Upgrading Axcent 3 to Ni-3000

Kouya

This is my first upgrading of an Axcent 3 to NI-3000. Looking at the program I see that I only need to change the device addresses to the D:P:S standard.

The code complies (Netlinx) without errors.

I figure it's just pulling the Axcent, installing the NI-3000, load the program and everything should be fine.

I know it can't be this easy.....what am I missing? What's the logical approach?

I don't want to bring a knife to a gunfight.


Thanks for any input

brian

DHawthorne

Actually, it very well could be that easy. It won't be taking advantage of the code features in NetLinx, like timelines, event handlers, and multi-threading (well, pseudo-multi-threading) though. But if ou are looking for a quick controller replacement, it should do.

The only thing I can think of off-hand is if you are using medium waits in your Axcess code. In Axcess, they timed out on their own, in NetLinx, they act like longs.

Chip Moody

If you're using DEFINE_COMBINE, you need to add a virtual device to your DEFINE_DEVICE section and make sure that that virtual device is the first item in the DEFINE_COMBINE statement.

I thought there were a couple other Axcess keyword caveats, but I'm neither remembering them right this instant nor finding them online.

Speaking of online, doing a search on "axcess netlix" on AMX's tech note database turns up a handful of documents, a few of which address things to look for and/or keep in mind when going from one platform to the other.

- Chip

annuello

String constants

One thing that had me stumped for a few days were how string constants are declared. The example is for Hitachi projectors, ON command.

Axcess:
strProjOn = "$BE,$EF,$03,$06,$00,$BA,$D2,$01,$00,$00,$60,$01,$00"

NetLinx:
strProjOn[] = {$BE,$EF,$03,$06,$00,$BA,$D2,$01,$00,$00,$60,$01,$00}

It's just a syntax issue, but it had me thinking that my serial ports / cables were flakey. From what I can recall, the compiler didn't generate an error, leading me to believe that my code was okay.

It is probably documented somewhere, but I was too busy trying to get the swap done to hunt for such differences. I learnt my lesson.

Yours,
Roger McLean.

Marc Scheibein

PLease check the SET BAUD commands. In AXcent3, the 'SET BAUD' commands are done in DEFINE_START.

In NetLinx, these commands should be done in DATA_EVENTs ONLINE.

Kouya

Upgrading Axcent 3 to Ni-3000

Thanks to all for sharing some valuable info

brian