diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24f560c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# Lighting Controller Configuration
+
+# WebSocket URI for the control server
+# Used by UI client and test scripts to connect to the control server
+#
+# For local development (running on same machine as control server):
+CONTROL_SERVER_URI=ws://localhost:8765
+#
+# For remote connection (running on different machine from control server):
+# Replace with your control server's IP address
+# CONTROL_SERVER_URI=ws://10.1.1.117:8765
diff --git a/test/test_control_server.py b/test/test_control_server.py
index f69951d..e6db99b 100644
--- a/test/test_control_server.py
+++ b/test/test_control_server.py
@@ -18,6 +18,11 @@ import asyncio
 import json
 import websockets
 import re
+import os
+from dotenv import load_dotenv
+
+# Load environment variables from .env file
+load_dotenv()
 
 
 def build_messages(args):
@@ -77,7 +82,8 @@ async def run_test(uri: str, messages: list[dict], sleep_s: float):
 
 def parse_args():
     p = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Send UI commands to control_server WebSocket")
-    p.add_argument("--uri", default="ws://localhost:8765", help="WebSocket URI (default ws://localhost:8765)")
+    default_uri = os.getenv("CONTROL_SERVER_URI", "ws://localhost:8765")
+    p.add_argument("--uri", default=default_uri, help=f"WebSocket URI (default from .env or {default_uri})")
     p.add_argument("--pattern", help="Pattern name for pattern_change")
     p.add_argument("--r", type=int, help="Red 0-255 for color_change")
     p.add_argument("--g", type=int, help="Green 0-255 for color_change")