Setting the computer IP Address

Before Spikemark can talk to your Stagehands, two things need to happen: you set a static IP address on your PC, and then you tell Spikemark which address you just set. Both steps are covered here.

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Part 1: Set the IP Address in Windows

1. Open the Network Connections window.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type ncpa.cpl and click OK.

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2. Open your Ethernet adapter's Properties.

Right-click on your Ethernet adapter — the one connected to your stage network switch — and select Properties.

Not sure which adapter? If you see multiple adapters listed (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.), choose the one physically cabled to your stage network switch. Don't adjust the Wi-Fi or any other adapter.

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3. Open TCP/IPv4 settings.

In the Properties window, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to open its settings.

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4. Set the static IP address.

Select Use the following IP address and enter:

• IP address: 192.168.10.245

• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

• Default gateway: (leave blank)

• DNS servers: (leave blank)

Subnet mask note: This field usually auto-fills to 255.255.255.0 when you start typing the IP address. If it doesn't, type it in manually.

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5. Save and close.

Click OK, then OK (or Close) again to close the Ethernet Properties window. You can close the Network Connections window as well.

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Part 2: Tell Spikemark Which IP Address to Use

Setting the IP address in Windows isn't enough on its own — you also need to select that address inside Spikemark. This is the step that gets missed most often.

6. Open Spikemark Options.

In Spikemark, go to File → Spikemark Options.

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7. Select your IP address and save.

Click the Spikemark IP Address dropdown and select the address you just set (192.168.10.245). Then click Save.

Important — always click Save, even if the address already looks correct. Spikemark needs to actively confirm and bind to the selected address. If you're troubleshooting a connection issue and the right address is already shown in the dropdown, select it again and click Save anyway.

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You're Done

Your PC now has a fixed address on the stage network, and Spikemark knows where to listen. Next up: Setting the Stagehand IP Address →

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Troubleshooting This Step

The IP address won't stick / Windows reverts to 169.254.X.X This means Windows is ignoring the static setting and falling back to automatic addressing. Go back to Step 4 and confirm Use the following IP address is selected — not "Obtain an IP address automatically."

I don't see 192.168.10.245 in the Spikemark Options dropdown The dropdown only shows addresses that are currently assigned to an active network adapter. If your address isn't listed, Windows may not have applied it correctly. Run ipconfig in Command Prompt to confirm the address is active, then restart Spikemark and check again.

I have multiple Ethernet adapters — which one do I pick in Spikemark Options? Select the address assigned to the adapter that's physically connected to your stage network switch. If you're unsure, run ipconfig in Command Prompt — it will list all adapters and their addresses so you can match them up.