====== Game Master Panel ======

The Game Master (GM) panel is the operator interface used to monitor and control an active escape room session. In Wonder Controlz, the GM panel is built using **Node-RED Dashboard** — a UI framework that runs directly inside Node-RED on the [[glossary#main_pc|Main PC]].

===== How It Works =====

Node-RED Dashboard provides a set of visual widgets (buttons, switches, sliders, indicators, text fields, gauges, etc.) that can be arranged into a custom interface. The GM panel is accessed through a web browser on any device connected to the local network — a tablet, laptop, or dedicated monitor at the GM station.

Because the panel is built within Node-RED, it has **direct access to the entire game logic and all connected devices**. There is no separate "control software" or additional layer between the GM and the room — the panel is part of the same flow that runs the game.

===== What the GM Panel Typically Includes =====

Every room is different, so the GM panel is tailored to each installation. Common elements include:

==== Game Control ====

  * **Start / Reset** buttons — begin a new session or reset the room to its initial state
  * **Timer display** — countdown for the current session
  * **Pause / Resume** — freeze the game timer and all automated sequences
  * **Skip puzzle** — manually advance the game past a stuck puzzle

==== Room Monitoring ====

  * **Puzzle status indicators** — which puzzles are solved, in progress, or locked
  * **Sensor states** — real-time view of all digital inputs (doors, buttons, triggers)
  * **Device status** — which I/O modules are online, any communication errors

==== Hints & Communication ====

  * **Hint buttons** — send pre-defined hints to in-room displays or audio
  * **Custom text input** — type a message to players via [[products:er-chat|er-chat]]
  * **Audio triggers** — play specific sound effects or announcements

==== Manual Overrides ====

  * **Lock / unlock controls** — manually open or close electromagnetic locks
  * **Light controls** — adjust lighting scenes or trigger effects
  * **Media controls** — play, stop, or switch video/audio content

===== Fully Customizable =====

Since the GM panel is built with Node-RED Dashboard nodes, it can be customized without limits:

  * **Layout** — arrange widgets in tabs, groups, and columns to match the GM's workflow
  * **Branding** — custom colors, logos, and styling to match the venue
  * **Complexity** — from a simple start/reset panel to a comprehensive multi-tab control center
  * **Multi-room** — a single Node-RED instance can host panels for multiple rooms, each on its own tab
  * **Responsive** — works on tablets, phones, and desktop browsers

Room builders and operators can modify the panel at any time by editing the Node-RED flow — no external tools, no recompilation, no deployment process.

===== Integration with Zero Field Logic =====

The GM panel benefits directly from the [[architecture#zero_field_logic|Zero Field Logic]] architecture:

  * The panel sees **everything** — every sensor, every output, every device state, in real time
  * Manual overrides work instantly because the panel operates at the same level as the game logic
  * Changes to the panel (adding a button, rearranging a layout) take effect immediately
  * The same flow that controls the game also drives the GM interface — no synchronization issues