Your AAM System Isn't Dead.
But It's On Borrowed Time.
American Auto-Matrix systems are reaching end-of-life. The company has moved on. Your original integrator probably has too. We haven't.
Talk to an AAM ExpertStill Running American Auto-Matrix?
You're not alone. Thousands of commercial buildings across the country are running on AAM controllers — SOLOs, SAGEs, STARs, and legacy PUP/PHP networks that were installed 15, 20, even 30 years ago.
These systems worked. They still work, mostly. But here's what you're probably dealing with:
The Parts Problem
- • Controllers are failing, replacements are scarce
- • Prices are 3x what they were five years ago
- • Some components simply don't exist anymore
The Support Problem
- • The company quietly stopped investing in these systems
- • Your original integrator is gone
- • Most contractors say "we don't do that system"
The Knowledge Problem
- • The person who programmed it left a decade ago
- • Documentation is incomplete or missing
- • Nobody on your team knows how to make changes
The Integration Problem
- • New equipment uses BACnet — your system speaks PUP
- • Can't get data into energy management platforms
- • Mobile access? Modern dashboards? Not happening.
We Actually Know AAM
Most contractors look at an American Auto-Matrix system and see a headache. We see a system we've worked on for years.
Controllers
- SOLO Line — DX, GX, GPC, and other variants
- SAGE — Supervisory controllers
- STAR — Network-level controllers
- RCU — Remote control units
Protocols
- PUP — Public Unitary Protocol (SOLO field bus)
- PHP — Protocol for Hierarchical Polling (SAGE networks)
- BACnet Migration — Via Niagara integration
Software
- SoloPro — SOLO configuration tool
- NBPro — Network browser interface
- AutoPilot — Legacy GUI (preserve/modify/migrate)
- SPL Code — SAGE and SOLO programming
Parts & Tools
- Legacy hardware — SOLO, SAGE, STAR, RCU inventory
- Programming tools — Cables, adapters, software
- Replacement components — When you can't find parts, we often can
The Programming Problem
Here's something most contractors won't tell you: AAM systems are deceptively complex.
These aren't simple programmable thermostats. Over the years, your building's sequences have been customized, tweaked, and refined. The logic that controls your HVAC lives inside SAGE and SOLO controllers as SPL code — and extracting it isn't straightforward.
- • Programming is distributed across controllers — not in a central database
- • There's no "export" button to pull your sequences out
- • Many buildings have no documentation of what was programmed
- • If a controller fails, you might lose irreplaceable logic
What We Do
- → Extract and document the SPL code from your existing controllers
- → Reverse-engineer sequences when documentation doesn't exist
- → Preserve your investment by understanding what you have before changing anything
- → Migrate intelligently — we translate your logic to modern platforms, not just rip and replace
This is delicate work. It requires patience, the right tools, and experience with systems most contractors have never touched. This is what we do best.
Your Partner Through the Transition
We're not here to take over. We're here to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Let's be honest: upgrading a building automation system while the building is occupied and operational is hard. Tenants expect comfort. Operations can't stop. And the last thing you need is a 2 AM call because something failed during a cutover.
Whether you're managing the upgrade yourself, working with another contractor, or haven't decided yet — we can be the support team that keeps things running.
We start with a site visit
Before anything else, we come to your building. We walk the mechanical rooms with you. We connect to your AAM system, document what's there, and make sure we understand your operation — not just the equipment, but how your building actually runs.
We establish secure remote access
Once we understand your system, we set up a secure connection (via our DoD-trusted Dispel infrastructure) so we can monitor and respond without waiting for site access. You'll know exactly what we can see and do. No surprises.
We're on call when you need us
During the transition — whether it takes three months or three years — we're available. Programming questions? We're here. Controller acting up? We can look at it remotely. Emergency at 6 PM on a Friday? We answer the phone.
We don't need to be the heroes
We're not trying to be the lead contractor or take credit for the upgrade. If you have a mechanical contractor you trust, we'll work with them. If you have internal staff, we'll support them. Our job is to prevent costly emergencies.
Because here's the truth: The risk isn't the upgrade itself. It's the gap between the old system and the new one. It's the Friday afternoon when a legacy controller decides to fail. It's the sequence that nobody documented ten years ago. That's where we live. That's what we know how to handle.
Three Paths Forward
Every AAM building is different. Some need a full replacement. Some can be upgraded gradually.
Full Migration to Niagara
Best for: Buildings ready to modernize completely
- • Replace AAM controllers with Niagara JACE or Niagara Edge
- • Preserve existing field devices (sensors, actuators, dampers)
- • Convert SPL sequences to modern, maintainable code
- • Mobile access, trending, alarming, native BACnet
Timeline: 2-6 months
Investment: $$$$ — but lasts 20+ years
Hybrid Integration
Best for: Budget constraints or phased plans
- • Niagara supervisor alongside existing AAM
- • Integrate AAM controllers via PUP protocol
- • Modern graphics, alarming, trending on top
- • Replace failing controllers over time
Timeline: 4-8 weeks initial
Investment: $$ — spread over time
Stabilization & Support
Best for: Keeping AAM running a few more years
- • Audit and document existing system
- • Source replacement controllers and parts
- • Remote monitoring and support
- • Develop long-term migration plan
Timeline: Ongoing
Investment: $ — buy time while you plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work on my AAM system if I'm not in New York?
Yes. Most of our work happens remotely. We establish secure access to your BMS and handle programming, commissioning, and support from our offices. For hands-on work (controller replacement, wiring), we either travel or partner with local mechanical contractors.
How much does an AAM upgrade cost?
It depends on building size, number of controllers, and scope. A small office building might be $30-50K for a full migration. A large campus could be $200K+. We provide detailed proposals after our site assessment — no surprises.
Can you preserve my existing sensors and actuators?
Usually, yes. The field devices (temperature sensors, actuators, dampers, VAV boxes) are often fine — it's the controllers and software that need replacement. Reusing field devices significantly reduces cost and disruption.
How long does an upgrade take?
Hybrid integration (Niagara on top of AAM): 4-8 weeks. Full migration (small building): 2-3 months. Full migration (large building/campus): 4-6 months. We can phase work to minimize disruption to building operations.
What if I just need parts?
We can help source AAM controllers and components, but we'll be honest: the supply is drying up, and prices are rising. If you're investing in parts, you should also be planning for eventual migration.
Do you provide documentation?
Absolutely. Every project includes complete as-built documentation — points lists, sequences of operation, network diagrams, user guides. Many AAM buildings have no documentation at all; we fix that.
Related Resources
BACnet Integration →
Learn how BACnet enables modern integration and why it's the migration target for AAM systems.
Remote Services →
Not in NYC? We support AAM systems nationwide through secure remote access.
Other Legacy Systems →
We also specialize in Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Siemens, Trane, and Carrier systems.
Ready to Talk?
If you're running an American Auto-Matrix system and wondering what comes next, let's have a conversation. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest advice from people who know these systems.
Schedule a Discovery Call