How do I implement RDM or RDMnet in my product?
In order to RDM-enable your product, you’ll need to review and understand the RDM standards. The standards are available for free from the ESTA TSP website.
Then visit our developer resources page for access to presentations, documents and code to help you get started!
As you develop you’re likely to have questions – that’s OK! Visit our forums to exchange ideas and information with many experienced engineers from the lighting industry.
How is RDM Compliance tested?
Although there is no certification program provided by ESTA or the TSP, there are some test tools available which help ensure compliance. Take a look at RDM Integrity from Goddard Design, or the OLA RDM Responder Test Suite.
How is the RDM Standard Developed?
The RDM task group is a group formed from members of the ESTA Control Protocols Working Group (CPWG). ESTA hosts various working groups to define and manage the standards across the entertainment industry. The CPWG meets four times a year, with meetings scheduled to coincide with trade shows and Plugfest events organised to ensure interoperability testing is available to all members. For more information about the ESTA Technical Standards Program (TSP), visit ESTA.
Plugfests
The RDM Plugfests are a great way for RDM developers to validate their implementations interoperability with other manufacturers. These free events happen twice a year. Occuring over three days, the informal sessions enable engineers to try their products RDM capabilities and gain peer support from other RDM engineers. Plugfest is open to all, but, with its growing popularity, registration is advised in order to make space accommodations.
During the plugfest, developers are welcome to bring prototype products, work on source code and generally test the operation of their products with other RDM devices. Many test tools are provided including PC applications, hand held devices and large numbers of RDM responders to check binary tree responses.