BEST PAR 50: How To Set Up DMX Control

Introduction

If you want to create synchronized light shows for concerts and stage productions, or just have more control over your Best PAR 50 lights during live events and DJ gigs, using a DMX controller is the best option. This guide will show you how to get the most out of your Best PAR 50 lights using DMX (wireless and wired setups).

Setup Guide

A.) Choosing the Right DMX Mode

• 6-Channel Mode (Basic Control):
  • Adjust the intensity of each color (Red, Green, Blue, White, Amber, UV).
• 10-Channel Mode (Advanced Control):
  • Control all six colors, activate preset modes, strobe effects, and adjust speed settings.

B.) Wireless DMX Setup

• Required:
  ✅Rockville Wireless DMX Controller (RockForce W2 / RockForce W4) 
  ...or
  ✅Rockville Wireless DMX Transmitter (DMX-WTR) and...
  ✅Any DMX Controller or Computer Control Interface
• Make sure Wireless DMX is enabled on each light.
  • Press the MODE button until you see G on ~ G of.
  • Press ENTER to modify the setting if necessary; using the UP / DOWN buttons. 
    • Should be set to G on.
  • Press ENTER to save.
• Set the WIRELESS DMX SIGNAL Code on the Lights
  1. Locate the WIRELESS DMX SIGNAL button on the back of the Best PAR 50.
  2. Press the button to cycle through different colors on the WIRELESS DMX SIGNAL LED.
  3. Select a color (e.g. Red).
• Set the Wireless DMX Code on the Controller or Transmitter
  1. Locate the Wireless ID button on the back of the controller.
  2. Press the button to cycle through different colors.
  3. Match the Wireless ID to the Best PAR 50's WIRELESS DMX SIGNAL LED color (e.g. Red).
• Set the DMX Channel Mode and Address.
  • For 10-Channel DMX Mode (controls each color separately for manual color blending + auto-functions and strobe):
    1. Press the MODE button until you see d001 ~ d255.
    2. Press ENTER to modify the setting (if necessary).
    3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to d001 for Scanner / Fixture 1, or to a different address corresponding to another scanner / fixture (specified by your DMX controller).:
       • Setting multiple Best PAR  50 Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
       • Setting multiple Best PAR 50 Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced. 
       • See DMX controller info for specific addresses.
    4. Press ENTER to save.
  • For 6-Channel DMX Mode (controls each color separately for manual color blending):
    1. Press the MODE button until you see A001 ~ A255.
    2. Press ENTER to modify the setting (if necessary).
    3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to A001 for Scanner / Fixture 1, or to a different address corresponding to another scanner / fixture (specified by your DMX controller).
       • Setting multiple Best PAR  50 Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
       • Setting multiple Best PAR 50 Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced.
       • See DMX controller info for specific addresses.
    4. Press ENTER to save.
• Confirm the Wireless DMX connection.
  • The controller’s Wireless ID Color Code LED (or DMX-WTR's ID Key LED Indicator) should be flashing red.
  • The lights’ WIRELESS DMX SIGNAL LED should be flashing green.

C.) DMX Channel Controls

• Select the Scanner / Fixture(s) corresponding to the Best PAR 50 Lights.
  • e.g. SCANNER 1 for DMX Address A001
  • This enables control over the connected Best PAR 50 lights.
  • The charts below detail what each channel of DMX controls for both 10-Channel and 6-Channel modes:

D.) Wired DMX Setup
If preferred, or as a resolution to any wireless DMX issues / interference, wired DMX connection(s) can be used.

• Required:
  ✅Any DMX Controller or Computer Control Interface
  ✅3-Pin DMX Cable (one required for each light being connected)
• Disable Wireless DMX.
  1. Press the MODE button until you see G on or G of.
  2. Press ENTER to modify the setting if necessary; using the UP / DOWN buttons.
     • Should be set to G of.
  3. Press ENTER to save.
• Connect the controller to the first light.
  1. Plug a DMX cable (male end) into the DMX OUT port on the controller.
  2. Connect the female end to the DMX IN port on the nearest light.
• Connect additional lights.
  1. Plug a DMX cable (male end) into the DMX OUT port of the previously connected light.
  2. Connect the female end to the DMX IN port on the next nearest light.
  3. Repeat for additional lights being connected with DMX cable to the controller.
• Set the DMX Channel Mode and Address.
  • For 10-Channel DMX Mode (controls each color separately for manual color blending + auto-functions and strobe):
    1. Press the MODE button until you see d001 ~ d255.
    2. Press ENTER to modify the setting (if necessary).
    3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to d001 for Scanner / Fixture 1, or to a different address corresponding to another scanner / fixture (specified by your DMX controller).:
       • Setting multiple Best PAR  50 Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
       • Setting multiple Best PAR 50 Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced. 
       • See DMX controller info for specific addresses.
    4. Press ENTER to save.
  • For 6-Channel DMX Mode (controls each color separately for manual color blending):
    1. Press the MODE button until you see A001 ~ A255.
    2. Press ENTER to modify the setting (if necessary).
    3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to A001 for Scanner / Fixture 1, or to a different address corresponding to another scanner / fixture (specified by your DMX controller).
       • Setting multiple Best PAR  50 Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
       • Setting multiple Best PAR 50 Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced.
       • See DMX controller info for specific addresses.
    4. Press ENTER to save.
• Confirm the Setup:
  1. Activate the Scanner / Fixture(s) corresponding to the Best PAR 50 Lights.
  2. Test the functionality by adjusting faders / channel values.
     • The charts below detail what each channel of DMX controls for both 10-Channel and 6-Channel modes:

• Example Controls:
  • Raising Fader 1 increases overall brightness for color blending and strobe (on Faders 2 - 8).
  • Raising Fader 2 increases the Red LED brightness.
  • Raising Fader 8 activates the strobe function and controls its speed.
  • Raising Fader 9 past 50 activates auto-effects like color fade, pulse and sound mode.
    Tip: Use the LCD display on the DMX controller to check the active mode when adjusting Fader 9.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My lights are not responding to wireless DMX controller commands.
✅Ensure the lights and controller are set to the same wireless DMX color group.
✅Confirm the lights are set to the correct DMX Address and Channel Mode.

Q: How many lights can I connect wirelessly with a DMX Controller?
✅Up to 25 lights can be wirelessly linked to a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or Transmitter.
✅A DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitter can be added to link an additional 25 lights.

Conclusion

Using DMX control with your Best PAR 50 lights allows for precise control and synchronization. Plus with the versatility of offering 6-channel mode for basic control and 10-channel mode for full customization, your lights can be easily tailored to your needs. Whether using wireless or wired DMX, you can create dynamic lighting effects for any event.