Appendix A. Useful Features ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A.5. Relinquishing Control of a Point as a Client ..................................................................................... 22
Appendix A.6. BACnet State Text Preload ............................................................................................................... 22
Appendix A.6.1. Method 1 – Using an Offset/User Table: ................................................................................ 23
Appendix A.6.2. Method 2 – Using a Single Data Array: .................................................................................. 23
Appendix A.6.3. Using Intrinsic Reporting for a Multistate Value .................................................................... 24
Appendix A.7. COV and Intrinsic Reporting ............................................................................................................. 24
Appendix A.7.1. Notes on COV configuration: .................................................................................................. 24
Appendix A.7.2. Notes on Intrinsic Reporting configuration: ........................................................................... 25
Appendix A.7.3. Map Descriptor Example - COV .............................................................................................. 26
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Appendix A.12. Using a .ini file to set the Vendor_ID and Vendor_Name of the Device Object............................. 33
Appendix B. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix B.1. Debugging a BACnet connection ...................................................................................................... 34
Appendix C. Vendor Information ................................................................................................................................. 38
Appendix C.6. Using Cimetrics Explorer................................................................................................................... 38
Appendix D. Reference ................................................................................................................................................ 41
Appendix D.3. Units ................................................................................................................................................. 43
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The BACnet Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MSTP) driver implements a data link protocol that uses the services of
the RS-485 physical layer. See the FieldServer BACnet PIC statement for the level of conformance that this driver
implements.
All information in a BACnet system is represented in terms of objects. The Object_Identifier is a 32-bit code that
identifies the type of Object (also identified by the Object_Type Property) and its "Instance" number, which
together uniquely identify the Object within its BACnet device. Theoretically, a BACnet device could have over four
million Objects of a particular type. The Object_Name is a text string, which has a unique capability. BACnet
devices may broadcast queries for devices that contain Objects with a specific Object_Name. This can greatly
simplify project setup.
BACnet requires one Device Object to be present in every BACnet device. The Device Object makes information
about the device and its capabilities available to other devices on the networks. Before one BACnet device starts
control-related communications with another, it needs to obtain some of the information presented by the other
device's Device Object. Unlike other Objects, the Device Object's Instance number must be unique across the
entire BACnet internetwork because it is used to uniquely identify the BACnet devices. It may be used to
conveniently identify the BACnet device from other devices during installation.
Standard object types are used to hold real time data and other information. Each Object Type is referenced by a
number, for example 0 represents an Analog Input.
Each Object consists of a number of prescribed properties, the main property being the Present_Value. Objects
are monitored and controlled through their properties. The Analog Input Object is representative of the Objects
involved directly with control elements and many of its Properties reflect this.
The information that follows describes how to expand upon the factory defaults provided in the configuration files
included with the FieldServer.
BTL Mark – BACnet Testing Laboratory
The BTL mark is a symbol that indicates to a consumer that a product has passed a
series of rigorous tests conducted by an independent laboratory which verifies that the
product correctly implements the BACnet features claimed in the listing. The mark is a
symbol of a high-quality BACnet product. For more information about the BACnet
Testing Laboratory go to: http://www.bacnetinternational.net/btl/.
Max Nodes Supported
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Follow standard RS-485 2-wire guidelines for installation. See connection diagram below.
Connection Notes
The x25 and the QuickServer do not support being configured as a BACnet MSTP client on one port and a BACnet
MSTP server on another port at the same time. The x40 and the x30 support this.
In order for this to work the BACnet MSTP server section must be configured first.
FieldServer Technologies 1991 Tarob Court Milpitas, California 95035 USA Web: www.FieldServer.com
5 CONFIGURING T H E F I E L DSERVER AS A BACNET MSTP C L I ENT
For a detailed discussion on FieldServer configuration, please refer to the FieldServer Configuration Manual. The
information that follows describes how to expand upon the factory defaults provided in the configuration files
included with the FieldServer (See “.csv” sample files provided with the FieldServer).
This section documents and describes the parameters necessary for configuring the FieldServer to communicate
with a BACnet MSTP Server.
The configuration file tells the FieldServer about its interfaces, and the routing of data required. In order to enable
the FieldServer for BACnet MSTP communications, the driver independent FieldServer buffers need to be declared
in the “Data Arrays” section, the destination device addresses need to be declared in the “Client Side Nodes”
section, and the data required from the servers needs to be mapped in the “Client Side Map Descriptors” section.
Details on how to do this can be found below.
Note that in the tables, * indicates an optional parameter, with the bold legal value being the default.
Spe cify the MAC_Address o f the FieldServer
The MAC_Address is used on the Data_Link (or physical) layer as the source or destination address. See section
9.1.1.2 of the BACnet ANSI/ASHREA standard for more information.
Example
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 10 of 48
Section Title
Connections
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Port
Specify which port the device is connected to the FieldServer
P1-P81, R1-R22
Baud
Specify baud rate
9600, 19200, 38400,
76800
3
Parity*
Specify parity
Odd, Even, None
Data_Bits*
Specify data bits
7, 8
Stop_Bits*
Specify stop bits
1, 2
Protocol
Specify protocol used
BACnet_MSTP
Poll Delay*
Time between internal polls
0-32000s, 1s
Timeout
Application logger timeout
30s
Max_Master*
Specify the highest MAC_Address for Master nodes. When
designing a MSTP network with multiple Master_Node devices,
allocate the MAC_Address settings on the different devices starting
at 1. This will allow you to specify a small Max_Master parameter
and hence will improve overall network performance
1-127
Max_Info_Frames
Specify the maximum number of information frames the connection
may send before it must pass the token.
1-65535
// Client Side Connections
Connections
Port
, Baud
, Parity
, Data_Bits
, Stop_Bits
, Protocol
, Poll_Delay
, Timeout
R1
, 38400
, None
, 8
, 1
, BACnet_MSTP
, 0.100s
, 30s
1
2
3
Clie nt Side Connection Parameters
Example
P1 to P8 will require the optional RS-485 converter (Part # 4301-00)
Not all ports shown are necessarily supported by the hardware. Consult the appropriate Instruction manual for details of the ports available
on specific hardware.
