MOTIONSTRIP: How To Set Up DMX Control

Introduction

If you want precise control over your Motion Strip motorized moving head light bars, setting up a DMX controller is the best way to do it. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process for connecting and configuring your DMX setup.

What You Need

• Motion Strip Motorized Moving Head Light Bars
• DMX Controller
• DMX Cables (Male to Female)

Step 1: Connect the DMX Controller to Your Lights

1. Take a DMX cable and plug the male end into the DMX Out on the controller.
2. Plug the female end into the DMX In on the first light.
3. To connect more lights:
   • Take another DMX cable.
   • Plug the male end into the DMX Out on the first light.
   • Plug the female end into the DMX In on the next light.
   • Repeat for all additional lights.

Step 2: Choose the DMX Channel Mode

The Motion Strip light bar can operate in two DMX modes:

Option 1: 9-Channel Mode (Basic Control)

• Controls Pan (Angle), Speed, Auto Effects, Dimmer, and Basic Color Adjustments.
• Suitable for simpler setups.

Option 2: 38-Channel Mode (Advanced Control)

• Provides individual control over each LED bulb, allowing custom colors per bulb.
• Offers more precise adjustments for effects and movement.

Step 3: Set the DMX Address

1. Go to the "A" settings on each light.
2. Use the Up and Down buttons to set the same DMX address on all lights.
3. For this setup, set each light to "A001".
4. Press Enter to save the setting.

Step 4: Control the Lights Using DMX Faders

Now that your lights are linked, you can control them using the faders on your DMX controller.

In 9-Channel Mode

• Fader 1: Pan (Angle of Light)
• Fader 2: Pan Speed (Controls Movement Speed)
• Fader 3: Auto Effect Selection
• Fader 4: Auto Effect Speed
• Fader 5: Master Dimmer (Overall Brightness)
• Fader 6: Red LED Control
• Fader 7: Green LED Control
• Fader 8: Blue LED Control
• Fader 9: White LED Control

In 38-Channel Mode (Advanced)

• Fader 1-5: Same functions as 9-channel mode.
• Fader 6: Strobe Effect (Works when LEDs are active).
• Fader 7-10: Individual RGBW control for Bulb 1.
• Fader 11-14: Individual RGBW control for Bulb 2.
• Fader 15-18: Individual RGBW control for Bulb 3.
• And so on... for each bulb in the Motion Strip bar.

Step 5: Controlling Additional Faders Using Scanner Functions

If you have a DMX controller with 16 faders, you can assign additional controls by using the Scanner function:

1. Deactivate Scanner 1 after adjusting initial settings.
2. Activate Scanner 2 to control faders 17-32.
3. Activate Scanner 3 for faders 33-38 (for the last few bulbs).

By switching between scanners, you can fine-tune individual bulbs without affecting previously set adjustments.

Conclusion

Setting up your Motion Strip motorized moving head light bar with a DMX controller gives you full creative control over color, movement, and effects. Whether you're using the basic 9-channel mode or the advanced 38-channel mode, you can create stunning light shows.