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dmXLAN QR

Overview

dmXLAN QR is a mobile application for iOS and Android that enables fast and reliable addressing of RDM fixtures by scanning QR codes that contain the fixture’s RDM UID.

Fixture number – Scan – Done!

Instead of manually setting DMX addresses on each device, dmXLAN QR links a scanned RDM UID to a fixture ID in your dmXLAN show file. The dmXLAN system then automatically sets the DMX address and mode according to the patch.

dmXLAN QR can be used: - During pre‑production - On an active live system (online) - For maintenance logging and error reporting

The application communicates over WiFi with a computer running dmXLAN V4.45 or higher.

System Components

A complete dmXLAN QR setup consists of:

  • dmXLAN QR app (iOS or Android)
  • Computer running dmXLAN V4
  • ELC dmXLAN nodes connected to the lighting network
  • RDM‑compatible fixtures
  • RDM‑compliant splitters (if used)
  • WiFi network connecting mobile device and computer

How It Works

  1. Fixtures are labeled with a QR code containing their RDM UID.
  2. You assign a fixture ID in the dmXLAN QR app.
  3. You scan the QR code on the fixture.
  4. dmXLAN matches the RDM UID to the fixture ID in the show file.
  5. dmXLAN sets the DMX address and mode automatically via RDM.

Additional Capabilities

  • Offline scanning (sync later)
  • Automatic RDM discovery during addressing
  • Maintenance note logging via dmXLAN or dmXLAN F!X
  • QR code generation within dmXLAN (v4.44+)

Getting Started

Requirements

To use dmXLAN QR you need:

  • dmXLAN V4.45 or higher
  • Computer and mobile device on the same WiFi network
  • RDM fixtures connected via ELC dmXLAN nodes
  • RDM globally enabled in dmXLAN

The app is available on:

  • Apple App Store (iOS 11.3+)
  • Google Play Store

Prepare dmXLAN

Before scanning:

  1. Create or load a dmXLAN show file.

  2. Patch all fixtures with correct:

  3. Fixture ID
  4. DMX address

  5. DMX mode

  6. Enable:

  7. RDM globally (toolbar)
  8. Preferences → Fixture → Enable dmXLAN QR RDM addressing

If using note logging, also enable: - Preferences → Fixture → Enable dmXLAN QR RDM notes

Network Setup

  • Ensure both devices are on the same subnet.
  • Start dmXLAN before launching the app.
  • When connected, the app status changes from “Looking for Server” to the current dmXLAN filename.

Workflows

Online Workflow

  1. Power fixtures and connect via ELC nodes.
  2. Load your patched show file in dmXLAN.
  3. Start dmXLAN QR.
  4. Confirm connection (filename visible).
  5. Enter starting Fixture ID.
  6. Set desired increment.
  7. Scan fixtures one by one.
  8. dmXLAN:
    • Stores match
    • Performs RDM discovery
    • Sets DMX address and mode

Offline Workflow

You may scan fixtures while dmXLAN is not connected.

  • App displays “Looking for Server”
  • Matches are stored locally.
  • When later connected to dmXLAN, pending matches sync automatically.
  • dmXLAN then performs RDM discovery and applies patch settings.

Best Practices

  • Label fixtures clearly with durable QR codes.
  • Use logical increment steps.
  • Scan fixtures in physical hang order.
  • Verify RDM discovery after large batches.

RDM-QR Codes

What is RDM-QR?

RDM‑QR encodes a fixture’s RDM UID in a QR code format to allow:

  • Automatic addressing
  • Error reporting
  • Maintenance logging

UID Format

The encoded string must be:

UID: XXXX-XXXXXXXX

Rules:

  • “UID:” followed by a space
  • 4 hexadecimal characters
  • Hyphen
  • 8 hexadecimal characters
  • Uppercase letters recommended

The UID string may be embedded within a larger QR payload.

Generating QR Codes

Manufacturer Supplied

Many fixtures now ship with RDM-QR labels. These may be printed on or applied as a sticker to the fixture housing, and can sometimes also be accessed in the fixture’s menu with a single button press. For the exact location and access method, refer to the fixture manufacturer’s documentation.

Generate in dmXLAN

In dmXLAN (v4.44+):

  • Discover RDM fixtures.
  • Select devices.
  • Right‑click → Export QR codes

Labeling Recommendations

  • Place QR code externally on fixture.
  • Use durable, high‑contrast labels.
  • Consider adding the official RDM‑QR logo.

Notes & Maintenance Logging

Note Mode

dmXLAN QR includes a Note Mode:

  1. Enter a note.
  2. Scan fixture QR.
  3. The note and UID are sent to dmXLAN.

dmXLAN matches the UID and attaches the note to the fixture.

dmXLAN F!X Integration

dmXLAN F!X is a database application for logging fixture maintenance.

Features include:

  • Automatic timestamped logging
  • Multiple instances connected to same database
  • Export/import logs
  • Operation as standalone system

Workflow example:

Note – Scan – Logged!

Troubleshooting

App Stuck on "Looing for Server

  • Ensure dmXLAN is running.
  • Confirm same WiFi network.
  • Verify firewall allows communication.

Fixtures Not Addressed

  • Confirm RDM enabled globally.
  • Verify RDM‑compliant splitters.
  • Run RDM discovery manually.

QR Code Not Recognized

  • Check UID format matches specification.
  • Ensure label is not damaged.
  • Improve lighting conditions.

Notes Not Logging

  • Ensure dmXLAN QR RDM notes enabled.
  • Confirm dmXLAN F!X connection if used.