Im attempting to connect my Pknight artnet node to liberation for my CO2 cannons.
Im unsure on how I can check if my artnet node is actually communicating with liberation, ive done a ping test with terminal from my macbook, and it seems to be fine.
Ive set a unique IP address for the Network cable on my macbook.
Ive set the same subnet mask for the Artnet Node AND the network settings on my macbook.
The artnet node has a different IP address.
Ive set the same unique Ip address on the network cable into the “artnet nodes” section under liberation.
I have also added my DMX zone, adressed it correctly, and attempted to arm/fire the machine. Nothing. ( the signal light has also been off on the machine this entire time)
Try setting the (node) number to 1 in the dmx zone, the first digit box next to the arm button.
Something is zero index and some is starting 1. Sorry it can be confusing still.
I assume you’ve confirmed you can send Artnet DMX data to the fixture using another piece of software like QLC+? Best to confirm using a simple DMX tool first to ensure your network settings are correct and you can talk to the node.
Working with DMX/Artnet is tricky at the best of times! So difficult to debug. I will check into this in future but I should also apologise for the lack of documentation about Liberation’s DMX system.
It’s worth digging back through the live chat recordings to see if you can find an explanation anywhere.
I’m not familiar with your node so I don’t know how you do this, I have an ShowTec Net 2/3. But check :
the artnet node is getting data. Is there a data light ?
the artnet node is outputting DMX - is there a light for that too?
Failing that, it looks like you haven’t set up the DMX profile for the CO2 cannons. Do you want to share the documentation/model number so I can help you to set it up?
Instead of using a node, i’ve decided to just go with a different fixture to attempt to get artnet up. Im using a fixture very similar to Color Strike M.
I used QLC+, to confirm the fixture can recive artnet.
The address on the fixtures screen is red when its not connected, and white when it is connected/can recive dmx.
I got it to work, after hours. ( Im a newbie)
Here is how I fixed it.
I AM NOT USING A DMX ARTNET NODE, IF YOU ARE YOUR STEPS MIGHT BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT!
I am connecting my fixture to my macbook via ethernet cable/ network outlet on the fixture. I will have to use a switch in the future when I want to connect multiple.
Some important things i have figured out:
Your fixtures signal light should immediately start receiving artnet signal the second you set the correct Ip address under “artnet setup”
If you have seen my previous screenshot above of all my settings, most* of it was right.
Everything in quotations below this is in reference to my screenshot earlier.
Under “artnet settings on liberation:”, my IP Address was the SAME IP address as my MACBOOK network Ip address that I set. IT NEEDS TO BE THE SAME IP ADDRESS AS YOUR FIXTURE OR NODE.
Under “dmx settings on liberation” I HAD NODE SET TO 0. ( Thank you @abbycodestudio for this tip) → Even though I am not using a DMX node, I had to set my node to “1” under the settings. I was not receiving artnet dmx when the node was set to 0.
A bug I have discovered?
When in the DMX ZONES Settings, even with the DMX zone armed
Or disarmed,
My clip still seems to work, and the fixture is responding with light.
Hey Marco - thanks so much for writing this up so clearly. It’s really helpful for others getting started with Art-Net in Liberation, especially since DMX can be confusing even for experienced users. Glad you got it working!
Here’s a quick summary and a few clarifications that might help others in the same situation:
Direct Ethernet to Art-Net Fixture Setup (No DMX Node)
You connected an Art-Net fixture directly to your Mac over Ethernet without using a DMX node - and that’s totally fine, as long as the network settings are correct.
A few key things to watch out for:
Art-Net IP Address in Liberation
In the “Art-Net Nodes” section of Liberation, the IP address you enter should match the fixture’s IP – not your Mac’s.
For example, if your fixture is set to 192.168.1.100, that’s what you enter in Liberation.
Mac IP Address
Your Mac should be on the same subnet – something like 192.168.1.2, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.
Node Number
In the DMX zone settings, the node number must be set to 1 or higher.
Liberation starts counting nodes from 1. I’m not sure how it was set to 0 – maybe by double-clicking and typing it manually? I’ll add a constraint in a future update to avoid confusion.
