Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue How does the dynamic updates property work in TGML? Product Line TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista 5.1.7 TGML graphics. Cause A graphic can contain numerous bindings to values that you want to be able to display in the graphic. When there are numerous bindings, reading the values can be time-consuming and can slow down the performance of the graphic. By setting the DynamicUpdates attributes in the Bind elements of the graphic to either disabled or enabled, you can control which values are updated (which values the graphic subscribes to) when the graphic is opened. Resolution Created a Bind object in the TGML Graphic Editor Look at the Properties for the object. Under Behavior, the property DynamicUpdates is set to Enable by default. This can be set to Disabled and a Script can be added in an appropriate object which follows the following format: Example - activate a binding by clicking on a button function Click(evt){ button = evt.getTarget(); //Identify the target that has been clicked. parent = button.getParentNode(); //Find the parent node. binding = parent.getChildRecursive(""); //Identify the binding to be activated. binding.setAttribute("DynamicUpdates","Enable"); //Activate the DynamicUpdate property. } A simple example is attached. Click to download DynamicUpdate.zip.

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 While Running I/NET Seven Rev 1.17 and above a new SCU is added to replace an existing DPU. "Software Restore" was run by mistake, and the SCU no longer works. Product Line TAC INET Environment I/NET site Cause "Software Restore" was run by mistake Resolution Please use the following document link: How to load SCU1284 BINS.doc

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 Downloading new NXE or APB files using NL220 Product Line TAC Vista Environment NL220 Cause Downloading new or old firmware versions into application specific controllers. Resolution Before performing this update, make a backup of the NL220 project. In case something happens and the configuration parameters are lost, there will be something to reference. Go to extranet and download the latest NXE and APB files. In NL220, right click on the controller to be upgraded and go to Network > Upload configurations. This will update the database with the current configuration in the controller.   Next, right click on the controller again and go to Network > Replace. A box will open that is titled Commissioning a node. The option "Upload configuration from old node if present" should be checked. This will insure that the values in database are current with the controller. Under Configuration download, "Download all known database values" needs to be selected. This will download the configuration parameters back into the controller once the update is complete. Finally under Template, "Download a program to the node" should be checked. The file that was downloaded off of extranet earlier can now be browsed in. Note: The option ‘Keep current configuration on node’ is misleading. By selecting this option it will not download parameters to the node. So when you download the new APB file, the controller will retain the configuration parameters found in the APB file not what was originally on the node.   Click Continue

Issue How to set up a controller for Elevator Controls. Product Line EcoStruxure Access Expert Environment Win Server 2012 and above Cause Steps to configure Elevator Controls from the beginning. Resolution To achieve this the following steps need to be followed: Open Access Expert Click on the main controller (SSC) Add interface - MR16 Out Set the address of the interface (dip-switches 1-5 on the panel) Add Reader interface and name accordingly (Elv Flr 1) for example Select the Elevator Tab and make the appropriate selections Go to the Elevator Tab Associate the MR16 Out (Floor Relays) Set Floor Relays (1 through 16) Create an Elevator Access Level - this would be used for floors that have access to this level An Elevator Override Access Level can be created as well if an Unlock Schedule is required Create the Door Group and assign the necessary  reader or readers Go to General Configuration and select the System Settings Select the Hardware Tab On the Elevator settings, change the Elevator Relay  Time and Elevator Push Button times from 1 to 5 seconds Once configured, select the elevator reader, right click and choose the Pulse option to test the relays If correct, the assigned readers will Pulse Assign users to the Elevator individually or through the User List.   Note: Please keep in mind that if there are multiple readers for multiple floors, it is best that a reader be associated with its own MR16 Out, it is best practice as the relays cannot be shared between the readers. Meaning that if Reader 1 uses relays 1-8 the second reader would not be able to use 9-16 on that same MR 16 Out. It would need its own MR16 out for those floors. Note 2: When creating Elevators in Access Expert, the outputs used on the MR16Out should not be added as an Output once defined in the Reader. These are automatically assigned, if they are added then the Floor selections will not function properly. 

