S-PLAY Lite — User Manual

Record, edit and play back light shows up to 16 universes, seamlessly integrating with 3rd party hardware and systems with versatile mounting solutions.

Get started

Read this section before installing the S-PLAY LITE. Covers electrical safety, system planning, installation guidelines, and typical application wiring diagrams.

Safety

Ensure you are familiarised with all key information within this guide before installing or operating the S-PLAY LITE. If in any doubt about system safety, contact ENTTEC or your ENTTEC supplier for assistance.

Heads up: ENTTEC’s return-to-base warranty does not cover damage caused by inappropriate use, application, or modification to the product.

Electrical safety

• This product must be installed by a person familiar with the construction and operation of the product and the hazards involved. Failure to comply may result in death or serious injury.
• Do not exceed the ratings and limitations defined in the product datasheet or this document.
• Ensure no part of the installation is connected to power until all connections and work is complete.
• Before applying power, check that all power distribution equipment and cables are in perfect condition, rated for the current requirements, appropriately fused, and that voltage is compatible.
• Remove power immediately if accessories, power cables, or connectors are damaged, defective, show signs of overheating, or are wet.
• Provide a means of locking out power for system servicing, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Do not ‘hot swap’ or ‘hot plug’ power to the device or its accessories.
• Do not connect any of this device’s GND (V−) connectors to earth.
• Do not connect this device to a dimmer pack or mains electricity.

System planning

• Use twisted-pair, 120 Ω, shielded EIA-485 cable for DMX512 data. Conductors: 24 AWG or larger.
• Maximum of 32 devices on a DMX line before re-generating the signal with a buffer/repeater/splitter.
• Always terminate DMX chains with a 120 Ω resistor to prevent signal degradation.
• Maximum recommended DMX cable run: 300 m. Run data cabling away from mains and EMI sources.
• All network cabling should be terminated with an RJ45 connector to the T-568B standard.
• This device has an IP20 rating and is not designed for exposure to moisture.

Protection from injury & installation safety

• Installation must only be performed by qualified personnel.
• Always use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) when installing ENTTEC products.
• The device is convection-cooled — ensure sufficient airflow so heat can be dissipated.
• Do not cover the device with insulating material of any kind.
• Do not modify the device hardware in any way.
• Do not use the device if you see any signs of damage.
• Do not handle the device in an energised state.
• Do not crush or clamp the device during installation.
• Do not sign off a system without ensuring all cabling has been appropriately restrained, secured, and is not under tension.

Application & wiring diagrams

S-PLAY LITE to distribute DMX output

The S-PLAY LITE connects to a network switch via CAT6 and distributes DMX output through downstream Ethernet-to-DMX converters such as the DIN Ethergate (SKU 71030), ODE Mk3 (SKU 70407), or Storm 10 (SKU 70057). An automation controller or BMS can send triggers via RS232, UDP, OSC, or HTTP. Power: 12–24 V DC or PoE (802.3af).

S-PLAY LITE playback to pixel systems

For pixel installations, the S-PLAY LITE connects to pixel controllers (Pixelator Mini SKU 70067, Octo SKU 71521) using PLink data over CAT6 at up to 300 m. PLink Injectors provide pixel power (5 V SKU 73546, 12–24 V SKU 73544, IP PLink Injector SKU 73924). Each run supports up to 1024 channels of pixels.

S-PLAY LITE application diagram

The S-PLAY LITE sits at the centre of the lighting control system, receiving commands from a lighting console, PC software, automation controller (OSC/UDP/RS232), or the built-in web interface, then outputting Art-Net, sACN, or physical DMX to luminaires and activating relay outputs for external equipment.

Connection to relay

The S-PLAY LITE features two relay outputs designed for low-power devices or triggering contactors. Power connected to the relays must stay within these ratings:

To calculate if your circuit is within limits: Voltage × Current must be ≤ 60 W.

Tip: For mains power switching or high-current applications, use a DMX switch pack controlled by the S-PLAY LITE’s DMX output, or wire the relay outputs to the primary coil of a DIN-mount high-powered relay or contactor.

