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System Requirements

Before installing HNode, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Operating System

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)Spout2 framework is Windows-only

Graphics Hardware

DirectX 11 compatible GPU
  • Integrated graphics: Up to 3 universes
  • Dedicated GPU: Recommended for 6+ universes
  • GPU with 2GB+ VRAM for high resolution output

Network

Network adapter
  • Any network adapter for basic use
  • Gigabit Ethernet recommended for high universe counts
  • Supports both wired and wireless connections

Software

No additional runtime requiredHNode is a standalone executable built with Unity 6
HNode has been tested on Windows 10 (version 1909+) and Windows 11. Older Windows versions may work but are not officially supported.

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Downloading HNode

1

Visit GitHub Releases

Navigate to the HNode Releases page on GitHub.The releases page shows all available versions sorted by date.
2

Choose a Version

Select the latest release for the newest features and bug fixes, or choose a specific version if needed.
Look for releases marked with a green “Latest” badge for the most stable version.
3

Download the Build

Under the “Assets” section of the release, download the appropriate file:
  • HNode.zip - Full Windows build (recommended)
  • Source code (zip) - Only if you want to build from source
The HNode.zip file is typically 50-100 MB in size.
4

Extract the Archive

Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a permanent location on your computer.
Do not run HNode directly from the ZIP file. Always extract it first to avoid permission and file access issues.
Recommended locations:
  • C:\Program Files\HNode\
  • C:\Users\[YourName]\Applications\HNode\
  • Any location where you have full read/write permissions

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File Structure

After extraction, your HNode folder should contain: 
HNode/
├── HNode.exe              # Main application executable
├── UnityCrashHandler64.exe
├── UnityPlayer.dll
├── HNode_Data/            # Unity application data
│   ├── Managed/           # .NET assemblies
│   ├── Plugins/           # Native plugins (Spout2, etc.)
│   ├── Resources/         # Application resources
│   └── ...
├── MonoBleedingEdge/      # Mono runtime
└── Assets/                # Application assets (logo, etc.)
The HNode_Data folder and other files must remain in the same directory as HNode.exe. Do not move or delete these files.

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First Launch

1

Run HNode.exe

Double-click HNode.exe to launch the application.
Windows may show a SmartScreen warning for unsigned applications. Click “More info” then “Run anyway” to proceed.
2

Windows Firewall Prompt

If prompted by Windows Firewall, allow HNode to access the network.HNode needs network access to receive ArtNet DMX data on UDP port 6454.
  • Check “Private networks” if using on a local network
  • Check “Public networks” only if needed (not recommended for security)
3

Verify Launch

The HNode window should open with a resolution of 1200x600 pixels.You should see:
  • Tab navigation at the top (Serializer, Generator, Exporter, Documentation)
  • Settings panel on the left
  • Preview window on the right
  • Statistics overlay (FPS, RAM, Audio)

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Optional Dependencies

While HNode works standalone, these optional components enhance functionality:

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Spout2 Plugin for OBS Studio

To capture HNode output in OBS Studio:
1

Download Spout2 Plugin

Get the plugin from obs-spout2-plugin releasesDownload the .zip file for your OBS version (usually the latest release).
2

Install Plugin

Extract the contents to your OBS Studio installation directory:
C:\Program Files\obs-studio\obs-plugins\64bit\
Or use the provided installer if available.
3

Restart OBS

Restart OBS Studio to load the new plugin.
4

Add Spout2 Source

In OBS:
  1. Add a new Source → Spout2 Capture
  2. Set SpoutSenders to HNode Output
  3. Set Composite mode to “Default” (for transparency support)

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loopMIDI (for MIDIDMX)

For MIDIDMX output to VRChat:
1

Download loopMIDI

Download from Tobias Erichsen’s websiteloopMIDI creates virtual MIDI ports for routing MIDI between applications.
2

Install loopMIDI

Run the installer and follow the installation wizard.
3

Create Virtual Port

  1. Launch loopMIDI
  2. Enter a port name (e.g., “loopMIDI Port”)
  3. Click the + button to create the port
  4. The port should appear in the “Active Ports” list
4

Configure HNode

In HNode’s Exporter tab:
  1. Add a MIDIDMX exporter
  2. Set the MIDI Device to your loopMIDI port name
  3. The exporter will connect automatically
Keep loopMIDI running while using MIDIDMX. The virtual MIDI port only exists while loopMIDI is active.