Issue Part number for remote switch unit for DC1100 or DC1400 Environment DC1100 And DC1400 Cause Obsolete Resolution Refer to datasheet for wiring instructions

Issue Background image is cut off when viewing TGML graphic Fit the image to the background, but it does not stretch to fit when viewing the graphic White bars on the side or top of live graphic Environment TGML Cause The TGML root object has a few attributes that default to: Background = #FFFFFF (white) Stretch = None Height = 600.0 Width = 800.0 These may not be appropriate for the graphic being created. Resolution In the TGML editor, navigate to the Objects pane. If the Object pane is not visible, go to View > Objects and make sure that is checked. Click on the root Tgml object.    Available properties are shown in the Properties pane below. If the Properties pane is not visible, go to View > Properties and make sure that is checked.   In a pure TGML graphic, the Background color will represent the color behind all of the components. If a large background jpg or bmp image is used, the Background color will represent the color that will show up as bars on the top and right of the graphic when it is not sized perfectly to fit in the viewer's window (if Stretch is set to None). Stretch will have three different options (this is also a user defined option, this attribute merely sets the default presentation): None -- The size of the graphic in the TGML editor is preserved in the viewer's window. This may result in blocks of color on the top or right of the graphic. It may also result in sections of the graphic being cut off from the view requiring the user to scroll to view. Uniform -- The graphic is stretched to fit the larger of either the height or width of the viewer's window. The aspect ratio of the graphic is preserved. This may result in blocks of color on the top or right of the graphic. Fill -- The graphic is stretched in both the horizontal and vertical direction to fill the entire screen. This may result in a stretched or skewed presentation of the graphic. Height and Width will set the height and width of the graphic when Stretch is set to None. In a pure TGML graphic with all vectored components, the height and width are merely relative to the size of the components and aren't of great concern. However, when a background jpg or bmp image is used, the height and width should be set to match the dimensions of the background image.

Issue What transport type should be used when setting up an ACX57xx, CX9702, or bCX9640? (UDP TCP Netcontroller) Environment ACX5720 ACX5740 CX9702 bCX9640 Cause What transport type should be used when setting up an ACX57xx, CX9702, or bCX9640? Resolution The definition on the transport type settings from our Technical Reference Guide states that: UDP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the UDP protocol. TCP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the TCP protocol. TCP/UDP - This controller will communicate with other controllers and Workstations primarily using the TCP protocol, but can also speak to controllers and Workstations that communicate primarily using the UDP protocol.   You can set the controller to use either or both transport types for communication with other devices depending on your specific network requirements. UDP is the preferred option for Continuum devices. See the Andover Continuum Network Ports document for details on what specific ports are required. Three things you need to be aware of with this: Make sure that both the transport setting in the device object and the controllers IE configuration webpage are the same. No matter what transport type you choose make sure that any network firewalls are setup to allow packets through on those ports. View this document for some reasons to use Continuum's reliability layer over UDP rather than TCP.

Issue Unable to configure the schedule in SE8000 series thermostat. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, Field Devices Environment SE8000 Cause The system is not following building occupancy and operation as needed Resolution Tap and hold the top middle of the screen and tap on lower right arrow of page 1/2 setup. There are seven different schedule setting screens, one for each day of the week. Each day can have different scheduled events. Options The options settings allow the Room Controller to function in Occupied or Unoccupied. Occupancy Command Local occupancy: occupancy is determined by local PIR or schedule, as configured under Occ. Source from the configuration menu. Schedule Type 7 days: Independent scheduling for each day 5+1+1 days: Weekdays scheduling and Independent Weekend scheduling for Saturday and Sunday 5+2 days: Weekdays scheduling and Weekend scheduling

Issue The EWS Interface is working and object status updates show in SBO but no alarms come in. Alarms are being triggered and showing in the Alarms Status Page in Security Expert Client but these same alarms are not showing in SBO. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Security Expert Environment Struxureware Building Operation Workstation Security Expert EWS SOAP Cause The authentication for the interface is not set up correctly. Resolution In the EWS Configuration Manager set the Authentication to Digest and define the SBO User Name and SBO User Password that the interface will use. These same credentials need to be used in the Web Services Interface when it is setup in SBO.