76800 baud is supported on the X30, X25 and ProtoCessor but not on the X20 and X40
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 11 of 48
Section Title
Nodes
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Node_Name
Provide name for Node
Up to 31 alphanumeric
characters
Node_ID
Specify the BACnet Device object instance.
1 - 16777215
Protocol
Specify protocol used
BACnet_MSTP
Port
Specify port
P1-P84, R1-R25
MAC_Address
MAC_Address of the physical server node.
1-127 (for Master Nodes)
1-254 (for Slave Nodes)
Network_Number*
Use this parameter if the remote MSTP server device is on
another BACnet network connected via a router.
1, 2, 3.... 16 bit positive
numbers, 5
Retries*
Number of timeouts before the Node goes offline.
0,1,2,3
// Client Side Nodes
Nodes
Node_Name
, Node_ID
, Protocol
, Port
, Retries
DEV_1
, 1
, BACnet_MSTP
, R1
, 2
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Map_Descriptor_Name
Name of this Map Descriptor. This is used for
Object_Name Property. Ensure that unique names
are configured for each device. Refer to Appendix
A.1.
Up to 37 alphanumeric
characters
Data_Array_Name
Name of Data Array where data is to be stored in the
FieldServer
One of the Data Array names
from Section 4
Data_Array_Offset
Starting location in Data Array
0 to (“Data_Array_Length” -1)
as specified in Section 4
Function
Function of Client Map Descriptor
Rdbc, Wrbc, Wrbx, Arcs
4
5
Clie nt Side Node Parame t e r s
Either Node_ID OR MAC_Adddress must be specified. If the Server Node supports Who-Is and I-Am then it is
better to use the Node_ID parameter.
Example
Clie nt Side Map Descriptor Parameters
Fie ldServer Specific Ma p D e script o r Parameters
P1 to P8 will require the optional RS-485 converter (Part # 4301-00)
Not all ports shown are necessarily supported by the hardware. Consult the appropriate Instruction manual for details of the ports available
on specific hardware.
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 12 of 48
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Node_Name
Name of Node to fetch data from
One of the Node names
specified in Section 0
Object_Type
(Alias = Data_Type)
Type of object. Refer to Appendix D.1 for more
information.
AI, AO, AV, BI, BO, BV, MI,
MO, MV, NC
Object_Instance
(Alias = Address)
Instance of the object on the device.
0, 1, 2, 3, …4194303
Property
The BACnet property to be read.
Refer to Appendix D.2
Data_Array_Low_Scale*
Scaling zero in Data Array
-32767 to 32767, 0
Data_Array_High_Scale*
Scaling max in Data Array
-32767 to 32767, 100
Node_Low_Scale*
Scaling zero in Connected Node
-32767 to 32767, 0
Node_High_Scale*
Scaling max in Connected Node
-32767 to 32767, 100
Length*
Used to create an array of sequential Object_Instances
on an Object_Type.
1 to max point count of
the FieldServer, 1
Array_Index*
When referencing Multistate properties, allows the
user to specify the index of the property to be read. If 1
is specified, the first one will be read, if 2 is specified,
the second will be read, etc. If 0 is specified, the driver
will return the total number (count) of array items
linked to the property. If the parameter is not
specified, a list of all items will be returned. Refer to
Appendix A.3
0 to max number of array
items in the BACnet
Property, -
Write_Priority*
Allows the driver to specify the write priority used to
write an output.
1..16, 16
Linked_Map_Descriptors*
This parameter allows the linking of Map Descriptors to
an active read or write Map Descriptor in order to
construct a ReadPropertyMultiple or
WritePropertyMultiple transaction. Refer to Appendix
A.9
The name of a previously
defined active Map
Descriptor, -
Length*
When the optional Length parameter is set to a value N,
the Map Descriptor will include N consecutive instances
of the specified Object_Type. For example, if a Map
Descriptor specifies Object_Type, Address 4 and Length
3, this means that the AO instances 4, 5 and 6 will be
included in the read or write transaction. The
corresponding Data Array values are in consecutive
positions in the Data Array, starting at the specified
Data_Array_Offset.
Any positive integer that
falls between the range
of the Data_Array_Offset
and the
Data_Array_Length as
specified in Section 4, -
Refer also to Appendix
A.9
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Scan_Interval*
Rate at which data is polled
0-32000, 2s
Driver Specific Map Descriptor Parameters
Timing Parameters
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 14 of 48
Section Title
Bridge
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Title
FieldServer name
Text
System_Station_Address
The FieldServers MAC address on the MSTP network
1-254
// FieldServer Driver specific parameters
Bridge
Title
, System_Station_Address
BacNet MSTP Server V1.02a
, 11
6 CONFIGURING T H E F I E L DSERVER AS A BACNET MSTP S E R VE R
For a detailed discussion on FieldServer configuration, please refer to the FieldServer Configuration Manual. The
information that follows describes how to expand upon the factory defaults provided in the configuration files
included with the FieldServer (See “.csv” sample files provided with the FieldServer).
This section documents and describes the parameters necessary for configuring the FieldServer to communicate
with a BACnet MSTP Client.
The configuration file tells the FieldServer about its interfaces, and the routing of data required. In order to enable
the FieldServer for BACnet MSTP communications, the driver independent FieldServer buffers need to be declared
in the “Data Arrays” section, the FieldServer virtual node(s) needs to be declared in the “Server Side Nodes”
section, and the data to be provided to the Clients needs to be mapped in the “Server Side Map Descriptors”
section. Details on how to do this can be found below.
Note that in the tables, * indicates an optional parameter, with the bold legal value being the default.
