AMX DESIGN XPRESS V 1.5 On Site Installer Guide
instruction manual
Design XPress for
NetLinx Studio
version 1.5
Installer’s Guide
Software License and Warranty Agreement
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................1
Overview ........................................................................................................................... 1
Scope of This Document.......................................................................................................... 1
DXP v1.5 System Capabilities........................................................................................... 1
DXP v1.5 Configuration Capabilities ........................................................................................ 2
Supported Subsystems and Equipment ............................................................................ 2
AMX NetLinx Integrated Controllers......................................................................................... 2
AMX Touch Panels .................................................................................................................. 2
MAX Content Servers by AMX ................................................................................................. 3
Lighting..................................................................................................................................... 3
HVAC/Environment .................................................................................................................. 3
Whole House A/V Selection and Distribution ........................................................................... 4
MP3 Players............................................................................................................................. 4
Receivers ................................................................................................................................. 4
User Interfaces......................................................................................................................... 4
Doorphones.............................................................................................................................. 4
Supported integration!Solutions Applications........................................................................... 4
Related Documents........................................................................................................... 5
One Step at a Time ........................................................................................................... 5
Label every wire termination point. .......................................................................................... 5
Don't get ahead of yourself. ..................................................................................................... 5
Use the auto-generated report file as your installation check list. ............................................ 5
The Design XPress Application......................................................................................... 6
Custom Modifications ........................................................................................................ 6
Adding and Modifying Software ............................................................................................... 6
Common Mistakes ................................................................................................................... 6
Understanding the Report File ................................................................................9
Device Addressing ............................................................................................................ 9
Wiring/Connections ........................................................................................................... 9
General Information........................................................................................................... 9
AMX Recommended Equipment List .............................................................................. 10
Installation Instructions.................................................................................................... 10
Using NetLinx Studio .............................................................................................11
Setting Up the Master...................................................................................................... 11
Addressing the System ................................................................................................... 12
Addressing the Devices................................................................................................... 12
esign XPress Installer’s Guide
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Table of Contents
Downloading Software and Transferring Files ................................................................ 13
Using TPDesign3 to Download Panel Pages......................................................................... 13
Transferring Preset Button Text to the Master via FTP.......................................................... 13
Startup.................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix .................................................................................................................15
Address Formats For Supported Lighting Systems ........................................................ 15
Note for ALD-D48 Lighting Systems ...................................................................................... 15
Note for Radia Lighting Systems............................................................................................ 15
Format of IR Files For Audio Sources............................................................................. 16
Channel Map - Function Codes ..................................................................................... 18
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Design XPress Installer’s Guide
Introduction
Overview
Design XPress was designed with the sole purpose of reducing the amount of programming and
integration time required for an installation. Design XPress was designed to give the dealer/installer
a quick start on the custom installations by quickly setting up common controls. For installations
where one install is relatively similar to another, Design XPress can generate 90 - 100% of the
software required.
Design XPress consists of several functional elements:
1. Design XPress application/wizard running on a PC for defining the system
2. NetLinx software generated by the Design XPress application
3. NetLinx Studio application for compiling, managing, and modifying the NetLinx software, as
well as downloading NetLinx files to the master.
4. Auto-generated touch panel files and DMS keypad files
5. Auto-generated text files for CD titles, tuner presets, satellite favorites, etc.
Introduction
Design XPress will generate all of the program and configuration files the installer needs. It will
also generate a report file that contains an equipment list, addresses for all devices in the system, a
device wiring and connection list detailing where the devices should be plugged in, and installation
instructions.
It should be noted that Design XPress can be used by anyone. However, because the software will
be compiled and downloaded using NetLinx Studio, it is highly desirable to be familiar with that
application. Further, a good understanding of the NetLinx programming language is beneficial.
Scope of This Document
This document is intended to help an installer understand how Design XPress operates. By
understanding the basic behavior of the software package the installer can avoid common mistakes
and, therefore, get in and out of a job more quickly. This document will explain the layout of the
system but only at a high level. It will also address the things that should be avoided and the steps
required for installing the system.
DXP v1.5 System Capabilities
Design XPress (DXP) is a Wizard which quickly creates a multi-room control system file set. DXP
generates all required TPD and KPD files along with NetLinx Studio project files. Additionally a
DXP-generated HTML file identifies the specific hardware addressing, baud rates and cabling
configuration required for setting up the control system hardware. All DXP-created files will
operate the control system without further modification. Add only the manufacturer-specific IR
files for each Audio and Video source to complete the control system.
For more customized user interfaces, use TPDesign4 or TPDesign3 to easily customize the Touch
Panel pages and/or buttons to the end-users' preferences in colors and/or button shapes and sizes.
An advanced NetLinx programmer may also use NetLinx Studio to modify The NetLinx source
code for greater customization of the control system.
