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grandMA3 User Manual » Networking
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Version 2.0
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Networking allows for the expansion of a single standalone console to a complete system with DMX nodes and extra processing powers.
There are three Ethernet connectors on the rear panel of all the consoles. They can be used to connect to three different networks.
Networking is used for:
- Connecting several MA3 devices in a session
- Output and input Ethernet-based DMX
- Internet connection
MA Session
Sessions are a way to expand a single console. It allows for connecting multiple consoles in a multi-user setup where several programmers can work in the same show. grandMA3 Processing Units can be added to move DMX calculations away from the consoles and into processors located where needed. grandMA3 xPort Nodes are listening to a session and function as DMX interfaces allowing decentralized synchronized DMX distribution.
A session is needed to connect grandMA3 devices. Read about sessions here.
Ethernet DMX
grandMA3 can output DMX using Art-Net and sACN. It is possible to set up a specific Ethernet port to output the network DMX. Read more in the DMX In and Out of the system topic.
Internet Connection
The grandMA3 system is designed to be able to connect to the Internet. More specifically connect to World Servers. These servers are able to provide different services to the connected stations.
It is recommended to separate the light network from the internet and use one of the three Ethernet connectors on the back of the MA hardware stations to connect to a network with internet access. This will maintain a separation between the internet and the light network and still provide access to the services on the world server.
For more information see the World Server topic and the Interfaces and IP topic.
Internal Connections
A console uses internal network connections to have different sections of the internal components connected. This is visible in the Network menu, but should never be changed by the users.
Enabling or Disabling the Network Connection
The network needs to be enabled to communicate. This includes transmitting DMX using Ethernet.
Turning network On or Off is done from the Network menu - read about the network menu in the Sessions topic.
In the lower right corner of the network menu, there is a button to toggle the network connection.
If the icon is red then the network is turned Off. If it is green then it is On.
Sub topics