Building Automation Knowledge Base

  Issue Information needed to work with Access Expert Custom Forms Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert V3 Hosted Cause Access Expert Custom Form configuration Resolution Custom Forms Overview Forms can be designed and applied to maintain additional people & reader information outside of traditional documentation or notes. Unlimited customer forms/fields can be added to the system and associated with a person or reader. The layout of the forms can be built to accommodate customer needs and can even be segmented. A good practice is to group additional information into common groupings such as Car Information, Health Information or Department Information. This type of approach will make the data entry easier. Information captured in a Custom Form can also be searched on and reported on. Once a custom form is created it will be available for use from either the person menu or the reader menu. Custom fields can then be utilized for applications such as customizing people reports, capturing additional information about employees, doing system searches as well as badge designing.   New Custom Form To start creating a custom form: Select the ‘General Configuration’ Select "Custom Forms”. Click “Add Custom Form”. Choose which editor the form will apply Enter the name of the Custom Form in the Application Name. (OPTIONAL) Choose the casing for the form. This is only important when leveraging the API or LDAP integration. Click “Save” or “Save & Close”. Below is an example of a Custom Form that has been created. The header, fields, titles, and placement of information on the form is customizable by clicking, dragging and dropping. The initial series of editors that support the creation of the form are across the top of the screen. Add Text Box – Adds a free form text box. Add Combo Box – Adds a free form text box that allows for multiple pre-selected entries from a picklist. Add Date Time – Adds a time and date entry box. Add CheckBox – Adds a checkmark box. Add Group Box – Adds a split box where the top section can be used as a title then other fields can be added. Add Header – Adds a header field that can be used for a single line title. Group Box When one of the box types is added to the form, the Properties section can be used to apply additional information and modify the data as it resides in the box. Every Content field that is added to a Custom Form must have a name. In this example, we will add a Group Box to capture information about an employee. Clicking the ‘Add Group Box’ provided the initial field. The title was applied by clicking the blank box and adding the name in the Properties editor under Content. This information can also be positioned to the left, center, stretched or to the right. The overall box can be enlarged by clicking the perimeter and then dragging to the desired size. Text Box Additional fields of information can be added to the Group Box by clicking on the desired data field type and it is applied to the Group Box. To ensure the new field is added inside the perimeter of the Group Box make sure to click inside the Group Box prior to selecting the data field. The new field can be dragged into the Group Box if it is added outside the group box. Once the field is added to the Group Box the Properties editor will allow the same type of modifications to be made. Once the new blank field is added you can click into the Header field under Content to apply a descriptive name. This same process can be repeated to add as many fields as needed.   Combo Box A Combo Box is added to a Custom Form just like the other box types. With a Combo Box, the Properties editor will display a new field called Items. Clicking the “…” will allow the operator to add the information that will be available when data entry is being performed. The completed form will look like this from the custom data menu on the cardholder.

Issue   A site has multiple locations in its instance. The goal is to restrict objects for a User in other locations by using permissions and tags which allow certain objects only for the local instance. The User also requires access to Event History, Live Monitoring and Floor plans.   After setting User permissions for specific objects, the object permissions work as expected, however clicking on Event History, Live Monitoring or a Floor plan shows: 'An error has occurred in the Live monitoring document while trying to execute initialize' Or Access Expert will show one of the following errors depending on which event object was selected: 'An error has occurred in the Event History document while trying to execute initialize' 'An error has occurred in the Floor Plan document while trying to execute initialize'   Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert V3 Hosted Cause Event-level permissions function differently than object-level permissions Resolution User permissions set up with tags to restrict access to other locations will work as expected with objects like hardware, but these restrictions will not work with event objects.   The options to accomplish this are: 1. Buy an enterprise license and divide up the sites with their own instance. Each location should be represented by a shared instance with its controllers configured. Those controllers will publish their event to only their instances which can be controlled using permissions. This is the preferred method.   2. Allow ALL Type permissions for the hardware and event objects to be accessed. Using this method allows the event objects to work, but allows Users from other locations to access the hardware.   Event-level objects use an entirely different mechanism than regular objects. The technology under the hood requires that an enterprise license be used to accomplish event-level permission restrictions.

Issue The sequence numbers for Alarm Events are changing daily for all active alarms in the system. This can be a problem for applications using sequence number as alarm identifier. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server. Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Every night there is a cleanup in the alarm table and alarms can then get new sequence numbers. Every night historic updates with old time stamps are removed in the alarm table.   When this cleanup takes place, there is a reorganization of sequence numbers of current alarms. They all get a new sequence number.   The new sequence numbers are always higher than the latest sequence number before the cleanup. Resolution Do not use alarm sequence number for alarm identifier, use triggered time stamp instead.