Connection to digital inputs

The four digital inputs detect circuit completion to GND to send triggers. Maximum cable resistance: 20 Ω; recommended maximum wire length: 100 m (50 m each way in a loop). Contact must be held for 3 seconds to ensure a reliable trigger. Run digital input cabling away from mains power and high-EMI sources.

If a remote trigger is required further than 50 m from the S-PLAY LITE, ENTTEC recommends using a 3rd-party GPIO interface that communicates over a network protocol (UDP, OSC, etc.).

Using motion sensors with the S-PLAY LITE

1. Connect the sensor output to Digital Input ports (IN1–IN4) on the S-PLAY LITE.
2. Connect 0 V (GND) from sensor to the GND of the Digital Input connectors.
3. In the web interface: go to Triggers, create a new entry, select Digital Input as the type, select the correct port, use Test Trigger to verify, then click Save Trigger.
4. Navigate to the Playlists page and assign the trigger as a Start Trigger or drag it onto the timeline.

Hardware

Functional features summary, hardware features, LED status indicator, connector pinouts, and the reset button functions.

Functional features

Protocols & output

• Supports DMX, Art-Net, and sACN protocols.
• 2 DMX universes output or input (physical XLR ports).
• 16 universes Art-Net and sACN input or output.
• Configurable output refresh rate: up to 60 FPS eDMX, 40 Hz physical DMX.

Record cues or create effects

• Record/edit up to 100 Static, Dynamic, or Effect cues.
• Preview cues while creating and monitor DMX values during recording.
• On-board gradient Effect cue generator.

Playlist playback & integration

• Create up to 100 playlists using the timeline editor.
• HTP merge between cues and playlists. Fade out on Stop; hold last value on Pause.
• Up to 150 Events: RS232, UDP, OSC, Relay, Art-Net, sACN, and DMX.
• Up to 150 Triggers: RS232, UDP, OSC, Digital Input, Art-Net, sACN, and DMX.
• HTTP and OSC Device API.

Management & support

• Up to 5 customised user interfaces for end-user control.
• Schedule playlists by specific times, recurrences, or sunrise/sunset.
• Backup and restore S-PLAY LITE state. Lock edit functionality with a password.
• Flexible storage using an external MicroSD card.

Hardware features

• 1U height — half width.
• Two bi-directional 5-pin female XLR DMX ports.
• 12–24 V DC input (8 W max power draw) — do not connect power supplies over 5 A.
• MicroSD card storage (Class 10, 40/10 MB/s read/write; format as Linux EXT3 or EXT4).
• 100 Mbps Ethernet with 802.3af PoE.
• 4× digital inputs (GPI).
• 2× relay outputs (NC, NO, COM).
• Solid-state design.
• Versatile DIN-rail, surface, and rack mounting options.

Connectivity overview

LED indicator

The LED status indicator shows the S-PLAY LITE’s current state:

Connectors & ports

XLR-5 Female (DMX-512)

DB9 Male (RS232)

GPIO (digital inputs)

Four digital input ports (IN1–IN4) detect circuit completion to GND. Maximum cable resistance: 20 Ω; maximum wire length: 100 m. See Connection to digital inputs in Chapter 1 for full wiring notes.

Relay outputs

Two relay outputs (NC/NO/COM). Maximum 2 A / 50 V DC / 60 W per relay. On power-up, relays are set to Normally Open. See Connection to relay in Chapter 1 for ratings.

Reset button

The reset button on the device provides multiple control options:

Trigger playlists

The reset button can be configured as a trigger button for playlists. See the Triggers section in Chapter 3 for configuration details.

Boot loading

Restores or recovers the device’s firmware to a stable state:

1. Press and hold the reset button while powering up the unit.
2. Continue holding. Release within 10 seconds of power-up.
3. The unit will load the boot page in the web interface (manually refresh if needed).
4. From this page: upload a firmware file, factory-reset at the current firmware version, or revert to factory-state firmware.

