DMXcat® vs Grounded
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DMXcat®
Control, analyze, and test DMX lighting fixtures wirelessly from your smartphone. This system uses a hardware dongle and free mobile apps to simplify lighting control without complex consoles. It supports various functions like DMX and RDM control, fixture management, and DIP switch calculations.
- Wireless DMX and RDM control
- Fixture control with built-in database
- DMX analysis and testing
- DIP switch calculator
- Multi-language support
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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. DMXcat app is now available in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and English. Software Applications There are currently five 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. 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.
Grounded
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Grounded is the field toolkit for electricians — built by a working electrician, not a software company. CALCULATORS • Voltage drop, wire & breaker sizing, conduit fill, box fill • Article 220 load calculations • Motor circuits, transformers, grounding & bonding • Ohm's law & three-phase power AI ASSISTANT • Ask code questions in plain English • Answers cite the relevant NEC articles • Built for the field — always verify with your local code PIPE BENDING • Live diagrams that draw your exact bend • Stub-ups, offsets, saddles, rolling offsets, and multi-bend SOLAR / PV • String sizing with cold-temperature voltage checks • Conductor, OCPD, and interconnection sizing • Solar production & payback estimating ON THE JOB • Reference tables: ampacity, conduit fill, torque specs • Wire color codes by voltage system • Notes — jot measurements offline, synced to your account • Panel schedules, job estimating, and hours tracking • Works offline in basements and new construction STUDY • NEC flashcards with spaced repetition • Exam prep built for the 2026 code cycle Built on the 2026 NEC, with 2023 supported. Core tools are free; Grounded Pro unlocks the full toolkit. GROUNDED PRO • Monthly — $8.99 • Annual — $79.99 (save 26%) Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in Settings → your name → Subscriptions. Terms of Service: https://www.groundedpro.io/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.groundedpro.io/privacy Grounded is a calculation aid — always verify with the NEC and your local AHJ. Not affiliated with NFPA.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DMXcat® at none against Grounded's 2. Grounded's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Grounded sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. DMXcat® asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | DMXcat® | Grounded |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (26 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 26 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | City Theatrical, Inc | Mason Reed |
In-app purchases
DMXcat®
No in-app purchases
Grounded
- Grounded Pro Monthly$8.991 Month
- Grounded Pro Annual$79.991 Year









