Quasar Science - Help Center

StarCTRL uses Bluetooth to control Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow fixtures from an iOS device (iPhone or iPad).  StarCTRL provides manual control of a 16-bit HSIC profile with Effects and Color Presets. > Download for free on the Apple iOS App Store today! <

In firmware 0.8, starCTRL is in [Config Menu] → [starCTRL].

In fiirmware 0.9, starCTRL is in [Config Menu] → [Advanced Routing] → [starCTRL] .

The goal of the app is for fast & simple control without too many features that would make things complex.  StarCTRL is the quickest way to get intensity, color and effects running in a matter of minutes.

Note: The starCTRL Mode in the fixture uses a special version of DMX Profile 40 when the App mode is active. If you connect the App to the RR-R2 while only in basic Bluetooth mode, set the DMX profile to Profile 40 or you will see crazy things happen on the light due to a mismatched DMX profile! Profile 40 matches most of the starCTRL channel layout minus the Fade Time. See our >DMX Charts< for details.

That said, for the full experience engage starCTRL in [Config Menu] → [Advanced Routing] → [starCTRL] and then launch the App on your device!!

Our app does require iOS 15 or later and is free in the App Store. No worrying about DMX addresses, patching or profiles. Just get in there!

starCTRL was introduced in firmware 0.8b, but if this is your first time here you should really update to 0.9 since Bluetooth response has been improved in the latest firmware which provides a smoother starCTRL experience!

Head over to the Quasar Science Update Sector for the latest firmware >HERE<

Control Panel

In the Controls Tab, you can adjust the basic settings of your fixtures and groups.  This is a 16-bit profile with CCT, +/- Green, Hue, Sat and Output Mode controls.

With a single fixture selected, tap the +  button at the top of the Control Tab, you can save custom colors to a Favorite, or jump over the the Effect panel and save a custom FX Favorite for quick recall.

Closing the app while RR and R2 fixtures are still in starCTRL mode will give you access to the tube's Manual menu options.

Preset Panel

Presets are popular options that can be recalled onto a fixture or group.  They consist of common colors and Color Temperatures.

These presets are fixed and cannot be changed.  If you wish to save custom colors make use of the Save Favorite feature.

FX Panel

The FX Tab gives you access to the same suite of effects that are available in Manual Mode on the RR and R2 series of fixtures. These include Rainbow, Short Circuit, Paparazzi, Strobe, Fire and Emergency Light.

Some effects support the Grouping parameter so you can, for example, run a Rainbow effect in Full, Half, 2-pixel or 1-pixel mode.

Effects can also be saved as Favorites for quick recall.

Groups

In the left column, you can manually select fixtures or setup groups as needed.

To create a group, click the + NEW GROUP button and give your group a Name.

The new group will populate in the left column.  To add fixtures to a group, click/hold/drag the desired fixture onto the group one at a time.

To Edit/Delete a Group, Long Press the Group's Button. You can now Rename or Delete the Group.

Favorites

Favorites are custom colors and effects that can be saved for instant recall to other fixtures or groups.  Color Favorites can only be saved when a single fixture is selected. FX Favorites can be saved from the FX Panel even when running on a Group.

Save a Color with the + button at the top of the Control Tab (by the FADE button).

Save an Effect with the + button at the top of the FX Panel.

Recall a color/effect by using the +  button at the bottom of the left sidebar.

Delete a Favorite by long-pressing the Favorite.

App Settings

A manual Fade Time can be set to help smooth out transitions of parameters in the Control Tab. The Settings window allows adjustment of the Fade Time from 0.1 to 5 seconds.

Fade Time can be toggled on/off by using the Fade button at the top of the Control window.

The default is Fade Time = ON at 0.1seconds which sets your Quasar Science tubes on fire!

Things To Know about Bluetooth

Bluetooth sends about 6 packets per second to devices. This is really too slow for LED Lighting for smooth fades, especially when compared to DMX control. That is why when dragging your finger across a slider the light can seem to stutter.  That is why we implemented the FADE button. In the Settings window, simply set this to 0.1 seconds and it will smooth out the fade performance while still giving that near-realtime feel when moving a slider in the app.

Hold Last Look

In order for the fixtures to Hold Last Look when you wander too far away, and your device loses connection to the fixtures, it's important that the OUTPUT BUTTON is pressed IN. The button looks like a Light Bulb >