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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => Lighting Forum => Topic started by: dave milton on September 19, 2018, 10:04:32 PM
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I've searched a bit, but can't quite find the answer I'm looking for, so I'll post a direct question.
Here's the deal:
I want to purchase a DMX software controller. My needs are fairly simple, but sort of specific. I don't need anything fancy or complex, and I only run lights occasionally. Basically there are three venues that I run lights at a few times a year....each has their own board and each always has problems or issues when I come in to do my thing (after being away from this venue for many months at sometimes). Two of these venues have only fixed PAR/Ellpisoidal/Fresnel instruments (maybe also a couple scoops or Cycs), and one has basic fixed LED instruments with a few channels each but nothing moving or "intelligent". I'm basically only setting maybe 6 or 7 scenes max and not bothering with any chases or auto-fades or anything like that. Pretty much just a few different stage washes and maybe a couple specials/spots. Fairly old-school stuff. It's okay if the software is capable of much more complex control, but it's just not necessary.
But I'm tired of always coming in to find the board in each venue a mess or not working properly. So I want a software controller on my laptop that I can just bring to the venue, plug it in to their system, bypass their controller, and run the shows that way.
Now here's the specific thing -
My audio rig (which is what I do more often) is an X32 board that I sometimes plug my laptop into (for another screen and some control) but that I also control from my IPad. The IPad I use so that I can walk the room, soundcheck monitors from the stage, and such. Essentially, I set up an router as a network, the X32 and the laptop connect to it via ethernet cable, and the Ipad connects via WiFi. And it occurs to me that this is what I want to do with the light control as well....have the ability to move away from the board (and the light loft) if/when necessary.
Last "feature" I want is "not terribly expensive" (ok, what I really want is for it to be cheap!). First of all, at least some of the work I do is on a volunteer basis or for pretty low pay. It is NOT something I do full-time and or the main source of income. Second, my budget is kinda tight for this, and it's not strictly something I "need", more something I "want" so I can't justify spending big bucks.
So, this is what I'm looking for:
--- DMX software controller
--- Only needs to be fairly simple, capable of running mostly fixed instruments, a few basic scenes (mostly stage washes), manual fades, no chases/shows/etc.
--- I intend to bring my laptop to the venue plug it into their system (I'm assuming through a dongle of some sort) and be up and running.
--- I also want to be able to control via an IPad.
--- Reasonably inexpensive
I'm assuming such a thing exists. And instead of sifting through the sales pitch of someone trying to upsell me something I don't really need/want, I figured I'd go to y'all for suggestions.
So, what should I look into buying?
thanks, d.
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I've searched a bit, but can't quite find the answer I'm looking for, so I'll post a direct question.
Here's the deal:
I want to purchase a DMX software controller. My needs are fairly simple, but sort of specific. I don't need anything fancy or complex, and I only run lights occasionally. Basically there are three venues that I run lights at a few times a year....each has their own board and each always has problems or issues when I come in to do my thing (after being away from this venue for many months at sometimes). Two of these venues have only fixed PAR/Ellpisoidal/Fresnel instruments (maybe also a couple scoops or Cycs), and one has basic fixed LED instruments with a few channels each but nothing moving or "intelligent". I'm basically only setting maybe 6 or 7 scenes max and not bothering with any chases or auto-fades or anything like that. Pretty much just a few different stage washes and maybe a couple specials/spots. Fairly old-school stuff. It's okay if the software is capable of much more complex control, but it's just not necessary.
But I'm tired of always coming in to find the board in each venue a mess or not working properly. So I want a software controller on my laptop that I can just bring to the venue, plug it in to their system, bypass their controller, and run the shows that way.
Now here's the specific thing -
My audio rig (which is what I do more often) is an X32 board that I sometimes plug my laptop into (for another screen and some control) but that I also control from my IPad. The IPad I use so that I can walk the room, soundcheck monitors from the stage, and such. Essentially, I set up an router as a network, the X32 and the laptop connect to it via ethernet cable, and the Ipad connects via WiFi. And it occurs to me that this is what I want to do with the light control as well....have the ability to move away from the board (and the light loft) if/when necessary.
Last "feature" I want is "not terribly expensive" (ok, what I really want is for it to be cheap!). First of all, at least some of the work I do is on a volunteer basis or for pretty low pay. It is NOT something I do full-time and or the main source of income. Second, my budget is kinda tight for this, and it's not strictly something I "need", more something I "want" so I can't justify spending big bucks.
So, this is what I'm looking for:
--- DMX software controller
--- Only needs to be fairly simple, capable of running mostly fixed instruments, a few basic scenes (mostly stage washes), manual fades, no chases/shows/etc.
--- I intend to bring my laptop to the venue plug it into their system (I'm assuming through a dongle of some sort) and be up and running.
--- I also want to be able to control via an IPad.
--- Reasonably inexpensive
I'm assuming such a thing exists. And instead of sifting through the sales pitch of someone trying to upsell me something I don't really need/want, I figured I'd go to y'all for suggestions.
So, what should I look into buying?
thanks, d.
Chauvet ShowXpress
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I've searched a bit, but can't quite find the answer I'm looking for, so I'll post a direct question.
