Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Knowing the types of licenses, differences between each one, and the revisions supported by the license. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista 5.X Cause There are three different types of licensing for a Vista system. Resolution There are three types of TAC Vista software licenses. TAC Vista Demo License This type of license is for temporary use. It expires every thirty days. It is the full version license excluding OPC server licenses. The demo license is available on Schneider Electric buildings business extranet. (Products >TAC Vista > Vista Software > Evaluation License File). No activation required, ready to use after downloading. (Store the license file into C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\License Files, by default.) Monthly demo licenses only work locally for the PC where they are installed.  You cannot use a License Server to serve up remote Workstation licenses to a remote PC, for example. For remote Workstation usage, please use the TS version of demo license instead. Demo licenses contain unlimited TAC Vista Webstation seats which allow multiple people log into Webstation simultaneously on the server PC and other computers.   TAC Vista Engineering Dongle This type of license is for Schneider Electric engineers or partners use. It comes with the full version license besides the OPC server licenses.  Please read Part number for Vista 5 engineering dongle for more purchasing information. No activation required, ready to use after receiving. Simply put the engineering dongle into one of the USB ports. You may be asked to install some software upon first time use. Note:  Insert the engineering dongle prior to starting the TAC Vista server. Engineering dongles only work locally for the PC where they are plugged in.  You cannot use a License Server to serve up remote Workstation licenses to a remote PC, for example. Engineering dongles contain only one (1) TAC Vista Webstation seat. In addition, user can log into Webstation only on the sever PC.   TAC Vista Customer License This type of license is for end user use. Depending on the customer needs, different features of Vista software can be purchased standalone or in packages. For more information about each software feature or packages, please read the Vista 5 Software license packages and Vista 5 product catalog. Customer licenses are restricted to the minor revision of the Vista software or lower. A Vista 5.0 license will not function on a Vista 5.1 installation. However a Vista 5.1 license will work for all 5.1.x installations as well as all 5.0.x installations. Maintenance agreements ( XXXX 1 year licenses) are available for most TAC Vista 5.1 software modules. An active maintenance agreement ensures that the license has access to any new, minor and major, versions. Maintenance agreements are automatically renewed at the end of each 12 month period. The termination notice is three months. Minimum agreement time is three years. Activation of the license is required. You can generate the license on the https://schneider-electric.flexnetoperations.com website with the entitlement ID received via email after purchasing. The license needs to be locked to: Computer MAC address If you lock the license to a computer's MAC address, the license needs to be stored on this particular computer (C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\License Files, by default), and it can only be used on this computer.   An onsite dongle (end-user dongle) The dongle needs to be purchased separately (name: Vista 5 Hardware Dongle, part number: 000857510 on the iPortal).  If you lock the license to the onsite dongle, you can use TAC Vista software on any computer as long as this dongle is plugged in. You can re-host the license to another MAC address or onsite dongle up to 4 times in a 1 year period. If you exceed this re-hosting limit you will need to contact Product Support with a valid reason why this occurred, and the limit can be reset. For additional customer licensing information please read TAC Licenses Installation Manual and TAC Vista 5.0 to 5.1.7 license does not work after installation for how to use LMTOOLS to manually read site license.

Issue Even though the curve block is set to range between 0-100, the block just stays at a fixed output somewhere in the curve output range. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Cause The curve requires the first entry of the X value to be the lowest value, and then the subsequent values to be larger than the previous X entry. Resolution Adjust the order of the XY entries on the curve block so the first entry in the X will be the lowest value. Example of Incorrect Curve Here is an example of a Curve that will not work. Note the first X entry is -2 and the last X entry is -6.  Example of Correct Curve To correct this curve, -6 is the lower number, so this should be the first X entry. Here is an example of the curve that has the correct X entry order.

Issue The VX logging functionality is not included in the 5.15 release. It is functioning in prior and later releases. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta 500 Xenta 700 Xenta 900 Cause VX functionality was not included with the 5.15 release. Resolution Use a version other than 5.15 where the VX log is included.

