General Questions

What is a DMX lighting controller?

A DMX (Digital Multiplex) lighting controller is a device used to control stage lighting and effects-based fixtures. It communicates with lighting fixtures via the DMX protocol, allowing for precise control over various aspects like intensity, color, movement, and more.

What Kind of Devices are The FORCE Units?

The FORCE units are standalone autonomous DMX lighting controller designed specifically for the Mobile DJ. Aside for its primary role as an autonomous lighting control system, the unit contains a multitude of essential onboard control interfaces and features, allowing a DJ to seamlessly take control of all lighting fixtures at key moments throughout a gig. The unit is very compact and rugged, designed to be a Mobile DJ’s work horse, adding extreme value and raising earning potential.

How do the FORCE Units work?

The FORCE units integrates a novel machine learning based approach to automate and optimize the control of DMX lighting fixtures. Sophisticated algorithms analyze data sets of information in real-time in order to design, tune, and synchronize custom built lighting effects, tailored specifically for your lighting rig, directly to music.

Can I use it with budget or off-brand lights I bought online?

Yes, but with caution. Many ultra-cheap or knockoff fixtures cut corners — they often don’t follow proper DMX standards, don’t have readable user manuals, use inconsistent channel modes, or glitch under real-time control. While The FORCE units are built to adapt, unreliable hardware can lead to unpredictable results. Invest in quality fixtures to get the full experience.

What features are available on the FORCE Units?

• Automated light shows: The FORCE Units can generate customized light shows automatically based on data sets of information it manages, adjusts, and adapts to in real-time.

• Music synchronization: The controllers can synchronize custom generated lighting effects directly to real-time music, even live bands.

• Environmental adaptation: Adjust lighting based on room size, audience reaction, and ambient light conditions with a multitude of onboard control features available via a tap of a button, touch of a screen, or a turn of a knob.

• User presets and customization: Save and recall custom lighting setups.

• Real-time adjustments: Make on-the-fly changes to lighting without interrupting the show.

• Custom Scenes and Overrides: Call up customized static scenes, turn on/off fixture groups, direct and focus a moving head at a specific location, command specific colors, etc. The controls necessary to influence the lightshow or take over at specific times are all there.

Will my DMX lights work with The FORCE Units?

Yes, the FORCE 1.0 can control any DMX compatible lighting fixtures.

Troubleshooting

• Fixtures not responding as expected? Ensure all fixtures are set to the appropriate DMX Addresses and the correct DMX Personalities (Channel Modes) are selected.  Addresses and Channel Modes MUST match your DMX Universe configuration in the Force 1.0 App.  

• Fixtures still not responding properly? Use the Force 1.0 Test Mode to debug your setup.

• Fixtures working but behaving erratically? Confirm all DMX Cables are in good shape (not damaged), properly mated to the XLR connectors on your units, and you have a DMX Terminator at the furthest endpoint of the DMX signal chain.

• Force 1.0 Firmware Upgrade Failure: Ensure you follow the posted video instructions when upgrading your Force unit and you’re using the cables provided with your unit.  

• Consult the manual: Refer to the Force unit User Manual for proper operation.

• Contact support: Reach out to A.I. Lightshow customer support for assistance.

• MAC USB Connectivity issues: Refer to this Debug Guide