FIVE-EYE: How to Set Up DMX Control

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the process of connecting and configuring your Rockville Five I lights using a DMX controller. You’ll learn how to link multiple lights, choose the correct DMX channel modes, and use the controller’s faders to achieve different lighting effects.

These step-by-step instructions are designed for users with no prior DMX experience. You’ll only need the included DMX cables, your Rockville Five I lights, and a DMX controller.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect Your DMX Controller to the First Light

1. Take one of the DMX cables included with your Five I light.
2. Plug the male end into the DMX output on your controller.
3. Plug the other end into the DMX input on the first Five I light.

2. Daisy-Chain Additional Lights

To connect multiple lights in a chain:

1. Take another DMX cable.
2. Plug the male end into the DMX output of the first light.
3. Plug the other end into the DMX input of the next light.
4. Repeat as needed for additional lights.

3. Select a DMX Channel Mode

Each Five I light offers three DMX channel modes:

• 7-Channel Mode: Controls lighting effects such as strobe, dimmer, and basic color control.
• 15-Channel Mode: Control each individual bulb's colors.
• 19-Channel Mode: Combines features of both 7 and 15 channel modes (effects and individual control).

To Set the Mode:

1. Press the Menu button on the light until the desired channel mode appears:
   • A001 for 7-channel mode
   • H001 for 15-channel mode
   • I001 (not shown in this video but typically used for 19-channel mode)
2. Use the arrow buttons to set the DMX address to 001 for all lights (must match across the chain).

4. Operating in 7-Channel Mode

Once your lights are connected and set to 7-channel mode, follow these basic fader functions:

Example: Activating a Red Gradient Effect

1. Raise fader 5 to add red.
2. Adjust fader 3 to a value between 96 and 110 to activate the effect.
3. Use fader 4 to adjust the effect speed.

Refer to your DMX guide for a complete list of effect values and mappings.

5. Operating in 15-Channel Mode

Use 15-channel mode to control each bulb independently:

This mode allows individual colors on each bulb, enabling complex static designs.

6. Summary of Channel Modes

• 7-Channel Mode: Applies effects across all bulbs.
• 15-Channel Mode: Sets individual colors per bulb.
• 19-Channel Mode: Offers full control, including effects and individual bulb colors.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My lights are not responding to the controller. What should I check first?
A: Make sure each light is set to the same DMX address and the controller is connected to the first light in the chain.

Q: Can I mix different channel modes across the lights?
A: No, all the lights in your DMX chain should be set to the same channel mode to ensure consistent results.

Q: Why aren’t the effect faders doing anything?
A: Some effects only activate when color dimmers (red, green, or blue) are set above zero. Raise the desired color fader before choosing an effect.

Conclusion

Setting up DMX control with your Rockville Five I lights is a straightforward process once you understand the basics of cabling, channel modes, and fader functionality. Experiment with different settings to discover a range of lighting effects for your setup.