When first connected to an Apex system, the VDM creates 6 new outputs - They are VarSpd_X_1 through VarSpd_X_4, BlueLED_X_5, and WhiteLED_X_6 ('X' is the AquaBus ID of the VDM). These last 2 are the default 2 channels of the VDM's serial interface; this default setting is used only for 1st-generation AI Sols, which have only 2 control channels (Blue and White)

To use the VDM with ApexReady+ LED lighting fixtures which have 3 independent color channels (AI Sol Blue fixtures with white, blue, and royal blue channels and Acan Lighting Prism Fixtures with white, blue and moonlight channels), you need to enable the third control channel in the VDM.

Zetlight QMAVEN LED fixtures which have a -A suffix at the end of the model number are Apex-Ready; they have 4 channels: Blue, White, Colors, and Moon. In order to use all 4 control channels, the VDM must be configured in 4-channel mode.

It's easy:

FOR A1 APEX (CLASSIC) MODELS

  1. Sign into the classic dashboard (Apex web pages). This cannot be done through APEX Fusion.
  2. Navigate to the Configuration->Module setup page
  3. Select the VDM from the list at the top of the Module setup page
  4. When the page refreshes, you will see AquaIllumination Light Type and two radio buttons. You will see that the Standard button is checked; click the Sol Blue button to change the mode to 2 channel mode or the 4-Channel option for Zetlights.
  5. Click the VDM Module Change button
  6. Now, go to the Configuration->Misc setup page
  7. Check the box for Reboot system after update
  8. Click the Update Misc Settings button
  9. Your Apex will reboot, which takes 30-40 seconds
  10. Sign back into the web pages, and you should see a new output for the 3rd channel, which will be called Blue_LED_x_7


VDM.png

Zetlight QMAVEN LED fixtures which have a -A suffix at the end of the model number are Apex-Ready; they have 4 channels: Blue, White, Colors, and Moon. In order to use all 4 control channels, the VDM must be configured in 4-channel mode. Follow the procedure above, but select the 4 Channel option.


FOR A2 APEX AND A3 APEX MODELS

  1. Using either APEX Fusion or APEX Local, go to the Modules List
  2. Select the VDM
  3. Using the Channels drop-down menu, select the number of channels (2 for original AI Sol, 3 for AI Sol Blue, or 4 for compatible Zetlight QMAVEN fixtures)
  4. Click/tap the Send button (orange cloud button)
  5. Go the the Misc setup page, select the Restart Apex option, then click the Send button (orange cloud button)


VDMchan.PNG


ALTERNATE METHOD FOR ANY APEX

Optionally, this may be done through the Apex display module menu for any model of Apex.

  1. Press the Center button
  2. Use the Down button to scroll to Setup
  3. Press the Center button
  4. Use the Down button to scroll to Module Setup
  5. Press the Center button
  6. Use the Down button to scroll to Config Module
  7. Press the Center button
  8. Use the Down button to scroll to the VDM
  9. Press the Center button twice
  10. Use the Down button to scroll to the desired mode (Standard, Sol Blue, or 4 Channel)
  11. Press the Exit button 4 times slowly; you should end up on the Main Menu
  12. Scroll down to System
  13. Use the Down button to scroll to Net Setup
  14. Press the Center button
  15. Press the UP button once to scroll to Restart
  16. Your Apex will reboot, which takes 30-40 seconds