How To Set Up Your Rockville Stage Panel 336 with a DMX Controller

Introduction:

This article provides a step-by-step guide to connecting and configuring your Rockville Stage Panel 336 lighting system with a DMX controller. The instructions are simple and suitable for users with no technical experience. You will need your Stage Panel 336 lights, a DMX controller, and DMX cables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gathering Requirements
   • Stage Panel 336 lights
   • DMX controller
   • DMX cables
2. Connecting the DMX Controller and Lights
   • Plug the male end of a DMX cable into the DMX Out port on your DMX controller.
   • Plug the other end into the DMX In port on your first Stage Panel 336 light.
   • To add more lights:
     • Connect another DMX cable from the DMX Out port of the first light to the DMX In port of the next light.
     • Repeat for additional lights.
3. Setting the DMX Address
   • On each light, press the Menu button until you reach the DMX address mode display.
   • Use the Up/Down buttons to select the DMX address.
   • For most setups, set all lights to the same address (e.g., 001).
4. Setting the DMX Channel Mode
   • Press the Menu button until you reach the DMX channel mode menu.
   • Use the Up/Down buttons to select your desired channel mode:
     • 4 channel (minimal control)
     • 6 channel
     • 12 channel
     • 24 channel
     • 30 channel (maximum control)
   • Press Enter to confirm the selection.
   • Ensure all lights are set to the same channel mode.
5. Using the DMX Controller
   • Turn on your DMX controller.
   • Select the appropriate scanner or fixture on your controller.
   • Use the faders to control various functions of the lights. The function of each fader depends on the selected channel mode.
   • Refer to the included DMX guide for detailed fader assignments and effect values.
6. Adjusting Microphone and Echo Settings (if applicable)
   • Use the mic menu controls on the back of the speaker to adjust treble, bass, and echo for microphones.
   • Press the menu button under the mic controls to access the echo menu.
   • Use the Up/Down buttons to set the echo amount and repeat.
7. Customizing Effects and Colors
   • In 12 channel mode, for example:
     • Fader 1: Master dimmer
     • Fader 2: Strobe speed
     • Fader 3: Multi-function (varies by mode)
     • Fader 5: Change color of the mode
     • Fader 6: Strobe bar speed
     • Fader 8: Strobe bar effect speed
     • Faders 9, 10, 11: Red, Green, Blue dimmers for custom color
     • Fader 12: Add strobe bar to the mix

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My lights are not responding to the DMX controller. What should I check?

• Ensure all DMX cables are securely connected.
• Confirm that all lights are set to the same DMX address and channel mode.
• Make sure the DMX controller is powered on and set to the correct fixture.

Q: How do I know what each fader does?

• Refer to the included DMX guide for your Stage Panel 336. Fader functions vary by channel mode.

Q: Can I use different channel modes on different lights?

• No, all lights in the chain should be set to the same DMX channel mode and address for synchronized control.

Q: How do I add more lights to the chain?

• Connect the DMX Out port of the last light to the DMX In port of the new light and repeat the address and channel mode setup.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville Stage Panel 336 with a DMX controller is straightforward. Connect your lights with DMX cables, set the same DMX address and channel mode on each, and use your controller to manage effects and colors.