ROCKFORCE W2: How To Set Up Rockville 192 Channel Wireless DMX Light Controller

Introduction:

This guide will walk you through setting up and operating your Rockville Rockforce W2 Wireless DMX Controller right out of the box. You’ll learn how to connect your lights wirelessly or wired, program scenes, create custom chases, and utilize additional built-in functions for professional-quality lighting setups. These instructions are straightforward and designed for easy setup, even if you have no technical experience.

Included Items:

• Rockforce W2 DMX Controller
• Wireless antenna
• Power cable

Additional Items Needed:

• DMX-compatible lighting fixtures
• DMX cables (optional, for wired connection)

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions:

Step 1: Initial Setup

1. Attach the Antenna:
   • Screw the antenna onto the back of the W2 controller by aligning it with the antenna port and turning clockwise until secure.
2. Powering On:
   • Plug the provided power cable into the rear power input.
   • Plug the other end into a power outlet.
   • Flip the power switch on the side of the W2 to turn on the unit.

Understanding the Controller Layout:

Rear Panel

• Power Switch: Turns the device on/off.
• Polarity Switch: Adjusts polarity for compatibility when connecting DMX lights with cables.
• DMX Output: For wired connections to lights.
• Wireless DMX Switch: Activates 2.4 GHz wireless DMX functionality.
• Wireless DMX ID Button: Selects wireless DMX frequency channels indicated by different LED colors.

Front Panel

• Scanner Buttons (1–12): Select individual lighting fixtures to control.
• Faders (1–8): Control lighting functions (can access up to 16 channels using the Page Select button).
• Page Select Button: Switches between pages to control up to 16 channels.
• Scene Buttons (1–8): Programmed lighting presets.
• Chase Buttons (1–6): Sequences of scenes played consecutively.
• Speed and Fade Time Faders: Adjust chase playback speed and transition smoothness.
• Music Button: Activates internal microphone mode to trigger lights via sound.
• Digital Display: Provides status and feedback (DMX channel, scene, chase, blackout, program mode).

Setting Up Wireless DMX Connection:

Step 1: Activate Wireless DMX

1. Press the Wireless DMX Power Switch on the rear of the unit.
2. The wireless DMX LED indicator will illuminate, signaling activation.

Step 2: Choose a Wireless Channel

• Press the Wireless ID Button repeatedly until the LED indicator displays your desired color/channel. (Lights must match this color to connect wirelessly.)

Connecting Lights Wirelessly:

1. On your DMX-compatible lights (e.g., Rockville Best Par 60):
   • Set the DMX address (e.g., "A001") matching the DMX channel you intend to use on the controller.
   • Activate wireless DMX mode on each light.
   • Match the wireless channel color to the one selected on your Rockforce W2.
2. Confirmation of Connection:
   • The indicator on your lights will flash green or change colors, confirming a successful wireless connection.

Setting Up Wired DMX Connection (Optional):

• Connect a DMX cable from the DMX Output on the Rockforce W2 to your DMX-compatible fixture's input.
• Set fixture DMX address (e.g., "A001") matching the channel on your Rockforce W2 controller.

Tip: Wireless-enabled fixtures can wirelessly transmit the DMX signal from wired-connected fixtures, simplifying larger setups.

Programming Scenes:

Scenes allow quick recall of custom lighting presets.

1. Enter Program Mode:
   • Hold the Program button for 3 seconds until the LED flashes.
2. Set your desired lighting using the faders.
3. Press the MIDI/Add button, followed immediately by the desired Scene button (1–8).
   • Display flashes confirming successful scene storage.
4. Repeat for additional scenes.
5. Exit Program Mode by holding the Program button again for 3 seconds until "Blackout" mode flashes.
6. Press Blackout to return to normal operation.

Creating Chases:

Chases are sequences of scenes played automatically.

1. Enter Program Mode by holding the Program button for 3 seconds.
2. Select one of the six chase buttons (Chase 1–6).
3. Add scenes to the chase:
   • Press a Scene button, then press MIDI/Add to add it to your chase.
   • Continue adding scenes in your desired playback sequence.
4. Exit Program Mode (hold Program button for 3 seconds and press Blackout).

Playing Back Your Chase:

1. Select your programmed Chase button.
2. Press the Auto button to start playback.
3. Adjust Speed and Fade Time using corresponding faders.

Advanced Features:

• Music Mode:
  • Press the Music button to enable built-in microphone sound-activation for dynamic music-responsive lighting.
• Speed and Fade Control:
  • Adjust the speed at which chases transition between scenes.
  • Adjust fade time to smooth transitions.

Troubleshooting & FAQs:

Q: My lights aren’t responding to the controller wirelessly.

• Confirm both the controller and lights have matching DMX addresses and wireless channel colors.
• Ensure Wireless DMX Power is enabled on both the controller and lights.

Q: Scene changes aren’t working.

• Make sure you're out of program and blackout modes.
• Double-check scenes were programmed correctly.

Q: My wired DMX setup isn't working.

• Try flipping the Polarity switch on the back to resolve compatibility issues.
• Check DMX cables and ensure correct DMX addresses.

Conclusion:

The Rockville Rockforce W2 Wireless DMX Controller offers easy and versatile lighting control for beginners and advanced users alike. Whether using wireless or wired connections, creating custom scenes, or setting automated chases, this guide helps you get the most from your lighting setup.