Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue AS-B/P is unable to upgrade to the EcoStruxure Building Operation V3.2.x from out-of-the-box or DFU mode. When checking the upgrade progress file, you receive the following error: Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause In V3.2.1, the change was made to use IP-over-USB as a way to communicate faster through the USB. Due to this, IPv4 and IPv6 need to be enabled on the connected device running Device Administrator. Resolution Check to make sure IPv6 is enabled on your machine. Open a Command Prompt window and run the "route print -6" command If it only shows two IPv6 addresses then IPv6 is disabled and you will need to enable it To enable IPv6 Open Registry Editor on your Windows Machine Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip6\Parameters\ Double-click on DisabledComponents to edit Change value from "FF" (IPv6 disabled) to "00" (IPv6 enabled) Note: The Disabled Components registry value does not affect the state of the check box. Therefore, even if the Disabled Components registry key is set to disable IPv6, the check box in the Networking tab for each interface can still be checked. This is the expected behavior. Note: You must restart your computer for these changes to take effect.  

Issue Satchwell "AM" series Rotary Actuator requires replacement Environment Satchwell “AM” series Rotary Actuator installed on Satchwell MJF, MZ, MZF, VJF, VSF, VZ or VZF series Plug and Seat Valve Body.   N.B. Where a Satchwell “AM” series Rotary Actuator is installed on a Satchwell VV Butterfly Valve Body then NO simple Actuator replacement is available. In addition to replacing the AMS Actuator it will also be necessary to replace the VV Butterfly Valve Body. The replacement Actuator is S-E type MF type. Please check the latest catalog for current equipment. The Satchwell VV Butterfly Valve Body should be replaced by a S-E Butterfly Valve Body selected from the VF208W series of Butterfly Valve Bodies. It should be noted however that significant pipe work modifications will also be necessary in order to accommodate any selected VF208W series Butterfly Valve Body due to the differing construction of the VF208W Butterfly Valve Body. Please check the latest catalog for current equipment. Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell AM series Rotary Actuator. Resolution Replace Satchwell AM series Rotary Actuator with MV15B-230 Linear Actuator and Linkage Kit :- AM = MV15B-230 + L7SV (880-0126-000) Linkage Kit. N.B. Should the Satchwell AM series Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Auxiliary Switch Pack S2 (880-0469-000) - two independent 250 volt 10 amp (inductive) 3 amp (resistive) rated SPDT Auxiliary End Point Switches - may be purchased separately permitting local installation.   Please check the latest catalog for current equipment.

Issue WPT and WPTE require certain Microsoft Security updates for Visio and for Office running on the host machines. Issues currently observed: Different and various functions in the fluent ribbon do not work or the ribbon does not appear. The following error "Application compile failure during save operation" is seen when saving/compiling an application in WorkPlace Tech Editor Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series Environment Visio 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021(.msi install)  Visio 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 (subscription "Click to Run", Plan 2) Office 2010, 2013, 2016 (.msi install) Office 2013, 2016, 365 (subscription "Click to Run", Plan 2) Support for Workplace Tech 5.10 / previous and Workplace Tech Editor Note: Visio 2019 and Visio 2021 are not supported in 5.9.4 or EBO versions before EBO 2022.  Visio 2019 and Visio 2021 are supported when using Workplace Tech 5.10.x and EBO 2022. Cause Interoperability of Visio and Office can cause problems with Workplace Tech and Workplace Tech Editor if these MS16-70 updates are not applied.  If the Office / Visio product is "Click to Run" the software has not been updated to the latest version. Resolution Install the updates from Microsoft Update Catalog To use the catalog, copy and paste the KB number into the "search".  Always select the 32-bit version of the update. Visio 2010 32 bit KB3114872                Office 2010  KB3115198 select 32 bit  Visio 2013 32 bit KB3115020                Office 2013  KB3115173 select 32 bit  Visio 2016/2019 32 bit KB3115041       Office 2016  KB3115144 select 32 bit Visio 2016/2019 32 bit KB4484333 NOTE:  If the Visio or Office is "Click to Run" (subscription such as Office 365, Plan 2) rather than from a Microsoft Office .msi, the product should be upgraded by using the Update Options feature If you try and install the KB/.msi install patches, you will get this message