Driver Specific FieldServer Parame t e r s
Example
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 15 of 48
Section Title
Connections
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Port
Specify which port the device is connected to the FieldServer
P1-P86, R1-R27
Baud*
Specify baud rate
9600, 19200, 38400,
76800
8
Parity*
Specify parity
None, Odd, Even
Data_Bits*
Specify data bits
7, 8
Stop_Bits*
Specify stop bits
1, 2
Protocol
Specify protocol used
BACnet_MSTP
Connection_Type*
Specify if the connection must be in Master_Mode or in
Slave_Mode
MSTP_Master_Mode
MSTP_Slave_Mode
Max_Master*
Specify the highest possible MAC_Address that exists on the
MSTP network. Only applicable for MSTP_Master Mode
connections. (See also section 4.7)
9
1-127
Max_Info_Frames*
Specify the maximum number of information frames the
connection may send before it must pass the token. Only
applicable for MSTP_Master Mode connections. 9
1-65535
// Server Side Connections
Connections
Port
, Baud
, Parity
, Data_Bits
, Stop_Bits
, Protocol
, Timeout
, Connection_Type
R1
, 38400
, None
, 8
, 1
, BACnet_MSTP
, 30
, MSTP_Master_Mode
6
7
8
9
If the Server connection needs to operate in Slave Mode then specify the
Connection_Type as MSTP_Slave_Mode
Server Side Connection P aram eters
Example
P1 to P8 will require the optional RS-485 converter (Part # 4301-00)
Not all ports shown are necessarily supported by the hardware. Consult the appropriate Instruction manual for details of the ports available
on specific hardware.
76800 baud is supported on the X30, X25 and ProtoCessor but not on the X20 and X40
For Server configurations the Max_Master and Max_Info_Frames parameters (or properties) can be overridden from a BACnet Client by using
the “Write Property” command. Note that when the FieldServer is restarted, the default values specified in the configuration file will be
applied
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 19 of 48
Section Title
Bridge
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
Title
FieldServer name
Text
Network_number*
Specify a unique network number if there are multiple virtual Server nodes.
1-65534, 5
// FieldServer Driver specific parameters
Bridge
Title
, Network_Number
BACnet Server
, 6
Appendix A. Useful Features
Appendix A.1. BACnet object names
When an external BACnet Client builds a list of Object Names, the BACnet Server Map Descriptor names determine
the BACnet Object Name. If the Map Descriptor length is greater than 1, the Object Name will be suffixed with the
index into the Map Descriptor. For example, if the Map Descriptor name is SMD_AI_01 and the length 3, then the
Object Names will be SMD_AI_01[0], SMD_AI_01[1] and SMD_AI_01[2].
It is important that unique Map Descriptor names are created for each device to ensure that the Object Names are
unique.
Appendix A.2. Network number
If multiple BACnet Nodes are specified on the Server side, the FieldServer automatically defaults to virtual
operation. In effect, the FieldServer simulates a software router. BACnet identifies this FieldServer using a
combination of it’s network number and IP/MAC address. The default Network number of a FieldServer is 5. If
there is more than one FieldServer on a BACnet intranet with multiple nodes, the default network number of the
additional FieldServers will need to be changed and a unique number allocated to each.
A unique network number will need to be assigned if both of the following conditions are true:
The FieldServer has multiple BACnet Server nodes.
There is more than one FieldServer on a network which includes multiple BACnet nodes.
To override the FieldServer’s default network number 5 include the following in the configuration file:
Example
Note: While it is theoretically possible to have up to 65535 virtual nodes, it is recommended that a maximum of 32
is configured. If an application requires the configuration of more than 32 virtual nodes please consult FST.
Note 2: If an application demands multiple BACnet IP Server nodes and multiple BACnet MSTP Server Nodes
simultaneously, they will at present all appear with the same virtual network number. This creates a potential
conformance problem if there is an external BACnet router connecting the BACnet IP and BACnet MSTP networks
to which the FS is also connected, as duplicate virtual networks with the same network number would then exist in
the BACnet network, which is not permitted. Please contact FST for assistance.
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 20 of 48
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Offset
, Function
, Node_Name
, Data_Type
, Object_ID
, Property
, Array_Index
CMD_AI_01
, DA_AI_01
, 0
, Rdbc
, DEV_01
, AO
, 1
, Priority_Array
, 7
Appendix A.3. Accessing Data from BACnet Properties comprising Arrays of Values
Some BACnet Object properties (e.g. Priority_Array) are arrays of values (the Priority_Array property is an array of 16 value s). In order to read a specific array entry, the
Array_Index must be specified in the Map Descriptor. Array_Index is a Client Side Map Descriptor function
The following example shows a configuration that will read the Priority_Array value at Array_Index 7, belonging to Analog Output 1.
Details of the relevant BACnet properties and their associated arrays can be found in the BACnet Protocol Spec.
If no Array_Index is specified, then the entire property (i.e. the entire BACnet Array) is returned.
The Data_Index parameter functions as follows for ReadPropertyMultiple or WritePropertyMultiple requests when the Client Map Descriptor length N is greater than 1:
When an Array_Index is specified, the ReadPropertyMultiple or WritePropertyMultiple request will iterate through N successive Array_Index values for the given
Object and Property (e.g. Priority Array Index 1 to 16 of Analog Output 1)
When no Array_Index is specified, the ReadPropertyMultiple or WritePropertyMultiple request will iterate through N successive Object Instances, reading the
specified Property from each successive object (e.g. Present Value of Analog Output 1 to Analog Output 16)
Appendix A.4. FieldServer implementation of BACnet priority Arrays
When BACnet Output objects are written to the Server side of the FieldServer, an associated write priority is given to each write value. When the FieldServer receives the
write value, it stores it to the Map Descriptor Priority Array Table at the specified priority. The Priority Array Table is then scanned and the value with the h ighest priority
is stored to the Data Array location specified by the Map Descriptor.
When a Write “Relinquished” command is received, the value is removed from the Priority Array Table and the next highest value from the Priority Array Table is stored
to the Data Array.
If all values have been “Relinquished” from the Priority Array Table, then the Map Descriptors “Relinquish Default” value will be stored to the Data Array.
