tac i/a series workplace tech tool version 5.9.4 release

TAC I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Tool Version 5.9.4 Release Notes

Copyright © 2019, Schneider Electric, All Rights Reserved

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August 26, 2019



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Table of Contents

1 WorkPlace Tech Releases ......................................................................................................... 3

1.1 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 maintenance release ................................................................................... 3



1.4 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.1 maintenance release addressed the following issues: ................................ 3

1.5 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 ..................................................................................................................... 3



1.8 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.4 maintenance release addressed the following issue: .................................. 4


2 New Features ........................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 ..................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.3 ..................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.2 ..................................................................................................................... 4

2.4 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.1 ..................................................................................................................... 4

2.5 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 – Support for Visio (32-bit) versions 2013 and 2016 ................................... 4

2.6 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7 - VLON Support ............................................................................................ 4

2.7 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - Improved WorkPlace Tech Help ................................................................ 4

2.8 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - A pop-up list of invalid LON SVNT and WPT application object names is provided. ......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.9 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - Echelon OpenLDV 4.00 is now provided with WorkPlace Tech ................. 6

3 Resolved Issues ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.9.3 ...................................................................................... 6




3.5 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7: ..................................................................................... 7

3.6 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6: ..................................................................................... 8

4 Known Issues .......................................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Known issues in WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 ......................................................................................... 11



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1 WorkPlace Tech Releases

1.1 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 maintenance release

WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4 build 1797 adds the following feature:

• Tunneling to MNL devices via TAC I/A Series N4 servers.


WorkPlace Tech 5.9.3 build 1796 addressed the following issues:

• Workplace Tech Visio crash/lock-up when navigating within and saving applications using Visio 2016.


WorkPlace Tech 5.9.2 build 1795 addressed the following issues:

• Workplace Tech 5.9.1 displays a "Licenses Registry Information Is Invalid" error message when trying to complete license activation.

• Workplace Tech 5.9.1 displays an error during installation, no compatible Visio version is installed, when in fact a compatible version of Visio is installed.

1.4 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.1 maintenance release addressed the following issues:

• LON communications operations in WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 did not function correctly.

1.5 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0

• Support for Visio (32-bit) versions 2013 and 2016.

• Server 2012 support.

• Windows 8.1 and 10 support.

• Addition of Enhanced Auto-Calibration to the Floating Actuator and Floating Actuator Priority objects.

• MNB-1000 1.515 firmware update.

• MNB-ASC 1.432 firmware update.


• VLON support.

• Schedule 7-Day is not calculating outputs even when the time within the controller is valid.

• AVSPP and AVSP: If 0 is the initial value for these objects, it does not get sent down to controllers when they are downloaded.


• WorkPlace Tech

o The IP subnet mask of remote networks is recognized by the Commissioning Tool.

o The MNB-70 now functions with Studio 360.

o The Help option in WorkPlace Tech opens in your WEB browser for easier accessibility.

• BACnet MNB firmware

o The BTL listing of MNB application specific controllers has been renewed.

• MNB-1000 1.515 firmware is available.



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1.8 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.4 maintenance release addressed the following issue:

• WorkPlace Tech

o SNVT names of applications created with WorkPlace Tech prior to 5.8.3 were being automatically modified even if the name was within the 16-character maximum name length.


• WorkPlace Tech.

o Illegal object and SNVT name characters are no longer allowed to be entered.

• BACnet MNB firmware

• MNB-1000 re-subscription as a foreign device is now functional.

• The BACnet Flow Balance Report contains the VAV damper drive open rotation.

2 New Features


• Tunneling to MNL devices via TAC I/A Series N4 servers.

• See F-27893 TAC I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Tool Version 5.9.4 VLon Tunnel Guide for details.


• Defect corrections only.


• Defect corrections only.


• Defect correction only.

2.5 WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 – Support for Visio (32-bit) versions 2013 and 2016

• WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 provides updated drivers, so it can be used with Visio (32-bit) versions 2013 or 2016 in addition to supporting the previous version, Visio (32-bit) 2010.

• WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 can be run on Server 2012, Windows 8.1 or 10 in addition to previously supported OS versions: Windows 7 and Server 2008.

