Trend 963 Engineering Manual May 2026
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
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
Trend 963 Engineering Manual is the primary technical resource for configuring and managing the Trend 963 Supervisor trend 963 engineering manual
, a graphical real-time user interface used in Building Management Systems (BMS)
. Although the software has reached its end-of-life—with technical support officially ending on January 1, 2025
—the manual remains a critical reference for maintaining existing legacy installations. Core Engineering Objectives
The manual is designed to guide engineers through three primary stages of system deployment: Planning and Installation
: Outlining the requirements for a new 963 project, including directory structures and SQL database setup (typically SQL Server 2012 R2 Express). Site Discovery ("Learning")
: Establishing communication between the 963 software and various Trend devices (IQ1, IQ2, IQ3, and IQ4 series) on the network to map the site's architecture. Project Building
: Enabling the creation of customized schematic pages, alarm handling, and data logging. Key Technical Sections According to the Trend 963 Engineering Course documentation , the manual is organized into several functional sections: Security and User Management
: Details the "Workgroups and Users" structure. It covers the implementation of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for controller adjustments and compliance with 21 CFR Part 11
through "963 Secure," which requires strong passwords and audit trails. Device Viewer
: Instructions on using this tool to monitor live data, digital inputs, and sensor values without additional engineering. It allows engineers to adjust setpoints directly and view multitrace graphs. Schematic Engineering
: Provides a "drag and drop" methodology for building graphical interfaces. Engineers can use backdrops, seven-state graphics (e.g., ON, OFF, Alarm), and active content like PDFs or URLs. Alarm Configuration
: Covers retransmission of alarms via email, SMS (963 SMS variant), or SNMP for IT monitoring systems. Software Variants and Connectivity The Trend 963 engineering manual is the definitive
The manual specifies different configuration paths based on the licensed version: : A standalone supervisor for local monitoring. 963 Server
: Adds client-server functionality, allowing users to access graphics and data via a standard web browser. TOPS (Trend Open Protocol Server) : Facilitates integration with third-party BACnet devices. Current Status and Migration
As the software is now obsolete, newer manuals—such as the Trend IQVISION Data Sheet
—often reference the 963 Engineering Manual in the context of . The IQVISION system includes a System Migration Tool
designed to import device data and schematics directly from legacy 963 projects. migration steps
for moving a 963 project into a modern IQVISION environment?
Trend 963 cybersecurity risks: Why you must upgrade now - ABEC 28 Oct 2025 —
The Trend 963 Engineering Manual is a core technical document used to install, configure, and maintain the Trend 963 Supervisor, a real-time graphical user interface for Building Management Systems (BMS).
However, users should be aware that the Trend 963 software is now obsolete, with all official technical support having ended on January 1, 2025. Core Manual Sections
The manual is typically structured into several key functional areas:
Installation Instructions: Detailed steps for software deployment, including requirements for SQL Server (e.g., SQL Express 2012 R2), network connection procedures, and setup for various Windows versions.
System Configuration: Guidance on setting up the Device Viewer, which allows the system to learn the building structure automatically. Engineering Features: laptop with engineering software (e.g.
Schematic Pages: Creating and managing graphical displays for monitoring building services.
Alarm Management: Configuring alarm priority, routing, and history viewers.
Logged Data: Instructions for graphing and analyzing values from IQ controllers.
Integration: Protocols for connecting to third-party systems like BACnet via the Trend Open Protocol Server (TOPS). Engineering Objectives
The engineering manual aims to help technicians achieve specific operational goals:
963 v3 - Rev3 Eng | Personal Identification Number | Password
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.
6. Direct Request
If you're unable to find the specific manual or paper you're looking for, consider reaching out directly to Honeywell or Trend's customer support or technical services department. They may be able to provide you with the necessary documentation or point you in the direction of a resource that can help.
Scenario 3: Migrating to a Headless Edge Gateway
Today, many site owners want to remove old front-end PCs but keep the field controllers. The manual provides the exact PING and WHO-IS commands to enter via the 963’s serial CLI (Command Line Interface) to verify connectivity with a modern BACnet router.
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.
5. Professional Associations and Societies
Organizations related to engineering, HVAC, and building automation often publish standards, guidelines, and technical papers. Examples include ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers).
3. Key Sections to Bookmark
| Section | Why It’s Important | |---------|---------------------| | Terminal Assignments | Prevents miswiring of sensors/actuators | | Network Termination | Avoids communication dropouts | | Default DIP Switch Settings | Recovers from misconfiguration | | Error Code Table | Fast troubleshooting without guessing | | Flash Update Procedure | Critical for security & bug fixes |
2. Before You Start – Safety & Tools
- Isolate power before handling terminals.
- Use a grounded ESD strap when handling the controller board.
- Required tools: small flathead screwdriver (3mm), RJ45/RS485 adapter, laptop with engineering software (e.g., Trend 963 SET).