Building Automation Knowledge Base

  Issue How are Modbus 64-bit registers calculated in the Modbus limitations on an RP-C? Can both RS485 ports be used for Modbus on an RP-C? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SpaceLogic RP Controller series RP-C Modbus Cause EBO version 2023 introduced 64-bit register support in RP controllers. EBO Webhelp states that an RP-C has a maximum limit of 250 Modbus registers. It is unclear if a 64-bit register is counted as four 16-bit registers or just one register on the Modbus maximum count. The RP-C controller has two RS-485 ports, and it is unclear if both ports can be utilized for Modbus simultaneously. Resolution A 64-bit Modbus register is counted as one register in the Modbus maximum register count. The RP-C controller has two configurable RS-485 ports that can be used for: Sensor bus Room bus Modbus network As per EBO webhelp, the controller can host two networks, but only one network of each network type.

Issue What purpose does Scan Interval serve on the point? Product Line TAC INET Environment All versions of I/NET software. Cause Understanding the Scan Interval on I/NET Points. Resolution The Scan Interval determines the length of time that elapses between scans. The controller scans the point based on the value set here (1-255 secs) and then updates the state/value on the screen. Common Concerns for Choosing Scan Intervals. The Scan rate determines how often the point display is updated in either the controller summary or a graphics page. The fastest the page will update is based on the Monitor refresh interval set in the Host Configuration Editor. The Scan interval determines when the calculation on a point is run. This means if the point has a 10-second scan interval, the calculation will only be run every 10 seconds. It is advisable to only use calculations that do not require running faster than that, as it can waste system resources. If you have a situation where logic requires an immediate response, use DDC or an event sequence. The Scan interval is used to determine when an indirect point goes OLD.  It will go old if the indirect point requests data from the global point and does not receive it after two scans.  Global and indirect points should typically have higher scan rate values.   The Scan Interval does not affect how often a global point broadcasts data. This is determined by the broadcast change in the counts setting or by a change of value for a discrete point. Higher values are usually better when dealing with scan intervals. This prevents hunting in DDC and the accumulation of old data. Whenever one point references another, these points should have identical scan rates. Problems have been reported on systems where the receiving point scans faster than the sending point. When dealing with points that send or receive data from outside of the physical device, consideration should be made to ensure all points on a given LAN segment are not broadcasting at the same time. The ideal solution is to use prime numbers for scan intervals on this type of point. For more information on Global and Indirect Points, see I/NET Global and Indirect Points Overview and Recommendations  

Issue Operation of the "Speed Clock" facility. Environment Drayton DC1100 DC1400 DC1100/1400 Speed Clock Cause Information on the enabling/disabling of the "Speed Clock" function. Resolution The "Speed Clock"  function on the DC1100/1400 controller allows the user to test the controllers timed functions in a short period of time. It is enabled / disabled as follows; Rotate the controller rotary switch to "SET". Navigate through the menu structure to "System Menus / Alter Settings / Enter Password, and enter a password of 0402. Choose either to "Enable" or "Disable". Return the rotary switch to "Auto" to run the test.

Issue In a multi-version system, will the database schema in the PostgreSQL database be compatible with EBO servers with lower versions? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Building Operation Timescale Database Cause In a multi-version system the database schema in the PostgreSQL database needs be compatible with all servers in the system. Resolution The DB schema is backward compatible. The same schema can be used for the complete system and it can be upgraded to the latest version compatible with the top-level server. Compression is done on the PostrgreSQL/TimescaleDB side and since it’s not configured in EBO, the compression will work for EBO servers with lower versions. Compression needs at least schema version 9 for EBO2023 or schema version 13 for EBO2024 and TimescaleDB version 2.0 or higher, refer to: Compression for TimescaleDB

Issue Unable to log in to the report server via a web browser after successfully installing the WebReports package. No explanation is given as to why the login was unsuccessful.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Report Server Cause The most probable cause is that there is no connection with the ES. Without a connection to the ES, the Web Reports Server cannot confirm the account being used to log in is valid. Resolution Note: Report Server (WebReports) is not supported in EBO 2022 or higher.   Test the connection with the ES On the same PC as the ES is installed on, try logging on via Building Operation Workstation. If this is successful, try logging on to the Enterprise server from the same server as the Web reports server is installed on. To check the URL and port settings, open the Software Administrator on the ES server PC. If step 2 (above) is unsuccessful, go to step 3. Otherwise, go to step 4. Check the firewall setting on the 2 PC,s. Ensure that the ports used by the ES (Check the Software Administrator for information about ports) and the Web Reports Server are not blocked. Re-run the WebReports Installer (link to documentation). Pay particular attention to the Reporting agent section. Make sure that the Enterprise Server URL and port number are the same as that shown in the ES' Software Administrator. Once installation is complete, logging in to the WebReports web server should be possible. If there is still no contact with the ES the network should be checked. A network protocol analyzer (such as Wireshark) can be used to identify the cause of the problem.

