Sedona Framework Helping Create a Truly Open Controller
Developed by Tridium Inc., Sedona Framework is a software environment designed to make it easy to build smart, networked, embedded devices which are well suited for implementing control applications. The Sedona language is a component-oriented programming language similar to Java or C#. By utilizing this language, custom components can be developed and assembled into applications. The Sedona Framework trademark is owned by Tridium, Inc. but can be used by acknowledging the owner. More importantly, the Sedona Framework technology is available to the public under an Academic Free License granted by the licensor-Tridium, Inc. A licensee is allowed worldwide, royalty-free and non-exclusive use of the technology. For those who want to be part of the Sedona Community, software and documentation is available for download from sedonadev.org. Contemporary Controls is a community member and views this technology as the best hope in creating a truly open controller.
Sedona Framework is a component-oriented programming language. Using Niagara Workbench or a Sedona tool, such as Contemporary Controls' Sedona Application Editor, components are assembled onto wire sheets creating applications. This language is ideally suited for graphical representation of control strategies. It has a similar look-and-feel to the popular Niagara Framework™ and it is IP-based. Those with experience with Niagara Framework will have no problem understanding Sedona Framework. For those without Niagara experience, the graphical representation of components linked on a wire sheet to create applications is intuitive and can be easily learned with a minimum of training.
As a Sedona developer, Contemporary Controls has produced several products Built on the Sedona Framework and participated in Tridium's Sedona certification program. The BASremote is Sedona 1.2 certified and the BAScontrol series utilizes similar technology. In addition to developing custom Sedona components that complement those developed by Tridium, Contemporary Controls has developed a Java-based Sedona tool called Sedona Application Editor (SAE) for those individuals who do not have access to Niagara Workbench and need to program Sedona devices. All that is needed are the suitable kits and manifests for the connected Sedona device. Contemporary Controls provides the necessary kits and manifests for its series of Sedona products with the SAE download. For those using Contemporary Controls' BAScontrol series of Sedona controllers, a Sedona Project Backup and Restore (SPBR) utility is available that not only archives Sedona application programs but controller configurations as well in order to have a complete project backup. More can be learned by visiting the Technical Support pages for the various Sedona products.
To understand more about how Sedona Framework can be used to create an open controller, please read our white paper Creating an Open Controller Using Sedona Framework.
Interesting in receiving updates about our latest Sedona developments, including updates about the SAE? Click here to join our Sedona Community.
BASremote
The BASremote is versatile in that it is both a Sedona controller and Modbus to BACnet gateway. Up to 30 Modbus serial devices can be connected to the BASremote. Modbus device profiles for common Modbus devices are available from Contemporary Controls.
BAScontrol Series
The BAScontrol series, now with firmware 3.1, includes 20 and 22-point unitary controllers with a direct connection to an IP/Ethernet network. Ideally suited for structured wiring systems, the BAScontrol series is BACnet/IP compliant with a B-ASC device profile. With its resident Sedona Virtual Machine, each unit can function as a freely-programmable Sedona Framework controller.
Sedona Application Editor
Java-based program used to develop and store Sedona Framework applications. Compatible with BAScontrol and BASremote series by including appropriate platforms, kits and manifests. Also included is a SVM-PC that functions as a Sedona device on your PC that can be freely programmed by the editor.
Sedona Project Backup and Restore
Java-based utility program used to backup and restore Sedona projects created for Contemporary Controls' BAScontrol series of Sedona controllers. Not only does this program backup the Sedona application, but controller configurations as well.
Creating an Open Controller with Sedona Framework
White Paper: Creating an Open Controller with Sedona Framework, which promotes Sedona Framework as the best hope for creating a truly open controller based upon readily available technology and a Sedona community of developers and integrators.
Presentation: Built on the Sedona Framework™ — Using Sedona to Create an Open Controller", which demonstrates the simplicity of creating Sedona applications by non-programmers, the abundance of component types available for use and an introduction to Sedona Application Editor.
