I am interested in getting started in programming Crestron and/or AMX. I've been installing for quite a few years now and I have full knowledge of Elan, AudioAccess, the Pronto family. I would like to take the next step into "real programming". I was wondering how to get started in the next step, i know crestron offers classes for $1000 a pop. And i heard AMX offers free classes when you buy $3000 worth of equip. Both sound reasonalbe considering the investment. Do you need to be a dealer to take these courses?

Also how close are the two programming enviroments? I have Simpl Windows, and VTP and am tinkering with them, just wondering if AMX's setup is similar. Is it free for download also, i cant really find any AMX training info.

I am also learning C, C++, is this helpful when writing code for these products?

Any info would be great!!!!
Thanks !!!!

I'm certified in Both.

Touch screen design is similar between the 2 system, Programming of the control processors are fundamentally diferent.

Crestron: Symbolic programming language. Drag and drop and connect the dots. Simpl+ can be used to create new Plug ins, but is limited.

AMX: Completely line code based. Virtually unlimited flexibility and extremely powerful.

You can accomplish 99% of the same things with either system. but its a little more round-about with Crestron. AMX Lets you dive right into the meat of the communication protocals.

I also Program C++ so I'm a bit biased twoards Line Coding. AMX Netlinx has lots of similarities to C++ Creston SimplWindows has None, but makes up for someof the deficiencies with Simpl+

Neither system encourages non-dealers toparticipate intheir training classes, both offer Programmer certification programs outside of being a equipment dealer. Look into Crestron CAIP and AMX ACE programs.

If you go to www.AMX.com and click on Dealers you can create a new account. Once you create a new account you can log in and clicking in the training tab you can get all the information regarding courses. They even have an online training and certification test. That they allow you to create an account to log in does not means that you are a dealer.
To go to Creston classes you either can be sent by a dealer in good standing regarding sales volumes for free or you can paid $1000 per course but have to be sent also by a dealer and won't be a able to get another course until you pass the test to the previous course.

I am very interested in the Crestron CAIP, however to take those courses you must be a dealer? The problem is I am an installer and subcontract my time to different companies, so its not like i can have my employer send me to crestron school. I dont need to become a dealer and I am familiar with crestron but want to take it to the next level and eventually be on that list of certified programmers.

How did you get started if you dont mind me asking?

I'm not. Actually a friend of mime that is a dealer sponsored me to go paying last November since he didn't have enough sales volume to get it for free but I was doing a big job and the customer wanted the job done by Thanksgiving and the course was schedule for the week before and since then I've been so busy that I haven't had time to go to the course.

I shouldn't wonder. You had a big job ending at Thanksgiving last year and had not attended class yet and have been busy ever since (finishing that job?) and haven't had any time at all to do anything, even type a period into a sentance. :-)

I'm sure you mean sentence instead of sentance. But is fine I understood. Thanks God I've been busy with one big job after another.

Yes, I meant sentence. I'm happy you're busy, beats the alternative. Keep it up, and the classes will come your way in time. People make their own luck, in my opinion.

I did made sometime and went to the EHX Expo and did a couple of Boot Camp and ISF and HAA Certifications back in March and a Seconre training like two months ago. I'm going to be at CEDIA next week also but definatelly I have to make sometime soon for the Crestron classes.

Crestron CAIP is strictly an AUthorized Programmer affiliation. Technically, CAIPs cannot be Equiptment Dealers (But many have gotten around that).

Basically, you pay a buch of money to Crestron, They train you, then you get your name onthe CAIP website and get Technically support when things go goofy.

AMX ACE Certification is available for Dealers and independant Programmers.