BD20: How To Set Up Master / Slave Mode

Introduction

The Master-Slave mode on your Rockville BD20 lights allows you to control multiple lights simultaneously without needing a DMX controller. This guide will walk you through two methods of setting up Master-Slave mode: using a DMX cable and wireless DMX.

Requirements

• Rockville BD20 lights
• DMX cables (for wired setup)
• Wireless DMX feature enabled (for wireless setup)
• Remote control (optional)

Method 1: Wireless DMX Setup

1. Enable Wireless DMX on the Master Light

• Turn on the wireless DMX feature on your first BD20 light (Master).
• A wireless DMX signal indicator will appear on the display.
• Use the top button to cycle through different color-coded signals.
• Select a wireless DMX signal color (e.g., Blue).

2. Sync Slave Lights

• On each slave light, turn on the wireless DMX mode.
• Use the top button to select the same color-coded wireless DMX signal (e.g., Blue).
• The slave lights will now follow the Master light.

3. Control the Lights

• Set the Master light to an Auto Mode or another effect.
• The slave lights will mirror the Master light’s settings.
• If switching modes, you may notice the Master light’s wireless DMX signal flashing red, while the Slave lights’ signals flash green—this is normal.

4. Using the Remote with Master-Slave Mode

• To prevent interference, go to IR settings on the Master light and set it to IR ON.
• On all slave lights, set the IR mode to IR OFF.
• This ensures that the remote only affects the Master light, preventing accidental changes to individual Slave lights.
• Now, when using the remote on the Master light, all Slave lights will follow.

Method 2: Wired DMX Setup

1. Connect Lights with a DMX Cable

• Designate one light as the Master light.
• Take a DMX cable and plug the male end into the DMX OUT of the Master light.
• Plug the other end into the DMX IN of the next light.
• Repeat for additional lights, daisy-chaining them together.

2. Control the Lights

• Use the remote or the Master light’s menu to set the desired mode.
• All connected slave lights will synchronize with the Master light.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why are my slave lights not following the Master light?

• Ensure all lights are set to the same wireless DMX signal color.
• Check that the DMX cable connections are secure (if using wired mode).

Q: Why is my remote not working properly?

• Ensure the Master light is set to IR ON and Slave lights are set to IR OFF.
• Aim the remote at the Master light to avoid accidental settings changes.

Q: Can I mix wired and wireless connections?

• No, all lights must be set up either wirelessly or with DMX cables, not both simultaneously.

Conclusion

Setting up Master-Slave mode on your Rockville BD20 lights is simple, whether you use wireless DMX or DMX cables. By following these steps, you can easily synchronize multiple lights for a professional lighting effect.