2.6 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7 - VLON Support

• A built-in Virtual Lon tunnel has been added to WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7. TAC I/A Series MNL controllers used in a TAC I/A Series Niagara system can be accessed remotely using WorkPlace Tech and the Virtual Lon (VLon) service. A computer operating WorkPlace Tech and VLon can provide full access to an I/A Series MNL controller at a remote location via an IP connection and an I/A Series Universal Network Controller, Enterprise Network Controller or JACE at the remote location.

2.7 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - Improved WorkPlace Tech Help

• Selecting the Help in WorkPlace Tech will open the help screens in a browser. The Help has been tested with Internet Explorer (8, 9, and 10), Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome.



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Note: IE 10 compatibility mode may be required for the menu dropdowns to function.

When a “Search” is run from the Help menu, the browser may require the temporary activation of the Java plug-in.

Warning: The Java security settings may need to be set to medium to allow the search feature to function in Firefox and Chrome. Please inform the customer about any changes to browser settings that may introduce a greater security risk.

2.8 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - A pop-up list of invalid LON SVNT and WPT application object names is provided.

• During the compile process, a window similar to the one shown below will be displayed if names contain illegal characters, are too long, or are duplicated. These errors must be resolved before a LON compile can be completed. Selecting “OK” allows WorkPlace Tech to address the errors automatically. If desired, you can copy the erroneous names, select “Cancel”, aborting the compile, and manually repair the SNVT and object names.

• When naming LON SNVT and application objects, observe the following:

o WorkPlace Tech application names cannot contain the following characters: ~*|:”;’<>?/.

o SNVT names cannot contain the following characters: ~!@#$%^&*()+`={}|\:”;’<>?/.



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o SNVT names cannot exceed 16 characters.

o SNVT names and object names cannot contain a period or space as the first or last character.

o Object names cannot be longer than 31 characters.

2.9 WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 - Echelon OpenLDV 4.00 is now provided with WorkPlace Tech

• During the installation of WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6, OpenLDV 4.00 is installed, if not present. This will replace the older OpenLDV 3.4 provided with previous WPT versions.

• The OpenLDV 4.0 Network Driver is for Windows 7/Vista/XP/Server 2008/Server 2003 (includes drivers for i.LON 10/100/600 RNI, PCLTA-20/21, PCC-10, SmartServer, and U10/20). Schneider Electric recommends the Echelon U10 USB Network Interface for use with WorkPlace Tech and I/A Series LON controllers. The network interface is available via iPortal as part number ECH-75010R.

3 Resolved Issues

3.1 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.9.3

3.1.1 Issue: Workplace Tech Visio crash/lock-up when navigating within and saving applications using Visio 2016.

Resolved: When installed with Visio 2013 or 2016, WorkPlace tech requires the latest version of Visio (Visio 2013 build 15.0.4971.1000 or Visio 2016 Version 1801 build 16.0.8528.2147 or later). Manual application cleanup as described below is also required if you experience Visio crashes and lock-ups while navigating within and saving applications.

Steps for manual drawing cleanup:

1. Open the application in Visio apart from WorkPlace Tech.

2. From the File menu select Check for Issues followed by Reduce File Size. Then select "Remove preview picture", "Remove unused master shapes" and "Remove unused themes, data graphics and styles" and click OK.

3. Save and close the application.

4. Add the cleaned drawing to your project in WorkPlace Tech.


3.2.1 Issue: Tech 5.9.1 displays a "Licenses Registry Information Is Invalid" error message when trying to complete license activation on Windows 10 PCs with Visio 2016.

Resolved: The license error is no longer displayed, and licensing is successful.

3.2.2 Issue: Workplace Tech 5.9.1 displays an error during installation, no compatible Visio version is installed, when in fact a compatible version of Visio is installed.

Resolved: WorkPlace Tech correctly identifies compatible versions of Visio and allows installation to complete correctly.


3.3.1 Issue: When WorkPlace Tech 5.9.0 was connected to a LON network, either directly through a USB FT-10 adapter or through LON tunnel, the browse function failed to find any devices on the LON network.

Resolved: The LON network communications operations have been restored.



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3.4.1 Issue: Some actuators occasionally drive in the incorrect direction during certain conditions.

Resolved: The Automatic Calibration sequence of the Floating Actuator and Floating Actuator Priority objects (without feedback) for the MNB-70, MNB-300, MNB-V1, and MNB-V2 has been enhanced to include a "Running Start” during the calibration cycle. This enhancement helps address an issue with some floating actuators that have been found to occasionally drive in the incorrect direction during certain conditions.

