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Frequently Asked Questions

General

Value-added resellers

Interoperability

LON and BACnet



General

Does ASI have a Web-based solution?   Yes, ASI WebLink front end software enables monitoring and control using a browser connected to the control system over the Internet, a WAN or LAN, or on a local PC. WebLink supports both HTTP and HTTPS/SSL, the Internet standard for secure browsing. WebLink is an OPC Client, supporting OPC-DA standards. WebLink communicates to ASI control systems via the ASI LinkOPC OPC Server, and can serve as a front end for other OPC enabled systems using compatible OPC Servers.  

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 and Etherlink device. 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 conform to FCC and CE requirements, and are UL Listed

Are ASI Controls products limited to HVAC applications?   No. Although HVAC control is the primary solution offered by ASI resellers, ASIC/2 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.

See the ASI Controls Solutions page for more success stories about control applications relying on ASI Controls products

What communications options does ASI support?   ASI control systems can be networked 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/2 and SINC/3 configurable controllers can also directly initiate modem dialout to provide a low cost connectivity option.


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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 send us an email, or enter your name, company, email address or phone number, and location on this web page.

Does ASI compete with resellers?  No. ASI only sells 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 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?  Resellers coming to ASI after carrying a competitor's line often tell us that we have one of the easiest controller configuration interfaces in the industry. ASI Visual Expert offers drag-and-drop programming, real-time data displays, generation of documentation, reusable logic sequences, and much more.

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 resllers, 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 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.


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Interoperability

Which protocols does ASI support?   At the controller level we use the ASI Controls protocol, which has been in use since 1987. ASI's communication protocol is highly efficient and field tested, it transfers data over a simple RS-485 twisted pair or Ethernet.

ASIC/2 configurable controllers can also serve as Modbus RTU master on the local bus.

OPC, the standard protocol in industrial automation applications, is used at the network level.

Why OPC?   OPC is a widely supported, vendor-neutral, and open set of standards for data exchange. OPC enables Interoperable solutions, whether moving data between devices on different industrial networks from different vendors, or moving information vertically from the control system through the Enterprise.

OPC was designed to create Interoperability amongst industrial automation manufacturers, and OPC has become the automation data exchange standard because it has remained strictly focused on enabling Interoperability. OPC is now in it's third generation, and it delivers high-performance, scalable and reliable Interoperability.

Wide support for OPC gives customers the freedom to choose amongst multiple vendors, utilizing proven high-performance technologies. Ongoing development of OPC is supported through the OPC Foundation, with over 300 member companies.

Notable quotes:

  • "OPC permits true plug-and-play compatibility among hardware and software products across the full spectrum of automation vendors, devices and systems" - Terry Hoffman, Johnson Controls Marketing Manager for Global Products, OPC: Raising the Bar in Factory, Office Interoperability (local cached copy)
  • "OPC gives us the built-in compatibility with other systems and third-party software that our customers want. It is the industry standard for bringing real-time alarm and historical data into the Microsoft environment" - Gary Kohrt, director of Systems Engineering, Johnson Controls, OPC: Raising the Bar in Factory, Office Interoperability (local cached copy)

    • What other OPC enabled control system products are available?   In addition to ASI Controls, a partial list of vendors providing OPC enabled control system products includes: Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Trane, Geystec (OPC Server for LonTalk™ systems), SCADAengine.com (OPC Server for BACnet, Trane systems), Matrikon, Invensys Systems, Rockwell Software, Tridium and others...

    Where can I learn more about OPC?   The OPC Foundation website is a good place for general information about OPC. Check the website for the latest newsletter, and press releases.

    Does ASI support gateways?   Gateways are available, including "dual-driver" models from EXOR. Gateways can be an inferior solution compared to OPC because Gateways require mappings between data streams in different protocols. There is not always a one-to-one correspondence between the objects or methods used in different protocols, and it is cost-prohibitive to write a gateway to handle every possible communication context.


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    LON and BACnet

    Does ASI support LON?  While ASI does not support the LON protocol, the ASI WebLink front end software and ASI Controls systems can interoperate with LON systems using OPC.

    Are all LON products compatible?  LON-based controller configuration data is accessible using network plug-ins, proprietary programs that communicate with the controller using the LonWorks protocol. The devices are interoperable only to the extent that the vendor or installer makes available the detailed External Information File (XIF file) to indicate the inputs and outputs exposed to the network. For configurable or free programmed devices, interoperability relies on knowing the definitions of custom network variables. If that information is not well documented or freely available from the original installer it can be difficult and/or expensive to interoperate with the system.

    Does ASI support BACnet?   While ASI does not support the BACnet protocol, the ASI WebLink front end software and ASI Controls systems can interoperate with most BACnet systems using OPC.

    There is no widely used vendor-independent BACnet user interface client on the market. However, there are many vendor-neutral OPC Client front ends (including WonderWare InTouch and products from Iconics, Rockwell Automation, Matrikon and others). Through more than fifteen years in the field the ASI protocol has proven to be fast, efficient, and scalable.

    Can ASI systems Interoperate with BACnet and LON systems?   ASI Controls systems can integrate with BACnet and/or LON subsystems by using the appropriate BACnet or LON OPC Server on a separate communication bus. The ASI LinkOPC server communicates to and from ASI Control products. The ASI Weblink OPC Client can access data from multiple OPC servers, and can exchange date between the sub-systems.

    Are BACnet and LON systems always interoperable?   While BACnet and LON systems are designed to be interoperable, implementation details determine the extent of interoperability. As a customer you should make sure your vendor does not leave you with a BACnet or LON system that is for all practical purposes a proprietary system. Vendors may seek to ensure that they are the preferred provider in the future by not publishing details on custom objects and/or not making needed control points available outside the vendor's network.

    You can help ensure you have options in the future by requiring your vendor to tell you up front what control points will be available using open interoperability standards like OPC, and to fully document all non-standard objects created in your system. Interoperability should enable you to choose from multiple providers when you need to upgrade or grow your control system, you should not be locked into a single vendor.

    Does BACnet have limitations?   Since it is a polling protocol BACnet can run into congestion issues if it is used as the controller-level communications protocol. In a system with a large number of points the traffic generated by the polling approach can result in message collisions, causing system degradation.

    Does LON have limitations?   Each LON device is limited to 63 System Network Variables (SNVTs). SNVTs are required for communication between devices or to the user interface. A configurable controller with multiple inputs and outputs can run out of SNVTs, requiring a less cost-effective configuration to meet LON communications limits.


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