In this tutorial FACTS controllers are examined which are currently commercially available, or could be developed in the short term using currently available hardware - conventional FACTS controllers. The distinguishing feature of conventional FACTS controllers, compared to advanced FACTS controllers, is that the former are based on the use of conventional thyristors, i.e. thyristors relying on natural commutation. We will examine advanced FACTS controllers - controllers based on turn-on, turn-off semiconductors - in the next tutorial.