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 21 of 48
Section Title
Map_Descriptors
Column Title
Function
Legal Values
DA_Pri_Array
Name of Data Array where the Priority Array Table will be stored. Location 0 is the Relinquish Default value and
locations 1 to 16 the different entries of the Priority Array Table.
Up to 16 alphanumeric
characters
DA_Pri_Array_Offset*
Starting location in Data Array.
1-65535 , 0
DA_Pri_In_Use
Name of Data Array that indicates if a particular Priority Value is in use. Location 0 indicates whether the Relinquish
Default has been set and locations 1 to 16 indicate whether the index is in use (1), or Relinquished (0).
Up to 16 alphanumeric
characters
DA_Pri_In_Use_Offset*
Starting location in Data Array.
1-65535, 0
// Analog Output Map_Descriptor for testing Priority Arrays
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Data_Type
, Object_ID
, Function
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Index
, Node_Name
, Length
, Relinquish_default
, DA_Pri_Array
, DA_Pri_Array_Offset
, DA_Pri_In_Use
, DA_Pri_In_Use_Offset
CMD_AOP_1
, AO
, 1
, Passive
, DA_OUT
, 0
, N1 11
, 1
, 40.56
, DA_Pri_Array_1
, 0
, DA_Pri_in_use_1
, 0
Appendix A.4.1. Accessing Priority Array information
The Priority Array table and its “In_Use” (or Not Relinquished) state are stored internally to every Map Descriptor , and cannot be accessed directly. The information can
be accessed indirectly by specifying the following Data Arrays which will maintain an exact copy of the Priority Array Table for the Map Descriptor.
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 22 of 48
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Data_Type
, Function
, Scan_Interval
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Index
, Node_Name
, Address
, Length
, Write_Priority
, Service
CMD AO
, AO
, Rdbc
, 1.0s
, DA AO
, 2
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, 7
, -
CMD AO Rel
, AO
, Wrbx
, 1.0s
, DA AO
, 3
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, 7
, Relinquish
Map Descriptor CMD AO is a Read
Map Descriptor that will write at
priority 7 if a write-through occurs
Map Descriptor CMD AO Rel is a Write-on-Change
Map Descriptor that will write a NULL at priority 7
(i.e. release Priority Array entry 7) when written to.
Note that the length must be 1.
Appendix A.5. Relinquishing Control of a Point as a Client
It is possible to relinquish control of a point by writing a null to the correct priority level. The following example illustrates how this is done.
Appendix A.6. BACnet State Text Preload
BACnet Multistate Objects have a State_Text property. This property is defined as an array of character strings representing descriptions of all possible states of the
Present_Value. The number of descriptions matches the number of states defined in the Number_Of_States property. The Present_Value, interpreted as an integer,
serves as an index into the array.
When Multistate Objects are configured on a BACnet server it is necessary to define the State_Text property. This section illustrates how to define the State_Text
character strings and how to associate these definitions with Multistate Server Map Descriptors.
The maximum permitted length of any State_Text string is 50 characters.
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FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 24 of 48
//set up a look up table
Offset_Table
Offset_Table_Name
, Table_String
, Table_Index_Value
, Table_User_Value
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, SYSTEM READY
, 1
, 0
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, ALARM
, 2
, 1
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, MAINTENANCE
, 3
, 2
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, OFF-LINE
, 4
, 2
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, IN SERVICE
, 5
, 0
FIRE_ALRM_TEXT
, OTHER
, 6
, 2
Appendix A.6.3. Using Intrinsic Reporting for a Multistate Value
To use Intrinsic Reporting for a Multistate value, it is necessary to classify each of the states as either Normal,
Alarm or Trouble. This is done by adding another column to the Offset_Table, called Table_User_Value. Each state
is then classified by inserting one of the following values in its row:
0 = normal
1 = alarm
2 = fault
Note: The state value (Table_Index_Value) is an enumerated value between 1 and 16. Zero is not a valid value, but
since many client side configurations will wake up with values of zero, the BACnet server will treat a value of zero
as a normal value (i.e. not as an alarm or fault value)
Appendix A.7. COV and Intrinsic Reporting
The COV (Change of Value) and Intrinsic Reporting services are two distinct ways in which point values can be
reported to a client workstation as they change, i.e. in an event-driven opposed to a polling method. This can
increase performance dramatically compared to polling method alone. It also reduces network traffic significantly.
For BACnet/MSTP, only MSTP Master Nodes support COV and Intrinsic Reporting
The services are suited to different purposes:
COV is suited to value updates. On analog points the sensitivity can be set using the COV_Increment property.
Only changes larger than the COV_Increment value will be reported.
Intrinsic Reporting is used for alarming. It is implemented via Notification_Class objects, which can receive
subscriptions from client workstations that add themselves to the RecipientList property of a
Notification_Class object. Notifications are done using ConfirmedEventNotification or
UnconfirmedEventNotification. Intrinsic Reporting also allows for alarms to be acknowledged (using the
AcknowledgeAlarm service) and for all subscribed client workstations to be notified of alarm
acknowledgements (using EventNotifications of type ACK_NOTIFICATION)..
Appendix A.7.1. Notes on COV configuration:
COV functionality is not enabled by default for MSTP. The Node_Option parameter can be configured to
enable or disable COV. An example configuration is presented in Appendix A.7.4. Systems using
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BACnet/IP or BACnet/Ethernet to BACnet/MSTP routers may not function reliably if COV functionality is
enabled as the router will make the MSTP device appear as a BACnet/IP or BACnet/Ethernet device, which
could lead the BACnet Workstation to expect unrealistic throughput performance when subscribing to
multiple points. It is recommended only to enable COV functionality on MSTP systems if the Client device
communicates directly via MSTP, or if the user knows that the throughput issue will not arise..
COV functionality (SubscribeCOV service) only applies to the Present_Value and Status_Flags properties of
BACnet Objects - the SubscribeCOVProperty service is not supported by the FieldServer. COV only works
for BACnet Map Descriptors with length set to 1. If length is not specified, then it defaults to 1, so this is
only a problem where length has been specified as greater than 1.