Using Sedona Components and Kits
Presentation: Understanding Sedona 1.2 Components
Application Note: Sedona 1.2 Component Descriptions
Application Note: Using Sedona 1.2 Components from Tridium's Kits
Info Sheet: Component Descriptions for the Contemporary Controls' HVAC Kit
Info Sheet: Component Description for the Contemporary Controls' Math Kit
Info Sheet: Understanding Sedona Kits and Kit Manifests
Using Niagara Workbench as a Sedona Tool
To use Niagara Workbench as a Sedona Tool your computer must have a copy of either Workbench 3.7 or 3.8 and must also have a proper installation of Sedona Framework and a Component Bundle-both available via the links below.
- Adding Sedona Framework to the Workbench Tool
- Adding Component Bundles to the Workbench Tool
A Sedona controller has a particular personality that describes its features and capabilities. In the jargon of Sedona Framework, a controller is described by its Platform, Kits ? consisting of components ? and Manifests. We simply use the term Kits to describe this personality and the term Component Bundle to indicate what actually must be loaded into the Workbench tool so that the tool understands the personality of the Sedona controller to which it is connected. The Component Bundle contains Tridium 1.2.28 release kits, Contemporary Controls hardware-independent kits, Contemporary Controls hardware-dependent kits, and comes as a zip file referenced by a version number. As more capabilities are added to Sedona controllers in the form of additional kits or revised kits, a new Component Bundle will be created that reflects the capabilities of current and former versions of Sedona controllers. The component bundle version number will then be incremented. To install a component bundle into the Workbench tool follow the instructions in the video entitled Installing Sedona Framework and Kits.
Free Download: Component Bundle 1.0.40 for BAScontrol20 versions 3.0.25 or greater and BASremote versions 3.4.8 or greater.* Includes Tridium release kits, BAScontrol20 kits, BAScontrol22 kits, BASremote kits, CControls_Function kit, CControls_HVAC kit, CControls_Math kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls Function 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom functional components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls HVAC 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom HVAC components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls Math 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom math components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
*Note: Do not unzip file. File must remain zipped to function.
The Niagara Workbench tool can be used to create wire sheets on a Sedona compliant controller such as the BASremote or the BAScontrol series assuming Sedona Framework is installed in the tool. If in Workbench you can do a File > Open > Open Device operation then Sedona is installed. If not, you can install Sedona Framework into Workbench by following the instructions in our video entitled Installing Sedona Framework and Kits.
The Niagara Workbench tool may come with different names depending upon where the product was obtained. Sedona Framework is provided on one zip file and can be loaded into Workbench versions 3.8 or 3.7. There are different installs for each version so make sure you download the proper version for your tool. Watch the video and follow the instructions. Once Sedona Framework is installed go to the second step in the process entitled Adding Component Bundles to the Workbench Tool below.
Free Download: Sedona Framework TXS bundle for Workbench 3.7.*
Free Download: Sedona Framework TXS bundle for Workbench 3.8. *
*Note: Do not unzip file. File must remain zipped to function.
Installing Sedona Framework and Kits
Demonstrates a simple method for installing Sedona Framework and component kits using Workbench 3.7 or 3.8. (3:28)
Accessing a Sedona Device Using Workbench
This video demonstrates how to access a Sedona wire sheet within the BASremote using version 3.7 (or later) of Tridium's Niagara Workbench or a compatible tool. The video demonstrates the use of the Sedona Palette and a Sox connection session. (3:35)
BAScontrol Series – Saving and Restoring Sedona Programs
Shows how to use Niagara Workbench or a similar tool to create, save and restore a simple Sedona program running on a BAScontroller. (5:22)
Using Workbench as a Sedona Tool
Using Sedona Application Editor (SAE) as a Sedona Tool
Sedona Application Editor
The Sedona Application Editor (SAE) allows graphical development of control applications for Sedona devices like Contemporary Controls' BAScontrol Series and BASremote. SAE is available for download from Contemporary Controls' website. Included with the download is a Sedona Virtual Machine (SVM) that runs on your PC so that you can experience the simplicity of developing Sedona applications with SAE without first needing to purchase a Sedona controller.
