User Guide

Introduction
1
D
esign 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.
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.