For analog Server Map Descriptors the user may optionally configure a COV_Increment value to adjust the
reporting threshold. If it is not set the COV_Increment defaults to zero.
COV Notifications are generated for all data objects for which a remote client has issued a SubscribeCOV-
Request. The SubscribeCOV-Request regulates whether Notifications are Confirmed or Unconfirmed. The
remote Client may also write the COV_Increment property in order to control the deadband for changes
in analog values. The COV_Increment property can be initialized via the configuration file by setting the
COV_Increment Map Descriptor Property. The value set by the configuration is an initial value that is
loaded on startup. It would be replaced by any new value written by the Client
Appendix A.7.2. Notes on Intrinsic Reporting configuration:
Intrinsic Reporting is managed by Notification Class objects. At least one Notification Class object must be
configured for Intrinsic Reporting to work.
Each Data_Object that is to be monitored by Intrinsic Reporting must be linked to a Notification Class object
via the Notification_Class Map Descriptor Property. For analog points alarm limits must be set up, and for
binary points, the Input_Alarm_State (specifying which binary value (0 or 1) to regard as the Alarm state)
must be set up.
The Notification_Class object contains properties that allow a client workstation to modify rules governing
event reporting, such as event_type, days of week, start and end times etc.
The RecipientLists are not stored permanently but are kept in volatile memory, and subscriptions must be
renewed on system restart.
A permanent static RecipientList may be configured directly on the FieldServer, eliminating the need for a
remote workstation to modify the RecipientList in order to receive Event Notifications. Using this option
makes the RecipientList read-only, i.e. it can then only be modified via the FieldServer config.csv file.
Refer to Appendix A.7.6
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Alarm and Event Priority
Network Priority
00-63
Life Safety Message
64-127
Critical Equipment Message
128-191
Urgent Message
192-255
Normal Message
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Offset
, Function
, Node_Name
, Object_Type
, Object_Instance
, Ack_Required
BAC_NC_P1
, DA_NC_01
, 0
, Passive
, Virtual_DEV_11
, NC
, 1
, No
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Offset
, Function
, Node_Name
, Object_Type
, Object_Instance
, Notification_Class
, Low_Alarm
, High_Alarm
CMD_AI_01
, DA_AI_01
, 10
, Passive
, Virtual_DEV_11
, AI
, 1
, BAC_NC_P1
, 20
, 30
Event_Receiver
Node_Name
, Node_ID
, Protocol
, Process_ID
, Notification_Class_MD
, Adapter
OWS_01
, 10
, BACnet_MSTP
, 12345
, BAC_NC_P1
, N1
OWS_02
, 12
, BACnet_MSTP
, 56789
, BAC_NC_P1
, N1
This is the Notification Class
map descriptor governing the
sending of Event Notifications
This is a BACnet Object that
will report its alarms via the
Notification Class map
This section sets up RecipientList entries for the defined Notification Class map
descriptor. It must appear at the end of the configuration, after all other
references to the Notification Class map descriptor.
A BACnet EventNotification message contains a Priority field indicating the priority of the event being reported. The Priorit y values to be used are configured via the
Priority property of the Notification Class object, using the configuration file parameters Pri_to_offnormal, Pri_to_normal and Pri_to_fault, which determine the priorities
to be used respectively for all to-offnormal, to-normal and to-fault transitions reported via the Notification Class object.
Priority Values should be chosen as follows:
Appendix A.7.7. Map Descriptor Example – Set up a Permanent Static Recipient List
A permanent static RecipientList may be configured directly on the FieldServer, eliminating the need for a remote workstation to modify the Reci pientList in order to
receive Event Notifications. Using this option makes the RecipientList read-only, i.e. it can then only be modified via the FieldServer config.csv file.
This is done by adding an Event_Receiver section to the config.csv. This section must appear after the definition and all other references to the relevant Notification Class
object.
Notification Class Objects are configured as Map Descriptors. Each Notification Class Object maintains a RecipientList Property which may contain multiple destinations.
Each destination is configured as an Event_Receiver after the relevant Notification Class Object has been configured.
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Appendix A.8. Factors Determining the Reliability Property
The Reliability Property of a BACnet object in a Server configuration is determined as follows:
For Multistate Inputs, Outputs and Values, the Reliability property is set to MULTI_STATE_FAULT (9) when the
Present_Value of the object corresponds to an entry in the Fault_Values property of the object, as
configured by the State_Text table in the configuration file.
For all object types, the Reliability property is set to COMMUNICATIONS_FAILURE (12) when the responsible
Server Node is offline.
When neither Condition 1 nor Condition 2 is met, the Reliability property is set to NO_FAULT_DETECTED (0)
Appendix A.9. Specifying ReadPropertyMultiple and WritePropertyMultiple Transactions using Linked
Map Descriptors
The ReadPropertyMultiple (RPM) and WritePropertyMultiple (WPM) BACnet services allow many objects and
attributes to be read and written in a single transaction. Since FieldServer Map Descriptors can only refer to a
single object type and address range, a RPM or WPM transaction can be constructed by linking multiple Map
Descriptors. This is done using the following components:
an active read or write Map Descriptor that defines the behavior of the RPM or WPM transaction via:
Function, e.g. Rdbc, Arcs, Wrbc, Wrbx
Scan_interval
Timeout
Length
any number of Linked Map Descriptors specifying additional objects and data array locations to be
included in the transaction. Each Linked Map Descriptor is specified with the following settings:
Linked_Map_Descriptor - this is a reference by name to the active Map Descriptor described above, which
controls the transaction
Function - Passive_Client
Length
The number of Linked Map Descriptors is limited by the maximum message length allowed for the BACnet driver in
question. When too many Map Descriptors have been linked a SEGMENTATION_NOT_SUPPORTED error message
will be generated on the first poll attempt. This message will recommend splitting the RPM or WPM transaction
into multiple transactions, e.g.
DRV->BACnet : Linked Map Desc. "CMD_WPM" is too long.
Message Segmentation not supported.
