Show Tec 50405 User manual

RDM Commander V1
Highlite International B.V. –Vestastraat 2 –6468 EX –Kerkrade –the Netherlands
Ordercode: 50405
MANUAL
ENGLISH

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RDM Commander
Table of contents
Warning ...............................................................................................................................................................................3
Unpacking Instructions.................................................................................................................................................3
Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................................................................3
Operating Determinations ..........................................................................................................................................4
Return Procedure..........................................................................................................................................................4
Claims..............................................................................................................................................................................4
Description of the device.................................................................................................................................................5
Frontside..........................................................................................................................................................................5
Backside .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Installation...........................................................................................................................................................................7
Set Up and Operation .......................................................................................................................................................7
Battery Charging...........................................................................................................................................................7
Main Menu Options......................................................................................................................................................7
Control Modes....................................................................................................................................................................8
1. DMX Packet Test .......................................................................................................................................................8
1.1. Data Format ........................................................................................................................................................8
1.2. Data Timing..........................................................................................................................................................9
1.3. Data Level (Volt).................................................................................................................................................9
2. DMX Data--RX..........................................................................................................................................................10
2.1. Barchart Display................................................................................................................................................10
2.2. Value Display.....................................................................................................................................................11
2.3. Min / Max Display .............................................................................................................................................11
3. DMX Data--TX ..........................................................................................................................................................12
3.1. Modify Channel ................................................................................................................................................12
3.2. Single Channel..................................................................................................................................................13
3.3. Color Mode .......................................................................................................................................................14
3.4. Chase Mode .....................................................................................................................................................15
4. RDM Tester................................................................................................................................................................16
5. DMX1000K--RX .........................................................................................................................................................17
6. DMX1000K--TX ..........................................................................................................................................................17
7. Moving Light ............................................................................................................................................................18
7.1. Library Setting....................................................................................................................................................18
7.2. Play Mode..........................................................................................................................................................18
8. Cues Save/Run........................................................................................................................................................19
8.1. Save Cue ...........................................................................................................................................................19
8.2. Run Cue..............................................................................................................................................................19
9. Cable Test ................................................................................................................................................................20
10. MIDI Data--RX ........................................................................................................................................................20
11. System Setup .........................................................................................................................................................21
11.1. DMX & RDM Settings ......................................................................................................................................21
11.2. Display Setting.................................................................................................................................................21
Function buttons ..............................................................................................................................................................22
Back-up/Update Mode .............................................................................................................................................22
MODE button ...............................................................................................................................................................23
LABEL button ................................................................................................................................................................23
RESET button.................................................................................................................................................................23
COPY button................................................................................................................................................................24
BACKUP button............................................................................................................................................................24
CAL button ...................................................................................................................................................................24
INFOR button ...............................................................................................................................................................25
UPDATE button.............................................................................................................................................................25
F1/F2 Buttons ................................................................................................................................................................25

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Maintenance....................................................................................................................................................................26
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................................................................26
No Response to DMX/RDM .......................................................................................................................................26
Product Specifications....................................................................................................................................................26
Notes ..................................................................................................................................................................................29

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Warning
Unpacking Instructions
Immediately upon receiving this product, carefully unpack the carton and check the contents to ensure
that all parts are present, and have been received in good condition. Notify the dealer immediately and
retain packing material for inspection if any parts appear damaged from shipping or the carton itself
shows signs of mishandling. Save the carton and all packing materials. In the event that a fixture must be
returned to the factory, it is important that the fixture be returned in the original factory box and packing.
Your shipment includes:
Showtec RDM Commander
1 x flight case
9V DC, 500mA power adapter + plug adapters
User manual
Safety Instructions
Every person involved with the installation, operation and maintenance of this device has to:
be qualified
follow the instructions of this manual
Before the initial start-up, please make sure that there is no damage caused by transportation.
Should there be any, consult your dealer and do not use the device.
To maintain perfect condition and to ensure a safe operation, it is absolutely necessary for the user to
follow the safety instructions and warning notes contained in this manual.
Please consider that damages caused by manual modifications to the device are not subject to
warranty.
This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified technicians only.
IMPORTANT:
The manufacturer will not accept liability for any resulting damages caused by the non-observance of
this manual or any unauthorized modification to the device.
Never remove warning or informative labels from the unit.
Do not open the device and do not modify the device.
Do not disconnect and reconnect the device in short intervals, as this would reduce the device’s life.
Only use the device indoors, avoid contact with water or other liquids.
Avoid flames and do not put close to flammable liquids or gases.
Always remove the batteries, when the device is not used or before cleaning!
Make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust.