Issue The Niagara 4 JACE's platform daemon fails to start making it impossible to login and configure using Workbench tools such as the Commissioning Wizard or Dist File Installer. The error within the serial shell typically indicates ... /proc/boot/ksh: niagarad: cannot execute - No such file or directory. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara 4 JACE-603 JACE-645 JACE-600E JACE 8000 Cause This can occur as a result of an Incorrect or failed upgrade or improper downgrade without first installing a clean distribution. Resolution Requirements - You will need the following to complete the recovery steps: A terminal emulator such as PuTTY A SFTP client such as FileZilla Serial-Shell cable for your JACE hardware model (specified in the .PDFs below) The Niagara 4 Clean Dist file for your JACE hardware A zip file utility such as 7-Zip The hardware and startup documentation for your JACE model (provided with Niagara 4 installer) Obtain recovery files from the Niagara 4 Clean Dist File for the matching hardware: The clean dist files can be found in your Niagara4 $system_home directory, or in your Niagara 4 image files under the cleanDist directory or in the overlay\cleanDist directory. Open the .dist file for your JACE's platform using a zip utility like 7-Zip and extract the zip/n4clean.tar.gz file. Also, extract the dev/shmem/n4-xxx.image file, where xxx will be different, depending on the JACE's platform type. JACE 300 ... qnx-jace-n4-npm3xx-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 600 ... qnx-jace-n4-npm6xx-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 600E ... qnx-jace-n4-npm6e-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 603 ... qnx-jace-n4-npm6e-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 645 ... qnx-jace-n4-npm6e-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 700 ... qnx-jace-n4-javelina_booke-etfs2048-clean.dist JACE 8000 ... qnx-jace-n4-titan-am335x-clean.dist Make a Serial Connection to the JACE The .PDFs in the N4 documentation set describe how to make a serial connection to a JACE in the "system shell" section(s) of each document. Once connected, the controller will boot and display the "login:" prompt.  Enter your Platform credentials. After login, either a "#" or "$" shell prompt or configuration menu similar to the following is shown.   System Shell -------------------------------------------------------------------------   hostid: [unique to your JACE]   serial number: [unique to your JACE]   build version: 4.1.25.1.2   build date: built on 2015-10-07 19:04:59   system time: Thu Jan 14 16:33:18 UTC 2016   niagara daemon port: 3011     dm0:  inet 192.168.1.140 netmask 0xffffff00 broadcast 192.168.1.255         inet6 fe80::5272:24ff:fe9c:55ba%dm0 prefixlen 64 scopeid 0x2   dm1: -------------------------------------------------------------------------     1.  Update System Time   2.  Update Network Settings   3.  Ping Host   4.  Enable/Disable SSH/SFTP   5.  Change Current User Password   6.  Change System Passphrase   7.  Enable Front Panel USB   8.  Configure WIFI   9.  Reboot     L.  Logout     Enter choice:   System Shell -------------------------------------------------------------------------   hostid: [unique to your JACE]   serial number: [unique to your JACE]   build version: 4.1.25.1.2   build date: built on 2015-10-07 19:04:59   system time: Thu Jan 14 16:33:18 UTC 2016   niagara daemon port: 3011   dm0:  inet 192.168.1.140 netmask 0xffffff00 broadcast 192.168.1.255             inet6 fe80::5272:24ff:fe9c:55ba%dm0 prefixlen 64 scopeid 0x2   dm1: -------------------------------------------------------------------------   1.  Update System Time   2.  Update Network Settings   3.  Ping Host   4.  Enable/Disable SSH/SFTP   5.  Change Current User Password   6.  Change System Passphrase   7.  Enable Front Panel USB   8.  Configure WIFI   9.  Reboot   L.  Logout   Enter choice: Verify correct system time and update as needed The RTC time may not be correct if the unit has been unpowered for longer than the on-board capacitor backup period. Using menu ... the first item in the menu list allows you to Update System Time.  The current date/time is displayed. Enter the new date/time in the form YYYYMMDDhhmm[.SS].  Note that entering the seconds is optional. For example: 201801111420 for 11-Jan-2018 at 8:20am UTC or 8:20am CST. Enable SFPT The Secure FTP service is not enabled by default on a JACE.  Enable the SFPT from the menu above or the shell prompt (if required). Using menu ... the fourth item in the menu list allows you to enable SSH/SFTP.  Enable it now, using port 22. Once enabled, enter another choice, "sh" (without quotes).  This will give you the "#" or "$" prompt that you need. If you could not enable from the menu in the step above, manually start by issuing the command tsudo syssh_sshcfg at the shell prompt.   If the command fails, issue the syssh_sshcfg command.  If the command fails again, enter the following ... $ cd /sys/bin ... then enter $ ./syssh_sshcfg ... then enter Transfer the n4clean.tar.gz and OS Image Files using SFTP Client Using an SFTP client such as FileZilla, transfer the n4clean.tar.gz file previously extracted for the platform from the clean dist file to the JACE's /zip directory. If the transfer fails with a permissions error, issue the command tsudo chmod 777 /zip at the shell prompt and try it again. Next, transfer the .image file you extracted from the clean dist file to the JACE's /dev/shmem directory. Run osupdate From the login menu prompt, type sh.  This will exit the menu system and enter the shell mode.  At the "#" or "$" shell prompt, issue the command osupdate.  After a short delay, the shell prompt will return. Reboot the JACE Finally, reboot the JACE.  This can be done by issuing the command shutdown hf 0 at the shell prompt.  When the JACE restarts, the unit will automatically process the clean dist file.

