MINI RF1 V3: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to setting up your Rockville Mini RF1 V3 light(s). This incredibly compact, but powerful light is great for a wide array of events and color washing applications; providing customizable lighting effects that can be controlled wirelessly from anywhere in the room using an RF remote, DMX controller or WiFi-enabled app. This guide covers physical setup, control modes and wireless configurations for various lighting effects. The setup processes covered here are designed to be simple, even for users with no technical experience. For our lighting pros and those looking for more advanced control, a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller(or DMX Transmitter) can be used for full (512 channel) DMX control.

Requirements:
✅Rockville Mini RF1 V3 (available in black or white)
✅Included RF Remote (optional; for remote control)
✅Rockville Wireless DMX Controller (optional; for DMX control)
✅Rockville Par-Control App on Mobile Device (optional; for App control)
✅Rockville LC70 or Similar Lighting Clamp (optional; for mounting)

Setup Guide

A.) Mounting & Positioning

Positioning the Light with the Bracket:
The built-in bracket allows you to adjust the light’s angle for wall washing, up-lighting or stage lighting.

• Adjusting the Bracket for Positioning in Any Location
  1. Loosen the side knobs to adjust the angle.
  2. Tilt the light to the desired position.
  3. Tighten the knobs to lock it in place.
• Wall Washing Setup
  • Use the bracket to angle the light for wall washing.
  • Position the light a few inches from the wall for even illumination.
  • For a more intense effect, position the light closer to the wall.
• Lighting a DJ Facade
  • Position the Mini RF1 V3 at the base of a DJ facade and angle it upwards.
  • For full and even illumination of your facade, use one light per panel.

Positioning the Light with the Feet:
The Mini RF1 V3 's built-in feet allow for stable placement on the floor, against a wall or inside a totem stand.

• Wall Washing / Up-Lighting
  • Place the light directly against a wall or DJ facade with the feet down for a strong upward beam.
  • Works well for accent lighting on walls, drapes or event backdrops.
• Totem Stand Placement
  The feet also allow the Mini RF1 V3 to fit securely inside a totem stand to create a glowing effect inside.
  1. Lift the scrim of your totem stand.
  2. Place the Mini RF1 V3 inside, facing upwards.
  3. Set your desired color or mode on the light.
  4. Lower the scrim back down.

Mounting to a Truss (or Speaker Stand Pole) Using the Bracket and Clamp:
If you want to mount the Mini RF1 V3 to a lighting truss, beam or speaker stand pole you’ll need a lighting clamp like the Rockville LC70.

• Attaching a Lighting Clamp
  1. Take the clamp and remove the bolt.
  2. Locate the mounting hole on the bracket and insert the bolt through it.
  3. Align the screw hole on the outside of the clamp with the threads from the bolt.
  4. Secure the clamp onto the bracket by tightening the bolt.
• Placing & Adjusting the Light on a Truss, Beam or Speaker Stand Pole
  1. Loosen the clamps butterfly screw until wider than truss / beam/ pole diameter.
  2. Position the clamp on your truss, beam or speaker stand pole.
  3. Tighten the butterfly screw to lock the light in place.
  4. Adjust the angle of the light to direct the beam where needed.

B.) Turning On & Navigating the Mini RF1 V3 

Power and Display:

• Power Button –  Press this button to turn the light on or off.
• Display – Once powered on, the display will show:
  • Current Mode
  • Master / Slave Status
  • Wireless Group ID
  • Battery Life Indicator

Battery Life Indicator:

• Full Green Bar → Plenty of battery life.
• Middle Bar → About 50% battery remaining.
• Last Bar Only → Low battery – plug the charger into the port beneath the power button.

Navigating the Menu with Control Buttons:
The Mini RF1 V3 features multiple modes controlled via four buttons below the display.

1. Mode Button → Cycle through available modes.
2. Up Button → Adjust values within each mode.
3. Down Button → Adjust values within each mode.
4. Enter Button → Access submenus to adjust specific settings (e.g., speed settings, sensitivity).

