Connection is where we link Buttons to the outside world: switchers, routers, software, hardware, and other imaginable (and unimaginable) options.
To start adding Connection, click the +Add button in the top-right corner of the left pane. This will display an extensive list of possible connections.
If no connections are visible, or you can't find the right module. You may need to update the library. To do this, click Download modules in the top-right corner.
This will bring up a popup box showing you the modules that are missing from your library or have newer versions.
Ensure you are online, as this process fetches the library from Bitfocus's servers. The download duration depends on your connection speed and the number of modules that will be downloaded.
Once the download is complete, you can search for the desired connection. Search by Manufacturer, product line, or protocol. Generic connections can also be found by searching for the "generic" phrase.
Each connection comes with a version dropdown and several informational badges.
Router Badge: Indicates that the connection is supported by the Router system in Buttons. To filter the connections list for Router-supported options, click Only Routers at the top of the list.
Legacy Badge: Indicates that the connection does not adhere to the latest API standards. While it may work, some features might be unavailable or non-functional.
Pre-release badge: Indicates that the developer has released a test version of the module, and it may lack functionality or contain bugs.
Version Dropdown: Allows you to select between different versions of the connection as the library evolves.
You can also click the cogwheel to see and download other versions of the module.
In the right pane of the connection page, you’ll find all configuration options for the selected connection.
Some connections support MDNS to automatically discover devices, but it's good practice to know the connection settings beforehand. You can also enter the IP address for the connection manually. It's good practice to give each connection a clear and descriptive Label and Variable Key. Both will default to the connection name. Under we show a few different examples of connections, as you can see the information needed for each connection will vary greatly.
MDNS discovery finds 3 different Atems on the network.
The Hue Bridge will communicate with Buttons to assign a user when you press the Button on the bridge.
Vmix have a lot of options in the config window, where you can optimize the settings for your particular use.
Qlab Requires: IP address, Port nr. and a OSC passcode to connect.
Under Module in the top right corner you can see the current module version in use for this connection, and by clicking on it you can bring up a dialog box allowing you to swap the module versions.
In addition to the Config View, you can also get an overview of the Actions available in the connection
There is also an overview of the available Feedbacks.
And Variables.
Under Ports & Bundles you will get an overview over what will be added to the Router system in Buttons
These buttons will allow you to navigate to Github to post a bug report or navigate to the repository. The help button will bring up the help file written by the module author.
The first button will turn on the Log view, giving you opportunities to debug the connection.
The second button will toggle between compact and detailed view
The third button will allow you to group and sort the connections by tags
Log view
Detailed View
Compact view
Grouping options
We have now had a look at the different options for 1 module, there will be a lot of differences between the modules, but the main functionality will be the same. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different options for the modules you will be using.
