We typically hold four Advanced Training Classes a year, as demand dictates from the VAR base. The normal frequency is February/March, June, August and November/December. These classes usually are three-days in length, running from Tuesday to Thursday. This page will provide an overview of the WebLink version of the class.
ASI Controls does not hold any training classes at our Office in San Ramon, California. Instead, we bring the training class to you. When we hold an Advanced Class, we try to choose a location that is easy to get to, and with a good full-service Hotel for lodging. We try to stay as close to the airport as possible, to minimize the need for hired transportation. The Class is held in the Hotel itself in one of their meeting rooms.
We encourage everyone who is attending to arrive at the training site the night prior to the class. Most attendees will fly to the site, but if you are close enough to drive, we still encourage you not to arrive the morning of the class, so you can be ready to go on time. The class will be wrapped by 3:00 PM on the final day, so you can make your travel arrangements accordingly. If you have to leave the class earlier than 3:00 PM because of your arrangements, that is okay.
Please review the page on travel tips to make sure your experience is as pleasant as possible.
ASI Controls will provide a continental breakfast each morning of the class. We will also provide two breaks a day, to be taken in and around the training room.
Lunch will also be provided, which is generally held in the Hotel. If there are locations close by enough to walk to, we may leave the Hotel for lunch.
ASI Controls will host dinner all but the last night of the class. You are not obligated to attend, but we are happy to have everyone be our guest. We will arrange transportation for the whole class to the restaurant.
Below are the general details that apply to the class itself.
This course is intended for customers who have completed Essential Training and would like to learn more about the building and designing of ASI WebLink 3 projects.
ASI WebLink 3 is a web-based graphical user interface, that can replace more complicated pieces of software. It is an OPC client, and features a built-in console editor. Students will learn how to design ASI WebLink projects, build webviews, write some simple JavaScript for animation purposes, and configure the ASI OPC Server.
Some time will also be spent on network design criteria, and how it relates to successful project completion. A simple networking demonstration will show how to deploy a router, a PC and an EtherLink/2 to complete an ASI WebLink installation that is adaptable to most customer needs.
The Advanced Training course costs $750 and includes an ASI Weblink 3 development license for in house use. If you already have an ASI WebLink 3 development license, the cost is $500.
An acceptable candidate for this program should have completed the Essential Training course or have equivalent experience. Participants in the course are expected to provide their own hardware, including a Windows XP Pro or Vista PC with a free RS-232 port and CD drive, as well as an ASIC/1 and ASIC/2 controller with power supplies, communication cables, etc. If you have a training kit from a recent Essential Training session, this should have all of the hardware you need (except the PC).
We also recommend bringing an external mouse, since most people can navigate faster with an external mouse than the built-in pointing device(s) on a portable PC.
The class begins at 8:30 AM each day. We take a break in the morning around 10:30, and then continue until noon. We take an hour for lunch, and then reconvene at 1:00 PM. We take an afternoon break around 2:30 PM, and finish up at 4:30 PM. We generally meet around 5:45 to go to dinner.
Welcome and introduction
Installation of ASI WebLink 3 software
Installation of GFX Graphics Library
Configuring the ASI OPC Server
Creation of new WebLink project
Creation of new webviews
Getting first live point working
Installation of new class WebLink project
Discussion on WebLink project design ideas
Establishing a template webview
Beginning to build webviews
Continuation of first webview
Building a Schedule Page
Simple navigation using buttons
Creating Menu Bars using JavaScript
Using JavaScript in WebLink
Overview of WebLink toolbars and menubars
Project archiving and restoration
Overview of trending and reporting in WebLink
Receiving alarms from ASIC/2 controllers
Emailing and text messaging of alarms
Building private networks for a WebLink deployment