Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The Save to Flash exclamation point (bang) on a Controller object, does not go away even after a valid save to flash is performed on the controller. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Controllers Cause An InfinityNumeric with its Setpoint attribute set is changing value frequently. With this Setpoint attribute set, every time the object changes value, the controller sees that the change needs to be applied to the flash as well. This changes the ObjectStatus of the Controller Device object to indicate a Save To Flash is required by  showing the exclamation point (bang) on the controller. Resolution Check if you have any InfinityNumeric points with the "Setpoint" flag set that update frequently. In ContinuumExplorer, under the controller object, right-click the InfinityNumeric default class folder and select "View". This will launch the object class listview for this controller. Add the Setpoint attribute by selecting View -> List View Configuration. Select columns tab, click "Add Column". Select the Attribute field in your new column and from the drop down select "Setpoint". Apply your Changes and refresh the ListView. The InfinityNumerics that have the Setpoint value of True are the ones you want to look at closely to determine which ones are changing value frequently and if they really need to be configured as a Setpoint.  Also, refer to Save to Flash exclamation point indicates that the controller 'requires flash backup'.

Issue A TGML Graphic is added or imported into Vista. Then when you right click on the TGML Graphic and select " Open Bindings Window" a blank bindings window is opened. None of the objects defined in the TGML Graphic appear in the binding list to be bound to objects in the Vista database. Environment Vista 5.1.7 Cause The TGML Graphic is named with .(dot) characters in the name. E.G. VAV1.1.7 Resolution Do not use dots, dashes or hyphens in the naming convention for any Vista objects. Either eliminate it altogether, or use underscores (_) instead. To correct this issue after the TGML Graphic has been added  with the incorrect naming convention, is: Edit the TGML Graphic and save it out of the database. Delete the TGML Graphic with the name including the . (dot) character. Add a new TGML Graphic using the correct naming convention E.G. VAV1_1_7 Open the TGML Graphic that was saved out of the database and save into the new TGML Graphic you created with the correct naming convention. Note: Renaming the TGML Graphic object from VAV1.1.7 to VAV1_1_7 in the Vista database does not fix the problem.

Issue webClient schedules getting error 'request for permission of type' system.security.permissions Product Line Andover Continuum Environment webClient Cause Require to run the Caspol commands. Resolution Run the Caspol commands, here is a batch file that runs these commands without typing them in. Click Here to download the batch file   Rename the caspolwebclient.txt to .bat Run the batch file at each WS that needs to access webclient schedules. Below are the actual commands: The following command will add FullTrust to the Internet_Zone in DotNet 2.0: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Internet_Zone -zone InterNet FullTrust -name FullTrust The following command will add FullTrust to the Trusted_Zone in DotNet 2.0: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\caspol.exe -m -addgroup Trusted_Zone -zone Trusted FullTrust -name FullTrust This will result in output like: The operation you are performing will alter security policy. Are you sure you want to perform this operation? (yes/no) Then select Y and you should see: Added union code group with "-zone" membership condition to the Machine level. Success In some configurations, you may need to add the IIS computer into Internet Explorer as a trusted site for each browser. Internet Explorer > Internet Options > Security > Click trusted Sites > Click Sites Type in http://yourservername/webclient and click Add (Ex. http://tacweb/webclient) Deselect the checkbox for Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone. Click OK and Ok Close Internet Explorer and access webclient See Removal of MS KB2858725 Dot Net 4.5.1 causes issues with Web Servers IIS Functions if this is for 1.94 SP1 - Uninstalling KB2858725 * It may be necessary to give specific permissions in the registry if you are seeing system.permissions.UIPermission, mscorlib Make a backup of the From Windows, Start> Run> Regedt32.exe Expand the hives(folders) to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00B01B2E-B1FE-33A6-AD40-57DE8358DC7D}\InprocServer32\2.0.0.0 Right Click on 2.0.0.0 and select export, name the file and save. (This file can be used to restore the original settings of this branch)  Right click on this folder again and select permissions, select Users and add Full Control See below for snapshots

