AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1 Instruction Manual
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AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1 Instruction Manual

AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1 Instruction Manual

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G4 PanelBuilder
v1.1
So f twa re

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Summary of Contents for AMX G4 PANELBUILDER V1.1

  • Page 1 instruction manual G4 PanelBuilder v1.1 So f twa re...
  • Page 2 RMA number. AMX Corporation is not liable for any damages caused by its products or for the failure of its products to perform. This includes any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. AMX Corporation is not liable for any claim made by a third party or by an AMX Dealer for a third party.
  • Page 3 ANY REASON AND UPON WRITTEN NOTICE TO LICENSEE. In the event that AMX terminates this License, the Licensee shall return or destroy all originals and copies of the AMX Software to AMX and certify in writing that all originals and copies have been returned or destroyed.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Templates........................13 Preview A Template via Template Manager ................13 Opening A Most Recently Used Template ................13 Install A Template via Template Manager................13 Install Templates from AMX.com ................... 13 Install A Template from File ....................14 G4 PanelBuilder...
  • Page 6 Template Wide Conventions ................... 31 AMX Element Naming Conventions................31 Program Reference ....................33 Dialogs ..........................33 AMX.com Template Library Dialog Window................33 Close Project Dialog Window....................34 Color Schemes Dialog Window....................34 Diagram Preview Dialog Window................... 35 Diagram Properties Dialog Window ..................35 Errors And Warnings Report Dialog Window .................
  • Page 7 Table of Contents New From File Dialog Window....................37 New Project Dialog Window....................38 Open Project Dialog Window ....................39 Project Properties Dialog Window..................39 Replace Template Dialog Window ..................40 Save As Dialog Window......................40 Template Manager Dialog Window ..................41 Template Sample Images Dialog Window ................
  • Page 8 Table of Contents G4 PanelBuilder...

  • Page 9: G4 Panelbuilder Overview

    G4 PanelBuilder Overview Welcome to G4 PanelBuilder With the advent of G4 PanelBuilder, AMX enables proficient G4 panel programmers to enjoy sleek touch panel designs without the need for a graphic artist. Dealers now have the choice of using AMX created panel templates or implementing their own TPDesign4 creations.

  • Page 10: The G4 Panelbuilder Work Area

    G4 PanelBuilder Overview The G4 PanelBuilder Work Area G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface The G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface is the main view you work with when creating a new panel file (*.PB4), as you can see it is visually driven. Diagram Area Instance Counter Menu Toolbar...

  • Page 11: File Menu

    Launches the Save As dialog window. Generate TPDesign4 Project Launches the Generate TPDesign4 Project dialog window. Install Templates From When an internet connection is present, connects to AMX.com and launches AMX.com the AMX.com Template Library dialog window. Install Templates From File Launches the Install Templates from File dialog window.

  • Page 12: Diagram Menu

    • Default (Windows 2000®) • Office XP® • Office 2003® Help Menu The Help menu contains features for updating the application and connecting with AMX for a demo on how to use G4 PanelBuilder. Help Menu Contents Launches the G4 PanelBuilder help, Contents section.

  • Page 13: Diagram Area

    G4 PanelBuilder Overview Diagram Area The Diagram area is the graphical representation of the flow your panel file will follow. After pulling the elements from the Toolbox you can connect and develop the elements. You can either click and drag or nudge the elements within the Diagram area. Select an element and use your arrow keys to nudge.

  • Page 14: Tasks Pane

    G4 PanelBuilder Overview Toolbar Launches the New Project dialog window. New From File Launches the New From File dialog window. Open Launches the Open Project dialog window. Save Saves the current project. If the project has not been previously saved it will launch the Save As dialog window.

  • Page 15: Quick Links

    Open Template Manager FIG. 5 Quick Links Quick Links Install Templates From If a internet connection is available, G4 PanelBuilder connects to AMX's AMX.com collection of online templates. The templates are found in AMX.com Template Library dialog window. Install Templates From File Launches the Install Templates From File dialog window.

  • Page 16: Color Schemes

    G4 PanelBuilder Overview Only contained within the template are represented within the toolbox. If the template does not contain a particular element, you will not see it in the toolbox. Color Schemes Templates can contain multiple color palettes, allowing you to switch from one color scheme to another within one template.

  • Page 17: Basic Operations

    5. Select your desired template family from the thumbnails listed. If no templates are shown you will need to load them. You can either Install A Template from File or Install Templates from AMX.com. 6. After you have clicked on your desired template, click OK.
  • Page 18 Basic Operations 3. Now connect the Start element to the Navigation element. Click on the Exiting node (white) on the Start element and drag it to the other element. All possible connections are indicated by a green outline. If the connection cannot happen the outline is red. A connection line appears between the two elements.

  • Page 19: Adding Elements Via The Diagram Menu

    Basic Operations Adding Elements via The Diagram Menu Designing G4 PanelBuilder projects is done through graphic representation. The flow between the pages is done through the Diagram area. Connections are then made between the elements in the Diagram area. To add an element using the Diagram menu: 1.