Issue EP series information not available in documentation Product Line Field Devices Environment EP Series Pressure Sensor Cause Required information for planning installation. Resolution The EP 3x series consumes maximum 20mA input power as determined in loop powered mode (4-20mA).  When in three-wire voltage output mode, up to 2 mA of additional current may be drawn from the load. Further information is available on the Schneider Electric Exchange - EP Series Pressure Sensors.

  Issue TAC Xenta I/O modules working as LonWorks device, indicates offline, flashes fast after power restore. Product Line TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment XENTA421A XENTA451A Cause When the TAC Xenta I/O modules are used as Lonworks devices, this is indicated by the LED that flash once every tenth second. After a power failure, the device will indicate offline by 5 flashes per second.   The device will indicate offline until it gets an update to any nvi or nci variable. Resolution As soon as the device gets an update on any nvi or nci, it will again start to flash once every tenth second. This means, that if you only read variables from the device, that is, only uses its inputs, it may indicate offline until the next time the configuration is changed.   A workaround for this issue could be to just use a dummy output, that is updated regularly.  

Issue TLS Error seen when attempting to export WebReports data from the displayed report as follows: Unable to download ReportsView.aspx (IP address) Unable to open Internet site, the requested site is not accessible or can not be found  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WebReports 3.0.x and above  Internet Explorer (used within WorkStation) and Google Chrome Web Browsers Cause To download files, Internet Explorer must create a cache or temporary file. In Internet Explorer 9 or a later version, if the file is delivered over HTTPS, and any response headers are set to prevent caching, and if the Do not save encrypted pages to disk option is set, a cache file is not created. Therefore, the download fails Resolution See Microsoft documentation on how to correct this.  Typically Method 1 will correct the issue. Cannot download files from secure websites - Browsers | Microsoft Docs

Issue Need sample PE program for control of access to a storage cage gate by forklift operators where the gate is required to stay open (up) until the forklift operator cards at the reader a second time on his/her way out of the cage. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Net Controller II Continuum ACX 2 Controller Continuum ACX 4 Controller Cause Continuum PE programming guidelines Resolution This sample program was provided as proof of concept only and not intended as a complete solution to the use case.   Object : StorageCageControl Type : InfinityProgram LastChange : 1/29/2020 11:29:14 AM DeviceId : PSS\ACX2.10 Alias : StorageCageContr CreateTime : 1/29/2020 9:59:56 AM CreatedBy : Root\Acc TimeLocked : 1/29/2020 11:29:14 AM InstanceId : 7003/7002 ByteCode : 'SAMPLE program for controlling access to a Storage Cage gate 1/29/2020 AM 'Program is LOOPING/AUTOSTART ' 'DESCRIPTION 'On valid access to the cage by forklift operator, program will unlock the gate using the ' PermanentUnlock property to keep it unlocked until the forklift operator indicates the gate 'can be closed by presenting his/her card at the card reader. ' 'REQUIREMENTS '1. ACX2 or NC2 controller only, program wont work in NC1 or old ACX7xx as they don't support the PermanentUnlock flag '2. Set the StrikeTime attribute of the door controlling the gate to ZERO '3. Create GateLeftOpenALM InfinityNumeric, and attach to an alarm (Optional) Numeric CloseTimeOut Line Init CloseTimeOut = 15 'Notify gate may have been left open after CloseTimeOut minutes. Goto WaitToOpen Line WaitToOpen GateLeftOpenALM = False If CageGate ValidAccess then CageGate PermanentUnlock = True Goto WaitToClose Endif Line WaitToClose If CageGate ValidAccess then CageGate PermanentUnlock = False Goto WaitToOpen Endif If TM >= CloseTimeOut then GateLeftOpenALM = True 'Gate may have been accidentally left open Line E 'oops, runtime error, wait a bit then try again If TS > 30 then Goto Init EndByteCode Status : Active EndObject