Lighting Modes:

• RF Mode
  1. Press the Mode button until the display reads RF1 (or RF2, RF3, RF4).
     
  2. (If necessary)Use the Up or Down button to select your desired RF group (1–4) to pair with the wireless remote.
     • Please note: Master Mode(shown in sections below) must be set to off to enable remote control.
• Custom Color Mode
  This mode allows for manually blending of the 7 base colors to create custom colors.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see CoL.
     
  2. Press Enter to adjust each LED color individually:
     
     • r → Red
     • G → Green
     • b → Blue
     • u → White 
     • y → Yellow / Amber
     • P → Purple / UV (Ultraviolet)
  3. Use the Up / Down buttons to set values from 0-99 to control the intensity of each color.
• Display Control
  This controls how long the display remains active.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see dSP.
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to select:
     1. on → Displays remains always On.
     2. 10 → Display shuts off after 10 seconds (comes back on when any button is pressed).
     3. 20 → Display shuts off after 20 seconds (comes back on when any button is pressed).
     4. 30 → Display shuts off after 30 seconds (comes back on when any button is pressed).
• Wireless Group ID
  This allows you to select one of 7 Wireless Group ID options for Master/Slave Mode or wireless DMX control.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or oFF with the corresponding Wireless Group ID color. 
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to select:
     • 01 → Red
     • 02 → Green
     • 03 → Yellow
     • 04 → Blue
     • 05 → Purple
     • 06 → Cyan
     • 07 → White
     • oFF → No Wireless DMX Control 
• Master Mode
  This allows you to set your light as Master (controls Slave lights). 
  1. Press the Mode button until you see MASTER on or MASTER oFF.
     
  2. If necessary, use the Up or Down button to select:
     • on → Light acts as the Master in a Master/Slave mode.
     • oFF → Light functions as a Slave in Master/Slave mode or with wireless DMX control. 
• DMX Address
  This allows you to set the light to DMX control or Slave mode for wireless syncing.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see DMX ADD 001 ~ DMX ADD 512.
     
  2. 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).
     
• DMX Channel Mode
  This allows you to select between 6-Channel Mode and 10-Channel Mode based on the level of control needed.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see DMX CH. 06 or DMX CH. 10.
     
  2. If necessary, use the Up or Down button to select:
     • 6-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing (Red, Green, Blue, White, Yellow/Amber, Purple/UV).
     • 10-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing with Master dimmer, plus Strobe, Auto and Sound modes.
• Static Color Mode
  This allows you to select from 48 pre-set colors.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see COLOR SUB 01 ~ COLOR SUB 48.
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to scroll through the 48 pre-set color options.
     
  3. Press the Enter button to activate (optional) Strobe Effect.
     • Use the Up / Down buttons to set Strobe Speed.
       
• Jump Mode
  This allows you to activate and control automatic color changing.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see JUMP SPEED 01 ~ JUMP SPEED 09.
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to adjust speed.
     
• Fade Mode
  This allows you to activate and control automatic color fading and pulsing.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see FADE SUB 01 or FADE SUB 02.
     
  2. If necessary, use the Up or Down button to select:
     • 01 → Color Fade Mode
     • 02 → Color Pulse Mode
  3. Press Enter and use Up / Down buttons to adjust speed.
• Sound-Activated Mode
  Light reacts to sound or music via its built-in mic with sensitivity control.
  1. Press the Mode button until you see ♫ SUB 01 ~ ♫ SUB 04.
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to select one of four Sound Modes: 
     • Sound Mode 1 → Color Cycle / Jump
     • Sound Mode 2 → Color Pulse
     • Sound Mode 3 → Color Strobe
     • Sound Mode 4 → Color Cycle + Pulse + Strobe
  3. Press Enter and use Up / Down buttons to adjust sound sensitivity.
     • Higher values → More reactive to sound.
     • Lower values → Needs louder sounds to trigger changes.
• App Control Group
  This allows you to control up four groups of lights using the 
  1. Press the Mode button until you see AP1, AP2, AP3 or AP4.
     