Issue Testing Modbus device with a Modbus simulator. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation. Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Enterprise Server Modbus Protocol Cause The field device and Modbus registers can be tested with the Modbus simulator to ensure the device is set up correctly and communication is working. Resolution Once a device is tested with the Modbus simulator, the live Modbus device can be implemented with confidence knowing that the setup in the Server is correct.   Here you can download the Modbus Simulator    Review the following video to assist with the following: Run the ModRSim application Setup the simulator to display the values you need to test Adjust values checking that they are updated by the polling device Display the Modbus traffic and capture traffic if fault finding is needed.  

Issue Missing Admin user password for the Loytec L-Gate Universal Gateway or LIP router. Product Line TAC Vista Environment L-Gate Universal Gateway LIP Cause Forgot the default admin password. Resolution The default login for L-Gate and the NEW style LIP (blue-grey in color) is: Username: admin Password: loytec4u The default login for OLD style LIP (off-white in color) is: Username: admin Password: admin

Issue Some Windows OS do not come with Hyperterminal installed. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows Vista Windows 7 Cause Hyperterminal was not included in the Operating System software package. Resolution Installing Original XP HyperTerminal Download this .zip file which contains the necessary executable and dynamic link library for running hyperterminal Unzip to local hard drive. Double click the hypertrm.exe to launch hyperterminal See Connecting a serial cable to a Xenta 5/7/9xx controller for proper cable connection and hyperterminal settings if needed. Alternatively, extract the two files from any XP installation and copy them to the new Windows OS. hypertrm.exe default installation is in C:\Program Files\Windows NT hypertrm.dll default installation is in C:\Windows\System32. Alternatively, from a Windows XP CD, both files reside in the i386 directory.