The object algorithm uses a time-based positioning algorithm to position or drive open and drive close the actuator. After a controller reset, the actuator is driven full closed for at least the total travel (Drive Time) to synchronize and establish the actuator closed position. With synchronization complete, the actuator is positioned based upon the value requested at the Input. A requested actuator position or a Force Open /

Force Close request has no effect upon the synchronization process until the initial reset synchronization cycle is complete.

The original internal calibration feature automatically synchronizes the actuator position whenever the actuator is commanded to the full closed (0.0%) or full open (100.0%) position by continuing to drive the actuator in the requested direction for a time period of at least one additional complete full stroke drive time. If during this “end of stroke” drive period the Input value changes to a value within the control range, the output drive to locate the true end of stroke operation is terminated.

The enhanced Automatic Calibration feature is time based. Upon controller reset on initial download of the application, the Floating Actuator object synchronizes to the closed position. Once complete, the "Running Start” Automatic Calibration sequence will initially occur at a random time during the first eighteen hours of operation. As with the original Automatic Calibration, the sequence can only occur when the actuator is commanded to the full closed (0.0%) or full open (100.0%) position.

Once the first random calibration is complete, re-calibration will occur at a time period of no less than 18 hours divided by the number of Floating Actuator objects in the controller database that are using the “Running Start”.

The 18-hour re-calibration delay time is dependent on the number of Floating Actuator objects in the application that require this feature. If the “Running Start” is disabled or if the Floating Actuator is using feedback the object will not affect the timing. To determine the re-calibration cycle, divide 18 hours by the number of object using the feature (i.e. three objects would be 18/3=6).

"Running Start" has been added to the Automatic Calibration sequence. Upon Automatic Calibration, the actuator will reverse direction for 5 seconds, hold its position for 5 seconds, then continue to drive the actuator in the requested direction for a time period of at least one additional complete full stroke drive time. If during this “end of stroke” drive period the Input value changes to a value within the control range, the output drive to locate the true end of stroke operation is terminated.

MNB-1000 -1.515 & MNB-ASC 1.432 contain the firmware which has the running start change for BACnet.

3.4.2 Issue: WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7 occasionally did not work on Server 2012.

Resolved: Drivers to support Server 2012 were updated.

3.5 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.8.7:

3.5.1 Issue: Schedule 7-Day is not calculating outputs even when the time within the MNB-1000 controller is valid.



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Resolved: Schedule 7-Day shows the correct outputs after it is configured. If Schedule 7-Day has default values, delete the original Schedule 7-Day and add a new one, configure to correct values, compile, save & download. If Schedule 7-Day had non-default initial values, no changes need to be made to the application.

3.5.2 Issue: AVSPP and AVSP: If 0 is the initial value for these objects, it does not get sent down to controllers when they are downloaded.

AVSPP and AVSP are showing NA value if 0 is the initial value downloaded to the MNB1000, MNB300, MNB70, MNB-V1 or MNB-V2 controllers.

Resolved: If the AVSPP or AVSP has 0 as initial values, remove the AVSPP or AVSP object from the application then add a new one, set the original values, compile, save & download to the controller. All initial values will be correct.

3.6 Issues addressed in WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6:

3.6.1 Issue: WorkPlace Tech allows illegal SNVT names to be entered into MNL-800 applications.

Many illegal symbols are allowed to be entered in SNVT names. During a compile the symbols are replaced by a "_". This changes the SNVT name seen on the LON trunk, but does not update the application drawings. This can result in confusion as to which SNVT the customer should use for information.

Resolved: WorkPlace Tech allows only the underscore and alphanumeric characters to be used in LON applications when naming objects and SNVTs. Also, Object names are limited to 31 characters and SNVT names are limited 16 characters.

With the release of WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6, when an older application is brought into WorkPlace Tech, the user will need to correct the existing object names. Incorrect names will be displayed during the application compile. If desired, continue can be selected and WorkPlace Tech will replace all invalid characters with an underscore. Refer to 2.7 for additional information on valid characters.

3.6.2 Issue: MNB-1000 “Register periodically” located on the “IP” tab of the MNB-1000 properties should remain checked.

When the MNB-1000 is configured as a Foreign Device, the “Register periodically” option does not function. The foreign device registration is timed to expire automatically. To continue communicating, the foreign device must re-register shortly before the time expires.