Warning Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices. Issue Replacement battery for the DC1100 / DC1400 Product Line Field Devices Environment DC1100 DC1400 Replacement Battery Cause Controller battery has failed. Resolution The battery lifetime will vary over a very wide range depending on use and temperature so cannot easily be predicted, but about 5 years under normal conditions, would be a guide. The battery in a DC1100 and a DC1400 is soldered to the underside of the CPU PCB. It is a 3.6V 150mAh NiMH battery. The factory part number is S2218121100 and the manufacturer’s part number is Varta 55615 603 940. Please Note: - Good soldering skills will be needed to replace the battery. The battery can be sourced from CPC Farnell Varta 55615603940 details at CPC Farnell

Issue Dimension comparison when replacing MZF valve with VG311 or V321 Environment MZF V321 VG311F Cause Replacing Satchwell MZF valves, the new valve is a different size, i.e. larger. Resolution The Satchwell MZF valve is a physically smaller valve when compared to other manufacturers valves of the same DN. The only solution is to modify the pipework. For the valve datasheets click on the relevant valve type MZF VG311F V321 The table below details the differences.

Issue TC series thermostats which one support Modbus protocol? TC series thermostats which one support time schedules? Environment TC100 (TC103) TC300 (TC303, TC353) TC500 (TC503, TC553) Cause Due to different TC thermostats models support different features, customers need to double check the selection guide to make sure the selected model can support all features which are required. Resolution Click here  to view a matrix which contains all TC series thermostats and their supported features. Additional information can be found on the Buildings Business Extranet website (Products > Field Devices Asia Pacific > Thermostats).

Issue Metric vs. Imperial Units as displayed Using Webstation Regional Settings Any device, will by default, show configured units. Regional settings must be applied to normalize all devices. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Webstation TGML Graphics SNVT values Cause Incorrect Units will appear in webstation if webstation regional settings are not configured correctly. Resolution Log into Webstation Select Settings > Change Regional Settings   Select the desired Language Select the desired Measurement system Click Ok NOTE: Settings are preserved via a cookie stored on the local PC. Any time cookies are deleted this will return to its default setting.

Issue Using Schneider Electric actuators with competitors' globe valves Product Line Field Devices Environment Schneider Electric actuators (Americas field devices) 3rd party globe valves Cause To replace 3rd party / competitor valve actuators with Schneider Electric valve actuators, a linkage / adapter may be required to install the Schneider Electric actuator onto the 3rd party / competitor valve.  Resolution Refer to the AV-800 Series Competitive Globe Valve Adapters Selection Guide for a list of adapter kits, recommended Schneider Electric actuators and supported 3rd party / competitors' globe valves (Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell).  The Selection Guide can also be downloaded from the Publication Zone with iPortal. If you do not have access to the iPortal, use the guest access credentials. Once you have logged on, go to 'Links' > 'Publication Zone'.  Installation instructions showing assembly drawings can be downloaded here.

