Gen VI Dimmer
User Manual
Page 41
9
RDM
9.1
Overview
RDM stands for Remote Device Management. It is an “extension” to DMX.
Since the inception of DMX,
it has always been a ‘one way' control system. Data only ever flows
in one direction, from the lighting controller outwards to whatever it may be connected to. The
controller has no idea what it is connected to, or even if what it's connected to is working, switched
on, or even there at all!
RDM changes all that allowing the equipment to answer back!
An RDM enabled moving light, for example, can tell you many useful things about its operation -
the DMX address it is set to, the operating mode it is in, whether its pan or tilt is inverted and how
many hours since the lamp was last changed.
But RDM can do more than that. It isn't limited to just reporting back, it can change things as well.
As its name suggests, it can remotely manage your device.
RDM has been designed to work with existing DMX systems. It does this by interleaving its
messages with the regular DMX signal over the same wires. There is no need to change any of
your cables but because RDM messages now go in two directions, any in-line DMX processing
you have needs to be changed for new RDM hardware. This will most commonly mean that DMX
splitters and buffers will need to be upgraded to RDM capable devices.
To utilise RDM you will also need an RDM controller. Presently these are devices that plug in to
the DMX line and talk the RDM language. They put the messages on to the DMX line, listen for
any replies and display the results via an attached computer. The latest lighting consoles now
also come with RDM controllers built in.
RDM also has the ability to read and report operating statistics and error conditions from any
enabled equipment that supports it. This opens up the possibility of remotely monitoring the
condition of your lighting rig and getting notice of failed equipment or even advanced notice of
things that may be cause for concern. For example, a moving light that reports a very high
bulkhead temperature may be suffering from a failed fan or clogged filter or a scroller that reports
a high motor current may have a jammed scroll.
9.2
GEN·VI RDM
LSC’s GEN·VI Dimmer range are RDM enabled products. This allows you to use RDM to
change the DMX address of the dimmer and to interrogate the dimmer to find out its.
•
Temperature
•
Fan Speed
•
Presence of input power phases 1-3
•
Presence of DMX
The GEN·VI will also send out an over temperature alarm when the temperature
reaches 90 Celsius.