Render Node Manager

17 votes
Version: 
0.75
Date Updated: 
02/02/2022
Author Name: 
Pixamoon

.
- NEW - monitor node status: on/off, CPU, Memory and DR status
- NEW - connect with nodes by - RNM Server
- much simpler to setup (RNM Server works without Remote Desktop)
.

 
Render Nodes Manager is a network tool. It allows to remotely start / restart / stop DR (VRaySpawner, Corona DrServer, Octane Daemon) on selected servers / nodes.

It helps to solve typical problem when user cancel distributed rendering and render nodes don't pick up for some time...

It can also monitor status of the nodes: on/off, CPU, Memory ussage and DR statuses (if they run or now)


New version
 works with RNM Server (small server program to run on each of nodes) or classic Remote Desktop

RNM Server method:

Render Node Manager connects to RNM Server by local network.
Very easy to setup - you need to set network exchange path only

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How to set it up with RNM Server:

1. Start RNM Server on nodes
2. set exchange network path in Settings tab (the same path need to be visible and set for all nodes and workstations in network)
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3. Start Render Node Manager at your workstation
4. set Exchange network path in Settings tab
5. add nodes IPs (connection with RNM server works only with IPs on the list)
6. check if paths to VRaySpawner, Corona or Octane are correct
7. select nodes and try to start Test: notepad.exe
8. it notepad works try with VRayspawner, Corona or Octane
9. All should be done

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Remote Desktop method: (not recomended in the newest RNM version)

It works similar to PSTools but it start VRaySpawner as desktop application with access to all Network Mapped Drives

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How to set it up with Remote Desktop:

1. First you need to setup Remote Desktop on nodes / render servers . There is nice tutorial how to do it on: https://4sysops.com/archives/how-to-setup-remote-desktop-with-windows-7/... (Remember to choose a user with password)
2. User allowed to remote desktop has to be logged on remote machine. The best will be if this is auto login user (program starts VraySpawner only on that specific user desktop/interface) If you have few users you need to setup one to be auto login. There is a nice article about it: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/377-log-automatically-startup.html
3. Test Remote Desktop button.

------- If  your Remote Desktop Connection works you can start bellow -------------

4. Add Incoming rules too Firewall (instruction images are in zip file)
5. Open Remote Node Manager and go to tab "Settings". Add your nodes to list (IPs or names).
6. Type username and password (the same as for Remote Desktop connection)
7. Now try Restart / Shutdown buttons AND start/refresh / stop "notepad.exe" (from Remote tab)
8. If those buttons work - choose your paths in Setings Tab. (default is VRaySpawner 3.0 for 3ds Max 2014)
9. All should be setup correctly now and ready to remotly start/restart/stop VRAY, Corona and Octane ( just make sure all paths are correct )

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Changelog:
v0.75
- changed CPU and RAM usage columns to be progress bars
- faster start of RNM Server
- fixed monitoring status of DR (distributed renderers)

v0.73
- fixed monitoring status of DR (distributed renderers)

v0.69
- added possibility to monitor nodes activity in real time: CPU load, RAM Usage, Temp, Status of Vray, Corona, Octane on each node.
- added option to enable VRaySpawner for jobs from specific senders only.
- main window has a list of render nodes and columns for Status, CPU, RAM, and DR (distributed renderers)
- list will auto adjust columns and Start/Stop buttons depending on DR settings
- new settings window with:
  - General tab,
  - DR Settings tab: to set VRay, Corona, Octane paths,
  - RNM Servers tab: to sent new settings to all RNM Servers,
  - Copy/Install tab: not ready yet,
  - License tab: to deactivate license to move to new machine or to upgrade with more nodes
- RNM Server checks and shows now CPU and Memory Status and DR (distributed renderers) status
- node monitoring option is possible with RNM Server method only
v0.55
- 2 connection methods - connects to nods by RNM Server or classic Remote Desktop
v0.50:
- fully customizable 6 tasks (custom names and paths)
- save settings: nods list, paths, etc
v0.40:
- Remote Desktop stop button - to stop remote desktop and return to normal screen
- VNC button and VNC path in settings (VNC is more useful for Octane users because Remote Desktop turns off CUDA drivers)
- Test: re-start / stop buttons  - default "notepad.exe"
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Requirements:
- RNM Server method works with all windows versions, require only network exchange / shared path

- Remote Resktop method require Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (doesn't work on Windows Home - this version of Windows does not support Remote Desktop). All nodes have to be ready to be connected by Remote Desktop with one username and password
-.NET Framework 3.5 or later

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Note:

-This is beta / demo version only.
-Demo version is limited up to 3 nodes on the list only.
-Demo version does not save settings.