Here's the deal:
I want to purchase a DMX software controller. My needs are fairly simple, but sort of specific. I don't need anything fancy or complex, and I only run lights occasionally. Basically there are three venues that I run lights at a few times a year....each has their own board and each always has problems or issues when I come in to do my thing (after being away from this venue for many months at sometimes). Two of these venues have only fixed PAR/Ellpisoidal/Fresnel instruments (maybe also a couple scoops or Cycs), and one has basic fixed LED instruments with a few channels each but nothing moving or "intelligent". I'm basically only setting maybe 6 or 7 scenes max and not bothering with any chases or auto-fades or anything like that. Pretty much just a few different stage washes and maybe a couple specials/spots. Fairly old-school stuff. It's okay if the software is capable of much more complex control, but it's just not necessary.
But I'm tired of always coming in to find the board in each venue a mess or not working properly. So I want a software controller on my laptop that I can just bring to the venue, plug it in to their system, bypass their controller, and run the shows that way.
Now here's the specific thing -
My audio rig (which is what I do more often) is an X32 board that I sometimes plug my laptop into (for another screen and some control) but that I also control from my IPad. The IPad I use so that I can walk the room, soundcheck monitors from the stage, and such. Essentially, I set up an router as a network, the X32 and the laptop connect to it via ethernet cable, and the Ipad connects via WiFi. And it occurs to me that this is what I want to do with the light control as well....have the ability to move away from the board (and the light loft) if/when necessary.
Last "feature" I want is "not terribly expensive" (ok, what I really want is for it to be cheap!). First of all, at least some of the work I do is on a volunteer basis or for pretty low pay. It is NOT something I do full-time and or the main source of income. Second, my budget is kinda tight for this, and it's not strictly something I "need", more something I "want" so I can't justify spending big bucks.
So, this is what I'm looking for:
--- DMX software controller
--- Only needs to be fairly simple, capable of running mostly fixed instruments, a few basic scenes (mostly stage washes), manual fades, no chases/shows/etc.
--- I intend to bring my laptop to the venue plug it into their system (I'm assuming through a dongle of some sort) and be up and running.
--- I also want to be able to control via an IPad.
--- Reasonably inexpensive
I'm assuming such a thing exists. And instead of sifting through the sales pitch of someone trying to upsell me something I don't really need/want, I figured I'd go to y'all for suggestions.
So, what should I look into buying?
thanks, d.
Luminair and an artnet node would do it from your ipad.
I've been using these and have not had any issue. https://www.dmxprosales.com/DMXking-eDMX1-PRO-Ethernet-DMX-Controller-5-pin-p/dmxking-edmx1-pro-5.htm (https://www.dmxprosales.com/DMXking-eDMX1-PRO-Ethernet-DMX-Controller-5-pin-p/dmxking-edmx1-pro-5.htm)
There are plenty of other options, but this setup goes out all the time for me and has been very reliable.
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First: Buy an Artnet node. That gives you a ton of options to choose from.
Personaly I'd recomend QLC+: It is free, stable, relatively easy to learn, cross platform and open source. QLC+ is well suited for the use cases you describe.
If you want something more "industry standard" you can actually run one universe of dmx for free from Martin MPC. But then we are talking a waaaaaay steeper learning curve.
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I second QLC+, we've been using it for several years and really like it.
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+1 for Luminair.
Remember that whichever software solution you pick, you also need a hardware interface.
Enttec, Chauvet, or a raft of others.
Some require the same company's software.
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+1 for Luminair.
Remember that whichever software solution you pick, you also need a hardware interface.
Enttec, Chauvet, or a raft of others.
Some require the same company's software.
If I'm using an ArtNET node, wouldn't that be the hardware interface? Or will I need both the node AND an interface/dongle?
d.
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If I'm using an ArtNET node, wouldn't that be the hardware interface? Or will I need both the node AND an interface/dongle?
d.
That depends on both your controller interface and your fixtures. If your controller can handle artnet, then your fixtures need to as well, or you need something to decode it on the other end back into standard DMX.
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When we talk about an "Artnet node" in this context it usually refers to an Artnet-to-dmx gateway. That is a box that takes artnet over tcp/ip/ethernet in an spits out dmx over dmx cable (or the opposit way around...).
Many/most brands of light controller software can output Artnet. Artnet is, somewhat simplisticaly explained, just a fancy tcp/ip wrapper protocol for dmx. (It is more than that, yes, but you get the point...)
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Keep in mind whatever system you choose you will have to program all of the lights for each venue into your lighting software. You will have to know Make, model, # DMX channels for each fixture and what DMX channel each fixture is set to. There is no easy "plug & play" setup.
I think there is a learning curve for all the DMX software, especially if you are doing more than basic color washes. I use Chamsys MagicQ, you can get a full featured USB dongle with a 5 hr limit for $15 and an unlimited time one for around $100. Runs on Windows, Mac or Linux. Pair that with a touchscreen or a PC wing and you have a full featured setup. Once you program the info above from each venue, you can just bring up that show and from that point it would be fairly plug & play. If each venue is only using DMX and just a single universe I see no benefit to moving up to Artnet at this time.
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Keep in mind whatever system you choose you will have to program all of the lights for each venue into your lighting software. You will have to know Make, model, # DMX channels for each fixture and what DMX channel each fixture is set to. There is no easy "plug & play" setup.