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Introduction
DXP v1.5 Configuration Capabilities
1-30 Audio Zones
1-8 Audio/Video Sources (MAX by AMX, CD/DVD, CD Changer, DSS, MP3 Players or
Tuners)
1-25 controllable MAX Zones
1-32 DMS Keypads
1-16 Touchpanels
0-32 HVAC Zones (ViewStat ICSNet, ViewStat RS-422 or OPStat)
0-32 SB2 Keypads
0-4 Door Phones (Techlon Instruments, Inc. or Generic I/O based)
0-24 Video Inputs
Supported Subsystems and Equipment
Design XPress (v1.5) supports the following subsystems and equipment:
AMX NetLinx Integrated Controllers
NI-2000
NI-3000
NI-4000
NXC-ME260/64
AMX Touch Panels
G4 Firmware Panels:
MVP-7500: Wireless Panel
MVP-8400: Wireless Video Panel
NXT/NXD-CV7: 7" Touch Panel with video
NXT/NXD-CA12: 12" Touch Panel
NXT/NXD-CV12: 12" Touch Panel with video
NXT/NXD-CA15: 15" Touch Panel
NXT/NXD-CV15: 15" Touch Panel with video
NXT/NXD-CV17: 17" Touch Panel with video
The nomenclature " NXT" indicates the table-top (tilt) model, and "NXD" represents
the wall-mount version.
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Design XPress Installer’s Guide
G3 Firmware Panels:
AXT/AXD-CP4/A: 4" Touch Panel
AXD-CV6: 6" Video Touch Panel
AXT/AXD-CA10: 10" Touch Panel
AXT/AXD-CG10: 10" Touch Panel
AXT/AXD-CV10: 10" Video Touch Panel
The nomenclature " AXT" indicates the table-top (tilt) model, and "AXD" represents
the wall-mount version.
Note: G3 panels do not support PictureFrame.
MAX Content Servers by AMX
MAX-MMS MultiMedia Servers
MAX-IMS Integrated Music Servers
Introduction
MAX-BSM Backup Storage Module
MAX-AVM Audio/Video Module
Lighting
AMX ALD-D48 (FW build 2.1 or later, via ISCP only)
AMX Radia
Clipsal C-Bus
DynaLite
LiteTouch 5000LC
Lutron GRAFIK Eye
Lutron Homeworks Interactive
Lutron RadioRA
Vantage Q
The Clipsal C-Bus and Dynalite lighting systems are primarily used outside the U.S.
HVAC/Environment
AMX OPStat thermostats
AMX ViewStat thermostats (ICSNET and RS-422)
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Introduction
Whole House A/V Selection and Distribution
AMX AS8/16 audio switcher
PLH-VS8 video switcher
Any audio or video source equipment that uses IR
MP3 Players
Integra NAS-2.3 Net-Tune (XIVA protocol-controlled)
Imerge SoundServer (XIVA protocol-controlled)
Marantz DH9300 (XIVA protocol-controlled)
ReQuest ARQ2
Any XIVA protocol MP3 player can be used by specifying one of the supported XIVA
MP3 players, and physically connecting a different player (since the XIVA protocol is
the same across all devices that use it). In this case the name of the player will be
represented by DXP as the selected make and model MP3 player, as opposed to the
actual make/model of the connected MP3 player.
Receivers
DXP v1.5 supports any audio or video source equipment that uses IR.
User Interfaces
AMX Touch Panels
AMX DMS keypads
AMX SB2 keypads (for volume control only)
Doorphones
Generic
Techlon Instruments
Supported integration!Solutions Applications
i!-Weather
i!-TimeManager
i!-Schedule
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Design XPress Installer’s Guide
Introduction
Related Documents
This document will not attempt to explain the architecture of the NetLinx software that is
automatically generated by Design XPress. That is left for another document and potentially
another audience. The related documents listed below are all available (as PDF files) on-line at
www.amx.com.
Related Documents
• Design XPress for NetLinx Studio Programmer’s
Guide
• Design XPress for NetLinx User Interface Guide Provides a detailed description of the Design XPress for
• NetLinx Studio Instruction Manual Provides a detailed description of the NetLinx Studio
• NetLinx Programming Language Reference Guide Provides a comprehensive listing of the commands that
AMX University offers several courses that teach basic and advanced NetLinx
programming and system design concepts. Contact AMX University, or refer to the
Training@AMX University page on AMX.COM for details and scheduling information.
Describes using the Design XPress application to design
Design XPress systems.
NetLinx Studio user-interface.
software application.
comprise the NetLinx Programming Language.
One Step at a Time
Design XPress is easiest to install if taken one step at a time. Because of the number of devices,
wiring connections and files, it can quickly become confusing, especially the first time one does an
installation. There are some common sense rules that apply, as in most installations:
Label every wire termination point.
This is critical. The wiring list that Design XPress generates is based on the location where the wire
terminates. For example, it will state that the DMS keypad in the kitchen should connect to port 4
on the microphone hub. Unless the cables are properly labeled it will take a time consuming search-
until-you-find-it approach to discover the proper cable. However, if the cables are labeled as they
are pulled this becomes a very simple exercise.
Don't get ahead of yourself.
Skipping steps in the installation process can cause problems in later steps. This will cost you more
installation time.
Use the auto-generated report file as your installation check list.
Design XPress generates a report file named report.html, which can be opened in any web browser.
It identifies each step in the installation process. Follow the steps in the report and installation
problems will be minimized.
