Documentation
Shop Login LV
Official user guide

Run your lighting show with confidence.

Plain-language instructions for installing, connecting, recording and operating CUE/IO. You do not need Linux knowledge for normal use.

New installationSet up your Raspberry PiStart here → Create a showRecord Art-Net and audioOpen guide → Something is not workingQuick checks and solutionsFind a fix →

No matching section found.
Try a shorter phrase such as “audio”, “IP”, “timecode” or “licence”.

Matching sections:

01 · Introduction

What CUE/IO does

CUE/IO turns a Raspberry Pi into a standalone Art-Net show recorder and player. It can capture lighting data with synchronized audio, then replay the result without keeping the lighting console connected.

RECORD

Capture Art-Net and optional audio with one shared timeline.

TIMECODE

Wait for a timecode signal and run the prepared show in sync.

PLAYER

Select, play, loop and control a recorded show.

Only one main mode is active at a time. When you change modes, CUE/IO stops the previous mode and releases its audio and network resources. Use the browser interface from a phone, tablet or computer connected to the same network.

Normal operation is localInternet is required for initial licence activation and selected online services. Recording and playback continue on the local network.

02 · First setup

Install and activate

Write the supplied CUE/IO image to a suitable microSD card or SSD, insert it into the supported Raspberry Pi and connect power only after all essential cables are attached.

Write the imageUse Raspberry Pi Imager or another trusted image writer. Select the supplied CUE/IO image and the correct storage device.
Connect hardwareConnect Ethernet, the supported USB audio device and optional RTC hardware. Then connect power.
Wait for the first bootThe first start may take several minutes. Do not remove power or the storage device during this time.
Open CUE/IOFrom the same network, open the local address shown in the Network section, or use the device IP address.
Activate onceOpen Licence, enter the one-time activation code from your customer account and let the Raspberry Pi reach the internet for activation.
Choose the storage device carefullyWriting an image erases the selected card or drive. Keep backups of important show exports on another device.

Before the first real show

  • Open Status and confirm the application, disk and network are healthy.
  • Open Settings → Audio and test input and output devices.
  • Open Settings → Network and select the Art-Net interface.
  • Run a short test recording before a live event.

03 · Access

Connect and open the interface

Connect your phone or computer to the same LAN or Wi-Fi as CUE/IO. In a browser, open the local address configured for the device. New installations use cueio.local; existing installations may still use showcore.local. If name discovery is unavailable, use the current IP address shown by your router or in CUE/IO network settings.

Recommended

Raspberry Pi connected by Ethernet to the Art-Net network; phone or computer on the same LAN or its Wi-Fi access point.

Fallback access

Use the optional rescue Wi-Fi access point when the normal network address is unknown or misconfigured.

No port number is normally neededOn the prepared production image, enter the local name or IP address directly. If your installation displays a specific address, always use the address shown on that device.

Art-Net connection

  1. Connect the lighting console, CUE/IO and Art-Net nodes to the correct network.
  2. Make sure their IP addresses and subnet mask belong to compatible networks.
  3. Select the intended interface in Settings → Network.
  4. Send Art-Net and verify activity in Monitor before recording.

04 · Inputs and outputs

Audio and DMX settings

Set up and test the physical inputs and outputs before relying on them in RECORD, TIMECODE or PLAYER mode.

Audio

  • Select the recording input and playback output.
  • Test each selected device before a real show.
  • Confirm the displayed sample rate and channel count match the equipment.
  • Stop the active mode before unplugging or changing an audio device.

DMX and playback

  • Select the interface physically connected to the Art-Net network.
  • Review broadcast or unicast output targets before playback.
  • Use Monitor to confirm incoming data and a short test show to confirm output.
  • Keep RECORD trigger settings in RECORD; they do not start TIMECODE or PLAYER.
  1. Stop recording, playback, timecode listening and Benchmark.
  2. Open Settings → Audio or the relevant DMX/network tab.
  3. Select the device or interface, save, and wait for confirmation.
  4. Run the built-in audio test and verify live DMX in Monitor.
A listed device is not automatically a working deviceA cable can be disconnected or another program can hold an audio interface. Always use the test and check Status before recording.

05 · Automatic operation

Automatic startup, Show Sequence and recovery

In Settings → Startup, choose exactly one action for the moment CUE/IO becomes ready after power-on or a restart.

