ETC Congo Family v6.4.0 - Manual (Page 993)

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RDM Functionality (6.3)
The idea of RDM (Remote Device Management) is to make it possible for devices in a
control network to communicate with the lighting control system. It can be used to simplify
patching, addressing, and controlling modes of a device or supervising temperature via
embedded sensors (when provided).
There is a setting in Console Settings where you can disable "RDM Discovery" - Browser
>General Settings >Console Settings (6.3).
Congo is one of the world's most advanced RDM controllers of today.
ABOUT RDM
DMX communicates levels to devices. RDM adds communication back from the devices to
allow us to remotely observe (sensors) control (setups) and configure (modes) these
devices. The level of RDM functionality depends on the features of the controller and on the
features of the device. It is possible that some devices do not support all the features
available in Congo, or that Congo does not yet support all the RDM features of a device.
RDM data is sent back over the DMX line.
"It's not in the right mode, it doesn't have the right address, and you don't have to bring out
the ladder…."
PINS USED
The DMX512 specification requires DMX connectors to be a 5-pin XLR type, with only the
first 3 pins being used (pins 4 and 5 were reserved for "future use"). RDM uses the same
pins as DMX (pins 2 and 3) to make it possible for all manufacturers to implement it.
NOTE
Be aware that for RDM to work every DMX buffer/splitter has to be
RDM compatible.
RDM Patching (6.2)
These are the basics of working with RDM and Congo. These steps assume you have RDM
functioning, you have hung and cabled all of your devices, and that this is the first time you
are working with the system:
1. The outputs of the Net3 ACN DMX/RDM Gateway must have RDM Discovery enabled to
allow Congo to communicate with connected RDM devices. Please consult the Net3 ACN