The Darkstar System

A reliable modular hardware system that is easy to use, adaptable and operates at high speed. It is a modular, scaleable network of nodes, so you can build your own configuration using the hardware units, depending on your needs and the type of cameras you use.

Mobile Rig
darkstar

Darkstar UI

The Darkstar UI provides access to all features of the connected hardware. Enabling full control of lighting and triggers in a versatile and easy to use application.

User Interface
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RUN MODES

  • Chase : Playback a previously uploaded sequence.
  • 4D : Very high speed sync of strobe & triggers.
  • Preview : Step thru uploaded chase to preview scenes.
  • Live Program : Real time lighting update whilst programming.

PROGRAMMING

  • 3D View : Interactive 3D model of your rig.
  • 2D View : User editable layout of node symbols.
  • Timeline based programming of lighting chases.
  • Easily set lighting levels per node.
  • Apply global presets in 3D space.
  • Use images to set lighting levels.
  • Generate custom falloff gradients in 3D space.
  • Full camera trigger sequencing.
  • Save & load scenes, chases, sessions & more.

SYSTEM

  • Node status display

  • Detect model & version for all hardware.

  • Retrieve & save Photon node orientation data.

  • Set node IDs

  • Update Firmware

  • WIndows 10+

  • Min. Screen size 1920×1080

Control Unit

CTRL Network Controller

The CTRL is the network gateway to the Darkstar system. Connected on USB to the PC running the UI, it is capable of controlling up to 1000 nodes. The CTRL incudes a jack input for optional external triggering.

CTRL Front
CTRL Rear
MORE INFORMATION

  • Input : USB

  • Output : 4 x CAT5

  • Trigger in : 3.5mm Jack

  • Max nodes : 1000

  • Construction : Aluminium

  • 48 x 44 x 78mm, 140g 

Quad

QUAD Repeater

The Quad is a repeater on the Darkstar network that distributes power and data to 4 nodes. It takes data from the CTRL which can then be daisy chained along to other Quad units.

Quad front
Quad back
MORE INFORMATION

  • Input : 24VDC on 5.5 x 2.5mm Jack

  • Data : Input & link CAT5

  • Node outputs : 4 x CAT5

  • Construction : Aluminium

  • 48 x 44 x 78mm , 135g 

Photon

PHOTON LED Light Source

The Photon is a high output LED light source comprised of 3 sectors of Cree XPG3 LEDs. Each of the 3 sectors may be independently controlled, flicker free at very high speeds. There is an on board 3 axis accelerometer, the data from which can be read out to the Darkstar UI.

Photon front
Photon back
MORE INFORMATION

  • Input : CAT5

  • Output : 2000 lm

  • Colour temp : 5700k

  • Lens angle : 32º

  • LED sectors : 3

  • Scene space : 120

  • 3 axis accelerometer

  • Fix points : 3 x M5

  • Construction : Aluminium, PC, ABS

  • 102 x 102 x 30mm, 325g 

Opto

OPTO+ Opto Iso Switch

The Opto+ is an 8 channel opto-isolated switch unit for use with DSLR or Machine Vision cameras. Each channel is individually controllable and output on 3.5mm jack sockets.

Opto front
Opto back
MORE INFORMATION

  • Input : CAT5

  • Output : 8 x 3.5mm Jack

  • Scene space : 120

  • Switch speed : 3uS

  • Construction : Aluminium, ABS

  • 112 x 90 x 33mm, 200g 

Download the Darkstar System Brochure

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE