Integra KPC-2.8 Owner's Manual

Axium Keypad Manager

OVERVIEW

The Axium Keypad Manager is a Windows program that easily and quickly configures AX-KPC

2.8 touch panels and AX-KPB keypads. Touch Panels are configured using a powerful page
designer with predefined and user galleries of images and sounds. A public database of
predefined commands as well as a user database is available for storing learnt commands.
Command databases are presented using a tree view to group commands to models and
models to makes. This provides an efficient method for finding the required commands for
programming the keys of AX-KPB keypads and the virtual keys displayed by the touch panels.
Infra-Red commands using the HEX format may be pasted directly either to keys or the
database tree.

Keypads and touch panels are connected via USB to a PC for programming or downloading of
their configurations. Such configurations can be saved and later reused for programming
more keypads and touch panels.

MAIN WINDOW

Image 1 - The main window

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The main window provides most of the functionality of Axium Keypad Manager. It contains a
menu and toolbar, a library browser consisting of objects useful for programming a touch
panel or keypad device and a device dependent designer is displayed on the right.

FILE MENU

The commands in the file menu are for managing configuration and database files.

Image 2 - The File menu

New: Opens a blank configuration for a specific type of device. If a new AX-KPB

configuration is selected, the KPB designer will be opened with blank keys. If a new
AX-KPC 2.8 configuration is selected, the touch panel designer will be opened with a
single blank home page and with default settings. This is the state when AKM starts.

Open: Loads a saved keypad or touch panel configuration. This can be a configuration

downloaded from a keypad or touch panel or it can be one that has been designed in
the Axium Keypad Manager using the available commands, images and other objects.

Save: Saves the current configuration. Configurations are also autosaved (see Autosave).

Save As: Saves the current configuration under a different name or path.

New designer (KPC only):

Opens a window containing a touch panel designer. A separate configuration can be
opened or designed in this window and objects can be dragged & dropped or copied
& pasted between the designers.

Open User database:

Opens another database file and adds it to the database tree. User databases are a

means to exchange infra-red and RS-232 commands to other computers. Using this
command, any number of user databases can be opened. Commands, models and
makes can be dragged and dropped between the databases.

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User databases should usually be stored in the “Axium Keypad Manager” folder in
“My Documents”, which is where the predefined “User” database is located. The
public database is stored in the common application data folder, which on Windows
XP is typically C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data.

Export database:

Exports all open IR-command databases as HEX commands to a CSV file. Specific
branches of a database (e.g. specific makes or models) can be exported using the
database’s context menu or the Edit menu rather than using this command.

Exit: Closes Axium Keypad Manager.

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EDIT MENU

Image 3 - The Edit menu

Undo: Undoes the last change. The Axium Keypad Manager boasts with a powerful undo

feature capable of undoing up to 50 individual changes of any type.

Redo: Redoes a change that was just undone by the “Undo” function.

Cut: Available only when a make, model or command in the user database is selected or

when an object in one of the designers is selected. Selects the object for pasting and
deletes it from its original Position.

Copy: Available only when a make, model or command in a database is selected or when an

object in one of the designers is selected. Selects the object for pasting.

Paste: Available when an object has been cut or copied and another object is selected that

can accept the copied/cut object. For example: if a command has been cut from a
key in one of the designers, it can be pasted to a model in the user database or to
another key in the designer.

Add: For adding new makes, models or commands to the user database. The “New

Commands…” command creates a specific number of new commands and numbers
them from 1 to the number given. Any new commands are of course initially
undefined but can be filled with hex code, for example.

Delete:

Deletes the selected object in the user database or in a designer. When deleting a
make, it is not necessary to delete its models and commands first. Likewise when
deleting a model, it is not necessary to delete its commands first.

Rename:

Initiates rename mode for the selected object in the user database or in a designer, if

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applicable. Rename mode can also be initiated using the F2 key or by clicking on the
selected node (as in the Windows Explorer).

Edit: Opens a dockable window for editing or viewing the selected command in a

command database. In the case of an infra-red command, details of the command’s
Modulation frequency, sequential ON / OFF periods and format can be viewed. For
RS-232, details of the baud rate, number of data & stop bits, type of parity and
command data can be viewed and edited. When viewing Axium IR-commands, the
Axium command is also displayed, which is useful for verifying the Axium protocol
RS-232 command string. The “Hex Code” tab displays a hex code representation of
the IR-command. The hex code may be copied to and from the clipboard and other
applications. Only commands in a user database can be edited.

Image 4 - The Edit window for infra-red commands

View: Opens the edit window with the waveform tab selected. This provides a graphical

representation of the IR command along. Pulse and pause period lengths are shown
when the mouse is held over high and low levels. Holding the mouse over a rising or
falling edge shows when the pulse or pause begins. The edit window can be left open
while selecting other IR commands, thus allowing a comparison of IR commands.

Image 5 - The Waveform tab

Hex code sub menu:

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Edit: Opens the command edit window with the “Hex Code” tab selected. The

hex code may be copied to and from the clipboard and other
applications.

