Control Network Newsletter
BACnet-compliant Open and License-free Controllers Offer Sedona for Education and Building Control Applications
Contemporary Controls' BASautomation open controllers feature BACnet as a communications protocol and Sedona as a license-free function block programming language. Two series of controllers address Unitary control and Micro PC Edge control. Each series is freely programmable using the free BAScontrol Toolset over an Ethernet connection. Pre-built application programs for common HVAC applications are available to speed project development.
BACnet 22-point Unitary Controllers
BAScontrol unitary controllers are ideal for general purpose applications, such as controlling fan coils, heat pumps, lead-lag pump sequences, and constant volume air-handlers and RTUs. All models support BACnet/IP server operation, and newer models support BACnet/IP client functionality. An MS/TP model supports BACnet client/server operation over BACnet/IP or BACnet MS/TP.
BACnet 12-point Cloud Connected Controllers
BASpi-Edge controllers are ideal for standalone or BACnet-supervised automation applications. Powered by Raspberry Pi, the BASpi-Edge brings low-cost computing power and data processing at the edge with BACnet/IP client/server communication over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A secure cloud connection with Azure IoT Central effectively makes any attached equipment a cloud connected asset.
Two models are available—BASPI-E6U6R has six universal inputs and six relay outputs, while the BASPI-E6U4R2A has six universal inputs, four relay outputs, and two analog outputs.
BAScontrol Toolset
Contemporary Controls has developed the BAScontrol Toolset, a free set of Sedona tools operating on a Windows PC, for use with BASautomation controllers. The Toolset includes:
- BASemulator – emulates controller operation on a Windows PC.
- Sedona Application Editor (SAE) – creates function block wiresheet applications in the Sedona environment.
- BASbackup – saves, restores, and replicates real or emulated controller settings and Sedona wiresheet applications.
Pre-built Sedona Applications
Pre-built applications can turn BAScontrol Unitary controllers into an application-specific controllers for:
- Constant Volume Air Handlers
- 2-Pipe or 4-Pipe Fan Coils – the BASpi-Edge (Model BASPI-E6U6R) can be made into a configurable controller for 2-pipe or 4-pipe fan coil applications.
- Constant Volume Heat Pumps
Sedona Programming for Niagara 4 Users
Niagara Workbench™ N4 users can program BASautomation controllers using a licensed N4 Sedona Driver from Sedona community member, Ontrol. Contemporary Controls offers the N4 Sedona Driver for free use with our controllers to deliver a one-tool solution for Niagara N4 (version 4.11 or later).
Sedona Open Control for HVAC Education
BASautomation open controllers provide cost-effective control without licensing restrictions which make them ideal for use in practical classroom/lab environments. The controllers are freely programmable using the BAScontrol Toolset and allow students to configure, test, emulate, and archive controller operation on a Windows PC before using a real controller.
Supervisory Graphical Interface
License-free dashboards are available on the BASpi-Edge controllers. These graphical dashboards can be customized and accessed over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or directly out of the resident HDMI port. A built-in library of graphical widgets, such as gauges, charts, sliders, or buttons, is used to display and/or control BASpi-Edge point values.
For the BAScontrol series, the BASview3 is a stand-alone, embedded, web-based graphical supervisor that provides both BACnet/IP client functionality and control in one package. It can be accessed from any web browser, providing supervisory functionality to any BACnet/IP or Modbus TCP system. Supervisory features include animated graphics, alarming, trending, scheduling, and email notifications.
Contemporary Controls endorses the open control concept and its BASautomation controllers offer open solutions when implementing networked controls in buildings and in training applications. For more information, visit our BASautomation controllers page.