ROCKON-7: How Connect A DMX Controller

Introduction:

This article provides a step-by-step guide for connecting and configuring a DMX controller to control multiple Rockville RockOn 7 moving head lights, ideal for stage productions and live performances. It also covers setting up a wireless DMX system using a receiver like the DMX-WRE. 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 one Rockville RockOn 7 moving head light
• DMX controller (e.g., Rockville ROCKFORCE 192, Chauvet DJ Obey 40, or equivalent)
• DMX cables (included with the light)
• Power cables for each light
• Optional: Wireless DMX receiver (e.g., Rockville DMX-WRE) and wireless DMX controller
• Optional: Small screwdriver (for wireless receiver settings)
• Optional: Power strip
• Lights properly placed on a table, totem stand, or truss and powered on
• DMX guide (included with the RockOn 7 for reference)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connecting the DMX Controller to the Lights

• Connect the Controller to the First Light:
  • Take a DMX cable (included with the RockOn 7).
  • Plug the male end into the DMX Out port on the DMX controller.
  • Plug the female end into the DMX In port on the first RockOn 7 light.
• Add Additional Lights (Optional):
  • For multiple lights, use another DMX cable.
  • Plug the male end into the DMX Out port of the first light.
  • Plug the female end into the DMX In port of the next light.
  • Repeat this process to chain additional lights (e.g., Light 1 → Light 2 → Light 3).
• Power On the Lights:
  • Connect each light’s power cable to a power outlet or strip.
  • Ensure all lights are turned on.

2. Configuring the DMX Settings

• Set the DMX Channel Mode:
  • On each RockOn 7 light, press the Menu button to access the mode menu.
  • Use the Up and Down buttons to navigate to the DMX channel mode (e.g., “14 CH” or “16 CH”).
  • Select “14 CH” (14-channel mode) for standard control or “16 CH” for advanced control, depending on your needs.
  • Press the Enter button to confirm the 14-channel mode (or 16-channel mode if preferred).
  • Ensure all lights in the chain are set to the same channel mode (e.g., 14 CH).
• Set the DMX Address:
  • On each light, press the Menu button to navigate to the DMX address menu (e.g., “D001”).
  • Use the Up and Down buttons to set the address to “D001” (or another address if specified by your setup).
  • Press the Enter button to confirm.
  • Ensure all lights are set to the same DMX address (e.g., D001) to synchronize their behavior under the controller.

3. Controlling the Lights with the DMX Controller

• Activate the Controller:
  • Turn on the DMX controller.
  • Activate the scanners (channels) corresponding to the RockOn 7 lights (refer to the controller’s manual for scanner activation).
• Use the Faders (14-Channel Mode):
  • Fader 1 (Pan): Adjusts horizontal movement (0–255 range). Higher values increase panning.
  • Fader 2 (Tilt): Adjusts vertical movement (0–255). Higher values tilt the light upward.
  • Fader 3 (Pan/Tilt Speed): Controls the speed of pan and tilt (0–255). Lower values for faster movement, higher for slower.
  • Fader 4 (Master Dimmer): Adjusts overall brightness (0–255). Higher values for maximum brightness.
  • Fader 5 (Strobe): Controls strobe speed (0–255). Higher values for faster flashing (requires a color to be visible).
  • Fader 6 (Red): Adjusts red LED intensity (0–255).
  • Fader 7 (Green): Adjusts green LED intensity (0–255).
  • Fader 8 (Blue): Adjusts blue LED intensity (0–255).
  • Fader 9 (White): Adjusts white LED intensity (0–255, on the second page of the controller).
  • Fader 10 (Effects): Activates effects based on value range:
    • 16–128: Automatic motor movement mode.
    • 129–255: Sound-activated movement mode.
  • Fader 11 (Movement Speed): Controls speed of effects from Fader 10 (0–255). Higher values for slower movement.
  • Fader 12 (Color Effects): Activates color effects:
    • 0–140: Automatic color change mode.
    • 141–255: Sound-activated color change mode.
  • Fader 13 (Color Change Speed): Controls speed of color changes from Fader 12 (0–255). Higher values for faster cycling.
  • Fader 14 (Reset): Resets the light when set to 250 or higher.
• Monitor Fader Values:
  • Check the controller’s LED display to see the fader value (0–255) when adjusting each fader.
  • Refer to the RockOn 7 DMX guide for detailed fader functions in 14-channel or 16-channel mode.
• Create Custom Colors:
  • Combine Faders 6–9 (red, green, blue, white) to mix custom colors (e.g., purple by blending red and blue).