  • Page 20: Saving A Project

    Basic Operations Saving A Project To save a G4 PanelBuilder project file (*.PB4): 1. Select File > Save. If this is the first instance of a save for your project, the Save As dialog window launches. 2. Type the File name in the field provided. 3.

  • Page 21: Templates

    The style for your panel pages is dictated by the template (.TPT) file you are using. You can download templates from AMX.com or create your own and then load them into G4 PanelBuilder. 1. First, launch the Template Manager dialog window by selecting File > Template Manager.

  • Page 22: Install A Template From File

    Basic Operations No - Denies the replacement of the .TPT file on a panel-by-panel basis. No All - Denies the replacement of all .TPT files at one time. Abort - Cancels the template import with no changes. If you replace a .TPT file that is referenced by a .PB4 file, it will be updated in the .PB4 file.

  • Page 23: Changing Color Schemes

    Basic Operations Changing Color Schemes If the template you are working with has more than one color scheme available the Color Schemes button is active in the toolbar. To change the color scheme of your project file: 1. With your project file open go to Project > Color Schemes to open the Color Schemes dialog window.

  • Page 24: Alternate Screen Names

    Basic Operations Alternate Screen Names G4 PanelBuilder supports alternate screen names for use with elements with longer names. Within TPDesign4, the template designer can designate abbreviated text for substitution. You can then change the on-screen text in PanelBuilder and the default text fits without the need for modification.

  • Page 25: Preview A Toolbox Element

    Basic Operations Preview A Toolbox Element G4 PanelBuilder uses graphic representation within the Diagram area to develop panel files and express flow between pages. While the toolbox does contain thumbnails for the elements, you can view larger screenshots of each element. To preview a toolbox element: 1.

  • Page 26: Create Snapshots To Clipboard

    Basic Operations Create Snapshots to Clipboard Since designing panel projects in G4 PanelBuilder is a visual exercise, where you drag and link individual elements to make a flow within the Diagram area. It is necessary to be able to show the design or "snapshot"...

  • Page 27: Using Web Updates

    Newer versions of G4 PanelBuilder can now be acquired via the internet. The Web Update utility accesses the AMX web site with the application ID and version number and searches for updates. 1. Select Help > Web Update to check for updates.
  • Page 28 Basic Operations G4 PanelBuilder...

  • Page 29: Creating Templates For G4 Panelbuilder

    Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder A template is a TPD4 file complete with pages, popups and buttons, named in a manner that G4 PanelBuilder will understand the relationship between all of the elements. Then, based on the established elements, G4 PanelBuilder customizes the TPD4 file based on the navigation flow you designed.
  • Page 30 Also, create several different variations of Navigation and Sub-Navigations (3 items, 4 items, etc...). 3. Create the preview images for the elements. Images do not have to be full size, in fact AMX templates utilize a 1/4 screen size to reduce the template file size.
  • Page 31 Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder FIG. 10 TPDesign4 Workspace G4 PanelBuilder...

  • Page 32: Creating Templates With Alternate Screen Names

    Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Creating Templates with Alternate Screen Names G4 PanelBuilder supports alternate screen names for use with elements with longer names. The alternate name must be defined by the template creator. You must create an info button for the device and use this syntax: [info]alternate name For example, the device Audio Conference could have the alternate screen name of Audio Conf.

  • Page 33: Template Requirements

    Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Template Requirements There are a few key items required of all templates. TPD4 will not allow you to create a template without: A minimum of 1 Navigation Element. A minimum of 1 Placeholder Element. A main preview image ("[preview].jpg" or "[preview].png"). Required Template Elements When designing a template it is important to remember the rules that govern elements and their relation with the templates.
  • Page 34 Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder The template must have at least one of each of the following elements: Navigation Elements - This is the main menu where most of your navigation selections are made. Consists of at least one popup but can contain multiple popups. Cannot contain any pages Only one can be displayed at a time.

  • Page 35: Optional Template Elements

    Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder [title]buttonName The pages and popups in a Placeholder element can contain one or more Title buttons. The text is replaced with the name given to the Placeholder element in the generated TP4 project. buttonName The button name will be used in the generated TP4 project. Optional Template Elements There are required elements when developing templates but G4 PanelBuilder also supports a series of optional elements that will make your templates more robust.
  • Page 36 The button name used in the generated TP4 project. Device Elements - This element is the actual device used. For reference, consult AMX templates where we list the most commonly used devices. Consists of one page and can contain multiple popups.
  • Page 37 Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Feature Elements - This element resembles the Device element. However, there can only be one Feature element in a panel design, i.e., the "Clean Panel" feature. Consists of one page and can contain multiple popups. Only one Feature element can be displayed at a time.