Resolved: Periodical foreign device re-registration now functions as designed with MNB-1000 1.513 firmware provided with WorkPlace Tech 5.8.3. The firmware update can also be downloaded from Schneider Electric Download Center. Refer to pages 80 through 85 of F-27360-7 TAC I/A Series MicroNet BACnet Wiring, Networking, and Best Practices Guide for information regarding BACnet/IP network guidelines and remote connectivity.

Beginning with manufacturing date code 1306, the MNB-1000 will be shipped from the factory with firmware revision 1.513 installed.

3.6.3 Issue: The BACnet Flow Balance Report contains incorrect damper rotation information. There is an inconsistency between the direction of rotation shown in the WorkPlace Tech Flow Balance Tool (BACnet) and the direction of rotation shown in the WPCT Flow Balance report.

Resolved: The BACnet Flow Balance Report now indicates the Rotation Open in the Actuator Column.

3.6.4 Issue: Valid SNVT names in WorkPlace Tech application created with WPT version prior to 5.8.3 were being changed. WorkPlace Tech 5.8.3 was truncating and modifying SNVT names of 16 characters.

https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/



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Resolved: In WPT 5.8.6, SNVT names longer than 16 fields are modified to a non-duplicate 16-character names. Note that a period is allowed to be used within the SNVT name; however, a period is not allowed as the beginning or ending character.

3.6.5 Issue: The WorkPlace Tech BACnet Commissioning Tool used the incorrect subnet mask.

WorkPlace Tech defaults the subnet mask to Class C when the subnet cannot be determined by the program. This issue could occur when accessing a VPN or using a computer with multiple IP configurations. Also, if more than on IP was assigned to a computer, WorkPlace Tech used the first subnet mask in the IP listing.

Resolved: The subnet mask associated with the selected IP address is used.

3.6.6 Issue: The Studio 360 engineering tool generates an error when using the MNB-70 BACnet Zone Controller or MNB-1000-15 Remote I/O module.

Studio 360 errors when generating a WorkPlace Tech application containing either the MNB-70 or MNB-1000 with I/O module(s). The Studio 360 engineering tool did not include the MNB-70 BACnet Zone Controller and MNB-1000-15 Remote I/O module.

Resolved: The MNB-70 BACnet Zone Controller in WorkPlace Tech was updated to function with Studio 360. However, use of the MNB-1000-15 with Studio 360 still results in an error. This should be addressed in a later WPT revision.

3.6.7 Issue: The MNB ASC BTL listing was over five years old. The BACnet Testing Laboratories listing must be renewed every five years. The MNB ASC firmware was listed in August of 2007.

Resolved: The MNB ASC firmware received the new BTL listing in May 2013. The MNB-1000 had been renewed in February 2012.

The MNB-70, MNB-300, MNB-V1, and MNB-V2 firmware revision 1.43 has been re-certified by BTL. The BACnet Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement F-27365-3 for these devices has been updated. BTL is in the process of updating their site at this time. An announcement will be provided when the MNB ASC controllers become available from the factory with the new 1.43 firmware. The firmware is available for download from The Source and is included with WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6.

3.6.8 Issue: MNB-1000 Plant Controller Firmware is available. The MNB-1000 could lockup or reset during a BACnet data storm.

http://www.bacnetinternational.net/btl/index.php?m=20





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Resolved: The MNB-1000 1.515 firmware contains changes to the minimize re-writes to the EE and timing changes to improve susceptibility to excess traffic. This helps the Plant Controller better withstand sever data storms.

The 1.515 MNB-1000 controller firmware is available for download from The Source and is included with WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6.

3.6.9 Issue: WorkPlace Tech was attempting to modify valid SNVT names. WorkPlace Tech would determine that MNL-800 SVNT names ending in w, r, or t were invalid and modify them during the compile process.

Resolved: WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 has now resolved this issue. This issue appeared on a few systems. R&D was able to identify the issue and modified the WorkPlace Tech code to correct the possible issue.

3.6.10 Issue: Opening an application from a previous version of WorkPlace Tech required a download to the existing controller before monitoring would function.

Beginning in WorkPlace Tech 5.8.3, WPT would attempt to resolve incorrect SNVT and application object names. A save occurred at the end of this process resulting in a miss match between the open and the installed applications

Resolved: WorkPlace Tech 5.8.6 does not validate names until a compile is executed. This allows the open application to remain a match for the one installed.

