Problem
Can’t get your fixtures to respond? Having issues outputting DMX, Art-Net, or sACN? Don’t worry — we’ll get you back up and running in no time.
Using an FTSLED CERISE TRANSMITTER and having issues outputting?
Using an FTSLED CERISE TRANSMITTER and having issues outputting?
The Cerise transmitters default with a USB IP of 169.x.x.x. Any device that shows a 169.x.x.x IP address indicates a failure to receive a DHCP-assigned address—meaning the device couldn't find an active network connection with or without internet. This is standard networking behavior across all platforms, not specific to iOS.
Due to this networking standard, Blackout de-prioritizes the 169.x.x.x IP range. Consequently, if you're connected to any Wi-Fi network while having "Prefer Wired" enabled and seeing a 169.x.x.x IP address, you won't be able to output to your Cerise device.
✅ Simple Solution: Configure the default USB IP in your Cerise network settings to be something other than 169.x.x.x. Jeff's recommendation is 172.20.0.1 as this avoids common 10.x.x.x and 192.168.x.x networks we encounter in lighting most of the time. This one-time configuration will prevent this issue from recurring when using Blackout with Cerise.
Solution
Follow these steps in order for the fastest fix:
1. Check Link Status
In Blackout, tap the Link Status dropdown in the top right corner.
Green = good to go ✅
Red = not connected ❌ (Blackout isn’t seeing your hardware).
2. Confirm Account Status
Tap the Blackout logo (top right corner) to double-check:
You’re signed into a valid account.
You have an active subscription.
3. Update Your Software
Make sure your iPad is on iOS 26.x.
Update to the latest version of Blackout in the App Store.
Recommended iOS Version
We recommend updating to iOS 26 or later, as we can only support the latest version of iOS for best compatibility and performance.
4. Check Your Network
Ensure you’re connected to a stable wired or Wi-Fi network that your lighting gear is on. This is usually not a network that has internet such as the building or venue's WiFi.
5. Verify IP Address
Ensure the IP address of your iPad aligns with the range of your network, gateway, or node
6. Match Your Protocols
Confirm you're using the correct output protocol
COMMON ISSUE: If your gateway is configured for sACN but you're sending Art-Net (or vice versa), this mismatch will prevent successful communication
7. Art-Net Gotchas
Art-Net Offset: Art-Net numbering starts from 0. Ensure that the offset in Blackout matches your Art-Net node's settings. For example:
Art-Net Numbering | Actual Universe |
0 | 1 |
1 | 2 |
If your Art-Net node is set to Universe 1, the offset in Blackout should also be set to 1.
Limited Broadcast Nodes: Some nodes only listen for Art-Net broadcast (255.255.255.255). That’ll work fine in a closed network with limited universes, but note it diverges from the standard Art-Net specification: more info here
8. iOS Local Network Permission
When you first installed Blackout, iOS should’ve asked if it can connect to devices on your local network. If you hit “Don’t Allow” — nothing will output.
To fix:
Go to Settings > Apps > Blackout Lighting Console (or Blackout Next)
Turn ON Local Network 👉 Reference video here
NOTE: 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".
9. iOS 26 issues
iOS 26 changed a default setting which may cause issues with connected hardware.
Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Navigate to Privacy & Security.
Scroll down and tap Wired Accessories.
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.
Related Videos
🎥 Troubleshooting Network Issues
🎥 Output Basics