LSC Lighting Redback Operators Manual - Manual (Page 22)

Advanced Menu Redback Dimmer
Operator Manual V1.1
Page 20 LSC Lighting Systems (Aust) Pty. Ltd
8 R D M E x p l a i n e d
RDM is an acronym for Remote Device Management which is a relatively new protocol that overlays on
the existing DMX512 cable network, using the same 3pins of the XLR connector. The protocol has been
released under the standard ANSI-E1.20-2006. Equipment connected to the DMX512 network wishing to
use the advantages of RDM, must be RDM compatible.
Unlike DMX512, RDM is bi-directional – meaning messages sent out can be responded to and reported
back to the originator. This can allow RDM controllers to interrogate control and report on any RDM
enabled devices on the network, by:
• changing DMX start addresses
• reporting
faults
• changing fixture mode settings
• requesting a list of fade curves available from a dimmer rack
• report on lamp hours usage per fixture
• temperature reporting of dimmers and other connected devices
and so-on.
Once the uptake of RDM by other manufacturers reaches levels where the majority of equipment is RDM
compatible, the advantages of RDM will become obvious and many users will wonder how we survived
without it.
RDM will allow a lighting console to discover all the devices connected to its outputs and even to know
how many DMX slots each item requires. This information could then be used to auto-patch the entire rig.
The user settings of all the devices could be saved as part of the show file, so that when the show is re-
loaded into the console, the system could ensure that all devices are still connected and working, then
check that the Pan invert settings and custom dimmer curves on certain devices have not changed. In the
case of a faulty moving light, a new light could be connected and the user settings (eg. DMX address,
mode, Tilt invert) automatically uploaded to the new unit.
RDM is backwards compatible with existing DMX512 equipment, allowing non RDM devices to be
connected to the same cable as RDM devices. The non-RDM units, if fully comforming to the DMX512
standard, will simply ignore all the RDM data. The only exception to the rule is DMX512 data splitters.
Non RDM units will simple block (stop) all RDM data from any devices connected downstream of the
DMX512 splitter. Therefore any lighting system using RDM must use RDM enabled DMX512 data
splitters.