instruction manual G4 PanelBuilder v1.
AMX Limited Warranty and Disclaimer AMX Corporation warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for three (3) years from the date of purchase from AMX Corporation, with the following exceptions: • Electroluminescent and LCD Control Panels are warranted for three (3) years, except for the display and touch overlay components that are warranted for a period of one (1) year.
Software License and Warranty Agreement LICENSE GRANT. AMX grants to Licensee the non-exclusive right to use the AMX Software in the manner described in this License. The AMX Software is licensed, not sold. The AMX Software consists of generally available programming and development software, product documentation, sample applications, tools and utilities, and miscellaneous technical information. Please refer to the README.
Table of Contents Table of Contents G4 PanelBuilder Overview .......................................................................................1 Welcome to G4 PanelBuilder ............................................................................................ 1 System Requirements ....................................................................................................... 1 The G4 PanelBuilder Work Area ...................................................................................
Table of Contents Remove A Template from G4 PanelBuilder ........................................................................... 14 Opening A Project ........................................................................................................... 14 Changing Color Schemes ............................................................................................... 15 Creating A New Project from File....................................................................................
Table of Contents New From File Dialog Window............................................................................................... 37 New Project Dialog Window................................................................................................... 38 Open Project Dialog Window ................................................................................................. 39 Project Properties Dialog Window...............................................................................
Table of Contents iv G4 PanelBuilder
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.
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. Menu Bar Toolbar Instance Counter Diagram Area Tasks Pane Toolbox Quick Links Status Bar FIG. 1 G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface G4 PanelBuilder Application Interface Menu Bar The menu bar is the location of all functions for G4 PanelBuilder.
G4 PanelBuilder Overview File Menu The File menu serves as a location for file management, project information and template management. File Menu New Launches the New Project dialog window. New From File Launches the New From File dialog window. Open Launches the Open Project dialog window. Close Closes the project currently open. Save Saves the current project. If the project has not been previously saved it will launch the Save As dialog window. Save As Launches the Save As dialog window.
G4 PanelBuilder Overview Diagram Menu The Diagram menu interacts directly with the Diagram area. Diagram Menu Add Element A complete list of available elements within your selected template. Select any element to have it placed within the Diagram area. Properties Launches the Diagram Properties dialog window. This feature views the properties of the selected element within the Diagram area. Preview Launches the Diagram Preview dialog window. Show Grid Shows the grid in the 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. Exiting Node Element Entering Node Connection Line FIG. 2 Diagram Area Diagram Area Entering Node This node receives the connection line from another element.
G4 PanelBuilder Overview Toolbar New 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. Generate TPDesign4 Project Launches the Generate TPDesign4 Project dialog window. Delete Deletes the element currently selected in the Diagram area. Undo Undoes action taken in diagram area.
G4 PanelBuilder Overview Quick Links Located within the Tasks Pane is a small sub-section quick of links. These links allow you quick access to adding and managing templates within G4 PanelBuilder. AMX.com Template Library Install Template from File Open Template Manager FIG. 5 Quick Links Quick Links Install Templates From AMX.com If a internet connection is available, G4 PanelBuilder connects to AMX's collection of online templates. The templates are found in AMX.com Template Library dialog window.
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. The current scheme is reflected in the element preview but the elements in the toolbox will remain the main color scheme.
Basic Operations Basic Operations Getting Started Creating A New Project The first step towards designing a new *.TP4 file is creating a new project file (*.PB4). 1. Launch the G4 PanelBuilder application. 2. Select File > New. This launches the New Project dialog window. 3. Type the Job Name in the corresponding field. 4. Select the Panel Type and Resolution from the drop down menus. 5. Select your desired template family from the thumbnails listed. If no templates are shown you will need to load them.
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. FIG. 8 Drag Start node to Navigation element node 4. You can now edit the properties for the Navigation element or select another element to add to the diagram area.
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. Open a project or create a new project file. 2. Select Diagram > Add Element, then select the element with the appropriate number of selections or device for your criteria.
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. Locate the directory you would like to save within. 4. Place a check next to Package template with project file if you would like to include the .TPT file with the .PB4 file.
Basic Operations Templates Preview A Template via Template Manager G4 PanelBuilder pages derive their look from templates (*.TPT files). Template Manager allows you access to all template files located on your computer. To preview any template located on your computer using Template Manager: 1. Select File > Template Manager to launch the Template Manager dialog window. 2. Double-click on the thumbnail of a template family. 3. Select a thumbnail for one of the panel types within the family. 4.
