A discussion on Remote Device Management(RDM) An introduction to RDM

 What is RDM?  How does it work?  Why do I want it?  When can I have it?  Who “does it” ?  Any pitfalls?  Want to know more? 2

 Remote Device Management – a standard which sits on top of the DMX protocol and allows bidirectional communication between ‘Controllers’ and ‘Responders’.  A Message based communication scheme  Created by PLASA as an ANSI approved standard and therefore internationally recognised. What is RDM?

 RDM operates as a sequence of Questions and Answers.  ‘Controllers’ (such as Lighting desks) ask Questions  ‘Responders’ (such as Dimmers, Fixtures, Smoke Machines, Scrollers) provide the Answers  Technically it is a half-duplex communications scheme interleaved with conventional DMX traffic.  May be considered an “extension” of the DMX standard What is RDM?

 There are now two published “parts” to the Standard.  ANSI E Entertainment Technology RDM Remote Device Management Over DMX512 Networks. The 2010 edition corrects minor errors in the 2006 edition, and adds a new message to say that a previously reported problem has been cleared. The 2010 edition is bookmarked for easier use.  ANSI E Additional Message Sets for ANSI E1.20 (RDM) – Part 1, Dimmer Message Sets. What is RDM?

6 How does it work? DMX RDM Question RDM Answer All on the same wire!

7 How does it work? DMX : Slot Full DMX : Slot 30% DMX : Slot.... DMX : Slot 0% DMX : Slot Full DMX : Slot 30% DMX : Slot.... DMX : Slot 0% DMX Data

8 How does it work? DMX : Slot Full DMX : Slot 30% DMX : Slot.... DMX : Slot 0% RDM : QUESTION RDM : ANSWER DMX : Slot Full DMX : Slot 30% DMX : Slot.... DMX : Slot 0% RDM : QUESTION RDM : ANSWER RDM Data

 RDM transmits messages using the same format as the DMX protocol, but with a different start code – therefore normal (“compliant”) DMX receiving devices simply ignore the messages.  RDM messages can be transmitted in between normal DMX packets, so the DMX signal isn’t disrupted. How does it work? Break MABMAB Start Code = DMX Interpacket TimeBreak MABMAB Start Code Break MABMAB Start Code = DMX Break MABMAB Start Code Break MABMAB Start Code = RDM RDM Request Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 511 Slot 512 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 511 Slot 512

 A process of DISCOVERY to find out who is on the wire.  A Question/Answer to establish the basics such as DMX Start Address, Personality, Software version  Additional Questions and Answers to establish what additional features each device supports.  The option of regular polling by a Controller to detect changes or fetch Sensor Data  The option of Background Discovery to establish who as been added to the wire, or who has gone away. How does it work?

 Faster than “A person with a ladder”  Helps combat possible Working at Height issues  Cheaper than a “Cherry Picker”  Allows setup and remote configuration  Provides feedback and sensor monitoring 11 Why do I want it?

12 Why do I want it? –Are you there, unit 4845: ? –What are you? –Who made you? –What shall I call you? –What software are you running? –How many slots do you use? –What can you do? –Tell me about slot 1? –What is the DMX address of slot 1 –Tell me about slot 2? –What is the DMX address of slot 2 –Tell me what sensors you have? –Tell me the value of your temperature sensor? –Are you there, Unit 4845: ? –Yes I’m here –I’m a dimmer –I was made by Zero 88 –I’m called “Betapack 3” –I’m running software version 2 –I have 6 channels –I can dim tungsten lamps –It has a DMX address –1–1 –2–2 –I have a temperature sensor –26C

Name & Identify 13 Why do I want it? Change DMX Address Fault Finding Monitor Sensors Build fixture personalities Change Mode Invert Pan & Tilt Enable & Run Factory Tests RDM Rig Check

Name & Identify 14 When can I have it? Change DMX Address Fault Finding Monitor Sensors Build fixture personalities Change Mode Invert Pan & Tilt Enable & Run Factory Tests NOW Rig Check

When can I have it? Manufacturers have been attending “Plug Fests” since 2006 to develop products and check compatibility

 Look for the logo  Ask for evidence that manufacturer participates in the regular interoperability Plug Fests and RDM forums sponsored by PLASA 16 Who “does it”?

17 Who “does it”?

18 Who “does it”?

19 Who “does it”? NovaLight srl LDR srl Ocean Optics Soundlight eldoLED

 RDM is tolerant of basic cable installs – runs on 1pair DMX cable though strict termination rules must be followed.  Older DMX Splitters may require replacement unless specifically designed for RDM bi-directional capabilities.  Some Manufacturers claim to be “ready” but have not submitted product for peer review and are still learning … Any Pitfalls?

 “Non Compliant DMX devices” (not always translated to “cheaper products”) may flicker in the presence of RDM, but if so, they weren’t well designed DMX products in the first place and may well have other performance issues. Any Pitfalls?

 “The magic number is 32”  If you suspect that your existing fixture is not DMX compliant, and appears to flicker in the presence of RDM traffic (or other “alternate Start Code” packets), try moving it within the DMX address space.  Moving beyond DMX addess 32 may allow non compliant devices to ignore most RDM traffic and allow the show to go on … Any Pitfalls?

 Implementing RDM is not Rocket Science, but does require good engineering practice and thorough testing.  If in doubt, get the benefit of RDM during setup and configuration, but switch off RDM traffic during the show! Any Pitfalls?

Working Systems SPLITTER DMX

25 Working Systems SPLITTER DMX/RDM RDM

26 Any Pitfalls ? SPLITTER DMX/RDM Non RDM

27 Want to know more?

  Books – yes they still exist!  Visit the RDM Display areas at PLASA or LDI  Join PLASA’s Technical Standards Program and the Control Protocols Working Group  Ask your suppliers! 28 Want to know more?

 Additional Commands have been added that relate to Dimmers (E )  ArtNet already supports RDM  sACN (DMX over ACN) released  sRDM (RDM over ACN ) in development 29 Current Developments

 Tim Baarsch  Hamish Dumbreck  Peter Willis  With thanks to Peter Kirkup for original content 30 Presentation Credits