BEST STRIP 60: How To Set Up DMX Control

Introduction

The Rockville Best Strip 60 RGBWA+UV Wash Light Bar features wireless DMX compatibility; allowing you to control multiple lights without the hassle of cables. It also has input and output for 3-pin DMX cables; allowing for wired DMX setup as well. 

This guide will show you how to:
✅Set Up Wireless DMX Connection
✅Connect Multiple Lights & Controller
✅Adjust DMX Settings for Customized Lighting Control
✅Set Up Wired DMX (if preferred, or as backup)

Setup Guide

A.) Wireless DMX Setup

Rockville Wireless DMX Controller (RockForce W2 / RockForce W4) or Wireless DMX Transmitter (DMX-WTR) connected to any DMX controller (or computer control interface) required.

• Activate Wireless DMX on Your Lights
  1. Locate the WIRELESS DMX switch on the back of each Best Strip 60 light
  2. Flip the WIRELESS DMX switch to the On position.
  3. The WIRELESS DMX CODE LED will light up.
• Power On the Controller / Transmitter
  • If using Rockville Wireless DMX Controller: 
    • Flip the Power and Wireless DMX switches the the On position.
  • If using DMX-WTR connected to DMX controller or software interface output:
    1. Using its included AC power adapter; provide power to the wireless DMX transmitter.
    2. Plug the transmitter into a 3-pin DMX output (from DMX controller/interface or another light).
• Set the DMX Code on the Controller / Transmitter
  • Select any RF group color (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue) on the controller.
• Match the DMX Code on Your Lights:
  • Press the WIRELESS DMX CODE button on each light to set it to the same color as the controller.
• Verify Connection:
  • Once the WIRELESS DMX CODE LED on the lights flickers green, the lights are synced (as slaves to the controller / transmitter).

B.) Setting DMX Address & Channel Mode

• Set the DMX Address
  1. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to navigate to the Dmx512 menu.
  2. Press ENTER to access the menu.
  3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to A001 for Scanner / Fixture 1, or to a different address corresponding to another scanner / fixture (specified by your DMX controller).
  4. Press ENTER to save.
• Select DMX Channel Mode
  1. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to navigate to the Set menu.
  2. Press ENTER to access the menu.
  3. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to navigate to the Dmx channel menu.
  4. Press ENTER button to select Channel mode.
  5. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to choose between 6CH and 10CH:
     • 6-Channel Mode: Controls each color separately for manual color blending.
     • 10-Channel Mode: Controls each color separately for manual color blending + auto-functions and strobe.
  6. Press ENTER to save.

C.) Controlling Lights With DMX

• Select the Scanner / Fixture(s) corresponding to the Best Strip 60 Lights. 
  • e.g. SCANNER 1 for DMX Address A001
  • This enables control over the connected Best Strip 60 lights.
  • The charts below detail what each channel of DMX controls for both 10-Channel and 6-Channel modes:

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

C.) Wired DMX Setup

If preferred, or as a resolution to any wireless DMX issues / interference, wired DMX connection(s) can be used.

Instructions below and 3-Pin DMX Cable required for all Best Strip 60 light being connected.

• Disable Wireless DMX. 
  • Turn Off the WIRELESS DMX switch on the back of the light.
• Connect the DMX Controller to the First Light
  1. Plug a DMX cable into the DMX OUT port on the controller.
  2. Connect the other end to the DMX IN port on the first light.
• Daisy-Chain Additional Lights
  1. Plug a DMX cable into the DMX OUT port of the previously connected light.
  2. Connect the other end to the DMX IN port on the second light.
  3. Repeat for additional lights being connected with DMX cable to the controller.
• Confirm Settings
  • Ensure all lights are set to the correct DMX Address and Channel Mode as shown in Section B above.
  • Activate the Scanner / Fixture(s) corresponding to the Best Strip 60 Lights
  • Test the functionality by adjusting faders / channel values.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why aren’t my lights responding to DMX?

• If using wireless setup:
  • Ensure all lights are set to the correct DMX Address and Channel Mode as per DMX controller setup.
  • Make sure wireless DMX is enabled on all lights.
  • Check if the WIRELESS DMX code on all lights matches the Wireless DMX Channel color on the controller or transmitter.
• If using wired setup:
  • Ensure all lights are set to the correct DMX Address and Channel Mode as per DMX controller setup.
  • Make sure a 3-pin DMX cable is firmly connected from the DMX OUT port on the controller to the DMX IN port on the first light.
  • Make sure additional 3-pin DMX cables are firmly connected from the DMX OUT port on the previous light to the DMX IN port on the next light.

Q: How do I reset my DMX settings?

• Navigate to the Settings menu on each light and select Factory Reset.

Q: Why is my strobe effect not working?

• Ensure Fader 8 is raised to activate the strobe mode.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville Best Strip 60 RGBWA+UV lights with a wireless DMX controller is quick and efficient, eliminating the need for cables while allowing full lighting control. By following these steps, you can easily sync, configure, and customize your lights for professional setups.

If you prefer a wired connection, simply disable wireless DMX and use DMX cables to link your lights to the controller.