Buddylight: your trustworthy followspot

Each BUDDYLIGHT box controls one Claypaky fixture: please refer to the table below for the current compatible models and road map.
When the BUDDYLIGHT box is connected to the fixture, the two devices recognize each other automatically.

The minimum system configuration (BUDDYLIGHT Starter Kit) features:

• #1 Buddylight Box

• #8 Anchors (=> 8 TAG + 8 Holders)

• #2 TAG (=> 1 Actors with 2 TAG or 2 Actors with 1 TAG + 2 Holders)
  
  

The maximum system configuration features:

• #4 Buddylight Box

• #8 Anchors (=> 8 TAG + 8 Holders)

• #8 TAG (=> 4 Actors with 2 TAG or 8 Actors with 1 TAG + 8 Holders)

UWB is a short-range wireless communication technology, with good noise immunity, that uses low power levels and wide frequency bands (6.240MHz ÷ 6739.2MHz) far away from BT and WiFi freq.

UWB leverages Time of Flight (ToF), which is a method for measuring the distance between two radio transceivers by multiplying the Time of Flight of the signal by the speed of light, with an accuracy <10cm.

Intended for portable applications, UWB devices are designed to be worn safely in the actor’s stage clothing.

The UWB technology is available worldwide without any licensing for the end user.

The NODE batteries last 8 hours and it takes about 2 hours for a complete recharge.

The maximum tracking area size is 15x15m, however, the lighting fixture may be mounted outside the tracking area.

The TAG is an Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) radio emitter/receiver for measuring the distance between the BUDDYLIGHT box and an actor.

Using the tag ensures the distinction between different actors on stage, each carrying his/her own tag. The tag is at the same time an accelerometer/gyroscope, i.e. it detects changes in positions and movements that allow the software to predict how the actor is moving on stage.

There are three buttons on the tag that can be programmed to manage different functionalities (ex. Dimmer on/off, Dimmer up/down, …). When used as ANCHORs, the buttons have no functions.

Once you have physically installed the system devices, you must connect to the WiFi hotspot of the BUDDYLIGHT BOX and launch the configuration wizard: you will be guided through the steps of the configuration process (around 10 min).

Once configured the system you will be asked to calibrate it. The calibration phase will be guided by the calibration wizard (around 15 min) and requires the usage of the Leica Disto S910 laser meter.

Once the calibration phase is completed, the system is ready to track. Calibration must be performed whenever a device or ANCHOR is physically moved from its original calibration location.

To adapt the response of the prediction algorithm, used to estimate the performer position, the system provides access to several parameters for example fixture speed, actor speed, actor height, and fixture orientation mounting.

The BUDDYLIGHT system is designed to work ‘stand-alone’ but, being also an Art-Net device, it can be also connected to a lighting console. The DMX personality of the BUDDYLIGHT box allows to:

– Enable/Disable the system;
– Select the working modality;
– Select the performer to be tracked.

BUDDYLIGHT is a versatile solution, perfect for every venue: from theatres to auditoriums; from clubs to cruise ships and houses of worship, and conference rooms or company events.