TP5 transfer error and some issues
tp821215
Posts: 3
0.Hello, everyone. I have an NX-1200 and a Varia-100N. I just joined the company and am learning how to use NetLinx and the related equipment, but company training is either very limited or scheduled much later. I hope someone can help me solve some issues.
1.I am unable to connect to my 100N on TPDesign5, though I can control it remotely using VNC software. An error message prompts me to adjust the connection properties, but I have entered the same values as VNC.
2.After uploading TP5 via NX-1200, my 100N is unable to display the interface I designed correctly. Here’s a video of the issue:HERE
3.The NX-1200 cannot connect directly to a new computer via USB. Although the firmware is updated, I still need to connect to an older computer first before it can connect to the new one.
Thank you all for your help, and I hope you have a great day!
Comments
to issues #1:
What firmware does your Varia panel have? If it has fw below 1.11.29, transferrring TP5 file may fail.
The firmware transfer by Studio pretty sure will not work if the fw on the Varia is below 1.11.29, and randomly fails on 1.11.29.
So it may be required to load the fw by USB stick. Use a common USB2.0 memory stick, copy the .kit file on it, connect it the stick to the panel, and then go into setup -> Advanced Setup -> System. At firmware push "update", the USB stick should be detected, select the kit file, and let the update load and execute.
Latest firmware is 1.11.42. https://www.amx.com/en/softwares/varia-touch-panel-firmware-v1-11-42
Issue #2:
)
Is your TP5 file a "real" Varia TP5 file? If loading a TP5 file that in the back is a non-Varia, it will not launch on a Varia. With the TP5 file opened, check Files -> Project Properties -> Tab "Panel Setup Information". This MUST be a Varia. If it is not, do a "save as different panel type" to of your TP5 file to a Varia-100.
Otherwise this could also be an issue caused by old panel firmware, so first do fw update if fw is old (see #1)
(btw... if loading a Varia type TP5 file to a G5 Modero panel, the Modero will just show a black screen. So my general recommendation: add the panel series to the TP5 filename, so it is easier to identify
Issue #3:
The connect by USB (by "printer cable") should create a COM port on your system. Before trying by Studio, I would recommend to give a try with e.g. TeraTerm first. Teraterm identifies all active COM ports by number, and by type of device connected. A NX controller is identified as a "serial USB device", no special driver required (worked directly on my Win11 laptop when I got it). Use 115200 Baud to connect, and you should get the NX console, like with telnet.
I'm connected by a USB2.0 Hub to the NX. I don't know how reliable it may work if the connect is done from a USB3 port on a computer.
Apologies, I forgot to include the firmware versions. Below are the versions for each device:
0-1. Varia panel: V1.11.42
0-2. NX-1200: V1.8.190
0-3. NetLinx Studio 4: 4.4.1915
0-4. TPDesign5: 1.5.0
issues#1.
The firmware was already up to date (V1.11.42). Although I am still unable to establish a connection, because issue #2 has been resolved, I might be able to bypass this problem during use.
issues#2.
I recreated a TP5 file, and it worked perfectly this time. It might be because I had installed G5 Support before asking my previous question, which provided an option for Varia-100 when creating a new file. Everything is now functioning correctly, and the buttons are working as expected. This is likely due to using a different TP5 configuration (the original was MD-1002).
issues#2-1.
Your suggestion was excellent. If different panels cause such issues in TP5, adding the panel name to the configuration would indeed be a perfect solution.
issues#3.
I monitored the situation using the Windows Device Manager. The connected port is USB 3.1 or 3.2. After updating the firmware, the original issue disappeared. The new behavior is that the USB must be connected after powering on the device for it to work properly. Unlike before, there’s no need to rely on the older computer for assistance. If the USB is connected before powering on the device, it still won’t work.
Thank you for helping me resolve the issues I encountered. Wishing you a Merry Christmas in advance and hope you have a wonderful day!
Another option I forgot: Also with "Manager" you can transfer TP5 files to a Varia panel, directly without a NX or Muse master. It just needs network connection to the panel.
https://www.amx.com/en/products/manager
I tried this software and found it much more convenient and intuitive than the original upload method. Unless there are unforeseen issues, I’ll use this software for uploads in the future. Thank you very much!