For the TG-1000 controller please download our ASI Tiger Controller software. For any other questions please contact us.
ASI Console is a free downloadable application that uses communication via serial port or virtual serial port (USB-serial adapter) to control, configure, and update firmware of ASI devices.
The downloaded file is a ZIP of a folder containing the executable and all supporting resources.
This application is portable. You may copy the entire folder to a memory stick and use it from there (as long as the required .NET framework is installed). You may also move the folder to any convenient location on your hard drive.
ASI Console runs on Windows 10 and 11. The Windows version can be found in Control Panel / System.
ASI Console also requires the use of Microsoft .NET Framework 4 or higher. As of this writing, you can download the latest .NET Framework version from here.
Note that Microsoft .NET framework 4 Client Profile is not correct and won’t work.
Connect a serial null modem cable to the ASI device. A USB cable may also be used. The USB connection requires special drivers, available with complete installation instructions here.
When ASI Console launches, it detects serial ports using the USB drivers. The detected serial ports will be listed on the right of the Home panel. The “Find Controller” button uses this list and only works with devices connected through USB.
When ASI Console launches, it starts on the Home panel.
Figure 2: Home Panel at Application Launch
With a serial null modem or USB cable connected to the computer, select the COM port and baud rate and then click the “Connect” button under the MS-2000 panel, this will list the build information as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Home Panel with MS-2000 Connected
With the Home panel appearing as shown in Figure 3, click the MS-2000 tab near the top of the ASI Console window. The display changes to the MS-2000 panel as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: MS-2000 Panel
When the MS-2000 is connected to the serial port, you can use the buttons to move the stage. Using the text window on the right, you can control and configure the MS-2000 by entering serial commands. There is a list of serial commands and a quick start guide. The MS-2000 manual explains the HOME and ZERO buttons and various other features of the MS-2000. You can set some configuration items by using the buttons, drop-down menu, and text box at the lower right of the MS-2000 panel.
In a similar way, the FW-1000 can be controlled by sending serial commands using the FW-1000 panel.
The panel marked “More…” presents various other ASI product capabilities that you may need to use. At the time of this writing these capabilities include updating MS-2000 firmware and operating the CRISP autofocus device.
Clicking the button “Update firmware…” launches the ASI updater 6 wizard as shown in Figure 5.
After obtaining the needed firmware .HEX file and storing it on your computer, use the Browse button to locate the file. Alternately, you may have received three files with the suffix .H01 .H02, and .H03. Store these all in the same folder. When you browse, you will see only the .H01 file. Select that file. The updater software automatically locates and uses the other two files. Click “Next>”.
Figure 5: ASI Updater 6 Welcome Panel
The drop-down list “Select a COM port” displays all ports available and not currently in use by other applications. If you don’t see your preferred port on the list, then one of the following conditions exist:
Use the drop-down list “Select a product type” when you need to update firmware in a product other than the MS-2000.
Click “Next >”. The “Connect and Load” panel appears.
Figure 6: ASI Updater 6 COM Port and Product Type Panel
If you are using a USB connection, do not turn off the MS-2000. It must stay powered on throughout this procedure.
When you click “Connect…”, a small dialog confirms your request.
Figure 8: Dialog: Erase code?
If the MS-2000 has working firmware in the right state, it will respond to clicking “Connect…” by switching to the display shown
Usually when you click “Yes,” the Connect and Load panel changes right away to look like Figure 9 or Figure 10.
If using a USB connection, do not disconnnect, turn off power, or otherwise interrupt the firmware loading when the panel looks like Figure 10. To do so will make firmware loading impossible with the USB connection.
Figure 9: Connecting…
Figure 10: Connecting…
If the panel looks like figure 9, then do one of two things, depending on what kind of connection you are using:
USB connection: Press the Reset button on the MS-2000 back panel. If this does not work then you have to either use a real serial port or use a serial adapter, e.g., Keyspan™ USA-19HS Serial Adapter. Serial adapters can often be obtained at local stores.
Serial port connection: Turn power off then on again.
Note that as soon as the panel looks like Fogure 10 the firmware is being erased.
If using a USB connection, do not disconnect, turn off power, or otherwise interrupt the firmware loading when the panel looks like Figure 10. To do so will make firmware loading impossible with the USB connection.
If the direct USB connection stops working due to loss of firmware, the Keyspan USB-serial adapter will work.