Startup actionWhat happens
Do nothingCUE/IO remains idle until an operator selects a mode.
Show SequenceCUE/IO enters PLAYER mode and follows the saved startup sequence.
Wait for timecodeCUE/IO enters TIMECODE mode, prepares the configured audio path and listens for LTC.

Show Sequence

Power OnCUE/IO starts, checks readiness and prepares PLAYER resources.
WarmupOptionally play one warmup show before the main show.
WaitPause for the selected number of seconds after Power On or Warmup.
Main ShowPlay the required main show.
LoopOptionally repeat Main Show until an operator presses Stop or changes mode.
ShutdownClose PLAYER audio, Art-Net and files when the sequence ends or is stopped. This stage does not power off the Raspberry Pi.

Automatic Timecode startup

Before selecting Wait for timecode, enable the Timecode configuration, choose the LTC audio input, make sure every enabled cue refers to an available show, and select an audio output when any cue has audio. If CUE/IO starts after a cue has already begun, it waits for the next cue instead of jumping into the middle of a show.

After an unexpected restart

CUE/IO does not resume an incomplete recording. It preserves saved configuration and reports the previous reason and error in Status. Enabled Scheduler work and explicitly configured startup or Loop behaviour can continue only when the required show, licence, devices and network are ready.

Test unattended startup with the real equipmentPower-cycle only during a planned test, then confirm the selected mode, audio output, Art-Net interface, system time and next Scheduler action.

06 · Hardware controls

GPIO and device safety

Settings → Device contains disk safety limits and system controls. Settings → GPIO can assign physical Raspberry Pi buttons to supported show actions.

Storage and system

  • The minimum free-space limit blocks a new recording.
  • The critical limit safely stops an active recording.
  • Restart CUE/IO restarts the application only.
  • Restart or Shut down Raspberry Pi affects the whole device.

GPIO buttons

  • Use the correct BCM pin and HIGH or LOW active level.
  • Select the action and show, then set debounce to prevent repeated presses.
  • Use protection options when buttons must not interrupt recording or playback.
  • Test every mapping with a safe test show while all modes are stopped.
GPIO is 3.3 V hardwareUse only a correctly built Raspberry Pi button circuit. Shut down and remove power before adding or moving wires; never feed 5 V into a GPIO pin.

07 · Create shows

RECORD mode

RECORD mode captures lighting packets and, when enabled, audio in the same session. Timecode and Player remain stopped while recording.

Choose RECORDSelect the RECORD mode card and enter a clear show name.
Prepare inputsSelect the audio input, enable or disable audio, and select the Art-Net network interface.
Choose the start conditionStart immediately, wait for the first DMX packet, or use the configured DMX channel trigger.
Start recordingCUE/IO checks the device, interface and free disk space before it begins.
Watch the indicatorsConfirm duration, universes, packets per second, file size, free space and the audio waveform.
Stop safelyPress Stop Recording and wait for confirmation before changing mode or removing power.

DMX channel trigger

Choose one universe and channel, then set a start value and a lower stop value. The gap prevents rapid switching when the signal moves near the threshold. The live value monitor in the upper corner helps verify the chosen channel before use.

Audio enabled but unavailableThe recording will not start if audio is enabled and the selected input cannot be opened. Select a working input or turn audio recording off deliberately.

08 · Synchronisation

TIMECODE mode

Use TIMECODE when playback or recording must follow an external time reference. CUE/IO prepares and checks the audio device before it waits for timecode.

Open TimecodeSelect the input source, format and the show or recording action.
Check readinessAudio input, selected device and timecode signal status appear in the main Timecode section.
ArmPress Prepare/Arm. The status changes from Not armed to Waiting for timecode.
Send timecodeWhen a valid signal is detected, CUE/IO displays it and starts the configured operation.
Stop or cancelUse Cancel while waiting, or Stop while running. Changing mode also closes the listener safely.
StatusMeaning
Not armedNo timecode input is active.
Armed / WaitingInputs are ready; CUE/IO is waiting for a valid signal.
DetectedA valid signal and frame rate are visible.
Recording / PlayingThe configured operation is active.
ErrorOpen the visible message and Status details before retrying.
If timecode disappearsObserve the mode status instead of immediately restarting. The configured signal-loss behaviour determines whether the show waits, stops or resumes when the signal returns.

09 · Playback

PLAYER mode

PLAYER sends the recorded Art-Net data and synchronized audio to the selected outputs. It prevents two shows or audio players from running at the same time.

