RAMM

RAMM (Remote Access MediaMatrix) allows one or more remote PCs running a remote control program (RAMM, which is a stripped down version of the MediaMatrix graphical user interface), to control a MediaMatrix system over a TCP/IP network connection (i.e. across a local area network or the Internet). Each RAMM client can control one or more MediaMatrix systems.

RAMM can be used to setup the MediaMatrix system. This can be very helpful for purposes of system setup and tuning (especially in installations where the MediaMatrix system is physically housed in another location outside of the room being reinforced), for multiple control points in a single room, for remote operation and trouble-shooting of a system, and many other purposes.

RAMM supports many-to-many connections: a remote client may access multiple MediaMatrix systems (servers) by opening multiple view files, and any number of clients may access each MediaMatrix system.

Using RAMM

To use RAMM, the client computer must be connected to the MediaMatrix mainframe, either via a network, or via a dial-up or dedicated phone line. RAMM uses the TCP/IP protocol to connect the two machines.

Once a working connection is made between the two machines, the server must open and compile the view file for the desired system. Once the system is up and passing audio, then RAMM may be started on the other machine, provided that the server is set up to allow for remote operation. In order to set up the server for remote operation, from the main menu bar in MediaMatrix 3.0, left click on 'Tools', then select 'Options'. Left Click on the 'Remote Services' tab. This will open a dialog box. Typically, nothing will show in it, unless someone has already set up this MediaMatrix system to use RAMM, RATC, or PASHA, in which case that will show in the dialog box (preceded by a check mark and followed by an indication of how many (if any) client machines are connected and running using that service). If the dialog box is empty, left click on the 'Add RAMM...' button below the dialog box. Another window will open (RAMM Socket Setup), which should have a default value of 1633 displayed. This is also referred to as the 'Port'. Left click on the 'OK' button, and this will be copied to the dialog box. Left click on 'OK' again, and the server machine is now ready to hook up to a client running RAMM.

On the remote (client) machine, you should install the MediaMatrix Version 3.0 software, which will include RAMM. Once installed, left click on the 'Start' button, then mouse to 'Programs', 'MediaMatrix 3.0, RAMM. This will launch the RAMM program (which is different from MediaMatrix) on the client machine. RAMM will launch with a blank screen.

To use RAMM, you must first connect to the server. In order to do so, you must know the Host Name or IP address of the server machine. This can be determined by going to the server, and getting to the desktop (under Windows NT). Right click on 'Network Neighborhood', then select 'Properties'. Select the 'Identification' tab. This will show the name of the MediaMatrix machine. Copy this down EXACTLY, and use this name as the host name for the server on the client RAMM software.

In the 'Host Name' field, type in the Host Name of the MediaMatrix server. Clicking on the down arrow icon displays a list of server machines which were previously connected to. The default Port (socket location) of 1633 should be automatically entered in the 'Port' dialog box.

It is now necessary to enter the 'User Name' and 'Password' in their respective dialog boxes. You can TAB between the boxes after entering the information. This must be identical to those entered as user names and passwords stored on the server machine. If no user names or passwords are on the server machine, simply type in 'DefaultUser' (as one word, with no quotation marks) in the User Name field, leaving the password field blank, and left click on 'OK'.

The RAMM client will display clock icon and the words 'loading...please wait...' should appear on the status bar. This means that RAMM is downloading a copy of the display from the server machine. When RAMM is finished, the screen from the server should be displayed on the client machine.

You may now operate MediaMatrix, just like you do on the server, with the exception that you cannot save work done on the file (other than in presets and sub-presets), and can only work in Control Mode. You can however, save your work on the server machine, which will then save any work done through the client (RAMM) machine.