User Guide

Introduction
12
Design XPress Programmer’s Guide
If you make changes to any file other than Custom.axi, Custom_External_Buttons.axi, and
Custom_i!-Schedule.axi, you are taking it upon yourself to not use the application for any further
updates. Using the application will overwrite your changes.
In a sense this is one of the nice features of Design XPress. Because all of the software is made
available, an installer who is a strong NetLinx programmer could use the Design XPress
application as a starting point, and the resulting files could get most of the job complete. The
installer could then go in and modify the software to be job specific and complete the job, never
intending to use the application again. Conversely, there will be installers who will use the
application to do almost all of the work relying on the Custom.axi files for any small changes that
may be required.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake made is modifying the software and then using the application to make
changes.
All software changes outside of the special Custom.axi, Custom_External_Buttons.axi
, and
Custom_i!-Schedule.axi
files will be overwritten.
Only modify the source code generated by Design XPress if there is a strong desire to alter the
behavior of the code. To add features, new subsystems, etc. make the changes in the custom file to
save yourself the frustration.
Design XPress is not a "simple" NetLinx program. Because of the scope and number of features
designed into the system, the code can be quite daunting to someone looking at it, even an
experienced NetLinx programmer. Installers with NetLinx experience should not expect to be able
to modify the software the first time they see it. Most of the features are tied into another feature or
affect another part of the software. The architecture of the system design and the function of the file
being modified should be understood prior to proceeding with changes.
Another common mistake is forgetting to properly address a device. Unless all devices are
addressed as defined in the report file the system will not work as desired.