ROCKON-7: How To Set Up Master / Slave Mode

Introduction:

This article provides a step-by-step guide for setting up master/slave mode with multiple Rockville RockOn 7 moving head lights. This mode allows one light (the master) to control others (slaves) without a DMX controller, synchronizing their movements and effects for events. The instructions are simple and designed for users with no technical experience. For a visual demonstration, refer to the accompanying tutorial video.

Requirements:

• At least two Rockville RockOn 7 moving head lights
• DMX cable (included with the light)
• Power cables for each light
• Optional: Power strip
• Lights properly placed on a table, totem stand, or truss and powered on

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Designate the Master Light

• Choose the Master Light:
  • Select one RockOn 7 moving head light to act as the master. This light will control the settings for all connected slave lights.
  • For example, designate the first light in your setup as the master.

2. Connect the Lights with DMX Cables

• Connect the Master to the First Slave:
  • Take the included DMX cable.
  • Plug the male end into the DMX Out port on the master light.
  • Plug the female end into the DMX In port on the first slave light.
• Add Additional Slave Lights (Optional):
  • For additional lights, use another DMX cable to connect the DMX Out port of the first slave light to the DMX In port of the next slave light.
  • Repeat this process to chain more slave lights as needed, ensuring each light is connected in series (e.g., Master → Slave 1 → Slave 2 → Slave 3).

3. Configure the Slave Lights

• Access the Mode Menu on Each Slave Light:
  • On the first slave light, press the Menu button to enter the mode menu.
  • Use the Up and Down buttons to navigate to the “Slave Mode” option.
  • Press the Enter button to set the light to slave mode.
• Repeat for Additional Slave Lights:
  • For each additional slave light in the chain, repeat the above steps to set them to slave mode.
  • Ensure all slave lights are configured to follow the master light’s commands.

4. Configure the Master Light

• Set the Master Light’s Mode:
  • On the master light, use the menu to select the desired mode (e.g., auto, sound-activated, strobe, or manual).
  • Adjust settings such as pan, tilt, color, or brightness as needed using the light’s control panel or the wireless remote (refer to the remote control guide if using the remote).
• Synchronize the Slave Lights:
  • Once the master light is configured, all slave lights in the chain will automatically follow its settings, including pan, tilt, colors, and modes.

5. Power On and Test

• Power On All Lights:
  • Connect the power cable for each light to a power outlet or strip.
  • Ensure all lights are turned on.
• Test the Setup:
  • Change the master light’s settings (e.g., switch to auto mode, adjust pan/tilt, or change colors).
  • Verify that all slave lights mimic the master light’s movements and effects in real-time.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

• Slave lights not following the master:
  • Verify that all DMX cables are securely connected (DMX Out to DMX In) in the correct order.
  • Confirm that each slave light is set to slave mode via the menu (Menu → Up/Down → Slave Mode → Enter).
  • Check that the master light is not in a DMX-controlled mode, which may override master/slave functionality.
• No response from any lights:
  • Ensure all lights are powered on and connected to working power outlets.
  • Test the DMX cable with another setup to confirm it is functional.
  • Reset all lights using their reset buttons or power cycle them to clear any menu errors.
• Some slave lights not responding:
  • Check the DMX cable connections in the chain, ensuring no loose plugs or damaged cables.
  • Verify that each slave light is correctly set to slave mode.
  • Limit the chain to a reasonable number of lights (e.g., 4–6) to avoid signal degradation, as long DMX chains may require a signal booster.
• Master light not controlling settings properly:
  • Ensure the master light is set to a compatible mode (e.g., auto, sound, or manual) and not locked in DMX mode.
  • Use the master light’s control panel or wireless remote to test different settings (e.g., pan, tilt, color).
• Intermittent synchronization:
  • Check for interference or obstacles blocking the DMX signal path.
  • Ensure DMX cables are high-quality and not excessively long (e.g., under 100 meters for standard setups).

Conclusion

This guide explains how to set up master/slave mode for multiple Rockville RockOn 7 moving head lights, enabling synchronized lighting effects without a DMX controller. By designating a master light and connecting slave lights via DMX cables, you can create a cohesive lighting setup for events.