Remote Access¶
The Pausch Bridge lighting system operates on a private network for security and reliability. However, students may use a WireGuard Virtual Private Network (VPN) system for temporary access to either the Pharos LPC X lighting controller or the bridge server. This access is not suitable for daily operation but is useful for testing Pharos shows or live-streaming to the lighting system. Please note that the live-streaming must be specially enabled by an instructor and cannot be turned on by students.
Caution: please note you are being offered access to the Pharos administrative interface as a trusted colleague. Please refrain from changing any settings other than uploading new projects. Please refrain from any operations other than issuing triggers on the Control page. Please refer any other configuration or operational questions to your instructor.
WireGuard Installation¶
WireGuard is a freely available VPN for securely tunneling traffic over the network. The client software can be downloaded from the WireGuard Installation page for Windows. The macOS version is available on the macOS App Store. The Linux version is available via the normal package manager.
Each student group will be issued a private keyfile which can be used to establish a connection. When in operation, your own computer will appear to have an additional local network on which appears the Pharos LPC X as well as a Linux server which can bridge data to the lights.
Pharos LPC X Web Interface¶
Once the VPN connection is established, you should be able to access the Pharos Remote administration interface. At noted above, please refrain from any operations other than those outlined below. This access has the potential to put the system in an inaccessible state, so please be careful and responsible.
Uploading a project¶
The main operation you will need to perform is uploading your exported project. Please note these have file extension .upload.pd2 and are produced by exporting your project from Pharos Designer 2. Uploading your .pd2 file will not work.
The upload operation is available on the Configuration tab. You may need to scroll down to see the Project section with the Upload button. After clicking this, you will be prompted for a local file, please select your .upload.pd2 file. If successful, the Home tab should show your project information, the Project Status should show your timelines, and the Control tab should show your triggers.
Running a project¶
After uploading, the project will come up in an inactive state. To run it, open the Control tab and select the appropriate trigger. Projects should always include an Astronomical trigger to activate the show at sunset and a Real Time trigger to release all timelines at midnight (0:00 every day). Clicking the numbered button next to these triggers will simulate these events.
The template also includes examples of Soft triggers which start alternate timelines. You may choose to add similar triggers to your project in Pharos Designer 2 to be able to manually run specific sections or timelines while testing.
Pharos Designer 2 Interface¶
Once the VPN connection is established, you should also be be able to upload projects directly from Pharos Designer 2. It will generally discover the controller automatically. If not, please open Network tab, then select Find from the Properties window. You may need to enter the controller address 192.168.1.12.
Once Pharos Designer 2 has connected, the Upload button will start a dialog to upload the current project. The Web Interface button will bring up the web interface in an external browser. Please refrain from operating any other controls.
Live Streaming Interface¶
During live streaming the Pharos LPC X is loaded with a special project to disconnect it from the lighting network, then a separate server process is run on the bridge Linux server to relay lighting data to the hardware. Please consult with your instructor for details and scheduling.