Issue SOAP service can't be reached at http://localhost:8030/SecurityExpertSOAPService/service.svc.  HTTP Error 404 error seen when attempting to browse. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause Confusion related to the indicator Windows uses to denote when features have been enabled. Instructions in the Security Expert SOAP service installation manual not sufficiently clear. For instance, the documentation shows a checkmark in the .NET framework feature but it does not show the sub-items, a checkmark here means all of the sub-items are also enabled but this is not necessarily intuitive.  When not all of the sub-items are enabled, Windows shows the check box filled with a black square but many users are interpreting this as meaning the same as a checkmark. Resolution When a feature check box shows a checkmark in the documentation, make sure to expand the feature and enable ALL of its sub-items. 

Issue Copying objects from one MP-X device to another results in a validation error. "Property value '<object type>' already assigned"     Product Line MPx series EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Cause The Object ID is already used within the destination device Resolution This functions as design. To resolve this:   Manually enter the Object ID when creating files that may be copied to other MP-X devices. One may choose to use blocks of IDs up to 64,999.   2. Utilize the import/export function within EBO which will import the BACnet objects using the next available Instance IDs.

Issue What is Remote Client with I/O in the Workstation Type in the I/O Server? Product Line TAC INET Environment I/Net Seven version 2.4x with need for Remote Client configuration using a Remote SQL Server. Equalization, FileMaster, File Master, Equalized Client, Remote Client, Equalize, FM, EQ, RC, MSDE, Express, Full SQL, SQL, TCP/IP, Connection Cause Remote Client changes with I/Net Seven version 2.4x  Resolution The new option of Remote Client with I/O for the Workstation Type begins with 2.4x version of I/Net Seven. This option is for a SQL Server which is not located on the Filemaster or Standalone but rather a separate Server. The Remote Client with I/O must be running for other standard Remote Clients to get the features such as AMT, Trends, and Network Functions. Network Functions can be found in I/Net on the pull down menu Edit/Host Computer/Network Functions. The configuration is in the I/O Server under the current profile and can be found in the Workstation Options.  HINT: Exit the I/O Server (and I/net) and select Start/Programs/I/Net/I/Net Configuration to be able to setup the Remote Client. Remote Client is not show unless you exit I/O Server. Clicking the link below will open a pdf document which will show how the communication should be setup if selecting Remote Client with I/O. I/Net version 2.4x Remote Client with I/O Clicking the link below will open a pdf document which will show how the communication should be setup if selecting Filemaster, Equalized Client, or Remote Client. I/Net version 2.4x Filemaster, Equalized Client, or Remote Client Suggestions for further info: To install the SQL, go to Installing I/NET Seven on a 64-bit operating system. For more on how to set up that Remote Client with I/O to use that SQL database, see Unable to connect Remote Client to Standalone Server. 

Issue The Wonderware Temporary License is out of date. How can a new one be obtained? Environment WonderWare Cause Since Schneider Electric (Rockford) is no longer a Wonderware OEM software distributor, demo licenses can no longer be provided. Resolution The 30-day temporary Wonderware demo mode license is available to the Wonderware SI selling the Wonderware software.

Issue Digital Sentry and Endura VMS systems have specific cameras and firmware that are supported by the Continuum Integration Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Digital Sentry Endura 2.0 Cause In the past the video compatibility matrix was very specific about what vms firmware versions and cameras were tested and supported by Continuum. As of 2.02 and above, Continuum is relying on Pelco's testing of specific cameras with either Digital Sentry or Endura and this article lists those specific links. Only the Digital Sentry link was in the 2.02 Video Compatibility Matrix. Resolution Video Matrix for 2.02 - Download Here Pelco cameras supported by Digital Sentry v7.15 : http://partnerfirst.pelco.com/content/digital-sentry#sthash.ZkEtYiZd.w16va5xk.dpbs Pelco cameras supported by Endura 2.0: http://partnerfirst.pelco.com/content/endura#sthash.ii8IYPqC.dpbs Pelco support indicates that the camera compatibility lists are for specific models, not for a certain series of camera. i.e. IME22 doesn't mean the IME22x is supported.