  1. Select PLAYER and choose a show from the list.
  2. Confirm duration, audio status and universe count.
  3. Set Loop, volume and Mute as needed, then press Play.
  4. Use the progress bar and position display to follow playback.
  5. Press Stop before disconnecting outputs or shutting down.

Selecting another show during playback safely stops the current show, closes its audio and Art-Net resources, then starts the selected show. Volume changes do not modify the original audio file and do not restart playback.

Pause availabilityPause is shown only when the active audio/output method supports it reliably. Stop is always available and releases the resources.

10 · Library

Show files, backup and trimming

The file manager shows each show’s name, creation date, duration, size, universes, audio availability and audio file name.

Organise

  • Rename or duplicate
  • Delete an unused show
  • Import or export a complete show

Download

  • Complete show archive
  • Art-Net data only
  • Audio only, when available

Trim a show

Open the show action menu and choose Trim. Move the start and end handles, preview the selected section with lighting output and audio, then apply the trim only after you are satisfied. Art-Net and audio are trimmed to the same boundaries to keep synchronization.

A backup is created firstCUE/IO preserves a recoverable copy before rename, trim and other modifying operations. Still keep important exported shows outside the Raspberry Pi.
Do not edit active filesA show that is recording or playing cannot be deleted or modified. Stop the active operation first.

11 · Automation

Scheduler and DS3231 RTC

The Scheduler can play a show at a specific date, on chosen weekdays, daily, on workdays or on weekends. Select a start time, end time or duration, optional Loop, and enable the schedule.

  1. Open Scheduler and add a schedule.
  2. Select the show and recurrence rule.
  3. Set start and end conditions and choose Loop if needed.
  4. Save, enable it and verify the displayed next action.

Conflicting schedules should be resolved before activation. After a restart, enabled schedules remain available.

RTC

A supported DS3231 real-time clock lets the Raspberry Pi retain time without internet. CUE/IO displays RTC status. When reliable network time is available, the system can refresh the RTC; without RTC, the application still works but offline schedules may use an incorrect time after power loss.

Verify time before an unattended installationCheck the current time, time zone, RTC status and the Scheduler’s next action after installation or hardware service.

12 · Connectivity

Network, local address and rescue Wi-Fi

CUE/IO supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and compatible USB Ethernet interfaces. You can use one Ethernet connection for Art-Net and internet, or separate Art-Net and internet traffic across different interfaces.

Local mDNS address

The .local address is a friendly name discovered inside the local network. It does not expose CUE/IO to the public internet. If the name is not found, use the current IP address instead.

Rescue Wi-Fi access point

The optional rescue access point provides a local path to the web interface when the normal LAN address is unknown or a network change failed. It is for local setup and recovery, not a replacement for venue internet.

  1. Open Settings → Network → CUE/IO management access.
  2. Select an available Wi-Fi interface, enter an SSID and set a passphrase containing 8–63 characters.
  3. If that Wi-Fi interface already provides internet or Art-Net, use a separate compatible Wi-Fi adapter for the rescue access point.
  4. Apply the settings and confirm that the displayed rescue Wi-Fi status is Active. An enabled setting alone does not prove the access point is running.
  5. Write down the SSID, passphrase and exact recovery URL shown by CUE/IO. The Wi-Fi passphrase and any administrator credential are different.
  6. To recover access, join that SSID on the phone or computer and open the displayed URL. This Wi-Fi may have no internet connection; that is normal.
Apply network changes carefullyCUE/IO validates settings and initially applies them for a confirmation period. Keep the browser open, reconnect with the new address and confirm only after it works. If it does not work, wait for automatic rollback and try the previous address or an already-active rescue Wi-Fi.

Static IP checklist

  • IP address is not already in use.
  • Subnet mask matches the Art-Net network.
  • Gateway and DNS are valid when internet is required.
  • Broadcast and optional unicast targets are correct.
  • You know both the local name and the assigned IP before leaving the site.

13 · Live data

Live DMX monitor

Use Monitor to confirm that Art-Net reaches CUE/IO before recording or playback. Select a universe to view channel values and live movement. The packet view helps identify the receiving interface, active universes and whether data is changing.

  • A moving graph confirms recent DMX changes.
  • A stable value is normal for a channel that is not changing.
  • No universes usually means the wrong interface, address, subnet or sender configuration.
  • The selected trigger channel can also be monitored directly in RECORD mode.
Monitor is a diagnostic viewDo not use it as the only acceptance test for a show. Always verify the physical fixtures and audio output.

