Netlinx NX Series

Joe Hebert
Joe Hebert Junior Member
in AMX General Discussion
What do you all think about the new Netlinx NX Series introduced at InfoComm today?

http://www.amx.com/includes/pressrelease-file.asp?release=2014.6.18.c
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  • Jim Donachiue
    Jim Donachiue Junior Member
    Excellent, do we also get updated tools to code for the more powerful Controller?
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  • John Nagy
    John Nagy CineTouch Product Manager
    So... compared to the NI series, 4 times the speed, 8 times the RAM, 8 times the storage space... in one U rack space.
    The 2200 has 4 serial compared to 3 on the 2100, 8 compared to 7 on the 3100. With "standardized port numbering" at last. The 3200 is 2 2200's in one box. The 1200 is the same processor in a 700 box, 2 serial 2 IR.
    An SD memory card slot? And all of them have ICSNET again? That's pictured but not clear in the spec.
    Dual NIC? One port.
    I hate I hate i HATE phoenix connectors for serial.
    But looky there, the power phoenix has THUMBSCREWS to keep it alive.
    The 4200 will add an ICSNET HUB.

    Now if they actually enhance the compiler to match, we'll be better. The existing compiler has bounds and limits that seemed reasonable when it was written for a 16 meg processor in 1988. They are grossly unreasonable for today's speeds and ram sizes, like a 20 mph governor on a Corvette.
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  • Jeff Lockyear
    Jeff Lockyear Junior Member
    I watched the video, and it seems that the ICSLan port is the second port of a dual NIC. It sounds like that's supposed to be the "AV Network".
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  • Jeff Lockyear
    Jeff Lockyear Junior Member
    ...and I sure hope you can disable the power button shown on the front or the 4200. A power button??
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  • John Nagy
    John Nagy CineTouch Product Manager
    Jeff Lockyear wrote: »
    ...and I sure hope you can disable the power button shown on the front or the 4200. A power button??

    The 4200 is slated to have an internal power supply (110VAC socket on the back), making it impossible to power cycle manually without physically unplugging the AC. If you ever had a Netlinx go unresponsive to commands, you'll understand the point of the power button. It is really any more frightening than a plug strip switch?

    We usually put a power interrupt somewhere on the rack in order to recover from a lockup. We have to label it because it's not on the NetLinx. One of these that is ON the Netlinx is more obvious in purpose and effect, and no more threatening. In my opinion, it's welcome and reduces our rack work and eliminates an external power supply with more flaky phoenix pull-out connectors.

    I would expect this power button is 100% mechanical, as it would do no good for it to send a command to a locked up Netlinx. So I'd bet against it be defeat-able either.
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  • troberts
    troberts Member
    Little disappointed that the NVRAM has not changed size, but otherwise, I am looking forward to its release!
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  • JasonS
    JasonS If I had known it was going to be that kind of party...
    Want more detail on the "updated Java" mentioned in the video!
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  • pdabrowski
    pdabrowski Aussie Guy
    Interesting points of difference from the Hardware Reference Manual (I notice them being more of an issue with replacing existing NI's) http://www.amx.com/assets/manuals/NX-Series.HardwareReferenceManual.pdf

    Case Sensitive File System
    Unlike the NI-Series controllers, all file names on the X-Series controllers are case sensitive. This includes all
    user files created or used within NetLinx or Java code.

    Difference in DEFINE_PROGRAM Program Execution
    Due to differences in the underlying architecture of the X-Series masters, changing variables in the
    DEFINE_PROGRAM section of code can negatively impact program performance.


