ControlTrends

EasyIO World Conference begins in Amsterdam. IT-Based Building Automation Portfolio delivers Control and Data

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Stay tuned for more ControlTrends coverage!

AGENDA

Sunday May 19
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Informal pre-event gathering in a traditional Amsterdam pub. 

Monday May 20
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Conference at Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam featured presentations, workshops, famous guest speaker, stadium tour, awards show, food and drinks. 

7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Amsterdam tour with dinner.

Tuesday May 21
08:00 AM – 04:00 PM | CPT training and Advanced Sessions 1 & 2.

Leading North America Distributors: Broudy Precision, Control Consultants Inc, Stromquist Company, Relevant Solutions, and DMS Controls Group attend

Optergy New Enterprise v 2.4.5 has been Released!

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Optergy Enterprise v 2.4.5 includes some important features and critical security updates (Please do not delay updating your sites!)

This new version includes:

SSL-Encrypted Web browsing using SSL (Secure Socket Layer or https). Read more about securing Optergy best practices

This feature has been further refined to allow for wildcard SSL certificates (used by large multi-site enterprises), as well as the ability to generate CSR (certificate signing request)

CyberSecurity improvements (various)-Optergy working in conjunction with cybersecurity experts Applied Risk (https://applied-risk.com) has enhanced its protection against unwanted intrusion into Optergy software. 

VPN improvement-OpenVPN installation files are now included in the base installation for easier installation

New Weather API-Optergy now provides free weather data from online source (Weather Company by IBM), gone are the API keys and the need for a paid service to retrieve and use weather data

Improved Device Scanning-Users can now scan by network or port to limit the items to just the network that is of interest saving time

New BACnet Client-Adds the ability to Read and Write to BACnet device properties as well as Read Property Multiple

New Mobile App v 1.17-The mobile app has been re-architected to be more supportable and conform to IOS and Android standards

Click the button below to download this new release

Note: All users must update to v 2.4.0 prior to updating to 2.4.5

 

Sincerely,

Steven Guzelimian

ACI’s latest Tech Tips Video: Saving Controller Inputs by Averaging Room or Zone Temperatures

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  • Did you know? Multiple Temperature Sensors can be wired to provide one average output signal.
  • Instead of using separate inputs for two, three or four rooms, average those temperatures and run one signal back to a single input on your BMS controller.

There are two methods used to provide an average output from your sensors. The method you use will depend on the type of sensors, resistive or analog, in your application. Watch as ACI’s Tech Support Manager, Matt Buchholz, demonstrates the wiring of both methods.

View the 6N-1ISO here: https://www.workaci.com/content/6n1-iso

Tridium Technical Bulletin — Please Update Your Niagara Software: Chromium Vulnerability!

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Update Niagara to Apply jxBrowser Fix for Chromium Vulnerability

Security Bulletin# SB 2019-Tridium-1 
CVSS v3.0 Base Score: 8.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/i:H/A:H) 
Defect# NCCB-39792 


Summary
A vulnerability was discovered in Chromium (CVE-2019-5786) that allows for code execution while rendering using the FileReader API. Chromium is a core component used for rendering HTML pages in Workbench using jxBrowser. Niagara-supported releases that are impacted by this vulnerability are Niagara 4.4u2, Niagara 4.6, and Niagara 4.7.

Reports of exploits of Chromium have been reported as targeting Windows 7, 32-bit platforms; however, exploits on other platforms may also occur.

We have updated Chromium (via an update to jxBrowser) to remove the vulnerability and recommend that users update to the versions identified below.

Recommended Action
Tridium has released new updates that mitigate this vulnerability.

ProductUpdate Version
Niagara 4.4U3 4.4.94.14Release Notes
Niagara 4.7u14.7.110.32Release Notes


Current users of Niagara 4.6 are encouraged to update to Niagara 4.7u1.


NOTE: These patches are available by contacting your sales support channel or by contacting the Tridium support team at support@tridium.com. 

It is important that all Niagara customers for all supported platforms update their systems with these releases to mitigate risk. If you have any questions, please contact your Tridiumaccount manager or contact Customer Support via support@tridium.com.