Issue Workstation error when logging into a remote Enterprise Server. Enterprise Server has available client licenses. 'No valid client license available. (Error -5: No such feature exists.)' Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Workstation  EcoStruxure Building Operation License Administrator Cause Workstation is trying to check out a license from the local computer. The License Server is on the Enterprise Server computer and the Enterprise Server license has been activated on the Enterprise Server computer.  Resolution On the Workstation computer, run the License Administrator and change the License server address from the default '@localhost' to the IP address of the Enterprise Server. Refer to License Server Address on Web Help. License server address default: Change to License Server IP address (example below):

Issue Where can I get example programs and programming information on the Smart sensors? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Smart Sensors: TTS-SD-LCD-1 TTS-SD-LED-1 Cause Smart sensors require specific Plain English programming that is different from other controllers, where is the documentation to support this? Resolution The Smart Sensor Installation and User's Guide and Example programs for the Smart Sensors are available for download from The Exchange Extranet.   PSS Example programs

Issue In order to troubleshoot random network issues, it is sometimes necessary to set up Wireshark to capture network traffic for an extended period of time. As Wireshark runs it decodes packets and its data structures grow. This causes performance issues and eventually, Wireshark may simply run out of virtual memory and stop capturing or crash. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Wireshark Cause Need to capture network traffic using Wireshark for an extended period of time. Resolution Open Wireshark and follow these instructions: From toolbar, select Capture -> Options On the Input tab, select input adapter. If necessary set capture filter. On the Output tab, perform the following: Browse capture file location and provide a filename. A timestamp will be added to the filename as a suffix. Ensure output format = pcapng Check Create a new file automatically Check After 1 and change seconds to hours Check when time is multiple of 1 and change seconds to hour Check use a ring buffer with X files. (Recommended settings are 96 hours (4 days) or 168 hours (1 week) so can retrieve files after long weekend or 1 week, respectively).  On the Options tab, perform the following Check last selection and change to 744 hours. (Recommended to capture for 31 days without stopping).  When an event happens, gather a capture with the timestamp before and after the event. One can ZIP the .pcapng files to save space when transferring.   NOTE: More recent versions of Wireshark ( 2.4.1.21317 ) make it very easy to set up a ring buffer from the Output tab of the Capture options. For older versions of Wireshark 1.x use the steps below When capturing data, Wireshark actually uses a capture utility called DumpCap to do the actual data capture. DumpCap does not decode packets as they come in and thus has a smaller memory footprint which remains constant. The only remaining concern is the size of the capture file or files which can be specified when starting the ring buffer to keep them from growing too big. DumpCap is found at the location where the Wireshark program resides which can be seen if you go to Help\About Whireshark\Folders Determine the index to the Ethernet adapter you need to capture on. In this example, the traffic seen by the Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet adapter will be captured. Index 1 is specified when starting DumpCap. Execute DumpCap with the following options dumpcap -i 1 -b files:3 -b filesize:10 -w C:]temp\abe.pcapng -i 1 specifies tp capture on the network adapter with an index of 1 -b file: 3 specifies to use a 4 file ring buffer. -b filesize:10 specifies to limit the file size to 10 KB (*** for a real life capture this number would be much bigger like say 100/200 MB) -w c:\temp\abe.pcapng specifies location and prefix for the three files In the screenshot below we can see the files in the ring buffer being used, once a file reaches the specified limit, the capture continues at the next file, files are names using the specified prefix as well as a date-time stamp that is updated each time utility dumps captured data in the file. Care should be taken to stop the capture as soon as possible once the issue under investigation takes place and before the ring buffer wraps around and overwrites the data.

Issue SPP920 Datasheet, Technical Information and Installation Instructions Product Line Field Device Environment SPP920 Differential Pressure Switch Cause No information available for the SPP920. The Sensor catalogue says it is supported by Huba. Resolution Either click link www.hubacontrol.com and search for 630. or the Technical information can be downloaded here. Installation Instructions can be downloaded here. Mechanical connections are: P1 = High Pressure (discharge/flow), P2 = Low Pressure (suction/vacuum) All of the various pressure range options come with the following options: - EPDM diaphram material - Brass Case - Spec Cover PG9 - IP65 Rating - Bracket Type A

