BEST PAR H2O: How To Set Up DMX Control

Introduction

The Rockville Best PAR H2O Lights can be controlled wirelessly using a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or Transmitter (attached to any DMX controller or software interface), allowing for seamless synchronization and remote control of multiple lights. This guide will walk you through the wireless setup process, how to configure DMX controls and how to use DMX cables for a wired connection to any DMX controller or software interface.

Necessary Items:

• Best PAR H2O Light(s)
   ...plus
• Rockville Wireless DMX Controller:
  • Rockville RockForce W2 Wireless 192-Channel DMX Controller
  • Rockville RockForce W4 Wireless 384-Channel DMX Controller
• ...or Rockville Wireless DMX Transmitter w/ Any DMX Controller: 
  • Rockville DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitter
• ...or 3-Pin DMX Cable(s) w/ Any DMX Controller 
  • Rockville 3-Pin DMX Cables (sorted by length)

Setup Guide

Parts A, B and C need to be done on all Best PAR H2O Lights for wireless DMX control.

A.) Enabling Wireless DMX on Your Lights

1. Turn on by pushing in the Power Switch.
2. Press the MENU button until you see 2.4G.
3. Press ENTER to modify the setting.
4. Use the UP or DOWN button to set this to ON (if necessary).
5. Press ENTER to save.

B.) Setting the Wireless DMX Color Code

1. Press the DMX select button on each light to cycle through different Wireless DMX Color Codes on the Wireless Indicator LED.
2. Select a color code for the light (e.g., Red).
3. Set the DMX Controller or Wireless Transmitter to the same color code.
4. The Wireless Indicator LED on the lights should flash green, indicating a successful connection.

C.) Setting the DMX Address & Channel Mode on All Lights

1. Press the MENU button until you see Addr.
2. Press ENTER to modify the setting.
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).
   • Setting multiple Best PAR  H2O Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
   • Setting multiple Best PAR H2O Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced. (see DMX controller info for specific addresses)
4. Press ENTER to save.
5. Press the MENU button until you see Chnd.
6. Press ENTER to select Channel mode.
7. Use the UP / DOWN buttons to choose between 6-Channel and 10-Channel DMX Modes:
   • 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.
8. Press ENTER to save.

E.) Using the DMX Controller

Consult your DMX controller's available support material for DMX addressing and additional information.

1. Press Scanner 1 or the scanner(s) / fixture(s) corresponding to the Best PAR H2O Light(s) on the DMX controller to activate light control.
2. Use the faders on the controller to adjust the lights:

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

F.) Using DMX Cables for a Wired Setup (Optional)

For a wired connection to any DMX controller or software interface, follow these steps:

1. Turn on all the Best PAR H2O lights you plan to use.
2. Disable the 2.4GHz mode on all lights:
   • Press the MENU button until you see 2.4G.
   • Press ENTER to modify the setting.
   • Use the UP or DOWN button to set this to OFF (if necessary).
   • Press ENTER to save.
3. Connect the first light with a DMX cable:
   • Take a 3-pin DMX cable.
   • Plug the male end into the DMX Out of the DMX controller or interface.
   • Plug the other end into the DMX IN of the first light.
4. Daisy-chain additional lights with additional DMX cables:
   • Take another 3-pin DMX cable.
   • Connect the DMX OUT of the previously connected light to the DMX IN of the next light.
   • Repeat Step 4 for all additional lights.
5. Set the Channel Mode and DMX Address on each light:
   • Press the MENU button until you see Chnd.
   • Press ENTER to select Channel mode.
   • Use the UP / DOWN buttons to choose between 6-Channel and 10-Channel DMX Modes: 
     • 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.
   • Press ENTER to save.
   • Press the MENU button until you see Addr.
   • Press ENTER to modify the setting.
   • 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). 
     • Setting multiple Best PAR H2O Lights to the same DMX address means they're synced in DMX response.
     • Setting multiple Best PAR H2O Lights to different DMX addresses means they can be controlled independently or synced. (see DMX controller info for specific addresses)
   • Press ENTER to save.
6. Control lights using the DMX controller as shown in Part E above. 

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My lights are not responding to wireless DMX controller commands.

• Ensure the lights and controller are set to the same wireless DMX color group.
• Ensure the lights are set to the correct DMX address.

Q: How many lights can I connect with a DMX Controller?

• For wireless setup, you are limited to 25 lights that can be wirelessly linked directly to a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller.
• For wired setup, there's no fixed limit. DMX Controllers will have limits on channels of DMX that can be sent. They will also have a certain number of scanners / fixtures or groups of lights that can be controlled. However there is no limit to the number of individual lights that can be connected to the controller.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville Best PAR H2O lights with a wireless DMX controller is quick and easy, providing seamless control over color, brightness, and effects. Whether you prefer wireless or wired DMX, this setup ensures a smooth and professional lighting experience for any event.