Issue How do you integrate a time schedule in a Xenta programmable data manager, the occupancy command for a Xenta 121, and the override button on the associated STR-350 stat in an LNS system where everything is connected using SNVTs? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Xenta 121 Cause The desired outcome is to have all of the occupancies synchronized at all times. This will ensure the stat shows the current effective setpoint, the 121 runs the unit when appropriate, and the effective occupancy is available from the front end. Resolution Place the STR-350 in between the Xenta programmable occupancy output and the input command of the Xenta 121. Bind nvoOccupancy (user-defined name) output from Xenta programmable to nviEffectOccup of STR-350. Bind nvoOccManCmd output from STR-350 to nviOccManCmd of Xenta 121.

Issue The maximum number of backups in Vista is 20. Is it possible to change this limit? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause When backups in Vista are set up, you can specify the maximum number of backups that should be created before the oldest is overwritten. The default is two, and the maximum is twenty. Resolution It is not possible to change this limit as it is a hard-coded number in Vista.

Issue Current information will be stored and updated in release notes and online documentation. Compatibility Matrix of Operating Systems, Video, Product Announcements, SQL Compatibility Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows Operating Systems and iBMS (intelligent Building Management System) Software Cause Compatibility, Firmware, Product Announcements Resolution Please see release documentation for current and recent products. For the Firmware compatibility matrix for: I/NET, it is available HERE or the EcoBuilding Download Center Continuum, click HERE Xenta Software Downloads HERE Vista, click HERE EcoStruxure Building Operation, click HERE Product Announcements can be a great tool for discovering which products have been tested and are compatible with the different versions. These documents are available on the Extranet, but have been compiled here for ease of access: I/NET 2.40   Product Announcement 2.41   Product Announcement 2.41a Product Announcement 2.42   Product Announcement and Compatibility Matrix (page 5) 2.43   Product Announcement PA-00239 2.44a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.45   Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.46 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47 Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47a Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.47b Software Available from Exchange Download Center 2.48 Software Available from Exchange Download Center Operating Systems and SQL Supported Video Compatibility Support Policy PA-00279 Software Support for TAC I/NET Continuum v1.92 Product Announcement v1.93 Product Announcement v1.94 Product Announcement PA-00210 1.94 SP1 Product Announcement PA-00273 1.9 - 2.1 Software, Firmware, & Video Compatibility Matrix Concerning IE10 and IE11 browser support  2.0 Feature Blast 2.0 + 2.01/ 2.02 Update Compatibility Matrix 2.0  Product Announcement PA-00353 2.0 CyberStation Installation Guide 2.0 WebClient Installation Guide 2.0 Software License and Ordering Activation Process 2.0 Software and Controller Upgrade Process Andover Continuum PA-00333 Support Policy PA-00272 for Andover Continuum Vista v5.1.5 Product Announcement v5.1.6 Technical Product Advisory v5.1.7 release note document, TAC Vista Compatibility Matrix, SNVT Matrix documents, and TPA-VSTA-11-0020.00 v5.1.7 Product Announcement x5.1.8 Release Note TAC Vista 5.1.8 and TAC Xenta 500/700/900 5.1.8 v5.1.9 Vista Compatibility Matrix SecurityIAS Product Announcement PA-00291 Product Announcement TAC Vista transition to SmartStruxure solution overview  Support Policy PA-00274 for TAC Vista Satchwell Sigma v4.05 SEB Release Notes v4.06 Release Notes v4.06 Release Note Supplement v4.07 Release Notes Satchwell Sigma Standard Edition Installation and User’s Guide Support Policy PA-00297 for Satchwell Sigma v4.08 Release Notes PA-00397 Sigma Version 4.08 Sigma server on a virtual machine Satchwell Micronet data sheet - MicroNet View 2.1 OS Compatibility - Micronet View PA-00228 Product Announcement Support Policy PA-00298 for Satchwell MicroNet PA-00228 Satchwell MicroNet End of Commercialization Announcement I/A Series PA-00163 I/A Series R2 & G3 Product Announcement PA-00114 Legacy Products Windows 7 Compatibility I/A Series R2 with Windows Compatibility Chart PA-00243 Software Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00251 Hardware Product Update - Q2 2013 PA-00278 Software Product Update - Q3 2013 I/A Series (Niagara) R2 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail I/A Series (Niagara) AX/G3/N4 Windows Compatibility Matrix with additional detail Support Policy PA-00280 R1 for TAC I/A Series StruxureWare Building Operation Please visit Maximum number using StruxureWare Building Operation (Scalability and Capacity) SmartStruxure Lite Please visit SmartStruxure Lite solutions