  Issue Using graphics in WebStation, “MutationEvents not defined” error messages and/or data in not shown correctly, after the web browser used is upgraded to latest versions.     Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation WebStation Google Chrome v127 and later Microsoft Edge v127 and later Firefox v140 and later Cause After upgrading to the latest web browser versions EcoStruxure Building Operation web-based user interface, WebStation, in all released and supported versions may no longer operate correctly when graphics are attempted to be displayed. The symptoms include, but may not be limited to, failure for graphics to show data correctly and error prompts such as “MutationEvents not defined” being shown. As referenced in Mutation events will be removed from Chrome  |  Blog  |  Chrome for Developers, Google has deprecated these Mutation events and replaced them with a different function. Also as referenced in Firefox 140 for developers - Mozilla | MDN The  MutationEvent  interface and its associated events have been removed from Firefox build 140 onwards. Resolution Consolidation point releases are available for supported EBO versions to resolve these compatibility problems with the latest browsers. These releases are available to authorized Schneider Electric EcoXperts and employees only from the EBO Hotfix List in the EcoExpert Community and the Software and Firmware Center of the EcoXpert Extranet. Other customers should contact their local Schneider Electric EcoXpert or Schneider Electric office and arrange a service visit.   The issue is addressed in the following releases: EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.2.4 : EBO 3.2.4.7003 (CP5) onwards EcoStruxure Building Operation 4.0.5 : EBO 4.0.5.5001 (CP4) onwards EcoStruxure Building Operation 5.0.3 : EBO 5.0.3.12005 (CP11) onwards EcoStruxure Building Operation 6.0.3 : EBO 6.0.3.2001 (CP1) onwards EcoStruxure Building Operation 7.0 Unsupported versions such as EBO 3.1 and earlier will not be addressed. Upgrading to the latest version of EcoStruxure Building Operation is strongly recommended to ensure full compatibility with current web browsers and to benefit from the latest features and security updates.

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 Need to create PCT backup Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool Cause Users need to backup all PCT data to prevent data loss or corruption. Resolution Since PCT 2.0 virtual machine resides in Hyper-V., the process is the same as backup any VM in Hyper-V Manager. Open Hyper-V Manager: Launch the Hyper-V Manager application on your server. Select the VM: Navigate to the virtual machine you want to back up in the left pane. Right-click and choose "Export": Right-click on the VM and select "Export" from the context menu. Choose a destination: Select the folder where you want to save the exported VM files. Start the export process: Click "Export" to begin the backup process. The "Export" process will create a "pct" folder from the folder in step 4. The 3 folders under "pct" folder are the backup for PCT 2.0 with projects and server packages installed.      

Issue Using a Security Expert SX-RK-XW reader to work with Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum 2.03 ACX 5740 CX9702 Cause It can be useful prior to a transition from Continuum to Security Expert to use Security Expert readers with Continuum Resolution Minimal functionality testing was done using the Security Expert reader model SX-RK-XW Continuum 2.03 ACX5740 with firmware: 1.100013 and 1.100052 CX9702 with firmware: 1.200036 Tested with Pin Only mode by setting up a door, a card holder and entering in the appropriate PIN code   5740 with SX Reader ACX 5740 PIN Only Active Event View CX 9702 with SX Reader CX 9702 PIN Only Active Event View

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 An explanation of Hosted backup options is needed to understand which objects are backed up and which are not. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause It's important to understand the backup options available for an instance. Resolution By default, each instance includes a one-year transactional history retention, giving one year of Event History backup. Additional event history retention time can be purchased if required, and such purchases will be visible under "Manage License." Example: Note: There are currently no configuration specific backups that are retained or that can be restored to reinstate deleted hardware or objects into an instance.    Recommendations: Exercise caution when deleting objects, especially controllers, from Access Expert. A prompt requests confirmation before deletion. Generate snapshots of controller configurations and other detailed objects. These snapshots serve as references in case of accidental object deletion, assisting the reconstruction of controllers or other objects with their original configurations. Summary reports can also be useful when trying to rebuild objects. For example: Inputs, Outputs, Readers, etc.

Issue How do you determine which version of Access Expert being used Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted V3 Cause Unsure which version of Access Expert is installed Resolution When opening Access Expert new users may not know what version they are currently running. The following differences can help to identify the version being used.   Version 2: Uses a url e.g. http://seba.accessxpert.com The Hardware tree is on the left pane when selected Only five tabs on the header Icons are larger on screen No Folder View  Version 3: Uses an app that needs to be installed The hardware tree is on the right Seven tabs on the header depending on the license Icons are much smaller Folder view when enabled  These are just a few of the differences that are visible to help determine which version is being used.

