Setting up pod hd500x

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I'm new to line 6 and I'm trying to figure out how to set this thing up. What I'm trying to do is use the foot switches as stompboxes and use my own amp instead of the simulated amps. I'm using the four cable method to connect the hd500x to the amp so I can use the effects pre and post. The problem is how do you start with no effects or amps and create your own effects chain....I'm having a hard time finding the effects loop? I've read the pilot guide but its confusing.