Wired Control: sACN

sACN is a dmx-over-ethernet protocol used to control lighting fixtures. 

Control systems using sACN can be either multicast or unicast. Multicast systems do not require IP addresses on the fixtures to be known by the controller. Unicast systems require each fixture to have a unique IP address as well as the correct subnet mask since the controller is sending the information directly to the fixture.

Control systems with more than one sACN source can use priorities as a method to ensure that the fixtures can listen to the correct controller. Quasar Science Fixtures will listen to higher priority controller and ignore lower priority traffic.

To set up the fixture to using sACN Multicast-

1. Go to Config->Wired Settings->Wired Mode and set the light to sACN.  
2. Go to Config->Ethernet Settings
   View IP Addr should say Multicast, if not, do step 3
3. Scroll to ->Multicast and select Enable.
4. Scroll to ->Universe and set the fixture to the universe it is patched to
5. Optional Config->Ethernet Settings->IP Add Mode->Static
   The user will can now set the IP and subnet mask of the fixture in the ethernet settings menu. Detailed instructions can be found here
6. Go to Config->Ethernet Settings->DMX Channel
   Set the DMX Address the fixture is patched to
7. Connect the fixture to the lighting control network
8. Profit!!!
   
   

To set up the fixture to using sACN Unicast-

1. Go to Config->Wired Settings->Wired Mode and set the light to sACN.  
2. Go to Config->Ethernet Settings->Multicast->disabled
   The fixture is now in Unicast mode and the controller needs to know the IP address for the fixture
3. Config->Ethernet Settings->IP Add Mode->Static
   The user will can now set the IP and subnet mask of the fixture in the ethernet settings menu. Detailed instructions can be found here
4. Scroll to ->Multicast and select Disabled
5. Go to Config->Ethernet Settings->Universe
   Set the universe to what the fixture is patched to
6. Go to Config->Ethernet Settings->DMX Channel
   Set the DMX Address the fixture is patched to
7. Connect the fixture to the lighting control network
8. Profit!!!

sACN Priorities

As of Firmware 0.7B there is now the detection of sACN priorities in the RR and R2 fixtures.  When there are two controllers on the same network sending out sACN packets, the lights will now honor the higher-priority packet. 

For example: If one console is set to a priority of 110 and the other console is set to a priority of 100, the lights will listen to the console's output with priority 110.

Node Mode

An additional option for Quasar Science fixtures receiving sACN is Node Mode which allows the LAN 2 port of the fixture to output DMX.