# Making The Connections
**Spikemark Vantis is not a stand alone device**. It operates as an extension of the Spikemark system and requires connection to the same network as a Windows PC running Spikemark.
This PC may be part of a rack-mounted system (e.g., alongside Showstopper equipment), integrated within a Spikemark Console, or a separate laptop connected to the network.
Once you have that in hand, setting up Spikemark Vantis is easy. With only a few cable connections and a few IP Addresses you’ll be up and running in no time.
## HARDWARE
There are a couple ways to add Spikemark Vantis to a Spikemark System. First let's get a handle on the hardware you'll be dealing with during set up.
* The **Pendant Cable Connection** is where you'll be plugging in the Spikemark Vantis cable. This cable provides control signal and power for Spikemark Vantis.
* Spikemark Vantis comes with a network adapter box that connects to the Spikemark Vantis cable in certain set ups. More on when to use that adapter box is below.
* The **Power Switch** is where you'll be turning your device on/off.
* "I" indicates the system is on while "o" indicates that it is off
* If your system has power, you'll notice the **Power Indicator Light** turn *Green* when the system powers up.
* To select and change items, simply tap with your finger on the **touch screen**.
* To adjust values onscreen during set up, feel free to utlize the blue tooth keyboard or rotate the **Input Wheel**
### MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
Now it's time to plug in!
#### For systems with **Control Points**
1. Remove the Pendant Terminator
2. Plug the Spikemark Vantis cable into the Pendnant Cable Connection and then directly into the labeled pendant output receptacle
#### For systems with **Control Connections**
1. Connect the Spikemark Vantis Cable into the Pendant Adapter Box and directly into Spikemark Vantis
2. Connect a network cable to the Pendant Adapter Box and plug directly into the Control Connection
3. Connect your Showstopper Accessory Cable from the Pendant Adapter Box directly into the Control Connection
#### For systems **without permanent ports**
1. Connect the Spikemark Vantis Cable into the Pendant Adapter Box and directly into Spikemark Vantis
2. Connect your Spikemark Console or computer into a network switch along with the Pendant Adapter Box. Be advised, in smaller
3. Connect your Showstopper Accessory Cable to your Showstopper Base and connect to the Pendant Adapter Box
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Network Connection Required prior to Spikemark Vantis Startup
All network cables must be connected **before** powering on Spikemark Vantis.
If network connectivity is not detected during startup, Spikemark Vantis will not initialize the configuration screen. Instead, the display will show only a cursor on a black background. See our troubleshooting FAQ for more information.
{% endhint %}
Because Spikemark Vantis is a networked device, it must be assigned a **unique static IP address**.
This IP address must be configured on both Spikemark Vantis and your Spikemark PC to enable proper communication between the two devices.
In addition, the Pendant must be configured with the **IP address of the Spikemark PC**.
Ensuring these IP settings are correctly assigned on both ends is required for Spikemark Vantis to connect and operate with the Spikemark system. More on this below.
### Accessing Network Settings
Once all connections have been made and power has been applied to the Showstopper Base and Spikemark PC, you are now able to power on your Spikemark PC and enable the pendant.
#### Spikemark Pendant Settings
If you have set up a Stagehand in the past, setting the Spikemark Vantis IP Address will feel familiar enough.
Open **configuration** under the **Pendant** drop down menu or select **Spikemark Pendant** under Control Devices
and you will be greeted with the **Spikemark Pendant Settings** window:
Switch your **Spikemark Vantis** on. After the boot-up process is complete, Spikemark Vantis will display the following configuration screen:
Confirm the IP Addresses are set correctly on both Spikemark Vantis and in Spikemark. If the Spikemark IP Address is different from what you expected, check your network settings on your Spikemark PC and confirm the Spikemark IP Address under **File** -> **Spikemark Options**.
#### Modifying Network Values on Spikemark Vantis:
1. Select the field you wish to change using the touchscreen or the touchpad on the included Bluetooth keyboard.
2. Adjust the value using the **Input Wheel**, or
3. Use the keyboard to delete the existing entry and type the new value directly.
Ensure all network settings are updated accordingly to maintain proper system communication.
Any changes to the IP Addresses, Subnet or Port will be saved to Spikemark Vantis once the Connect button is pressed.
***
#### Default IP Address Values
The default IP address values will be pre-populated for both the computer running Spikemark and Spikemark Vantis:
* **Spikemark IP:** 192.168.10.245
* Default IP address of the computer running Spikemark
* **Spikemark Vantis IP:** 192.168.10.250
* Default IP address of Spikemark Vantis
* **Subnet Mask:** 255.255.255.0
* **Port:** 5000
The default values are provided as a reference based on a typical Spikemark network configuration. They can be changed to fit your specific network requirements.
***
Check out this guide if you need to set your computer IP Address:
{% content-ref url="/pages/-Mhn8RB9Fckaggt3dzfX" %}
[Setting Computer IP Address](/docs/spikemark/ip-address-and-network-connection/setting-computer-ip-address.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
***
### Connect to Spikemark Vantis
With matching IP address on Spikemark Vantis and on your Spikemark PC, you are free to hit **Enable** in Spikemark Pendant Settings. Next click **Connect** on the Spikemark Vantis screen.
Once Spikemark Vantis is connected the display will change from the configuration screen to the operation interface.
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