Copy: Available when a command is selected. Copies a Hex code

representation of the command to the clipboard.

Paste: Available when a new undefined command has been created in the user

database. Pastes the code from the clipboard.

Paste new:Pastes a hex code from the clipboard into a new command in the user

database.

Auto paste:

This is useful for pasting a series of hex codes from another application
without swapping between the application and the Axium Keypad
Manager. This is done by first creating a group of new commands in the
user database (e.g. by using Add – New commands) and then selecting
the first command in the group. The user then selects “Auto paste”,
switches to the other application and copies hex codes from that
application into the clipboard. Each time a hex code is copied, it is
automatically pasted from the clipboard into the selected command. The
command selection is then advanced to the next command ready for the
next hex code to be copied. If the “paste names” option in the auto­paste window is selected, the command names can be copied along with
the hex-codes.

Export: Exports the selected make, model or command as HEX commands to a

CSV file.

Class sub menu:

There are a number of very common functions that often appear on various equipment.
There are many examples of this such as “Play”, “Pause” and “Stop” are found on equipment
ranging from cassette players to video streaming servers. “Standby”, “volume up”, “volume
down” are further functions that are almost universally found on equipment. The purpose of
the class sub menu is to assign one or more classes to infra-red and RS-232 commands so
that their purpose is known thus enabling the designer to make well-informed suggestions for
the types of buttons to use and which commands to assign to them.

Add <default> class:

This option appears if the name of the command matches a built-in
pattern for one of the classes. The F10 function key can be used as a
short cut for selecting this function.

Add <group> class:

Sub menus are provided for the following groups of classes: “transport”,
“numeric”, “cursor” and “system”.

Remove <class>:

This option appears if a class has been assigned to the command and
allows the user to remove the class.

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TOOLS MENU

Image 6 - The Tools menu

Download from keypad:

Downloads the configuration from a connected AX-KPB keypad or AX-KPC 2.8 touch
panel to the Axium keypad manager. This can be useful for:

 Downloading infra-red commands that have been learnt on a KPB or KPC.
 Downloading configurations that have not been previously saved to disk for

programming other KPBs or KPCs.
Note that due to storage restrictions on the KPC 2.8, downloaded images and sounds
may not have the original quality. Also, to prevent unnecessary duplication, do not
mix downloaded images and sounds with the same images and sounds from the
galleries.

Note that the term “download” is synonymous with “receiving” data from the PC's
perspective.

Upload to keypad:

Uploads the current configuration to a connected AX-KPB keypad or AX-KPC 2.8
touch panel. Any existing configuration will be erased. This command can also be
understood as “programming” the keypad or touch panel.

Note that the term “upload” is synonymous with “sending” data from the PC's
perspective.

Verify Configuration (KPC only):

Compares the configuration in the connected AX-KPC 2.8 to the current configuration.
This is useful for ensuring that an upload has been performed error free or for
checking if a particular saved configuration has been used on a KPC or not.

Advanced (KPC only):

Contains advanced features for firmware updates and diagnostics.

Axium Settings (KPB only):

Opens the Axium settings window, where the Axium Zone, Device (amplifier or
preamplifier), Source assignments, IR receiver enable/disable, Source, Volume
Indicator and Backlighting brightness settings in the configuration can be set. See

Configuring Axium Settings.

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Find Keypads:

Searches for all connected keypads & touch
panels and displays the keypads serial
number, zone allocation, and connection
path:

 Direct (KPB or KPC on USB port)
 Network connected (via amplifier stack,

KPB only)
Network connected keypads must be
registered with the amplifier by pushing the
keypad SET key twice. Selecting a connected
keypad in the connection tree will enable the
download and upload tools.

Simulate (KPC only):

Opens a window that simulates a touch panel programmed with the current
configuration. This is useful for testing basic aspects of the configuration, such as
page navigation, without having to program a touch panel. See Simulator.

Context Menus: Context menus - opened by right mouse clicks – are available for the

databases, image & sound galleries and the designers. AX-KPB context menus are
available for keys and key details. AX-KPC 2.8 context menus are available wherever
a context menu is applicable, e.g. the resources list, page designer, action and sound
panels, button image components window, device window, macro editor, image and
sound galleries, etc.

Toolbar: a toolbar is provided for easy access to some of the most useful menu functions.
The symbols in the toolbar correspond to the same symbols shown in the menus.

Docked windows: various windows in AKM may be docked so that are large flat workarea
can be set up rather than have many overlapping windows. Docking can be prevented by
holding down the Ctrl-key while dragging the window to another position. To undock a
docked window, double click its caption.

Autosave: keypad configurations are saved automatically into the temporary “My
Documents\Axium Keypad Manager\autosave” folder. This occurs immediately when a
configuration is loaded from disk or downloaded from a keypad and then after every ten
minutes if changes are made. Each time the configuration is autosaved, a new backup file is
created thus making it possible to revert to an earlier version if there is a problem with the
last backup(s) or if something from an earlier version is required.

The autosave folder is moved into the Windows trash can (“Recycle Bin”) when AKM is
closed. This is done to prevent backups from consuming large amounts of disk space
unnecessarily. Over time, a number of autosave folders will appear in the trash, where each
one represents an AKM session when at least one file was autosaved.