Please split the transaction into multiple Linked Map Descriptors.
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Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Object_Type
, Property
, Function
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Offset
, Node_Name
, Address
, Length
, Write_Priority
, Linked_Map_Descriptor
CMD WPM
, AO
, -
, Wrbc
, DA WPM
, 0
, N1 1
, 1
, 2
, 7
, -
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Object_Type
, Property
, Function
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Offset
, Node_Name
, Address
, Length
, Write_Priority
, Linked_Map_Descriptor
CMD WPM 1
, AO
, -
, Passive_Client
, DA WPM
, 3
, N1 1
, 4
, 3
, 8
, CMD WPM
CMD WPM 2
, AO
, -
, Passive_Client
, DA WPM
, 7
, N1 1
, 8
, 4
, 10
, CMD WPM
CMD WPM 3
, Device
, Max_Master
, Passive_Client
, DA WPM
, 12
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, 10
, CMD WPM
CMD WPM 4
, Device
, Max_Info_Frames
, Passive_Client
, DA WPM
, 13
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, 10
, CMD WPM
CMD WPM 5
, BO
, -
, Passive_Client
, DA BOP
, 0
, N1 1
, 0
, 10
, 11
, CMD WPM
/ ReadPropertyMultiple
Map_Descriptors
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Object_Type
, Property
, Function
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Index
, Node_Name
, Address
, Length
, Write_Priority
, Linked_Map_Descriptor
CMD RPM
, AO
, -
, Rdbc
, DA RPM
, 9
, N1 1
, 1
, 2
, -
, -
Map_Descriptor_Name
, Object_Type
, Property
, Function
, Data_Array_Name
, Data_Array_Index
, Node_Name
, Address
, Length
, Write_Priority
, Linked_Map_Descriptor
CMD RPM 3
, Device
, Max_master
, Passive_Client
, DA RPM
, 0
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, -
, CMD RPM
Configure an active read or write Map Descriptor and give it a
unique name. This Map Descriptor will be referred to by all other
Map Descriptors forming part of the multiple property transaction.
Configure a Map Descriptor for each Object and Property. These
are component Map Descriptors forming part of the composite Map
Descriptor CMD WPM above
Set the function to Passive_Client
Set Linked_Map_Descriptor to the
name of the active read or write Map
Example:
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CMD RPM 4
, Device
, Max_Info_Frames
, Passive_Client
, DA RPM
, 1
, N1 1
, 1
, 1
, -
, CMD RPM
CMD RPM 2
, AO
, -
, Passive_Client
, DA RPM
, 2
, N1 1
, 8
, 4
, -
, CMD RPM
CMD RPM 1
, AO
, -
, Passive_Client
, DA RPM
, 6
, N1 1
, 4
, 3
, -
, CMD RPM
These map descriptors form part of the read transaction defined by
Map Descriptor CMD RPM above
Notes:
For the Present_Value property it is permissible to set a Map Descriptor length >1. This will cause a read of the Present_Value property of consecutive BACnet objects of
the type defined by this Map Descriptor
The number of properties that can be read or written at once is limited by the maximum APDU message length.
Message segmentation is not supported.
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Appendix A.10. Update Property Function
The Update_Property parameter may be configured on a BACnet Server Map Descriptor in order to allow a
property other than the Present_Value to be updated in addition to the Present_Value when the Data Array value
changes.
Warning: this is a highly specialized function only to be used under very particular circumstances, by users with a
detailed understanding of BACnet and of what is to be achieved.
Appendix A.10.1. Supported values:
Present_Value (default operation)
Relinquish_Default
Appendix A.10.2. Mode of Operation when used for the Relinquish_Default property:
When the FieldServer starts up, the standard BACnet operation for AO, AV, BO and BV objects is that the
Present_Value of the object is set to the configured Relinquish_Default value. This may not be desirable in
Gateway situations where the BACnet communications module (i.e. the FieldServer) may restart independently of
the controller with the physical outputs.
Instead, it is possible to use the Update_Property setting to initialize the Relinquish_Default property using the
actual field Present_Value read from the Client Side device, so that a restart achieves two important outcomes:
The Client side outputs are not modified
The current state of the Client Side output can be read via the Relinquish_Default property. This is especially
useful since the BACnet specification makes no provision for Feedback_Values on analog objects
Depending on the function of the Client Side Map Descriptor there are slightly differing behaviors.
RDBC - If the Client Side Map Descriptor is configured with the RDBC function, then every read operation will
cause the Relinquish_Default property on the BACnet Server side to be updated to match the new
Present_Value.
ARS (recommended) - If the Client Side Map Descriptor is configured with the ARS function, then only the
startup read operation (which occurs on FieldServer restart, or if the Client Side Node has gone offline and
is being recovered) will cause theRelinquish_Default property on the BACnet Server side to be updated to
match the new Present_Value.
Restrictions:
This function cannot yet be used in conjunction with Complex data types.
Appendix A.11. Disabling selected BACnet services
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Nodes
Node_Name
, Node_ID
, Protocol
, Disabled_Services
NN 01
, 1
, Bacnet_IP
, WPM
Nodes
Node_Name
, Node_ID
, Protocol
, Disabled_Services
NN 02
, 2
, Bacnet_IP
, COV
Nodes
Node_Name
, Node_ID
, Protocol
, Disabled_Services
NN 03
, 3
, Bacnet_IP
, WPM COV
Certain BACnet services can be disabled on a BACnet Server Node when specific requirements necessitate this:
COV - certain BACnet MS/TP routers struggle to keep up with the bidirectional traffic that can result from
many COVSubscribe requests in quick succession. In this case, better results might be obtained by turning
COV off.
WritePropertyMultiple (WPM) - when the user requires writes to the BACnet Server to be acknowledged only
once Client Side writes have succeeded, WPM is turned off.
These services can be disabled individually or together by listing them under the optional "Disabled_Services"
parameter of the Node configuration section, separated by a space if more than one function is listed. When a
service has been disabled, the BACnet Server Node will reject a corresponding service request with the reason
“Unrecognized Service”.
