Product hero image
RTctrl 1U — front panel with color TFT display
RTctrl 1U
Professional CRMX Wireless DMX Transmitter with Art-Net 4, sACN & Web Control
One USB-C cable. Power, data, and network — all at once. The RTctrl 1U appears as a plug-and-play network adapter on your iPad, Mac, Windows, or Linux machine and wirelessly transmits CRMX to every linked fixture. Built on the LumenRadio TimoTwo chip with Cognitive Coexistence — it simultaneously receives Art-Net 4 + sACN, merges them (HTP/LTP), and outputs to CRMX wireless and wired DMX independently.
250+
Compatible CRMX Fixture Brands
< 5 ms
End-to-End Wireless Latency
300+ m
Line-of-Sight Range
0
Drivers Required
Everything You Need — Nothing You Don't
From the TimoTwo CRMX chipset with Cognitive Coexistence to the built-in 512-channel web console, the RTctrl 1U replaces an entire stack of legacy wireless DMX gear with a single, USB-C-powered unit. Compatible with Blackout, Luminair, QLC+, grandMA, ETC Eos, and any Art-Net or sACN source.
LumenRadio TimoTwo with Cognitive Coexistence
Built on the LumenRadio TimoTwo module — the same chip inside ARRI, Aputure, and 250+ professional fixture brands. CRMX with patented Cognitive Coexistence automatically avoids WiFi, Bluetooth, and other 2.4 GHz traffic for rock-solid wireless DMX in RF-crowded venues. Sub-5 ms latency, 128-bit AES encryption, 300+ meter range.
Plug-and-Play USB-C — No Drivers Needed
The RTctrl 1U appears as a standard network adapter (CDC-ECM on macOS/iOS/Linux, RNDIS on Windows) over a single USB-C cable that carries both power and data. Plug it into your iPad, MacBook, or Windows laptop — it's instantly online. No power bricks, no Ethernet adapters, no driver installs. Draws less than 500 mA.
Simultaneous Art-Net 4 + sACN with Auto Merge
Receive Art-Net 4 and sACN (E1.31) at the same time from different sources — the RTctrl 1U merges them automatically using HTP (Highest Takes Precedence) or LTP (Latest Takes Precedence) mode. This is an industry-first feature at this price point. Full Art-Net 4 opcode support including ArtPoll, ArtSync, ArtRdm, ArtNzs, and ArtIpProg.
Dual XLR-5 DMX Ports
Two XLR-5 connectors (connected pair) give you flexible I/O. In Mirror mode, both ports output the CRMX or merged Art-Net/sACN data to wired fixtures — bridging wireless and legacy gear. In Input mode, connect a console's DMX output and the RTctrl 1U forwards the signal wirelessly via CRMX and simultaneously as Art-Net over the network. Switch modes from the web UI or REST API — no physical switch needed.
Color TFT Display with Live Status
A vibrant 320×170 pixel color TFT (powered by LVGL 9 with anti-aliased fonts) shows everything at a glance: Art-Net RX / sACN RX packet counters, CRMX TX status with signal quality percentage, link status, active universe, IP address, uptime, and free memory. Auto-dims after a configurable timeout for dark-set stealth — press the button to wake.
Full Web Interface with 512-Channel Console
Access a complete web UI via USB, WiFi AP, or mDNS (rtctrl.local). The dashboard shows live packet stats, protocol configuration, CRMX linking controls, and antenna selection. The built-in 512-channel DMX fader console includes a Grand Master, Blackout button, scene save/recall, and live value import — enough to run a show without any other software.
CRMX² Linking Keys & Secure Pairing
Beyond standard CRMX auto-linking, the RTctrl 1U supports CRMX² Linking Keys — 8-digit numeric codes that isolate your receivers from other transmitters on multi-crew sets. Initiate linking via the hardware button (3-second hold), web UI, or REST API. A 10-second linking window with early detection keeps pairing fast and secure.
Full RDM Over Wireless, Wired & Art-Net
Remote Device Management (RDM, ANSI E1.20) runs over all three paths simultaneously: CRMX wireless to fixtures, wired DMX via the XLR port, and ArtRdm over Art-Net. Discover fixtures, read sensor data, change DMX addresses, and switch modes — all from your controller, without touching the fixture. Requires TimoTwo RDM license (auto-detected at boot).
OTA Firmware Updates — Unbrickable
Update firmware by dragging a .bin file into the web interface — or via curl from the command line. The A/B partition scheme automatically rolls back to the previous working firmware if the new version fails to confirm, making the device impossible to brick. Perfect for rental houses managing fleets of devices.