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Introduction
The Design XPress Application
The first step in defining the system is to run the Design XPress application. This Windows® based
wizard should probably be run in the office well in advance of going on-site. With this wizard you
define the locations of all equipment, the number of user interface devices, lighting scenes, audio
source equipment, etc. The Design XPress for NetLinx Studio Programmer’s Guide gives a good
overview of this application.
One note, however, related to the lighting addresses: Lighting addresses consist of a keypad address
and button. The keypad address is the address of the keypad for the lighting system being used, and
must be represented in the format for that lighting system.
Custom Modifications
There are limitations when creating a system using Design XPress. Design XPress systems can be
customized by adding programming to the "custom.axi" file included in the project, or by
modifying the user interfaces created.
For more information on adding custom modifications we recommend that you attend the AMX
programming classes. The course descriptions and schedules for these classes are available on the
AMX web site at www.amx.com.
Adding and Modifying Software
Each time the Design XPress application is run, it will generate the necessary software files. If
changes are made to any existing software file to modify behavior for job-specific items, the next
time Design XPress is run the changes will be overwritten.
One of the files created in the project by Design XPress is
CUSTOM.AXI. This file is provided
because all custom software changes made in this file will never be overwritten by the Design
XPress application. So, for example, if a home theater is added to a Design XPress-created system,
and those changes are made in
CUSTOM.AXI, any changes made down the road via the Design
XPress application will not affect the home theater code when the files are regenerated.
Sooner or later someone will make a change that gets overwritten so it is worth repeating to avoid
the resulting frustration: If you make changes to any file other than
CUSTOM.AXI you are taking it
upon yourself to not use the application for any further updates. Using the application will
overwrite your changes.
In a sense this is one of the nice features of Design XPress. Because all of the software is made
available, an installer who is a strong NetLinx programmer could use the Design XPress
application as a starting point. The resulting files could get most of the job complete. Not a bad
start! The installer could then go in and modify the software to be job specific and complete the job,
never intending to use the application again. Conversely, there will be installers who will use the
application to do almost all of the work relying on the
CUSTOM.AXI file for any small changes that
may be required.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake made is modifying the software and then using the application to make
changes.
All software changes outside of the special
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CUSTOM.AXI file will be overwritten.
Design XPress Installer’s Guide
Introduction
Only modify the source code generated by Design XPress if there is a strong desire to alter the
behavior of the code. To add features, new subsystems, etc. make the changes in the custom file to
save yourself the frustration.
Design XPress is not a "simple" NetLinx program. Because of the scope and number of features
designed into the system, the code can be quite daunting to someone looking at it, even an
experienced NetLinx programmer. Installers with NetLinx experience should not expect to be able
to modify the software the first time they see it. Most of the features are tied into another feature or
affect another part of the software. The architecture of the system design and the function of the file
being modified should be understood prior to proceeding with changes.
Another common mistake is forgetting to properly address a device. Unless all devices are
addressed as defined in the report file the system will not work as desired.
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Introduction
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Design XPress Installer’s Guide
Understanding the Report File
The report file (report.html) automatically generated by Design XPress should be used as a step-by-
step guide to installing the system. The report is broken down into the following five sections:
Installation Instructions
Device Addressing
Wiring/Connections
General Information
AMX Recommended Equipment List
Device Addressing
This section defines the device IDs of all the devices defined by Design XPress. The devices listed
in this section must be set to the given device IDs. If this is not done the system will not behave
properly. This section is divided up by device type: touch panels, DMS keypads, SB2 keypads, door
phones, amplifiers, and miscellaneous. The report will detail which room each device is in and
what its device ID must be set to. For example:
Keypad 1 is located in Kitchen, NetLinx address 10001:1:0
Most devices will need to have their device IDs set using NetLinx Studio. The exceptions to this are
the touch panels.
Understanding the Report File
For G3 panels, device IDs must be set from the setup screen on the panel itself. Make sure when the
device ID is set that the number of devices used on the touch panel is also set. Design XPress uses 4
devices on each touch panel. So, if the touch panel is set to use device ID 128 with 4 devices used,
that panel will actually occupy device IDs 128, 129, 130, and 131.
This does not apply to G4 panels, since their device address is set by the TPD4 file.
Wiring/Connections
This section details the locations where all of the cables will connect. It will define the connections
for all of the AMX equipment as well as the audio source equipment, IR ports, and any other
connection that must be made. Examples:
Touch Panel 1 (Study) is connected to video switcher output 1
Mom's CD is connected to NetLinx using IR port 2, IR pulse time 3/10 second
Tuner is connected to audio switcher input 1
DMS keypad 2 (Dining) connects to Mic Hub 1, PHASTlink Port 2
Mic Hub 1, line out 1 connects to audio switcher mono input 16L
Go through this section of the report one item at a time and perform each connection. Use this
section as a list of connections to make and check them off as you go.
General Information
This section of the report details the user interface file names for each touch panel and DMS
keypad, which files need to be transferred to the master, which group each audio zone is in, the
locations of each device, lighting scene addresses, file names of the generated NetLinx software,
etc.
esign XPress Installer’s Guide
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