LSC Lighting Redback Wallmount Operators Manual - Manual (Page 44)

Specifications Redback Wallmount Dimmer
Operator Manual V1.3
Page 40
8 RDM Explained
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.
LSC’s Redback Dimmer range are RDM enabled products. This allows you to use RDM to
interrogate the dimmer to find out its status and also to set its DMX address, soft patch it,
and a host of other functions.
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.