Issue I/A Series MNL-VAV controller continues to display a small air flow value (CFM or L/S) even when airflow is not present (zero flow conditions). This condition is typically seen as small CFM readings on graphics screens when air is not present (AHU off condition). Product Line TAC IA Series Environment MNL-V1RV3-2, MNL-V2RV3-2, or MNL-V3RV3 Cause The I/A Series MNL-V1, V2, V3 and controller platforms were recently redesigned to incorporate the latest Echelon FT 5000 Neuron Smart transceiver. With no air flow, when the fan system is not running, minor fluctuations in duct pressure could result in false air flow readings from the MNL-V1RV3-2, MNL-V2RV3-2, and MNL-V3RV3. Resolution Use the MNL Firmware Updater Utility to update the MNL-V1RV3-2, MNL-V2RV3-2, or MNL-V3RV3 controller firmware to version 4.3B5. A velocity pressure reading below 0.005 in. WC (1.25 Pa) will be processed within the controller as no or zero flow. Controllers within these date code ranges should be updated with the utility detailed below. MNL-V1 and MNL-V3 starting with date codes of 1208 MNL-V2 starting with date codes of 1212 Note: The MNL VAV control range of 0.05 to 2.00 in. WC (12.5 to 498.2 Pa) is not affected. When air flow control below 0.05 in. WC is required, the I/A Series MNB VAV controllers, with a control range of 0.004 to 1.5 in. WC (1.0 to 373.6 Pa), should be used. MNL Firmware Updater Utility The MNL Firmware Updater 4_3B5.zip can be downloaded from The Exchange Download Center. The zip file contains these instructions and the “MNL Updater Setup.exe”. Executing “MNL Updater Setup.exe” will place the latest firmware into C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\MNL Firmware Updater\bin and add the installer to the Start Menu item under Schneider Electric. MNL-V1RV3-2, MNL-V2RV3-2, and MNL-V3RV3 controller firmware version 4.3B5 MNL-5 controller firmware version 4.3A5 If the MNL Firmware Updater had previously been installed, the MNL-V1RV3.NDL, MNL-V2RV3.NDL, and MNL-V3RV3.NDL files located in "C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\MNL Firmware Updater\bin" will be replaced.

Issue Downgrading an UNC to an earlier Niagara build Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series R2 Universal Network Controller (UNC) Cause Station is unable to run in an UNC with newer version of Niagara R2 because a 3rd party module does not have an updated JAR file Resolution The procedure to downgrade an UNC would be to use the version of WorkPlace Pro that you want the UNC to be and commission the UNC as per what you would do for a new UNC or to upgrade an UNC. The modules installed in the station should also match the Niagara version of the UNC. Refer to Can jar files from Niagara R2 version 532 be used with a UNC running version 330?. Refer to Procedure 4 on pages 9 and 10 of the UNC-520 Installation Instructions for details on installing the software to an UNC-520. It is important to note that newer UNCs with the newer boot flash chip requires I/A Series R2 version r2.301.527 or newer. Installing the UNC with newer boot flash chip with an I/A Series R2 version lower than r2.301.527 will make the UNC inoperable. Refer to Cannot get my I/A Series (Niagara) R2 UNC to boot after downgrading the system software to a version earlier than release 529 for details.

Issue The UNC and Enterprise server, as well as many other Schneider-Electric Buildings products, use a TIME protocol server to provide clock synchronization. The address of that Time Protocol Server no longer works. NOTE: The nist.gov sites will no longer be providing TIME protocol services over TCP port 37 as of March 1, 2013. Product Line Andover Continuum, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Schneider Electric Buildings products that rely on the use of TCP TIME protocol servers for time synchronization. This includes the I/A Series R2 UNC & ES and the I/A Series G3 ENC & ENS as well as other IP ethernet based products. Cause Many server sites are discontinuing support for the TCP TIME protocol because it is so bandwidth intensive. NOTE: The nist.gov sites will no longer be providing TIME protocol services over TCP port 37 as of March 1, 2013. The site http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi lists most of the currently available TIME protocol servers as well as the status of the entire TIME protocol system. Resolution If the product supports the use of the NTP time sync protocol, switch to the use of that protocol. If the device only supports the TIME protocol, consult the web site http://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi for currently available sites.

Issue Clarification on how to wire Form A and Form K Triac outputs on i285-V / b3865-V controllers. Environment i2865-V b3865-V i2866-V b3866-V i2865-V-S b3865-V-S i2866-V-S b3866-V-S Cause Had issues in the past with blown Triac outputs due to wiring, need to confirm how they are properly wired for Form A and Form K Triac outputs. Resolution As per 30-3001-810 i2 b3 865-866 Controller Installation Instructions (see page 5), you can configure your Triac so they switch the 24VAC (hot) or the GND (ground), but all Triac outputs must be configured the same. The difference between the Form A and the Form K is that the Form A is two digital outputs using a single triac each while the Form K is a single tristate output using both physical triacs for the one (logical) output. The Form A Triac outputs can be configured as either a hot or ground switch but the Form K must be configured as a ground switch (TRIAC REF tied to GND, Load to 24VAC).

