Setup a Backup Machine

Depending on the situation, you would want to duplicate your show computer, so you would have a backup if a problem happens on the main computer.
 To do so, you would need to synchronize these 2 machines together, to seamlessly switch from one to the other, if needed during the show.

First of all, you would need to have your 2 machines connected on the same network, as well as a video-switcher (a cheap one or a more professional one).

For this tutorial, we will use Chataigne, so be sure to download it (version 1.6 minimum, so it supports spaces in OSC addresses). The last section covers 2 alternatives solutions.

Configure the Master Machine

The 2 computers will be configured, so one is the master (the main machine) and the other is slave (the backup machine).

On the main machine, there are 2 options to activate. Open the device-panel (CMD+K), then go to OSC tab :

• activate API feedback
• setup a server that sends OSC to your slave machine (on port 12000)

This way, the main Millumin will send OSC to Chataigne every time a column is launched.

Please note that 12000 is the default port for Chataigne.

Configure the Slave Machine

On the backup computer, be sure to copy your Millumin project and load it.

In the device-panel, be sure the input port is set to 5000 (no need to activate API feedback or configure a server).

This way, this Millumin will receive orders from Chataigne to launch columns (depending on how columns were launched on the main machine).

Run Chataigne :

• add an OSC module on the left of the interface
• set the remote port to 5000 on the right of the interface

Launch some columns on the main machine : if Chataigne is correctly setup, the OSC icon will blink :

If everything is ok, add a state (middle of the interface) with a mapping :

Then, configure the mapping :

• in Input section, select the element OSC then /millumin/board/launchedColumn
• in Output section, add a OSC / Custom message
• set the custom-message as /millumin/action/launchColumn
• add a Int Argument

Now, if you launch a column on the master Millumin, the slave Millumin will also launch this column.

Connect the Video Switcher

Lastly, connect the output of each computer to the video-switcher, and connect the output of the video-switcher to your videoprojector or screen.

If a problem happens, you would just have to use your video-switcher, to change the source to display on stage.

Alternatives Solutions

In the very same fashion as Chataigne, you could use Octopus, a free software that also feature a Millumin integration.

If you are a programmer, a script written in Python could also be a solution. If interested, please check this ZIP containing a basic script to do so :

🔗 backup_machine.zip