Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Can the EasyLogic range of controllers & RP-IO Modules work under Building Operation 3.2 as BACnet MS/TP third-party devices  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EasyLogic Controllers, EasyLogic RP-V, EasyLogic RP-C, EasyLogic MP-C EasyLogic RP-IO SpaceLogic Advanced, Pro, and Pro Plus Controllers that support native BACnet MS/TP (via a SpaceLogic RS-485 Adapters.   Standalone BACnet field controller Cause The documentation states that EasyLogic Controllers can be used as a Native BACnet MS/TP device. These devices must be configured using their respective supported Building Operation versions, such as Building Operation 2022 and above. However, there are no guidelines on whether they can be used as a third-party BACnet device, particularly in earlier versions such as Building Operation 3.2.    Resolution EasyLogic controllers can be used as BACnet MS/TP third-party devices in Building Operation 3.2 since the EasyLogic range of RP and MP controllers, and RP-IO I/O modules, natively communicate using the BACnet MS/TP protocol.  This same concept applies when using the devices as true 3rd-party devices (e.g., with Continuum and I/A systems) when older controllers fail, and these EasyLogic controllers are used as temporary replacements before a complete transition.   What MUST be understood before taking this approach is that there is no automatic conversion when migrating the site (and devices) to later Building Operation versions that support these devices natively. After the upgrade, the controller must be deleted from the database and hosted as a native EBO controller.   During this process, some programming may be lost. This risk may be mitigated by creating Custom Types for the application once engineered in Building Operation 2022 (or higher) to future-proof the site for upgrades.  Using the latest firmware for the EasyLogic range of devices is also recommended.     Furthermore, the SpaceLogic Controller Range that supports native BACnet MS/TP (via an RS-485 Adapters) can be configured in the same fashion as described for the EasyLogic range.   Refer to Hardware Overview for further details on each product line. 

Issue In TAC Vista, we had a function for the OGC graphics called standard graphic. Do we have something similar in Building Operation? Product Line EcoStuxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation 2.0 and above Graphics  Cause All graphics connected to the standard graphic in TAC Vista changed if the standard graphic was changed. This is a very useful function when having many similar graphics.    In Building Operation, a new object was implemented in version 1.8 labeled shared Graphics, Custom Types superseded this in version 2.0, and this function is similar to shared Graphics but not identical. Resolution There is no direct function like this in Building Operation.  Custom Types is the only similar feature available in the currently supported versions of Building Operation. Additional information can be viewed in the online help topic Custom Types Overview.  

Issue Where to begin troubleshooting Ethernet (TCP/IP) communication problems with a NPR Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET NetPlus Router (NPR) Model Series 2000 Cause Possible Causes: Ethernet Communication is down Ethernet Port is closed Device is configured incorrectly Device failure Resolution Gather detailed information about exactly what is happening Ethernet Communication is down Using the command prompt ping the devices IP and trace its route. "ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" and "tracert xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" Watch to see if the Domain server prints out the correct Host name. If the device is shows as offline there may be an error with Firewall settings or Ethernet communication at the Host Workstation Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the Device and plug it into a laptop. See if you are on the network. Ethernet Port Is closed If the above process shows that Ethernet communication between the Workstation and Router is valid, you may have port closed. Use a crossover cable to connect a laptop to the device and see if you can connect to a controller ON THAT LINK in I/NET. Look for live values in Controller Summary. If you are able to do this, and you are able to show that Ethernet communication between the 2 devices is working then you most likely have a firewall that is block the UDP port 50069 Contact the building IT department to assist in rectifying this problem. Device is configured incorrectly If, in the above process, you were unable to connect to I/NET while direct connected to the Router via an Ethernet crossover cable, the device may be configured incorrectly Open the active I/NET configuration Profile Ensure that TCP/IP is enabled Add the Router’s IP address to the Reference Host Table Restart the I/O server Check communication Alternatively you can connect to the router via I/NET Direct Connect configuration profile. Refer to Troubleshoot an NPR problem with Windows Telnet utility on how to do this and check that the IP Address and details are set correctly. Communication should be restored. Device failure Try to reset the NPR: Remove the NPR cover. Depress the center tab of the I/DISC slot and hold it down. Next press the reset button on the front of the unit and hold for 10 seconds. Release the reset button and then release the center tab. Two LEDs should display steadily. Next depress the center tab and hold it down. Press the reset button on the front of the unit and hold for 10 seconds. Release the center tab and reset button simultaneously. The LEDs should display steadily. The NPR unit should now be ready for a software restore. Download and install the latest system file for the NPR. Configure the I/NET communication in your active Configuration Profile. If you not able to successfully update the firmware in the NPR then it is likely that the device is faulty and may require repair or replacement.  The current replacement for the Series 2000 NPR is the Xenta 527-NPR. Other Troubleshooting Steps See if the communication error shows up on multiple computers and if possible multiple locations. There may be an error with Firewall settings or Ethernet communication that only effects part of a large system Host Workstation Use a different Ethernet port to connect the NPR or workstation too. Direct connect to a controller on the controller LAN via TAP and see if any stations are offline. It is theoretically possible that some form of electrical failure on the controller LAN has caused the NPR to appear offline. If you are unable to see the entire controller LAN from anyone one device, you should troubleshoot Controller LAN communication. Contact Product Support with your findings.