3.6.11 Issue: WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool indicates the incorrect firmware version when updating MNB-70 BTL firmware.

During the update of the MNB-70 to the approved BTL firmware U70:01.130 would install as shown in the capture below. The correct firmware version is U70:01.430. The MNB-V1, MNB-V2, and MNB-300 BTL firmware are correct.

Resolved: Workplace Tech 5.8.6 has the correct MNB-70 BTL version 1.430 firmware. Uninstall WorkPlace Tech 5.8.5 and verify that MNBU70-01130.bin and MNBU70-01430.bin have been removed. In Windows 7, the firmware is typically installed in “C:\ProgramData\WorkPlace Tech\Firmware”. In Windows XP, the files are typically in “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\WorkPlace Tech\Firmware”. The installation of WPT 5.8.6 will install the correct firmware.

If you wish to retain WorkPlace Tech 5.8.2 or older, manually delete the MNBU70-01130.bin and/or MNBU70-01430.bin from -the firmware folder. Download and install “MNB Series v1.430.A Firmware Pack - BTL Compliant.exe” from the “I/A Series BACnet Bin Files” of the “I/A Series BACnet (Apps, Tools, Pubs)” conference.



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4 Known Issues

4.1 Known issues in WorkPlace Tech 5.9.4

4.1.1 Issue: The WorkPlace Tech Open Project dialog fails to appear at WPT startup on Visio 2013 installations missing Visio security update KB3115020.

Workaround: Install Visio security update KB3115020. Keep your WPT machine updated with all applicable Microsoft security updates.

4.1.2 Issue: It’s not possible to add ADI and remote IO tags to WPT applications on Visio 2016 installations missing the latest Visio updates.

Workaround: Install the latest Visio 2016 updates available from Microsoft.

4.1.3 Issue: Frequent crashes when working with large applications and custom objects on Visio 2016 installations.

Workaround: See Knowledge Base article Workplace Tech 5.9.x and EcoStruxure Building Operation Workplace Tech Editor use with Visio 2013 and 2016 (https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Workplace-Tech-5-9-x-and-EcoStruxure-Building-Operation/ta-p/613) and accompanying video (https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/TAC-I-A-Series-Forum/Workplace-Tech-and-Visio-2013-2016-Crashes/m-p/151530#M1440) for steps to reduce occurrence of WorkPlace Tech crashes.

4.1.4 Issue: The WorkPlace Tech Visio menu ribbon fails to install correctly when installed in a non-default location.

Workaround: Uninstall WorkPlace Tech and reinstall in the default C:\Program Files (x86)\WorkPlace Tech\ destination folder.

4.1.5 Issue: WorkPlace Tech fails to install properly when a prior installation if WorkPlace Tech is already installed.

Workaround: To avoid the problem select Cancel if prompted with the following warning during installation.

Then uninstall the prior installation of WorkPlace Tech before reattempting to install WorkPlace Tech version 5.9.4. If you’ve already installed version 5.9.4 without uninstalling a prior installation, uninstall both versions and then reinstall version 5.9.4.

https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Workplace-Tech-5-9-x-and-EcoStruxure-Building-Operation/ta-p/613

https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Workplace-Tech-5-9-x-and-EcoStruxure-Building-Operation/ta-p/613

https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/TAC-I-A-Series-Forum/Workplace-Tech-and-Visio-2013-2016-Crashes/m-p/151530#M1440

https://community.exchange.se.com/t5/TAC-I-A-Series-Forum/Workplace-Tech-and-Visio-2013-2016-Crashes/m-p/151530#M1440



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4.1.6 Issue: The WorkPlace Tech installer displays the following warning if a newer version of a WorkPlace Tech component, the dispatcher, is installed on the computer.

This can happen when EBO WorkPlace Tech Editor is also installed on the computer.

Workaround: This is normal operation. Select OK to proceed with the WorkPlace Tech installation.

Contact Information

Find support contact information in your local SE website, within the “Support” section. Visit www.schneider-electric.com and select your country of origin.

Access Customer Care directly from your mobile device by installing the “mySchneider” mobile application onto your Apple or Android device.

You can also access Product Support contact information any time on the Product Support Exchange page.

http://www.schneider-electric.com/

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/customer-care-by-schneider/id714825126?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schneider.qrcode.tocase

https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/support/contact-support

https://ecobuilding.schneider-electric.com/support/contact-support