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If the device is dropped or struck, have a qualified engineer inspect for safety before operating.
If the device has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not
switch it on immediately. The arising condensation water might damage your device. Leave the
device switched off until it has reached room temperature.
If your Showtec device fails to work properly, discontinue use immediately. Pack the unit securely
(preferably in the original packing material), and return it to your Showtec dealer for service.
Repairs, servicing and electric connection must be carried out by a qualified technician.
WARRANTY: Till one year after date of purchase.
Operating Determinations
•This device is not designed for permanent operation. Consistent operation breaks will ensure that the
device will serve you for a long time without defects.
•The maximum ambient temperature ta= 35°C must never be exceeded.
•The relative humidity must not exceed 50 % with an ambient temperature of 35° C.
•If this device is operated in any other way than the one described in this manual, the product may
suffer damages and the warranty becomes void.
You endanger your own safety and the safety of others!
Return Procedure
Returned merchandise must be sent prepaid and in the original packing, call tags will not be issued.
Package must be clearly labeled with a Return Authorization Number (RMA number). Products returned
without an RMA number will be refused. Highlite will not accept the returned goods or any responsibility.
Call Highlite 0031-455667723 or mail [e-mail] and request an RMA prior to shipping the fixture.
Be prepared to provide the model number, serial number and a brief description of the cause for the
return. Be sure to properly pack fixture, any shipping damage resulting from inadequate packaging is the
customer’s responsibility. Highlite reserves the right to use its own discretion to repair or replace
product(s). As a suggestion, proper UPS packing or double-boxing is always a safe method to use.
Note: If you are given an RMA number, please include the following information on a piece of paper
inside the box:
01) Your name
02) Your address
03) Your phone number
04) A brief description of the symptoms
Claims
The client has the obligation to check the delivered goods immediately upon delivery for any short-
comings and/or visible defects, or perform this check after our announcement that the goods are at their
disposal. Damage incurred in shipping is the responsibility of the shipper; therefore the damage must be
reported to the carrier upon receipt of merchandise.
It is the customer's responsibility to report and submit claims with the shipper in the event that a fixture is
damaged due to shipping. Transportation damage has to be reported to us within one day after receipt
of the delivery.
Any return shipment has to be made post-paid at all times. Return shipments must be accompanied with
a letter defining the reason for return shipment. Non-prepaid return shipments will be refused, unless
agreed otherwise in writing.
Complaints against us must be prepared in writing or sent by fax within 10 working days after receipt of
the invoice. After this period complaints will not be handled anymore.
Complaints will only then be considered if the client has so far complied with all parts of the agreement,
regardless of the agreement from which the obligation is resulting.

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Description of the device
Features
The Showtec RDM Commander is an RDM tester. It allows to test all the parameters and is fully
compatible with DMX-512 and DMX-1000K protocols.
Power supply: 9V DC, 500mA power adapter
Power consumption: 5W
Control protocols: DMX-512, DMX-1000K, RDM
Onboard: 4 x 20-character LCD display
Connections: 3-pin/5-pin XLR IN&OUT
Housing: PVC
Dimensions: 135 x 73 x 208 mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 0,6 kg
Flight case
Dimensions: 265 x 255 x 90 mm (LxWxH)
Weight: 1,1 kg
Frontside
Fig. 01
01) LCD display
02) Jog wheel
03) Function buttons

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Backside
Fig. 02
04) LED power indicator
05) 9V DC power adapter IN
06) 5-pin DMX/RDM signal connector IN
07) 3-pin DMX/RDM signal connector IN
08) 5-pin DMX/RDM signal connector OUT
09) 3-pin DMX/RDM signal connector OUT
10) Power switch ON/OFF
11) Micro SD slot

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Installation
Remove all packing materials from the RDM Commander. Check if all foam and plastic padding is
removed. Connect all cables.
Always remove the batteries before cleaning and/or servicing or if the device is not used for a longer
period of time. Damages caused by non-observance are not subject to warranty.
Set Up and Operation
Before plugging the unit in, always make sure that the power supply matches the product specification
voltage. Do not attempt to operate a 120V specification product on 230V power, or vice versa.
Battery Charging
01) Connect the included power adapter to the power adapter input on the RDM Commander (05)
and plug the other end of the cable to the appropriate mains power supply.
02) It will now take about 3-5 hours to recharge the battery. Then, it is possible to use the RDM
Commander wireless. The batteries will last up to 6-8 hours.
03) Unplug the device and move the power switch (10) to ON position.
04) The device is now ready for use.
Main Menu Options
01) Turn the jog wheel to select one the following menu options:
02) Once you have chosen your desired menu, press the jog wheel to open.
03) If you want to edit the parameters, turn the jog wheel.
04) If you want to return to the previous screen, turn the jog wheel to select the return symbol ≤and press
the jog wheel.
05) The display will now show the previous menu screen.
06) You can repeat steps 1-3 to navigate through all the existing menus.

