SKAARHOJ Blue Pill Inside / Reactor User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- SKAARHOJ
Table of Contents
SKAARHOJ Blue Pill Inside / Reactor
Connectivity
Networking
Unlike UniSketch where a change of configuration and included device cores
needed an online exchange with the SKAARHOJ server, on Blue Pill everything is
stored and enabled and disabled locally in Reactor. Only software updates or
installations of non-existing device cores and applications need communication
with the SKAARHOJ server over the internet. All changes in configurations can
be done via the local network.
Network Recommendations
- SKAARHOJ Blue Pill controllers have a 1 GBit network interface
- 5W-30W PoE (+)
- PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3af/t
Remember a SKAARHOJ controller and client must be on the same subnet (192.168.10.* or one defined for the local network used by the controller). With multiple SKAARHOJ units connected to the same network, they need to have different IP addresses!
Power over Ethernet (PoE) Specifications
We use the PoE industry-standard 5W-30W PoE (+) IEEE802.3af7t. To power our
controllers using PoE it is important the switch supports this standard.
Please notice some manufacturers such as Ubiquity have their own non-standard
24V type of PoE which is incompatible with our controllers. Especially pay
attention to the standard when using a PoE injector.
Network Layout
We recommend connecting SKAARHOJ Blue Pill controllers via professional PoE
network switches, such as NetGear M4250-series which are at the same time
designed for AV network traffic such as NDI video.
An RCP Pro and cameras configuration could look like this:
Accessing Blue Pill
DHCP or Static IP
The Blue Pill’s user interface is accessed via the device’s IP Address and any
web browser. The IP address can be found on the display after it is plugged
into a network connection with PoE or a network connection and a power supply
(5V Micro USB).
Entering the IP address into the address bar of a search engine will bring up a prompt for a username and password. The default is username: admin password: skaarhoj
Wi-Fi Access Point
If the Blue Pill is not displaying an IP address, the web interface is
accessible by enabling the internal Wi-Fi access point. To enable the Wi-Fi
access point, gently press and hold the config button on the side of the Blue
Pill for about 3 seconds (Found next to the Ethernet jack. Use a flat
screwdriver, a paper clip or similar). When released, it will enable the
internal Access Point and the LED will light up purple. It will show up in the
Wi-Fi networks list as SKAARHOJ-XXXXXX (Blue Pill’s serial number). The
default password is: skaarhoj The web interface is then accessed at the IP
address: 192.168.4.1
After accessing the Blue Pill it is best to navigate to the System Menu/System page to set a static IP address. Once saved, the new IP address will appear on the Blue Pill’s display, it may be necessary to reboot or power cycle the device afterward.
Link from SKAARHOJ Firmware Updater
If the SKAARHOJ Firmware Updater opens on a computer running on the same
subnet as the Blue Pill, the Blue Pill should appear below the main controller
access buttons of the updater. Clicking on Configure next to the panel’s
information will open the web interface directly. The Blue Pill does not need
to be connected to the computer via USB.
SKAARHOJ Firmware Updater and Micro USB
If a network connection to the Blue Pill in not available, the IP address can
be set using a Micro USB cable. In this case, the Blue Pill will appear in the
“Select Device” dropdown and the “IP Config” tab in the Firmware Updater can
be used to set the IP address (same procedure from UniSketch):
In this case, it was identified as “/dev/tty.usbmodem4430361” (on macOS) and pressing IP Config will open the IP setup page:
If/When the warning below appears, press “Submit” and reboot the Blue Pill:
Select Mapping
The controller’s layout is determined by the Mapping. In most cases, the Generic mapping is all that is needed, though, for some combinations of panel and device, there are specific mappings. The mapping is chosen in the drop- down next to the panel.
Adding Devices
There are two main ways a device can be added to a new Blue Pill, Auto
Discover and Manually.
Auto Discover
Searching on the network for devices will find many types by a combination of
DNS lookups and other methods. However, not all devices can be discovered
easily, but with those that can, it’s a simple click of a button to add it to
the Blue Pill device collection. Following Auto Discover, some device details
may still be needed to establish connectivity. See Device Details section for
set up.
Pressing SHIFT + the green Select button will allow for multiple device selections.
Manually Added
If a device must be added manually, it’s easy to look it up in the list of
supported models. Following a manual choice of device, the user will have to
enter the IP address and other possible device detail information. See the
Device Details section for setup.
Pressing SHIFT + the green Add Device button will allow for multiple device selections.
Device Details
Devices have their status displayed clearly in the overviews on the Home
screen.
Clicking on a device name in the Devices section will open up the details. Here the name, ID number, Active status, and IP address of the device can be changed. By default the controller name will be the same as the model name, the ID will be auto-generated in order, and the status will be active. A controller’s status needs to be active for use. When applicable to the device, the option for connecting is a specific Username and Password will also be available. Without setting a specific username and password, in most cases the core will try to connect to the device’s default username and password.
Populate Constant Sets
The final step is to fill in any constant sets. The constant sets are available based on the chosen configuration and should contain entries such as specific cameras for a PTZ controller, or the inputs for a video switcher, etc. They are most common when working with PTZ cameras and routing panels, though may be available for additional device configurations. The setup tables will auto-save and quickly appear on displays and enable the function.
An example of a setup table would be a camera selector which can be seen below. These can be different depending on the selected configuration. From here the order on the camera selector row of the panel will be set as well as the desired name on the displays.
An example of a router input selector can be seen below. These can be different depending on the selected configuration and device. From here the order on the inputs/outputs row of the panel will be set as well as the desired name on the displays and button color.
Contact Support
It is always possible to contact us for support questions – write an email to
[email protected] and we will do our best to
accommodate the request.
In order for us to provide the best support please state:
- Which SKAARHOJ unit it is about
- The serial number of the device (small silver label with 6 digits)
- The nature of the problem
- Which hardware device(s) are to be controlled and their firmware version
- If the device’s web interface has been successfully accessed
- The connected computer’s operating system
WEEE Information
For private households: Information on Disposal for Users of WEEE
This symbol (figure 1) on the product(s) and/or accompanying documents means
that used electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) should not be mixed with
general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery, and recycling, please
take this product(s) to designated collection points where it will be accepted
free of charge. Alternatively, in some countries, it may be possible to return
the products to the local retailer upon the purchase of an equivalent new
product. Disposing of this product correctly will help save valuable resources
and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the
environment, which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling.
Please contact the local authority for further details of the nearest
designated collection point. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect
disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.
For professional users in the European Union
To discard electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), please contact the local
dealer or supplier for further information.
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). To discard this product
please contact local authorities or dealers and ask for the correct method of
disposal.