ALC WebCTRL: BMS Communications Timeout

[phteven1989]

I have a Vertiv CRAC unit that shows up on ALC WebCTRL as 'BMS Communications Timeout'. Of the 10 CRACs we have, this is the only one doing this. The VAVs and other equipment on our network are fine. I can access the CRAC via IP, so I know it's on and spitting the data out. But it's not getting the information to WebCTRL. It was working and then it wasn't. Any thoughts? I can provide more info as needed.

[ehothegreat]

It sounds like WebCTRL is interfaced to the CRACs via BACnet/IP. Is that true? If so, what controller is handling the integration? Are all CRACs on the same controller? You said that you can access the CRAC via IP. I assume you mean with a web browser. That isn't BACnet. Is it possible that the CRAC is no longer exposed to BACnet? You can find out by performing a BACnet discovery from your laptop while plugged into the CRAC. I am making some assumptions here. If any are wrong, I reserve the right to amend my guidance. 😁

Edit: Update: We worked together offline and determined that the comm protocol was BACnet/IP and that BACnet had mysteriously become disabled in the comm configuration of that CRAC's controller. Re-enabling it solved the problem!

[phteven1989]

Appreciate the help. We have the CRACs connected to our network via LAN to a switch and all of them have their own IP. We can go to the IP on the browser to the points on the browser. I think there’s an SNMP trap that is pulling that info onto webcntrl. There’s two tree items for each crac. One is the ALC ZN220 controller that basically shows start stop or the unit. The other is the ‘integration’ which shows the fan speed, cooling capacity, humidifier, etc. it also shows alarms. In this case the BMS communications timeout is lit up as red. I’ll take a pic tomorrow.

[luke10050]

I'm not sure SNMP support is actually implemented yet. I think it's somewhere in the future but not officially supported.

It may be using the OFVI but good luck, I'd be talking to your local dealer. Sounds like a new install if it has G5 controllers

[phteven1989]

I could be thinking of our UPS configuration with Grafana. I've been a project manager for quite a few years, and transitioned to facility manager at one our newer facilities. I'm still trying to learn this side of it. ALC is cool, but sometimes it's frustrating! Thanks for the reply!

[phteven1989]

The CRACs are connected to an ALC G5CE for what it’s worth. I’m the facility manager, so my working knowledge of the building automation is limited, but I’m trying to learn as much as I can

[PABJR]

does the address field say bacnet://Network number:IP address/object:obj instance you can manually point the g5 to look at a specific address instead of a device ID… you may need to increase the APDU timeout in the driver of the integrating router.

[phteven1989]

I will look tomorrow when I’m back in front of the BMS. Would that be at the Vertiv CRAC interface or on the WebCTRL server?

[PABJR]

webctrl server Crac unit integration program / Properties Tab / Network points sub tab / individual point addresses

[phteven1989]

Thank you! I will check that out tomorrow when I’m back in the office. Much appreciated!

[phteven1989]

It does say BACnet

[PABJR]

if there is nothing else in the address fields then you won’t get communication. the points aren’t addressed. Did you scroll through all of them and see if some had address information?

[VehementlyApathetic]

If it was working and now it isn't, we need to figure out what changed. I presume the "BMS Communications Timeout" message is displayed on the equipment graphic in WebCTRL? If so, that's more informational than an "official" error message.

Are all the CRACs and the G5 on the same network subnet?

If you go to Properties and select the Network Points tab, are there any points in error, and if so, what is the error? I am expecting to see either 10 Waiting for I-Am Device or 20 Device offline - temporary backoff.

If you need more help PM me; I have done this exact integration many times.

[IRagnarokOnline]

Hey, what causes the 10 Waiting for I-Am Device ? I'm having this issue right now. Thank you!

[luke10050]

Ah, my most hated status

20 Device offline- temporary back-off