City Theatrical has announced that the DMXcat multi-function test tool is now shipping and is available through City Theatrical dealers worldwide.

The DMXcat makes it easy for anyone to control, analyse, 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 and a suite of mobile applications. Together, they combine to bring wireless DMX and RDM control plus several other useful 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.

The DMXcat hardware dongle 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 within a range of 50’ (15m). 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 allow testing and/or control of the various DMX/RDM channel functions.

Battery life is over 20 hours and it is charged using a standard USB to Micro-USB cable and charger.

The DMXcat utilises a database of over 100 worldwide lighting manufacturers and thousands of lighting fixtures and their personalities, just like a sophisticated lighting console. The user can choose a fixture from the database and gain control through a user interface on their phone which emulates a lighting console with encoder wheels labelled to match the personality of the lighting fixture being used. DMXcat also utilises an advanced implementation of wireless RDM which allows the fixture’s exact personality, starting DMX address, and user interface to be loaded into the app without even using the database lookup.

Other applications included with DMXcat are a full 512 channel DMX controller which the user can select to emulate either sliders or a console style keypad, a complete set of DMX analysis tools similar to what is found on engineering level DMX testers, an RDM controller to enable the user to perform all functions that RDM fixtures allow including setting DMX address, changing personalities, viewing lamp hours and temperature levels, etc. A DIP switch calculator app is included in all  versions, and a light meter app and a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi spectrum analyser are included in the Android version only.

Other useful features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm (for locating a misplaced unit), an LED Status indicator, and direct links from the database to both the fixture manual and the fixture manufacturer’s website. Accessories included with the DMXcat are a removable belt clip with a safety ring attachment point, a XLR5M to XLR5M turnaround (needed for some DMX testing), and a USB to micro USB charging cable.

Optional DMXcat accessories include: XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter, XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround, and a Belt Pouch.

The DMXcat works with both Android and iPhones, and is available from City Theatrical dealers worldwide.