14 · Capacity

Benchmark

Benchmark generates test Art-Net traffic, records or plays it, compares the data and measures load. Choose FPS, duration, audio on/off and the desired test type.

The levels test 1, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 universes. The final screen reports Benchmark Complete, a recommended universe count and any higher level that exceeded safe limits.

Use the recommended valueA level is considered safe only when packet loss is zero, audio has no errors and CPU and temperature retain enough reserve.
A local benchmark has limitsA test generated inside one Raspberry Pi does not fully test physical Ethernet switches, cables, nodes or traffic from a real lighting console. Test the complete venue network before production.

15 · Health

Status and diagnostics

Status provides a low-overhead live overview of the system, Art-Net, audio and the application.

AreaWhat to check
SystemCPU, RAM, temperature, disk space and uptime.
Art-NetActive universes, packets per second, dropped or sequence errors and selected interface.
AudioInput/output device, sample rate, channels, underrun, overrun and synchronization offset.
ApplicationCurrent mode, show, last error, version and service health.

A short CPU spike when starting or stopping is normal. A steadily rising memory, thread or open-file count, repeated restarts, increasing dropped packets or audio errors require investigation.

Reporting a problemNote the exact local time, active mode, show name, what you pressed and the full visible error. Send this information to info@cueio.app.

16 · Interface language

Languages and adding a translation

Use the flag menu at the top of CUE/IO to search for and select a language. The choice is saved in that browser. Latvian and English are included.

Download the templateOpen the language menu and choose Download translation template. It contains every current text key.
Set the language detailsIn _meta, change the code, name, flag and text direction when needed. Use a code that is not already installed.
Translate values onlyKeep every JSON key and placeholders such as {count} or {name} unchanged. Save as UTF-8 JSON.
Add the translationChoose Add translation and upload the completed file. CUE/IO validates its format and required keys before installation.
Keep the template private until it is completeA translation file contains interface text, not licences or device configuration. Do not add passwords, activation codes, customer data or support diagnostics to it.

17 · Activation

Licence and device change

One CUE/IO device licence is activated for one Raspberry Pi. The device normally needs internet access only during activation and periodic licence reconciliation when it later reconnects.

Activate

  1. Sign in to the customer portal and open My licences.
  2. Reveal the activation code. It is shown once, so save it securely before leaving the page.
  3. Connect the Raspberry Pi to the internet.
  4. Open Licence, enter the activation code and confirm.
  5. After a successful result, CUE/IO can operate offline.

Replace a failed Raspberry Pi

Contact info@cueio.app with the licence identifier and purchase details. Support will verify the request and prepare the licence transfer. Then activate the replacement device with the new activation code and import your show backups.

Do not clone an activated storage cardA copied card does not create a second valid licence. Device identity and licence reconciliation are designed to detect unsupported cloning.
Open customer licences

18 · Solutions

Troubleshooting

ProblemSafe checks
Page does not openCheck power and link lights, confirm the phone is on the same network, try the current IP address, then use rescue Wi-Fi if enabled.
No Art-Net dataCheck the selected interface, sender IP/subnet, cable and console output. Confirm at least one universe in Monitor.
Audio device unavailableStop the active mode, reconnect the USB device, refresh the list and select it again. Test before recording.
Recording cannot startCheck free disk space, audio readiness, network interface and that no other mode is active.
Timecode keeps waitingCheck source, input, signal level and timecode format. Cancel and arm again after correcting the source.
Playback has no sound or lightCheck show metadata, audio output, Mute/volume, Art-Net output interface and unicast targets.
Schedule starts at the wrong timeCheck system time, time zone, RTC status and the displayed next action.
Low disk spaceExport important shows, remove unwanted files and temporary data, then verify the free-space indicator.

If the error repeats, do not repeatedly remove power. Record the details from Status and contact info@cueio.app.

19 · Power

Safe shutdown

A Raspberry Pi writes configuration, logs and show data to storage. Removing power during a write can damage files.

Stop the active operationStop recording, Timecode waiting/recording or Player and wait for the stopped state.
Use ShutdownOpen the device/system controls and choose the safe Shutdown action.
WaitWait until the interface confirms shutdown and device activity has stopped before disconnecting power.
Never unplug during recording, update or file operationUnexpected power loss can leave the current show incomplete. A proper backup protects important installations.