I think there is a learning curve for all the DMX software, especially if you are doing more than basic color washes. I use Chamsys MagicQ, you can get a full featured USB dongle with a 5 hr limit for $15 and an unlimited time one for around $100. Runs on Windows, Mac or Linux. Pair that with a touchscreen or a PC wing and you have a full featured setup. Once you program the info above from each venue, you can just bring up that show and from that point it would be fairly plug & play. If each venue is only using DMX and just a single universe I see no benefit to moving up to Artnet at this time.
Knowing all the fixture channels is pretty straightforward in my context. Two of the venues only have dimmers outputting to PARS/ellipsoidals/fresnels/etc. Each of those have less than 100 fixtures each. The third uses multichannel fixtures, but these are well known to me and they are less than two dozen units all told....most of these sharing addresses in groups (so really only about seven or eight addresses). A single universe is more than plenty.
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I used to use QLC with mac book and it was (is) is a really nice program. I loved the way I could customize the desktop.
However I switched to Luminair to be able to run lights wirelessly with my iPad. I was using the Enttec open DMX dongle with QLC/macbook and now I use the Enntec NODE with Luminair/iPad.
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now I use the Enntec NODE with Luminair/iPad.
Me Too! ;D
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Thanks for all your input so far.
So let me see if I have this correct:
I can run from my laptop with something like ShowXpress or QLC+ software, and a hardware interface/dongle such as Xpress512 or Entec open. Basically outputting from the laptop to interface via USB, then plug my DMX cable into the interface. Simple, easy, no problem.
OR.....I can run from my Ipad/tablet with something like Luminaire software, and run a hardware ArtNET node and a wireless router. Basically outputting from the tablet to router via WiFi, then router to node via Ethernet cable, then plug my DMX cable into the node. Again, pretty straightforward to me it seems.
But to clear things up.......I want to run principally from the laptop, but to ALSO have the ability to control remotely from the tablet. I don't necessarily want the tablet to be the main controller, just an option for "sometimes".
If I understand correctly, what I would do for this capability is to use the router and the node. The laptop could "speak" to the lights via ethernet/node/DMX cable/lights, AND the tablet could "speak" to the lights via WiFi/router/ethernet/node/ DMX cable/lights. But I'd be running two different software programs, no? This does not sound appealing (or simple, or inexpensive).
Essentially, I want the tablet to be able to remotely control the lights as a secondary source.
So.....does THIS make any sense?:
What if I go with say ShowXpress on the laptop, get an Xpress512 interface, and plug the DMX cable into that. But I also set up a WiFi network with a router. Then I use something like TeamViewer or Remote VNC to directly control the software on the laptop (via WiFi).
This would work essentially the same way I do this with audio. I run everything on my X32 console, but I can also control just about everything remotely with my Ipad if I want to. The Ipad has direct control of the console, but it's still the console "doing the work". And I don't need internet to achieve this.
Something tells me that there's something I'm not thinking about that will make this unworkable. But I just don't know.
For the record, I already have a suitable router, Ipad, and laptop.
d.
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I can't speak to the other software options, but QLC+ has a web interface that allows you to operate the program remotely on any device connected to the same network.
Since you already have a router, tablet, and host PC, all you would need is a suitable DMX interface.
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If you use QLC+ on your laptop and set up a custom virtual light desk in QLC+, you can enable QLC+'s internal webserver and acces QLC+ on your laptop from your tablet over http...
OR
You can asign each virtual fader/knob in QLC+ it's own virtual dmx address as INPUT and use another DMX controll software on your tablet to controll that.
OR
Use e.g. TouchOSC to build an interface for your tablet and remote controll QLC+ with that.
OR
Have two separate controllers send Artnet commands to the same Artnet node and BOTH controll the same DMC universe. (Although this solution will likely give you some grey hairs...)
OR....
...There is a whole bunch of cats in the wood, and plenty of ways to skinn each of them.
Also: QLC+ can use both Artnet, other DMX-over-network protocols AND lodes of different DMC USB dongles. The Same goes for e.g. Freestyler. Some loves that system; I've never seen the light... ;-)
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Yes - you have the right idea for sure......QLC on your macbook plus team viewer works but I found when I used this method that my screen view wasn't complete (working from memory here). This is what made e make the switch to Laminair because I couldnt get it to look the way I wanted. However, this was a few years ago so it might be different now....
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I see no benefit to moving up to Artnet at this time.
I agree. There is no reason for you to use this here based on the scenario you’ve described so far. Gateways have their purpose, but this isn’t it.
The nice thing about DMX software is that practically every program allows you to download a free demo to play with, so take advantage of that! Also, read the manual to see how remote control is handled. Almost every software on the market will do this, but they differ in implementation.
Lance makes excellent points as well - choose something that not only fits your workflow but also the situations you’ll see yourself working in. That’s what drove me to buying an ETC Cobalt desk over several more popular options. Prior to that I also used MagicQ PC with an Enttec DMX-USB Pro. M-PC is also another popular option. Good luck!
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What if I go with say ShowXpress on the laptop, get an Xpress512 interface, and plug the DMX cable into that. But I also set up a WiFi network with a router. Then I use something like TeamViewer or Remote VNC to directly control the software on the laptop (via WiFi).
I've done that with team viewer and showxpress. There was a .25 second lag doing it that way. Only noticed it when hitting strobes to the beat manually and I adjusted pretty quickly. I don't remember if I was using a dedicated router or just going through the internet at the time. Showxpress also has a nice app you can run on your phone/tablet to trigger any custom buttons (scenes, chases, macro's, etc) on your live pages, the app was instant with no lag.