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Full version:
https://www.pixamoon.com/product-page/render-node-manager

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Let me know what you think.

PIXAMOON

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
New Settings window:

 

Version Requirement: 
Windows 7,8,10 Professional or Ultimate
Other Software Required: 
.NET Framework 3.5 or later

Comments

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zaxis's picture

Re: Octane RNM 0.37

1,5- Hmm, that's really different line than I found. I though that batch file is located in windows startup folder.
The thing is - Batch file (C:\OctaneRender_2_13_win64\_run_installed_daemon.bat) starts a octane_slave with proper config only, but octane_slave has to be stopped by service name.
I'll need service/process name to stop (something like octane_slave.exe). Can you look for it in Task manager or in bat file?

Ok, you are right, I just put it on my start up folder to start it automatically.
I´m not sure what you mean but the octane service we need to stop is "octane_slave_daemon.exe *32" in task manager. That was you looking for?

4- Yes it works fine.

*Refresh/Play button - it works already how you described. Try to test it with VRaySpawner or Test->Calculator buttons. VRaySpawner will be still visible in windows system tray. But there is only one instance running. If you move a mouse over icons they will disappear. I have to find a way to refresh tray icons. Only Octane don't stop on "Refresh/Play" at the moment it will be fixed when I update octane_slave service name.

Understood. Now they´re working exactly as you say (vray and calc) ok.

hmm do you mean you can't start octane_slave with RND when you connect with Remote Desktop ?

That´s right! I think the issue should be something in windows settings because I used to connect with machines with the Teamviwer and after password changes appears the log screen conection with teamviwer as well. That´s make sense!?!

Thanks and regards

pixamoon's picture

Re: Octane RNM 0.37

Hey hey, thanks for quick answers !

1,5- Hmm, that's really different line than I found. I though that batch file is located in windows startup folder.
The thing is - Batch file (C:\OctaneRender_2_13_win64\_run_installed_daemon.bat) starts a octane_slave with proper config only, but octane_slave has to be stopped by service name.
I'll need service/process name to stop (something like octane_slave.exe). Can you look for it in Task manager or in bat file?

4- Just to make sure - IPs works now too, right?

*Refresh/Play button - it works already how you described. Try to test it with VRaySpawner or Test->Calculator buttons. VRaySpawner will be still visible in windows system tray. But there is only one instance running. If you move a mouse over icons they will disappear. I have to find a way to refresh tray icons. Only Octane don't stop on "Refresh/Play" at the moment it will be fixed when I update octane_slave service name.

Re: "And last but not least, the remote desktop button is working well but when you connect to the machine it goes to the log mode, avoiding the octane node starts."
hmm do you mean you can't start octane_slave with RND when you connect with Remote Desktop ?

I think gmail doesn't allowed to send bat/exe files. Let me find other way.

Thanks and best regards.

zaxis's picture

Re: Octane RNM 0.37

Hi buddy.
Thanks to exchange opinions and share experiences
Follow...

1- Can you send me the path you used ?
Sure,(C:\OctaneRender_2_13_win64\_run_installed_daemon.bat)

But you should know that the small button above (path) is freezing instead to find a new path. The others are ok (vrayspawner and Corona path button).

2- This is beta/testing version, if there will be good response (still waiting for more + :p) I'll try to find a time and do final version to buy. You will get free for help with testing :)

Thanks buddy, i apreciate it!

4- Thats very strange, I thought IPs will be faster and better than machines name. Are they standard 192.168._._ IPs ?

I have tried again and the IP numbers is working very well but in my case it`s not a standard one (10.0.0.101...)

5- Is this issue with Octane only, right ? Could you please send me the bat file:

ok I`ll send that by e-mail.