  • Page 38: Rules For Navigating A Template

    Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Rules for Navigating A Template In addition to the template requirements and required elements there are rules for navigating the templates and template wide conventions you need to heed. When navigating to a Device, Feature or Placeholder element from a Navigation element: Hide all popups on the page for that element.

  • Page 39: Template Wide Conventions

    AMX Element Naming Conventions AMX urges you to use the following naming convention to allow for portability between templates. Errors could occur if the elements do not match from template to template. AMX Element Naming Conventions...
  • Page 40 Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder AMX Element Naming Conventions (Cont.) [device#Spa]Spa [device#Switcher size]Switcher size Switcher size Radio [device#Radio]Radio [device#TV]TV [device#VCR]VCR Video Projector [device#Video Projector]Video Projector Volume - Dual [device#Volume -Dual]Volume - Dual Volume - Single [device#Volume - Single]Volume - Single...

  • Page 41: Program Reference

    AMX.com Template Library Dialog Window G4 PanelBuilder project files (*.PB4) derive their style from templates. In addition to making your own templates, you can download AMX created templates. Browsing through online template files is done so through the AMX.com Template Library dialog window.

  • Page 42: Close Project Dialog Window

    Program Reference Close Project Dialog Window If you have made any changes to your project file, close the project and not saved, you will be prompted, The project has been modified. Do you want to save the changes? Select Yes to save and continue closing.

  • Page 43: Diagram Preview Dialog Window

    Program Reference Diagram Preview Dialog Window The Diagram Preview dialog window is a graphic preview of the selected element. The text on the buttons appear as they will in the final panel file. This is useful used in conjunction with Diagram Properties.

  • Page 44: Errors And Warnings Report Dialog Window

    Program Reference Errors And Warnings Report Dialog Window You can apply new templates (.TPT files) to preexisting G4 PanelBuilder projects (.PB4 files). The application will notify you in the event there are discrepancies. FIG. 15 Errors And Warnings Report Dialog Window An error will keep the element from working while warnings work but are replaced with the element closest matching the original element.

  • Page 45: Install Templates From File Dialog Window

    Program Reference Install Templates from File Dialog Window The Install Templates from File dialog window is similar to the AMX.com Template Library dialog window. Template Family Template Properties Thumbnail Cancel Samples Filter Option Install Template (Show modified) Collapse All Families Expand All Families FIG.

  • Page 46: New Project Dialog Window

    Job Name Click within the text field to type the job name of the new project. Panel Type A drop down list of AMX G4 panels. Click on the panel you would like to design for use. Panel Resolution A drop down list of available resolutions for your selected panel type.

  • Page 47: Open Project Dialog Window

    Program Reference Open Project Dialog Window The Open Project dialog window is a typical Windows dialog window. Browse to the desired G4 PanelBuilder project file (*.PB4). Select and click Open. If you do not find the file, select Cancel to return to the application. Project Properties Dialog Window Project Properties is a resource for checking the template in use with panel type and resolution.

  • Page 48: Replace Template Dialog Window

    Program Reference Replace Template Dialog Window When installing .TPT files from AMX.com G4 PanelBuilder will first check to see if the file already exists locally. The Replace Template dialog window indicates the file is found. You can check the dates to see if they match or if one is older than the other.

  • Page 49: Template Manager Dialog Window

    Designer of the selected template. Templates The individual panel type templates available within the selected template family. Install Provides a drop down selection of From AMX.com and From File. Remove Removes the selected template family from your local directory. Samples Launches the Template Sample Images dialog window.

  • Page 50: Template Sample Images Dialog Window

    Program Reference Template Sample Images Dialog Window When creating a new G4 PanelBuilder file (*.PB4) you need to assign a template file to it. Template Manager allows you to preview sample images before deciding which one to use. The dialog has a screen view of each page with a left-right, scroll navigation below it. Beneath the scroll navigation is: Template Sample Images Dialog Window <...

  • Page 51: Context Menus

    Program Reference Context Menus Diagram Area Context Menu The Diagram area context menu is a quick list of commonly used functions. To access the context menu, right-click within the Diagram area. Diagram Area Context Menu Add Element A complete list of available elements within your selected template. Select any element to have it placed within the Diagram area.

  • Page 52: View Context Menu

    Program Reference View Context Menu Right-click anywhere on the menu or toolbar area to access the View context menu. You can toggle different aspects of the G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface on and off. The same properties can be found in the View menu. View Context Menu Toolbar A check next to this item indicates it is visible.
  • Page 53 Program Reference G4 PanelBuilder...
  • Page 54 ATLANTA • BOSTON • CHICAGO • CLEVELAND • DALLAS • DENVER • INDIANAPOLIS • LOS ANGELES • MINNEAPOLIS • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PORTLAND • SPOKANE • TAMPA 3000 RESEARCH DRIVE, RICHARDSON, TX 75082 USA • 800.222.0193 • 469.624.8000 • 469-624-7153 fax • 800.932.6993 technical support • www.amx.com...

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