Adding BACnet Parameters¶

A BACnet parameter maps one point (object) of a controller to a trackable data point in Enture. Once added, the platform reads the point continuously — and writes to it, if you set it up for that — and makes the value available for dashboards, reports, alerts, and real-time views.

Before you begin¶

• The BACnet Device must already exist.
• You need the object type and object number (instance) of each point, as listed in the controller's point list or its BACnet documentation. For example, "Analog Input 3" is the object type Analog input with object number 3.
• You need Engineer access to create parameters.

Steps¶

1. Open the BACnet Device¶

In the left sidebar, go to Digital Twin → Devices and open the device you want to add a parameter to.

2. Add a parameter¶

Click Create BACnet parameter.

3. Fill in the parameter details¶

The value type follows from the object type: analog points are numbers, binary points are on/off (1/0), and multi-state points are state numbers (1, 2, 3, …).

4. Common settings¶

Correction Factor, Idle Latency, Entropy, and the related checkboxes (Enable Entropy, Limit Entropy, Remove Negative Entropy, Remove Decimal, Restrict User Access, Calculate Consumption, Disabled) work the same way as on every other protocol — see Common Parameter Settings for details. For BACnet the Correction Factor can be any number except 0.

5. Save¶

Click Create. The parameter is added to the device.

Each point on a controller can be added to a device only once.

Write priority¶

BACnet controllers rank the commands they receive on a scale from 1 (strongest) to 16. When several commands are active on the same point, the controller follows the strongest one. This has two consequences for you:

• A value you write is overridden by any stronger command — for example from the building management system. The point then keeps the stronger command's value, even though your command was accepted. Always check the live value to see what the controller is actually using.
• A value you write stays in force until you release control (see below) or something stronger takes over.

Choose the level your commands should use when you set the point up:

• 8 is the usual level for a person at a console, and is the default.
• Levels 1, 2 and 6 are reserved — 1 and 2 for life-safety functions, and 6 for the controller's own minimum on/off timing — and cannot be selected.
• Use a smaller number (3–5, 7) only if you want your command to win against more of the building system's own commands.

Writing a value or releasing control¶

A point shows a write area on its detail page when it is set to Write only or Read and write, writing is enabled for the parameter, and you have the Write permission.

Sending a value¶

1. Open the parameter's detail page (click the parameter name on the device).
2. In the Write area, enter the value:
   • Analog points — type a number.
   • Binary points — click On or Off.
   • Multi-state points — type the state number (1 or higher).
3. Click Send.

Enture confirms that the command was sent. It does not wait for the controller to confirm it, so check the live value on the same page to see the result — especially if the point may also be commanded by the building management system.

Releasing control¶

Writing a value never gives control back by itself. To hand the point back to the building system, click Release control. Your command is removed, and the point returns to whatever the controller's own logic or a weaker command dictates.

Switching writing on or off¶

When you add a point as Write only or Read and write, writing is switched on. A user with engineer access can switch it off and on again with the Disable Write / Enable Write button on the parameter's detail page — useful as a quick safeguard while maintenance is in progress. Changing the point's other settings does not switch writing back on. A point set to Read only can never be written, and writing cannot be enabled for it.

What happens next¶

The edge device receives the updated parameter list within approximately 30 seconds and begins reading the point.

Viewing live data¶

1. Navigate to Digital Twin → Devices → open the device.
2. Click on the parameter name.
3. The parameter detail page shows the current value and a real-time chart.

Updating or deleting a parameter¶

On the device, use the edit and delete actions on the parameter. An existing parameter's device cannot be changed.