CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4: RMS REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM

RMS is a real-time monitoring system that connects Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers with a Windows-based PC at the sound mix position or other location. Optional RMS software delivers extensive status and system performance data from every installed loudspeaker. M’elodie is RMS-ready and fitted standard with an RMS communication board installed in its user panel.

RMS allows the monitoring of amplifier voltages, limiting activity, power output, temperature, driver status, warning alerts, and other key data for up to 62 loudspeakers without a network repeater. Data is updated two to five times per second.

NOTE: Optional loudspeaker Mute and Solo functions are helpful for acoustic setup or

troubleshooting. A jumper is installed in the RMS communication board inside the M’elodie ampli- fier to enable Mute and/or Solo functionality. To use these features, the software needs to be enabled.

NOTE: The RMS software allows you to disable Mute and Solo functions to eliminate

any chance of an operator error (a muting error, for example). However, these functions can be disabled permanently by removing the jumper in the RMS communication board.

NOTE: RMS does not control AC power.

Loudspeakers are identified on the network by Node Names assigned during a one-time “commission” into the RMS database that resides on your computer (as a part of the software), as shown in Figure 4.1. This information is permanently retained on each RMS communication board and in the computer RMS database until you modify it. Loudspeaker View labels can be modified at any time, allowing you to customize how you view the data.

Figure 4.1. Commissioning a M’elodie loudspeaker using RMS.

Back and forth communication between the RMS software and the M’elodie makes identifying and matching loudspeakers and icons easy. Pressing the “service” button on the M’elodie loudspeaker’s RMS module will help quickly identify the M’elodie in the RMS software window; an icon corresponding to its Node Name will appear on screen. In addi- tion, clicking on the icon’s Wink command will turn on the LED labeled “Wink” on the M’elodie’s RMS module. This way any M’elodie can be easily identified from the RMS software.

Figure 4.2. M’elodie RMS icon

UNDERSTANDING THE RMS MODULE

M’elodie’s user panel contains an RMS communications module, as shown in Figure 4.3.

Network

Service

 

Activity

 

Wink

Reset

 

 

Remote Monitor System

Figure 4.3. The RMS communications module

The RMS module has three LEDs and two buttons. Their functions are described on the following page.

NOTE: The LEDs and buttons on RMS communication board shown in Figure 4.3 are used exclusively by RMS, and have no effect on the acoustical and/or electrical activity of the M’elodie loudspeaker itself — unless Mute or Solo is enabled at the board and from the RMS software.

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