Most network protocols such as Art-Net and sACN rely on two things: The first is that the product developer has the ability and enthusiasm to get the implementation right. The second is product testing with peer products, often at events such as PlugFests.
This approach does not always work and it is not unusual for the end users to become part of the product test and development cycle.
Singularity has decided to offer a new approach:
ACT (Art-Net Conformance Tester) is, as the name suggests, designed to test whether equipment conforms to the Art-Net specification. It is capable of testing both receivers (gateways, moving lights and dimmers) and transmitters (essentially lighting controllers).
ACT is available in two forms:
Free version
The free version allows anyone to run the test on any product. The results are limited to a list of pass, advisory, warning and fail. This allows anyone to obtain a broad view of whether the product conforms – at zero cost. The free version of ACT is bundled with our free DMX-Workshop suite. To download the DMX-Workshop suite, please complete the brief registration form. The .exe file installs a full suite of applications including DMX-Workshop, Bandwidth-Tester, Art-Route, Multicaster, rdmInspect and ACT.
Subscription version
The subscription version is aimed at manufacturers during R&D and allows them to test their own products. In addition to the summary provided by the free version, the subscription version provides a detailed analysis of all tests including guidance on how to resolve problems. Once a manufacturer has passed the tests, they can opt to have the test results published on the Singularity web site, giving visibility and allowing users and specifiers to make informed choices. Throughout the subscription, manufacturers also receive updated test vectors as ACT is updated.
The result categories are defined as follows:
- Pass: Great news. The higher the number, the better.
- Advisory: These are informational and should not been seen as a negative result.
- Warning: These are subtleties that may give problems in some situations.
- Fail: As the name suggests – there are aspects of Art-Net to which the product does not conform.
Which subscription version do I need?
Here are some example scenarios to help you decide:
Example 1: A developer in one location.
Purchase 1 x ACT-SUB-MAIN for an annual licence to test a single Manufacturer in one location (single seat).
Example 2: A company that needs to test in two locations.
Purchase 1 x ACT-SUB-MAIN and 1 x ACT-SUB-SEAT for an annual licence to test a single Manufacturer in two locations (two seats).
Example 3: A group that owns two daughter companies that needs to test in two locations.
Purchase 1 x ACT-SUB-MAIN, 1 x ACT-SUB-ADD and ACT-SUB-SEAT for an annual licence to test a two Manufacturer in two locations (two seats).
How to purchase the subscription version
- Use the ‘Add to cart’ button above and checkout to order your preferred subscription (you will be required to enter the ESTA Manufacturer Code of your organisation).
- Install the DMX-Workshop package (same procedure as described for the free version above).
- Keep an eye out for an email from us containing your proforma invoice (usually within 1-2 working days). Once you have made the payment and the funds have cleared, you will receive another email containing a licence code to activate the subscription features of ACT within DMX-Workshop.
- To activate your licence, press the Activate button on the top right corner of the ACT screen.