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Control Modes
1. DMX Packet Test
With this menu, you can monitor the data format, time and voltage level of the signal received from the
connected DMX device.
01) Select DMX Packet Test and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
03) If you now select one of the 3 submenus (Data Format, Data Timing or Data Level) and try to open
them, while there is no signal input, the display will show:
04) Select the question tag and open help menu. The display will show:
05) However, if there is signal input, the menus will be fully accessible.
1.1. Data Format
01) Select Data Format and open the menu.
02) Now it is possible to view information about the total amount of channels of the connected DMX
fixture, as well as the information about Break status, when receiving signal.
03) If you select the question tag and open help menu, the display will show:
04) Now, you can return to the previous menu.

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1.2. Data Timing
01) Select Data Timing and open the menu.
02) Now it is possible to view all the parameters of the received DMX signals (Break, Mask B$S, start code,
channel time and period time).
03) If you select Chan. time and open the menu, the display will show Period Time information.
04) Now, you can return to the previous menu.
1.3. Data Level (Volt)
01) Select Data Level (Volt) and open the menu.
02) Now it is possible to view information about the signal voltage:
03) If you select the question tag and open help menu, the display will show:
04) Now, you can return to the previous menu.

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2. DMX Data--RX
With this menu, you can monitor the value of input signal, depending on the chosen display mode (see
page 21).
01) Select DMX Data--RX and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
03) In Normal display mode, the channel values on the display will change accordingly to the changes
made with another DMX controller.
04) In Hold display mode, the channel values on the display will not change, regardless of the changes
made with another DMX controller.
2.1. Barchart Display
01) Select Barchart display and open the menu.
02) If there is no signal input, the display will show:
03) Each line indicates 10 channels, in total. Turn the jog wheel to select >and press the jog wheel to
proceed.
04) If there is signal input, the display will show the values of the received signals in the form of a bar
chart:
05) If you select the question tag and open help menu, the display will show the information about
different fader values:

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2.2. Value Display
01) Select Value display and open the menu.
02) Now you can view the signal input values in 3 formats: decimal, hexadecimal and percents.
03) If there is no signal input, the display will show:
04) If there is signal input, the display will show the channel values in the form of a diagram:
05) The channels are set by default to 000, while the starting channel is always set to 001.
06) If you want to change the starting channel, select the >in the right upper corner of the display and
press the jog wheel.
07) Now, turn the jog wheel to set the new value. The adjustment range is between 001-512.
08) Press the jog wheel again, to save changes.
09) If you want to toggle between the 3 display formats (decimal, hexadecimal and percents), select
the >in the left lower corner of the display and press the jog wheel.
10) Now turn the jog wheel to choose the desired display format.
11) Press the jog wheel again, to save changes.
2.3. Min / Max Display
01) Select Min/Max display and open the menu.
02) Now you can view all the values in a simple manner. The display will show:
Minimum adjustment value of the current channel
Actual channel value
Maximum adjustment value of the current channel
03) If there is no signal input, the display will show:
04) In order to browse through the values of each channel, turn the jog wheel to select >in the third text
line on the display and press the jog wheel to open.
05) Turn the jog wheel to the left or right to set the desired value.
06) Select the >in the fourth text line and press the jog wheel to reset the current value.

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3. DMX Data--TX
With this menu you can set the operation priority for the device. You can disable the incoming DMX
signal, so that it does not have any influence upon the current device’s status.
01) Select DMX Data--TX and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
3.1. Modify Channel
01) Select Modify Channel and open the menu. The display will show:
02) This menu displays the values of all 512 channels. It can also be used for temporary adjustment of the
chosen channels, while the actual channel values remain unchanged.
03) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Chan: Set the desired channel.
Data: Set the output level for the desired channel.
CLR: Discard the previously made adjustments.
Cue and Save Cue: Save the current output value as a cue. A maximum of 99 cues can be
saved.
04) Select Chan: 001 and press the jog wheel.
05) Turn the jog wheel to choose the channel which you want to edit. The adjustment range is between
001-512. Press the jog wheel to confirm your choice.
06) Select Data and press the jog wheel to proceed.
07) Now turn the jog wheel to set the output value. The adjustment range is between 0-100%. Press the
jog wheel to save changes.
08) Turn the jog wheel clockwise to proceed to the second menu screen.
09) Select >in the left upper corner of the display and press the jog wheel.
10) Turn the jog wheel to select the desired channel range. The adjustment range is between 001-512.
11) Press the jog wheel to confirm your choice.
12) Turn the jog wheel clockwise to select the desired channel:

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13) Press the jog wheel to proceed to edition.
14) Turn the jog wheel to set the output for the chosen channel. The adjustment range is between 00-FF
(full output).
15) Press the jog wheel to save changes.
16) Select Cue and press the jog wheel to proceed to edition.
17) Turn the jog wheel to set the cue number. The adjustment range is between 01-99. Once you have
chosen the desired cue number, press the jog wheel to confirm your settings.
18) Select Save Cue and press the jog wheel.
19) Your cue has just been saved.
3.2. Single Channel
01) Select Single Channel and open the menu. The display will show:
02) This menu displays the values of only one channel at a time.
03) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Auto Speed: Set the desired speed, from 1-10. It works properly only if Mode is set to Auto
ON/OFF.
Chan: Set the desired channel.
Mode: Set the desired output mode.
Data: Set the output level for the desired channel.
Cue and Save Cue: Save the current output value as a cue. A maximum of 99 cues can be
saved.
04) Select Chan: 001 and press the jog wheel.
05) Turn the jog wheel to choose the channel which you want to edit. The adjustment range is between
001-512 and 01-512 (all channels at once). Press the jog wheel to confirm your choice.
06) Select Mode and press the jog wheel to proceed.
07) Turn the jog wheel to select one of the 4 modes:
Fader Only: You can change the output value by turning the jog wheel, between 0-255.
Auto ON/OFF: The output value will change automatically while adjusting speed.
Ramping: The output value will change gradually from 0-255, along with the speed. Then the
process will repeat.
Stop: The output value cannot be changed.
08) Press the jog wheel to choose your desired mode.
09) Select Data and press the jog wheel to proceed.
10) Turn the jog wheel to set the output value. The adjustment range is between 0-100%. Press the jog
wheel to save changes.
11) Turn the jog wheel clockwise to proceed to the second menu screen.
12) Select Cue and press the jog wheel to proceed to edition.
13) Turn the jog wheel to set the cue number. The adjustment range is between 01-99. Once you have
chosen the desired cue number, press the jog wheel to confirm your settings.
14) Select Save Cue and press the jog wheel.
15) Your cue has just been saved.

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3.3. Color Mode
01) Select Color Mode and open the menu. The display will show:
02) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Pixel: You can select either an 8-bit or 16-bit light effect (each consists of 9 colors). If you have
selected a 16-bit light effect, you can set the order of the Coarse and Fine channels (see page
21).
Start Chan: Set the starting address of the first light effect, from 001-512.
Master Level: Set the maximum value of the DMX output, from 0-255.
Auto Speed: Set the data speed, from 1-10.
Fade Time: Set the data fade time ratio, from 0-100.
Cue and Save Cue: Save the current output value as a cue. A maximum of 99 cues can be
saved.
03) Select the desired option and press the jog wheel to proceed.
04) Turn the jog wheel to adjust the desired option and press the jog wheel to save changes.
05) Set the Auto Speed to 0. The display will show:
06) Now, you can modify the speed manually.
07) Select Go and press the jog wheel. The data will change with every single press of Go.
08) Select Cue and press the jog wheel to proceed to edition.
09) Turn the jog wheel to set the cue number. The adjustment range is between 01-99. Once you have
chosen the desired cue number, press the jog wheel to confirm your settings.
10) Select Save Cue and press the jog wheel.
11) Your cue has just been saved.
This menu works only if there is no DMX input.

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3.4. Chase Mode
01) Select Chase Mode and open the menu. The display will show:
02) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Pixel: You can select either an 8-bit or 16-bit light effect (each consists of 9 colors). If you have
selected a 16-bit light effect, you can set the order of the Coarse and Fine channels (see page
21).
Total Pixel: Set the range, between 001-512.
Pixel/Group: Set the number of light effects, within the range set in Total Pixel.
Jump Pixel: Set the number of light effects, which switch within the range set in Pixel/Group.
Test Color: Set the light effect functions, which you want to test.
Start Chan: Set the starting address of the first light effect, from 001-512.
Master Level: Set the maximum value of the DMX output, from 0-255.
Auto Speed: Set the data speed, from 1-10.
Fade Time: Set the data fade time ratio, from 0-100.
Cue and Save Cue: Save the current output value as a cue. A maximum of 99 cues can be
saved.
03) Select the desired option and press the jog wheel to proceed.
04) Turn the jog wheel to adjust the desired option and press the jog wheel to save changes.
05) Set the Auto Speed to 0. The display will show:
06) Now, you can modify the speed manually.
07) Select Go and press the jog wheel. Each press of Go will cause the cues to switch.
08) Select Cue and press the jog wheel to proceed to edition.
09) Turn the jog wheel to set the cue number. The adjustment range is between 01-99. Once you have
chosen the desired cue number, press the jog wheel to confirm your settings.
10) Select Save Cue and press the jog wheel.
11) Your cue has just been saved.
This menu works only if there is no DMX input.

