Introduction
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the setup process for connecting a DMX controller to your Rockville Battery PAR 50 wash lights. Whether you’re using a wired or wireless DMX connection, these steps will help you get your lights synchronized and ready for your event or performance.
Connecting the DMX Controller to Your Lights (Wired Setup)
Step 1: Connect the First Light to the DMX Controller
- Take a DMX cable and plug the male end into the DMX Out port on your controller.
- Plug the female end of the cable into the DMX In port on your first Battery PAR 50 light.
Step 2: Connect Additional Lights
- Take another DMX cable and plug its male end into the DMX Out port of the first light(connected directly to the controller), or previously connected light.
- Plug the female end into the DMX In port of another light.
- Repeat this process for additional lights in your DMX chain.
Step 3: Setting the DMX Channel Mode
The DMX channel mode determines how much control you have over your lights.
- 3-Channel Mode: Controls only Red, Green and Blue LEDs.
- 6-Channel Mode: Offers advanced control, including dimming, preset modes, and speed settings.
To Set the DMX Channel Mode:
- Press the MODE button on the light.
- Select the A.001 - A.512 setting for 3-Channel Mode.
- Press MODE again to select the d.001 - d.512 for 6-Channel Mode.
Step 4: Setting the DMX Address
The DMX address allows the controller to communicate with each light.
To Set the DMX Address:
- Use the control buttons on the light to set the DMX address to 001.
- Repeat for all connected lights.
Step 6: Controlling the Lights with the DMX Controller
Now that your lights are connected and configured, turn on your DMX controller and activate Scanner 1.
(Some controllers may use Fixture 1, rather than Scanner 1.)
Understanding DMX Faders:
6-Channel Mode: DMX Fader Controls | ||
|---|---|---|
Fader 1: |
Master LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 2: |
Red LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 3: |
Green LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 4: |
Blue LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 5: |
Auto Mode Selection: | 0 ~ 50 (Manual DMX control) |
| 51 ~ 100 (Color Change) | ||
| 151 ~ 200 (Color Fade) | ||
| 201 ~ 255 (Strobe) | ||
Fader 6: |
Strobe Speed Control | 0 ~ 255 |
3-Channel Mode: DMX Fader Controls | ||
|---|---|---|
Fader 1: |
Red LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 2: |
Green LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Fader 3: |
Blue LED Dimmer / Brightness | 0 ~ 255 |
Setting Up Wireless DMX (Optional)
Please note: The Rockville DMX-WRE Rechargeable Wireless DMX Receiver is needed for wireless DMX connectivity.
If you have a Rockville wireless DMX controller; the RockForce W2 or RockForce W4, you can connect your lights wirelessly without using an additional wireless DMX transmitter; like the Rockville DMX-WTR Wireless Transmitter.
Step 1: Enable Wireless DMX on Your Controller
- Locate the Wireless switch on the controller.
- Turn it ON to activate wireless mode...
- Or simply power up the DMX Transmitter, and connect it the controller's DMX OUT.
Step 2: Match Wireless DMX Signals
- Press the Wireless DMX signal button on the controller or wireless transmitter to select a color-coded signal (e.g., Blue).
- Use a small screwdriver (if needed) to press the button on the DMX receivers.
- Match the receiver color to the controller's / transmitter’s signal (e.g., set to Blue).
- Once connected, the controller’s / transmitter’s LED will flash red, and the receivers will flash green, indicating a successful connection.
Step 3: Plug the Wireless Receiver into Your Light
- Take one DMX wireless receiver and plug it into the DMX IN port of the first light.
- Connect additional lights using DMX cables, just like in the wired setup...
- Or use additional DMX wireless receivers set up as shown above (up to 25 receivers can be wirelessly connected to a single controller or transmitter); plugged into the DMX IN port of the first additional light..
- Set all lights to the same DMX mode and DMX address as shown above (e.g., D001 for 6-Channel Mode).
Now, when you adjust the faders on the controller, the lights will respond wirelessly, making setup easier and reducing cable clutter.
Conclusion
Setting up a DMX controller with your Rockville Battery PAR 50 lights is simple and gives you full control over colors, brightness, and effects. Whether using a wired or wireless connection, following these steps ensures a smooth and professional lighting setup.
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