[Sidus Link Pro] What is Auto-Patching and Auto-Configuration?
What is Auto-Patching and Auto-Configuration?
Overview
Auto-Patching and Auto-Configuration are powerful new features introduced in [Sidus Link Pro] v2.0. These tools drastically reduce setup time by automatically detecting, configuring, and pairing your Aputure fixtures through the Sidus Bluetooth Mesh network.
If you've ever spent hours manually patching fixtures, assigning DMX addresses, selecting profiles, and pairing each light — this update is a game-changer.
What You’ll Need
To follow this guide, you’ll need:
- An iPad with [Sidus Link Pro] v2.0 or later installed
- A Sidus Four or Sidus One transmitter
- Aputure fixtures that support Auto-patching and Auto-configuration with Sidus Bluetooth so far include: STORM XT52, STORM 1200x, STORM 1000c, STORM 80c, and MC Pro.
- Fixtures powered on and within Bluetooth range
Third-party CRMX transmitters (such as those from LumenRadio or others) will still work with Aputure fixtures, but they do not support Auto-Patching or Auto-Configuration. These advanced setup features require a Sidus Four or Sidus One transmitter to fully integrate with the [Sidus Link Pro] ecosystem.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Reset Sidus Bluetooth on Your Fixtures
To ensure a clean start:
- On the MC Pro, press and hold the red dial to reset Sidus Bluetooth
- On the STORM series, press and hold the [Back Button] to reset Sidus Bluetooth
- This clears previous pairings and prepares the light for auto configuration
This shortcut may vary by fixture. Check your user manual if needed.
2. Add Fixtures Using Auto Patching
- Open your [Sidus Link Pro] project
- Tap the green “+” button in the top-right corner
Select Add New Fixtures > Auto-Patch & Auto-Configure Aputure Fixtures
3. Select Fixtures to Auto-Patch
- A list of nearby fixtures will appear
- Tap to select the fixtures you want to auto-patch into your scene
- These fixtures are added over Sidus Bluetooth
4. Review Parameter Settings
- [Sidus Link Pro] will present a Parameter Settings screen
- Here, you can adjust fixture-specific settings if needed
Most users can simply press Next — default settings prioritize CRMX and are optimized for most workflows
While default settings work for most jobs, at this step you can tweak parameters like dimming curves, strobe modes, or default values. You’ll also have full access to adjust these parameters later as needed — giving you both speed now and flexibility later.
5. Assign Fixtures to a Universe
- Drag and drop fixtures onto a universe, or tap Auto Assign
- Fixtures will change screen color based on the universe they’ve been assigned (e.g., red for Universe A)
Assigning universes is simple. Let [Sidus Link Pro] handle it with Auto Assign, or just tap and drag each fixture exactly where you want it.
6. Select a Transmitter
- Choose your Sidus Four or Sidus One transmitter to automatically pair the fixtures
- If you're using a transmitter with a Link Key, you can enter it now
A Linking Key is a secure pairing code used by some CRMX transmitters. If prompted, refer to your transmitter’s manual to locate and enter the key correctly for seamless CRMX linking.
7. Process and Finalize Configuration
- Review everything on the Processed DMX Fixtures page
- This is also an opportunity to manually adjust a fixture’s DMX profile, if you prefer a specific mode for a particular light
- [Sidus Link Pro] will default to the most compatible option, but profile customization is available for advanced workflows
- Make any final changes
- Tap Process to confirm
[Sidus Link Pro] will now:
- Add fixtures to your project
- Send settings wirelessly via Sidus Bluetooth Mesh
- Pair fixtures over CRMX
This process can take a few seconds per fixture. Be patient — your lights are syncing over Bluetooth and CRMX simultaneously.
⚡️ What’s Happening Behind the Scenes
[Sidus Link Pro] automatically:
- Detects each fixture
- Selects the appropriate DMX profile
- Assigns a DMX address that avoids overlap
- Sets the universe
- Pairs over CRMX to your transmitter
This process eliminates:
- Manual profile selection
- Tedious DMX address entry
- Guesswork and patching errors
🎧 Example: Patching an MC Pro 8-Light Kit
Old Way:
Setting up an 8-light MC Pro kit used to mean a fully manual process for each fixture — resetting to default, setting DMX profiles, assigning individual DMX addresses while avoiding overlaps, confirming CRMX settings, pairing each fixture with the transmitter, and repeating this for every light in the kit.
New Way:
With Auto Patching and Auto Configuration, that entire setup now looks like this:
- Reset Sidus Bluetooth on each fixture
- Select all fixtures in [Sidus Link Pro]
- Review settings and press a few buttons
- Fixtures are patched, addressed, configured, and paired — ready for control
No more manual input. No guesswork. Just efficient, accurate configuration in seconds.
✅ Use Case: Third-Party Controllers
Even if you're using an external DMX console or control software, you can still use Auto Configuration to prep your lights and simplify setup.
🔧 Trouble Detecting Fixtures?
Try these quick checks:
- Make sure fixtures are powered on and in range
- Reset Sidus Bluetooth on each fixture
- Confirm your iPad has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
- Close any other lighting control apps that might be interfering
✨ Final Thoughts
With [Sidus Link Pro] v2.0, Aputure continues to redefine what’s possible in modern lighting control. With features like Auto-Patching and Auto-Configuration, your setup becomes faster, cleaner, and more efficient — giving you more time to focus on shaping light exactly the way you envision it.
This guide sets the foundation, but the real potential of [Sidus Link Pro] is unlocked through experimentation and exploration. Whether you're on a fast-paced commercial shoot or refining a studio environment, [Sidus Link Pro] is built to keep pace with your creativity and ambition.
As you continue pushing the limits, share your breakthroughs with the Sidus community — your workflow could inspire the next big shift in lighting design.
From precision to possibility — let Aputure and [Sidus Link Pro] power your next evolution.[