Issue The specifications and setup details of the EH series humidity sensors. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Humidity Sensor Cause The EH Series Room, Duct and Outside humidity sensors are a universal Relative Humidity transmitter that can be powered with either a +15 to 36 Vdc or 24 Vac supply voltage. The EH series sensors are designed with a field selectable 4-20 mA, 0-5 Vdc, or 0-10 Vdc output signal that is equivalent to 0 to 100% RH. The EH Series is used in building automation system, humidity chambers, and OEM applications and is compatible with Vista, Continuum, I/Net, I/A, and SmartStruxure systems. Resolution EH Series Humidity Sensors Click the below links to look at the documentation for these sensors including the dip switch settings. EH Series Humidity Sensor Data Sheet EH Series Humidity Sensor Installation and Operation Instructions Old EH Series Humidity Model For information on the older style of dip switches (models with two separate sets of dip switches), see the document below. Old EH Series Humidity Sensor Installation and Operation Instructions

Issue Is there a way to reset the password for web access to a BCX? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum site with passwords other than the default Cause The password was changed by mistake. Resolution Restore the controller's user names, passwords and configuration settings to the original factory values (Reset IP button using a two stage operation) The location of the Reset button and the Reset IP button on the controller board. Page 124 in appendix A of the Technical Reference Guide. If you cannot get into Continuum Explorer and edit the controller user under that controller and set the password. You will have to reset the controller and then re-commission and then reload.  Try acc/acc first and then after that the following: Using the Reset IP button The Reset IP button has two stages of operation: Stage 1 is initiated by depressing the button for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, the IP address, and all network-related addresses entered on the Network Configuration page, are returned to the original factory default values. Stage 2 is initiated by depressing the button for 35 seconds. After 35 seconds, the database is cleared and all persistent configuration data is erased, with the exception of the error log. Note: Depressing the button for 35 seconds performs both operations, setting the IP address back to the factory default setting and clearing the database. When you initially depress the Reset IP button, the CPU Indicator LED will begin blinking. At 5 seconds, the LED will stop blinking and remain lighted in a continuous state. If you release the button before 5 seconds has passed, no changes are made. If you release the button after 5 seconds, but before 35 seconds, stage 1 is executed, but stage 2 is not. The IP address has returned to the original factory value, but the database has not changed. Please see Default IP address for BCX, ACX57xx, CX9702 and Netcontroller II for information on default IP addresses.

Issue Checking if a port is open Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution It is possible to check if a port is open in a network by issuing the Telnet command. Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet. If a port is open, a blank screen will be seen after issuing the command: telnet [domainname or ip] [port] where [domainname or ip] is the domain name or IP address of the server being checked [port] is the port number the server application is listening on For example: telnet 192.168.0.20 9001 (to a closed port would display a connect failed message)   telnet 192.168.0.20 9003 (to an open port would display a blank screen)   To exit the Telnet session, type Ctrl + ] and then type "quit".   For how to enable Telnet in Windows 7 please see Enable Telnet Client on a Windows 7 PC