Issue Collecting String data from third party BACnet systems where they do not support BACnet String Objects Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Third Party BACnet systems Continuum Text/Strings Datetime Cause BACnet String and Date (characterstring-value and datetime-value) objects are not included in some BACnet systems eg. Continuum. Continuum supports these objects types in a proprietary manor but not as BACnet objects, therefore these values cannot be simply collected by EBO Resolution A simple method of collecting text strings from Continuum is to convert each character to its ASCII equivalent number, then pass these values via BACnet Analog Values, then convert back to a string in EBO The simplistic PE program below shows conversion of the first 8 characters of "String8Character" Object to 8 Analog Values "StringChr01-08", these are collected by EBO The Script Program below converts the Analog Values back to a Text String  

Issue A TAC Xenta programmable controller has issues, and more information is needed to analyze what is happening in the controller. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment TAC Xenta 280 TAC Xenta 300 TAC Xenta 401 XentaErrorLogViewer Cause The TAC Xenta 280, 300 and 401 series has an internal Error Log, that in some cases could give more information about the way the device is acting, storing restart reasons etc. Resolution The XentaSystemErrorLogViewer is used to read out the internal error log file from a TAC Xenta 280, 300 or 401 device. The XentaSystemErrorLogViewer is a program that runs in your PC, and you have to connect to the TAC Xenta device by the use of a serial cable. You must have at least the same version number of the XentaErrorLogViewer as the device you want to read the information from. Please note that the XentaSystemErrorLogViewer program only works with released version of the TAC Xenta 280, 300 or 401 devices. 1. Download XentaSystemErrorLogViewer 2. Install the program 3. Connect the TAC Xenta to the PC using the TAC Xenta programming cable. Refer to the cable guide for further information. 4. In "Preferences", select the COM port to which you connected the serial cable 5. Check "Write System Error Log to file" 6. Click "Get new information" 7. The information is written to "C:\Windows\Temp\XentaSystemErrorLogg.txt"

Issue How can I find out whether the EBO 2022 multi-version support applies to AS Classic module?  Does it apply to all the AS, AS-P, and AS-B modules? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Cause The EBO 2022 Release Note describes that the EBO 2022 Device Administrator software is not supported on the original AS classic (part number SXWAUTSVR10001) but there is no description of the software backward compatibility of the EBO on AS classic. Resolution An AS classic can continue to exist in a multi-version system; the maximum version an AS classic can operate at is 3.1.2. It is nowhere implied that it is not supported under a multi-version setup. The statement “EBO 2022 does not support AS classic” in the EBO 2022 Release Note is misunderstood. It simply means that one cannot install EBO 2022 on an AS Classic, the same as the previous EBO 3.2 version. Note that the AS Classic will not inherit any features introduced in later EBO releases when operating in a multi-version system.

Issue Video of DigitalSentry system can't be seen in I/NET. Alarm of Endura system, for example Motion Detection or Video Server Offline can't be shown in AMT. Product Line Pelco, TAC INET Environment I/NET 2.41 Cause The possible cause is that when installing SarixSDK of I/NET 2.41, there will be an error: Error 1904. Module C:\Program Files\Pelco\Common Files\IntegralPelco4600 dll fail to register. HRESULT-2147220473. Resolution The possible resolution is to uninstall the SarixSDK, delete the Pelco folder in Program Files folder and reinstall the SarixSDK. The error should disappear during the installation. And then video and alarm should be able to appear in I/NET. For more issue about video that can't be seen in I/NET, refer to Video in Endura/Digital Sentry System Can't be Shown in I/NET.