*Refhesh I think is a good ideia but, suppose that i have to render and that at some momment, max crashes. You have to start it again but vray continue works, but if you accidently play vray spawnner again, will have 2 vrayspawnners node working at the same time, making a mess and do not works fine! In this case you should make a button (play/stop) together, so when you play it, vrayspawnner starts services again and when you stop it, vrayspawnner can turn off the services.
This way can see which machines are processing, managing by RND display.
The same to the Octane, because is the same issue.
I´m not sure about but i think one node per machine is enough because the both cpu and gpu will be busy during processing. Why should I have more than one?
As I said I´m not sure. Let me know what you or the other guys think about that.

And last but not least, the remote desktop button is working well but when you connect to the machine it goes to the log mode, avoiding the octane node starts.

I have tried to deliver your message, but it was rejected by the recipient domain.
Do u have another e-mail?

That´s all at the moment.
Regards.

pixamoon's picture

Re: Octane RNM 0.37

:) Thanks for testing and great report !

1- Can you send me the path you used ?
2- This is beta/testing version only. I'll try to find a time and do final version soon. You can get free for help with testing :)
3- Yes RNM use Remote Desktop with username and password.
4- Thats very strange, I thought IPs will be faster and better than machines name. Are they standard 192.168._._ IPs ?
5- Is this issue with Octane only, right ? Could you please send me the bat file: run_octane_slave_daemon.bat from your startup path ? [email protected]
6- if Vray and test-> calculator works, than there will be only thing to fix octane path.
7- :) copy/install it is just idea to copy/install updates/scripts/plugins to all nodes at one click. It is turn off now, I have to test it more.

Thanks again for great testing!

ah and 5- one button. Actually Play button works already as Refresh. I'll change image in next version. (Play button does: stop process first, wait and start again).
But I think Stop button is still good idea to keep. It can turn off some of render engines. So one node doesn't render few tasks (from different users) at the same time. What do you think?

zaxis's picture

Re: Octane RND 0.37

Awesome. It works but with some issues:

1- The button (octane path) doesn´t works. I put my path manulally and ok.

2- All the settings are lost after restart RND (add or remove) machines as well.
As you mentioned, because this is a beta version, right?

3- You are right and I had to put a password on user windows and RND as well.

4- IP number didn´t work for me but the name machines eg: "Comp_2" worked very well.

5- (Stop) button doesn´t works and (play) button open many nodes instead of close it. (Octane and v-ray)
Personaly i believe that just one button would make more sense to do it.

6- I have just tested on Octane and v-ray at the moment.

7- I Couldn´t understand what the copy/install does. Can you explain please.

Congratulations! Great tool!

Marcus

pixamoon's picture

Re: Octane render

oki, lets try new one - v0.37 should be ready to restart Octane and Corona.
Let me know if this work for you.

pixamoon's picture

Re: Octane render

ha :) I'm just working on it. And found nice doc at http://render.otoy.com/manuals/Standalone_2_0/?page_id=1269

It is the same path you just post it.
I'll upload new version in few minutes.
Thank you !

zaxis's picture

Re: Octane render

I don´t know if this will help you but that´s it!
Regards.
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@echo off

set BATCH_FILE="%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\run_octane_slave_daemon.bat"

if not exist %BATCH_FILE% (
echo Daemon startup script does not exist. Please install the daemon first.
pause
exit /B 1
)

%BATCH_FILE%

pixamoon's picture

Re: problem or not?

There could be few issues.
Lets check those first:

1. Remote desktop user have to have password.
2. User allowed to remote desktop has to be logged on remote machine. The best will be if this is auto login user (program starts VraySpawner only on that specific user desktop/interface) If you have few users you need to setup one to be auto login. There is a nice article about it: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/377-log-automatically-startup.html
3. Try to start notepad on remote machine and use RNM to stop it. Let me know if this works.

4. Let me know if you have standard home/workgroup network or with domain ?

ivailora4kov's picture

problem or not?

This is a great tool for people like me. I have 15 slave machines. Unfortunately the program doesn't work here for some reasons. Only the button - "remote desktop" works fine.
I have set all "Required Firewall Inbound Rules" as they are in the jpg files...
All computers are with WIN 7 64 bit pro...
What could be the reason not to work?

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