Working with User Interface Files

User-Interface (UI) files are sent to either touch panels or keypads, and provide the user-interface that allows the end user to control the system. User Interface files are placed (as links) in the User Interface folder (in the Workspace tab of the Workspace Bar). There are two basic types of user-files: Touch Panel and Keypad. Touch Panel UI files are created in TPDesign4 (.tp4) or TPDesign5 (.tp5).

• • TPDesign4 is a touch panel design program for use with G4-firmware touch panels (all current touch panels).
  • TPDesign5 is a touch panel design program for use with G5-firmware touch panels (all current touch panels).

NOTE: Refer to the on-line help f iles for instructions on generating UI f iles in these applications. These software applications are available for transfer via the www.amx.com website (Dealers > Tech Center > Application Files).

NetLinx Studio allows you to associate UI files with each System and to map and transfer the files to their target panels or master.

If the TPDesign4 and/or TPDesign5 applications are installed on your PC, you can double-click on any UI file in the Workspace tab to launch the associated editor program (TPDesign4 or TPDesign5). You can add external programs to the Tools menu via the Add Tool option. See the Customize Dialog - Tools Tab section on page 200 for details.

Adding an Existing User Interface File to a System

1. Click to select (highlight) a System (in the Workspace tab of the Workspace Bar).
2. Right-click on the User Interface folder to access the User Interface File Folder context menu, and select Add Existing User Interface File (FIG. 129).

FIG. 129 User Interface Folder Context Menu

1. In the Add Existing User Interface File dialog, locate and select the UI (TP4 or TP5) file that you want to add to the selected System (FIG. 130).

FIG. 130 Add Existing User Interface File dialog

• • .tp4 = Touch panel UI files created in TPDesign4
  • .tp5 = Touch panel UI files created in TPDesign5

Note that by default, the Files of Type selection is set to TP4/TP5.

1. Click Open to access the File Properties dialog where you can view/edit general file information for the selected file (FIG. 131).

FIG. 131 File Properties dialog

NOTE: If you select multiple f iles to add to the System, the program will prompt you to edit the f ile properties for each f ile before adding them.

1. Edit the file information (if necessary).
2. Click OK to add the file to the selected System.

Note that the file now appears in the User Interface folder under the selected System (FIG. 132).

FIG. 132 User Interface Folder - UI File Added

NOTE: Double-click on a TP4 or TP5 User Interface f ile to open the f ile in TPDesign (assuming the program is installed).