BEST PAR 60: How To Use Master/Slave Mode

Introduction:

This guide will show you how to quickly and easily configure your Rockville Best PAR 60 lights in a master/slave configuration. Master/slave mode synchronizes multiple lights, allowing one unit (the master) to control the others (slaves). This can be ideal for creating professional lighting setups for events and performances.

Requirements:

• 2 or More Best PAR 60 Lights (only works with same model)
• IR Remote (optional)
• 3-Pin DMX Cables (wired setup only)

Wireless Master/Slave Setup:

A.) Selecting a Master Light

• Decide which Best PAR 60 will be your Master.
• You'll want to choose the light easiest for you to control (manually or using remote).
• Any additional Best PAR 60 lights can be set as Slave(s).

B.) Set DMX Channel Mode

First, ensure each Best PAR 60 is set to the same DMX Channel mode:

1. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Set menu.
2. Press Enter to modify the setting.
3. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Dmx channel menu.
4. Press the Enter button to select Channel mode.
5. Use the Up / Down buttons to choose 10CH.
6. Press Enter to save.

C.) Set Wireless DMX Signal Color Codes

• On the back of your Master light: 
  • Press the Wireless DMX Signal button to select a wireless channel color (e.g. Red).
• On the back of your Slave light(s): 
  • Press the Wireless DMX Signal button to match the exact wireless channel color selected on your Master light.
  • Repeat this process for each additional Best PAR 60 Slave light.

D.) Set DMX Addresses

• Set all Best PAR 60 Slave lights DMX address A001.
  1. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Dmx512 menu.
  2. Press Enter to modify the setting.
  3. Use the Up / Down buttons to set the address to A001.
  4. Press Enter to save.
  5. Once connected the Master should have a solid LED indicator, and the Slaves a flashing LED indicator.

Wired Master/Slave Setup:

3-Pin DMX Cable (1 per Slave Light) required for this.

A.) Selecting a Master Light

• Decide which Best PAR 60 will be your Master.
• You'll want to choose the light easiest for you to control (manually or using remote).
• Any additional Best PAR 60 lights can be set as Slave(s).

B.) Connecting DMX Cable(s)

• Connect Master and Slave using a DMX cable:
  1. Plug the male end into the DMX OUT port on your Master light.
  2. Plug the other end (female) into the DMX IN port of the nearest Slave light.
• Connect additional Slave light(s) as needed using additional DMX cable(s):
  1. Plug the male end into the DMX OUT port on your previously connect Slave light.
  2. Plug the other end (female) into the DMX IN port of the next nearest Slave light.
  3. Repeat this process for each additional Slave light.

C.) Set DMX Channel Mode

First, ensure each Best PAR 60 light is set to the same DMX Channel mode:

1. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Set menu.
2. Press Enter to modify the setting.
3. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Dmx channel menu.
4. Press the Enter button to select Channel mode.
5. Use the Up / Down buttons to choose 10CH.
6. Press Enter to save.

D.) Setting DMX Address

Ensure each Best PAR 60 Slave light is set to DMX address A001:

1. Use the Up / Down buttons to navigate to the Dmx512 menu.
2. Press Enter to modify the setting.
3. Use the Up / Down buttons to set the address to A001.
4. Press Enter to save.
5. Once connected the Master should have a solid LED indicator, and the Slaves a flashing LED indicator.

E.) Using Different Master/Slave Functions

Using the IR Remote pointed at the IR Sensor on the back of the Master Light, or use the controls on the Master Light itself, control your Slave lights by changing modes on your Master light:

• Auto Mode: Slave lights automatically mimic Master’s preset colors or patterns.
• Sound Mode: Slave lights react to music or sound picked up by Master. 
  • Select any of the four sound modes from the Master light menu.
  • Example:
    • Activate Sound Mode on Master.
    • The Slave lights will automatically follow along with sound detection and effects.

Troubleshooting & FAQs:

Q: My Slave lights aren’t following my Master light. Why?

• Double-check that:
  • All lights share the same DMX channel mode
  • Your Slave lights are correctly set to DMX address A001.
  • For wireless setup; The Wireless DMX Signal colors match exactly on Master and Slave lights.
  • For wired setup; The Master has a 3-Pin DMX Cable connecting from its DMX OUT port to the DMX IN port on another Best PAR 60 light, with additional Best PAR lights daisy-chained in the same manner.

Q: How many Slave lights can I control with one Master?

• For wireless setup, up 24 Slave lights can be wirelessly linked to a single Master.
• For wired setup, there's no fixed limit. Practical performance typically supports up to 20 - 30 lights depending on cable quality and power setup.

Q: Can I use wireless and wired Slave lights at the same time?

• Yes, your Master light can control both wired and wireless Slave lights simultaneously.

Q: Can I sync my other Rockville lights with my Best PAR 60s in Master/Slave Mode?

• No. Master/Slave Mode only works with the same exact model light.
• You may want to consider using a DMX controller to sync any lights with DMX capabilities (even lights from other manufacturers).

Conclusion:

The Master/Slave setup with your Rockville Best PAR 60 lights is a quick, efficient way to synchronize multiple lights for professional-quality lighting displays. Easily expand your setup for dynamic performances or events with this simple-to-follow guide.