Core Provisioning Mode

Core Provisioning Mode, introduced in Q-SYS Designer 10.4, is the initial onboarding state that prepares a Q-SYS Core Processor for secure operation. In Provisioning Mode, the administrator establishes login credentials and configures system time, both of which are required before any design can be deployed or Core Manager can be accessed.

Note: Provisioning Mode is entered automatically when:
• a new Q-SYS Core Processor shipped with Q-SYS 10.4 (or later) is powered on for the first time or
• an existing Core Processor is factory reset while running Q-SYS 10.4 (or later).

Note: Provisioning Mode is not required when a Core Processor is upgraded in place from an earlier Q-SYS version to 10.4. Existing credentials and settings are preserved.

Provisioning Requirements

Before the Core can be used for normal operation, the following must be true:

• The Core must be powered on and reachable on the network.

• Provisioning must be completed via a web browser or the Q-SYS Configurator before any design can be installed.

• Full access to Core Manager and configuration is available only after provisioning has been completed.

Note: If the Core is not provisioned, Q-SYS Designer will display a banner and the Configurator will show a message indicating that provisioning is required. From either entry point, you can launch the provisioning workflow.

Provisioning Workflow

Follow these steps to provision a new or factory-reset Core Processor:

1. Power on the Q-SYS Core Processor and allow the device to boot completely. The Core will enter Provisioning Mode, but you must connect to the Core to proceed.

2. Use the Q-SYS Configurator to discover the Core on your network and obtain its IP address. Then open a web browser and navigate to that address to reach the provisioning interface. Alternatively, click the banner notification in Q-SYS Designer.

   Tip: The Q-SYS Configurator is the recommended way to locate an unprovisioned Core, especially if the IP address is not known in advance.

3. Create administrator credentials. When prompted, enter a username and password for the Core. These credentials secure the device and are required for all subsequent access.

   Tip: Choose a strong password and store it securely. There is no mechanism to retrieve a forgotten password other than factory reset (set new password).

4. Configure date and time settings during onboarding. Accurate system time is necessary for proper device operation. A Core's name can also be changed as needed.

5. Submit the configuration to finalize. The Core exits Provisioning Mode and is ready for normal operation.

Signing In and Starting Operation

After exiting Provisioning Mode:

• Sign in to the Core Processor using the credentials you just created.

• Full access to Core Manager and all device features becomes available.

• You can now deploy designs from Q-SYS Designer and configure peripherals (see Bulk Peripheral Management (Beta feature)).

Factory Reset Behavior

If a Core Processor is factory reset (for any reason, including troubleshooting, redeployment, or hardware reassignment), the device returns to Provisioning Mode and the onboarding process must be completed again. Previous credentials, certificates, and configurations are not retained.

Note: Before factory resetting a Core that is managing peripherals, download a copy of the peripheral password file from Peripheral Utilities and export the Bulk Configuration CSV. This preserves the information needed to re-claim peripherals after provisioning the Core again.

Support and Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during Core Provisioning Mode:

• Verify the Core is powered on and reachable on the network.

• Confirm your browser or Q-SYS Configurator can discover the Core.

• Ensure the Core's firmware is Q-SYS 10.4 or later.

• Refer to Q-SYS Support Resources or contact technical assistance for further help.