Issue HID Corporate 1000 48-bit card not natively supported by Continuum System Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CX9900/9940 CX9702 CX9680 ACX5740/5720 Cause Continuum does not have built-in support for the HID Corp 1000 48-bit cards.  The system must be configured using a custom card format program. Beginning March, 2015, HID Global will introduce a new Corporate 1000 format referred to as “Corporate 1000 – 48”. All end-users who register for the Corporate 1000 program after February, 2015 will be issued a unique Company ID in the new Corporate 1000 – 48 format. The original 35-bit Corporate 1000 format will now be referred to as “Corporate 1000 – 35”. Those end-users who have been issued a unique Company ID in the Corporate 1000 – 35 format can continue to order credentials without interruption or change. Introduction of the new format will not impact or affect customers who registered for the program under the original structure. Resolution Here is the process to create a custom format for a HID Corp 1000 48-bit card in Continuum.  Only one custom card format can be used in NC1(CX99xx), NC2(CX968x) using AC1 modules, while up to four custom formats can be used with the ACX57xx and NC1/NC2 using AC1Plus modules. Create in each NC1, NC2, ACX57xx an InfinityNumeric point called AccessFormat (use this spelling exactly!). During the creation process, attach a manual array (log) with 22 entries to the point.  If creating more than  custom card format create InfinityNumeric points called Accessformat2, AccessFormat3 and AccessFormat4. Create the following InfinityProgram in each controller. The program should be type FallThru, and AutoStart.  The program can be copied to other access controllers where it is needed.   Note: The HID Corp 1000 48-bit card format allows site codes to be up to 22 bits, however, site codes in Continuum are restricted to a 16 bit value (0 to 65535), due to this Continuum limitation only the 16 least significant bits of the site code encoded on the cards can be read in Continuum, site code values above 65535 will show as different smaller number in Continuum. Program Name: SetCustCrdArray FlowType: FallThru AutoStart: True Code: Line SetFormat Set accessformat[0] to 1 'array has been initialized Set accessformat[1] to 48 'total number of bits in the format Set accessformat[2] to 0 'control mask Set accessformat[3] to 0 'mfg mask Set accessformat[4] to 0 'start bit of mfg Set accessformat[5] to 0 'end Set accessformat[6] to 8 'start of site code Set accessformat[7] to 23 'end Set accessformat[8] to 24 'start of card number Set accessformat[9] to 46 'end of card Set AccessFormat[10] to 14043 ' odd parity mask, first 16 bits Set AccessFormat[11] to 28086 ' odd parity, next 16 Set AccessFormat[12] to 56173 'odd parity, next 16 Set AccessFormat[13] to 0 ' odd parity, next 16 Set AccessFormat[14] to 23501 ' even parity, first 16 Set AccessFormat[15] to 45811 ' even parity, next 16 Set AccessFormat[16] to 28086 'even parity, next 16 Set AccessFormat[17] to 0 ' even parity, next 16 Set accessformat[18] to 0 'even number multiplier Set accessformat[19] to 0 'card number divider Set accessformat[18] to 0 'even number multiplier Set accessformat[19] to 0 'card number divider Set accessformat[20] to 0 'start bit of issue code Set accessformat[21] to 0 'end bit of issue code Set accessformat[22] to 0 'decimal shift of issue code stop

Issue Enterprise Server will not start due to no valid license file error: "nsp.csc.licensemanager No valid Enterprise Server license found. Terminating server." or Cannot find license file. (Error code: -1) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Software Administrator Building Operation License Administrator Building Operation Workstation Cause Enterprise Server is not started and states no valid license file is found. License Server is installed on the same computer and has valid license(s). Similarly, WorkStation may not start even with a License Server installed with a valid license. If you get error -1, it means that you didn't enter the required @ before the license server address. Resolution In general, any licensed Building Operation software (Enterprise Server, WorkStation, Editors) needs to know where the license server is located. That means that the license server path needs to be entered on any PC having licensed Building Operation software installed. The "License Administrator" part of the license installer can be installed on any PC, and the license server address set using the administrator. The license server itself does not need to be installed on all PC's, but only on the PC hosting e.g. the Enterprise Server. The IP or DNS name of the PC hosting the license server is entered with an initial @, e.g. if the IP of the license server PC is 1.2.3.4 you enter @1.2.3.4 Checkpoints Remember to enter the license server address starting with a @. For example, don't use "localhost" but "@localhost". Is your evaluation license current? If not, download from EcoXpert Extranet Check that antivirus software is configured to allow the operation of the license server. (refer to SmartStruxure Workstation or editors can't get license when using firewall (errors -15 or -96)) Reboot the machine where the License Server is running. It has been observed in some cases where the error 'No valid license or Cannot find license file error' appeared after an upgrade that rebooting the machine solves the problem. Check to see if there are multiple versions of the License Server installed on the machine. If multiple versions are installed, make sure to only run the highest installed version as a Windows Service. All other License Server and License Administrator software should be uninstalled from the machine.

