Tridium JACE8000
Can I connect a device directly to a JACE’s ethernet port?
In theory yes, however there are many variables that could affect the reliability of the communications. For best results, we would recommend always connecting devices via an unmanaged switch.
The ethernet ports on a JACE are rated for 10/100mb connections. However, the ports may try to auto negotiate the speed with the target device. If the target device is a fixed 10mb device then communications may become intermittent, generating ping failure alarms.
Some examples of known problems
Directly connecting a Daikin D-BACS Gateway.
Directly connecting a Trend IQ3
Direct connections may also require a crossover cable to be used instead of a patch lead. To avoid any issues we strongly recommend using an unmanaged switch.
Can I run a ping command from a JACE8000?
Yes. You may need to do this to prove a JACE can definitely communicate with another IP device on the network.
Enable SSH Via the Platform > Platform Administration
Make an SSH connection in putty to the JACE.
Enter the platform credentials.
At the menu choice screen, enter 'sh' in lower case.
A $ sign will appear, indicating you are now in shell mode.
Type 'ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx' to ping the target IP (ping 192.168.1.1)
The ping will then run continually. Pressctrl + cto cancel.
You can also type 'ifconfig' to pull up the JACES IP configuration details.
Don't forget to disable SSH when finished.
JACE SSH Shell Mode
How Does Tridium Software Maintenance Work?
When does software maintenance start on a Tridium license (JACE, WebSup or portability controller)?
Software maintenance starts when the software license is purchased.
Is software maintenance and warranty the same thing?
No.
Software maintenance enables access and updates to the latest Niagara build. For example, updating the software from N4.9 > N41.0.
Warranty covers the JACE8000 from manufacturing defects.
Does a Niagara license (JACE / WebSup) automatically include maintenance at the time of purchase?
Yes, it includes a minimum of 18 months from the date of the license activation. There are initial purchase options for 18 months, 3 years & 5 years of SMA.
Can I buy more than 1 year of software maintenance at a time?
Yes.
SMA can be purchased for 1, 3 or 5 year periods.
How will multiple quantities of maintenance appear on a license?
Dates will run consecutively (i.e. buy 2x 1 Year SMA = 2 years of SMA).
Software maintenance dates will show in the license header details and in license view.
What if I choose not to renew my Niagara 4 maintenance?
If the SMA has expired on the Tridium license, it will continue to run the station. However, the JACE / WebSup will not have access to any new versions, update builds or patched releases for Niagara 4.
Gap charges will apply if you choose to renew once the SMA has expired. This means if your maintenance expires, and you miss 12 months of SMA you would need to purchase a 3 year SMA license. The 'missed' maintenance period of 12 months would be used straight away, leaving 2 years of active SMA.
What are the limitations of a Tridium JACE8000?
The JACE8000 controller is Tridium's flagship integration & IoT controller:
Hardware:
2 x RS485 onboard (expandable to a maximum of 6 x RS485 ports)
2 x Ethernet 10/100 MB
24v AC / DC supply
Expandable Communications Cards
RS485 - 2 x ports per card (Maximum of 6x overall RS485 ports).
RS232 - 1 x RS232 per card
LON FTT10 - 1 x LON FTT10 per card (Maximum of 4x LON networks)
Expandable IO (license free):
Max 8 x IOR34
Max 16 x IOR16
Or a combination of the two - refer to the IOR data sheet for full info
Software:
Niagara 4.2 and above. Recommended running the latest release of software.
Niagara AX downgrade no longer available (July 2021).
License options for 100 / 250 / 500 / 1250 / 2500 / 5,000 / 10,000 Global Capacity points.
There are no device limitations on an EMEA license. Device limitations may apply in other regions (AMERICAS, APAC etc).
Expandable license packs - including 3rd party drivers.
Software maintenance agreements (SMA) packs for 18 months / 36 months / 60 months from initial purchase.
What ports need to be configured for Niagara 4 to work across a firewall?
Tridium Niagara 4 will us several default ports to access a Host / Platform / Station.
Secure PortsSecure Platform - 5011
Secure FOX - 4911
Secure Web - 443
Non-Secure Ports (Legacy)It is strongly recommended to ONLY use secure connections.
Non-Secure Platform - 3011
Non-Secure Fox - 1911
Non-Secure Web - 80
It is strongly recommended to never expose a controller to internet / public facing traffic. The use of a more secure connection should be implemented (i.e. VPN).
Is there a limit to how many license upgrade packs I can add to a JACE8000?
While there isn't a hard limit on the number of upgrade packs that can be added, users should monitor CPU utilisation, heap usage and integration bus limits when adding device upgrades.
Consideration should also be given to system resilience. A single JACE8000 with a 10,000 point license is a large single point of failure in a system. Would 4x JACE8000 controllers with 2500 point licenses be a more resilient solution?
How many LON option module cards can be attached to the JACE8000?
Up to 4 can be attached.
Will we have the ability to place the modular expansion cards on a bus? Or do they have to “snap” together?
Option modules will need to be directly connected to the JACE8000.
How many accessory cards, or expansion modules, can we add?
Uo to 4 in various combinations. See the datasheet posted online at JACE8000 for additional details.
What point packs being offered on the JACE8000?
The JACE8000 is available with 100 / 250 / 500 / 1250 / 2500 / 5,000 / 10,000 global capacity point packs. Global capacity point packs can be further upgraded with standalone license upgrades.
There are no device limitations on an EMEA (Europe / Middle East / Africa) license.