Specifying a system — a practical guide to scoping the right devices.

Start with the Core

Every system needs one Core. For a small single-room show, its built-in 8 audio outputs and 8 GPIO may cover you with no other nodes. Beyond that, add nodes by counting what each space requires.

Count your inputs

• Buttons, switches, reed/limit switches, pulled props → GPIO Node channels (8 per node).
• Motion, presence, proximity, position, environmental → Sensor Node channels (8 per node).

Count your outputs and effects

• Maglocks, motors, pneumatics, mains-adjacent effects → Relay Node channels (8 per node).
• Speakers / audio zones → Audio Node buses (plus the Core's 8 built-in outputs).
• Screens / projection → Video Node per display (or per group, depending on content).
• Lighting fixtures → a DMX Node per universe.

Account for integration and operators

• Projectors, media servers, legacy/third-party gear → Serial Node ports (2 per node).
• Operator stations and guest interfaces → Panel Nodes.

Plan the network and power

• A wired switch and cabling sized to your device count, on a private show LAN.
• Low-voltage DC power for nodes; mains for the Core and Relay Nodes (qualified install).