BACeye/SC

BACeye fit for BACnet/SC

BACeye, the cross-manufacturer quasi-standard, is now ready for BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC). The "Swiss army knife" popular with customers for the commissioning, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of building automation networks has been upgraded to the latest revision 22 of the BACnet standard. upgrade to the current revision 22 of the BACnet standard. This makes the innovative tool ideal for use in networks that rely on the BACnet/SC security infrastructure.

"Swiss army knife" for building automation with BACnet/SC

Obtaining neutral information about data exchange in a BACnet network is sometimes not easy. Especially if the technology used was supplied by different manufacturers. BACeye/SC is a comprehensive tool that can be used to visualize networks and identify problems quickly.

The compact tool from Krefeld-based MBS GmbH makes work considerably easier for system integrators, commissioning engineers, system operators and end users. It is no coincidence that it has achieved quasi-standard status among customers. To keep it that way, the browser has been upgraded to the latest revision 22 of the BACnet standard, which enables the creation of a dedicated security infrastructure (BACnet Secure Connect - BACnet/SC). This turns the tried-and-tested BACeye 2.0 version into the innovative BACeye/SC tool. Version differences BACeye & BACeye/SC ⟩

Whether it's an airport, hospital or office building - every technician wants a neutral tool with many possible uses for the professional commissioning of a BACnet network with numerous devices from different manufacturers. This is because it can be used right from the start to check whether a system has been set up as intended: the type, number, names and functions of the data points, the setting of the necessary alarms and much more. Such a neutral helper is also welcome during operation, for example in the event of malfunctions between the central control technology and the devices at field level.

Mastering diversity

As a leading international standard, the BACnet network protocol has already ensured that data exchange between devices from different manufacturers is considerably simplified. However, if there are discrepancies in the network, the diagnosis can be lengthy - the diversity in the world of building automation proves to be a stumbling block here. BACeye/SC is an effective means of obtaining neutral information about the data exchange. Launched on the market in 2014 by Krefeld-based MBS GmbH, the tool can be used to master various tasks in a BACnet network.

BACeye is now available in its third version and is marketed under the name BACeye/SC. It is based on the BACnet standard in protocol revision 22. Like its predecessors, it establishes a direct relationship between the field level and the control technology. The entire network with all its devices is recorded and displayed in a clearly structured manner based on the BACnet structure so that the user can access it easily. For each device at field level, its properties can be displayed in a list in which you can not only search but also sort. Properties can also be displayed and edited for the individual objects.

Different tasks, a single tool

In addition to these basic functions, other features are available to analyze BACnet networks, such as:

• The communication can be recorded in packet logs in order to record the read and written values. These packet logs can then be visualized using appropriate software (wireshark).

• Data point lists can be generated as EDE files.

• Export of system-specific formatted data point lists is possible.

• Trend log data can be read out, displayed in list form or graphically and exported to document the exchange of information.

• Timer schedules can be displayed and parameterized graphically and clearly.

• Object properties can be exported as a csv file in order to open them in text or spreadsheet programs.

• The backup/restore function helps to back up and restore data from BACnet devices independently of the product.

• BACnet Port Object can be displayed and fully visualized with all properties in the interface.

• A system status can be mapped as a snapshot, which can be both exported and imported again. This allows the status documented as a snapshot during commissioning to be compared with the current system status in the event of faults, for example.

• For use in networks that rely on the BACnet/SC security infrastructure

BACeye/SC is unique as a cross-manufacturer tool. In the past, most device manufacturers in the building automation sector offered tools that were developed as part of their own product lines and therefore could not be used across the board. With its neutral presentation, the tool from MBS has now become a quasi-standard, in favor of which some manufacturers no longer offer their own developments - they rely on BACeye/SC instead. With the upgrade to revision 22, the tool will continue to play a leading role in the market.

Security included

With the upgrade to revision 22 of the BACnet standard, BACeye/SC combines these features with the full range of functions of the BACnet/SC security infrastructure - such as access restriction, authentication, authorization and encryption. It can be used in protected communication environments and allows encrypted browsing. Nevertheless, the browser can also be used in traditional systems that communicate via BACnet/IP, for example.

Accelerated processes

BACeye/SC was not developed for day-to-day system operation, but is used for commissioning, maintenance, diagnostics and repairs. In short, the tool helps to identify problems. In contrast to the rather abstract representation in the control technology, it presents the conditions at field level clearly and in detail. This speeds up the commissioning of a BACnet network just as much as a maintenance or diagnostic process. In the event of misunderstandings between different parties, events can be presented neutrally and, if necessary, documented.

Customer feedback taken into account

When programming the tool, MBS focused strongly on the needs of its customers, some of whom consider this tool to be as practical as a Swiss army knife. This is another reason why they are actively involved in its further development. The latest version is also largely based on user feedback. BACeye/SC is not a by-product, but a well thought-out tool for building automation. This also applies to the future. In this way, BACeye/SC wins over all users and manufacturers who appreciate a compact, neutral tool in building automation.

BACeye/SC
Hardware requirements:

• Ethernet network card

• A BACnet MS/TP router (e.g. MBS UBR-01 | MK II) is required for communication with BACnet MS/TP networks.

In principle, we assume that BACeye/SC can also be used under Windows 7 / 8. As these systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, we have not carried out any complete compatibility tests here.