RDM 'Stripper'

[p.k.roberts]

There seem to have a been a few topics lately where fixtures (usually through age or 'bargain pricing') are not happy with a console that is outputting RDM data. However, these could well exist in a rig where it would be advantageous to have RDM enabled for some of the other fixtures. So my question is, assuming one is, using a DMX DA, is there any way to strip off RDM from one of the DMX lines to keep the whole rig happy?

[J Pearce]

Some RDM splitters can strip RDM packets, Enttec for example. Or enable RDM only on certain universes?

[DrV]

I already have a board level device which happens to do this. It was designed to intercept a DMX stream and, under certain conditions, modify some channels. It's just a PCB with a DMX receiver and transmitter with a microcontroller in between. It also has a 5v regulator, some DIP switches (9) and a couple of buttons and LEDs.

 

However, this board would be overkill for what you want and, because of where they are installed, it has no protection or isolation on the DMX lines. Adding a stripped down version of it into an existing splitter would be a doddle. All you'd need to do would be to pick up the received data after its opto and feed the unmodified stream (minus RDM packets) into just one of the existing output ports before its opto. The add-in PCB would need just one chip (maybe plus a regulator). Less than a square inch I reckon. One cut track in the splitter and a bit of soldering.

 

Food for thought...

[Shez]

What's the standard practice (if any) when using RDM? To me, it would seem sensible to have it enabled whilst setting up a rig but turn it off once that setup is done. Is there any benefit from leaving it it on during performance? Downside of course being the possibility of non-compliant fixtures misbehaving.

[timsabre]

It depends if you want to have fixture status information on the console - if you do the console has to keep polling everything. Personally I am not sure it is very useful - it's probably left on because of the amount of menu diving you have to do to get it turned off (not sure how hard it is on Eos).

[gyro_gearloose]

On our Element you have to come out of the console software and go into a hardware setup menu to turn RDM on or off.

[billy jim]

Some RDM splitters can strip RDM packets, Enttec for example. Or enable RDM only on certain universes?

 

This is correct, the Luminex Lumisplit 2.10 have the option to enable RDM per output (selectable via the button on the front, or, conveniently, via RDM).

[alistermorton]

(not sure how hard it is on Eos).

The functionality which you used to have to exit to the shell for is gradually being moved into the console, so whereas before in setup you had user and show settings, you now also have system settings. The requirement to restart the console when changing the port/hardware configurations is also being removed bit by bit - I can't remember OTTOMH how far they've got with that so far, but I'm sure I saw reference on the forum that soon you'll be able to make on the fly changes to the port settings (which includes the RDM settings) without a restart. Edited November 20, 2018 by alistermorton

[J Pearce]

soon you'll be able to make on the fly changes to the port settings (which includes the RDM settings) without a restart.

 

Which should mean you can also trigger it over a macro, such that for example running your first cue for preset could disable RDM.

[alistermorton]

soon you'll be able to make on the fly changes to the port settings (which includes the RDM settings) without a restart.

 

Which should mean you can also trigger it over a macro, such that for example running your first cue for preset could disable RDM.

 

Yup. Also macros can quickly turn it on and off if needed for a quick check, same as is often done to toggle MSC, timecode, OSC etc. and via buttons on magic sheets, too.

Edited November 20, 2018 by alistermorton

[IRW]

soon you'll be able to make on the fly changes to the port settings (which includes the RDM settings) without a restart.

 

Which should mean you can also trigger it over a macro, such that for example running your first cue for preset could disable RDM.

 

Yup. Also macros can quickly turn it on and off if needed for a quick check, same as is often done to toggle MSC, timecode, OSC etc. and via buttons on magic sheets, too.

 

All we need now is a way to change the clock...I can't be the only one who always notices that it's wrong after going into preset and the house opening...!

[alistermorton]

Oh, I've given up caring about that .

[A.Russell]

Artistic licence make the DMX clarify (link here), which (among other things) will filter out RDM. A device such as this could be placed between the DA and the first fixture in the chain.

 

Not as elegant as having a DA that will strip out the RDM as part of the process, but can easily be retrofitted into existing systems.

 

I haven't used it to strip out RDM, but have used it to solve issues with a non compliant device that wouldn't work without receiving the full 512 channels.

[andy_s]

soon you'll be able to make on the fly changes to the port settings (which includes the RDM settings) without a restart.

 

Which should mean you can also trigger it over a macro, such that for example running your first cue for preset could disable RDM.

 

Yup. Also macros can quickly turn it on and off if needed for a quick check, same as is often done to toggle MSC, timecode, OSC etc. and via buttons on magic sheets, too.

 

All we need now is a way to change the clock...I can't be the only one who always notices that it's wrong after going into preset and the house opening...!

 

wear a watch! ;)

[WayneHowell]

Hi,

 

In addition to DMX-Clarify, most of our DMX splitters have a 'fix' switch. Fix mode will strip out RDM, and also re-time the DMX to 'friendly' values.

 

 

https://artisticlicence.com/wp/product-category/DMX-splitters/