Definition Sections; Starting A New Program; Define_Device - AMX AXCESS CONTROL SYSTEM PROGRAM Instruction Manual

Definition Sections

Starting a new program

When you begin a new program with the New option in the File menu, there are several definition
headings indicating what should be defined in each section:
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
The program will not operate differently if you do not have any statements under a heading.
However, you should keep the headings for reference.
Although the definition sections are not used in the main program, they create the materials the
main program needs to run. For example, devices and their channels are given names; channels are
given different characteristics, and variables are formed in the definition sections. Even the
immediate startup procedures of the Axcess Control System are contained in a definition section. If
you develop a good understanding of the DEFINE statements, you can build an excellent
foundation for the main part of your program.

DEFINE_DEVICE

When you start writing a program, label each device in the system. Each device on AXlink must
have a unique device number. For example, card 1 may have device number 1, and card 2 may have
device number 2. Whenever you use this device name in your program, Axcess will automatically
use the corresponding device number to reference the device. This is the function of the
DEFINE_DEVICE section. It is placed at the beginning of the program, and allows you to name the
devices.
However, with a long list of devices connected to AXlink, these numbers can be difficult to
remember. Assigning actual names to these devices is much easier.
The first step in writing a program is defining the devices in your system. For example, you have a
VCR, a CD player, and a cassette deck, and you are controlling them with the first three cards in
your CardFrame. These cards have device numbers 1, 2, and 3. You also need to control a
projection screen, some drapes, and lights. Two relay cards, one in slot 4 and one in slot 5, will
handle these (the first card handles both the screen and drapes). A Touch Panel will be used to
control all of these devices. Your DEFINE_DEVICE section should look like this:
The devices included in this code are used for example purposes only. It is not a
specific recommendation or endorsement.
Axcess Programming Language
DEFINE_DEVICE
DEFINE_CONSTANT
DEFINE_VARIABLE
DEFINE_LATCHING
DEFINE_MUTUALLY_EXCLUSIVE
DEFINE_START
DEFINE_PROGRAM
Axcess Basics
9