4. Setting Up a Wireless DMX System (Optional)

• Obtain a Wireless DMX Receiver:
  • Use a wireless DMX receiver like the Rockville DMX-WRE.
• Match the Wireless ID:
  • Turn on the DMX receiver.
  • Press the button on the receiver to set the wireless ID color (e.g., dark blue). A small screwdriver may be needed to press the button.
  • On the wireless DMX controller, activate the wireless feature.
  • Use the controller’s button (under the LED) to set the wireless ID to the same color as the receiver (e.g., dark blue).
  • Confirm the connection: The controller’s LED flashes red, and the receiver’s LED flashes green, indicating they are synced.
• Connect the Receiver to the Light:
  • Plug the DMX receiver into the DMX In port of the first light.
  • Ensure the light is set to the same DMX address (e.g., D001) and channel mode (e.g., 14 CH) as described in Step 2.
• Add More Lights (Optional):
  • For multiple lights, connect additional lights using DMX cables (e.g., DMX Out of the first light to DMX In of the next).
  • Alternatively, use additional DMX receivers for each light for a fully wireless setup, ensuring all receivers are set to the same wireless ID.
• Test the Wireless Control:
  • Use the controller’s faders to adjust the lights’ settings (e.g., pan, tilt, color).
  • Verify that all lights respond to the controller’s commands.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

• Lights not responding to the DMX controller:
  • Verify that all DMX cables are securely connected (DMX Out to DMX In) in the correct order.
  • Ensure all lights are set to the same DMX address (e.g., D001) and channel mode (e.g., 14 CH).
  • Confirm the controller’s scanners are activated and set to the correct channels.
  • Check that the lights and controller are powered on.
• Wireless DMX not working:
  • Ensure the wireless DMX receiver and controller are set to the same wireless ID color (e.g., dark blue).
  • Verify the receiver’s LED flashes green and the controller’s LED flashes red to confirm sync.
  • Check that the receiver is properly connected to the light’s DMX In port.
  • Ensure the light is set to the correct DMX address and channel mode.
• Some lights not responding in the chain:
  • Check DMX cable connections for loose plugs or damaged cables.
  • Confirm all lights are set to the same DMX address and channel mode.
  • Test with a shorter chain to avoid signal degradation (use a DMX signal booster for long chains).
• Faders not controlling the expected functions:
  • Refer to the RockOn 7 DMX guide to confirm fader assignments for 14-channel or 16-channel mode.
  • Ensure the controller is in the correct mode and the faders are on the appropriate page (e.g., second page for Fader 9).
  • Reset the lights using Fader 14 (set to 250 or higher) and reconfigure the settings.
• Strobe or effects not visible:
  • For strobe (Fader 5), ensure a color is selected (e.g., via Faders 6–9) as strobe requires active LEDs.
  • For effects (Faders 10, 12), verify the fader is set within the correct value range (e.g., 16–128 for automatic movement).
  • Adjust the speed faders (11, 13) to ensure the effect is noticeable.

Conclusion

This guide outlines how to set up a DMX controller with Rockville RockOn 7 moving head lights, including wired and wireless configurations, to achieve precise control over pan, tilt, colors, and effects for professional lighting setups. By following these steps, you can synchronize multiple lights for stage productions or events.