Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Creating an email notification within Access Expert can be challenging if the correct steps are not followed.  Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Premise Software Cause If you don't follow specific steps, email notifications can be very difficult to write. Following the steps below, you can use pre-canned expressions which help to automate your notifications based on specific parameters. Resolution *Note* though you can add the Expressions tab by customizing the ribbon, no expressions can be found or used without following the process below. If you need to edit the notification to add more parameters then you will need to create a new template as editing an existing one will not expose the expressions. Trigger an event or alarm for what you would like a notification on. Right-click on the event or alarm in Event Viewer or Live Monitoring and select Add Email Template This will open up the template editor for you where you then will be able to select the necessary expressions based on your needs  Type the email message you would like to receive when the alarm triggers, click save    Type in the name you would like to use for the template and what you would like in the subject line of the notification you receive        Click on Alarm Actions, Add Alarm Action, and then Notification  Within the next dialogue box: Create a label for the notification Check the box next to "Send Email" Select the appropriate template Select Add Recipient Type in the name of the recipients you would like to receive the notification Click Save

Issue Unable to use SE8650 to control heat pump with a two Stages Furnace (auxiliary heat) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE8000 Cause Only one output is available in the SE8650 for Auxiliary heating Resolution A simple solution would be to Wire both Furnace W1 and W2 to the SE8650 W1 terminal, and both will be on at the same time Both furnace stages will be activated as a single stage from the same output Or a more advanced option would be to use a LUA Script to control the second stage of Auxiliary heating. See the below example using the SE8650 UO11 terminal  

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source.   Issue STC300 terminal detail is different to Specification Sheet and Installation Sheet and there are several versions of the same device. Product Line Field Devices Environment STC300 Cause STC300 terminal detail is different to Specification Sheet and Installation Sheet and there are several versions of the same device.   Example of incorrectly wired device. Two versions of the STC300 device are shown.   Resolution On each version of the devices, there is a printed termination legend adjacent to the terminals, follow this.   24Vdc from the power supply is wired to 24V Loop+ on the device. Signal to controller is wired to Loop- on the device.   On the controller, the RET is wired back to the 24Vdc supply using the GRD or RET terminal, see power supply specific wiring detail.    

Issue Where can we order pluggable/screw terminal block replacements? Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Cause Pluggable/screw terminal blocks are not available for order Resolution SE does not sell pluggable terminal blocks because they are readily available online Find part number etched on side of the terminal block.   For example:2EDGK5.00-04P14   Full pluggable terminal block catalogue 

Issue Unable to find firmware update instructions in the SP-MNR2 installation guide Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Controller Security Expert SP-MNR2 Cause TFTP is needed to upgrade firmware Resolution What you need: TFTP WinAgent software (tftp.exe) PRT-MNR2-DIN firmware Download these files to the same folder(ex c:\fw) Steps: log into SP-MNR2's built-in web interface (default: 192.168.1.3) (if you are having trouble connecting to the interface, review the SP-MNR2 installation guide p.16-18) Browse to the MNR2 module and select the ‘Device’ page. Put the module into boot mode as seen below Open Command Prompt (Win key+R; cmd, Enter) Type: cd c:\fw Then Type: tftp -v -i <MNR2_IP_address> PUT <MNR2_Firmware_Filename.bin>   The command window should fill up with ‘packet received’ messages while the file transfer is being processed. Bring your SP-MNR2 back online. You should find that the firmware version is now updated

Issue Importing Security Expert controllers' serial numbers will break the import process and result in only creating default templates for the controllers. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Data Sync Service Cause Security Expert controllers' serial numbers are displayed in hexadecimal. However, in the SQL database they are  stored as decimal values. So the Data Sync Service is expecting a decimal integer and is instead receiving a string.  Resolution Convert the serial numbers in the .CSV import file from hexadecimal to decimal. This can be done in excel using the  "HEX2DEC" function. E.g. if the controller serial number is "ABCDEF12", it must be converted to decimal value "2882400018" before importing to Security Expert. 

Issue What is the b2 and i2 Controller Object Format property used for? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Continuum Conversion i2 Controller objects b3 controller objects Cause i2 and b3 Controller objects include a a Format field for objects created using the Continuum Conversion tool. What is this used for and how does the value effect the operation?     Resolution These Format values are propagated through the Continuum Conversion Tool for reference only and have no impact on operation in EBO. The values cannot be modified. In EBO there are two ways to configure numeric display formats. -In WorkStation property pane and watch window, the number of decimals displayed to the right of the decimal point is inherited from the WorkStation PC's regional settings. This setting applies to all values displayed in WorkStation except for values in graphics. -In graphics, the number decimals displayed to the right of the decimal point is configured value-by-value in the Graphics Editor.   The format value is not stored in an EBO export and if objects are manually created, then standard formats are used for the type of object created .

