Linux agent — Operation
Service
The agent runs as the systemd service rds-agent, which starts the graphical session when the machine boots.
| Operation | Command |
|---|---|
| Status | systemctl status rds-agent |
| Live log | journalctl -u rds-agent -f |
| Restart | sudo systemctl restart rds-agent |
| Stop | sudo systemctl stop rds-agent |
| Start | sudo systemctl start rds-agent |
The screen's configuration is in /root/.config/rds-agent/config.json.
Integration with RDS
- The agent connects to RDS every minute: it receives the mode, home URL, whitelist, playlist and access code, and the panel's commands.
- From the panel you can switch the display on and off, set the brightness, dim it when idle, clear the cache, restart now or schedule a restart, and request screenshots.
- It sends its log, which you see in Device panel → Logs.
- It reports what it plays: see Analytics.
- It updates from RDS: see Updating the agent.
Modes
- Web Kiosk — loads the home URL full screen; browsing is limited to the whitelisted domains.
- Playlist — downloads the playlist's videos and images, checks each file (CRC) and plays them from disk, also without a connection.
- Offline — plays local and USB content; chosen in RDS or on the screen itself (Offline tab).
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | What to do |
|---|---|
| Black screen at start-up | systemctl status rds-agent. If the machine had the Python agent, check that kiosk-browser is disabled. |
| Does not connect to RDS | In the menu, Status → Test internet and Test RDS: they name the cause (network, DNS, Wi-Fi portal, clock, licence, token). |
| The test says RDS refuses the key | In the panel, Unlock token on that screen, then link it again. |
| A file does not play | Menu → Content → Delete downloaded content, so it downloads again. |
| Panel changes do not arrive | Wait for the next connection (1 minute at most) or press Sync now under Content. |
dpkg -i fails with a list of packages |
Install with sudo apt install ./rds-agent_….deb, which resolves the dependencies. |