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. 6. After the template has been installed, click Close. Install A Template from File G4 PanelBuilder utilizes templates to apply appearances to panel pages.
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. 2. Select the color scheme in the field and click OK. While the color change is not reflected in the toolbox, you will see it if you select an element and go to Diagram > Preview.
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. The full name of the element is always displayed in the toolbox area.
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. Select an element in either the toolbox or Diagram area. 2. Select Toolbox > Element Preview to launch the Template Sample Images dialog window. 3. Click Close when you are finished.
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" of the intended look. Once you are ready to create a snapshot to your computer's clipboard: 1. Select Diagram > Copy Snapshot To Clipboard. 2. Open a graphic program, i.e., Paint or Photoshop and paste the image into it.
Basic Operations 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. 2. If updates are available for the installed version of G4 PanelBuilder they will be downloaded at this time. 3. After the download is complete Web Update will close G4 PanelBuilder and the updates will be added.
Basic Operations 20 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. Ony number of template files (*.
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Your navigation menus will always be on top of your Devices. Make sure they do not conflict with each other. Suggestion Create a simple TPD4 file showing the desired output. Doing this gives you a starting point to begin looking at how to modify the TPD4 file to create a template. 2. You are ready to begin restructuring the elements to fit your needs. Start with the Device and Navigation elements first and the Placeholder elements last.
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder FIG.
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. displayed on the navigation button.
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. The chart below demonstrates these rules. FIG.
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. Navigation Element Specific Conventions [nav#navName]pageName navName The name of the Navigation as it will appear within G4 PanelBuilder.
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.
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder buttonName Unused; the button is deleted in the generated TP4 project. [item]buttonName Popups in the Sub-Navigation element must contain at least one Item button that will contain navigation information. Item buttons are ordered in the Navigation element left-to-right then top-to-bottom. buttonName The button name used in the generated TP4 project. Sub-Navigation Element Specific Conventions (Cont.
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. Feature Element Specific Conventions [feature#featureName]pageName featureName The name of the feature as it appears in G4 PanelBuilder.
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. Perform the standard page flip to the page for that element. Show any popups for the element.
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder Template Wide Conventions Text Replacement - The string "[text]" is required on the button wherever text is to be replaced in the output file. The string "[text]" allows you to prepend/postepend text with characters. If the text on a button to be replaced does not contain '[text]" then it is unchanged. Panel Title* - A template can contain as many buttons named "[panelTitle]" as necessary, they are replaced with the "Job Name" of the panel.
Creating Templates for G4 PanelBuilder AMX Element Naming Conventions (Cont.
Program Reference Program Reference Dialogs 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.
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. Select No to not save the changes and close the project file. Select Cancel to leave the project file open.
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. Diagram Preview Dialog Window Fit Image When selected, the panel view will compress to fit within the window. Save Opens a file save dialog to save a .JPG version of the selected previewed image.
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. Click Close to confirm and continue to the project file.
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 Properties Template Thumbnail Cancel Samples Filter Option (Show modified) Install Template Collapse All Families Expand All Families FIG. 16 Install Templates from File Dialog Window Install Templates from File Dialog Window Template Family Thumbnail A graphic representation of the panel properties.
Program Reference New Project Dialog Window With the New Project dialog window you can create a new job name and establish the desired panel type and resolution. Additionally, the New Project dialog window allows you to browse through available local template files and confirm if they fit selected panel types. Panel Type Panel Resolution Panel Type Description Job Name Template Properties Template Family Thumbnail FIG.
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. This information is read-only. You can also add your own information within the Project Properties.
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. .TPT Currently on your computer .TPT available on AMX.com FIG. 19 Replace Template Dialog Window Replace Template Dialog Window Yes Confirms the replacement of the .
Program Reference Template Manager Dialog Window The template manager allows you quick access to adding and removing templates locally. Template File Name Template Designer Available Panel Type Templates Template Samples Expand and Collapse Template Families Remove Template Install Templates FIG. 20 Template Manager Dialog Window Template Manager Dialog Window Template file name The name of the selected template family and the number of templates available.
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.
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. Properties Launches the Diagram Properties dialog window. This feature views the properties of the selected element within the Diagram area.
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. Click to remove the toolbar. Tasks Pane A check next to this item indicates it is visible. Click to remove the tasks pane.
Program Reference G4 PanelBuilder 45
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