Mitigation
In addition to updating your system, Tridium recommends that customers with affected products take the following protective steps:

  • Review and validate the list of users who are authorized and who can authenticate to Niagara.
  • Allow only trained and trusted persons to have physical access to the system, including devices that have connection to the system though the Ethernet port.
  • If remote connections to the network are required, consider using a VPN or other means to ensure secure remote connections into the network where the system is located.

Cybersecurity is a priority at Tridium. We are dedicated to continuously improving the security of our products, and we will continue to update you as we release new security features, enhancements, and updates.

Appendix: About CVSS
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is an open standard for communicating the characteristics and severity of software vulnerabilities. The Base score represents the intrinsic qualities of a vulnerability. The Temporal score reflects the characteristics of a vulnerability that change over time. The Environmental score is an additional score that can be used by CVSS, but is not supplied as it will differ for each customer. The Base score has a value ranging from 0 to 10. The Temporal score has the same range and is a modification of the Base score due to current temporary factors. The severity of the score can be summarized as follows:

Severity RatingCVSS Score
None 0.0
Low0.1 – 3.9
Medium4.0 – 6.9
High7.0 -8.9
Critical 9.0 – 10.0


A CVSS score is also represented as a vector string, a compressed textual representation of the values used to derive the score.
Detailed information about CVSS can be found at http://www.first.org/cvss.

DISCLAIMERS 

  • CUSTOMERS AND USERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL SECURITY VULNERABILITY.
  • YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT OR MATERIALS LINKED FROM THIS DOCUMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
  • TRIDIUM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS DOCUMENT AT ANY TIME AND WITHOUT NOTICE.
  • TRIDIUM PROVIDES THE CVSS SCORES ‘AS IS’ WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.TRIDIUM DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PURPOSE AND MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS MAY BE STATED IN A WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH AND FOR ITS CUSTOMERS
  • IN NO EVENT WILL TRIDIUM BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT. SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

The Best New Product From Siemens…

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The best new product from Siemens...

that is a very difficult question to answer given all the new products and solutions Siemens is bringing into the HVAC and Smart Building Controls Space. 

  The Siemens new line of Variable Frequency Drives, their integration of Comfy and J2 Innovations into their suite of building automation controls, and Desigo are just a few that come to mind..You can click here and find out more from our interview with Siemens senior sales manager, Josh Felperin.

As cool and innovative as all those products are, I want to feature a product that might not be recognized  for just how special it is ….

The Siemens POL 220 is a carefully thought out, elegant new version of the economizer control. Siemens has reimagined, and redesigned the classic economizer controller.

Some of the things I really like about the Siemens POL:

  1. You don’t need any software to configure it. I am still old school at heart , so dip switches and potentiometers work for me. They make me feel young again! And the fact that Siemens made sure not to skimp on the pots and dip swiches, makes them feel good in the hand and easy to see.
  2.  I can select three free cooling strategies:  temperature, humidity , and even Demand Control ventilation based on CO2 sensors.
  3. The plug and Play Feature will automatically determine which configuration you need once you have your sensors wired and power up the controller for the first time.
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Make Your Life Easier with These Cool New Products From Contemporary Controls

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The new BAScontrol22C

 which supports BACnet client capability in addition to the existing server functionality, is now available. Most BACnet devices are servers, which do not initiate requests to other BACnet devices other than an initial “I-Am” broadcast when first joining the network. The BAScontrol22C is a BACnet client, which means it can initiate requests and expect BACnet servers to respond to requests as data is exchanged.

“The BAScontrol22C gives users the ability to access point values and/or control other BACnet devices in the network,” said said Zach Nestov, Product Specialist. “The points obtained over the BACnet network can be used in the BAScontrol22C’s Sedona wire sheet application logic, become scaled, calculated, and/or converted to different data types, written to other BACnet devices, served up to BACnet supervisory controllers and operator workstations by using Virtual Components, as well as be monitored, displayed, or exposed for configuration on BAScontrol22C’s web page by the use of Web Components.”

Reading points over BACnet networks can be very useful in several applications such as reading an outside air temperature from a BACnet networked sensor device, reading zone temperature, humidity, CO2 PPM, and other comfort parameters from a BACnet networked wall setter/thermostat device, or exchanging control values/points with another BACnet controller or supervisory controller/ workstation. In remote access applications, by employing Remote Access VPN IP routers (such as EIPR-V, EIGR-V), the BAScontrol22C can obtain BACnet points from devices on a remote BACnet network.

