Trend 963 Engineering Manual May 2026

Trend 963 Engineering Manual (Part Number TE200637) is a technical document for engineers to design and configure the Trend 963 Supervisor, a real-time building management system (BMS) interface. Core Content Overview

The engineering manual covers the complete lifecycle of a 963 project, from initial planning to system deployment. Key sections typically include: Getting Started & Installation:

Procedures for standard and specialized installations (e.g., using a Full Version of SQL Server or a Remote SQL Server).

Understanding the 963 directory structure and file management.

Licensing procedures using Crypkey Site Keys and the Information Centre. Engineering Features:

Project Planning: Strategies for building a new 963 project from scratch.

Device Viewer: Setting up the system to automatically learn the network structure and provide device information without manual engineering.

Schematics & Graphics: Designing 24-bit color backdrop pages with live system data, active content (e.g., PDFs, HTML, or URLs), and seven-state graphics.

Security Management: Configuring user access levels and restricted page groups to ensure users only see relevant information. System Variants: 963 Lite: Standalone supervisor for fundamental features.

963 Server/Client: Managing multiple clients over an Ethernet network.

Specialized Protocols: Integrating SNMP for alarm retransmission or SMS Direct for mobile alerts. Critical Technical Documentation trend 963 engineering manual

If you are performing engineering tasks, you may also need these related manuals:

963 User Guide (TC200635): Focused on daily operations and navigation.

963 Installation Instructions: Specific steps for SQL configuration and network setup.

IP Tool Manual (TE200638): For managing IP-based controllers on the network.

Note on Lifecycle: Trend 963 is now considered obsolete, with all official technical support and relicensing scheduled to end as of January 1, 2025. 963 User Guide | PDF | World Wide Web - Scribd

The Trend 963 Engineering Manual is the primary technical guide for configuring and managing the 963 Supervisor, a real-time graphical user interface used in Trend Building Management Systems (BMS). This manual provides essential instructions for engineers to set up system communications, design schematics, and manage building data. Key Sections of the Engineering Manual

Installation & Setup: Detailed procedures for installing the 963 software (typically version 3.73 SP2 or similar) and configuring the required SQL Server database (e.g., SQL Server 2012 R2 Express).

System Engineering: Instructions on how the software "learns" the structure of the building system, allowing tools like the Device Viewer to provide information without extensive manual engineering.

Schematic Design: Guides for creating color graphics pages with 24-bit backdrops and active content (HTML, PDF, XLS), enabling users to monitor and adjust plant services through a visual interface.

Alarm Management: Configuration of alarm panels, routing, and retransmission to ensure critical building events are logged and addressed by the right personnel. Trend 963 Engineering Manual (Part Number TE200637 )

Data Logging & Graphing: Procedures for scheduled recording of data from IQ controllers and generating graphs for any logged value. Important Technical Specs Database: Uses SQL Server for data storage and management.

Compatibility: Supports integration with 3rd-party systems like BACnet via the Trend Open Protocol Server (TOPS).

File Storage: Specific directories are used for animations, backdrops (.bmp), and schematic layouts (.tss). Legacy Status & Security Warning

It is critical for building managers to note that Trend 963 has reached its end of life.

Trend 963 cybersecurity risks: Why you must upgrade now - ABEC

In the Building Management System (BMS) and HVAC industry, "The 963" is legendary. Engineers often refer to the configuration guides or programming manuals simply as the "963 engineering manual" or "the Trend manual."

Here is a feature article exploring the significance, utility, and engineering philosophy behind the Trend 963 system.

Alternative: Request Specific Engineering Details

If you tell me what specific engineering task you need (e.g., “How to wire a 4-20mA sensor to a Trend 963 UI” or “PID tuning parameters”), I can explain the general method used on Trend 9xx controllers, which is derived from public knowledge and common BMS practice.

Let me know how you’d like to proceed.

The Trend 963 engineering manual is the definitive technical resource for configuring and managing the Trend 963 Supervisor, a real-time user interface for Building Management Systems (BMS). While once the industry standard for monitoring HVAC and energy services, the software reached a critical milestone on January 1, 2025, when all official technical support and relicensing ended. Core Functions of the Trend 963 Supervisor including textbooks and reference materials

The 963 system acts as a "head-end" software, providing a centralized control panel for industrial and commercial buildings. According to technical documentation like the 963 Data Sheet, its primary capabilities include:

Real-Time Monitoring: Viewing live environmental conditions, lighting, and HVAC status through customizable 24-bit color schematic pages.

Data Archiving & Trending: Recording logged data from IQ controllers for performance tracking and energy optimization.

Alarm Management: Comprehensive handling, prioritization, and retransmission of alarms via email, SMS, or network printers.

Device Viewer: Automatically learning the system structure to display inputs, outputs, and occupation times without additional engineering. Engineering & Installation Overview

Engineering a 963 system typically involves using drag-and-drop methods to build user interfaces and connect to the IQ network.

System Requirements: Installation usually requires Microsoft SQL Server (e.g., SQL 2012 or 2017) to manage the system database.

Network Integration: It can connect to remote sites over TCP/IP using virtual CNCs or dedicated hardware like the Trend LNC2.

Third-Party Support: Compatibility with the Trend Open Protocol Server (TOPS) allows the 963 to communicate with BACnet devices. Legacy Status and Security Risks

As of early 2025, the Trend 963 is considered obsolete. Continuing to use the system without active support introduces several risks highlighted by experts at ABEC:

Trend 963 cybersecurity risks: Why you must upgrade now - ABEC

B. Modifying Logic

• Use the engineering software’s online edit feature cautiously – changes take effect immediately.
• Always backup the current .t963 file before editing.
• Test complex sequences (e.g., PID loops, scheduling) in simulation mode first.

2. Product Description

• Controller types: Overview of available 963 variants (e.g., standard I/O counts, communication modules).
• Typical applications: AHU control, chiller/boiler plant control, VAV/VVT boxes, energy monitoring.
• Key features: Multi-protocol support, onboard scheduler, trending and alarm capabilities, expandable I/O, secure firmware updates.

4. Library and Educational Institutions

Some engineering and architectural schools have resources, including textbooks and reference materials, that cover building automation systems. University libraries or online databases (e.g., ResearchGate, Academia.edu) might have papers or theses that include information on systems like the Trend 963.