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I've done that with team viewer and showxpress. There was a .25 second lag doing it that way. Only noticed it when hitting strobes to the beat manually and I adjusted pretty quickly. I don't remember if I was using a dedicated router or just going through the internet at the time. Showxpress also has a nice app you can run on your phone/tablet to trigger any custom buttons (scenes, chases, macro's, etc) on your live pages, the app was instant with no lag.
ShowXpress has an IOS and an Android app. No remote control app needed.
Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk
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ShowXpress has an IOS and an Android app. No remote control app needed.
Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk
You can only access your live pages from the app, you can't access the edit page so you can't manually adjust faders on fixtures from the app.
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Initially the ShowXpress having a dedicated IOS app sounded like just what I was looking for. But on checking it out, it's really not what I want. From what I can tell, the remote control is not at all what I have in mind.
I downloaded QLC+ and dinked around with it a bit....initially I'm very impressed. This one looks very promising. I haven't yet had a chance to really look into or try out the remote/tablet control via internal web interface, but from what I can surmise so far I think this option is pretty close.
In theory at least, I really love the idea of QLC+ being such an "open source" thing and the fact that there's tons of information/documentation freely available. In practice though, quite honestly it seems a bit oriented towards folks who are very computer/tech savvy, which I am very decidedly not. A lot of that "tons of information" ends up being a bit confusing or intimidating to me. Not a big problem, as so far most of what I need to know/do seems relatively straightforward for even a tech-klutz such as myself. And it's good to know that when I do get smart enough to be able to ask more complicated questions, it looks like the answers will be there to be found.
One thing I'm not yet 100% clear on.......If I'm using QLC+'s web interface (along with my router and tablet), I do NOT need an internet connection, correct? Am I right that I will be using a closed network (via the router), NOT an actual web connection?
thanks again,
d.
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One thing I'm not yet 100% clear on.......If I'm using QLC+'s web interface (along with my router and tablet), I do NOT need an internet connection, correct? Am I right that I will be using a closed network (via the router), NOT an actual web connection?
thanks again,
d.
That is correct. QLC+ has a built in web server, no need for internet access.
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Anyone here have some direct experience with controlling QLC+ via it's webserver and Ipad? Any tips, issues, or recommendations doing so?
On the QLC+ forum, it seems like just about everyone there uses the TouchOSC option, and few use the internal webserver link.
Thoughts on pros/cons between these two approaches?
d.
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Pros:
Less work, just go
Cons:
Some controlls are not so well implementet. Toggle switches are ok, faders stink. Try before you use it in anger.
Looks like shit.
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So, I'm a bit farther down the road, and for some reason I can't seem to get the webserver setup and working. Not sure what I'm doing wrong as it seems like a fairly simple thing to do, but......it ain't working.
Help, please?
I'm looking for a very simple, step by step, talk-through on exactly how to set up the webserver for remote access/control.
I am very decidedly NOT super computer/network/tech savvy, nor a programmer, nor anything like that. So, please feel free to speak in simple terms and assume that I "know nothing".
I'm a sound & lights guy, not a computer guy.....keep this in mind when you are explaining what I need to do to make it work.
I'm running QLC+ V4, on a Windows laptop (Windows 7), using a TP-Link AC1750 dual band router, and an older Ipad (4th gen, IOS 9.3.5).
I simply want to be able to access/control the QLC+ (that's running on my laptop) with my Ipad. Can't seem to configure it correctly to make that happen. Could use some help. It would be great if it was exact steps (ie: "click on THIS button", "plug THIS cable into THIS port", etc.)
For the record, I use this Ipad, laptop, and router to set up a network to remotely control my audio setup (Behringer X32 console and/or XR-16 mixer, X-Air and X32 Mix software ) and it all works just fine with no issues. I've also tested/used it with Allen & Heath Q-Series mixers and Presonus Studio-Live mixers and software). All the "bits" work, so I must be setting up something wrong.
thanks for your help,
d.
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You need to run the qlc+ executable with the -w option, see: https://www.qlcplus.org/docs/html_en_EN/webinterface.html
and:
https://www.qlcplus.org/docs/html_en_EN/commandlineparameters.html
Then the remote interface is accessible from localhost:9999
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I'm pretty sure I did that. At least I think so.
First....I created a desktop shortcut (on the laptop), then in Properties/Target I added the command line parameter so that it looked like this:
C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe -w
Then I clicked OK, and opened the software/program (from that shortcut).
Second....I hooked up my laptop to the router with an Ethernet cable, and made sure that it was connected/enabled. I also made sure I was NOT connected/enabled to any other WiFi routers.
Third....on my Ipad, I connected to that router via WiFi, than opened my browser and put in the address
http://["IP address"]:9999.
For that "IP address" I used both the one that is written on the router itself, but I also used one that was read from my properties page on the Ipad once it was connected to the router.
and........nothing. Didn't work.
A note about the first step - Initially I tried to fill in the target as such:
C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe-w (note the lack of space between exe and -w)
And this made a error window pop up, and it wouldn't take.
I then tried this:
C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe--web (still no space there).
Then I looked closer, it seemed like that space was supposed to be there, so I tried this:
C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe -w (added the space)
This seemed to work as far as allowing me to continue forward and run the program, but the end result was such that the system didn't work. So I tried:
C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe --web
Which gave me the same results.
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Third....on my Ipad, I connected to that router via WiFi, than opened my browser and put in the address
http://["IP address"]:9999.