Issue Does the JACE-645 come with 128 MB or 256 MB like the ENC-520? Environment I/A Series, JACE-603/645 Cause Not sure what it comes with after reviewing announcement PA-251. Resolution A JACE-603 or JACE-645 comes standard with 128 MB of RAM with the option to upgrade to 256 MB.  The part number for the optional memory upgrade is TRD-NPM-256. This part number modifies the license which enables the factory-installed memory (license line:  maxHeap=true).

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

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 Unable to view PINs in the User screen if “Allow PIN Duplication” is checked   Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause This is viewed as a Site Security Enhancement feature Resolution Disable both the "Require Dual Credential for Keypad Access" and "Allow PIN Duplication" options

Issue A 4 Channel xP Module such as an xpBD4 appears to reserve 8 channels in Security Expert Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment xP Expansion Modules Cause xP Expansion Modules were originally created for the Continuum Access control system but through transitions are now being used with Security Expert as well. When used in Continuum, a 4 digital channel xP Module would reserve 4 channels only. However under Security Expert that same 4 digital channel xP Module will reserve 8 channels instead.   Continuum ACX5740 plus xPBD4 plus xPD18 ACX5740 Inputs 01 -12 First 12 channels xPBD4 Inputs 13 -16  Next 4 channels xPDI8 Inputs 16 - 24 Next 8 channels Security Expert SP-ACX plus xPBD4 plus xPD18  (Note all SP-ACXs have ACX 5740 I/O counts) SP-ACX Inputs 01 - 12 First 12 channels xPBD4  Inputs 13 - 20 Next 8 channels xPDI8  Inputs 21 - 28 Next 8 channels Resolution Some of the channel reservation under Security Expert has changed relative to how it used to be handled in Continuum, so now even for a 4 digital channel xP module such as an xPBD4, 8 Channels are automatically reserved by design even if only 4 of those channels are actually used. To check all Input, Output, Digital and Analogue xP Channel reservation scenarios under Security Expert please refer to AN 310 Security Expert - xP Module Configuration - Application Note  (for this digital input example, page 7 shows the relevant channel assignment).

Issue Samsung’s Knox security protection on your phone or tablet data is out of date. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation SmartX Advanced Display v2 Cause   One of the security features contained within the Android operating system is Samsung Knox which the Advanced Display uses. Samsung Knox needs to get security updates periodically and needs to be online to the Internet to receive these updates. As a security feature if Samsung Knox is out of date it can stop the operation of some of the apps. For further information, see the Samsung’s Knox website. If Samsung Knox security needs an update when the AD-Link is launched then one or both the following messages may appear on your display.   Resolution Firstly, if the Advanced Display v2 is not running SmartXKiosk v8.2 and SmartX AD-Link v8.0.apk, then the latest versions are not installed and a request can be made by raising a case with your local product support team for the latest releases. To resolve the Samsung Knox issue, carry out the following procedure: Connect the Advanced Display to a WiFi network that has Internet access. Re-start the device. Confirm the phone or tablet still has an internet connection. Launch AD-Link. (several license windows will appear on your display). The SmartX AD-Link app should now run.

  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 The site has Alarm Action to email certain door alarm condition but only at a specific time of day and/or day of the week Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted Software Access Expert Premise Software Cause Alarm actions do not allow association with a regular schedule, instead, the filter query can be used to specify a time and/or the day the action should take place. Resolution The screenshot below shows the schedule that the site wanted to use to specify when the action should be carried out... Since we can not associate the schedule with the alarm action, we should instead specify the days/hours in the filter query using the following filter...   ((EventData["Status"].AsString == "Activated")&&(((OccurredOn.Date.Hour < 17 && OccurredOn.Date.Hour < 4)&&(OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Tuesday"|| OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Wednesday" || OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Thursday" || OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Friday")) || (OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Saturday" && OccurredOn.Date.Hour > 4)|| (OccurredOn.Date.DayOfWeek == "Sunday")||(OccurredOn

Issue What is the limitation on the number of COV subscriptions an RP-C can handle? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) Cause When setting up a binding to an RP-C to read a value from another device or transfer a value in the RP-C to another device COV subscriptions are often used.  Resolution The number of subscriptions an RP-C can support is limited primarily by the available resources of the controller. An RP-C with a single point can support thousands of subscriptions but that’s not a realistic configuration on a live site. If resources were allocated to support a defined number of COV subscriptions, this would lock down those resources (primarily memory), making less room for other applications. Since the maximum number of subscriptions depends on how many available resources the controller has at the moment when a subscription is made, there is no guaranteed number on how many subscriptions an RP-C can support.

Issue Unable to open graphics that are on a shared network drive Product Line INet, Continuum, Access Expert, Security Expert Environment Windows 10 Chrome Windows IE Cause A registry setting is overridden or needs to be reset that was not previously not there. Resolution This is a Microsoft Issue. Here is a link that describes the resolution: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/networking/mapped-drives-not-available-from-elevated-command

Issue Attempting to start or stop a Programmable Function fails and one of the following errors is shown. The programmable function have reported connectivity issues and may not have started correctly. Please ensure all required controllers are online and try again. The programmable function have reported connectivity issues and may not have stopped correctly. Please ensure all required controllers are online and try again. Programmable Function error Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Cause The Programmable Function is not enabled to support manual starting or stopping. Resolution On the Programmable Functions General tab, enable the Support Manual Commands option. Support Manual Commands This enables the operator to manually control the function from within the Security Expert software, for example, by right-clicking on the function and setting the value.