Issue When doing a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS Network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, what system should handle the addressing of the devices? What does the Network property “Shared LNS and SBO network” mean? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Conversion Tool Cause In a TAC Vista system, running as LNS system, the network is marked as Protected in TAC Vista. This means that all addressing is handled via the LNS system. Resolution After a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, a flag is set in the Network properties, named “Shared LNS and SBO network” which means that the LonWorks network is shared between LNS and EcoStruxure BMS. LNS is used for network management, such as handling addresses and Lon bindings. LNS has the ownership of the network. EcoStruxure Building Operation is used for downloading application and configuration to the controllers. It does not write in the address table of the Lon device.  This flag should not be set manually.

Issue Unable to Request License in Vista 5.1 using a "Vista 5" license. Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause Upgrade from Vista 5.0 to 5.1 Resolution Unlike previous Vista 4 Software, upgrading from 5.0 to 5.1 is not a free upgrade. You must purchase a Vista 5.1 license or upgrade license. Also if the site has a maintenance agreement the license will be provided through that agreement.

Issue What TAC Vista 5 license is needed to communicate with TAC 9000, TAC 6501, TAC 6505, TAC 6580 or TAC 6585?   Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause The communication module for these types of controllers are not included in the TAC Vista server license  Resolution You need a System 7 license

Issue Why do we get different settings when TAC Vista is running as a Service compare to started normally? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause When TAC Vista is running as a Service, it is using "System user", and not the same user that is logged in. Resolution Verify that the system user have correct settings to be able to run TAC Vista as a Service. Under Region and Language, under the tab Administrative, you find Current language for non-Unicode programs, and also a button named Change system locale...

Issue Will the old, black engineering (inhouse) USB dongle work with new versions of TAC Vista? Part Number: 000885000 Part Name: 1YEAR VISTA INHOUSE Product Line  TAC Vista Environment  Vista server Cause Compatibility with new versions of TAC Vista.  Resolution The engineering / inhouse dongle for Vista 5.x will work with any Vista 5 version. That includes 5.0.X and 5.1.X.

Issue Which operations are the different authority levels in Vista able to carry out? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Vista Workstation Cause A user in TAC Vista have an authority level which give the user right to perform different operations and commands.  Resolution User: (Read) . gives the authority to read objects, object attributes/values and view alarms.Default username/password = user/user Field manager: (Read Write) gives the authority to read and write object attributes / values, view and acknowledge alarms. The only object attribute which is possible to write is the so called default attribute, usually the value for the object. He/she may also acknowledge and change Time Charts..Default username/password = field/field Operations manager: (Change) .gives the authority to read and write object attributes/values and view, acknowledge, create and delete objects, disable and remove alarms. It also gives the authority to download/upload and perform operations for physical units. At this level it is possible to write all the object attributes for an object, not only the so called default attribute. However he/she has no access to functions that impact upon system security..Default username/password = manager/manager System manager: (Full Control) .gives the same authority as Operations manager and also the authority to change authority to units/objects and handle global objects..Default username/password = system/system

Issue Is it an option to get an Engineering dongle that does not expire?   Part Number: 000885000 Part Name: 1YEAR VISTA INHOUSE Part Short Description: Vista In-house Subscription for internal personnel only. Includes in-house dongle, which allows Vista 5.X software to run without any license file. Part Long Description: Vista 5 Vista In-house: * 1 year in-house subscription for Schneider Electric's and partners' internal personnel only. * Includes the in-house dongle, which allows Vista 5.X software to run without any license file Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause Though the part name implies that this will only work for 1 year per the original intention of having a "subscription", this was long abandoned. Resolution The Engineering Dongle has no expiration.