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4. RDM Tester
With this menu you can test RDM functionality of the connected devices.
01) Select RDM Tester and open the menu.
02) If there is no RDM signal input, the display will show:
03) If there is RDM signal input, the display will show:
04) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Total device: The total number of the connected RDM devices.
Device: The currently active device.
Device_Inform: The properties of the device.
Get: Get/Set a command.
05) Select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
06) Select Get and press the jog wheel to open the menu. The display will show:
07) Now you have 2 options to choose from:
UID: View the device’s ID.
Device_Info: View details of all of the device’s parameters (45 in total).
08) Select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
09) Select Command: Get and press the jog wheel.
10) Turn the jog wheel to select Command: Set. The display will show:

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11) Now you have 2 options to choose from:
UID: Select the device which you want to set a command for.
DMX_START ADDRESS: Set the value for each parameter (28 in total).
12) Select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
Notes:
01) In Command: Get, if you have chosen UID, the number of IDs is limited to 45.
02) In Command: Set, if you have chosen UID, the number of IDs is limited to 28.
03) You can carry out GET “DMX_PERSONALITY_DESCRIPTION,” GET “SENSOR_DEFINITION” and GET
“SENSOR_VALUE” only if perform GET “STATUS_MESSAGES” first.
04) You can GET or SET the relevant parameter ID only if you perform GET “PARAMETER_DESCRIPTION”
first.
05) You can carry out GET “STATUS-ID_MESSAGES” only if you perform GET “”STATUS_MESSAGES” first.
5. DMX1000K--RX
01) Select DMX1000K--RX and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
03) This mode can be used in the way similar to DMX Data--RX mode. See page 10.
6. DMX1000K--TX
01) Select DMX1000K--TX and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
03) This mode can be used in the way similar to DMX Data--TX mode. See page 12.

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7. Moving Light
With this menu you can set the function of each fixture’s channel.
01) Select Moving Light and open the menu.
02) The display will show:
03) Select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
7.1. Library Setting
01) If you have opened Library Setting, the display will show:
02) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Fixture No.: Select the light effect which you want to edit (32 in total).
Fix Name: Set the name of the light effect (8 characters).
Attr01: Select the reference numbers for the fixture’s functions (36 in total).
Pan: Select the name of the reference number (45 in total).
Precision: Select the light effect’s resolution: 8-bit/16-bit.
03) Turn the jog wheel to select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
04) If you have set Precision to 16-bit, you can control the light effect by means of High Chan. and Low
Chan.
05) If you have set Precision to 8-bit, you can control the light effect only by means of High Chan.
06) Select Confirm and press the jog wheel to save your changes.
7.2. Play Mode
01) If you have opened Play Mode, the display will show:
02) With this menu you can test the connected light effects, using the preset parameters.
03) You have the following options to choose from:
Fixture.: Set the name of the light effect.
Start Address: Set the right starting address.
Attribute: Set the light effect’s function (Pan, Tilt, Color, Gobo etc.)
DMX Level: Set the DMX value for the chosen light effect’s function channel.

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8. Cues Save/Run
With this menu, you can save and run cues. If there is DMX signal input, the device will save it as a cue. If
there is no DMX signal input, the previously saved cues will be overwritten with a new one. You can save
up to 99 cues.
8.1. Save Cue
01) Select Cues Save/Run and open the menu. The display will show:
02) Select Save Cue(Scene) and press the jog wheel to save a cue. The display will show :
03) Select As Cue No.: and press the jog wheel. Then turn the jog wheel to assign the cue number which
you are about to save.
04) Select Save and press the jog wheel to confirm.
8.2. Run Cue
01) Select Run Cue(Scene) and open the menu. The display will show:
02) Now you have the following options to choose from:
Start: and End: Set the desired cue, between 1-99.
Run speed: Set the cue running speed, between 1-10.
Fade Time: Set the fade time between cues, between 0-100%.
03) Select the desired menu and press the jog wheel to open.
04) If you set Run speed to 0, you can set the speed manually. The display will show:
05) Select Go and press the jog wheel. Each press of Go will cause the cues to switch.