The following values may be used under Disabled_Services:
WPM (disable support for the WritePropertyMultiple service)
COV (disable support for the SubscribeCOV service)
Examples:
1. Disable WPM only
2. Disable COV only
3. Disable WPM and COV
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Appendix B. Troubleshooting
Appendix B.1. Debugging a BACnet connection
If duplicate Object_Instances are configured in the FieldServer, the second call of the Instance will overwrite
the first one. This may cause a BACnet Object to be “lost.”
If the Node Name configured on the BACnet Server Side of the configuration is not being indicated as the
Device Name on the BACnet SCADA system, then the FieldServer is not communicating with the SCADA
system. If the Device Object's name is being indicated, but the Present_Value shows question marks,
then it is likely that the Client side of the FieldServer is not communicating.
Extra memory is required to store Map Descriptors that have the active/inactive text parameters specified. If
the defaults are appropriate, do not specify these parameters. This will save memory and allow more
Map Descriptors to be created
When a BACnet_MSTP connection is configured as a server, it is better to use connection_type
MSTP_Slave_Node. The only time when a server connection must be a Master_Node is when alarming
has been established on the FieldServer.
When a FieldServer/ProtoCessor is configured to support MSTP virtual server nodes the firmware achieves this
by implementing a virtual router and thus a network number is required so that it can expose its nodes to
external devices as belonging to a specific network. (The default is network 5 if not specified). This
network number is defined on the bridge descriptor as Network_Number. It must be unique for a site.
Refer also to Appendix A.2.
Appendix B.2. COV Configuration
COV has to be enabled if required for MSTP. Refer to Appendix A.7 for more information.
COV only works for BACnet Map Descriptors with length set to 1. If length is not specified, then it defaults to 1,
so this is only a problem where length has been specified as greater than 1.
Appendix B.3. BACnet Specific Statistics
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Stat
Description
Resolution
Link Control
A “who-is” link control message was
send or received.
It is normal to receive a few link control
messages. If the number is higher than the
transmit/receive messages, however, there may
be a problem with lost communications..
Unsupported
Properties
A request for an unsupported property
was received
This is not an error. BACnet clients often poll all
properties of a particular object to determine
which properties are supported.
Segmentation
Not Supported
Data was requested but the response
would have exceeded the maximum size
of the APDU and could not be sent using
an un-segmented message.
This is not an error - the BACnet client will use a
different method to read data from the
FieldServer.
Sequence Error
Invoke ID of a reply did not match the
Invoke ID of the poll.
You should not see this message. It normally
indicates a configuration error.
Write Access
Denied
A write to an object was denied.
This typically happens when trying to write to an
Input Object that is not Out-Of-Service. It is not
possible to write to Input Objects.
Exception Errors
A BACnet Service was denied because it
is not supported
Consult the PIC statement to determine what
services are supported.
Message
Description
Cause
Suggested Resolution
Bacnet IP DLL
Temporarily out of
receive buffers
The FieldServer was flooded with more BACnet IP packets
than it could handle. This typically occurs when a
workstation discovers a large network resulting in many
Who-Is and I-Am broadcasts. The FieldServer will recover
from this, but some timeout errors could result.
Take action only if the error
is continuous in which case
the network load must be
analyzed and corrected.
Device
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Appendix B.6. Rediscovering Offline Devices
The BACnet driver handles APDU retries internally and uses its own parameters, not the kernel parameters. The
kernel timeout and retry values should be left to default.
The following parameters can be configured on the Client Node:
APDU_Timeout - default value is 10s
APDU_Retries - default value is 3
The FieldServer will only send requests to the remote device once it has discovered it using the Who -Is / I-Am
process.
If a device does not respond and the APDU_Retries have been used up, the driver will revert to trying to discover
the device using Who-Is requests.
Note that there is also a background process of rediscovering devices independently of the polling process. This
occurs every 10 minutes.
Appendix B.7. Timeout Errors
NL TX Abort errors mean that the BACnet network layer was unable to transmit queued messages in time and gave
up on them. Outgoing packets are programmed with a 10 second timeout. . If packets have not been transmitted
within this 10 second window, they are discarded and an error is recorded.
Timeout errors may be experienced on start-up if the network is not yet fully synchronised or if there are a large
number of nodes on the network. The FieldServer can only transmit the I-Ams a few at a time, and only when it
receives the MSTP token.
It might help to give the MSTP network some time to settle before attempting a discovery.
It may be advisable to discover the Nodes in a number of smaller Node ID ranges (say 10 at a time). The Node_ID’s
can be established from the configuration.
Appendix B.8. PDU limit reached errors
A PDU limit reached error is returned when a device runs out of buffers for storing incoming or outgoing messages
(PDU = protocol data unit). A possible scenario is when a large number of server nodes is configured and one or
more global Who-Is requests is received. The FieldServer will then need to transmit a response for each one, but if
the MSTP network is busy it might not get enough airtime to send them all out. Another possibility is a buildup of
unsent COV or Event Notifications.
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Appendix C. Vendor Information
Appendix C.1. McQuay
McQuay Units are shipped with a default Device instance of the last 6 digits of the McQuay Serial number.
Appendix C.2. Trane
When new points are added to the FieldServer it is important to restart the Summit Workstation or BCU, otherwise
these new points may not be seen by the FieldServer.
Disconnect the FieldServer from the BACnet network when transferring images to the BCU.
Appendix C.3. Liebert
Polling BACnet addresses that are not configured for Liebert systems may cause the connection to fail in older
versions of Liebert. Please contact your Liebert supplier for more information.
Appendix C.4. Automated Logic Corporation.
When an ALC module is powered up, and it does not detect valid BACnet/MSTP traffic on its MSTP port, then the
module goes into a terminal mode and MSTP communications will not be intitiated.
When connecting the FieldServer to an ALC BACnet/MSTP module, always start the FieldServer first. Wait until the
RUN Led is flashing on the FieldServer before powering up the MSTP module.