Optional External Antenna with Auto-Detect
The onboard PCB antenna handles most scenarios out of the box. For large soundstages, outdoor festivals, or multi-floor venues, connect an optional external antenna to the RP-SMA port — the RTctrl 1U can auto-detect it and switch automatically, or you can manually force Internal or External mode via the web settings.
16 REST API Endpoints
Every setting is scriptable. Query device status, push configuration changes, read live DMX data, inject test patterns, start/stop CRMX linking, check firmware versions, trigger OTA updates, and factory reset — all via documented HTTP endpoints. Ideal for rental house fleet management, CI/CD integration, or custom automation tools.
One-Button Test Pattern
Press the function button to send a fixed DMX test pattern to all linked fixtures. Each fixture responds according to its DMX profile — the point is to instantly verify every receiver is linked and alive. No console, no app, no laptop needed. On a pre-light walkthrough, this is the fastest way to confirm your entire CRMX rig is responding.
Control Everything from Your Browser
Access the RTctrl 1U from any browser — three ways in:
- USB: Plug in via USB-C — the device appears as a network adapter and serves the web UI automatically
- WiFi: Connect to the RTctrl-1U access point and open the web interface from your browser
- mDNS: http://rtctrl.local — automatic discovery on any connection
Dashboard
Live packet counters (Art-Net RX, sACN RX, CRMX TX, DMX TX/RX), active universe table with frame age, CRMX signal quality, device IP and uptime. Full configuration: protocol selection, universe mapping, merge mode, antenna, display brightness, LED brightness.
512-Channel DMX Console
Paginated fader view (16/32/64 channels), per-channel sliders with numeric readout, Grand Master fader, Blackout button, scene save/recall (browser localStorage), live value import from current bridge data. Enough to run a show — no external console needed.
OTA Firmware Update
Drag & drop .bin upload with progress bar. A/B rollback protection automatically reverts if the new firmware fails to confirm. Also scriptable: curl -X POST --data-binary @firmware.bin http://rtctrl.local/api/firmware
Web interface screenshot
Dashboard with live stats and DMX console
Built for the Way You Actually Work
Film sets, live events, theatres, architectural installs, rental houses — the RTctrl 1U adapts to every workflow.
iPad Wireless Control from the Cart
Connect the RTctrl 1U to your iPad via USB-C. Open Blackout, Luminair, or any Art-Net app. Every CRMX fixture on the floor — Aputure, ARRI, Nanlux, Creamsource — is under your fingertips wirelessly. Monitor link quality and packet stats on the color display. Adjust settings from your phone via WiFi without disconnecting the iPad.
Console-to-Wireless Bridge
Connect your grandMA, ETC Eos, or ChamSys DMX output to the RTctrl 1U's XLR-5 ports in Input mode. The console's DMX data is automatically forwarded via CRMX to wireless fixtures AND simultaneously output as Art-Net for network recording or monitoring. Your existing wired console becomes a wireless console — no software changes, no IP configuration.
Multi-Protocol Merge
Receive Art-Net from one console and sACN from another. The RTctrl 1U merges them automatically using HTP or LTP, then outputs the merged data to both CRMX wireless and wired DMX simultaneously. One device replaces a stack of protocol converters.
One-Button Quick Tech
Press the function button to send a fixed DMX test pattern to all linked fixtures. Each fixture responds according to its own DMX profile — the point is to instantly confirm every receiver is linked and responding. No console, no app, no laptop. Walk the set and verify your rig is alive in seconds.
Built-In 512-Channel Web Console
No console available? Connect to the RTctrl-1U WiFi from any phone, navigate to rtctrl.local, and use the built-in 512-channel fader interface. Grand Master, Blackout button, scene save and recall — enough to run a show from your browser.
Remote Configuration from Any Device
Connect to the RTctrl-1U WiFi access point from any phone, tablet, or laptop. Open rtctrl.local in your browser. Change universe mapping, link receivers, select antenna mode, update firmware — all without touching the device. Perfect for ceiling-mounted or truss-rigged installations.
Fleet Management via REST API
Script your entire inventory with 16 REST API endpoints: query firmware versions across your fleet, push OTA updates, check link status, factory reset returned units — all via curl or custom tooling. The A/B firmware rollback means you can't brick a device, even with a bad update. Every unit is recoverable via hardware button factory reset, too.
Plug In. Launch Blackout. Control Your Lights.