Issue When changing IP settings, the change needs to be activated, before the RP-C uses the new settings. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RP-C) Cause RP-C configured with static IP goes off-line or has an unexpected IP address after restart. Resolution If the RP-C is hosted as Dynamic but it is required to be provided with a static IP address. RP-C IP settings can be changed to Static and saved. However, this doesn’t save the new settings to the RP-C controller, they are only saved at the automation server level. Therefore, if a power cycle is carried out, the RP-C is still set to Dynamic and gets an IP from the router, although it shows as static in workstation and the Ecommissioning tool. Note: If the router is not setup as a DHCP server, the RP-C may not come back on-line, because the RP-C is looking to be provided with an IP address by the DHCP server.   Any changes to the IP settings of an RP-C made in the workstation, need to also be activated in the RP-C controller. This is done by right mouse clicking on “IP Network Settings” selecting “IP Commands” then “Activate changes” Now when seen in device discovery window the IP address is the static IP address configured and not the one collected from the DHCP server. If changes are made to the IP settings using the Ecommissioning tool, prior to hosting the RP=C, the same applies, activating the changes must be done by selecting “Device restart” and selecting “Activate IP Changes” followed by “restart”.   Additional information is available by logging into the Ecostruxure Building Help page. https://ecostruxure-building-help.se.com/bms/Topics/show.castle?id=12275&locale=en-US&productversion=3.0&a=1

Issue A list of I/O for each device can be provided to the commissioning agent. Environment Vista Menta Commissioning Cause A list of all I/O for each device can be used for checkout, or project documentation. Resolution Ensure that the Vista Server is running. The following steps must be done on the computer on which Vista Server is running. Open System Documentation from the TAC Tools folder located in the Start Menu. From the file menu select New List > Inputs/Outputs.  The Input/Output dialog box will open, select Browse. The Object Selection dialog box will open, at the bottom of the window change Object type to TAC Xenta Devices (or whatever is applicable) In the Units field, navigate to through the Vista Server object to select the device for which you wish to produce a list and select OK. Click OK.

Issue How to Lockdown your facilities using Continuum area/door lockdown functionality. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment CyberStation CX9680 ACX5740/20 Cause Need a fast and efficient way to lock down multiple areas in one operation when a threat is perceived at a site. Resolution The Continuum Physical Access Control System supports an advanced feature that allows for quickly locking down parts of or an entire building or campus via the areas/doors that are under physical access control by the Continuum system. This functionality is available in second-generation access controllers such as the CX9680 (NC2) and the CX5720/5740(ACX2) In Continuum, lockdown of an area or door means that access to the area/door via the physical access control system is restricted in such a way that prevents the movement of individuals into the locked-down area/door as well as keeping individuals from leaving the area/door under locked down. Locking down an area automatically locks down all doors associated with the area; Continuum also allows doors to be locked down individually. When a door/area is locked down, all credential access attempts and exit requests are denied. The only way to gain access into the locked-down door/area is by the use of a credential that has been designated with ‘Executive Privilege’ in the system. Note though, that a person with executive privilege may gain access into a locked-down area/door via the credential reader but if the mode of egress from the area is via Exit Request then such person would not be able to exit the door thru the normal exit request mechanism as there is no way for the person to indicate her ‘executive’ privilege by any means other than presenting the proper credentials (card or PIN) at a reader. This document outlines several methods of implementing area lockdown for a building or campus such as a school, the methods outlined in the document are provided for illustration purposes only and are not to be taken as a complete solution but rather as general guidelines. On legacy controllers that do not support the Area Lockdown feature (CX99xx, ACX7xx), we can still secure the doors by setting their state to disabled which prevents the doors from processing credential access attempts as well as Request to Exit, please note that in this case, NO ONE (including executive privilege personnel) will be able to gain access to the door until it is re-enabled How to Lockdown your facilities using Continuum area lockdown outlines several methods of implementing area lockdown for a building or campus such as a school, the methods outlined in the document are provided for illustration purposes only and are not to be taken as a complete solution but rather as general guidelines.

