City Theatrical’s new DMXcat-E™ test tool solution is now shipping and available through City Theatrical Dealers worldwide. DMXcat-E and other unique lighting accessories by City Theatrical, including the Multiverse® Connect Module and Eluxtra™ 5-in-1 LED Strip Lights, will be available for live demonstration at City Theatrical Booth 2139 at LDI Show in Las Vegas from December 8 – 10, 2024.
DMXcat-E (P/N 6100) is an expansion to City Theatrical’s multi award winning DMXcat® Multi Function Test Tool system of solutions that allows for Ethernet control of a lighting fixture. In addition to all the functions DMXcat users currently enjoy, including utilization of the DMXcat free smartphone application for iPhone and Android to plan, install, operate, and maintain theatrical and studio lighting equipment, DMXcat-E allows users to view and send Ethernet protocols, including ArtNet and Streaming ACN (sACN). As more manufacturers implement RDM Net into their fixtures, the DMXcat-E is ready to be the essential test tool for the future of lighting.
“DMXcat-E is the next generation tool for lighting professionals to control, analyze and test their installations,” said Ron Lorentzen, General Manager, City Theatrical. “DMXcat-E brings the power of Ethernet, cable testing, and much more to the existing DMXcat’s functionality, and will be used by lighting teams globally every day.”
DMXcat-E users can get started by downloading or updating the DMXcat smartphone app from the App Store or Google Play (requires Apple iOS 11+ or Android OS 6.0+). The DMXcat application shows five new apps in the suite designed for connecting with a DMXcat-E device, including:
- Ethernet - The Ethernet app allows users to view the sources on the network, such as consoles and button stations. Users can ping devices on the network, make a list of IP addresses and ping them all at once, or change IP settings.
- Cable Testing - The Cable Testing app works in two ways. For 5-pin DMX, users can use the two XLR connectors on the device to test DMX cable. For Ethernet, users can plug in one end of the Ethernet cable to verify the cable is wired correctly, and also find out the cable length.
- PoE Tester - The PoE Tester app allows users to see the voltage(s) on the RJ45 cable, or specify the classification of the attached network switch.
- Timecode - Timecode is an application designed to verify the timecode signal coming from any timecode generator that generates MIDI or SMPTE. This app also allows users to make a click track that can be uploaded to the lighting console.
- MIDI - The MIDI application shows all MIDI data on the DIN connector. Users can use it as a visual check to verify what is happening on the wire.
All new features are free to DMXcat users who connect to a DMXcat-E device. Users may note that any primary DMXcat firmware update will take 15-20 minutes, in which their smartphone needs to be kept charged and close to the DMXcat-E throughout the update process. To learn how to start using the DMXcat-E, visit the Quick Start Guide at: citytheatrical.com/dmxcat-e
The DMXcat-E box comes with the DMXcat-E Pouch (P/N 6109), Belt Clip and screw, USB-C charging wire, and a key ring. The DMXcat-E hardware is complete with a flashlight, buzzer, and USB-C charging. For more information, watch this DMXcat-E how to video:
DMXcat technology is covered by U.S. Patent # 10,129,964 B1 and other U.S and foreign patents pending.