For that "IP address" I used both the one that is written on the router itself, but I also used one that was read from my properties page on the Ipad once it was connected to the router.
and........nothing. Didn't work.
Try putting in the IP address of your laptop, instead of the address of your router. The router will take care of making the connection like an old fashioned telephone operator.
Marc
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Try accessing localhost:9999 from a browser on your laptop. If this works, you know the problem is not with qlc+. The most common problem is misconfiguration of the Windows firewall.
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Marc.......I read your suggestion, and thought, "Aha!!!, that's the problem I bet!". Just tried it and...................................nope, didn't work. dang it.
Johannes.....regarding your suggestion: I assume you mean for me to open my browser (I use Google Chrome), type in http:://(IP address of my laptop):9999, and see what happens, yes? Tried it, didn't work (got a message that said "This site can't be reached".
Also, I had a look at my firewall settings, and the boxes to allow QLC+ through the firewall (both private and public) were checked.
d.
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Johannes.....regarding your suggestion: I assume you mean for me to open my browser (I use Google Chrome), type in http:://(IP address of my laptop):9999, and see what happens, yes? Tried it, didn't work (got a message that said "This site can't be reached".
Also, I had a look at my firewall settings, and the boxes to allow QLC+ through the firewall (both private and public) were checked.
d.
Yes, almost. I meant LITTERALY typing in localhost:9999
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Also, you might try to add "" around the launcher command. That is "C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe -w"
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If none of this helps I think you are probably better served asking in the QLC+ support forum.
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Ok, I walked away from this for a while to calm myself, as I was absolutely losing my mind trying to make this work. This should be so simple, and I'm over-the-top frustrated. I did jump back in after I could breath a bit, and I'm pretty much back where I left off. So, time for a slightly different approach:
First....I did try the localhost:9999 thing and confirmed that it does work....I was able to access the software this way. Which of course doesn't really do anything other than confirm that something is working at least.
Second....I did post this problem/question on the QLC+ forum and essentially got no help at all. There was only one response (from Massimo) and he basically just posted a link to the page in the manual. Honestly, this doesn't help in the slightest. I of course started there to begin with (I DID try pretty hard to make this work myself before I just posted questions on how to do it) and if it worked exactly as described there (VERY thin information by the way) I wouldn't be having this issue. Does he really think I didn't already read it?
So, I've written up here EXACTLY the steps I'm going through to get up and running. Please if you folks could read this through and check that I'm at least doing it all correctly. Please see if there's something I'm doing wrong, or some step I'm missing, or if by chance you find something along the way that you think might be the problem. Thanks for checking my methodology....hopefully something here will jump out as "the problem". This is how I've been doing it:
Get things all set up, turned on, etc.:
• Plug laptop into power, and turn on.
• Plug router into power, and turn on.
• Turn Ipad on.
• Before I open QLC+ software on the laptop, I first add a command-line-parameter as such:
- Right click on the desktop icon and click on “Properties”, and open the “Shortcut” tab.
- I add [space dash double-u] to the end of the “Target” so that it reads: C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe -w
- then I click “OK” (closing out that window)
• I also check my firewall status like so:
- Open “Control Panel/System Security/Window Firewall/Allowed Programs”.
- Make sure that the box for “QLCplus” is checked.
- Then click “OK” (which closes this window)
• Then, I double-click on the desktop icon, opening up QLC+ on the laptop.
Connecting:
• Connecting the laptop to the router:
- I physically connect an Ethernet cable from my laptop’s Ethernet port to one of the four LAN/Ethernet ports on the router.
- I open my network connections window, select and click on the router in question that shows up on that list, then click “Connect”.
• Connecting the Ipad to the router:
- Tap on “Settings”, which opens the Settings window.
- Tap on “Wi-Fi”, which opens the WiFi page.
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is on (little button in the top/right corner should be slid to the right and be green).
- Make sure that I’m connected to the router (which should show in the line just under that green slider button, and should have a blue checkmark next to it).
- If I am connected, I can then tap on the name of the router, which opens the next page, showing (among other things) the IP address of the router.
- If I’m not connected, I simply tap on the appropriate router name just below “Choose A Network”, and then check the status in a few moments as above.
- Then I close that window, and go back to my home screen.
• Opening QLC+ from the Ipad:
- Tap on the icon for my browser (in my case it’s Safari)
- Tap on the address line at the top of the page, which opens the keyboard at the bottom.
- Type in the router’s IP address followed by “:9999” (which should look something like 192.168.X.XXX:9999), and tap on the blue “Go” button.
OR!
- Type in the laptop’s IP address followed by “:9999” (which should look something like 192.168.X.XXX:9999), and tap on the blue “Go” button.
So, this last bit of whether to use the router’s IP address or the laptop’s IP address is confusing to me. I’ve been told to try both. First of all, it’s not clear which one is correct, second of all neither one seems to work anyway, and third of all aren’t they both the same number?
So, here’s the thing. I swear I’m doing this exactly the same, over and over again, and making sure I do everything exactly as outlined. And most of the time it simply doesn’t work. I get a message on my Ipad that says either “the server stopped responding” or “the Ipad cannot connect to the internet” (even though I’m not trying to connect to the internet). But a couple of times it HAS worked….briefly, with limited control, and each time with slightly different results (one time the Virtual Console was there, and another time it wasn’t……huh????). But it DID work at least some, so I KNOW that it CAN!!! But the vast majority of the time it simply doesn’t work at all. Unbelievably frustrating.
