ETC Cobalt Family v7.1.0 - Manual (Page 1025)

Cobalt 7.1 - 20140612
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RDM Functionality
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.
Cobalt 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 Cobalt, or that Cobalt 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. A "standard" DMX splitter will block all RDM replies from the
fixtures.
The rounded "indicators" at the top of the screens always indicate status,