The RTctrl 1U was designed as the perfect hardware companion for iPad-based lighting apps like Blackout and Luminair. The workflow is effortless:
- 1 Connect via USB-C. The RTctrl 1U appears as a network adapter on your iPad (iPadOS 17+) — no drivers, no configuration. The built-in DHCP server assigns an IP automatically.
- 2 Open your lighting app. Blackout, Luminair, or any Art-Net/sACN app detects the RTctrl 1U as an output automatically. No IP addresses to enter.
- 3 Control every fixture wirelessly. Art-Net packets route through USB to the RTctrl 1U, which transmits via CRMX to your Aputure, ARRI, Nanlux, Creamsource, Astera, or any of 250+ CRMX-compatible fixture brands. Meanwhile, monitor everything on the color TFT display or adjust settings from your phone via WiFi — without disconnecting the iPad.
No WiFi networks to join. No IP address conflicts. No dongles. One cable from iPad to RTctrl 1U, and your entire wireless lighting rig is live.
iPad + Blackout App
RTctrl 1U connected to iPad via USB-C
More Features. Same CRMX. Better Value.
The RTctrl 1U uses the same LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX module found in products costing 3–5× more. Here's what you get that others don't.
Technical Details
From the LumenRadio TimoTwo module to the color TFT display — every detail.
| Wireless Module | LumenRadio TimoTwo (CRMX with Cognitive Coexistence) |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz ISM band (2400–2483.5 MHz) |
| Encryption | 128-bit AES (CRMX standard) |
| Latency | < 5 ms end-to-end |
| Wireless Range | 300+ m line-of-sight (external antenna) |
| Antenna | Internal PCB — Optional external RP-SMA (auto-detect or manual: Internal / External) |
| CRMX Linking | Auto + CRMX² key-based (8-digit per-show isolation) |
| DMX Channels | 512 (1 Universe) |
| DMX Ports | 2× XLR-5 (connected pair) — Mirror CRMX output or DMX Input |
| DMX Port Modes | Mirror (output CRMX/merged data to wired fixtures) / Input (receive console DMX → CRMX + Art-Net) / Disabled |
| DMX Refresh Rate | 44 Hz max |
| Art-Net | Art-Net 4 (v14) — full opcode support, bidirectional, universe 0–32767 |
| sACN | ANSI E1.31-2018 — multicast + unicast, priority 0–200 |
| Merge Engine | Simultaneous Art-Net + sACN input with HTP/LTP merge |
| RDM | ANSI E1.20 over CRMX wireless + wired DMX + Art-Net (TimoTwo license) |
| USB | USB-C 2.0 — CDC-ECM (macOS/iOS/Linux) + RNDIS (Windows) + CDC ACM serial |
| Power | 5 V via USB-C bus power — typical < 500 mA, no external PSU |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n AP mode (2.4 GHz), SSID: RTctrl-1U, WPA2-PSK |
| mDNS | rtctrl.local — automatic browser discovery |
| Display | Color TFT LCD (ST7789V) — 320 × 170 px, adjustable backlight, auto-dim |
| Memory | 16 MB flash (quad SPI) + 8 MB PSRAM (octal SPI) |
| Web Interface | Dashboard + 512-ch DMX Console + OTA Firmware — via USB, WiFi, or mDNS |
| REST API | 16 endpoints for status, config, routing, DMX, linking, firmware, factory reset |
| OTA Updates | Browser drag & drop with A/B partition rollback — unbrickable |
| Dimensions | 35 × 77 × 70 mm (3.5 × 7.7 × 7 cm) — compact form factor |
| BLE | Available for LumenRadio CRMX Toolbox app (disabled by default) |
| Compatibility | iPad (iPadOS 17+), iPhone, Mac, Windows, Linux — driverless |
| CRMX Receivers | Compatible with 250+ brands (Aputure, ARRI, Astera, Creamsource, Godox, Nanlux, RC4, and more) |
| Certifications | FCC Part 15 Class B, CE (via TimoTwo certified module) |
| Manufacturer | Makai Technologies |
Quick Reference for Technicians
WiFi SSID: RTctrl-1U
WiFi Password: rtctrl1u
mDNS: rtctrl.local
Art-Net Port: UDP 6454
sACN Port: UDP 5568
Factory Reset: Hold BOOT 5s at power-up
CRMX Link: Hold BOOT 3s
Test Pattern: Short press BOOT
Ready to Cut the Cables?
The RTctrl 1U gives you professional CRMX wireless DMX, Art-Net 4 + sACN merge, a built-in web console, and 16 REST API endpoints — all from a single USB-C cable. No power bricks, no drivers, no compromise.