New Look Stand for RDM at PLASA 2012

For several years, PLASA's Technical Resources Office, supported by manufacturers of RDM-compliant equipment, has provided a stand at PLASA dedicated to RDM (Remote Device Management) with the aim of familiarizing visitors with the RDM protocol. The PLASA show runs September 9-12 in London at Earls Court; the RDM stand at PLASA is EC2-R4.

This year is no exception, yet brings a slightly different approach that reflects how the RDM protocol has become more widely recognized, understood, and adopted as an industry standard. This year's stand will go beyond explaining the basics of what RDM is and how to use it, and explore the uses and applications to which it can be put within two major market areas.

The stand will demonstrate two fully functioning RDM systems, one dedicated to architectural applications and one to entertainment use. Each system will have a fully working RDM network showing the strengths of the RDM protocol and how it can be used in these different environments.

The entertainment system will be composed of a control desk and dimmer racks and concentrate on the configuration aspect of the RDM protocol. Demonstrations will show how the entertainment controller allows the user to set up and configure RDM fixtures without leaving the comfort of their control desk.

By contrast, the architectural system will concentrate on real-time monitoring of RDM fixtures. This illustrates how the user is able to see up-to-date sensor values such as temperature and lamp life, and how this information can be sent to the outside world in the form of information or warnings.

The working systems will be augmented by a range of other RDM compliant equipment that demonstrates the breadth of equipment and number of manufacturers that now support the RDM protocol.

Industry RDM specialists will be on hand to demonstrate the systems and answer any RDM questions.

The RDM stand at PLASA is EC2-R4.

Following the success of the first European RDM Developers Conference and Plugfest in April 2012, a second European Plugfest date has been added for 2012.

Sponsored by PLASA's Technical Resources Office, this will once again take place at Gatwick Manor Hotel October 4-5, 2012. Gatwick Manor Hotel is located at London Road, Lowfield Heath, just south of Gatwick Airport

The format will be an advance on April's meeting which concentrated on introducing newcomers to RDM and discussions concerning RDM basics.

Response to April's Plugfest included: "The format was spot on with just the right amount of theoretical presentation balanced with quality practical development time." "The venue worked really well and we will definitely be back next time."

October's session will focus its discussions on the issue of compliance. Currently, no consistent, uniform method of RDM testing exists, so manufacturers design in isolation and test to different interpretations of the standard. The Plugfest will provide a forum for informal discussion with the aim of formulating a plan to standardize these processes for the future.

In addition there will be separate test locations for the three different categories of RDM equipment: controllers, splitters, and responders. This will give delegates an opportunity to bring their own RDM-compliant products for "plug and test" sessions.

Plugfest is organized in conjunction with PLASA Technical Resources and supported by industry leading manufacturers, many of whom will be attending the meeting. Full details of the discussion plan will be released nearer the time.

Attendance is by registration only. All registrations must be made through the PLASA website at the URL below, where information updates can also be found.