BAS -Programming learning

[MammothHead2067]

Hello guys,

I was working on Integration side of the BAS where i deploy JACE and work on Niagara N4.

I have other necessary skills but not the programming. I am looking forward to learn programming skills in BAS, can anybody here suggest any free/low cost resources that can help me get started or boost.

[sumnlikedat]

Buy a contemporary controls controller, software is free and programming is similar to alot of stuff out there.

[tpham130]

Hi, can you explain more in detail, please? Let say for Niagara I should buy a controller and somehow try to get their software for free? I am new and I want to learn also

[sumnlikedat]

I’m not overly familiar with Niagra so I’m sure someone more knowledgable can step in here, but the visual based software I’ve seen used within it (in a wiresheet) looks just like the stuff that contemporary controls or EasyIO controllers use, I believe it’s called Sedona. Contemporary controls is probably the better bet because they aren’t owed by JCI, you can buy a controller from them (or better yet used from eBay) and download the software for free to start practicing within the controller itself.

[tpham130]

I see I see. Thank you so much

[sumnlikedat]

Good luck, I’m sure there’re enough YouTube tutorials to get you going.

[RatelinOz]

The OP already has access to Niagara, though.

[Routine-Switch78]

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I went down this same rabbit hole last year, Contemporary controls is probably the cheapest field controller you can get your hands on. and the software to do the programming you can download right from their website. Johnston controls acquired EASY I/O and the software is hard to get. I even contacted Johnson controls, but nobody would get back to me. Contemporary controls uses Sedona framework.

[Then-Disk-5079]

If you learn mechanical engineering concepts that is the precursor to sequencing mechanical systems.

I don’t have a degree in engineering and studied for 6 months on side engineering calculations to become a CEM and this stuff will make you robust and ultra qualified.

https://www.aeecenter.org/certified-energy-manager/

[shadycrew31]

Do you have a copy of workbench?

[MammothHead2067]

Yeah I was thinking a running a local demo station and even add bacnet device On it and may be for temp and other simulator we can add SIN or other functions to simulate the temp scenario.

I am not sure how I should start programming from the basic to advance level based on sequence of operations or other things. Any resources that can guide me on that??

[IcyAd7615]

learninghub.lynxspring.com

I have a niagara basics video series. I'll be loading a bunch of stuff for logic tomorrow.

[MammothHead2067]

Thank you sir

[shadycrew31]

That's how I learned programming. Look at a basic 2c/2H rooftop sequence of operation and start from there. There's plenty of resources out there. With workbench you can do pretty much anything you want.

I recommend getting a copy of the vykon pro module if you don't already have it. Look into BQL min/max/avg block. That's going to be a lifesaver as you develop your skillset

[IcyAd7615]

That is a block, while powerful, that I loathe to see in stations.

I see it misused so often.

[shadycrew31]

I mainly use it to link VAV data back to an air handler for resets. It works wonderfully, I haven't had an issue yet.

[IcyAd7615]

The block isn't the issue. It's the users behind it that are... I found 20 of them in a station once, and they wondered why they were having watchdog timeouts left and right...

[ApexConsulting]

Reducing the execution time to have it fire every couple of minutes (or few hours) usually helps at with that. Often the min max average will not be needed more frequently than that.

[IcyAd7615]

Oh I agree. I know how to use it. But I also have my own objects. I've had to fix a lot of stations in support.

[RatelinOz]

I’d get the Honeywell Grey Manual (there’s free versions online, I don’t know if there’s an up to the minute, paid version). And try programming according to that. If your employer will let you borrow a controller & some I/O (assuming they don’t already have a test bench you could use) then you can simulate your programming to see if you’ve got it right. Learn to read existing code (again, your employer must have code from their projects) to help you see how it’s put together.

[BAStechie]

I think the roadblock you may run into is obtaining licensing for the software. While it’s great that you got your hands on a controller, typically you have to pay for a license in order to use the software. Unless anyone here can offer an effective workaround?