    @John, the power button is momentary and from the manual it will be hold for 2 secs to power off the NX.
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  • pdabrowski
    pdabrowski Aussie Guy
    John Nagy wrote: »
    Now if they actually enhance the compiler to match, we'll be better. The existing compiler has bounds and limits that seemed reasonable when it was written for a 16 meg processor in 1988. They are grossly unreasonable for today's speeds and ram sizes, like a 20 mph governor on a Corvette.
    Here's hoping, the programming guide alludes to a Studio upgrade with a changed UI for the communications settings window.
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  • vining
    vining X Member
    pdabrowski wrote: »
    Difference in DEFINE_PROGRAM Program Execution
    Due to differences in the underlying architecture of the X-Series masters, changing variables in the
    DEFINE_PROGRAM section of code can negatively impact program performance

    While I think most code doesn't even need a define program section at all this change will affect allot of existing programs. I wonder how bad the impact will be?

    I heard from an AMXer a year or so ago that they were going to move away from VxWorks, I think to Java on the new processor so I wonder what it is.
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  • champ
    champ Junior Member
    AMX does listen sometimes Next generation master controllers feature requests :)

    I am more interested in the bits that save me time on commissioning such as the USB ability to upload files and firmware. It's a pity you still need to connect a PC, if only I could give a program to a tech on a USB and they could plug it in, hold the ID button or reboot and voila! At least I don't need to teach them to use NetLinx Studio or FT2.

    The thought of a Java back end scares the crap out of me, I don't want my whole system to run like a duet module and have half of my code break on a firmware update as the VM and OSGi platform are changed.
    John Nagy wrote: »
    And all of them have ICSNET again?
    It's ICSLan, not ICSNet or ICSHub.
    ICSLan is just a way AMX likes to label the standard network ports so that us AV guys can try and convince IT people that the AV network should be on a separate VLAN to the corporate network so we give it a name.
    I used to work for a dealer that ran network points everywhere and labelled them AV LAN which I thought was a great concept at the time.
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  • champ
    champ Junior Member
    I like the new command GET FAULT (Responds with DISABLED, NONE, SHORT, or NO DEVICE).
    This will be helpful for the eternal issue of serial and IR ports wired wrong.
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  • trav
    trav Get off my lawn
    These are not the droids you are looking for.... *waves hand*
    vining wrote: »
    I heard from an AMXer a year or so ago that they were going to move away from VxWorks, I think to Java on the new processor so I wonder what it is.

    Odds on it's android. Same as the new touch panels.
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  • vincen
    vincen Junior Member
    trav wrote: »
    Odds on it's android. Same as the new touch panels.
    I don't think it's running Android !!*but if it is it means we'll have to wait two years from now before we can use these products in a stable way....
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  • rynando
    rynando Junior Member
    trav wrote: »
    Odds on it's android. Same as the new touch panels.

    I'm guessing this is a multi-core ARM system running Linux. Java SE for Cafe Duet will be a welcome upgrade.
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  • JasonS
    JasonS If I had known it was going to be that kind of party...
    champ wrote: »
    AMX does listen sometimes Next generation master controllers feature requests :)

    The thought of a Java back end scares the crap out of me, I don't want my whole system to run like a duet module and have half of my code break on a firmware update as the VM and OSGi platform are changed.

    Don't blame Java for the poor performance of Duet modules. I have written entire programs in Duet that are blazing fast, scrolling lists that update so fast you don't see the individual items update. The speed issue is not in Java. I do hope they have moved away from the Skelmir JVM, and moved to a more recent version of the JDK. I hope there is also an update for Duet because that ancient version of eclipse sucks!
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  • chill
    chill Luddite
    The consistent port numbering will be a small convenience. The case-sensitive filesystem is long overdue; I've always wondered why DOS and its ilk were (are) NOT case-sensitive. Additional speed and memory are always welcome. Dual network interfaces will come in handy and save some clutter in the rack. About time on the locking power connectors.

    And I sincerely hope the underlying OS remains something UNIX-like - if no longer VXworks, then maybe one of the BSDs or something.

    Like everyone else, I'd love to have one of these to play with for a little while.
    .
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  • rynando
    rynando Junior Member
    JasonS wrote: »
    Don't blame Java for the poor performance of Duet modules. I have written entire programs in Duet that are blazing fast, scrolling lists that update so fast you don't see the individual items update. The speed issue is not in Java.