By the way, those times when the browser says “cannot connect” or somesuch?....well every single time I check the status of the WiFi connection and IT shows I’m connected, and I check the status lights on the router and IT shows I’m connected, and I try to connect directly to the admin page of the router and IT connects just fine. So I know for a fact that it’s connected. So why does the browser say I’m not connected? WTF?
What the #*&$! am I doing wrong?
thanks for all your help on this, it is much appreciated.
d.
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Ok, I walked away from this for a while to calm myself, as I was absolutely losing my mind trying to make this work...
Hi Dave, sorry to hear about all the difficulty you're having with this. QLC+ is okay for what it's supposed to be, but seeing as this hasn't been working out so far have you considered a more mainstream program? What are you using for an interface? I only ask because several interfaces are compatible with many different programs, and if this is making you frustrated enough to walk away then maybe you should shop around a bit more! MagicQ PC is my personal favorite aside from ETC's Nomad (only because I own an ETC hardware desk), but M-PC is also popular with a much wider userbase than what QLC+ has. While some of life's best things are free, a controller is too important to get wrong so I bucket it into the group of things worth paying good money for. Hope this helps!
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First of all, it’s not clear which one is correct, second of all neither one seems to work anyway, and third of all aren’t they both the same number?
This may be where you are having the problem. The typical router IP numbers should look like this: 192.168.1.1
Your computer’s IP should be: 192.168.1.x, where x is any number other than 1 that ranges from 0 to 255
Make sure this is correct and it will connect.
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Jeff,
Totally fair question and suggestion. Especially since that's essentially what I was asking at the start of this thread.
This is what I want to do, what I'm looking for:
** Have a software DMX controller that works on my laptop (PC, Windows 7).
** Have the ability to control basic functions via my IPad (older 4th gen., IOS 9.3.5)
Note that I do NOT want to control mainly from the Ipad (I actually really don't like touch screens). I simply want something that allows me to have some basic control if/when I might walk away from the light booth. I very much prefer to work mainly from the laptop, with a mouse and a larger screen.
Note also that my needs are fairly simple.....I am generally not using moving heads, complicated "intelligent" fixtures, complex scenes/chases/shows, lasers, pixel screens, or any of all that. Most of the time, I'm going to be working with a few different stage washes, and a couple of basic specials, and most of my fixtures will be dimmers controlling ellipsoidals/fresnels and such. I will be using a few multi-channel LED fixtures, but again those will generally just be dimming on a basic stage wash.
At this point the battle I'm having with QLC+ is coming from a "this SHOULD be just so easy to make work" and I'm frustrated that I'm not getting it. It feels like there is some very simple little thing that I'm missing that should make it all "just work". Along the lines of "uhh, did you turn the switch on?" type of thing. I can handle not being able to figure out something that's supposed to be difficult, but I lose my mind when it's something that should be easy.
d.
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Don,
So, when I check the IP address from my laptop, and/or when I check it from the connection made from my IPad it usually says 192.168.0.1. SOMETIMES it says 192.168.0.101 or 192.168.0.102. I have tried and failed with all of these (ie: 192.168.0.1:9999, or 192.168.0.101:9999 and so on).
Note that when I type 192.168.0.1 into my browser (from either my laptop or my IPad) it connects right away to the admin page of the router itself, and I've got full access and control there (once I put in the password). This is how I know for a fact that both devices/browsers are connecting to the router just fine.
d.
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Jeff,
Totally fair question and suggestion. Especially since that's essentially what I was asking at the start of this thread.
...
At this point the battle I'm having with QLC+ is coming from a "this SHOULD be just so easy to make work" and I'm frustrated that I'm not getting it. It feels like there is some very simple little thing that I'm missing that should make it all "just work". Along the lines of "uhh, did you turn the switch on?" type of thing. I can handle not being able to figure out something that's supposed to be difficult, but I lose my mind when it's something that should be easy.
No worries, and hopefully you can find a simple solution for this! I’m not a networking expert so thus can’t make any suggestions on that front, but your requirements for software aren’t difficult. MagicQ PC and M-PC will do this. DMXIS might also be a good choice, though verify that it can be tablet controlled (I’ve never tried it myself).
There’s nothing inherently wrong with QLC+ either. It just has a rather small user and developer base as you seem to already have found out, so that can sometimes prove to be troublesome or frustrating if you can’t get help for a problem that you’re having.
Hopefully Don’s suggestion will point you in the direction you’re looking for!
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No worries, and hopefully you can find a simple solution for this! I’m not a networking expert so thus can’t make any suggestions on that front, but your requirements for software aren’t difficult. MagicQ PC and M-PC will do this. DMXIS might also be a good choice, though verify that it can be tablet controlled (I’ve never tried it myself).
There’s nothing inherently wrong with QLC+ either. It just has a rather small user and developer base as you seem to already have found out, so that can sometimes prove to be troublesome or frustrating if you can’t get help for a problem that you’re having.
Hopefully Don’s suggestion will point you in the direction you’re looking for!
You surely don't put the router IP address in, you put the PC the process is running on IP address for the port connected to the router.
You need to determine the PC address by going to a command prompt (some people call ot a DOS windows)and typing ipconfig.
