Before You Start
This guide covers how to use your RLC3 controller. If you haven't installed it yet, start with our Installing the RLC3 Universal Controller guide first.
You'll get the most out of this article by having your RLC3 in front of you — either on your handlebar or in hand. Every function described here is something you can try in under a minute.
Meet Your RLC3
Your RLC3 is a compact controller built around two things:
One dial — the large rotating ring, which also clicks in like a button
One dedicated button — the smaller button next to the dial
That's it. Every function in this guide comes from combining these two controls with short presses, long presses, and double presses. Once you learn the pattern, it becomes second nature.
The dial glows when the lights are on. Its color changes based on your brightness setting — a design detail we'll explain in Section 3.
1. Turning Your Lights On and Off
How to do it: Press the dedicated button once.
First press → lights turn on at your last-used brightness
Second press → lights turn off
The RLC3 remembers your last brightness setting between rides, so you won't need to re-adjust every time you power on.
Tip: If your lights don't turn on, check that your bike's ignition is in the ACC or ON position. The RLC3 draws power through your ACC line, so it only operates when your bike is powered.
2. Adjusting Brightness — The Infinite Glow Dial
How to do it: Rotate the dial.
Turn clockwise → brighter
Turn counterclockwise → dimmer
Unlike stepped controllers that jump between fixed levels, the RLC3's dial gives you smooth, continuous adjustment across the full brightness range. Find the exact output you want for the moment — a low glow for slow neighborhood streets, mid-range for winding backroads, full power for dark highways.
The dial has a tactile feel designed for gloved use. You should be able to adjust it confidently without looking down.
Tip: Rotate slowly for fine control, quickly for broad changes. The dial has no start or end position — it rotates freely in either direction.
3. Reading the Color-Shift LED Indicator
Your RLC3's dial glows with an ambient light that changes color based on brightness level:
Green — low brightness
Cyan — mid brightness
Blue — high brightness
The color shifts smoothly as you rotate the dial, giving you a visual reference for your current setting without needing to look at your lights.
Why this matters: At night, checking your actual light output means looking away from the road. The color-shift indicator lets you confirm your setting with a quick glance at your handlebar — safer, faster, and more intuitive than reading a numeric display.
Tip: Learn the color pattern during your first ride in low-light conditions. Once you recognize what "your comfortable setting" looks like as a color, you'll rarely need to think about it again.
4. Switching Between White and Yellow Light
How to do it: Double-press the dedicated button.
Your Q5 Pro spotlights offer two color modes:
White light — for maximum visibility and long-distance clarity on open roads
Yellow light — for fog, rain, snow, and dusty conditions where white light creates glare
Double-pressing the button toggles between the two. The switch is instant — no warm-up delay, no flicker.
Tip: Yellow light is not just for weather. Many riders prefer it in mixed traffic because it's less blinding to oncoming drivers while still delivering strong forward visibility. Try both modes on the same road and see which you prefer.
Note: Brightness adjustment via the dial works the same way in both white and yellow modes.
5. Hazard Flash Mode
How to do it: Long-press the dedicated button (hold for approximately 2 seconds) until the lights begin flashing.
Hazard Flash turns both spotlights into an attention-grabbing alternating flash pattern. Use it when:
You've stopped on the roadside and want to be seen from a distance
You're leading or trailing a group ride and need high visibility
You're navigating a hazard zone (accident scene, breakdown, low-visibility crossing)
To exit Hazard Flash: Press the button once. Lights return to your previous mode and brightness setting.
Important: Hazard Flash is designed for stationary or low-speed use. Extended use while riding can be distracting to other road users and may violate local traffic regulations. Check your local laws before use.
6. High-Beam Sync
How to do it: No action needed — it works automatically once installed.
If you connected the high-beam sync line during installation, your RLC3 will automatically boost both spotlights to maximum output whenever you activate your motorcycle's high beam. When you switch back to low beam, the spotlights return to your previously set brightness.
This gives you an instant, one-lever "everything on" moment when you flash to warn traffic or need maximum forward reach.
7. Horn-Triggered Strobe
How to do it: No action needed — it works automatically once installed.
If you connected the horn sync line, pressing your motorcycle's horn will trigger a brief high-intensity strobe pattern from your spotlights. This creates a combined audio-visual alert that's dramatically more effective than horn alone for:
Drivers looking down at phones at intersections
Vehicles about to change lanes without seeing you
Wildlife or pedestrians crossing at night
The strobe lasts as long as you hold the horn, then returns to your previous setting.
Tip: Use this feature judiciously. Its effectiveness comes from being unexpected — reserve it for genuine attention-getting situations rather than routine honking.
Full Control Reference Card
Save this for quick reference:
Action | Result |
Press button once | Turn lights on / off |
Rotate dial | Adjust brightness (continuous) |
Double-press button | Toggle white ↔ yellow |
Long-press button (~2 sec) | Enter Hazard Flash mode |
Single press (while in Hazard) | Exit Hazard Flash |
Bike's high beam ON | Spotlights boost to max (auto) |
Bike's horn pressed | Spotlights strobe (auto) |
Dial glow color | Indicates brightness level |
Learning Curve — What to Expect
Most riders master the RLC3's core functions within the first 10 minutes of use:
Minute 1 — On/off and brightness
Minute 2 — Color switching
Minute 3–5 — Reading the color-shift indicator naturally
First real ride — Everything becomes muscle memory
Hazard Flash and the auto-sync features rarely need conscious thought after your first week of riding with the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
・The dial doesn't seem to change brightness smoothly — is something wrong?
The RLC3 uses continuous adjustment, but very small dial movements produce very small changes in output. Try a larger rotation to confirm the range. If brightness still feels stepped or jumpy, contact support.
・My double-press isn't switching colors.
The two presses need to happen within about half a second of each other. If your presses are too slow, the RLC3 reads them as two separate on/off commands. Practice with slightly faster presses.
・Can I use Hazard Flash while parked with the bike off?
No. The RLC3 draws power through your ACC line, so all functions only work when your bike's ignition is in ACC or ON. Turning off your bike will power down the spotlights.
・Do brightness settings remember between white and yellow modes?
Yes. Your RLC3 stores the last-used brightness setting and applies it to whichever color mode you're in.
・The dial glow doesn't match what my lights are actually doing.
The indicator reflects the setting sent to your spotlights. If they're not responding to changes, check your controller connections and refer to our Troubleshooting Guide.
・Can I disable the horn-triggered strobe or high-beam sync?
If you don't want these features, they can be disconnected during installation by leaving the corresponding sync lines unattached. Contact support for guidance on modifying an existing installation.