Issue Support is required for the Automated Engineering Tool commonly known as AET Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Automated Engineering Tool Environment AET Cause Further support is required for Automated Engineering Tool AET. Resolution For more information including videos, user guides, specification sheets, etc about the tool, please visit the Schneider Electric Exchange and EcoStruxure Building Management System WebHelp. For assistance or to report problems with the AET applications/programs, please post your questions on the Exchange Community.  In order to report functional problems with AET, please reference the support contact information found in Automated Engneering Tool - PA-00559 or email  aet.support@schneider-electric.com  

Issue Both BACnet MS/TP and Modbus typically provide a robust and reliable communications channel allowing the Automation Server to effectively manage a large collection of equipment over extended distances. When the system does not come up operating as expected due to the communications integrity, considerable effort can be consumed troubleshooting or working-around the fault observations. Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other, TAC IA Series Environment Automation Server with BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RS485 networks connected to Port A or Port B. Cause The configuration of the RS485 network can create conditions that reduce the tolerance for EMI noise on the bus, electrical ground differences, transmission signal loss through the cable and/or component performance. Resolution A collection of application notes and Quick Start Best Practices Guides are available on the subject of BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RS485 network connections to the StruxureWare Automation Server.  These application notes and quick start guides provide recommendations in the areas of – BACnet MS/TP & Modbus RS485 Network Termination Network Biasing Options and Techniques Unit Load and associated Maximum Node Count Recommendations Isolated RS485 Interfaces and related Expanded Unit Load Cable Specifications and Suggested Cable Selections Cable Routing and Recommended Lengths The documents describe configurations of cable, network length, node counts and bias arrangements providing compliance with the EIA/TIA-485 Standard and TSB-89-A Guidelines with the objective of optimizing system tolerance for noise, grounding and transceiver component variations.  Most of the application notes and quick start guides target specific product families which include the Andover Continuum b3 Family, TAC I/A Series MNB Family, Legrand Power Meters and the Viconics VT7000 series sensors. There is also an application note and quick guide directed toward other “Generic” RS485 MS/TP and Modbus devices where the user is guided through a sequence of information collection steps to determine the appropriate recommendations.  The collection of application notes and guides are available on the Schneider Electric download center. The list of links below will take you to the applicable download page. AN01-RS485-Generic Application Note – General MS/TP & Modbus I/F to Automation Server Quick Guide-RS485-Generic Best Practices Guide - General MS/TP & Modbus AN02-RS485-B3 Application Note – Continuum B3 I/F to Automation Server Quick Guide-RS485-B3 Best Practices Guide - Continuum B3 I/F AN03-RS485-MNB Application Note – I/A Series MNB I/F to Automation Server Quick Guide-RS485-MNB Best Practices Guide – I/A Series MNB I/F AN04-RS485-Legrand Application Note – Legrand Meter I/F to Automation Server Quick Guide-RS485-Legrand Best Practices Guide – Legrand Meter I/F AN05-RS485-VT7000 Application Note – VT7000 Series I/F to Automation Server Quick Guide-RS485-VT7000 Best Practices Guide – VT7000 Series I/F Note:    If using the download center for the first time, you will need to register. See Register for The Exchange Download Center for more information. The Download Center requires the use of Internet Explorer (version 8 or higher), Google Chrome or Firefox browsers. Additional information is available in the Hardware Reference Guide Access the StruxureWare Building Operation Web Help. Also check out the SmartStruxure-RS485-Controller Unit Load Quick-Help video on the Exchange.

