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DMXcat® Multi Function Test Tool

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City Theatrical‘s DMXcat^® system is designed for use by the lighting professional who is involved with the planning, installation, operation, or maintenance of theatrical and studio lighting equipment. The system consists of a small hardware interface device and a suite of mobile applications. Together, they combine to 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 DMXcat is an indispensable tool for lighting users.

DMXcat is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Read our press release here.

DMXcat works with Android, iPhone, and Amazon Fire.

DMXcat technology is covered by U.S. Patent # 10,129,964 B1 and other U.S and foreign patents pending.

DMXcat is the Winner of the PLASA 2017 Award for Innovation DMXcat was recognized at the ABTT Awards 2017

DMXcat Quick Start Guide

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 50’ 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 asembly 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.

dmx cat

Other features include a built-in LED flashlight, an audible alarm (for locating a misplaced unit), an LED Status indicator, and a removable belt clip.

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

Software Applications

There are currently seven apps available or in development for use with the DMXcat system. Apps are available through Google Play (Android) or the Appstore (iPhone).

Apps Included with the Basic configuration include:

• DMX Controller

a single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces.

• Fixture ControllerDMX

test app for multi-attribute fixtures with built in database of lighting fixtures.

• RDM Controller

App for bi-directional communication/control of RDM enabled devices.

• DMX Tester

Permits users to analyze and or adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX.

• RF Spectrum Analyzer (Android only)

For surveying and visualizing Wi-Fi networks.

• DIP switch calculator

This app simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses.

• Light Meter (Android only)

Useful for setting light levels for on-camera use.

DMXcat Quick Start Guide

Description	Cat. #
DMXcat	6000

Accessories

XLR5M to RJ45 Adapter	6005
XLR5M to XLR3F Adapter	6006
XLR5M to XLR5M Turnaround	6007
XLR5M to XLR3M Turnaround	6008
DMXcat Belt Pouch	6009
USB to Micro USB cable, 6"	6010

DMXcat Tips and Tricks
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Tip 1:	How do I connect to a fixture without internet access?	When you “Favorite” a fixture in your DMXcat app, it saves that fixture’s personalities to your smartphone. Once your preferred fixture is a “Favorite”, fixtures are not only easier to access, they also become available to you even when you cannot access the internet. (See image above.)

Tip 2:	How do I reconnect to my DMXcat?	Simply click the chain link icon, which is in the lower left corner of the main screen, to start up a new connection; no need to go into your app's settings.

Tip 3:	How do I add a fixture to the fixture database?	Use the “Report Problem” option in the settings menu to contact our support and development team with the fixture you'd like to add.

Tip 4:	How do I delete a preset from the DMX Controller app?	Simply swipe it left and press “Remove”.

Tip 5:	Why does my fixture move when connected to DMXcat?	The fixture database in the Fixture Controller app has default values for every attribute of each fixture, such as pan and tilt at 50%, which will cause your fixture to move once connected. If you want your fixture to remain static, you can turn off this default setting in the main settings menu through “Load Default Values”. Once off, every attribute will load at 0%. If you find a default value that needs to be updated, please submit it with the contact option in the menu.

Tip 6:	How do I set my moving light to the home position?	Use the 3-dot menu in the Fixture Controller app to reset all the DMX values for your moving light to their default home positions. This menu also offers easy access to your fixture’s user’s manual and a contact option to send corrections and feedback to City Theatrical.