    This has been my experience as well. I'm also hoping for an Eclipse and JDK upgrade. They've been hinting at this for a long time.
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  • josh
    josh Junior Member
    Wow finally some decent speed processors. My guess is an upgraded Studio will be released eventually?? (or is that wishful thinking)?

    GET_FAULT as mentioned above is kinda cool. How many times do techs not understand RS232 pinout?!
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    NX Benchmark

    http://www.amxforums.com/showthread.php?10124-Competition-with-the-other-guys&p=69230#post69230
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    New Version of NetLinx Studio

    Watch for the release of NetLinx Studio 4 to support the new NX controller. It will not overwrite your Studio 3 install. There are some new features, but the basic layout will be familar to current Studio 3 users.

    Studio 4 has been in beta for some time now so I expect it to be very stable. Someone can start a new Studio 4 thread once it is available to download, which should be vey soon.

    Support for Access has been discontinued in Studio 4 which provides a reason to keep a copy of Studio 3.
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    New OS
    rynando wrote: »
    I'm guessing this is a multi-core ARM system running Linux. Java SE for Cafe Duet will be a welcome upgrade.

    I can confirm a Linux OS replacing VXWorks and a current version of Java VM.
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    Dual NIC

    The ICSLan port on the new NX controller will provide the system designer the flexibility to completely isolate the A/V hardware from the Enterprise LAN. This is not a software firewall like other control platforms, but a true Dual hardware NIC found on an Enterprise grade server.

    The ICSLan port on the NX features a DHCP router and Master auto-binding for connected AMX control hardware. This eliminates time wasting Telnet configuration sessions for those ICSLan devices.

    There will be no method for the ICSLan port to reach the Internet through the Master, so be aware if you are using G5 panels or Enzo that would benefit from an Internet connection.
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  • vining
    vining X Member
    BC thanks x 4 + 1. What's the impact on performance from assigning vars in define_program all about.
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    Network support and Enterprise securty

    The new NX series controllers supports IPv6/IPv4 networks and 802.1x authentication for Enterprise grade network security.

    IPv6 reference - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPv6
    802.1x reference - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.1x
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    Questions
    vining wrote: »
    BC thanks x 4. What's the impact on performance from assigning vars in define_program all about.

    I will see what I can find out.

    My first look at the NX was at InfoComm so I am sure there will be many more questions. I suggest interested folks download the hardware and programming manuals and start reading. (I will starting on Monday.)

    Hardware manual - http://www.amx.com//assets/manuals/NX-Series.HardwareReferenceManual.pdf
    Programming manual - http://www.amx.com//assets/manuals/NX-Series.WebConsole-ProgrammingGuide.pdf
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  • B_Clements
    B_Clements Senior Member
    NX Series Videos

    Product Overview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUlEUfcf5RY

    Part 1 - Technical Overview, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPFHZ2Cq5II

    Part 2 - Network Capabilities, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqZfRtDm2qA

    Part 3 - USB Ports, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py7dkPYNhPo

    Part 4 - ID Button, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L6PFFrf5XU

    Part 5 - Serial & IR Port Diagnostics, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jca7RVdzsvE
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  • JasonS
    JasonS If I had known it was going to be that kind of party...
    B_Clements wrote: »
    I can confirm a Linux OS replacing VXWorks and a current version of Java VM.

    Current Version, does that mean JSE 1.6 or 1.7? Surely not 1.8.
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  • nickm
    nickm Blinky Light Aficionado
    JasonS wrote: »
    Current Version, does that mean JSE 1.6 or 1.7? Surely not 1.8.

    1.7 is what I was told on the show floor.
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  • JasonS
    JasonS If I had known it was going to be that kind of party...
    Really I would have been excited about 1.5, generics alone would have made me happy. 1.7!!! I am impressed! I wonder how licensing is going to work with Duet now? Will the new version have to be purchased again? I am still not clear on who was charging that licensing fee, was it VxWorks, the JVM provider, etc?
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