DMXcat®

City Theatrical

About this app

The DMXcat® makes it easy for anyone to control, analyze, or test any DMX lighting fixture, whether it’s a simple LED PAR or a complex moving light. The system consists of a small hardware dongle (purchased separately) and a suite of free mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus other useful lighting functions to the user’s smartphone. The DMXcat solves the problem faced by all users of modern lighting equipment: How to turn on and test DMX lighting gear without using a complicated lighting console.

Software Applications
There are currently seven apps available for use with the DMXcat system:
•DMX Controller: A single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces (sliders or keypad).
•Fixture Controller: Controls multi-attribute fixtures from a built in database.
•RDM Controller: For bi-directional communication and control of RDM enabled devices.
•DMX Tester: Analyze and adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX.
•DIP switch calculator: Simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses.
•Light Meter: Useful for setting light levels for on-camera use (requires light sensor).
•RF Spectrum Analyzer: For surveying and visualizing Wi-Fi networks in the 2.4GHz spectrum


Hardware
The DMXcat’s hardware interface is a compact battery powered device 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 50’ range). Without the limitations of being physically connected, the user can move about the workspace as needed with their smartphone and run the various apps while still using the phone for on-the-job communication. The device’s five pin XLRF connector/cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain to test or control of the various DMX/RDM functions. It is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger. Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm for locating a misplaced unit, XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround, LED status indicator, and a removable belt clip with a split ring safety point. Optional accessories include XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch.

Requirements
Android OS version 5.1 or above
Bluetooth 4.0 compatible device

Ratings and reviews

Love the tool. Would love 2 simple functions in the app. Specify an address range and run a chase through it. And a blackout button. As a set LED installer, being able to walk around a set and control the LED strips and fixtures to find tiny faults, those two functions would be awesome.

Buggy, with bonus spam emails from City Theatrical. App frequently fails to connect to device, requiring the app to be stopped and restarted. Sometimes very laggy, again requiring the app to be stopped/restarted Bonus: if you use the reporting feature to let CT know that a fixture personality is missing, they will use the email address you supply for spam. Overall, the device is useable, but irritating if used frequently. I'd give it 4 stars but for the malignant marketing component.

This is the most easy-to-use, compact, and mobile DMX512 fixture tester I have ever gotten my hands on. The app, even without the dongle is good just because it includes a dip switch calculator, a light meter, and a wi-fi signal strength meter.

What’s new

Fixed issues:
Renaming dongle causes the dongle to disappear from connection scans
App would ask for a PIN when none is required
App would allow duplicate channel names in personality editor
Not all files types were sharable in the file share screen

New Features:
Redesigned File Share Screen to list view so file names are more readable
Flicker Finder is now implemented