Have you ever had a problem with your rig or cable? One of the first things I check for is Air-Gap Impedance (AGI) — in other words, to make sure I plugged everything in properly! You don’t need a specialized gadget to check for an unplugged cable. But once that’s done, and you’re sure everything is plugged in, what if you still have signal issues or faulty cables?
That’s where some logical thinking — and devices like Swisson’s XMT series of DMX products — can come in handy. For years, they have helped technicians test signal, diagnose cable performance and pinpoint problems.
Swisson’s XMT-350 goes beyond what the Switzerland-based company has offered in its XMT series before. Along with updates to the menu system, it can be used as an RDM
(Remote Device Management) controller.
Compact and Versatile
The XMT-350 is small enough to fit in your hand, and runs off a 9-volt battery. Looking at the tester, you would think it is a one trick pony with not much to it. Looks can be deceiving, however.
While XMT-350’s primary purpose is to troubleshoot DMX cable glitches and test the ability to send and receive signal, the XMT-350 can also be used for limited scene storage and backup.
As users of RDM functionality on lighting consoles can attest, RDM makes testing and configuring RDM-compatible devices a snap. The XMT-350 offers this capability in a much smaller package, allowing for greater mobility and local control.
Chances are, you won’t be too pressed for space if you add the XMT-350 to your toolbox. It takes up about the same amount of room as two packs of smokes — and you’d be better off without that two-pack-a-day habit anyway.
Features
Why is RDM so important? Let’s say you have a row of 10 RDM devices that need addressing. Rather then running down the line of fixtures and addressing each one, they can be automatically “discovered” on the XMT-350 and configured there. Imagine if those same fixtures are already in the air — you just saved yourself the trouble of bringing in the truss and running down the line.
If you are having problems with a fixture in a hard-to-reach location, the XMT-350’s RDM capabilities offer even more of a benefit. You can simply fire the Swisson unit up and check out the feedback from the fixture through the standard RDM device information settings. The device will also let you know the current lamp hour ratings — and help you plan and manage lamp replacement chores.
Is That a Console in your Pocket?
Along with being a great tool for solving a number of different problems that come up, the XMT-350 can, theoretically at least, be used as a controller. But in actual practice, that might be akin to using the compact Swiss Army Knife’s serrated blade in place of a circular saw to cut lumber. You’ll be there all day long setting a look.
But as mentioned, the XMT-350 can be used for limited scene storage. As a backup to my main controller, when I have a few general looks that I can go to, if the need arises (so far, luckily, it hasn’t), I snapshot them into the XMT-350 and saved them as a scene. If something were to happen to my main controller, I can quickly recall the scene from the XMT-350 as a backup.
Using the XMT-350 as a backup really only works with a one-universe system, as that is all the XMT can handle at a time, so it’s not likely to replace the use of redundant lighting consoles for big events like the Oscars or for Olympics ceremonies. But it’s a cheap form of insurance for smaller gigs that could prove to be a lifesaver in the end.
XMT-350 Specs
SIZE: 5” x 2” x 3.5”
CONSTRUCTION: Metal Housing
CONNECTIONS:
5-pin In & Out, 3-pin Turnarounds Included
POWER SUPPLY:
9V Battery, Optional Power Supply
MSRP: $750
More info: www.swisson.com