Issue Receive “Timeout while waiting for server to get ready” error when starting PCT Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool, PCT Cause PCT can't reach DHCP server from the virtual machine. Resolution To change the Notification Address in the "Setup for use with remote server" to "localhost". 1. Select "Setup for use with remote server" after PCT start. 2. Update the "Notification address" to localhost  

Issue What is the procedure for upgrading firmware in an I/A Controller? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Commissioning Tool I/A Series MNB Cause Improvements to MNB firmware require upgrades to be made periodically to the controllers. Resolution This video demonstrates how to upgrade MNB devices with the I/A Commissioning Tool.

Issue Error when commissioning a Xenta 5/7/9xx indicates an out-dated or mismatched XIF (device template). Program IDs do not match. There is an incorrect or out-of-date program version. (Subsystem: NS, #38) on a Xenta 5/7/9xx LON device   If this error occurs on any other device besides a Xenta 5/7/9xx, please reference Program IDs do not match. There is an incorrect or out-of-date program version. (Subsystem: NS, #38) for resolution. Product Line TAC Vista Environment LonMaker 3.X Xenta Servers Xenta 511, 527, 701, 711, 721, 731, 913 XBuilder Cause The Program ID inside the controller does not match the Program ID specified for that controller inside the LNS environment resulting in a Program ID mismatch. Program IDs are unique identifiers created for use in device templates and are based on the XIF. Resolution Resolve the Program ID mismatch by making the Program ID in the controller match that in the LNS environment. Download the controller using XBuilder. Send project to target. Generate the latest XIF for the XBuilder project. In the Network Pane, right-click on the root (TAC_Xenta_511 in this example) Select Generate XIF File   Find the new XIF that has been generated in the XBuilder Project directory: targetimage\configdb\lon\TAC_Xenta_511.xif Default XBuilder locations XBuilder 5.1.3 and prior: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\TAC\TAC XBuilder Projects XBuilder 5.1.4 and later: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Schneider Electric\TAC XBuilder Projects Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\TAC XBuilder Projects A good practice is to view details of the folder to confirm the time stamp of the XIF file. It should match the time that the file was generated in XBuilder. This file will be selected later, so another good practice is to rename the file to something more meaningful -- the name does not matter. "WebServer.xif" may be easier to find later and confirm it is the correct file. It is also perfectly acceptable to move this file to a new location -- Device Files of your overall project, for example. That can also help in later steps, especially if the default XBuilder Project location is used. In LonMaker, right-click on the device, and choose "Replace" (Not in System Plug-In)   Browse to the newly generated XIF file. Give the new device template a name. Select Finish. Commission the Xenta 5/7/9xx into the network. The Program IDs now match and the error is cleared.

Issue How to create a LNS database in NL220 and then bring it to Vista Workstation online Product Line TAC Vista Environment NL220 Cause In order to have a healthy LNS database, it is very important to create this database with proper steps in NL220. Resolution Preparation: Configure the Infrastructure Device Set up Vista Database path   Creating LNS Db in NL220 NL220: Add infrastructure device, nodes, etc. System plug-in: Assign Neuron ID (Optional), Menta file Back to NL220: SNVT binding   Bring LNS Db to Vista Db System plug-in: Network settings, Update TAC Network, create group bindings, add I/O modules, update the TAC Network again, check TAC Network, Update Vista Database   Bring Vista Db online NL220: Commission the Infrastructure Device System plug-in: Verify network settings, assign Neuron ID if needed, update TAC network and Vista database, download application and parameters Back to NL220: Commission and downloading all nodes besides I/O modules. Back to system plug-in: Change infrastructure setting, commence communication

