VisualArchitect
VisualArchitect
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VisualArchitect Tutorials
System requirements to view tutorials on this page:- Internet Explorer
- Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- 128 MB RAM
- 60 MB Free Hard Disk Space
- 1024x768, 16-bit color display
- Sound card
QuickStart Demo
This demonstration introduces you to many available features in VisualArchitect, and it takes you through a sample project from beginning to end. If you are new to VisualArchitect, we recommend that you view this demonstration and then learn more about each feature by checking out the FAQs section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click the area of VisualArchitect you would like more information about to review the FAQs and demonstrations for that area.
- System Diagrams
- Devices
- AMX Products
- IR Capture
- Control Strings Definition
- CodeBuilder
- Touch Panels
- Keypads
- Customizing VisualArchitect
System Diagrams . . .
What is the difference between Auto-connect and Connect?Auto-connect and Connect are two powerful features to easily connect devices to the control system.
- Auto-connect is either toggled on or off, and connects the devices to the control system.
- Connect is used when auto-connect is turned off, and by right-clicking a device to connect it to the available equipment.
How do I show the power supply for a device?
You cannot show the power supply for a device, but can show the A/C Power connections for a device. Right-click a device in the workspace and use the Connection Manager to set the A/C Power. See How do I design audio/video/power connections? for more information.
How do I add additional Ethernet connections?
You can add addiitional Ethernet ports by right-clicking the Ethernet switching device and selecting Connection Manager. Then, set the number of ports for each type on the device.
How do I design audio/video/power connections?
You can right-click a device in the workspace and use the Connection Manager to set audio/video/power connections for the device.
How do I use a video or power sensor for IR device feedback?
Video and power sensors work once you connect a VSS2 or PCS2 to the device. I/O sensors work in VA without extra programming once connected to the device.
Devices . . .
What devices can I use in the device database?The device database includes IR and Serial devices compatible with VisualArchitect, and you can find additional devices on the InConcert website.
You can add IR and Serial devices to VisualArchitect without an existing Duet module. See the following FAQs for additional information:
- How do I capture an IR device and add it to the device database?
- How do I import an IR file (.IRL) to the device database?
- How do I add a serial device that's not in the device database?
How do I add, remove, or update devices?
Close any open project and make sure the resulting files are in the Device Database Search path using the Device Database Search Path Manager. Add new devices by selecting Managers from the main menu, then Rescan Device Database Search Path. You can add IR and Serial devices to VisualArchitect without an existing Duet module. See the following FAQs for additional information:
- How do I capture an IR device and add it to the device database?
- How do I import an IR file (.IRL) to the device database?
- How do I add a serial device that's not in the device database?
If a device can be controlled via Ethernet, serial, or IR, how do I select which control type I want to use?
VisualArchitect uses different icons to identify the control methods available for each device. From the device list, drag the device with the IR, Serial or IP interface you want to use to the system workspace.
How do I add an I/O or relay device?
I/O's and Relays are now supported by selecting a device in the Expansion tab. VA provides automatic association of power sensor connections (VSS2, PCS2) to the device. I/O sensors work in VA without extra programming, once you connect the VSS2 or PCS2 to the device.
What are the Utility devices?
In the Devices toolbox, the Utility folder appears when you select the Show DDDP Devices checkbox. Utility modules may be downloaded directly into VA from the Inconcert database, or may be manually downloaded from the AMX website.
AMX Products . . .
How do I add AMX devices to the device database?You cannot add additional AMX devices to VisualArchitect in the current release of VisualArchitect.
What NetLinx devices are not currently supported in VisualArchitect?
You cannot use the following NetLinx products in the current release of VisualArchitect: DMS and DMS Pinnacle.
IR Capture . . .
How do I capture an IR device and add it to the device database?You can capture an IR file using the IR Capture and Management tool in VisualArchitect. After capturing the desired IR file, you must rescan the Device Database Manager.
How do I import an IR file (.IRL) to the device database?
You can import an IRL file using the IR Capture and Management tool in VisualArchitect. After capturing the desired IR file, you must rescan the Device Database Manager.
Control Strings Definition . . .
How do I add a serial device that's not in the device database?If a Duet module is not available for a serial device, you can use the Control Strings Definition (CSD) feature to add the device to VisualArchitect. Note: if a Duet module for the device is loaded at a later date, VisualArchitect will override the CSD with the Duet module.
Where should I store my Control Strings Definition (.CSD) files?
By default, VisualArchitect stores the IR files (.IRL) in the \\Program Files\Common Files\AMXShare\IR Files folder location. It stores the Duet module files (.JAR) that are installed with the application in the local \\Program Files\Common Files\AMXShare\Duet\module folder location. You can store your control string definition (.CSD) files and imported IR (.IRL) files in any location, but AMX recommends you store them in a separate folder from the files loaded with VisualArchitect. Then, load the search path where you saved the files in the Device Database Manager.
Can I set device feedback for a control string definition?
No. You cannot set device feedback for a control string definition in the current release of VisualArchitect.
CodeBuilder . . .
Can I reuse a macro that I created for a touch panel button on a keypad?Within a project, you can create a macro for a touch panel button and then go to a keypad button and assign it a Do Push that performs the same function as the touch panel button.
Can I reuse macros for other projects?
No, you cannot save a macro to be used in another VisualArchitect project in the current release. However, you can open an existing project and save it as another project. Then, you can modify the requisite parts of the system while retaining the macros.
Can I assign a different function for the same button on two touch panels in a system?
No. If a system has more than one touch panel, the VCR Play button on one touch panel will perform the same functions as the VCR Play button on the other touch panel. You cannot create a different macro for each button.
How do I create a Wait or Delay in a macro?
A Delay functions the same way as a Wait in the NetLinx programming language, but the layout of the macro looks slightly different.
Touch Panels . . .
How do I use the touch panel navigation components?When you select a touch panel tab in the workspace, the options in the toolbox change. The toolbox now contains seven sections with features you can use to design the touch panel navigation.
How do I add touch panel templates?
Use the Touch Panel Template Manager to install new templates from the AMX website or a VisualArchitect template (.VAT) file you saved to your computer.
How do I change touch panel colors?
Use the Color Schemes feature to select different touch panel colors.
How do I add or rename touch panel buttons?
Right-click the device on the touch panel tab, and select Customize UI Pages.
How do I add custom touch panel buttons?
You cannot add custom touch panel buttons. However, you can modify the automatically generated touch panel .TP4 file using TPDesign4 2.6 or higher.
Can I modify a VisualArchitect touch panel template?
Yes. When using TPDesign4 2.6 or higher, you can import a .VAT file, make changes, export it, and then load the file in the Touch Panel Template Manager. Note: always retain the original .VAT file in the event that you inadvertently introduce errors during your modifications.
What is the minimum I need to do to the touch panel design to get a working panel?
At the very least, each device needs to be connected to a Navigation element large enough to attach them all. The other design elements (Modes, SubNavigations, etc) allow for greater flexibility in the resulting design, but are not required.
Do I have to connect every device to a user interface?
No. You can uncheck the box in the System Pane to disconnect the device(s) from the user interface.
Keypads . . .
Can I create a macro for one keypad button to control multiple devices?Yes. Using CodeBuilder, you can create one button (Play) on a keypad that will control two devices (VCR and DVD player).
Customizing VisualArchitect . . .
How do I add custom code to a system?You can add custom code to a VisualArchitect system using the custom.axi NetLinx Include file that VisualArchitect automatically generates at the end of the project. Modify the custom.axi file using NetLinx Studio, but do not compile. You must return to VisualArchitect and transfer previously generated files. This feature includes recompiling the project.