The BAScontrol22C supports BACnet/IP Client and Server functionality using a 2-port Ethernet switch connection. The controller complies with the B-ASC device profile having a convenient mix of 8 universal inputs, 4 binary inputs, 4 analog outputs, and 6 relay outputs. In addition to 22 physical points, the BAScontrol22 has 24 Virtual Points for use in wire sheet and data exchange with BACnet supervisors.

The BAScontrol22C uses its direct Ethernet ports to communicate to BACnet/IP devices on the network. With the help of a BASrouter – BACnet/IP to BACnet MS/TP router – the BAScontrol22C can communicate and interface with BACnet MS/TP devices as well.

Learn more on the BAScontrol22C product page.

Panel Builders pay Attention to the CTRLink Switches Designed for Automation

If you are designing a building automation enclosure that includes Ethernet or BACnet/IP communication, chances are you are looking for an unmanaged Ethernet switch to tie things together. Budgets are always tight, and there is a temptation to utilize inexpensive household grade switches from manufacturers such as Linksys or D-Link. However, we feel you are being penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Contemporary Controls has more than 40 years of experience designing products for unattended operation in environments not conducive to office grade equipment. Our CTRLink “Skorpion” Series of plug-and-play Ethernet switches have the features you need for reliable performance:

  • 24VAC (or DC) Powered – No need to find a place to plug in a wall-wart power cube (or install a receptacle). Our switches can operate from the same 24 VAC power source as all your other components. Secure positive locking screw terminal strip connections – no banana-plug here. Our hard-wired power connector is vibration proof and tug proof.
  • DIN-rail or panel mount – No trying to balance a desktop switch somewhere in an enclosure while building custom shelves, using Velcro, resorting to duct tape or just hanging from Cat 5 cable.
  • 10/100/1000 Mbps Speed – No configuration necessary. Our ports automatically configure their data rate, duplex, and utilize the Auto-MDIX protocol so straight-through or crossover cables can be used.
  • Activity/Link and Data Rate LEDS – Each port visually conveys key information to tell you what’s happening on your network.
  • 5, 8, and 16 Port Models – We have the size you need, all with a similar form factor. Some models even offer fiber optic ports for those long-haul connections.
  • Compact Size – Widths as narrow as one inch and a vertical form factor means we blend seamlessly with other nearby control equipment. Available panel mount for shallow depth (less than one inch).
  • Rugged Metal Enclosures – We use metal enclosures for strength and EMC protection. All Skorpion switches are EMC immunity tested.
  • Wide Temperature Range – Our switches are 0° to 60°C rated. Office grade products are not.
  • UL 508 Listed – Many jurisdictions require control cabinets to be UL 508 compliant. Using unlisted components within your enclosure can create issues and added expense far beyond the few dollars you saved up-front.

In addition to unmanaged switches, the Skorpion family also offers Managed Switches and Diagnostic Switches. These come in the same form factor and with the same features outlined above. Should your needs change, upgrading to a more complex switch is a simple as unclipping one and clipping in another.

Visit the Skorpion Unmanaged Switches product page to learn more.

 

Why Dual Channel CO2 Sensors are the Way to Go

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Belimo Introduces a New Sensor that you need to know about

We all know that when Belimo gets involved in a technology they are only interested in creating and being the best in that domain. Think about how they changed the game with direct coupled actuators and the Belimo energy valve. If you have been following ControlTrends, you know that Belimo entered the smart sensor game a couple of years ago. Belimo’s intention is clear, they want to change the HCAC and Smart Building  sensor game. So it is no surprise that they are taking  CO2 sensors to a new standard..

What is dual channel technology and why should you care..

Accuracy and Repeatability! This saves time and money!

The dual channel technology measures two-wave lengths split from a single light source. The sensor automatically takes a reading using the reference channel. Any change in the measurement indicates a change in the optics of the sensor. 

The sensors automatically adjusts the CO2 measurement when a change is detected to prevent drift. 

Manual calibration is not needed.

 High accuracy is maintained even in busy applications such as retail stores or hospitals.

Add a temperature sensor and you have the perfect product for..

 applications requiring 24/7 hours of operation such as hospitals, retail stores, manufacturing, and indoor farming.

