TPi_Magazine__February_2018

OUT BOARD RCX SMART REMOTE
Below: Dave Haydon, Out Board’s Director.
and sounding a bleeper. We are currently canvassing opinion on having
a selectable mode to make it automatically stop the lifts until the error
condition has been identified and eliminated. Load Cell status monitoring
is currently implemented for Mantracourt Broadweigh load cells, through
work with our UK Dealer AC Entertainment, but it can be made to work with
any load cell system.
It seems like the linking element of the RCX SMART Remote was a
paramount feature. Can you explain why this is so important?
We had received growing numbers of requests for handsets capable of
increasingly larger channel counts: 32, 48 and 50+ channels. The compact
size of our controllers with 6, 8 or 12 channels in just 3U rackmount
packages is very popular for inventory and deployment versatility, so it
made sense to stick with that and just link them together. You regularly
see 24 and 32-channel LV & DV racks, so a CAT5 link within the rack and
also between racks works really well. We chose to avoid Ethernet in favour
of a more robust serial protocol, and we designed the RCX interfaces to
automatically figure out the channel layout on the RCX SMART Remote in
the order they are plugged up in the rack – avoiding having to prod numeric
displays or DIL switches to address the controllers. We also made them
hot-pluggable, because it would be inconvenient to have to power down to
change a hook-up or add a further controller.
How do you make sure you are developing a product that really answers
the market’s needs?
The RCX SMART Remote System was developed to address the changing
demands placed on our conventional handset systems mentioned earlier.
We have good longstanding relationships with major rigging companies and
master riggers, and their constant feedback has been invaluable towards
evolving the basic concepts and spec details of the RCX SMART Remote
System.
Before the product was released commercially, we tested and retested
prototypes on shows and tours which and this process was invaluable in
drive subtle functional amendments via tweaks to the software. This is a
product specifically developed in the market, for the market.
What has been the initial feedback to the device?
Rigging companies and riggers have reacted very favourably to the
convenience and utility of the RCX handsets. We faced a slight challenge
with switch cap LED diffusers getting washed out in bright daylight
outdoors; it’s a custom component so we were able to re-specify and
re-tool it with virtually transparent lenses – you can now see the LEDs in
direct sunlight even with your RayBans on. These new switch caps can be
retrofitted to all existing RCX units if customers wish. We may also add a
software bright/ mode election mode in due course so riggers can tailor the
LED brightness to their particular environment.
Will there be any features added soon?
Further Load Cell status monitoring will be added for brands other than
Broadweigh as demand arises. We are now also working on a wireless
interface link between RCX and the LV/DV controller racks. We’re using
proven serial data RF technology from the industrial control sector, avoiding
the busy and variable wifi fog that many other disciplines share. We’re
adding our own battery management and failsafe mechanisms for optimum
reliability and safety, and RCX will retain the digital E-Stop. There will always
be users who prefer to stay wired to benefit from our dual-circuit hybrid
digital and DC E-Stop system, but our TV and film customers, for example,
are very interested in wireless so they don’t have to drag handset cables
round large studio sets when asked to make quick changes by the lighting
director.
TPi
www.outboard.co.uk
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