If AKM is not running when a backup needs to be restored, the autosave folder will probably
be in the trash. The user must find the appropriate folder (the “Date Deleted” is a good
indication of which session each folder represents) and restore it. AKM can then be started.

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In order to load a backup configuration, it should first be moved out of the autosave folder as
this folder is only temporary and will be deleted when AKM is closed again. Once the file has
been moved, it can be opened using File – Open.

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AX-KPB PROGRAMMING

When designing or viewing a configuration for an AX­KPB, the area on the right of the main window
represents the keypad. Below the keypad is an area
showing the details of the selected key. The six source
select keys at the top of the keypad select the six
banks, selection is indicated by the blue LED. When a
key is shown with a depressed appearance, it is loaded
with a command. Placing the mouse cursor over a key
displays a tool tip showing the key’s name.

Loading a key with a command:

Select the bank for programming and drag a command
from a database and drop it onto the desired key.
Example: FOXTEL / CABLE / 1 command is dropped
onto the digit 1 key. Digit 1 remains depressed
indicating the key has a command loaded, and the
programming detail window displays the command,
make and model.
If the PC clipboard has a Hex code copied to it, then it
may be pasted directly to a key by right clicking the key
and selecting; Hex code / Paste new.

Loading a key with a Sequential macro:

For sequential macro’s simply drag and drop commands
in the correct order onto the same key – up to 32
commands.
When just two commands have been dropped onto a
key the ‘Macro Type’ button pops up.
Both arrows down indicate a sequential macro.
Arrows pointing outwards indicate an alternating
macro.
Click the Macro Type button to make the selection.
When more than two commands are dropped onto a key the sequential macro is assumed
and the Macro Type button disappears.

The number of code repeats may be adjusted from 1 – 15.
Some brands of equipment require a delay between commands before they will correctly
respond to a sequence, various delay times with repeats are provided in the public database
under Axium / Delays / _ _

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Loading a key with an Alternating macro:

Alternating macro commands alternate with pushes.
Simply drag and drop two commands to the same key,
and select Alternate in the Macro Type button
Example shows a typical alternating macro, where ON
+ S1 command is sent on the first push, while on the
second push the Off command is sent.

Loading a Key with a Long-Press function:

Drag and drop a command to a key, followed by the
long-press command but drop this onto the long-press
area in the key details.
The long press duration may be adjusted between 0.2
and 1.7 seconds using the slider
Some brands of equipment require repeats of the
command before they correctly operate, this can be
adjusted using the repeat adjustment.
The short press or long press functions may also be sequential
or alternating macros. Simply drop further commands into either the short or long-press tabs
in the programming details window.

Clearing a Key:

Right click over the key to be cleared and select Clear.

Configuring Axium Settings

Image 7 - The Axium settings window

The keypad may be quickly programmed to address an Axium Zone and its sub device the
preamplifier.

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If Amp/Preamp is selected then the bank6 key is sacrificed and used to toggle the Keypad
Volume and Standby functions between the Amplifier and Preamplifier.

The six Source Select Key commands may be assigned to any of the eight 451/452AV source
inputs.
It is important to make assignment in the Axium Settings window so that the AX-KPB can
track the 451/452AV source selection. Ensure that a source is not assigned to several keys.

The IR receiver may be enabled / disabled and the Source and Volume LED indicator
brightness adjusted. If ‘Backlighting Continuous’ is selected then the backlighting will be
constantly illuminated, if de-selected then the backlighting is illuminated for 30 seconds after
a keypress.
Push the OK button to store the Axium settings to the keypad configuration and exit the
Axium Settings window.

Note:

• The configuration must be uploaded to the keypad before settings take effect.

• The Axium Settings provide greater source select flexibility than manually programming

the keypad. A keypad programmed using AKM and then manually re-assigned is not
recommended – the source select IR commands and source/bank assignments may not
be in sync.

Available memory

Memory usage is shown at the bottom left of the main window. There is more than sufficient
memory – with commands on all keys in all banks only 51% of memory is used.

Adding a command to the user database

When adding a Learnt command to the user database, a
new make and model must first be created in the database
using the Add function in the Edit menu.
After downloading the AX-KPB’s configuration, drag and
drop the learnt command(s) from the Key to the new make/
model.
A new command is generated and should then be named –
using the Rename function in the Edit menu, or right click
the new command (labelled Unknown) and select Rename –
enter correct text. Rename the make and model in the same way.
When commands are added to the database they are compared with known IR command
formats.
If acceptable an OK is displayed next to the command. If a warning is given it would be
advisable to test the IR command or relearn the code. Commands are also compared in the
Model context and if a different formats are found amongst the commands this is reported
alongside the Model – “Formats differ”. This can be an indication that one or some of the
commands have not been learnt correctly.

An alternate command source may be from an external HEX code database or application.
These codes may be copied to the clipboard and pasted either directly to a key or onto the
model. Right click the model, select Hex code and then Paste. The command should then be
renamed.

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