Also think about…

Greenhouses, indoor farming, and hydroponic growers have expressed their need to monitor CO2and temperature levels accurately. CO2 levels are essential for maximizing plant growth. Our high accuracy CO2/temperature sensors provide the opportunity for grow farmers to really boost their profit while increasing plant yields and reducing cropping time

to find out more, reach out to your local Belimo distributor, if you are in Georgia or Florida, that would be Stromquist & Company, or you can go the Belimo website.

Two New Products that Will Make You Money

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Two New Products that can make you Money: Time is money and the more time it takes you to install a product the less money you make. Want to up your Control Game? Watch this video: Think about it: How long does it take for you to install and set up a thermal expansion valve? What if you could reduce that time by at least an hour, and have more precise control of your superheat? What about Walk in coolers or freezers? What if you could reduce your set up time and leave you with a way to diagnose a problem remotely? Would that up your service game? Have you tried either of these products yet? If so please let me know in comments, and let me know how much it reduced your installation and startup time.

Meet the PENN Controls Quick Response Valve

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Optigo’s New Site Manager for Visual BACnet

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Monitor big building networks, with Visual BACnet Site Manager

April 3, 2019, Vancouver, BC – The latest release from Optigo Networks helps facility managers understand their building network’s health at the site, zone, and capture node levels. The network connectivity, management, and monitoring company’s new development highlights overall network health, with the ability to dig into specific problems as well. No matter what the network size or complexity, users can drill down and make sense of their data.  

“As we have worked with our customers and partners, we have seen how complicated their building networks can become. This new release is a big development for controls engineers who need to understand the overall health of the network, give access to different vendors, and be able to pinpoint specific problems,” said Monica McMahen, Director of Marketing at Optigo Networks. “It is also a true collaboration with our customers at Penn State University, who beta-tested and consulted throughout the development process.” 

Optigo’s Visual BACnet Site Monitoring is a powerful software platform that lets users track network trends and expose recurring issues. The Network Health Score is a quantifiable measure of the network’s condition, with key issues highlighted for easy reference. Users can spot problems, drill down, and troubleshoot to resolve. Email alerts can even be set for sudden changes in network health. 

The new Visual BACnet Site Manager aggregates different capture nodes across the building or campus network, and calculates overall and individual network health scores. This information is organized into a simplified dashboard, for seamless navigation. From there, facility managers can monitor and track the overall site score, and easily pinpoint problem areas. Monitored sites can even be shared at different access levels — Admin or View Only — with coworkers, vendors, contractors, and other parties.

The innovative Visual BACnet Site Manager gives facility managers the power to organize, understand, optimize, and collaborate on their building and campus networks. 

Visual BACnet Site Manager will be officially available April 25, 2019. To learn more about this new release, register for Optigo’s upcoming webinar with Penn State University. The webinar will cover key benefits and features of the Site Manager, and show how Penn State uses Visual BACnet on their campus.

-30-

 

Contact
Natalie Serafini
Marketing Strategist
Optigo Networks
natalie@optigo.net
1-888-629-6559

About Optigo Networks
Optigo Networks simplifies the complex for people who own, manage, and work in smart buildings. Our edge-to-cloud platforms are focused on meaningful analytics and centralized management. With award-winning hardware and software solutions, we’re the first to address the growing complexity of securely connecting the thousands of little machines that make up our buildings. We ensure healthy networks in a rising number of commercial buildings around the world, from stadiums to shopping malls, high-rises, data centres, university campuses, and more. Our solutions are continuously evolving to meet the needs of smart buildings worldwide, with healthy networks, simplicity, and people in mind.

www.optigo.net
@optigonetworks

SIEMENS – Need Economizer Controllers Now? Wed. April 17 | 2 p.m. Central

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CGNA Elite

Webinar | Wednesday, April 17th at 2 p.m. Central | Register Now

 


Webinar Topics
  • What is an economizer & what are the benefits?
  • Is your economizer actually saving you energy?  
    And what to do if it’s not.
  • Features, benefits, and market position of the Siemens Economizer Solution
  • Tools to help you sell and succeed
Presented By
  • Gerald Hardesty, Product Manager – Equipment Controls
Who Should Attend?
  • Contractors welcome

 

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