Issue Needing to convert a site from V2 to V3. Product Line Access Expert Environment Win 8.1 and above Hosted Version 2 Version 3 Cause There are no directions on how to convert a Hosted Site on V2 to V3. Resolution When converting from V2 to V3 there are a few things that need to be verified first before attempting this action: Verify that the site does not have any SSC's that are configured as FN-4502, this information would have to be passed on prior to attempting the conversion by creating a case with your local country support group. Once the all clear has been given by product support, then the process can be started. Using two monitors bring up an instance on each for comparison Verify that all users, Access Levels, Schedules, Trigger and Procedures etc are in place Once confident, then connect to each SSC and change the Host IP name from the xxx.accessxpert.com to us.accessxpert.com Click on the View All Hardware Icon to see when the SSC comes online Once this happens, click on the Update firmware to get to the latest version downloaded to the controller When the device comes back online, verify that all the sub devices comes online as well If not then perform a Push Controller Database to the controller again When the controller comes online, all the subdevices should come online as well as Readers etc. At this point everything in V2 will become Unknown and can then be deactivated

Issue Customize the default graphic that opens after login. Environment Vista Workstation Vista Webstation Cause Vista defaults to a generic view which can be customized. Resolution The Home Graphic can be changed in any user profile, including the default Vista $UserProfile.  A user profile can be used by several users.  To create a User Profile In the folders pane, right-click the root object. Point to New, point to Object, and then click User Profile. Type the name of the object.  Browse the Home Graphic in the new User Profile and update each User properties to use the correct User Profile.

Issue Instructions on how to configure a Bosch Integration on Version 3. Product Line Access Expert Environment Access Expert Version 3 Microsoft Windows 8.1 and above Access Expert Hosted software with Bosch integration Access Expert Premise with Bosch integration Cause Configuring a Bosch Integration on Version 3 to communicate to Access Expert. There are certain settings that need to be configured from both the Access Expert side and Bosch so that the integration can be seamless and function as designed. Resolution One of the first things when doing this Integration is to have the Bosch Appliance ordered and installed on the Network where the Bosch Panel resides. The device comes pre-configured from Feenics and all that is needed is to make the necessary changes in Access Expert using the following steps: 1. Verify that the connected instance does have the Bosch Services Enabled by going to the Hardware Provisioning and looking at the Bosch Services.  2. Click on the Bosch Services. 3. This entry would come up automatically as it was preconfigured into the Hosted Instance by Feenics. 4. Click on the Panels label and add the Bosch Panel Type from the dropdown. 5. Enter the necessary values on the various fields that correspond to the Bosch Panel, the Password must match what the Bosch Panel is using. 6. Import the Configuration and then save and close. 7. On the Bosch Panel verify that the Port is set for Port 7700, Automation Mode is set to 2 and the Firmware is 2.0 or greater If changes need to be made, you need to first connect to the Panel from RPS > make the changes > sync to the panel > disconnect from the panel Go into the appliance and stop/restart the Feenics Bosch Service within Windows Services 8. Make the necessary changes if needed then save and recycle power 9. Bring up the Hardware Tree and verify that the Panel is Online and communicating 10. All preconfigured Areas, Points, and Outputs will show up in Green, indicating that everything is working properly.

Issue Example programs for the xP Display and LD-1 Product Line Andover Continuum Environment XP Display LD-1, LD1, LD 1 ACSM Cause Need example code for these displays to act as a starting point for programming  Resolution example programs for the xP Display.  example programs for the LD-1.  Note: These applications were developed by a UK branch and should be used as a starting point for your specific application. Further information on the programming of these displays is available in The Exchange Download Center for the specific devices. xP-Display Installation and User Guide LD-1 Installation and User Guide

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 What was the repeater used on MicroSmart communication trunks? Environment DMS MicroSmart (all revisions) Cause Information on a discontinued product line Resolution The typical repeater installed was Model # RPTR-DMS-WW.  There are other model numbers for trunks installed with fiber. Click here to view the Repeater Installation Instructions (F-25846).

Issue Unreliable documentation Environment Butterfly valve Cause Replacement Resolution The MF20 / MF40 actuator data sheets are supposed to be updated in regards to the use on old TRV-S valves.   Basically the standard MF40 fits to the TRV-S DN150-200, but the unique MF20-R fits to everything else.   So you need to know the valve.   No other adaptors are required. Click here for data sheet

Issue TGML pages are slow to load in Workstation TGML objects are not responsive Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation TGML Cause The driver of the graphic card is outdated or not supported. Resolution Visit the webpage of the PC's brand and update the driver for the graphic card.