Issue Troubleshooting Sigma IC LON Values going on and offline Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma Release 4_05-SEB (Build 3_43_18) Sigma Release 4_05-SP2 (Build 3_42_48) Sigma Release 4_06 (Build 3_44_14) Sigma Release 4_06 SP1 (Build 3_44_16) Sigma Release 4_07 (Build 3_45_48) Sigma Release 4_07-SP1 (Build 3_45_51) Sigma Release 4_07-SP2 (Build 3_45_58) Sigma Release 4_08 (Build 3_46_57) IC LON Cause Lon Values going into and out of default Resolution Compare the IC-LON’s Receive heartbeat set in the “gateway.txt” file in the IC-LON controller, to the send heartbeat set in the controller. The recommendation is for the receive heartbeat be set to 2-5 times the send heartbeat of the field controller. Starting at 2 times, then increasing if the problem persists. If the controller doesn’t have a heartbeat and the LON value rarely changes, disable the receiver heartbeat in the IC-LON’s gateway.txt file by setting the heartbeat to 0. Example: 1     2     3        4      5   6  7 2,   2,  112,  1293,  0,  0, 0   The Sigma system is now out of its support period, consideration should be given to transitioning or upgrading to SpaceLogic - EcoStruxure Building Operation.

Issue The following error message appears when trying to change the system security settings of an Enterprise Server in Webstation:   An error has occurred Object protected ~/System/Security Manager/Global Security Settings     In Workstation the same settings are disabled (greyed out) and cannot be edited at all:   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Webstation Building Operation Workstation Cause The probable cause of this issue is that the Enterprise server is part of an EC - ES multiserver system setup. Then some settings are in a Lead - Shadow relationship and can only be controlled from the top EC (Enterprise Central) server. Resolution Edit these settings on the top Enterprise Central server.

Issue Unable to configure the OA (outside Air) Damper control of SE8000 to work as desired for free cooling and CO2 (Ventilation) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE8000 Cause The damper control on the SE8000 is restricted to the minimum position under the following conditions: Econo.config parameter is set to off The CO2 value is 0 or lower than Min CO2 Parameter (adjustable) The OA (Outside Air) is warmer than Changeover SP (adjustable) The SA (Supply Air) temperature is colder than Supply air SP (adjustable) The parameter Mech. Cooling is set to OFF Resolution

Issue Detailing configuration and starting DWiz on a computer running EcoStruxure for Buildings Operation. Product Line EcoStruxure Buildings Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Xenta 281 Xenta 301 Xenta 401 Cause DWiz (Download Wizard) was a part of the TAC Vista installation, but not so commonly used in EcoStruxure Buildings Operation, and therefore no longer included in the Start menu. It is however still installed and could be started from Windows File Explorer. Resolution   Verify the Com port used. If your computer does have a serial port, this is normally Com1 or Com2. If you are using a USB to RS232 adapter (like Aten), you could get a much higher number. The program requires a port number between 1 and 9. You may need to change the port number. This could be done via Windows Device Manager. In Windows File Manager, go to the directory where EcoStruxure Buildings Operation Workstation is installed. Here you will find DWiz.exe as well as MentaSetup.exe. Start MentaSetup.exe, adjust Com Port, select Apply and Close. MentaSetup        5.  Now it should be possible to start DWiz.exe located in the same directory.

Issue AS-P that has infinet devices connected to it, crashes during the Spring time-change of daylight savings. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Andover Continuum, infinet devices Cause Infinet schedules are sent down to the controller on a weekly basis. Having changed from default to be on Sunday between the time of 2:00 AM and 2:59 AM causes issues during daylight savings time "spring forward" due to that hour time span not existing. This causes the AS-P to crash. Resolution If you have schedules being download differently from the default time interval, ensure that they are not being done on Sundays, between the time of 2:00 AM and 2:59 AM. If they are, update them forward or back an hour to avoid further issues.

Issue Service Containers crash and Gateways fall offline even after Containers coming back online Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Access Expert Hosted software Cause The services crash and are offline long enough for the token to expire. Since these services don't store passwords on the machine, they require an authenticated user to reset the flag. Resolution Open the service containers within AX and untick the Authenticated box and click save.

Issue Analog Producer value located in an RP-C controller cannot command light object(BACnet type: crs-lighting-output) or blind object(BACnet type: crs-blind-output) located in another RP-C's CRS expansion module. Analog Producer Value, Status flags: Fault and Reliability: communication-failure.     Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 24 V Building Operation Room Controller (RPC) 230 V Cause Light and Blind objects support only two priorities (1 - Force, 2 - Normal). An error will be returned by the RP if the Priority in the Write request from the Producer Value is outside this range, ex. Priority 16. Resolution In the Analog Producer Value, set the default priority for writing to 2 (normal) or 1 (Force), as shown in below screenshot:  

Issue Could we have 128 characters passwords in Struxureware?  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Workstation Cause In earlier versions of SBO (version 1.7), the password was limited to 100 characters.   Resolution In EBO version 2.0 and 3.0, 128 character passwords are allowed. Passwords have been tested with 500 characters.