Issue Getting the below error message in TGML graphic. TGML Graphic Alert: TypeError: getCurrentTargets is not a function. (cmd#16)   Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Cause A Javascript tag in the TGML file has called an invalid function. Resolution Determine which script tag is generating the error. When did the error occur?  When the page loaded?  When a value changed?  When the user clicked?  Did it happen once or multiple times?  These questions can help you narrow down which script has thrown the error. Save the graphic under a different name.  Delete portions of the graphic until the error clears.  The component that was removed holds the offending script. The cmd# syntax is indicating which line of the script has the error.  Launch the script editor by clicking the "..." button next to the script Content attribute.  In this example, go to line 16 of the code. The text after TypeError: indicate the offending function.  In this example getCurrentTargets is not a function.  The correct function is getCurrentTarget (without the s). Correct the invalid function.

Issue A Vista workstation remote need to go thru a firewall when connecting to the Vista server will this work? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Workstation Cause Workstation is using DCOM to communicate with the Vista server, DCOM is using port 135 initially but then a random port is used. Workstation will contact the server on port 135 but then the server will respond on a random port. This makes it very hard to use workstation through firewalls (it is difficult to open a port when that port number is not known). .   Resolution It is possible to via registry settings limit DCOM to use a range of 100 ports. But usually it is hard to get the IT department to open 100 ports. The way that people usually go through firewalls is using a extra Vista server which is communicating via TCP on port 45612 through the firewall and then connect the workstation to this Vista server, if the server is empty it doesn't cost a extra license.

Issue After a PC crash the customer needs to merge a old Vista log database with a new one, is this possible? Product Line TAC Vista Environment Vista Server Cause There is no function in TAC Vista for merging Log databases. The logdata is saved in a SQL database and to merge two SQL databases a SQL management tool is needed along with special SQL scripts. Resolution it is very hard and needs to be done by R&D. When it has been done in the past, the customer has paid for this service.

Issue When a trend log is opened up from Vista Workstation, there are no values or information in them. The trend logs are empty. Product Line TAC Vista  Environment Vista Server Cause The computer or user permissions do not allow Vista to create new directories. Resolution Check the $queues folder in the Vista database. If the $queues does not have the insertevents and insertlogvalues folders underneath it then create these folders manually. Now check the trend logs in Vista Workstation again, all of the trend logs should show up.

Issue If a constant is set to public (meaning it can be edited by the user from the front end) then it can only be used once in a Menta application. Options > Constants Table will show you which constants are set to public. Any attempt to use them more than once will result in the following error: Tam32 Public constant used more than once: Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause Typically a public constant is being used because the simplicity of a simple block is desired. A delay block may be used on three different fan commands and the user desires all of them to have the same delay attribute. Resolution To use one value for multiple simple blocks, the functionality of those simple blocks will have to be recreated using other Menta blocks until a single PVR can be sent to multiple HFBs. For example, instead of a delay block, some configuration of trigger and pulse blocks could delay the output and a PVR could be used to set the length of the delay. Note: Non-public constants can be used multiple times in simple block parameters and expressions. For example, "pi" could be defined as 3.1415926535 and used in multiple equations. It's just public constants that cannot.

Issue How to identify what ports are being used on a PC. Product Line All product Lines. Environment Any Windows OS Cause Running multiple applications on the same PC without managing TCP/UDP port assignments can lead to conflicts. Resolution TCPView will help you identify all ports and services to each application. Download from Microsoft's website http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897437.aspx Detailed instructions are available at the site.

Issue Opening the Vista SmartStruxure Interface setup, found in the status box, message "service not found" is displayed. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment TAC Vista server Vista SmartStruxure interface Cause Some dll may be missing causing the service could not start. Resolution Manually run the VistaInterface execution file. By default TACVistaSmartStuxureInterface.exe file is stored in C:\Program Files\Schneider Electric\TAC Vista SmartStruxure Interface 1.0.5. Double click on the TACVistaSmartStuxureInterface.exe file, if the service could not be started, it will pop out an error message window. If it is a dll file missing, can find the corresponding dll on the internet, and solve this issue. If the error message shows some other error, please make a copy of the error message and contact the local support team for further assistance.