Issue When a TGML graphic is opened from Webstation and the user right clicks on a value in the graphic to open properties, it can take up to 20 seconds before the properties dialog is displayed. During the 20 seconds the working area is just grey. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Webstation 2.0.4 and earlier versions Cause This problem only occurs when the signals in the graphic resides in a TAC Xenta; The problem has not been observed with Modbus or BACnet signals, and is only present in Webstation, not in Workstation. Resolution This issue is fixed in EBO 3.0. There is also a hotfix for version 2.0.4. It is labelled 2.0.4.5801. Contact you local technical support organisation if you need the hotfix.

Issue WebReports returns only partial results for the Consumption Report when using the Meter Utility Type   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation  Environment Building Operation Report Server Building Operation WebReports Cause This is a limitation of the Meter report, where the report returns approximately 50 Meter reports at a time regardless of how many meters are selected. Resolution It is recommended that 30 - 40 meters at most be selected at a time for this report.  Selecting more meters for the report may result in data overlap and unexpected output. For more information regarding Consumption Reports, see the following help topic Energy Monitoring Reports

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 Want to be able to import a list of individuals quickly without having to retype all the details from a spreadsheet or text file again into I/NET Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Seven Revision 2.xx and higher Microsoft Access 2003 Microsoft Access 2007 Cause Customers usually have a spreadsheet or database of employees and / or users which they want to quickly import into their I/NET Seven Access control database.  The process below describes how to do this along with its limitations. Resolution Process to import Individuals via the IDWorksView table using Microsoft Access 2003 / 2007 The import process will NOT update any existing data; it will only add new entries and leave existing entries as they were.  So this is typically a process used for a new installation.  If you are attempting to import into an existing Access control database with individuals then it is strongly recommended to backup your I/NET SQL database. It is also strongly recommended you test this in an ‘offline’ state, that is, it is not connected to any physical controllers until you are comfortable that the process provides the desired results. The same limitations that apply with ID Works (Refer to TCON 301 Chapter 5) apply to this import process. TAC I/NET Seven (not just I/O Server) must be running on the server specified in TAC I/NET Seven’s ODBC data source in order for records created or modified from ID Works to be downloaded to affected DPUs. ID Works does not allow you to add or modify multiple cards for a single individual. ID Works does not allow you to remove a card from an individual without deleting the individual record. You cannot disable an individual’s card without disabling the individual. You cannot create a new group or a new tenant.  All Tenant and Group information must already exist in I/NET You cannot make an individual’s record be DPU resident. You cannot assign a decimal card number to an individual. You cannot set an individual’s APB scheme (that is, hard, soft, or graced anti-pass back). You cannot assign a PIN to an individual. The steps to import are as follows: Download ZIP file containing necessary files here. If you are using Microsoft Access 2007 use the following files Format customer data into the Excel template (dbo_IdWorksView.xlt in the ZIP file) or provide this to the customer to complete the Employee details.  Pay attention to required data shown in the comments for each title cell. Open db1.mdb file in the ZIP file using Microsoft Access 2003 /  idworks.accdb if using Microsoft Access 2007. Double click (open) the table dbo_IdWorksView to establish the connection to I/NET on the respective machine.  You may be prompted for login details – you must use the ‘sa’ login and password installed on the PC. If successful you should see any individuals that already exist in the database (unless blank).  Close the table. If you are using Microsoft Access 2007 Click Here to view the changes for steps 6 though to 8. Right–click in any of the white space and select Import (or go to File>Get External Data>Import) Browse to the location of the Excel Spreadsheet, saved in step 2, containing the data to be imported.  Be sure to change the File Type to *.xls otherwise you will not find the file.  Select the file. Import wizard should appear, now select the following options within the import wizard: Select the Check box “First row contains column headings..” Select Next Select “In an Existing Table” and select the table from the drop down list – there should only be one there. dbo_IdWorksView. Select Next. Select Finish. Be patient – the process can take a few minutes based on the number of entries that you are trying to import.  Once imported you should receive a message indicating that the import was completed.  Select OK. If you have images referenced in your import file, be sure that the Images are in place before modifying ANY individual in I/NET.  Otherwise the image path will be deleted.  The next step is to get the imported data downloaded to the controllers. For each SLI perform a station SAV and station restore – it may take some time for all this information to be downloaded to the DPUs and may fail in some instances.  You may also notice the system slow up for some time (hours) until all of this information has been successfully downloaded to the controllers.  It may also be necessary to force the data into the DPU by performing staggered DPU Restores on specific doors that are experiencing incorrect functionality. There is also a way to realize this function using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express instead of Microsoft Access. See How to Import a Large Number of Individuals from Excel to I/NET SQL Database at One Time for more information.