3ds Max 2018 can't activate Live-Link - Error: Local machine is not used for distributed rendering

[robert_ecker]

Hi!
Working on a 3ds Max scene trying to establish a live-link to Vantage, but always got following Error-Message:

Error : Local machine is not used for distributed rendering and no servers can join!

I took a look at the Performance Tab. Here's the Distributed rendering "on" checked.
When i uncheck it and start the live-link, the distributed rendering is automatically switching to checked and got the Error-Message.
When the distributed rendering "on" is checked and then trying to start the live-link -> Same error.

Any idea what i'm doing wrong or what this error means ?

[npg]

Live link uses DR to send the scene to Vantage. It looks like V-Ray doesn't see a server, so most likely Vantage is misconfigured or blocked by a firewall. Was Vantage running before you started the live link? Does it start automatically? If not, start it yourself before attempting to start the link. Check your firewall settings. Also check the "Live Link" menu in Vantage - it should have a line saying "Status: listening on port 20701".

[robert_ecker]

Was Vantage running before you started the live link? Does it start automatically?

Awesome - this is it !
Vantage was not running before, it started after the scene was send.
Thank you!

[npg]

Well, it's supposed to automatically wait for Vantage to start before attempting to link it. Are you using Vantage 1.8.3?

[robert_ecker]

Yes, i do.
Noticed that the "Start Server on Application Start" wasn't enabled

[npg]

This must be it. It's enabled by default but apparently it got changed in your case.

[jujubee]

Could you please indicate which items need access through the firewall?
I'm having issues suddenly and can't seem to connect. Thank you.

[npg]

By default, Vantage uses ports 20701 and 20702 for Live Link. Our installer is supposed to add an exception for these ports but I think this only applies to the Windows built-in firewall.