Issue Unable to access SE7000 parameters as shown in the user interface guide. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE7000 Cause Parameters to configure SE7000 are inaccessible Resolution To access SE7600 and SE7300, press and hold the middle key until the thermostat display Pswd set? Y/N. To access SE7200, press and hold the override key until the thermostat display Pswd set 0. For SE7200, use override keys to select parameters and use up or down arrows for configuration. For SE7200, use the middle key to select parameters and use up or down arrows for configuration. For SE7600, use YES and NO keys to select parameters and use up or down arrows for configuration.  

Issue A BACnet Schedule is working but not changing the point it is controlling   Product Line Andover Continuum   Environment CyberStation Schedules BACnet command priority Cause A BACnet Schedule will by default, write to a BACnet point at a certain command priority level.  However if that BACnet point is also being commanded by a higher command priority then the present value of the point will not change according to the Schedule.   Resolution Example: A BACnet Binary value is created and the operator wishes to set the value to Off. If the value is set by a Manual Operator then by default this will command the point to Off at command priority 10. If a Schedule is then created and the point is attached to that Schedule, because a Schedule's default priority is 16, at the configured time, when the Schedule tries to change the point to On it can only command that point at command priority 16 The point itself always obeys the highest command priority which in this case is command priority 10 so the value stays Off.   To correct the above scenario there are two main options: Edit the Command Priority Tab of the BACnet Point and perform a Relinquish at command priority 10 to clear out that command, at which point the BACnet object will then defer to the next highest command priority (which in this case would be command priority 16) Edit the Schedule and change the command priority on the Schedule configuration page to an appropriately higher priority such as command priority 10.     NB. In cases where a point is written to at the same command priority as another object then the point will be controlled by whichever object wrote last...

Issue There is a need to know which card formats are supported by Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Access Control Continuum Cyberstation Cause There are many different card formats available from HID, so there is a need to know which formats that Continuum allows. Resolution Here are the formats that HID offers: 26-Bit Format: H10301 HID Proprietary 37-Bit Format: H10302 **** HID Proprietary 37-Bit Format with facility code: H10304 Corporate 1000 Formats HID Long Format Card Programming OEM Proprietary Formats (i.e. Continuum 37) 35-Bit Card Format Formats 1, 4, and 6 above are supported natively We support all the other formats (as custom cards) so long as the format does not exceed 64-bits and the format can be supplied or understood. (i.e. start/end bit of the site code, card number, etc.)   ****IMPORTANT Continuum supports a maximum of 32 bits for the Card Number field, any format above, such as the H10302, that defines more than 32 bits for Card Number field will only work if the card number range used at the site is between 1 and 4,294,967,295, any card number above 4,294,967,295 will NOT be read correctly by the controller. A possible solution for this limitation is to use the Extended Custom Cards feature supported ONLY in the ACX5720 and ACX5740 controllers.   More information about Extended Custom Cards https://community.se.com/t5/Building-Automation-Knowledge/Extended-Custom-Wiegand-features-available-for-ACX57xx/ta-p/1215 

Issue NXT will not communicate using RS-485 port 3 Environment R2/AX Niagara Cause Incorrect documentation of communication port number and RS-485 wiring diagram Resolution New document is available with correct comport number 4 and RS-485 wiring diagram.  To download a copy click on link T-NXT-MtgWiring Guide

Issue Is there a recommended  repeater for BACnet MSTP networks?   Product Line TAC I/A Series   Environment R2 G3 (Niagara) MNB-1000 Cause MSTP repeaters may be required to extend trunk length or provide isolation in the smoke purge application.   Resolution Consider B-Links which were actually used on the MSTP trunk during UL 864 testing. B-LINK-AC-S (AC powered)    B-LINK-DC-S (DC powered)   B-LINK-F-DC-S (Fiber Repeater) 

