The biggest challenge was also the most obvious: each fixture needs a method of setting the DMX512 start address, and with fixtures embedded in the ground, there was nowhere to put an access panel for the conventional DIP switches. Even if there had been room, putting an access panel on a waterproof fixture designed to last for a decade is perhaps asking for trouble. Artistic's solution was to implement the latest development in entertainment technology - Remote Device Management (RDM) - which allows data to be returned to the console on the main DMX512 wires. An RDM fixture is assigned a unique identification number (UID) during manufacture - similar to the MAC address found on Ethernet equipment. The UID allows the lighting console to discover each fixture and remotely assign a start address - with no need for DIP switches or access panels!
Wayne Howell, founder and managing director of Artistic Licence (UK) told L&SI: "RDM brings with it a host of additional benefits. Perhaps most interesting in architectural applications is the concept of sensor feedback. We built sensors for moisture, voltage and temperature into the fixtures and the lighting console - Colour-Tramp in this instance - monitors all the sensors using RDM. Statistical analysis of the data retrieved can provide advance warning of potential problems and maintenance requirements. In conclusion, we believe that RDM offers huge benefits in architectural lighting and will soon be de rigeur on tender documents. Artistic Licence is of course pleased to be pioneering the way!"
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
