X-Net

ONYX Consoles have the ability to link together on a network via their proprietary network protocol, X-Net, in order to allow Primary and secondary setup for consoles.

DMX output is not switched between the Primary and Secondary console, if a live switch is required due to a problem with the Primary Console then swapping the DMX Cables and Art-Net output from the Primary to the Secondary is required. Both Primary and Secondary console need to have the same amount of licenses available at all times otherwise full DMX output will not be possible.

If the DMX output is purely via Art-Net or sACN, connect both output devices to a network switch and disable Art-Net/sACN output on the Secondary console (otherwise there will be a conflict).

If a live switch is needed, simply turn the Art-Net/sACN output of the Primary off and turn the Art-Net/sACN of the Secondary console on, and you can continue to run the show from where the Primary console left off. Art-Net ON/OFF toggle is assignable to a Function Key. See the Sidebar and Function Keys section for more information.

The Primary Console is the Console that the show is running on, all other Consoles are "Secondarys" that "Join" the show via the network. Currently, the following data is synchronized between the Primary and Secondary Consoles:

  • All Cue and Preset data
  • All Playback operation
  • All Programmer operation
  • All Patch Data
  • X-Net chat window

Here is a simple diagram that demonstrates a simple Primary/Secondary console setup (Press to enlarge):

You can optionally push the following from the Primary console to selected Secondary Consoles:

  • A remote command to "Push" the network show from the Primary to a Secondary console
  • A remote command to "Leave" the network show. This will remotely remove a Secondary console from the network show.

All Primary and Secondary consoles can view show data of a network show both prior to joining it and once joined.

It is important to note that the "Show" name and the "File" name are different. The network show may be called "Main Auditorium" but the Saved show file may be called "Friday Morning".

To change the name of a show:

  1. Access the Console Menu by pressing MENU, or pressing ONYX in the upper left hand corner, and then pressing Menu.
  2. Navigate to the Overview section on the left sidebar under "Show".
  3. Press the Edit... button next to the current show name.
  4. Enter a new show name on screen.
  5. Press "OK" to finish.

To Join a network show on Startup:

  1. On startup choose the "Join Show" Option.

  2. Choose the desired show from the network shows window, and press Join in the upper right corner. All online shows will display here.

  3. Confirm you wish to join a network show.

To Join a Network show once the console has fully booted:

  1. Access the Menu by hitting MENU, or by pressing ONYX in the upper left hand corner and then pressing Menu.
  2. Navigate to the Settings page, under Network.
  3. Navigate to the Shows section from the bottom bar.
  4. Choose a network show by pressing it on the screen
  5. Under "Tasks" on the right hand side, press Join.
  6. Press Yes from the popup to confirm you wish to join this network show.