Issue What is required to control command priorities in 3rd party controllers using Plain English? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation BACnet Controller (BCX, B4920, B3) BACnet command priority Plain English Cause Need to understand how to control command priorities and point values with Continuum workstation programs or controller infinity programs. Resolution Command Priority is a BACnet mechanism to decide the control hierarchy of a point, with 1 being the highest priority and 16 being the lowest.  Consider the following:   Default setting for a workstation program priority level is ManualOperator priority 8 Programs located in the workstation default command priorities can be controlled through Bacnet Preferences Controller InfinityPrograms will need to use the WriteProperty function to set a different priority other than priority 10 To relinquish a priority level use Relinquish(pointname, priority level)   The WriteProperty function is written in the format: WriteProperty (object_name, value, priority, index) object_name  Includes a full pathname, followed by a property name. The object identifier and property identifier are combined as one argument value   This actual value to which the property is set. This is optional.  If it is not present, then the next argument, priority, must be present to perform a Relinquish command.  (See the example in Relinquish.)  priority  The priority  number, ranging from 1 (highest) to 16 (lowest).This is optional.  It applies only to a set commandable property.  For controllers:  If it is not present, priority 10, if applicable, is used.  For CyberStation: The value, based on the priority in the BACnet Preferences dialog, is used.  index  This is optional.  It applies only to an array-type BACnet property.  The index is ignored whenever it is not applicable.   Infinity controller samples: This line will write the value of 22 to priority 10 BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1 = 22 This line will write the value of 33 to priority level 4 WriteProperty(BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1, 33 , 4 ) This line will relinquish the value for priority level 4 setting the value back to NULL Relinquish(BACnetDevices\BNet_4444\B3_885\B3Num1 , 4 )

Issue How long can the power to AS be interrupted Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment PS Power Supply Automation Server Cause Question regarding the AS and the power supply module. If the power is interrupted from the 24VAC power supply for say, 100 milliseconds, will the power to the AS be interrupted? There is a cold cap in the PS, and how long does it maintain power supplied to the AS? What about the RTC?   Resolution The power to the AS will be interrupted if there is a 100mS main power fail. The AS will then save the server cache. When the power returns the AS will make a restart that will take approx. 2 minutes. The AS Power supply fully complies with the IEC 61000-4-11 standard and can withstand voltage dips, with a 20mS dip and a 0% residual voltage.  The Power-fail process: When the AS loses power the super-cap keeps the AS alive for 15 seconds. 10 seconds of it dedicated to power-fail process to flush all the data that that are currently in the RAM to the SD card(That data can be anything with any value they have before power-fail). When power comes back that data is retained and are stored in appropriate place on the SD card. Real-Time-Clock(RTC) is maintained when the AS loses power by a dedicated capacitor which backs up the RTC chip for a minimum of 30 days in the absence of power since there is no battery in the AS.    

Issue Error launching EpiBuilder or EpiDesigner outside of Continuum Product Line Andover Continuum Environment EpiBuilder Continuum Cyberstation Windows XP Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Cause Running EpiBuilder or EpiDesigner prior to running it through Continuum will generate this error. Resolution Create a personnel object in Continuum, open that object in Personnel manager and select, Create/Edit badge. This will open EpiDesigner for the first time in Continuum. After that, you can open EpiDesigner independently from Continuum.

Issue The STR-250 will not respond to any input and the display is incorrect, typically flashing random characters or 00. During this behavior the Xenta 102-AX will remain offline and unresponsive, no longer controlling room temperature. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta 102-AX STR-250 Cause A firmware error has been identified in the TAC Xenta 102-AX (and 102-AX-U8) version 2.14, when they are used together with STR-250, the LCD version of STAT. A certain sequence of key strokes will cause the Xenta 102-AX to lock up. A firmware upgrade is available. Until that has been downloaded a power cycle will in most cases recover the controller. See the full TPA-MALR-10-0004.00. Resolution The 102-AX Firmware error is fixed in version 2.16 and later. Instructions on how to properly upgrade the 102-AX are located here: Upgrading a Xenta 102-AX to version 2.16 or later