Reset network configuration

Resets network settings to DHCP enabled with fallback IP 192.168.0.10:

1. Press and hold the reset button while powering up.
2. Continue holding for 10 seconds until the LED turns Green.
3. The device will restart automatically with default network settings.

Factory default (full reset)

Erases all data and returns device to manufacturer defaults:

1. Press and hold the reset button while powering up.
2. Continue holding for 20 seconds until the LED turns Yellow.
3. The device will restart automatically with all settings at factory state.

Warning: Factory reset erases all cues, playlists, schedules, and settings. Always take a backup first.

Configuration

Default settings, network setup, and the full web interface reference — Home, Cue, Events, Triggers, Playlists, Schedules, Interfaces, Storage, and Settings.

Out of the box

Default login: User: user  /  Password: 123456. Take a full backup before setting a new password. If the password is lost, a factory reset via the reset button or ENTTEC EMU software is the only recovery method.

Network setup

The S-PLAY LITE uses DHCP by default. If no DHCP server is present, it falls back to 192.168.0.10 with netmask 255.255.255.0. Discover the IP using EMU software (www.enttec.com/sku/70680), an IP scanner (e.g. Angry IP Scanner), or Art Poll (e.g. DMX Workshop). Check the label on the device for the default IP.

To change the IP: access the web interface and navigate to Settings → Network Settings. After saving, the S-PLAY LITE reboots. UDP input port default: 5000; OSC input port default: 8000 — both configurable in Settings.

Tip: When setting up multiple devices on a static network, connect and configure one device at a time to avoid IP conflicts. When using a static IP, the default gateway must match on both the S-PLAY LITE and your computer for EMU to discover it.

Web interface

Access the S-PLAY LITE by typing its IP address into any browser on the same network. The interface has nine pages: Home, Cue, Events, Triggers, Playlists, Schedules, Interfaces, Storage, Settings, plus User Management in the top-right corner.

Home

Default landing page showing all playback activity. When used with the lock function, serves as the end-user control page with links to custom Interfaces, Playlist play/pause/stop/intensity controls, and Schedule activation. Specific interfaces, schedules, and playlists can be hidden from the home page using the ‘Hide from Home’ option.

Cue

Create up to 100 cues across three types: Static (a single lighting state of up to 16 universes), Dynamic (a recording of up to 16 universes with perfect-loop detection), and Effect (an on-board gradient effect generator for pixel and dimmer arrays).

Managing cues

All cues can be ordered by ID, name, type, and duration. Available actions: convert to playlist directly, duplicate, edit name and channel values, delete, and preview. Multiple cues can be previewed simultaneously. Notes:

• Dynamic recordings cannot be duplicated.
• Editing in the Cue Library overwrites the full universe values and may extend the cue length.
• Editing a cue triggers an internal Stop All command to prevent overlapping playback.

Static cue

Define channel values manually, use the colour picker, or capture a live DMX snapshot. Choose the source protocol (DMX up to 2 universes, Art-Net or sACN up to 16 universes), set the internal and external universe mapping, then save. Press Preview to send output live while editing.

Dynamic cue

Record a live DMX/Art-Net/sACN stream. Start recording manually or via a Recording Trigger (OSC, UDP, RS232, Art-Net, sACN, DMX, Digital Input, or Button). Enable Perfect Loop to auto-stop when the S-PLAY LITE detects the sequence has looped (matches the first 10 frames). Avoid outputting on the same universes being recorded to prevent loopback interference.

Effect cue

Create gradient effects for RGB/RGBW fixtures or single-channel dimmers in 8 or 16-bit. Define LED type, start address, address offset, and fixture count. Click the gradient graphic to set up to 8 colour stops. Use Invert Every X Fixtures to create grid patterns. Set speed and direction with the slider. Toggle per-universe enable switches to define which universes the effect occupies.

Events

Create up to 150 Events to embed in playlists. Events send outgoing commands when triggered during playback.

