sACN Set Up and Trouble Shooting - MagicQ

• sACN is a multicast protocol.
• Multicast networking uses IGMP queriers to direct network traffic to devices so they can receive information. This allows network devices, such as DMX nodes, to connect to the network and request only the information they need. This reduces network traffic and improves network performance.
• IGMP software on a managed switch must be present for Multicast transmission within a network
• Many managed network switches automatically use an inbuilt IGMP queriers. Example: Netgear M4250 VLAN profile "Lighting"
• Incorrectly set up networks may result in the multicast network traffic being sent as broadcast network traffic. This can result in poor network performance due to flooding of network devices.
• MagicQ (and QuickQ) consoles have inbuilt managed switches (except MagicQ rack).
• "Default" network settings on the consoles turn on an IGMP querier on the console switch. v1.9.7.3 and lesser versions.
• The IGMP querier can NOT be turned off on some consoles and on some versions of the console (early mQ50/50, MQ80, all QuickQ).

If two IGMP queries exist on a network there is likely to be network issues.

This can result in no DMX being transmitted to the fixtures from the node. This can also show as fixtures glitching, twitching, or experiencing interruptions and delays in communication with the console.

MagicQ only - Try  these options in this order:

1. Disable IGMP Snooping in the console. This is now the default.
   1. MQ80, this is not possible. In extreme cases, a direct connection to the internal network can be a workaround. Open the console and connect the network to the daughter board on the console base, bypassing the console switch.
   2. MQ70/MQ50 serial numbers starting with CH***02 through approx CH***06/09, disabling IGMP snooping is not possible.
2. Unicast to the nodes: Enter the IP addresses of the sACN nodes in the unicast columns, Setup, DMX I/O.
3. Add a computer running MagicQ with sACN output to the network. Potential solution if you are on tour and need a temporary fix at the venue without changing the venue's setup. This will cause the sACN output from the console to "fall over" to broadcast.

More:

An article from our friends at ETC.