General

• Does ASI have a Web-based solution?
• Are ASI controllers “stand alone”?
• What certifications does ASI have on its controllers?
• Are ASI controls limited to HVAC applications?
• What communications options does ASI support?

Value-Added Resellers

• Can I become an ASI reseller?
• Does ASI compete with resellers?
• Does ASI charge resellers a franchise fee or other up-front cost?
• What are the advantages of being an ASI reseller?

Interoperability

• Which protocols does ASI support?
• Does ASI support BACnet?
• Can ASI systems Interoperate with BACnet and LON systems?
• Does ASI support LON?
• Does ASI support OPC?
• What other OPC enabled products are available?
• Where can I learn more about OPC ?
• Does ASI support gateways?

General

Does ASI have a Web-based solution?
ASI options for control system front ends includes PC-based web servers, a controller-embedded web UI, and color touchscreen operator panels supporting up to 12 inch 800×600 displays. ASI WebLink software enables browser-based monitoring and control of a native ASI Controls system over Internet, WAN, LAN, or on the local console. WebLink supports both HTTP and HTTPS/SSL, the Internet standard for secure browsing. JASIC Web Supervisor provides a web accessible front end for systems with up to 3 networked Integration Controllers, and JASIC series Integration Controllers include a web server for powerful graphical Internet-accessible front ends.

Are ASI controllers “stand alone”?
Each ASI controller is a true Distributed Data Control (DDC) device. All control algorithms, data acquisition, and data storage are local to each device. The controllers can be networked together, with remote access via an Ethernet-ready ASIC/2 or an ASIC/1 with a modem or Etherlink device, or via an JASIC Integration Controller with embedded web server. No front end control device is required to provide information for other controllers to operate.

What certifications does ASI have on its controllers?
Our assembly plant is ISO 9000 certified. ASI controls products conform to FCC and CE requirements, and are UL Listed.

Are ASI Controls products limited to HVAC applications?
HVAC control is the primary control solution provided by ASI resellers, but ASIC/3 configurable controllers have been deployed in building automation, energy management, green building, low-end process control, water distribution, and data acquisition applications. ASI WebLink front end software provides a user interface to monitor and control any OPC enabled system, and ASIC/2 configurable controllers have the power and flexibility to meet almost any control requirements. ASIC/1 pre-programmed controllers come with personalities for HVAC
and lighting control needs.

Read more about the many applications for ASIC products.

What communications options does ASI support?
ASI Controls configurable controllers can serve as Modbus RTU Masters to control a network of Modbus RTU Slave devices. ASI Controls systems can be connected into BACnet networks via BACnet-MS/TP protocol using an JASIC Integration Controller with the Niagara Framework open protocol connectivity options for LON, Modbus, BACnet, OBIX, and other industry standard open protocols. Legacy ASI controllers can be integrated to a BACnet front end using an OPC Server.

ASI offers many options for networking over Ethernet using a USB-Ethernet converter on the ASIC/2-7540 configurable controller, the optional expansion board on the  ASIC/2-8540 configurable controller, or an EtherLink/2 serial-to-Ethernet converter connected to a serial port on any controller. ASI controllers can also be networked together using RS-485.

ASIC/3 and SINC/3 configurable controllers can also directly initiate modem dialout to provide a low cost connectivity option.

Value-Added Resellers

Can I become an ASI reseller?
We welcome new representation in geographic areas where we do not currently have strong representation, or where the types of projects being sought would not conflict with an existing ASI Controls reseller.

Potential ASI Controls Value-Added Resellers (VARs) should have mechanical and electrical engineering or contracting expertise, and have engineering staff with prior experience on digital control systems. Candidates must initially complete an ASI Controls Essential Training course, and periodically maintain their proficiency by participating in 2 day Advanced Training courses. Online training is free. The costs for Essential Training and Advanced Training cover tuition plus hardware and software used in the class.

To find out more information on becoming an ASI reseller you can contact us.

Does ASI compete with resellers?
No. ASI sells only indirectly, through resellers and OEM channels. We do not compete with our reseller or OEM customers.

Does ASI charge resellers a franchise fee or other up-front cost?
ASI Controls does charge Tridium-certified resellers who wish to purchase JASIC Integration Controllers the required Tridium annual licensing fee. If they do not wish to represent Tridium-certified products ASI value-added resellers do not pay fees or other indirect costs to join the network or to maintain their status.

What are the advantages of being an ASI reseller?
We offer a complete line with multiple options for web front ends, tenant afterhours invoicing software, support for standard industry open protocols such as BACnet, LON, Modbus, OBIX, and OPC, and more. Resellers coming to ASI after carrying a competitor’s line often tell us that we have the best support, most cost-effective systems, and one of the easiest controller configuration interfaces in the industry. Our reliability and commitment to customers is second to none.

Instructor-led training is offered both online via web conferencing, and in person through periodic training sessions held around the country. ASI Controls provides lead referral to resellers, and offers sales and marketing support to help our customers close deals. Our resellers can exchange advice, support and feedback through an online community forum.

ASI Controls has been in business for 20 years, producing innovative, reliable and cost-effective products. We pioneered zone level digital controllers. ASI was an early adopter of OPC for interoperability, and continues to innovate today with the JASIC Open Systems Architecture with Niagara Framework, features such as a USB port on the ASIC/2-7540 configurable controller and low-cost Ethernet connectivity.

Join the network of value-added resellers who have discovered the reliability, performance and value of ASI Controls products.

Interoperability

Which protocols does ASI support?
ASI Controls JASIC Open Systems Architecure supports the Tridium Niagara Framework™ for easy connectivity on industry standard open protocols including BACnet™, LON™, Modbus, OBIX™, OPC™ and others.

The ASIC/2-8540-BAC provides a BACnet-MS/TP interface for easy integration to Niagara Framework-compliant networks.

ASIC/3 configurable controllers are capable of serving as Modbus RTU Master on the local bus, to control one or more Modbus RTU Slave devices.

What is the NiagaraAX Framework?
The Tridium NiagaraAX Framework provides a widely supported, vendor-neutral, and truly open set of standards for data exchange.

Does ASI support BACnet?
Yes, ASI Controls provides a range of options for BACnet integration. ASI Controls JASIC Open Systems Architecure supports the Niagara Framework to allow easy connectivity using BACnet-IP or BACnet-MS/TP in either client or server mode. The ASIC/3-9540 supports BACnet-MS/TP at the RS485 level. The ASI WebLink front end software and ASI Controls systems can also interoperate with most BACnet systems using OPC.

Can ASI systems Interoperate with BACnet and LON systems?
Yes, ASI Controls JASIC Open Systems Architecure supports the Niagara Framework and allows easy connectivity using multiple industry standard open protocols including BACnet, LON, Modbus, OBIX, OPC and others. The ASI Weblink OPC Client can access data from multiple OPC servers, and can exchange date between the sub-systems.

Does ASI support LON?
While ASI systems do not use the LON protocol directly our controllers and networks easily integrate with LON systems, either using JASIC Open Systems Architecture with Niagara Framework or by means of an OPC-LON Server.

What other Niagara Framework enabled control system products are available?
In addition to ASI Controls a partial list of vendors providing Niagara Framework enabled control system products includes: Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Alerton, Carrier, Trane, Distech, Solidyne, Vykon, and others…

Where can I learn more about Niagara Framework?
You can read a white paper or visit the Tridium website for more information about Niagara Framework.

Does ASI support gateways?
ASI Controls can work with protocol gateways as needed, but with extensive support for standard open protocols there is often a more cost-effective solution using off the shelf technologies.