  2. Use the Up / Down buttons to select one of four App Groups.
  3. Press Enter to see the UID (Unique Identification Number).
      
     ⚠️The UID on your light will likely be different.
  4. On a smartphone or tablet you should be able to find and connect to a WiFi network labeled Rockville-###, where the ### is actually the UID.
     • This enables control on your smartphone or tablet using the Rockville PAR-Control App.

C.) Wireless DMX Control
Using either the Rockville W2 or W4 Wireless DMX Controller up to 25 of our MINI RF1 V3 lights can be connected. You can also use any other DMX controller or software interface (with 3-pin DMX output) to control up to 25 MINI RF1 V3 lights, using our DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitter. 

1. Turn on Mini RF1 V3 lights.
2. Power on your controller and activate Wireless DMX.
   • If using Rockville W2 or W4 Wireless DMX Controller; Turn On the WIRELESS switch.
   • If not using Rockville W2 or W4 Wireless DMX Controller; Connect the DMX-WTR to an AC power source.
3. Set all lights to the same Wireless Group ID.
   Up to 25 Rockville lights can be wirelessly synced with a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or Transmitter.
   • Press the Mode button until you see 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or oFF with the corresponding Wireless Group ID color. 
     
   • Use the Up / Down buttons to select:
     • 01 → Red
     • 02 → Green
     • 03 → Yellow
     • 04 → Blue
     • 05 → Purple
     • 06 → Cyan
     • 07 → White
     • oFF → No Wireless DMX Control 
4. Match the Wireless ID on the DMX Controller or Transmitter.
   • Locate the WIRELESS ID button on the back of the controller, or the ID Key button on the transmitter.
     
   • Press the button to cycle through different colors.
   • Select the color matching the Wireless Group ID set on each light.
     • Example: Red
   • Once synced, the controller or transmitter should display a flashing red light, indicating a successful connection.
5. Disable Master Mode.
   • Press the MODE button until you see MASTER on or MASTER oFF.
     
   • If you see MASTER on, use the Up or Down button select MASTER oFF.
     
6. Set DMX Address and Channel Mode.
   • Press the Mode button until you see DMX ADD 001 ~ DMX ADD 512.
     
   • 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).
     
   • The Wireless Group ID Icon will flash, indicating it's synced with the controller or transmitter.
     
   • Press the MODE button until you see DMX CH. SLAVE.
     
   • Use the UP or DOWN button to select between 6-Channel Mode and 10-Channel Mode based on the level of control you need.
     • 6-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing (Red, Green, Blue, White, Yellow/Amber, Purple/UV).
     • 10-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing with Master dimmer, plus Strobe, Auto and Sound modes.
     • For maximum control, set your Mini RF1 V3 lights to 10-Channel Mode.
7. Use the DMX Controller (or control software) to control lights.
   • Understanding the DMX Fader / Channel Functions:
     • On the controller, activate Scanner / Fixture 1, or the one(s) corresponding to your Mini RF1 V3 Lights.
     • Reference the charts below to control the light(s) using the faders on your controller or controls within your DMX control software.

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

8. (If necessary) Wirelessly connect up to additional 25 lights.
   • Understanding the 25+ light setup:
     • Up to 25 lights can be linked to a single Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitter.
     • A DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitter can be connected to the 3-pin DMX Output port on the back of the Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or any other DMX Output (3-pin).
     • Multiple DMX-WTR Wireless DMX Transmitters can be used in the same lighting system, as long as each transmitter uses a different Wireless Group ID. 
   • Select a Wireless Group ID on the Transmitter for the additional group of lights.
     • Make sure to choose a different one than used previously (Example: Yellow).
     • If using multiple transmitters, be sure to differentiate so you are not accidentally changing the Wireless ID on the wrong unit.
   • Match the Wireless Group ID on each of the additional lights.
     • Use the Mode button to access the Wireless Group ID menu as shown previously.
     • Set all additional lights to this new Wireless Group ID (Example: Yellow).
       
