Baldrick Network, Firmware and Recovery Checklist

A reliable show starts with controllers you can identify and settings you can reconstruct. Keep a small record for each Baldrick before changing its network or firmware, then repeat the same acceptance test afterward.

Reviewed October 29, 2026. The reset table below applies specifically to Baldrick8 and Baldrick17. Other Baldrick boards use different buttons and sequences. Follow the current instructions for the actual board.

Keep a useful recovery record

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Save Why it matters
Controller identity Board model/revision, enclosure name, firmware version and physical location.
Network record Address, hostname, subnet and whether the address comes from DHCP, a reservation or manual settings.
Output record Port map, model order/counts, pixel protocol, color order and planned brightness.
Extra behavior CunningFX presets, startup choices and button actions that are not represented by your normal xLights port map.
Show data Saved xLights show folder and a separate backup of the sequences and media you need.

Use xLights Backup after saving, and configure an alternate backup location when practical. Export or print the Controller Visualizer's port map as well. Screenshots of the board's settings help reconstruct choices that an xLights upload may not contain.

These records are a recovery plan. A debug download is useful for support, but do not assume it is an importable full-controller backup. If your installed firmware offers additional backup facilities, follow its documented restore procedure and retain the original files.

Give every board a stable identity

For a router-based network, the current Baldrick network guide recommends DHCP reservations: leave the board using DHCP and configure the router to give that device the same address. Record the reservation alongside the controller name.

A manual static address also needs a deliberate network plan. Check the subnet and avoid an address that belongs to another device or can be handed out by the DHCP server. Do not copy a tutorial address until you know it belongs on your network.

Manufacturer example of Baldrick hostname, DHCP and network-address settings
Manufacturer example from Baldrick Boards manual. Firmware or software layout may differ; use your own device values. This manufacturer example shows Static. For the DHCP-reservation workflow above, leave DHCP selected on the controller.

After any address change, reopen the board at its new address and update the matching xLights and player destinations. An old browser bookmark and an old FPP destination can keep pointing to the previous location even though the controller itself is working.

Find an unreachable controller

Start with the physical network: Ethernet link lights, a known working cable and the intended switch/router. Use Baldrick Buddy or the router's device list. Check whether the setup computer is on a guest network, VPN or different show subnet.

A controller behind FPP on an isolated show network may need FPP's proxy path for management. That is different from a missing controller on your home LAN. Follow the manufacturer's FPP Proxy instructions for that arrangement rather than changing addresses at random.

Choose the correct reset

Only use a hardware-button procedure when you can safely identify and reach the correct board button. On a ready-to-run enclosure, do not remove protective AC terminal covers or reach around exposed live wiring. Ask Mattos for the appropriate service route if access is uncertain.

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Action on Baldrick8/17 Result
Hold B1 during power-on Clears network settings and returns to DHCP; retains the other configuration.
Hold B2 during power-on Uses the fallback address 192.168.68.68 so a suitable direct network can reach the settings.
Hold B3 during power-on Factory reset: removes settings and firmware. Reinstallation is required.

The manufacturer's current procedure says to hold the selected button through power-on for 10 seconds. Use the linked reset instructions for the complete sequence. B1 is the targeted recovery for an incorrect network setup; B3 is a last resort.

For the B2 fallback, an isolated setup computer can use 192.168.68.10 with mask 255.255.255.0 to open http://192.168.68.68. Those are temporary recovery values, not a recommended address plan for every show. Configure the intended board network, then restore the computer's normal network settings. Ensure internet access is available before a factory reset that requires firmware reinstallation.

Update one board, then verify it

  1. Read the relevant release notes. Decide which change or fix you need.
  2. Save the recovery record and schedule the update when you can complete a test afterward.
  3. Stop show output to that board. Use the update offered by its web interface or the selected board in Baldrick Buddy.
  4. Keep power and the required network connection stable while the update runs and the board restarts.
  5. Reopen it, confirm the firmware and address, then compare the recorded configuration.

Baldrick Buddy also documents an Offline update route for firmware downloaded while internet is available. Prepare that route before taking equipment to an offline site; do not assume an ordinary online update can fetch files without connectivity.

Release changes can affect appearance. For example, the current 3.8.9 notes introduce gamma control with a changed default. Compare the actual output with your saved test and intended settings instead of assuming every visible difference needs a wiring change.

Close the change with an acceptance test

Run the same local color/chase test, then the same short xLights or player test. Confirm the intended sender, first and last nodes, model boundaries and stop behavior. Restart the controller normally and verify that you can find it again and recover the intended operation.

Record the date, change and result. Once that board passes, repeat the process for the next one. If a test fails, the previous saved record gives support a concrete starting point.

Sources and next steps

Explore the Mattos Baldrick Learning Center · All Mattos guides

Baldrick Guides · All Mattos learning resources