Appendix C.5. Honeywell EBI
Honeywell EBI cannot process EventNotifications with ACK_Required set to 1. The ACK_Required property of
Notification Class Map Descriptors configured for use with EBI must therefore be set to 0.
Appendix C.6. Using Cimetrics Explorer
Cimetrics Explorer needs to be configured to use either BACnet Ethernet or BACnet IP. This is not a setting in the
actual Cimetrics BACnet Explorer, but is done in the Cimetrics BACstac Protocol that can be found in the Local Area
Connection Properties as shown below:
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AI
ANALOG_INPUT
AO
ANALOG_OUTPUT
AV
ANALOG_VALUE
BI
BINARY_INPUT
BO
BINARY_OUTPUT
BV
BINARY_VALUE
MI
MULTI_STATE_INPUT
MO
MULTI_STATE_OUTPUT
MV
MULTI_STATE_VALUE
NC
NOTIFICATION_CLASS_OBJECT
Legal Value
Description
Object_Identifier
This property is a numeric code that is used to identify the object. It is unique within the
BACnet Device that maintains it.
Object_List
Relevant to Device Object Type. This property is a BACnetARRAY of Object_Identifiers, one
Object_Identifier for each object within the device that is accessible through BACnet
services. An Object_Identifier is composed of Object Type and Object Instance and must
be unique within a BACnet Device, e.g. Object Type = Analog Input, Object Instance = 3
Present_Value
This property contains the present value of the Input / Output / Value
Object_Name
Character string providing the name of a BACnet object. The set of characters used in the
Object_Name is restricted to printable characters. The Object_Name is determined by the
Map_Descriptor_Name.
Description
Character string describing a BACnet object. This can be defined by the user to give
additional detail about the Object.
Out_of_Service
The Out_Of_Service property, of type BOOLEAN, is an indication whether (TRUE) or not
(FALSE) the physical input that the object represents is not in service. This means that the
Present_Value property is decoupled from the physical input and will not track changes to
the physical input when the value of Out_Of_Service is TRUE. In addition, the Reliability
property and the corresponding state of the FAULT flag of the Status_Flags property shall
be decoupled from the physical input when Out_Of_Service is TRUE. While the
Out_Of_Service property is TRUE, the Present_Value and Reliability properties may be
changed to any value as a means of simulating specific fixed conditions or for testing
purposes. Other functions that depend on the state of the Present_Value or Reliability
properties shall respond to changes made to these properties while Out_Of_Service is
TRUE, as if those changes had occurred in the physical input.
Event_State
The Event_State property, of type BACnetEventState, is included in order to provide a way
to determine if this object has an active event state associated with it. If the object
supports intrinsic reporting, then the Event_State property shall indicate the event state of
the object. If the object does not support intrinsic reporting, then the value of this property
shall be NORMAL. Other values: FAULT, OFF-NORMAL, HIGH-LIMIT, LOW-LIMIT, LIFESAFETY-ALARM
Units
This property contains the units associated with the Present_Value property.
FS-8700-73 BACnet MSTP Driver Manual Page 42 of 48
Legal Value
Description
Reliability
The Reliability property, of type BACnetReliability, provides an indication of whether the
Present_Value or the operation of the physical input in question is "reliable" as far as the
BACnet Device or operator can determine and, if not, why. The following values are
supported:
NO_FAULT_DETECTED, UNRELIABLE_OTHER
Priority_Array
This property relates to Output and Value Object Types and is a read only array that
contains prioritized commands or NULLs in the order of decreasing priority. The highest
priority (lowest array index) with a non-NULL value is the active command.
State_Text
Relevant to Multistate Object Types: This property is a BACnetARRAY of character strings
representing descriptions of all possible states of the Present_Value. The number of
descriptions matches the number of states defined in the Number_Of_States property. The
Present_Value, interpreted as an integer, serves as an index into the array.
Number_Of_States
Relevant to Multistate Object Types: this property sets the total number of states for which
descriptions will be returned as defined under the State_Text property. The number of
states will be determined automatically by the largest state number used when configuring
the Offset Table (Refer to Appendix A.5).
Max_Master
Relevant to BACnet MS/TP Device Object Type: The Max_Master property, of type
Unsigned, shall be present if the device is a master node on an MS/TP network. The value
of Max_Master specifies the highest possible address for master nodes and shall be less
than or equal to 127. If the Max_Master property is not writeable via BACnet services, its
value shall be 127.
Max_Info_Frames
Relevant to BACnet MS/TP Device Object Type: The Max_Info_Frames property, of type
Unsigned, shall be present if the device is a node on an MS/TP network. The value of
Max_Info_Frames specifies the maximum number of information frames the node may
send before it must pass the token. If Max_Info_Frames is not writable or otherwise user
configurable, its value shall be 1.
Active_Text
Relevant to Binary Object Types: This property, of type CharacterString, characterizes the
intended effect of the ACTIVE state of the Present_Value property from the human
operator's viewpoint. The content of this string is a local matter, but it is intended to
represent a human-readable description of the ACTIVE state. For example, if the physical
input is a switch contact, then the Active_Text property might be assigned a value such as
"Fan 1 On".
Inactive_Text
This property, of type CharacterString, characterizes the intended effect of the INACTIVE
state of the Present_Value property from the human operator's viewpoint. The content of
this string is a local matter, but it is intended to represent a human-readable description of
the INACTIVE state. For example, if the physical input is connected to a switch contact, then
the Inactive_Text property might be assigned a value such as "Fan 1 Off".
Description
A character string giving more information about the Object associated with the
Present_Value property.
Firmware_revision
The firmware revision of the application.
Relinquish_Default
This property is the default value to be used for the Present_Value property when all
command priority values in the Priority_Array property have a NULL value.
Event_Enable
The Event_Enable property is supported, but to save memory it is only instantiated it if a
point is configured for alarming, i.e. if it is set up with a reference to a Notification Class
Map Descriptor.
FieldServer Technologies 1991 Tarob Court Milpitas, California 95035 USA Web: www.FieldServer.com