   • Master Mode should be turned off for all lights being connected.
     • Press the Mode button until you see MASTER on or MASTER oFF.
       
     • If you see MASTER on, use the Up or Down button select MASTER oFF.
       
   • Set the DMX Address and Channel Mode.
     • Use the same DMX Address (Example: 001) as the previously connected lights if you want all Mini RF1 V3 lights to always follow the same commands.
       
     • Use a different DMX Address (according to DMX controller instructions) if you want the additional Mini RF1 V3 lights to be able to follow different commands.
       
     • Press the MODE button until you see DMX CH. SLAVE.
       
     • Use the UP or DOWN button to select between 6-Channel Mode and 10-Channel Mode based on the level of control you need.
       Please note: Lights using the same DMX address should also be set to the same DMX Channel Mode.
       • 6-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing (Red, Green, Blue, White, Yellow/Amber, Purple/UV).
       • 10-Channel Mode → Allows color mixing with Master dimmer, plus Strobe, Auto and Sound modes.
       • For maximum control, set your Mini RF1 V3 lights to 10-Channel Mode.

D.) Master/Slave Mode Setup
⚠️Please note: This does not allow for remote control; only manual control using Master Light. Remote control setup instructions for multiple Mini RF1 V3 lights can be found in the next section(E). 

Select & Assign the Master Light:

• Choose which light you want to be the Master.
  • This light will control all slave lights in the system.
  • It is recommended to use the light that will be easiest to control by accessing the buttons / display. 
• Activate the light's Master Mode setting.
  1. Press the MODE button until you see MASTER on or MASTER oFF.
     
  2. If you see MASTER oFF, use the Up or Down button to select MASTER on.
     
• Select a Wireless Group ID.
  • Press the Mode button until you see 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or oFF with the corresponding Wireless Group ID color. 
    
  • Use the Up / Down buttons to select:
    • 01 → Red
    • 02 → Green
    • 03 → Yellow
    • 04 → Blue
    • 05 → Purple
    • 06 → Cyan
    • 07 → White
    • oFF → No Wireless DMX Control 
• Make sure IR Remote response is not Active.
  1. Press the MODE button until you see IR on or IR oFF.
     
  2. If you see IR on, use the Up or Down button select IR oFF.
     

Configure Slave Lights:

• On all Slave Lights...
  • Deactivate the light's Master Mode setting:
    • Press the MODE button until you see MASTER on or MASTER oFF.
      
    • If you see MASTER on, use the Up or Down button select MASTER oFF.
      
  • Select matching Wireless Group ID.
    • Press the Mode button until you see 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 or oFF with the corresponding Wireless Group ID color. 
      
    • Use the Up or Down button to set matching the Master's Wireless Group ID # / color.
  • Make sure IR Remote response is not Active.
    • Press the MODE button until you see IR on or IR oFF.
      
    • If you see IR on, use the Up or Down button select IR oFF.
      
  • Set to Slave Mode (DMX Address: 001).
    • Press the Mode button until you see DMX ADD 001 ~ DMX ADD 512.
      
    • If necessary, use the UP / DOWN buttons to set the address to 001.
      
• Once configured...
  • Set the Master to any static color, color-changing or sound-active mode. All Mini RF lights should respond. 
  • The Master Light’s Wireless Group ID Icon will stay solid.
  • The Slave Lights’ Wireless Group ID Icon will flash, indicating they are synced with the Master Light.
    

Control the Lights:

• Now that your lights are synced...
  • Any changes made on the Master Light will be mirrored on all Slave Lights.
  • You can adjust colors, modes, brightness and effects using the Master Light’s buttons.
  • For wireless control using the included RF remote, you can check the next section.