Instruction Sheet: Getting Started with the Sedona Application Editor
- Adding Component Bundles to the Sedona Application Editor
A Sedona controller has a particular personality that describes its features and capabilities. In the jargon of Sedona Framework, a controller is described by its Platform, Kits ? consisting of components ? and Manifests. We simply use the term Kits to describe this personality and the term Component Bundle to indicate what actually must be loaded into the SAE tool so that the tool understands the personality of the Sedona controller to which it is connected. The Component Bundle contains Tridium 1.2.28 release kits, Contemporary Controls hardware-independent kits, Contemporary Controls hardware-dependent kits, and comes as a zip file referenced by a version number. As more capabilities are added to Sedona controllers in the form of additional kits or revised kits, a new Component Bundle will be created that reflects the capabilities of current and former versions of Sedona controllers. The component bundle version number will then be incremented. To install a component bundle into the SAE tool follow the instructions in the video entitled SAE Part 7: Using the Kit Manager.
Free Download: Component Bundle 1.0.40 for BAScontrol20 versions 3.0.25 or greater and BASremote versions 3.4.8 or greater.* Includes Tridium release kits, BAScontrol20 kits, BAScontrol22 kits, BASremote kits, CControls_Function kit, CControls_HVAC kit, CControls_Math kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls Function 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom functional components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls HVAC 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom HVAC components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
Free Download: Component Bundle CControls Math 3.1.0 hardware-independent kit of additional custom math components for Sedona 1.2.28 platform controller.* Offered as an individual kit.
*Note: Do not unzip file. File must remain zipped to function.
SAE Part 1: Introduction Video (8:50)
Introduction to the Sedona Application Editor (SAE) which allows graphical development of control applications for Sedona devices like Contemporary Controls' BAScontrol Series and BASremote.
SAE Part 2: Variable Types Video (6:48)
This video introduces users to the different variable types in the Sedona Application Editor (Boolean, Float, Integer and Long) and how to connect variable components together.
SAE Part 3: Logic Kit Video (9:07)
This video introduces users to the different components located within the Logic Kit in the Sedona Application Editor (And2, And4, ASW, B2P, etc.) and how they work with other components.
SAE Part 4: Math Kit Video (9:11)
This video introduces users to the different components located within the Math Kit in the Sedona Application Editor (Round, MinMax, Neg, Add2 etc.) and how they work with other components.
SAE Part 5: Timers and Counters Video (13:28)
This video introduces users to the different timers and counters available through SAE. When combined with other components in the logic, function and math kits, just about any time-critical routine can be implemented.
SAE Part 6: HVAC Kit Video (13:24)
This video introduces users to the different components located within the HVAC kit in SAE. The video provides explanations as to what the components in the HVAC kit are as well as example applications created using the components.
SAE Part 7: Introduction to the Kit Manager Video (9:37)
This video introduces users to the Kit Manager and details how to install and uninstall custom kits.
Using BASbackup as a Sedona Tool for the BAScontrol Series
Using the Sedona Project Backup and Restore Utility
BASbackup-our Sedona Project Backup and Restore utility-has been updated to simplify the backup and restore operations of BAScontrol Series controllers. Usually Workbench is used to save Sedona application files but with BASbackup saving and restoring can now be accomplished without the need of Workbench. All BAScontrol Series configuration files-not just Sedona application files-can now be saved in one simple zip file for easy project retention and recovery.
- Adding Component Bundles to the BASbackup - Sedona Project Backup and Restore Utility
A Sedona controller has a particular personality that describes its features and capabilities. In the jargon of Sedona Framework, a controller is described by its Platform, Kits and Manifests. We simply use the term Kits to describe this personality and the term Component Bundle to indicate what actually must be loaded into the BASbackup tool so that the tool understands the personality of the Sedona controller to which it is connected. The Component Bundle contains components for all Contemporary Controls' Sedona controllers and comes as a zip file referenced by a version number. As more capabilities are added to Sedona controllers in the form of additional kits or revised kits, a new Component Bundle is created that reflects the capabilities of current and former versions of Sedona controllers. The component bundle version number is then incremented. To install a component bundle into the BASbackup simply replace the existing component bundle located in the BASbackup directory.
Free Download: Component_Bundle_BASC_1.0.40 for BAScontrol20/22 versions 3.0.25 or greater.*
*Note: Do not unzip. File must remain zipped to function.
Using Sedona Framework-BASbackup Sedona Project Utility
Provides a convenient way of saving and restoring a BAScontrol project to a desktop or laptop computer. (6:26)