Issue How can I streamline badge creation in Security Expert? Product Line EcoExpert Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Client   Cause There is no "Import/Export badge" feature available in Security Expert (unlike in Episuite/Continuum) Resolution This video demonstrates how to streamline badge creation in Security Expert.     Badge templates are normally provided by the customer.  They should be provided in bitmap (.bmp) or portable graphics format (.png) format. JPEG image format does not work well for resizing.     A new template can also be drawn though this is time-consuming.      Blank template from client 1. In Security Expert Client menu, go to Users--> Card Template Editor   Add and name new template, 2. Add blank template as image, go to right side Properties-->Images   Add blank template Adjust image to fit blue outline   3. Add dynamic user fields, go to right side Properties-->User Fields   Add and name fields ONE AT A TIME by dragging out items on to plan (drag one at a time to avoid confusion)     4. Name and place dynamic user fields over-top of blank template layout (Photo, Name, Dept, etc.)   Stretch, Align and Center Fields for uniform finish         5. Save template   6. Preview badge In Security Expert, go to Users--> Users-->Photo tab   Select a user:   Photo ID: Card template(drop-down menu)--> Choose your newly created template Hit the preview button Note: Do not choose Print & Read if no USB card reader is attached; this will cause an error and shut down Security Expert   Print Preview:

Issue When copying any type of object or value in SmartStruxure the following error is given. Environment  Workstation Virtual Machine Cause This is a Windows error that results from multiple application trying to access the clipboard at the same time. This issue is common to a virtual machine environment. Resolution To prevent this error from occurring,  the settings of the virtual machine must be changed. These settings will be located in different location depending on the type of virtual machine software you have. The Shared clipboard feature needs to be set to disabled.

Issue Users or engineers may be unsure of how to obtain the Smart Connector itself, as they are not generally available for download from the Exchange Download Center or the Smart Connector Forum on the Community. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SBO/EBO and general integration projects SXWSWSCDL100001 Cause Smart Connectors are not freely available and will require a license obtaining in order to download and use them. As Smart Connectors can be developed by a number of teams around the world that are not part of R&D, these teams will define the costs and requirements for using their software. Resolution A Product Announcement PA-00546 is available that details the concept and use of Smart Connectors. To order the Smart Connector Framework for a project, use part number: SXWSWSCDL100001  Then go to the Smart Connector Server licensing portal to obtain your required license for the specific Smart Connector you require. The URL for the License Portal is: https://www.smartconnectorserver.com/ A login is required for this portal which can can be obtained through the "Sign Up" button. Once logged in the user may browse through the available Smart Connectors and request to download a license. For support information on Smart Connectors, see the article "Support route for Smart Connector Framework issues".

Issue A script program status is halted with an error indicating "Tried to divide a value by zero"   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation MP-C Controllers  Building Operation MP-V Controllers  Building Operation RP-C Controllers  Building Operation RP-V Controllers  Cause The halted program, or a function used within the program, has within itself a divisor that equals or can equate to zero.  An example would be if using Scan as a divisor - (Err - Lerr) / Scan Resolution Ensure that no divisor within the program or function can possibly become zero.  One way to do this would be to either set the divisor to a value greater than zero prior to using it or add a small value to the divisor.  For example:  (Err - Lerr) / (Scan + 0.00001)

Issue Need to downgrade AS from 1.5 to 1.4,  quick press "reset" 3 time, AS geso to DFU mode, after select "new database", get an error "New database failed" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Automation Server AS Device Administrator SBO 1.4 1.5 Cause AS and PC connected with USB and Network cable USB port on laptop (leveno) has additional power on one of the USB ports, switch to different port Firewall was enabled and disabled firewall Resolution Disconnect Network cable, use USB connection only (May need to select a different port on laptop, see Cause Notes above) Quickly press "reset" 3 time to DFU mode Click "Update Device" Icon and select "New database" If the above fails, try another USB port and disable antivirus software. In some cases, you will need to: Place the device in DFU mode Power down the AS Let it sit for at least an hour to let the capacitors lose their charge.   Power up the device again, place it in DFU mode Use the USB connection to load the correct version

Issue Some Modbus meters can be integrated to a MPM using the built-in widgets (MOD1 checkbox enabled).  Other Modbus meters require a LUA script. With LUA scripts, the MOD1 object (Modbus config) must be disabled (MOD1 checkbox disabled). Can two Modbus meters be integrated to the same MPM, with one using the built-in widget and the other using a LUA script? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) Modbus devices Cause Unfortunately, both meters must be integrated with LUA scripts or both must be integrated via built-in widgets. By keeping the internal Modbus driver enabled (MOD1 checkbox enabled), the Modbus component in the script will not work.  The two will conflict. Resolution The two Modbus meters must both be integrated via LUA script or by built-in widgets.