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A DMX & RDM stage testing tool for lighting users
A small hardware interface device and a suite of mobile applications bring DMX/RDM control plus several other functionalities to the user’s smartphone for use wherever and whenever they are needed. Developed with input from designers and technicians, the DMX cat will be an indispensable tool for lighting users. The DMX cat operates with both Android and iPhones.
City Theatrical's DMX cat system is designed for use by the lighting professional who is involved with the planning, installation, operation, or maintenance of theatrical lighting and studio lighting equipment. The DMXCat™ system consists of a small hardware interface device and a suite of mobile applications.
DMX cat hardware
The DMXcat's interface device is a compact battery powered unit which fits easily in a pocket or tool pouch or may be worn on a belt.
It uses Bluetooth LE technology for communication with the smartphone/applications (up to 35’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with his/her smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication.
The device’s 5 pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to allow testing and or control of the various DMX/RDM channel functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger.
Other features of the DMX cat include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm (for locating a misplaced unit), an LED Status indicator, and a removable belt clip.
DMX Cat software applications
There are seven apps available for use with the DMXcat™ system. Apps are available through Google Play (Android) or the Appstore (iPhone).
Key Features of City Theatrical DMX Cat™ Multi-Function Test Tool
DMX Controller
- The DMX Controller app is a flexible and feature rich means of controlling 512 channels of DMX data.
- Two different user interfaces are included. The first emulates a conventional slider control arrangement such as is found on many simple manual lighting controllers. Touch and swipe gestures control the various level adjustments. Users can work with and easily switch between screens displaying 8, 64, or 512 (Live View) channels of information.
- For those who prefer a numeric based interface similar to what is found on a full sized lighting console, command line instructions can be input using familiar keypad and thumbwheel controls.
- An active 16 channel display provides current channel status. With either interface, users can adjust/work with individual, groups, or ranges of channels, record and play presets, customise names, and display levels as %, decimal, or hex values.
DMX cat tester fixture controller
- The Fixture Controller app has been designed to serve as a setup and test tool for the vast selection of lighting fixtures in use today. Many of today’s moving light fixtures use over 40 channels of DMX control data, and can be configured to operate in a dozen or more modes (profiles). This can make it difficult to identify a particular channel’s function when setting up or testing a fixture with a small DMX controller.
- Using an extensive built in database of manufacturers, fixtures, and operational profiles, users can easily select and assign the fixture’s attributes and starting address, and a control interface specific to the fixture is displayed for testing its features. The various fixtures/personalities may be saved as “favourites” for future reference. When connected to an RDM enabled fixture, DMX cat identifies the fixture’s address and attributes and loads its control interface automatically.
DIP Switch Calculator
- The DIP Switch Calculator app is an indispensable tool used in the conversion of numeric values to their binary equivalents. Used when configuring DIP switches for setting DMX channels and other fixture parameters, users simply enter a three digit numeric value and its corresponding DIP setting is displayed. Both the numbering order and reading direction can be reversed to match the switch orientation as needed.
DMX Tester
- Connect the DMXcat to a point in a DMX data chain and view DMX information and levels. Parameters of the controller’s transmitted DMX signals may be adjusted and parameters of received DMX signals may be viewed including: Break Time, Mark After Break, Inter-slot, Mark Before Break, Number Of Slots, and Refresh Rates. A Flicker-Finder function is included for identifying intermittent problems within the data network.
RDM Controller
The RDM Controller is an application designed to control RDM enabled fixtures. Features include:
- Control & monitoring of RDM devices
- Full discovery- detects and generates a list of all RDM devices
- Detects all sub devices for a selected device
- Shows all supported parameters
- Shows descriptions for all PIDs
- GET and SET for all PIDs (even user defined)
- Monitors fixtures for any sensors with easy to view info
Light Meter (Android only)
- Useful for studio work, this app offers basic reflected light measurements to help in light level adjustment for film and video production. Light levels are displayed in LUX.
RF Spectrum Analyser (Android only)
- Identify potential communication problems before they happen. The RF Spectrum Analyser enables the user to visualise existing Wi-Fi networks operating within a venue.
- Each wireless network is labelled and shown graphically within an overall schematic representation of the 2.4GHz RF channel spectrum. Armed with this information, wireless DMX operation can be optimised by adjusting the type of transmission (hopping patterns) and or locating the control network in uncrowded or unused areas of the RF Spectrum.
Features and benefits of the DMXcat
Specifications of the City Theatrical DMXcat
- CTI Part No: 6000
- Wireless communication: Bluetooth LE
- Range: 35’ (10m)
- Status LED indicator: Yes, multicolour
- Flashlight: White LED
- Charging port: Micro USB
- DMX connection: 5PXLRF
- Battery Run Time: 20 hrs
- Charge Time: 8 hrs
- DMX Controller, Fixture Controller, DIP Switch Calculator
- DMX Tester, RDM Controller, Light Meter (Android only)
- RF Spectrum Analyser (Android only)
Physical:
- Weight: .3 lbs (.14 kg)
- Dimensions: 1.63”(41.4mm) W x 3.75” (95.3mm) L x .94”(23.9mm) H
- Construction: NEMA 1 ABS enclosure
- Compliance: CE, RoHS, FCC
Apps:
The device requires a compatible smart phone or tablet with Android version 7 and above or ios 5 and above
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Product reviews of DMX cat
This is a great bit of professional testing kit. If you work in professional entertainment lighting it's a very good tool to have.