Supported event types:

• RS232 — sends an ASCII command (up to 1024 chars). Settings: 9600 baud, 8 data, no parity, 1 stop, no flow control. Append \r for carriage return, \n for line feed.
• UDP — sends a UDP string to a defined IP and port (up to 1024 chars). Internal loopback: 127.0.0.1:5000.
• OSC — sends OSC data (strings, floats, integers). Address must start with ‘/’.
• Relay — sets a relay to NO (Normally Open) or NC (Normally Closed). Relays default to NO on power-up.
• Art-Net / sACN / DMX — sends a frame with user-defined channel states. Avoid using universes assigned for playback.

Triggers

Create up to 150 Triggers. When placed on a playlist timeline, playback pauses at that point until the trigger condition is met. Triggers can also start a playlist. When a playlist awaits a trigger, pressing Play bypasses the trigger and resumes playback.

Supported trigger sources:

• Digital Input (GPI) — circuit completion on IN1–IN4. Idle is high; trigger fires on low. Contact must be held 3 s for reliability.
• RS232 — fires when an incoming RS232 string matches the defined string (9600 baud, 8-bit, no parity). Note: \r = carriage return, \l = line feed (no need to include in the string).
• UDP — fires when an incoming UDP message matches the defined string.
• OSC — fires when an incoming OSC command matches the defined address (must start with ‘/’). Default OSC port: 8000.
• Art-Net / sACN / DMX — fires when incoming channel value meets or exceeds the threshold. Note: DMX triggers are disabled when DMX is selected as the output protocol.
• Button — the reset/trigger button on the device can trigger on press or release.

Playlists

Create up to 100 playlists by combining Cues, Events, and Triggers on the timeline editor. Playlists support HTP merge, fade-in/out, hold-last-value on pause, and multiple simultaneous playback with priority control.

Playlist configuration

• Start Trigger — start On Power Up, or activate via a configured trigger.
• Stop Trigger — stop when a trigger condition is met.
• Play Count — play once, a fixed number of times, or loop indefinitely (Infinity).
• Internal Priority — higher priority drives output over lower-priority playlists; equal priority merges via HTP.
• Group — combine playlists in a group with “Play one active playlist per group” to ensure smooth look transitions.
• Fade in / Fade out — configurable per playlist. Set fade out to 0.001 s for a snap to black.
• Hide from Home — hide this playlist from the home page.

Top tip: By default, cues hold their end value until a different scene is triggered. To send a blackout at the end of a cue, set a fade-out time. For a snap to black, set fade out to 0.001 s.

Schedules

Create schedules to play, pause, or stop playlists automatically. Schedule start conditions can be a specific time, sunrise, or sunset (calculated from latitude/longitude in Settings). Frequency options: Per Second, Per Minute, Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly, or Astronomical (moon phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Third Quarter).

Schedule status: Green = active; Yellow = suspended; Red = expired. Schedules can be hidden from the Home page using “Hide from Home”.

Note: Always ensure the S-PLAY LITE’s system time and location are set correctly in Settings when using Schedules.

Interfaces

Create up to 5 custom user interfaces for end-user playlist control, accessible from any device on the same network. Each interface can be set as the S-PLAY LITE’s landing page and organised into Interface Groups for easy navigation. The Interface Editor lets you set a background colour, add Widgets, and arrange controls freely.

Widgets

• Spacer — fixed space between widgets, 10–100% interface width.
• All Playlists — control all playlists at once (play/pause/stop/intensity).
• Specific Playlist — control individual playlist with play/stop and progress indicator.
• Intensity slider — master intensity or per-playlist intensity control.
• Effect colour filter — control colour filter for a specific Effect cue.

Storage

Toggle between internal storage and the external MicroSD card. Back up and restore all Cues, Playlists, Schedules, and Settings (excluding IP address). Transfer shows between storage locations.

After pressing Create Backup, a .bak package is produced and can be downloaded to your computer. This can take up to an hour for large shows. To restore: navigate to Storage → Restore, browse for the .bak file, and click Restore Backup. Note: restoring erases current show data — always back up first.

Storage size calculations

Settings

Fast navigation between settings tabs is available via the left-hand menu. The Settings page covers: device name, output settings, Art-Net/sACN, DMX, network, date & time, location, playback configuration, firmware update, and factory reset.