Issue What actions should be taken if the alarm "Missing response from server" appears in the Enterprise Server? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation 2.0 and later versions Cause ES/EC is waiting for a response from another server(most likely AS/AS-P/AS-B) for more than 120 minutes. Might lead to deadlock and starvation of resources. Can potentially replicate through the system and affect other servers. Examples of problems that could occur are: Values in graphics that reside in a sub server (most likely AS/AS-P or AS-B) are not updating.  Not possible to login to ES/EC Resolution Acknowledge the alarm "Missing response from Server" If not triggered again after 15 minutes then it is not a problem anymore (or at least less likely) If triggered, then continue below In the Alarm view, locate which server the alarm "Missing response from Server" comes from and log in directly to that server. Is the server responding? If not, restart the server. If it is responding, unplug the network cable to the server for a few minutes. Plugin the cable again and acknowledge the alarm. If it triggers again after 15 minutes, then Take 2 core dumps on the server (for investigation of why this problem occurred). Contact your local Product Support contact for instructions on how to do that. Restart the server (should fix the problem)

Issue Does Sigma run on Windows 10? Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma Windows 10 Cause Is Sigma 4.08 supported on windows 10? Resolution No version of Sigma is supported on a Windows 10 platform except: Sigma 4.08 can only be installed on Windows 10 when the software is used as a transition into EcoStruxure Building Operation ( EBO ) and used with the correct version of transition component. For full details of Sigma 4.08 versions, build numbers and operating systems supported, see What operating systems is Sigma 4.08 supported to run on?.

Issue What are the different options on the CyberStation security key? Product Line Andover Continuum, Pelco Environment CyberStation Cause Documentation Resolution NOTE: These are the options used to program a security key but not necessarily what shows when a key is read using MMC key reader. For example when a key is programmed for FIPS-201 it does NOT show the -F when the key information is read using MMC key reader, one way to know if FIPS-201 is enabled is to look at the Allowed Credentials setting in the Cyberstation, the FIPS credential options will be blank if the Cyberstation key is not enabled for FIPS-201 CyberStation: SU-INT           Single User Integrated SU-HVAC      Single User HVAC SU-SEC        Single User Security LAN-INT        LAN Integrated LAN-HVAC   LAN HVAC LAN-SEC      LAN Security   CyberStation Options: -U                    Unlimited Points -P                    Programmer’s Version -B                    Badging Option -CFRB 1            Basic CFR Compliance Pack – 1 st Workstation -CFRBV 1         Basic CFR Compliance Pack – 2 nd Workstation & up -CFRA 1            Advanced CFR Compliance Pack – 1 st Workstation -CFRAV 1         Advanced CFR Compliance Pack – 2 nd Workstation & up -D                    Data Exchange Option – includes Personnel Import Utility -E 2, 3                 Endura integration option -F 1, 2                 FIPS 201 option -USB 4              USB Key   1    Option requires special approval before it can be enabled. 2    Option only available through software upgrade process; cannot be ordered with new P/N configurations. 3    New option introduced in v1.91; required per workstation for integration with a Pelco Endura system. Currently this is free as of 8/2/14 but needs a cookie       from repair for this option to work 4    USB Key Option is mandatory for new orders Note: The Continuum version number of a key, allows it to operate with all Cyberstation versions up to that release.

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 How to uninstall PCT 2.0. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool. Cause The uninstalling instruction isn't documented. Resolution Launch Hyper-V. Shut Down PCT VM. After the VM is shut down, select Delete from the bottom right window. Select Delete if the confirmation window prompts. It may take some time depending on the VM size.   Go to the VM location selected during the PCT installation The default installation path is  "C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation\Project Configuration Tool 2.0"     Right-click on the pct folder then select Delete (This action will delete all the data in PCT including projects and servers created)    