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MediaMTX (for Local Streaming)

For low-latency local video streaming:
1

Download MediaMTX

Get the latest binary from MediaMTX releasesDownload the Windows .zip file.
2

Extract and Run

  1. Extract to an empty folder
  2. Run mediamtx.exe
  3. A console window will open showing the server status
3

Configure OBS Output

In OBS Studio settings:
  • Service: Custom
  • Server: rtmp://localhost/
  • Stream Key: (any text, e.g., “hnode”)
4

Stream URL

Use this URL in video players:
rtspt://localhost:8554/[your-stream-key]
Or for RTMP:
rtmp://localhost/[your-stream-key]

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Network Configuration

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Finding Your Network Adapter

To receive ArtNet from a lighting console:
1

Check Your IP Address

Open Command Prompt and run:
ipconfig
Look for your active network adapter’s IPv4 address (usually starts with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x).
2

Configure Lighting Console

Set your lighting console’s ArtNet output to:
  • IP Address: Your computer’s IP address or broadcast address (e.g., 192.168.1.255)
  • Port: 6454 (ArtNet standard)
  • Universe: Start at 0 or 1 (depends on console)
3

Configure HNode

In HNode:
  • ArtNet Address: 0.0.0.0 (listens on all network interfaces)
  • ArtNet Port: 6454 (default, only change if needed)
Using 0.0.0.0 as the ArtNet Address allows HNode to receive from any network interface automatically. This is the recommended setting for most users.

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Firewall Rules

If HNode isn’t receiving ArtNet data:
  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall settings
  2. Click Allow an app through firewall
  3. Click Change settings (requires admin)
  4. Find HNode in the list or click Allow another app
  5. Ensure Private is checked (at minimum)
  6. Click OK
Alternatively, create a manual rule:
  1. Click Advanced settings
  2. Click Inbound Rules → New Rule
  3. Rule Type: Port
  4. Protocol: UDP, Port: 6454
  5. Action: Allow the connection
  6. Profile: Check Private and optionally Public
  7. Name: “HNode ArtNet”

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Troubleshooting Installation

Symptom: Double-clicking HNode.exe does nothing or shows an errorSolutions:
  • Ensure you’ve extracted the ZIP file completely
  • Check that HNode_Data folder exists alongside HNode.exe
  • Right-click HNode.exe → Properties → Unblock (if file is from internet)
  • Try running as Administrator
  • Check Windows Event Viewer for error details
Symptom: Windows blocks execution with “Windows protected your PC”Solution:
  1. Click More info
  2. Click Run anyway
This warning appears because HNode is not code-signed. The application is safe to run.
Symptom: Error about DirectX or graphics initializationSolutions:
  • Update your graphics drivers to the latest version
  • Ensure DirectX 11 is installed (comes with Windows 10/11)
  • Try running on integrated graphics if you have multiple GPUs
  • Check that your GPU meets minimum requirements
Symptom: Error about missing .dll filesSolutions:
  • Re-extract the ZIP file completely
  • Install Visual C++ Redistributables
  • Ensure Windows is up to date
  • Check that antivirus hasn’t quarantined files

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Updating HNode

To update to a newer version:
1

Save Your Configuration

In HNode, click the Save button to export your show configuration to a .yaml file.Save it outside the HNode folder so it won’t be overwritten.
2

Download New Version

Follow the download steps above for the latest release.
3

Replace Files

Option A: Extract to a new folder and load your saved configuration.Option B: Delete the old HNode folder and extract the new version to the same location.
4

Load Configuration

In the new HNode version, click Load and select your saved .yaml file.
Always save your show configuration before updating. Updates may reset settings to defaults.

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Building from Source

For developers who want to build HNode from source:
1

Install Unity 6

Download and install Unity HubInstall Unity version 6000.2.7f2 or compatible 6.x version.
2

Clone Repository

git clone https://github.com/Happyrobot33/HNode.git
cd HNode
3

Open in Unity

  1. Open Unity Hub
  2. Click Add → Add project from disk
  3. Select the cloned HNode folder
  4. Wait for Unity to import all assets
4

Build

  1. File → Build Settings
  2. Platform: Windows
  3. Architecture: x86_64
  4. Click Build
  5. Choose output folder
Building from source requires familiarity with Unity and C#. Pre-built releases are recommended for most users.

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Next Steps

Quick Start Guide

Now that HNode is installed, follow the Quick Start guide to set up your first ArtNet to video stream.

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