Fixture Response
Most Art-Net fixtures show a status change when they’re receiving signal – like a DMX light turning on, or the display changing color.
If that’s not happening, it usually means the fixture isn’t receiving valid Art-Net.
DMX Profile and ARM Behavior
You mentioned:
“Even with the DMX zone disarmed, my clip still seems to work and the fixture is responding.”
That usually means the DMX profile isn’t fully set up. The ARM toggle only controls RGB and Brightness values (if they’re defined in the profile).
If those channels aren’t included or are assigned incorrectly, ARM won’t have any visible effect.
If You’re Using a DMX Node (like the ShowTec 2/3)
For anyone using a proper Art-Net to DMX node:
Use a tool like QLC+ to confirm the node is receiving Art-Net and sending DMX correctly.
Make sure the node’s IP is something like 192.168.1.x and is on the same subnet as your computer.
Double-check that the universe and subnet settings on the node match what’s set in Liberation.
Look for data/activity lights on the node to verify it’s seeing Art-Net input and sending DMX output.
Thanks again for sharing your progress. It can be a steep learning curve at first, but it seems like you’re on the right track. If you want help setting up a DMX profile for your fixture, just send over the model or DMX chart and I’ll help get it sorted.
Thanks for the update Marco - that’s frustrating, especially since it was working. But the fact that QLC+ is still connecting and controlling the fixture is a good sign. It confirms:
The fixture is receiving Art-Net
Your network setup is valid
The universe and addressing are correct
So the issue is probably on the Liberation side. Here are a few things to try:
1. Double-check the IP in Liberation’s Art-Net setup
Make sure the IP in the “Art-Net nodes” panel exactly matches the fixture’s IP address - not your Mac’s.
If the fixture is using DHCP, its IP may have changed since it last worked.
2. Restart Liberation
If the Art-Net system inside Liberation gets stuck or confused (for example, after unplugging cables or changing settings), a full quit and relaunch can help.
3. Make sure a clip is playing and routed to your DMX zone
Liberation only sends Art-Net data when a clip is playing and is routed to a DMX zone.
Also make sure the DMX zone is active (armed), though note:
Since ARM only affects RGB and Brightness channels, and you mentioned the fixture responds even when disarmed, it’s likely your DMX profile isn’t set up correctly.
Without a valid profile, output might behave unpredictably. I’d be happy to help you check or build one - just send over the DMX chart or fixture model.
I figured it out. After reviewing your reply, I noticed the clip was not routed to any DMX zone. After arming the zone, then activating the clip, the red DMX address immediately went to white and the clip started playing. I appreciate it. Ive also made a profile, but ive sent you the dmx chart.
Thank you for your help on this.
@seb
Can I use both ethernet for LaserCubes, and also ethernet to art-net-node on same wire/cable? Or is this two different protocols? I want to have both the LaserCubes as is, and flame machines via art-net node to dmx. Does this make sense?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to use both LaserCubes and Art-Net nodes on the same Ethernet network - they use different protocols, but they can co-exist on the same physical network just fine.
To make everything work smoothly, I recommend putting a router on your network rather than just network switches alone. This way:
The LaserCubes can get their IPs via DHCP (in LAN Client mode).
Your Art-Net nodes should be set to DHCP mode too, so they get an appropriate IP address from the router and end up in the same subnet. (You will need to know what IP address they end up with so you can set up artnet in Liberation OK).
Just make sure all devices are in the same IP range (e.g. 192.168.1.x), and you should be good to go.
If you’d like your Art-Net devices to keep the same IP address (to avoid having to change the settings in Liberation), you can usually configure this in the router by assigning them a static lease based on their MAC address. That way, they’ll always get the same IP from DHCP, but you don’t have to set it manually on the device.
This is how I plan to use the flame machines. The red are flashbuttons, top row are “ON” 2. row are flashing. The green buttons are positions of the flames (it’s a wave flamer machine). top green is an alternate L-C-R positions, mid green is a V-shape with 2 and 2 machines, bottom are static L, C, R.