You will see all the interfaces, find the ipaddress of the pc here
Now I would never let the router assign the IP as you pointed oit it changes. If you check on the router I bet your DHCP is set to give out addresses from 100 to 200 or some subset of that.
Open. Network connections and right click on the network adapter connected to the router. Go to properties/ipv4 settings. Enter this.
Address 192.168.0.10
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Gateway 192.168.0.1
Dns 1 1.1.1.1
Dns 2 8.8.8.8
Close that out then go back to your command prompt and enter ping 192.168.0.1 if you can ping the router proceed.
Go to firewall and turn it completely off, this is your problem.
Now reboot the computer and then restart the server (this will bind it to the new IP address)
Go to the ipad amd put the 192.168.0.10:9999 in and you will be in business.
If you turn the firewall back on you must manually open port 9999 tcp and udp up.
The reason you are not getting much support is this has nothing to do with the software, it's basic networking.
There is an intro to networking in a sticky post here that expains basic IP. I strongly suggest you take a look at it to take the mystery out of all of this.
The program you have usea port 9999 to comminicate. The ip address of the computeris how other devices know where to find server..
Hope this helps....good luck
Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk
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You surely don't put the router IP address in, you put the PC the process is running on IP address for the port connected to the router.
You need to determine the PC address by going to a command prompt (some people call ot a DOS windows)and typing ipconfig...
Hi Dave,
Scott is leading in exactly the correct direction.
Setting your PC to a static IP address outside of the address range your router uses to assign DHCP addresses will simplify things for you... Otherwise, you'll need to query your PC's IP address every time you use it.
Here is my test from today.
My router's base address is 192.168.1.1
My PC's static address (assigned to the Ethernet port) is 192.168.1.132
My PC's wireless adapter is set to be assigned an address from the DHCP pool. As I'm testing in our family room, the DHCP assigned address for my PC just now is 192.168.1.124.
I installed QLC+ on my laptop(running Windows7), created a shortcut to the application with the -w flag (C:\QLC+\qlcplus.exe -w) and started the application.
From one of our iPads on the same network (DHCP assigned address of 192.168.1.96) I brought up the Safari browser.
In the Safari address bar, I typed in 192.168.1.124:9999
I immediately connected.
I hope this example helps.
Bes regards,
Bob Charest
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Hey folks (especially Scott and Bob with those last two posts) -
Thanks SO much for your help. I'm at work right now, and probably won't be able to implement your suggestions for another day or two, but I'm pretty confident that you've steered me in the right direction now. I'm excited to get this worked out.
I do realize that this is a "basic" networking issue, and I also realize (as I acknowledged in my original post) that I'm pretty much a networking-idiot....which is the reason I posted here looking for help from those of you that aren't. I'm glad you are here, and very much appreciate your help.
It just happens that I also got some more substantive response in my post on the QLC+ forum now as well. It looks like there's also some good info there.
Now I can try making this work with a bit better footing than the "try this again the same way over and over" approach that has failed me thus far. I'll let you know how it works as soon as I can dive back in (sometime in the next couple days).
cheers, d.
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That’s great, Dave - Glad to help.
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the knowledge and assistance available here, so I’m happy to help someone else.
Let us know how things turn out, OK?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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My router's base address is 192.168.1.1
My PC's static address (assigned to the Ethernet port) is 192.168.1.132
My PC's wireless adapter is set to be assigned an address from the DHCP pool. As I'm testing in our family room, the DHCP assigned address for my PC just now is 192.168.1.124.
(snip)
In the Safari address bar, I typed in 192.168.1.124:9999
Ok, I'm a little confused here....need a bit of clarification.
You say your PC's static address is 132.
But then that the wireless adapter assigned from DHCP is 124.
Aren't I supposed to be using the PC's static address? (meaning shouldn't I be connecting to 192.168.1.132:9999 in this instance)? If not, why did I set my PC's address to static?
d.
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Ok, I'm a little confused here....need a bit of clarification.
You say your PC's static address is 132.
But then that the wireless adapter assigned from DHCP is 124.
Aren't I supposed to be using the PC's static address? (meaning shouldn't I be connecting to 192.168.1.132:9999 in this instance)? If not, why did I set my PC's address to static?
d.
Your PC has two interfaces in the same network? That will never work.
Turn off the wireless. Turn off the firewall.
Sent from my VS996 using Tapatalk
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Ok, I'm a little confused here....need a bit of clarification.
You say your PC's static address is 132.
But then that the wireless adapter assigned from DHCP is 124.
Aren't I supposed to be using the PC's static address? (meaning shouldn't I be connecting to 192.168.1.132:9999 in this instance)? If not, why did I set my PC's address to static?
d.
Dave,
When my laptop is being used in the rehearsal space to control our Midas M32 mixer I use the wired interface with the wireless turned off. In that case I would use 192.168.1.132:9999.
When I'm using the laptop in the living room not connected to an Ethernet cable, I turn the wireless adapter on. That was the case when I was replying to your post which is why I used the 192.168.1.124:9999 address.
Bottom line for you: Yes, use the wired interface with the static address for your laptop running QLC+.
Best regards,
Bob Charest
PS: One can set a wireless interface to a static IP, but that defeats the portability of the device, as you may not always be on your own network.
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Problem solved...I'm up and running.
And yes (as expected) it was really a fairly simple fix.
This is what made the whole struggle for me so frustrating....I KNEW it had to be something relatively basic and straightforward, which SHOULD have been easy for me to solve, but I just wasn't getting it. Urggh!
