Features

LightGroove provides professional-grade lighting control with an intuitive web interface. Control your fixtures in real-time, create dynamic effects, and configure everything through your browser.

DMX / ArtNet Output

• ArtNet Protocol Support - Sends lighting data via industry-standard ArtNet protocol to any compatible network node or monitoring software
• Universal Compatibility - Works seamlessly with any ArtNet-to-DMX interface including Enttec ODE, DMXking, Art-Net 4, and similar professional devices
• Flexible Universe Mapping - Map any DMX universe to any ArtNet node and universe through the web UI (e.g., DMX universe 1 → ArtNet node 192.168.1.100 universe 0)
• Multiple Node Support - Send to multiple ArtNet nodes simultaneously on different network addresses for large installations
• Configurable Frame Rate - Adjust output FPS for optimal performance based on your setup

Web-Based User Interface

Globals Tab

• Master Fader - Global intensity control (0-100%) that scales all DMX output in real-time without changing individual fader positions. Perfect for room brightness adjustments during shows.
• FX BPM Control - Set the speed of color effects from 1-480 beats per minute for perfect music synchronization. From slow ambient (1 BPM) to fast strobing (480 BPM).
• FX Fade - Adjust smooth color transitions from instant (0%) to full beat interval (100%). Create professional-looking crossfades between colors.
• Flash Button - Press and hold for instant full white override. Automatically pauses running effects. Releases back to previous state. Touch-friendly for mobile control.

Faders Tab

• Compact Fixture Cards - Clean, organized layout showing each patched fixture with all its channels in one place
• Vertical Faders - Intuitive faders arranged in logical channel order (Dimmer, Red, Green, Blue, White) for precise control
• Real-Time DMX Values - Live DMX values (0-255) displayed and updated instantly as you move faders
• Responsive Layout - Automatically adapts to your screen width - works perfectly on desktop, tablet, and phone
• Per-Channel Control - Independent control of every channel on every fixture for maximum flexibility
• Clear Labels - Each fader clearly labeled with channel name and fixture identifier

Colors Tab

Static Colors

10 preset color buttons with instant one-click activation:

• Standard Colors - Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
• Additional Colors - White, Orange, Purple, Black (blackout)
• Customizable - All colors defined with RGBW values (0.0-1.0 range) in config/colors.json
• Dynamic Buttons - Button backgrounds automatically display the actual RGBW color from your definitions
• Active Indication - Currently active color highlighted with visual feedback
• Add Your Own - Create custom colors through the Config tab with live preview

Color FX (Server-Side Effects)

Dynamic effects that run independently on the server, synchronized to BPM:

• Random 1 - Unified color wash: All fixtures display the same random color, cycling together at BPM speed. Perfect for creating cohesive color changes across your entire rig.
• Random 2 - Disco ball effect: Each fixture gets a different random color, all changing simultaneously at each beat. Creates dynamic, multi-color looks.
• Random 3 - Strobe effect: Alternates between even-numbered and odd-numbered patches with black, creating a pulsing strobe-like pattern.
• Random 4 - Sequential chaser: Lights one fixture at a time in sequence with random colors. Classic chase effect with color variety.
• Smooth Fades - All effects support smooth fade transitions based on FX Fade setting (0-100%). Create professional crossfades instead of abrupt color changes.
• Active Indication - Effect buttons highlight to show what's currently running
• Multi-Color Display - Random 2/3/4 effects show all currently active colors in the button for visual feedback
• Flash Integration - Effects automatically pause when flash button is held, resuming when released

Move Tab

Professional moving head control with intuitive positioning and dynamic effects:

Move Position (X/Y Pad)

• Interactive Touchpad - 200x200px drag surface with visual cursor for pan/tilt positioning
• Dual Mode Operation - Works during effects (controls center position) and without effects (direct positioning)
• Real-Time Feedback - Live pan/tilt values displayed (0.00-1.00 range) as you drag
• Touch-Friendly - Fully supports touch input for mobile devices and tablets
• Reset to Center - Quick button to return to center position
• State Persistence - Position automatically saved and restored on app restart

Move FX Size

• Amplitude Control - Vertical slider controlling effect size (0-100%)
• 0% - No movement, fixtures remain at static position
• 100% - Full range movement (±50% from center position)
• Real-Time Adjustment - Change size while effects are running without interruption
• Automatic Persistence - Setting saved and restored automatically

Move Phase

• Multi-Fixture Phase Control - Vertical slider for phase offset (0-100%)
• 0% - All fixtures move in perfect sync (synchronized)
• 100% - Maximum phase spread creates wave-like patterns
• Professional Effects - Creates dynamic chase and wave patterns across multiple moving heads
• Per-Fixture Offset - Phase calculated based on fixture position in the list
• Universal Compatibility - Works with all movement patterns
• State Persistence - Automatically saved and restored

Move Speed

• Independent Speed Control - Vertical slider for movement speed multiplier (0-100%)
• 50% (Default) - Normal speed, uses global FX BPM setting
• 0-49% - Slower than BPM, divides movement speed
• 51-100% - Faster than BPM, multiplies movement speed
• Independent Control - Adjust move speed without affecting color effect speeds
• Real-Time Adjustment - Speed changes apply immediately while effects are running
• State Persistence - Setting automatically saved and restored

Movement Effects

Six professional movement patterns synchronized to BPM:

• Pan Sway - Smooth horizontal oscillation around center position. Perfect for sweeping side-to-side motion.
• Tilt Sway - Smooth vertical oscillation around center position. Creates up-and-down sweeping effects.
• Circle - Continuous circular motion around center point. Classic moving light effect.
• Figure-8 - Lemniscate pattern (infinity symbol). Complex mathematical curve for visual interest.
• Lissajous - Advanced mathematical curves (3:2 frequency ratio). Creates sophisticated patterns.
• Diamond - Sharp-cornered diamond shape using cubic power functions. Geometric precision.
• Center-Based - All effects use center position from X/Y pad as their origin
• No Freezing - BPM, size, and phase changes take effect immediately without stopping motion
• Phase Offset Support - All patterns support multi-fixture phase distribution
• Stop Button - Halt all movement effects and return to center position

State Persistence

• Comprehensive Saving - Position (pan/tilt), FX Size, Move Phase, Move Speed, and BPM all automatically saved
• Auto-Save Every 15 Seconds - Regular background saves prevent data loss
• Immediate Save on Change - Settings also saved instantly after any adjustment
• Automatic Restoration - All settings restored when application starts
• Position Memory - Moving heads return to last known position on restart

Config Tab

Complete web-based configuration system - no need to manually edit JSON files:

• ArtNet Nodes Management - Add, edit, and delete ArtNet output nodes with IP addresses and universe numbers. Visual list of all configured nodes with edit/delete buttons for each.
• Universe Mapping - Configure which DMX universe maps to which ArtNet node and universe. Easy dropdown selection for routing.
• Colors Editor - Full color management system:
  • Edit RGBW color definitions using interactive sliders (0-1 range)
  • Live color preview shows actual color as you adjust
  • Add custom colors with any name you want
  • Remove colors you don't need
  • Changes immediately reflected in Colors tab buttons
• Global Settings - Configure system-wide options:
  • Default output mode (ArtNet/virtual DMX)
  • Frames per second (FPS) for DMX output timing
  • Performance tuning options
• Automatic Reload - All changes are saved immediately and the server reloads automatically. No manual restart required!
• Zero Downtime - Continue working while configuration reloads. UI stays connected and operational.

Connection Monitoring & Recovery

• Real-Time Status - Visual connection indicator in header shows server status (green dot = connected, red pulsing = offline)
• Automatic Recovery - UI automatically detects when server comes back online and reloads all data
• Seamless Reconnection - No manual intervention needed - just keep working and the UI recovers automatically
• Zero User Action - No need to refresh browser or restart application after connection restore

Configuration System

Flexible configuration system supports both web UI and direct file editing:

• config/fixtures.json - Fixture profiles with channel definitions
  • Define fixture types (RGBW, RGB, dimmer-only, custom)
  • Specify channel names, types, and default values
  • Create reusable fixture profiles
• config/patch.json - Patched fixtures per universe
  • Assign fixtures to specific DMX addresses
  • Organize fixtures across multiple universes
  • Set per-fixture identifiers
• config/artnet.json - ArtNet configuration (editable via Config tab)
  • Define ArtNet node IP addresses and universes
  • Map DMX universes to ArtNet nodes
  • Configure multiple output destinations
• config/colors.json - Color definitions (editable via Config tab)
  • RGBW values 0.0-1.0 for each color
  • Custom color names and presets
  • Used by static color buttons and FX engine

Technical Features

• Real-Time Performance - Low-latency DMX output with configurable frame rate (FPS). Optimized Python backend ensures responsive control.
• Multiple Universes - Support for multiple DMX universes through ArtNet. Scale to hundreds of fixtures across many universes.
• Flexible Fixture Profiles - Define any fixture type with custom channel layouts. Support for RGBW, RGB, single-channel dimmers, and complex moving lights.
• Cross-Platform - Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Python-based ensures compatibility across all major operating systems.
• Self-Contained - Built-in Flask web server, no separate web server or database required. Everything runs from a single Python process.
• RESTful API - Complete HTTP API for integration with other software, custom controllers, or automation systems.
• Network Accessible - Control from any device on your network. Server runs on port 5555, accessible via http://localhost:5555 or your computer's IP address.
• Modular Architecture - Clean separation between DMX controller, fixture manager, color FX engine, and HTTP API for easy customization and extension.
• AGPL-3.0 Licensed - Completely open source with strong copyleft. Use commercially, modify, and distribute freely while sharing source code of modifications.

Use Cases

• Mobile DJs - Portable lighting control running on a laptop. Control from tablet while DJing. Perfect for wedding receptions, parties, and mobile events.
• Small Venues - Affordable permanent installation for bars, clubs, and restaurants. No expensive lighting console required.
• Live Events & Performances - Small to medium events, concerts, and shows. Quick setup and intuitive control for event technicians.
• Theater Productions - Community theater and educational theater programs. Student productions and rehearsal spaces.
• House Parties & Private Events - Turn any space into a party venue. Easy enough for anyone to operate.
• Architectural Lighting - Permanent installations in commercial spaces, restaurants, or architectural features. Color-changing accent lighting.
• Development & Testing - Test DMX fixtures during development. Verify fixture channel layouts and color mixing.
• Education - Learn DMX lighting control concepts. Understand ArtNet protocol and lighting programming.
• Home Automation Integration - Integrate lighting control into smart home systems via the HTTP API.

What's Next?

LightGroove is actively developed with new features planned:

• MIDI Controller Support - Use physical MIDI controllers for tactile fader control
• Scene Presets - Save and recall complete lighting states
• Cue Lists - Program sequences of scenes with timing
• Timeline Programming - Time-based automation for shows
• Audio Reactive Effects - Effects that respond to music and sound input
• Additional Fixture Profiles - Growing library of pre-defined fixtures

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