Hardware Setup

Blackout recommends using a hard wired connection for the most reliable and stable experience, especially when running effects.

TIP

Checkout our Help Center for a comparison chart of gateways/nodes/transmitters available.

There are three options for connecting your iPad to your lighting network/gateway/node:

1. Wired

Connect a supported network adapter into your iPad. Find the Adapter in iOS Settings>Ethernet.

If you you have a WiFi router on your network it is probably handing out IP addresses through DHCP so if you open this Ethernet tab and are receving an IP address other than an IP starting with 169.x.x.x you are probably good to go.

If not, set the IP address manually by clicking where it says Configure IP --- Automatic >, setting it to Manual and inputting an IP that compliments your network scheme. If you need help with Networking concepts - Jeff has several YouTube video tutorials. You can also watch this section in the From Zero to Hero video that walks you through an example setup with IPs.

INFO

There are now some manufacturers that have come out with CRMX Transmitters that can wire directly into the iPad via USB-C such as the FTSLED Cerise line or the Cinelex Skycast.

2. Wireless

If you are running a small setup without many or any effects, wireless is a fair option.

You can either make your DMX gateway wireless by adding a Router or Wireless Access Point via ethernet, or purchase a device that includes a WiFi module such as the Ratpac AKS+, LumenRadio Stardust/Aurora, Exalux Connect One/Connect+, or others.

The same network setup on the iPad applies to the wireless setup. Find your wireless network, use DHCP if enabled on your wireless network or type in a manual IP if necessary.

3. Bluetooth

WARNING

Blackout STRONGLY recommends against using Bluetooth as Bluetooth is significantly slower than WiFi or Ethernet. Blackout does not allow effects over Bluetooth for this reason.

However, if you are running a small setup without any effects, and just setting levels, Bluetooth can be a valid option. Simply open Blackout, tap the Link Status button, set the protocol to Bluetooth and tap the Find button to directly connect to a Bluetooth node such as a Lumenradio Moonlite/Luna.

iOS Permissions & Settings

Local Network Permission

When you first install Blackout, iOS will ask if it can connect to devices on your local network. If you hit "Don't Allow" — nothing will output.

To fix:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Blackout Lighting Console (or Blackout Next)
2. Turn ON Local Network

📺 Reference video here

INFO

If you aren't seeing your WiFi network name in the top right Link Status button, this is because you haven't given Blackout Location permissions via iOS. Turn on Location in the same Settings menu to While Using the App.

iOS 26+ Wired Accessories Setting

iOS 26 changed a default setting which may cause issues with connected hardware.

To fix:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security
3. Scroll down and tap Wired Accessories
4. Change the setting to Always Allow

This adjustment ensures your iPad can communicate properly with connected accessories like your Cerise, external controllers, and lighting network.

Once you've set your connection and permissions, open Blackout.