Output settings & protocols

Assign any of the 16 internal universes to Art-Net, sACN, or DMX output. A drop-down sets all outputs to one protocol at once. Art-Net and sACN can be set to unicast, multicast, or broadcast per universe, with refresh rate 1–60 FPS. sACN Priority: 1–200 (default 100). DMX settings control the physical output frame rate.

Network settings

Set DHCP or manual (static) IP address. After saving, the S-PLAY LITE reboots. Default network: DHCP enabled, fallback IP 192.168.0.10, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.0.1. UDP input port: 5000; OSC input port: 8000.

Date, time & location

Set date and time manually or via NTP. Define latitude and longitude for sunrise/sunset scheduling (use a geolocator such as latlong.net). Update daylight saving time manually when not using NTP.

Playback configuration

Set global playback options including “Restrict to one active playlist per group” — all stopped playlists observe their fade times.

Firmware update

Download the latest firmware from the ENTTEC website, then upload it via Settings. The S-PLAY LITE will validate and restart. After updating, power-cycle the device and clear the browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+R).

Warning: Only use firmware designed for S-PLAY LITE. Do not downgrade without consulting ENTTEC support first — always back up and factory-reset before updating.

Factory reset (via web interface)

Navigate to the Reset option on the Settings page and click Factory Reset. This erases all created content and returns the device to its original factory state. Cannot be stopped once initiated.

Reference

User management, lock feature, shutdown, servicing, cleaning, package contents, and ordering information.

User management & lock

User management is accessible from the top-right corner of the web interface. From here: shut down the S-PLAY LITE, lock/unlock functions, monitor DMX current in real time, and switch the interface language between English and Chinese.

Monitor DMX current

Click the Monitor DMX icon in the top-right to see a real-time overview of all universe DMX values. Click the expand icon next to each universe to view individual channel values. Click the universe number in the top row of the channel view to switch between universes.

Lock feature

By default the S-PLAY LITE is unlocked. When locked (padlock icon, top-right), users without login credentials can only see the Home page with Interfaces, Playlist controls, and Schedule activation. A logged-in user can lock the unit for all other network users while retaining their own access. Only one browser can be in edit view (Home / Cue Library / Playlist page) at a time.

Shutting down

Click the red Power icon in the top-right of the web interface. Confirm the prompt before removing power. To reboot: unplug and re-plug the DC jack, or power-cycle the PoE source.

Warning: Removing power mid-boot or while reading/writing to memory risks corrupting internal storage or the external MicroSD card.

Default login reminder: User: user  /  Password: 123456. If the password is forgotten, it can be reset via a full factory reset using the reset button or ENTTEC EMU software.

Servicing & maintenance

The device has no user-serviceable parts. If damaged, replace the unit. Power down before inspection and ensure no method of re-energisation is available during servicing.

Key inspection points:

• All connectors securely mated, no damage or corrosion.
• All cabling free from physical damage or crushing.
• No dust or dirt build-up (reduces heat dissipation and can cause damage).

Cleaning

• Power down before cleaning and lock out re-energisation.
• Do not use abrasive, corrosive, or solvent-based cleaning products.
• Do not spray liquids on the device. IP20 — not water-resistant.
• Use low-pressure compressed air to remove dust and debris; wipe with a damp microfibre cloth if necessary.

Increase cleaning frequency if the installation involves stage fog or smoke, high airflow, high pollution, cigarette smoke, or airborne construction dust.

Package contents

• S-PLAY LITE (70094)
• Cat5 cable (79102)
• 1× 12 V PSU adaptor with international plugs
• Rack mounting bracket (79161) × 2 pcs + screws × 6 pcs
• Surface/DIN mounting bracket (79162) × 2 pcs + screws × 4 pcs
• DIN Clip × 2 pcs + screws × 4 pcs
• ReadMe Card

Ordering

For further support and to browse ENTTEC’s full product range, visit the ENTTEC website.

Due to constant innovation, information within this document is subject to change.