Network System for Self-Powered Speakers
The RMS remote monitoring system is a real-time monitoring system which
connects Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker systems with an IBM-compatible
computer at the sound mix position or other location. RMS software delivers
extensive status and system performance data directly to the operator
from every installed speaker.
RMS displays include amplifier voltages, limiting activity, power output,
temperature, fan and driver status, warning alerts, and other key data
for up to 62 speakers at a display update rate of 2 to 5 times per second.
More data is available, and with greater convenience, than from conventional
monitor systems. The RMS monitoring program interface is quickly learned,
and runs in a Windows environment. Supervision of a sound system becomes
effortless.
Monitor Displays
Each speaker appears on the computer's color monitor as a "View",
in the form of a status Icon, Bar Graph Meter, or Text Meter (numerical
values) depending on user preference. Click here
for detailed diagrams of each View style. Each View contains speaker identification
information and data from the amplifier, controller, driver, and power
supply of that particular unit. System status conditions cause color changes
in Icon and Bar Graph indicators, alerting the operator to faults or excessive
levels.
The Views are moveable, and typically are arranged on the screen to
reflect the physical layout of the loudspeakers. A user can design a screen
"Panel" of Icons or Meters and save it on the computer's hard disk, conveniently
named for a unique arrangement or performer. If the speaker installation
pattern changes completely, a new screen Panel can be built. If a different
subset of already installed speakers is to be used at the next show, only
selected speakers need appear on the monitoring screen for that performance.
A Panel of Icons is a status monitoring tool to flag conditions possibly
warranting attention. A quick visual scan of the monitor screen is sufficient
to be fully informed of the operational behavior of large numbers of speakers.
Mouse-clicking on an Icon adds a Bar Graph View for that speaker. Clicking
on the Bar Graph adds a Text Meter. In this way during a performance the
operator may investigate unusual behavior in increasing detail, making
adjustments as necessary. Added Meters can then be closed, allowing return
to the normal monitoring Panel.
Control Functions
Speaker Mute and Solo commands for acoustic set-up or troubleshooting
are available on the Icon and Text Views. These functions are optional.
A jumper must be installed in the amplifier module of a speaker in order
for it to Mute or Solo. If desired, the jumper can be left out to eliminate
any conceivable operator muting error during a performance. These functions
can also be disabled by software commands. RMS does not control speaker
volume or AC power.
Identification Functions
Speakers are identified on the network by Node Names assigned during one-time
"Logical Installation" into the RMS database. This information is permanently
retained at each speaker Network Board and in the computer RMS Database
unless modified by the user. Speaker View titles are modified by the user
at any time. View titles and speaker field labels can be verified using
the Wink or Service Button commands (see diagram this page).
Network Hardware
RMS uses an established network platform developed by Echelon Corp., the
world's leading supplier of networking technology for monitoring and control.
The robust platform is not affected by loss of power at a speaker node,
does not require coaxial or fiber optic lines, is polarity insensitive,
and supports Free Topology (flexible wiring configuration). The RMS network
is a real-time data acquisition system (no data is lost). Each speaker
samples and holds all data until it is transmitted. Displays are updated
2 to 5 times a second depending on the View format selected.
A standard RMS network allows up to 62 nodes (self-powered loudspeaker
systems). The network length is defined as the sum of all the interconnecting
wire lengths. If using Free Topology, the maximum network length is 1,640
feet. The maximum line length can be increased by using heavier cable
and exclusively Bus Topology, or by employing network repeaters. Higher
capacity, longer networks are configured with additional hardware. Contact
the factory for further information.
Installation
Interconnection of the network computer and speakers is straightforward,
using twisted-pair cable and simple connectors. The network plugs in to
the connectors on the Network Board located at the rear of the computer,
and on the User Panel at the rear of each speaker.
Network Package
The RMS standard system package includes a computer and color monitor
with factory-installed network monitoring hardware and software. Customers
have the option of retrofitting a qualified existing desktop or laptop
model computer to access a network (for minimum specifications see Meyer
Sound document: "RMS Network Components List").
Summary of Functions:
Speaker System User Panel RMS Buttons and LEDs
The Network Board of each self-powered loudspeaker system is located
on the rear User Panel.
The functions of the three LED's and two buttons are summarized below.
| Service/Installation LED (red)
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1. Flashing every 2 secs:network hardware operational, speaker
not logically installed
2. LED off completely:speaker logically installed
3. LED on continuously:local network hardware error condition
|
| Service Button |
|
Transmits ID signal from speaker to monitor display to verify correlation
of the installed speaker field label with the user title on the
speaker View. Service Button symbol appears inside the associated
speaker View when the Service Button is pressed at the speaker.
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Controlled by the Wink Button on a display Icon or Meter View.
LED shines when ID signal sent from monitor to speaker to verify
correlation ofthe speaker View user title with the installed speaker
field label.
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Resets RMS Network Board. Equivalent to power-down, power-up.
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1. LED Off:speaker system has not been logically installed on the
network.
2. LED Flashing:speaker logically installed and in normal operation.
Flash rate is present data update rate (200 or 500 milliseconds,
depending on whether View presently open on monitoring panel for
this speaker is an Icon or a Meter).
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