ASI Console

Setting up the ASI Console

ASI Console is for MS-2000 or RM-2000 Controllers Only.

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.

Note: because of recent updates to the ASI Console application to allow use of the application offline, an older installed version on your machine, or parts of it, may not run. This is because of the need for older versions to connect to the internet and compare with the version on our website. We have removed this requirement, and in the process removed the functionality from our website to verify the current version. This was done to better service facilities that have restrictions on computers in laboratories and research settings not allowing internet access.

The resolution is:

1. Uninstall the ASI Console application from your machine using Control Panel -> Programs
2. Download the latest version from this page following the directions above.

This version will not attempt to interact with the internet and should function properly as a stand-alone application.

Download ASI Console

The Download…

The downloaded file is a ZIP of a folder containing the executable and all supporting resources.

Download the ZIP file to a known location.
Unzip the file. This action will produce a folder with the same tittle as the ZIP file.
To run the ASI Console application, enter the folder and double-click on the ASI_Console.exe file.

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.

Installation

ASI Console runs with Windows XP (SP3), Vista, and Windows 7 (SP1). Windows edition and Service pack level 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.

Connecting the Cable

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.

Launching & Connecting

When ASI Console is launched and the host computer is connected to the Internet, a brief event automatically checks for updates and downloads the latest version if needed. This operation, including optional installation, takes only a few seconds and ensures the best possible software performance. This is typical of some Microsoft .NET applications.

Launching ASI Console causes the Home/Exit panel to appear.

Figure 2 Home/Exit Panel at Application Launch

With a serial Null Modem cable connected to the computer, clicking the Connect button under the MS-2000 panel changes the display as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Home/Exit Panel with MS-2000 Connected

Operating the MS-2000

With the Home/Exit 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 commands defined in the MS-2000 Operation and Programming Manual. That document also explains the functions of the HOME and ZERO buttons and all other functions 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 and configured by using the FW-1000 panel.

The “More…” Panel

The panel marked “More…” presents various other ASI product capabilities that you may need to use. At this writing these capabilities include updating MS-2000 firmware and operating the MS-2000 sequencer.

Updating Firmware

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:

The port is in use by another application. Disconnect or exit the other application, and try again.
The connection is a USB virtual serial port implemented by MS-2000′s built-in Silicon Labs USB-serial bridge, and the connection is not ready for use. To be ready for use, the MS-2000 power must be on, the USB cable connected, and the Silicon Labs USB-Serial drivers installed. To download and install the drivers, go here and follow the instructions titled “ASI-branded USB Driver Installation Steps (Choice 1)”.
The port is absent or disabled.

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.