E.) Controlling with the RF Remote

Set Up Wireless Remote Control On Each Light

1. Press the Mode button until the display reads RF1 (or RF2, RF3, RF4).
   
2. (If necessary)Use the Up or Down button to select your desired RF group (1–4) to pair with the wireless remote.
3. (If necessary)Press Enter to set the light to SLAVE mode (for remote control).

Use The Wireless Remote Control

• On the remote, press the RF Group button until the top light flashes the corresponding to the desired RF Remote Group: 
  • Red → RF1
  • Green → RF2
  • Yellow → RF3
  • Blue → RF4
  • White → RF1-4 (controls all groups)
• Ensure the remote matches the light’s RF group (e.g., Red for RF1).
• Test by pressing remote buttons to control light modes, colors or effects.

Set Up Multiple RF Groups

• Assign different lights, or groups of lights to separate RF groups (e.g., RF1 for one group, RF2 for another).
• Navigate to RF mode on each light, select the desired group and to SLAVE mode (as shown above).
• Use the remote to control each group independently by switching RF groups (e.g., red for RF1, green for RF2).

Test the Setup

1. Power on the light(s) and test each mode (e.g., color, jump, fade, sound) using the remote.
2. Verify battery life and charge if needed.
3. Adjust angles or reposition for desired lighting effects (e.g., wall washing, truss lighting).
4. Ensure each light responds correctly to remote functions and sound to ensure optimal effect.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Light does not turn on:
✅Confirm that light has not gotten wet.
✅Check the battery life indicator; charge if red or orange.
✅Ensure the power button is able to be pressed in fully (not jammed / debree wedged).

Remote not controlling the light: 
✅Confirm the light is in RF mode and set to slave mode.
✅Verify the remote and light are on the same RF group (e.g., RF1 with red flash).
✅Check the remote’s battery and replace it if needed.

How many Slave lights can I control with one Master?
✅Up to 25 Slave lights can be wirelessly linked to a single Master.

Can I sync my other Rockville lights with my Mini RF1 V3s in Master/Slave Mode
✅Normally Master/Slave Mode only works with lights of the same exact model. However the Rockville Mini IR-series can be linked with the Mini RF-Series because they have the same DMX response. 
✅No lights of other models or brands can be linked using Master/Slave. You may want to consider using a DMX controller to sync any lights with DMX capabilities.

Slave lights not following master: 
✅Verify all lights are on the same wireless ID (e.g., red).
✅Ensure master mode on the master light set to on, and on slave lights is set to off.
✅Check that slave lights are in DMX address/slave mode with a flashing wireless ID icon.

How many lights can I connect with a DMX Controller?
✅You are limited to 25 lights that can be wirelessly linked directly to a Rockville Wireless DMX Controller or Transmitter.
✅However 25 more lights can be additionally linked to another Rockville Wireless DMX Transmitter.
✅And with up to 7 total wireless IDs available, using additional wireless transmitters and 3-pin DMX outputs, up to 175 Rockville Wireless DMX lights can be used simultaneously with a DMX controller.  

DMX controller not working: 
✅Ensure the controller (or transmitter) and light are set to the same wireless ID (e.g., red).
✅Confirm the light is in slave mode and set to the correct DMX address.
✅Check that the DMX feature is enabled on the controller.

Sound mode not responding:
✅Increase sensitivity setting; Press the Enter button once in sound mode, then use the Up button to set to 9.
✅Ensure ambient sound is loud enough or test with louder audio.

App not connecting: 
✅Confirm the light is in app group mode and note the WiFi code.
✅Connect your phone to the light’s WiFi network using the code.
✅Ensure the Rockville Par-Control App is installed and updated.

Conclusion

This guide covers setting up your Rockville Mini RF1 V3 for various lighting applications; including wall washing, back-lighting and truss mounting. Additionally we've covered how to set up the lights for wireless control via included long-range RF remote, wireless DMX or WiFi-based app(Rockville Par-Control). The methods shown here can be used to test different modes and configurations to ultimately achieve your desired effect.