Issue How to integrate I/NET with Pelco Analog Matrix in order to implement some features, such as: Switch specific camera image to specific monitor. Switch specific camera to specific preset and display it on specific monitor. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET Pelco CCTV system Pelco Matrix Cause In some projects there is demand for access control system to integrate with analog CCTV system to do the alarm interaction. I/NET can integrate with Pelco CCTV system with ASCII code communication. Resolution I/NET communicates with Pelco analog CCTV system through ASCII code. There are two kinds of communication port for Pelco matrix, which are RS232 and RS485/422. For RS232 port for matrix, an RS232 to RS 232 cable is needed. If there are no COM ports for computer, an USB to RS232 converter is needed. For RS485/422 port for matrix, an RS232 to RS485/RS422 converter or USB to RS485/422 converter is needed. Connect the I/NET server to Pelco matrix through this converter, and the steps below should be followed: Open the I/O Configuration of I/NET, and choose the port for text output port and baud rate for the port communicating. In the AMT, choose Edit--->Text Library, and click Add. Choose a point for alarm interaction, and the status of the point to activate the interaction: alarm, acknowledge, return to normal (RTN) and acknowledged/return to normal (RTN). In the text area, enter the ASCII code for matrix. For the two applications of the alarm interaction, different ASCII code should used: 1Ma1#a, which means switching 1# camera image to 1# monitor 1Ma7#a1\\a, which means switching 7# camera to 1# preset and display it on 1# monitor. Here "\a" is an escape sequences for I/NET, so we need one more "\". Then the integration with I/NET and Pelco CCTV system is finished. When the specific point goes into alarm, then the specific camera can be switched to specific preset and displayed on specific monitor. For more applications of the integration with Pelco analog matrix, refer to the documentation for the Pelco ASCII Protocol Manual. And for more information about how to set text output in I/NET, refer to Text Output through RS-232 Port in I/NET.

Issue When numerically evaluating in a program, what day = 1? Is Sunday or Monday the first day of the week? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Script Editor Building Operation Builder for Function Block Building Operation Function Block Editor Cause What is the first day of the week in EBO, this may be required when using ">" or "<" logic in the program. Resolution Script programs handle this differently from Function Block programs.  Function Block programs use Monday as the first day of the week and therefore assign a value of 1 to Monday. Refer to: WDAY – Week Day Script program uses Sunday as the first day of the week and therefore assigns a value of 1 to Sunday. These differences are not handled by the regional settings of the local workstation. WEEKDAY *Exercise caution when using Script or Function Block programming which relates to the first day of the week. 

Issue How to use Wiegand 26-Bit format cards in Security Expert with the new Custom Credentials Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Wiegand 26-Bit Format Access Cards Custom Credentials Cause From the release of Security Expert 4.3, Custom Credentials have been introduced as a 'new' way of handling cards with formats such as Wiegand-26 Bit. Resolution Select Sites > Credential Types and create a new Wiegand Credential Type called Wiegand 26-Bit with the following format: A,FACILITY,8,MSB,BIN_B,CARD,16,MSB,BIN_PAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBP_EXXXXXXXXXXXX............._.............XXXXXXXXXXXXO Select Programming > Door Types and create a new Door Type called Wiegand 26-Bit. Under Entry select a Reading Mode of Custom and then select 'Add'. Select the Wiegand 26-Bit Credential Type created earlier. If using Custom Credentials on both Entry and Exit this will need be done for both as shown below. Select Programming > Doors and ensure the Door Type of the Door being configured is set to the Wiegand 26-Bit Door Type created earlier. Select Expanders > Reader Expanders and ensure the Readers for the configured door are set to Custom Credential (Reader 1 Secondary format does not actually take effect and is set to Custom Credential here simply to avoid confusion). Select Users > Users and create a test User.  Do not use the regular Card Numbers section which is filled out for cards which do NOT use the Custom Credential, and instead scroll down to the Credentials section at the very bottom of the General Tab. Add the Wiegand 26-Bit Credential Type and Specify the users cards details in the format: Site Code : Card Number and then test.

Issue Downloading a Xenta Programmable controller under a SmartStruxure Automation Server LON channel fails with message: "Application Download Failure." Viewing error details, the Progress view window shows "Wrong device version." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server LON channel Xenta Programmable Controllers Cause Right click on the Xenta controller in StruxureWare Building Operation Workstation. Go to the Xenta tab. Check the Software version. If this is below 3.6, then the controller's .MOT file is out of date and must be updated. Resolution The controller's software version must be at least 3.6 to be compatible with SmartStruxure. Use the Download Wizard to load an updated .MOT file into the controller. See Download an .MOT file into a Xenta Programmable controller for further instructions.

Issue IP address using DHCP Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment IP network Cause Bacnet or Modbus IP loses communication Resolution The AS or ES may be configured using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), this is usually set up using "Device Manager" See Troubleshooting AS configuration issues with IP address. However many other systems use fixed IP address and use the IP address to specify the controller or server. Thus it is usually best to use fixed IP addresses for the Automation Server and Enterprise Server, especially if using Bacnet or Modbus over IP NOTE When the IP address of an AS is manually changed, the IP address of the Bacnet or Modbus IP interface needs also to be manually changed