🔌 Using the Astera ART7 Wi-Fi Integration in Blackout
This guide explains two setups for using the Astera ART7 Wi-Fi box with Blackout:
Basic Setup – Astera integration only
Advanced Setup – networked integration with multiple CRMX transmitters
👉 There are two protocols at work with Astera integration:
Astera protocol (direct to fixtures): lets you do things like flashing all fixtures red via the Astera menu or the Astera View State button.
DMX → CRMX protocol: Blackout sends DMX to a node, which then transmits CRMX to the lights (the way you are used to using Blackout).
⚠️ Important: If your fixtures aren’t all paired to a node, they won’t work. Make sure to LINK all fixtures to the node you’re using (ART7, Cerise, AKS, etc.):
Select all fixtures.
Unlink CRMX.
Re-link via Link Status → Astera menu → Node Settings dropdown.
✅ Prerequisites
Before starting, ensure you have:
📦 Astera ART7 Wi-Fi box with firmware 5.15.137 or later
💡 Blackout app installed
🎛 Compatible CRMX transmitter (Cerise Pro, RatPac AKS, Satellite, Stardust with Ethernet port)
📱 iPad with AsteraNext App installed
🔹 Setup 1: Basic ART7 Integration (Astera Features Only)
This setup uses your primary transmitter for CRMX, while the ART7 provides Astera-specific features via Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Update ART7 Firmware
Open the Astera app and connect to your ART7 via Bluetooth.
Go to Menu → App Settings → Lights Background Update.
Press & hold the refresh icon → enter code Blackout.
Update to firmware 5.15.1.37 when prompted.
🔄 Reboot the ART7.
Step 2: Configure ART7 Wi-Fi
In the Astera app → ART7 settings.
Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
Turn Access Point ON.
Turn Join Network OFF.
✅ Save & reboot.
Step 3: Configure Your Primary Transmitter
Connect transmitter (Cerise, etc.) to iPad via USB-C or Ethernet.
In Safari → enter transmitter IP address.
⚠️ Set “Default Gateway” = NO to avoid conflicts.
Configure other settings as needed.
📝 Note
The ART7 can also serve as your primary transmitter since it has a built-in CRMX node.
Remember: you’ll always have two connections to your Astera lights:
Astera protocol → for configuring and changing fixture settings.
DMX via Blackout → for controlling fixtures through their patched DMX profiles.
Step 4: Connect in Blackout
Open Blackout → check Link Status (“Connected via Ethernet”).
Go to Link Status → Connect to Astera.
Add new Astera box → Connect via Wi-Fi Access Point.
Enter pairing PIN (on ART7’s back sticker).
Choose Radio PIN + Region → ✅ ART7 connects instantly.
Step 5: Test Integration
Put an Astera light (e.g., Helios) in blue pairing mode using remote or power button.
In Blackout → Link Status → Connect to Astera → Pair with Lights (this pairs via Astera's proprietary protocol, not CRMX!).
Patch Astera lights in Blackout’s Patch menu.
Tap the Astera logo next to fixtures → Send to sync.
🎉 Test control & battery monitoring.
Step 6: Connect Fixtures via CRMX
Select all of your lights in Link Status > Astera > Connect to Astera > List of Lights (button on your connected Art7) or in the Fixtures Tab in the Astera View State.
Select the "Unlink CRMX" option to unlink all Asteras from any previous CRMX transmitters.
Press the link button on your transmitter of choice. Again, this could also be the Art7, but make sure you enable the node first by tapping on the CRMX button in the middle of the connected Art7 Box in Link Status.
✅ Test that each fixture responds correctly via CRMX control in the Fixture Tab by using the command line or Fixture Controls Sidebar.
🔹 Setup 2: Advanced Network Integration (Multiple CRMX Nodes)
This setup networks the ART7 with your primary transmitter. The ART7 acts as an extra CRMX universe while maintaining Astera integration.
Network Requirements
📶 Router with 2.4GHz + 5GHz bands (GLiNet recommended)
All devices on the same subnet (e.g.,
192.168.0.x)
Step 1: Router Configuration (GLiNet Example)
Access router admin → set WAN port to LAN.
Set router IP (e.g.,
192.168.0.1).Configure SSID + password for both bands.
Disable IGMP snooping.
Set subnet mask =
255.255.255.0.
Step 2: Configure Primary Transmitter
Connect via Ethernet to router.
Set static IP (e.g.,
192.168.0.201).Enable sACN universe transmission.
⚠️ “Default Gateway” = NO.
Step 3: Configure ART7
In Astera app → Wi-Fi Settings.
Turn Access Point OFF + Join Network ON.
Join router’s 2.4GHz network.
Assign static IP (e.g.,
192.168.0.7).Set subnet mask
255.255.255.0. Set gateway either blank or to the router IP.
Step 4: Connect iPad + Blackout
Connect iPad to router’s 5GHz network.
In Blackout → Connect via Existing Network.
Enter ART7 pairing PIN + static IP.
Configure ART7 node for extra universe if needed.
📝 Note
If you only want to use the ART7 for Astera features and not as an additional CRMX universe, you can stop the setup here and leave the ART7 CRMX node disabled.
Step 5: Test Multi-Universe Setup
Assign universes (e.g., Universe 1 = Cerise, Universe 2 = ART7).
Patch fixtures accordingly.
Verify independent control + Astera integration.
⚠️ Important Notes
📏 Spacing Considerations: Keep ART7 + primary transmitter at least 1 ft apart (both use 2.4GHz and can interfere with each other).
📶 Network Performance: For the advanced setup, connect your iPad to the 5GHz WiFi network while keeping the ART7 on 2.4GHz for optimal performance.
🔄 Firmware Requirements: ART7 must be 5.15.1.37 or later for the Blackout + Astera integration to work.
📲 AsteraNext App: When using the Astera app, always connect via Bluetooth to preserve Wi-Fi bandwidth for Blackout.
⚡ Connection Limitations: You cannot connect to the ART7 via AsteraNext and Blackout at the same time — choose one connection method at a time.
🛠 ART7 Troubleshooting & Connection Tips
ART7 won’t connect to your existing network?
🔑 Double-check your SSID/password (case-sensitive).
📌 Place the ART7 closer to your router.
📶 Turn off other CRMX receivers during setup to reduce interference.
🔄 Power cycle the ART7 and wait 1 minute before retrying.
⚠️ If you still can’t connect, ensure the ART7 is running custom Blackout firmware (5.15.137+):
Connect via Bluetooth using the AsteraNext app.
Go to App Settings → Lights Background Update.
Press & hold the top-right refresh icon and enter code Blackout.
Connection Optimization Tips
🔄 Reboot the ART7 if you experience intermittent issues.
📶 Keep it away from other 2.4GHz devices (like CRMX transmitters).
📌 Place the ART7 as close as possible to your iPad or router.
⚡ If the ART7 keeps disconnecting, consider using a router or WAP:
Mount the ART7 close to the router.
Connect your iPad to the router’s Wi-Fi instead of directly to the ART7.
This keeps the ART7 stable while allowing you to move around with the iPad and is what the Blackout team have found to get the best results.
💡 Pro tip: Ian velcros his ART7 directly to the router for best WiFi reliability.