ROCKFORCE W2: How To Set Up Chases

Introduction:

In this guide, you'll learn how to create and play custom lighting sequences, called "Chases," using your Rockville Rockforce W2 DMX Controller. Chases allow you to automate a series of lighting scenes, enhancing your performances or events with dynamic visual effects. This article provides straightforward instructions, making the setup process easy, even without technical experience.

Requirements:

• Rockville Rockforce W2 DMX Controller
• Lighting fixtures already connected and programmed into scenes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

What is a Chase?

A chase is a sequence of lighting scenes played one after another at user-defined speeds and fade times. This lets you create automated, customized effects tailored to your event's specific needs.

Step 1: Entering Program Mode

1. Locate the Program button on your Rockforce W2 controller.
2. Hold down the Program button for approximately 3 seconds.
3. The display will start flashing next to "Program," indicating you have entered Program Mode.

Step 2: Selecting and Activating a Chase

• Your Rockforce W2 controller has six chases available for programming.

1. Select your desired Chase button (Chase 1 through Chase 6).
   • For this example, press Chase 1.
2. Confirm your selection by ensuring the display reads "Chase 1".

Tip: You can cycle through Chase buttons to confirm or select a different Chase.

Step 3: Adding Scenes to the Chase

The order you add scenes to a chase determines how they'll be played. Plan your scene sequence carefully before proceeding.

• For example, if you have these three scenes programmed in Bank 1:
  • Scene 1: Red
  • Scene 2: Green
  • Scene 3: Ultraviolet

You might create a chase sequence as follows:

• Scene 1 → Scene 2 → Scene 3 → Scene 2 → Scene 3

To add these scenes:

1. Press Scene 1, then press MIDI/Add.
   • The display will flash, confirming Scene 1 was added.
2. Press Scene 2, then press MIDI/Add.
   • Display flashes to confirm.
3. Press Scene 3, then press MIDI/Add.
   • Display flashes again.
4. Repeat to add additional scenes in any desired order (e.g., Scene 2 → MIDI/Add, Scene 3 → MIDI/Add).

Step 4: Exiting Program Mode

1. Hold down the Program button again for 3 seconds.
2. The display will indicate Blackout Mode.
3. Exit Blackout Mode by pressing the Blackout button once.

Step 5: Setting Chase Speed and Fade Time

To ensure your chase plays correctly, adjust the following controls:

• Speed Fader:
  • Bottom position: Slowest speed (up to 10 minutes between scenes).
  • Top position: Fastest speed (0.1 seconds between scenes).
• Fade Time Fader:
  • Controls smoothness of transition between scenes.
  • Bottom: Fastest transition (instant).
  • Top: Slowest transition (up to 30 seconds).

Recommended Starting Point:

• Speed fader: Slightly above the bottom for a quick playback.
• Fade time fader: Slightly above the bottom for fast transitions.

Step 6: Playing Your Chase

1. Press your programmed chase button (e.g., Chase 1) to arm the chase.
   • The display will show your selected chase number.
2. Press the Auto button to start playback.
3. Adjust the Speed and Fade Time faders as desired while the chase is playing.

Additional Features:

• Music Mode: Press the Music button to activate the controller’s built-in microphone. This automatically triggers scenes within your chase based on sound, providing dynamic, music-responsive lighting.
• Multiple Chase Options:Your Rockforce W2 offers 6 chases, each capable of containing up to 8 scenes, across 30 memory banks. This provides extensive possibilities for customized lighting setups.

Troubleshooting & FAQs:

Q: Why isn't my chase playing?

• Solution: Ensure you've pressed the correct Chase button followed by the Auto button. Check your Speed and Fade Time settings to confirm they're properly adjusted.

Q: Can I rearrange scenes after programming a chase?

• Scenes must be programmed in the desired sequence initially. To rearrange scenes, you'll need to reprogram the chase in the correct order.

Q: Can scenes repeat within a chase?

• Yes, scenes can be repeated in any order to create your preferred visual pattern.

Conclusion:

Setting up chases on your Rockville Rockforce W2 DMX Controller is straightforward and provides significant flexibility for creative lighting control. Experiment with different scene sequences and timing options to enhance your lighting performance effortlessly.