Issue Unable to add an Automation Server into the Device Administrator via IP. Error seen - Could not logon to server x.x.x.x This can be caused by providing the wrong password or the password has expired on the server.  If the password has expired, log on to the server using WorkStation and change the password. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Device Administrator Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Automation Server Cause Failed attempts of connecting to an AS-P, AS-B, or any IP controller with device admin will trigger the EBO security feature of SSH console lockout. This security feature defaults to 15 minutes and since the device admin uses SSH for communication, it will not allow the connection to an automation server while in this lockout state.  Resolution If a site is experiencing communication issues, then the SSH console lockout could be going into effect before a good connection is established. Reducing the SSH console lockout time period will allow for a connection to be made sooner without waiting out the default setting of 15 minutes. Use Workstation to log in to the server experiencing the issue. Go to Control Panel. Click on "Security settings" under the Security and Communication title. Locate the "SSH Console Lockout" configuration setting and adjust the lockout time to a shorter duration such as 1 second. Click Save. Open Device Administrator and add the Automation Server using IP.

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 Backup and Restore assures that Building Operation server data can be restored after a hardware failure or data loss. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Building Operation Enterprise Server Automation Server Workstation Cause Restore is the process of restoring data to an original or former state. Using restore, you can revert back to a previous snapshot of the server data despite any configuration changes made since the last backup. In Building Operation, restore is designed to be a manual rather than an automatic process to avoid the accidental overwriting of current server data. For convenience, Building Operation displays only the backup files that apply to the selected server.  For more information on making a backup, see Backup of StruxureWare/EcoStruxure Building Operation AS and ES. Resolution Restore an Enterprise Server Backup Set If restoring to a previous snapshot of the database that is currently running, start with step 6. If restoring a database that is different from the one currently running, start with step 1. Launch StruxureWare Software Administrator; Start > All Programs > Schneider Electric > StruxureWare X.X > StruxureWare Software Administrator. Click the Stop Service button and then click OK. Go to the Enterprise server database folders; C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\StruxureWare X.X\Enterprise Server Change the name of the current database folder to something that identifies it with the project's name (Example outlined in red: db changed to Old_db). Make a duplicate of the "db - Copy" folder (Example outlined in orange). It is important to always maintain a clean database folder by making copies. After first installing StruxureWare, a copy should be made of the original "db" folder. Copies of this folder should be made before restoring databases or creating new ones from then on. Change the name of the "db - Copy" folder to "db" (Example outlined in blue: db - Copy changed to db). Launch StruxureWare Software Administrator again, click Start Service, and then OK. Launch StruxureWare WorkStation and log into the enterprise server;  Start > All Programs > Schneider Electric > StruxureWare X.X > StruxureWare WorkStation. Select the enterprise server and go to the Main Menu > Actions > Restore. In the Restore Options window, there are a few different options that can be selected. If the desired .xbk file to be restored has already been imported into the current database, it will be visible in the "Available restore points" window. To import the file into the database, select the "Import Backup Set" button and browse to the .xbk file. After selecting the backup set, choose to perform a Configuration only or All data restore. Click Restore. Note: If a backup set is seen in red it means that the backup is not compatible with the current version of the server. The backup has to be the exact same version as the server including any hotfixes or service packs.   Select Yes to restore. Click Close, the restore is now complete. The server will restart, causing the current user to be logged off. After a couple of minutes the server will restart, log into WorkStation and the backed up data will be available. Note: The server name is part of the restore data. Therefore, if you rename a server after a backup, a restore process will revert back to the previous server name.       Replace an Automation Server with a Restore Note: The automation server restore should be done by logging directly into the automation server. Launch StruxureWare WorkStation and log into the enterprise server or the automation server;  Start > All Programs > Schneider Electric > StruxureWare X.X > StruxureWare WorkStation. Select the automation server and go to the Main Menu > Actions > Restore. In the Restore Options window, there are a few different options that can be selected. If the desired .xbk file to be restored has already been imported into the current database, it will be visible in the "Available restore points" window. To import the file into the database, select the "Import Backup Set" button and browse to the .xbk file. After selecting the backup set, choose to perform a Configuration only or All data restore. Click Restore. Select Yes to restore. Click Close, the restore is now complete. The server will restart, causing the current user to be logged off. After a couple of minutes the server will restart, log into WorkStation and the backed up data will be available.