Tip 7:	Which DMXcat app will help diagnose issues with fixtures in a DMX line?	The Analyze DMX function in the DMX Tester app can give you valuable information about the data coming from your lighting controller that can help diagnose the problem. The three sections that are of the most immediate help are “Number of Slots”, “Update Rate”, and “Received Start Codes”. 1. The “Number of Slots” tells you have many DMX values the lighting controller is sending from a maximum of 512. This can help you determine how many unique devices your controller can address. 2. The “Update Rate” is helpful for identifying why fixtures might be misbehaving. The maximum speed is typically 44Hz (it can be faster if fewer than 512 slots are being sent.) If a fixture periodically flashes, or goes out and comes back, then it may not be able to keep up with the full specifications of DMX. 3. In the “Received Start Codes” you will usually only see two possible values: 0x00 (for a regular DMX packet) and 0xCC (when RDM traffic is present). If any other values are present, then there is likely a bad connection or broken cable in the DMX line somewhere. There are some lighting manufacturers that use other start codes for their equipment but running across these is rare. If you have problems with a fixture flashing every few seconds, it may not be responding appropriately to RDM on the DMX line. Make sure that RDM is off at all consoles, gateways, and wireless receivers until the 0xCC doesn’t show up in a new scan.

Tip 8:	How do I test individual fixtures in the DMX Tester app?	You can test individual fixtures with DMXcat by setting the Transmit Speed Preset to “Max” in the Transmit DMX screen of the DMX Tester app. This will send DMX at the fastest rate the DMX512 specification allows. If the fixture misbehaves, slow the speed down until you get consistent control. Most lighting consoles and DMX gateways can have their DMX speeds adjusted. Slowing down the DMX rate rarely affects any output on stage. Sometimes turning on the “Hold Last Look” feature of the lighting fixture can compensate for the issue. If you need additional help using DMXcat to diagnose problems in your system, please use the “Report Problem” button in the app’s settings screen to send an email. Or call City Theatrical at 800-230-9497 and ask for support.

Tip 9:	Do you use DMXcat on your Amazon Fire?	The Amazon App Store requires a connection to the internet every 30 days or it will block apps with the message “License Expired”. If you receive this message, please connect the Fire tablet to the internet and open the DMXcat app. (Available for download here.)

Tip 10:	Need to organize your RDM devices?	Most fixtures will let you assign a custom label that will be displayed in the RDM list. You can also sort your RDM devices by Manufacturer, Model, Label, or DMX Address by clicking the 3-dot menu in the upper right of the RDM Controller.

Tip 11:	Need to identify which fixture you are setting up with RDM?	Most RDM fixtures will flash the intensity attribute or their displays when they get an RDM Identify command. You can use the Identify button on the main RDM Controller screen, or use the light bulb icon in the upper right, when already configuring RDM for a specific fixture.

Features
Specifications
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Features

Interface device is a compact battery powered device unit

Bluetooth LE technology for communication with smartphone/ applications

5 pin XLRF connector/ cable assembly allows it to be connected to a point in a DMX data chain
USB to Micro-USB cable and charger

Software Applications:

Soft

Description	Cat. #
DMX Cat	6000

• DMX Controller
a single universe (512) DMX channel controller with two user interfaces.
• Fixture Controller
test app for multi-attribute fixtures with built in database of lighting fixtures.
• RDM Controller
App for bi-directional communication/control of RDM enabled devices.
• DMX Tester
Permits users to analyze and or adjust settings for transmitting or receiving DMX.
• RF Spectrum Analyzer (Android only)
For surveying and visualizing Wi-Fi networks.
• DIP switch calculator
This app simplifies the configuring of DIP switches used for setting DMX addresses.
• Light Meter (Android only)
Useful for setting light levels for on-camera use.

Specifications

CTI Part No.	6000
Wireless communication:	Bluetooth LE
Range:	50’ (15m)
Status LED indicator:	Yes, multicolor
Flashlight:	White LED
Charging port:	Micro USB
DMX connection:	5PXLRF
Apps:	7- Android and 6- iOS
Included:	DMX Controller, Fixture Controller, RF Spectrum Analyzer,
	DIP Switch Calculator, Light Meter (Android only
	RDM Controller, DMX Tester
Construction:	NEMA 1 ABS enclosure
Compliance:	CE, RoHS, FCC

Physical:
Weight:	.3 lbs (.14 kg)
Dimensions:	1.63”(41.4mm) W x 3.75” (95.3mm) L x .94”(23.9mm) H

System Requirements:	Bluetooth 4.0 or greater
	Android 5.1 or greater
	iOS 9.3 or greater (iPhone 4S and newer)