Issue After updating Java, webstation doesn't show graphics. The window is blank/white. If the error you get is "Error. Click for details" and not a blank window, please refer to Webstation graphics not working after Java updated to Java 7 update 51. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment Java Webstation Cause There's an issue with Java and Webstation in SmartStruxure 1.5 when using panels. There's a hotfix available (1.5.0.2307) correcting this issue. Either Contact Product Support for this hotfix or download it on The Exchange Download Center. If panels are not used or the SmartStruxure version is lower than 1.5 or you are working with another product line such as TAC Vista, this article might help. This issue is usually only seen when updating an existing Java installation. If no version of Java has been installed previously, the issues doesn't seem to appear. According to Sun, there's an issue with the deployment.properties file. Read this article for further information. Resolution First try to install the newest version of Java. Version 1.7u67 has just been released, and is supposed to solve the issue. If you are using a x64 operating system, make sure you install both the x86 and the x64 version of Java in order to support both 32 bit and 64 bit browsers installed. If that doesn't work, try the procedure below. 1: Make sure all browsers are closed 2: Uninstall all Java versions 3: Make a copy of the file C:\Users\%username%\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\security\exception.sites (replace user_name with the profile name of the user logged into Windows) 4: Delete the folder C:\Users\%username%\AppData\LocalLow\Sun (replace user_name with the profile name of the user logged into Windows) 5: Install the latest version of Java (https://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp) - if you are using a x64 operating system, make sure you install both the x86 and the x64 version 6: Verify that you have the latest Java version and that you don't have older versions using the Java uninstall applet: https://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jsp 7: Move the exception.sites file back into C:\Users\user_name\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\security (replace user_name with the profile name of the user logged into Windows) - if the directory doesn't exist, make the directories missing to complete the path 8: Try viewing TGML graphics again

Issue Managing the address table in a Lonworks device Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC IA Series, TAC Vista Environment I/A Series MNL TAC Xenta Third-party LON devices Building Operation Automation Server Cause A LonWorks device contains an Address Table which will hold a maximum of 15 addresses. Once this table is full, all bindings will only be able to use the broadcast setting which is not desirable. A Xenta 200,300 or 400 controller will have its first 2 address tables used with TAG 0 and TAG 1 binding. This leaves only 13 addresses for user bindings not the 15 addresses like other LonWorks devices. Resolution ​When you create a binding in LonWorks, you decide its behavior by selecting a binding profile. You either select a binding profile, or you use the default profile. There are basically three types of binding profiles: Acknowledged profiles Unacknowledged profiles Broadcast profiles Using an Acknowledged profile will consume one of the 15 available address table addresses on both the sending and the receiving device. The Unacknowledged profiles will only use one Address on the sending device's address table. Broadcast binds do not use an address but are not recommended. Use an acknowledged binding profile when the sending device should receive an acknowledgment from the receiving device indicating that the value of the bound variable was successfully sent. Binding profile Transmit timer Retry count Acknowledged Profile 96 ms 3 Acknowledged, Tx tmr 256, 3 retries 256 ms 3 Acknowledged, Tx tmr 256, 5 retries 256 ms 5 Acknowledged, Tx tmr 1024, 5 retries 1024 ms 5 Be careful of creating large, acknowledged fan-out bindings because they generate a lot of traffic, especially if the device of one of the recipients is offline.  Use an unacknowledged binding profile when the sending device should not receive an acknowledgment from the receiving device. Use this type when the value being sent is not critical and is of low importance to the control logic. Binding profile Repeat timer Repeat count Unacknowledged Profile   0 Unacknowledged Repeated Profile 48 ms 3 Unacknowledged Repeated, 5 repeats 48 ms 5 Use a broadcast profile when you do not want to use up an entry in the address table. The device address table has 15 available entries for bindings but the first entry is a reserved broadcast entry that all broadcast bindings can share. Binding profile Repeat timer Repeat count Broadcast Profile   0 Broadcast Profile, 5 repeats 48 ms 5 If no binding profile is selected, a default profile is used: Point-to-point bindings use the Acknowledged profile as default. Fan-out bindings use the Unacknowledged Repeated profile as default. Building Operation uses the broadcast profile as default when the device address table has run out of entries. If a point-to-point binding is changed to a fan-out binding, the binding profile is automatically updated to an Unacknowledged Repeated profile. If a fan-out binding is changed to a point-to-point binding, the binding profile is automatically updated to an Acknowledged profile.  This and other information about lon bindings is available on the online help guide Using a Lon Binding in StruxureWare Building Operation More information on the different tables used by each LON device