Many customers install MA3 and 3D software on different computers combine into a network, but some encounter connection issues and are unsure where the problem lies. Therefore, a simple method is needed to identify the cause. We now recommend a small, free, and user-friendly ArtNet monitoring software called Artnetominator, It can be installed on each computer and run simultaneously on different machines, In Artnetominator, select the network adapter used for the connection and monitor whether the computer is receiving ArtNet data, thereby pinpointing the issue.
Note: If you are using an external DMX expander, you can treat the DMX expander as a second computer.
Assume you have two computers:
1. Computer 1 has MA3 installed and is connected to our SL04 box via USB, The default IP of the sl04 box is 2.0.0.44, The IP of the USB network adapter connecting Computer 1 to the box is set to 2.0.0.50, and the IP of the network adapter connecting Computer 1 to Computer 2 is set to 2.0.0.1.
2. Computer 2 has 3D software installed, The IP of the network adapter connecting Computer 2 to Computer 1 is set to 2.0.0.60, and it is connected to Computer 1 via an Ethernet cable.
3. Install and run Artnetominator on both Computer 1 and Computer 2, Select the network adapter to monitor, and you can observe the ArtNet data packets on both computers to determine whether ArtNet data is being transmitted between them.
Troubleshooting Methods:
– If Computer 1 has ArtNet data but Computer 2 does not, the issue may be that the IP settings of Computer 1 and Computer 2 are not on the same subnet.
– If both Computer 1 and Computer 2 have ArtNet data, but the 3D software does not receive it, the problem may lie in the 3D software settings, such as whether the correct network adapter is selected.
– If Computer 1 has no ArtNet data, check whether the IP settings of the USB virtual network adapter connecting the SL04 box to the computer are correct.
Note: In MA3, you only need to set the session IP to 127.0.0.1. Other settings, such as the unlock parameter number showing 0 or the universe status showing “Granted” as yes and green, can be ignored. In practice, MA3 outputs ArtNet data for 64 universes, which can be viewed using Artnetominator.
Additionally, there is another connection method:
Connect Computer 1, Computer 2, and the SL04 box to a network switch via Ethernet cables. Set the IP of the network adapter connecting Computer 1 to the switch to 2.0.0.1, set the IP of the network adapter connecting Computer 2 to the switch to 2.0.0.60, and use the default IP 2.0.0.44 for the SL04 box. This method also works.
Note: All computer IP settings should be referenced around the SL04 box. As long as your computer’s IP is set to the same subnet as the SL04 box, ArtNet data will be output!
1. If you want to use the 10.x.x.x subnet, you need to change the IP of the SL04 box to 10.x.x.x (via the webapp at http://2.0.0.44), For detailed steps, refer to the “SL04 Box Setup Video Tutorial – 1st Use Box Please See This (21 mins, only Chinese)” in FAQ Q22. Note: This IP is the box’s IP, not the virtual network adapter IP of the USB-connected computer, The virtual network adapter IP is the computer’s IP. Other computers should also have their IPs changed to 10.x.x.x. Once done, it should work.
Note: If you change the box’s IP, make sure to remember it. Next time, you need to access the box’s webapp via http://[new IP]. If you forget the IP, you can restore the factory settings using the factory reset software.
2. If you want to use the 192.168.x.x subnet, you need to change the IP of the SL04 box to 192.168.x.x (via the webapp at http://2.0.0.44). Other computers should also have their IPs changed to 192.168.x.x. Once done, it should work.
Artnetominator Download Link:
http://down.hahan123.com/down_server/SuperLightBox/ArtNet/artnetominator.msi