Luckily, as I hoped, I figured someone here would see the problem quick clearly and give me the guidance needed. You folks (and Scott specifically) helped out, and fulfilled the purpose of a forum and community like this one. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge and experience, for helping me learn, and of course for guiding me to fix this particular issue.
So, it really was a matter of making my IP address (of the laptop) static, and shutting off the firewall completely. Then it all worked quite easily, and as it should. Sweet. Turning off the firewall sounds a bit scary, but honestly the ONLY time I will be connected to the internet will be to download software or something, and for those times I will simply turn the firewall on while connected to the web. Any other time, and ALL the time I will use this laptop "in public" I will not be connected to the web, and my network itself will be password protected, so no real need for the firewall. I feel plenty safe.
As to the original purpose of this thread.....it looks like QLC+ (along with an ENTTEC USBPRO which I bought) does what I need and want. The main program itself seems to do everything I want just fine, I REALLY like being able to customize the Virtual Console, and the remote control works as I was looking for. That remote control IS a bit "rough" and cludgy, sure, but it does what I need. I certainly would not want to use it as my main control surface, but that isn't what I was looking for anyway. It fills the purpose I wanted it to just fine.
I've already programmed a couple of practice scenes, fixtures, and such, and I've been trying them out virtually (not actually hooked up to a full rig yet). I've been trying a few "what if I wanted to do this?" scenarios and I'm generally able to figure them out with no problem. I'm pretty sure I've found my system.
thanks again,
d.
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Problem solved...I'm up and running.
And yes (as expected) it was really a fairly simple fix.
This is what made the whole struggle for me so frustrating....I KNEW it had to be something relatively basic and straightforward, which SHOULD have been easy for me to solve, but I just wasn't getting it. Urggh!
Luckily, as I hoped, I figured someone here would see the problem quick clearly and give me the guidance needed. You folks (and Scott specifically) helped out, and fulfilled the purpose of a forum and community like this one. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge and experience, for helping me learn, and of course for guiding me to fix this particular issue.
So, it really was a matter of making my IP address (of the laptop) static, and shutting off the firewall completely. Then it all worked quite easily, and as it should. Sweet. Turning off the firewall sounds a bit scary, but honestly the ONLY time I will be connected to the internet will be to download software or something, and for those times I will simply turn the firewall on while connected to the web. Any other time, and ALL the time I will use this laptop "in public" I will not be connected to the web, and my network itself will be password protected, so no real need for the firewall. I feel plenty safe.
As to the original purpose of this thread.....it looks like QLC+ (along with an ENTTEC USBPRO which I bought) does what I need and want. The main program itself seems to do everything I want just fine, I REALLY like being able to customize the Virtual Console, and the remote control works as I was looking for. That remote control IS a bit "rough" and cludgy, sure, but it does what I need. I certainly would not want to use it as my main control surface, but that isn't what I was looking for anyway. It fills the purpose I wanted it to just fine.
I've already programmed a couple of practice scenes, fixtures, and such, and I've been trying them out virtually (not actually hooked up to a full rig yet). I've been trying a few "what if I wanted to do this?" scenarios and I'm generally able to figure them out with no problem. I'm pretty sure I've found my system.
thanks again,
d.
Glad you got it fixed. With a static address, you can now add a firewall rule allowing TCP and UDP 9999 in from that interface/address if you wanted to beef the security back up.
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Problem solved...I'm up and running.
Glad to hear you got everything working. Best of luck with the project!
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So, just finished up my first real gig with this setup. A festival with artists such as Shawn Colvin, Kathy Mattea, Sloane Wainright, Hubby Jenkins, Sam Baker, etc.
Everything worked great and turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. Once I got through the issues getting up and running, it all worked easy and smooth. Saved me a ton of work at the venue itself and did everything I was wanting it to.
Thanks again for your help and guidance,
d.
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Sounds like sweet stuff!
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So, just finished up my first real gig with this setup. A festival with artists such as Shawn Colvin, Kathy Mattea, Sloane Wainright, Hubby Jenkins, Sam Baker, etc.
Everything worked great and turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. Once I got through the issues getting up and running, it all worked easy and smooth. Saved me a ton of work at the venue itself and did everything I was wanting it to.
Thanks again for your help and guidance,
d.
Glad to hear you got it all working! It's a fantastic piece of software that surprisingly powerful for being free. Can't wait for V5 to come out, it's going to be a game changer.
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Hi, does anybody know if I can use QLC+ hooking my iPad mini to an Enttec USB/DMX device through a lightning to usb 2.0 cable? Or do I have to go iPad > wifi router > network cable > network input of DMX device > DMX out to fixtures?
Thanks
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Hi, does anybody know if I can use QLC+ hooking my iPad mini to an Enttec USB/DMX device through a lightning to usb 2.0 cable? Or do I have to go iPad > wifi router > network cable > network input of DMX device > DMX out to fixtures?
Thanks
Negative, QLC is not an IOS app, but a desktop OS program. You could control QLC remotely via wifi/ethernet on the ipad, but QLC itself must be run on a actual computer which is connected to your DMX interface.
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Negative, QLC is not an IOS app, but a desktop OS program. You could control QLC remotely via wifi/ethernet on the ipad, but QLC itself must be run on a actual computer which is connected to your DMX interface.
Thanks!