and all of its properties are displayed, including covIncrement. Expand covIncrement and its value can be changed. When the Save is done the value is written to the controller.  

Issue Can MOVs (metal oxide varistors) be installed on the main AC power connector of a MNL controller? Site has dirty power issues. Environment MNL controllers Cause Site has dirty power issues which are causing damage to the MNL controllers Resolution Although it's not a supported configuration, the MOVs are electronically capable of being installed on the MNL controller's main AC power connector.

Issue Launching I/NET automatically on startup of the PC. Environment Microsoft Windows I/NET Cause There is a feature where the user can automatically launch I/NET when they start their PC. This keeps operators from having to remember to start I/NET after a reboot or power loss. Resolution Go to Windows Explorer > C:/Documents and Settings/Users/[select the user]/Start Menu/Programs/Startup Create a shortcut for I/NET Select I/NET, right click and select properties, at the end of "C:\Program Files\INET Seven\INetW.exe" place a /winuser. Now it should look like this "C:\Program Files\INET Seven\INetW.exe" /winuser. Log off or shut down the PC Restart it again and I/NET should automatically be started.

Issue Can Signal XP run with a limited user account in Windows XP? Environment Signal XP Limited local user account Cause The application will not run properly with limited local user account. Resolution In order to run Signal XP, the Windows user account must have local administrative privileges.

Issue Are the following SNVTs supported in Vista 5.1.6? SNVT_Amp_ac SNVT_Count_32 SNVT_Volt_ac Environment Xenta X5XX, X7XX, X9XX with firmware 5.1.6 Cause The SNVTs  SNVT_Amp_ac, SNVT_Count_32 and SNVT_Volt_ac are not included in the Xenta 5.1.6 firmware. They will be included in 5.1.7. There is however a workaround available in 5.1.6  Resolution Locate the SNVTtype.def file in the Xenta server. Connect to the Xenta server using an FTP client and locate the SNVTtype.def file under configdb/Lon/SNVTTYPE.def. Copy the file to your PC and make a backup copy Edit the file with a suitable text editor (notepad, notepad2 etc) -Locate the SNVT_amp definition -Add the following lines after SNVT_amp definition (see screenshot below): //---// amp_ac 139 2 1   INTEGER,,2,0,65535,1,0 //---// Repeat the process with the other 2 SNVTs - SNVT_count_32: Add the following lines after SNVT_count definition: //---// count_32 183 4 1 INTEGER,,7,-2147483648,2147483647,1,0,raw //---// - SNVT_volt_ac: Add the following lines after SNVT_volt definition: //---// volt_ac 138 2 1   INTEGER,,2,0,65535,1,0 //---// Replace the SNVTType.def file in the Xenta server using the FTP client.

Issue Request for Schneider Electric version of Controlli VMBP2M Environment Controlli VMBP2M Cause Some products of Controlli are also available through Schneider Electric.  Resolution Unfortunately, no cross reference to Controlli VMBP2M is available in the Schneider Electric portfolio.

Issue An owner customer has purchased a non-expiring copy of WorkPlace Tech.  It is installed on a 64-bit Windows 7 computer within the XP 'mode' virtual machine.  Can it be copied to other Windows 7 computers and work or does the WorkPlace Tech license prevent it from working? Environment Windows 7 WorkPlace Tech 5 Cause Loss of potential sales Resolution WorkPlace Tech licensing is not designed to identify a virtual 'hard drive' from an actual hard drive.  As a result, an installed copy of WorkPlace Tech will work in the virtual machine no matter how many Windows 7 computers into which it is installed.

Issue Analog inputs on a MicroSmart controller are all reading a negative value. Environment MicroSmart controllers (all versions) Cause Hardware issue or sensor failure Resolution If the connected sensor is a RTD, a negative reading reflects an electrical short somewhere between the controller and the sensor.  Note that a high positive reading reflects an electrical open circuit. If the connected sensor is a 4-20 mA device, it typically reads a high positive value which reflects an electrical open circuit.

Issue Is the power supply in the ProView LON Display a half wave or full wave rectified? Environment ProView LON display Cause This information will help power ProView with other 24 Vac devices or if a dedicated 24 Vac transformer is required. Resolution ProView is a half-wave rectified device.  Since ProView has no physical inputs or outputs, there are no precautions to take with power supplies.