JACE FAQs

Frequently asked questions about JACE controllers, covering common issues, troubleshooting, configuration, and best practices.

General Questions

What is a JACE?

JACE (Java Application Control Engine) is a line of embedded controllers from Tridium that run the Niagara Framework. JACE controllers provide:

Building Automation: Control and monitor building systems
Protocol Integration: Support multiple protocols (BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
Web Interface: Built-in web interface for configuration and monitoring
Niagara Framework: Full Niagara Framework capabilities
Scalability: Various models for different application sizes

What are the different JACE models?

Common JACE models include:

JACE-8000: Older generation, various configurations
JACE-7000: Mid-range controllers
JACE-6000: Entry-level controllers
JACE-9000: Current generation, enhanced features
JACE-3: Compact controllers

Each model has different capabilities, I/O options, and performance characteristics.

What is the difference between JACE and IONA?

See What's the difference between an IONA & a JACE controller for detailed comparison.

Access and Connectivity

How do I access my JACE?

Access Methods:

Web Interface: http://[JACE-IP-ADDRESS]
Workbench: Connect via Niagara Workbench
Serial Shell: Access via serial port (see How to gain access to the Serial Shell on a JACE)

What are the default credentials?

Default credentials are typically:

Username: admin
Password: admin

Important: Change default credentials immediately after first login. See What are the default credentials of a JACE for details.

I can't connect to my JACE. What should I do?

Troubleshooting Steps:

Network Connectivity: Verify network connectivity (ping test)
IP Address: Verify JACE IP address is correct
Firewall: Check firewall settings
Service Status: Verify JACE services are running
Serial Access: Use serial access if network unavailable
Factory Reset: Consider factory reset if needed (see related topics)

For detailed troubleshooting, see platform login troubleshooting guides.

How do I find my JACE's IP address?

Methods:

Network Scanner: Use network scanning tools
DHCP Server: Check DHCP server lease table
Serial Access: Access via serial shell and check network configuration
Workbench Discovery: Use Workbench discovery feature
Default IP: Check if JACE has factory default IP

Configuration and Setup

How do I configure network settings?

Configuration Methods:

Web Interface: Configure via web interface Settings
Workbench: Configure via Workbench connection
Serial Shell: Configure via serial shell commands
DHCP: Use DHCP for automatic configuration

For detailed instructions, see network configuration guides.

How do I perform a factory reset?

Factory Reset Methods:

Web Interface: Factory reset option in Settings
Serial Shell: Factory reset commands via serial
Physical Reset: Hardware reset button (if available)
Platform Reset Token: Use reset token (see How to generate a platform reset Token)

Warning: Factory reset erases all configuration. Backup configuration before reset.

How do I restore connectivity after factory reset?

After factory reset, network configuration is lost. See How to restore connectivity on older JACE8000s after performing a Factory Reset for restoration steps.

Security

How do I change the default password?

Password Change:

Login: Login with default credentials
User Settings: Navigate to User Settings or Administration
Change Password: Select change password option
Enter New Password: Enter and confirm new password
Save: Save password changes

Best Practice: Change password immediately after first login.

How do I configure firewall rules?

See How to configure a manual firewall entry on a JACE9000 for detailed firewall configuration instructions.

What security best practices should I follow?

Security Best Practices:

Change Defaults: Change all default credentials immediately
Strong Passwords: Use strong, complex passwords
Firewall: Configure firewall rules appropriately
Updates: Keep firmware updated
Access Control: Limit access to authorised personnel
Monitoring: Monitor access and system logs
Backup: Regular configuration backups

Troubleshooting

My JACE is not responding. What should I do?

Troubleshooting Steps:

Power Check: Verify power is connected and LED indicators
Network Check: Check network connectivity
Serial Access: Try serial shell access
Service Status: Check service status via serial
Reboot: Try rebooting JACE
Factory Reset: Consider factory reset as last resort

How do I access serial shell?

See How to gain access to the Serial Shell on a JACE for detailed serial access instructions.

I've forgotten my password. How do I reset it?

Password Recovery Options:

Reset Token: Generate and use platform reset token (see How to generate a platform reset Token)
Factory Reset: Perform factory reset (erases all configuration)
Serial Access: Use serial shell if available
Support: Contact support for assistance

How do I check JACE status and health?

Status Checking Methods:

Web Interface: Status page in web interface
Workbench: System monitor in Workbench
Serial Shell: Status commands via serial
SNMP: SNMP monitoring if configured
Logs: Review system logs

Performance and Capacity

How many points can a JACE support?

Point capacity varies by:

JACE Model: Different models have different capacities
License: License determines maximum capacity
Application Complexity: Complex applications reduce capacity
Memory: Available memory affects capacity

Check JACE model documentation for specific capacity limits.

How do I monitor JACE performance?

Monitoring Methods:

System Monitor: Use Workbench system monitor
Web Interface: Performance metrics in web interface
SNMP: Configure SNMP monitoring
Logs: Review performance-related logs
Third-Party Tools: Use third-party monitoring tools

My JACE is running slowly. What can I do?

Performance Optimisation:

Memory Check: Check memory usage and allocation
Point Count: Review point count vs. capacity
Application Review: Review custom applications
Driver Optimisation: Optimise driver configurations
Firmware Update: Update to latest firmware
Resource Monitoring: Monitor CPU and memory usage

Licensing

How do I check my JACE license?

License Checking:

Web Interface: License information in Settings
Workbench: License information in Station properties
Serial Shell: License commands via serial
Platform Services: Check platform license service

How do I update my license?

License Update:

Obtain License: Obtain new license file or key
License Import: Import license via web interface or Workbench
License Activation: Activate license if required
Verification: Verify license is active and valid

What happens if my license expires?

License Expiration:

Functionality: Some features may stop working
Access: Access may be limited
Renewal: License renewal required
Support: Contact support for license renewal

Maintenance

How often should I backup my JACE?

Backup Frequency:

Regular Backups: Weekly or monthly regular backups
Before Changes: Backup before major configuration changes
After Changes: Backup after successful configuration
Automated Backups: Configure automated backups if available

How do I backup my JACE configuration?

Backup Methods:

Workbench: Export Station via Workbench
Web Interface: Backup option in web interface
File System: Backup configuration files (advanced)
Platform Tools: Use platform backup tools

How do I update JACE firmware?

Firmware Update:

Obtain Firmware: Download firmware from Tridium
Backup: Backup current configuration
Update Method: Use web interface or Workbench update
Follow Instructions: Follow firmware update instructions carefully
Verify: Verify update completed successfully

Warning: Firmware updates can affect configuration. Backup before updating.

Additional Resources

JACE Product Documentation
Niagara Framework Documentation
Tridium Technical Support
Tyrrell Products Support Resources