BATTERY PAR 61: How To Use w/ A DMX Controller

Introduction
This article will walk you through the easy, step-by-step process of connecting a DMX controller to your Rockville Battery Par 61 Lights. This setup is ideal for live performances, stage productions, and other events where synchronized lighting is needed. No advanced technical experience is required. You’ll need DMX cables and optionally, wireless DMX receivers for a cable-free setup.

Setup Guide

A.) Connecting Your DMX Controller to Your Lights (Wired Setup)

What you need:

• DMX Controller
• DMX Cables
• Rockville Battery Par 61 Lights

Steps:

1. Plug the male end of a DMX cable into the DMX OUT on your controller.
2. Plug the other end into the DMX IN on your first light.
3. To connect additional lights:
   • Use another DMX cable to connect the DMX OUT (male cable end) of the first light to the DMX IN (female cable end) of the next light.
   • Repeat this process for each additional light in your setup.

B.) Setting the DMX Address and Mode

Steps:

1. Power on your lights and controller.
2. On each light:
   • Press Mode on the light until you reach the DMX Address mode (display “A”).
   • Use the Up / Down buttons to set the address to A001.
   • Press Enter to save.
3. Choose a channel mode:
   • Press Mode on the light until you reach the DMX Channel mode (display “Chnd”).
   • Use the Up / Down buttons to select 6-Channel mode or 10-Channel mode. 
     • 6-Channel mode: Basic color control using 6 faders.
     • 10-Channel mode (recommended): Full control over colors, strobe, modes, and speed.
   • Press Enter to save.

C.) Using Your DMX Controller with the Lights

Adjust the faders on the DMX controller to control different light parameters:

Pro Tip: You can mix faders 2–7 to create custom colors, then use fader 8 to apply a strobe effect.

D.)  Setting Up Wireless DMX (Optional)

What you need:

• Rockville Wireless DMX Controller (or DMX-WTR Transmitter w/ any DMX controller)
• Rockville DMX-WRE Wireless Receiver (one can be used for each light, or can be used w/ DMX cables connecting additional lights) 

Steps:

1. Turn on the wireless function on the DMX controller.
2. Use the color selector button to choose a wireless signal color (e.g., blue).
3. On each DMX-WRE receiver:
   • Power it on using the side button (use a small tool if needed).
   • Press the signal button to cycle colors until it matches the controller’s color.
4. Once matched, the controller’s LED will flash red, and the receivers will flash green, indicating successful connection.
5. Plug the wireless receiver into the DMX IN of the first light.
6. Set the lights to the same DMX address and mode as in the wired setup.

Adding more lights:

• Either use additional receivers for each light,
• Or daisy-chain more lights from the first one using DMX cables.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My lights aren't responding to the DMX controller. What should I check?

• Ensure all lights are set to the same DMX address and channel mode.
• Verify all DMX cables are securely connected.
• Check that the controller’s scanner is activated.

Q: Can I mix wired and wireless lights in the same chain?

• Yes. Connect the wireless receiver to the first light, then daisy-chain the rest with DMX cables.

Q: How do I know if the wireless connection is successful?

• The controller’s LED flashes red, and the receiver LEDs flash green when connected.

Conclusion

Connecting your Rockville Battery Par 61 lights to a DMX controller—whether wired or wireless—is simple and effective for enhancing any performance or production. Follow the steps above for reliable, full-featured light control.