Hive launches CX series LEDs

I was wondering what the actual difference was from the C series since the marketing says "same output, same quality, same colors."

Then I noticed that there is no screen and no dials on the head. So, does that mean that this is a fixture that can only work with a bluetooth phone to control it...or DMX? I appreciate the lower price, but that would be a non-starter for me. I think ALL fixtures should have at least basic level of functionality standalone.
 
ozmorphasis said:
I was wondering what the actual difference was from the C series since the marketing says "same output, same quality, same colors."

Then I noticed that there is no screen and no dials on the head. So, does that mean that this is a fixture that can only work with a bluetooth phone to control it...or DMX? I appreciate the lower price, but that would be a non-starter for me. I think ALL fixtures should have at least basic level of functionality standalone.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming this is a reaction to poor c-series sales rather than their ideal product roadmap naturally unfolding in front of us.

I'm in the same boat - no on-light controlling is a deal breaker (not counting DMX).

I'd consider a light without physical controls if there was a dramatic reduction in size but maybe controllers don't take up that much space, so there's not much reason to leave them out.
 
well - that is interesting. I got their email earlier today -- and even watched the "launch" video. But didn't even notice there were no control knobs on the back.
That's strange & a bummer.... I got excited about getting the 200 at a lower price - but agree with what's been said... want those physical controls or I can envision setting up a light only to not have it connect via BT - or take a long time to connect (which has happened to me with my 100-C's)
 
Hi all,

Hoping I could answer any questions, so quickly to clarify C-Series is not going anywhere, but when talking to a number of our customers they expressed that they used the lights either exclusively via DMX or primarily via the app. It was clear that if we could offer a lower cost model with the same overall features there was a market for it and that not everyone needed every control option we offered.

C-Series:
- Local Controls
- Bluetooth Wireless
- Lumen Radio (CRMX) Wireless
- DMX (wired)

CX - Series
- Bluetooth Wireless
- DMX (wired)

For the CX series we significantly improved the Bluetooth reception so will have much greater range and responsiveness than original C-Series lights and we overhauled the app:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hive-shot/id1209171531 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hive_shot&hl=en_US

Both are free to download and have a demo mode if you want to check out the UI and features.

Of course we don’t expect everyone to be comfortable without having local controls, but now you have the option. Also if you want this price point but want a physical back up there are plenty of sub $100 DMX boards that run on battery that you can easily use to operate the light.

To see more about both lights and their options visit our website:

https://hivelighting.com/wasp-100-cx/ and https://hivelighting.com/hornet-200-cx/

Also please feel free to email me jmiller@hivelighting.com
 
I received the email earlier today, as well. And I didn't even notice the missing controls, but I did notice the power connection is now a bi-pin, instead of an XLR.

I own two 100-C's and two 200-C's and I would be hesitant to buy these without a physical control panel. I have had lots of problems with the original C's and reliability with regards to BT control/connections. I've been right next to the lights before and still unable to establish a connection. I notice that it looks like there is an actual external antenna for BT now, so maybe that will help, because the BT range is one of my gripes with them. Especially the OG 100-C's(kickstarter). I will say, that they did a nice job revamping the app and finally made the EFX control from it free(you could trigger them from the light control panel without the app, too), but the lights are still VERY laggy/unresponsive with it, especially when you're trying to audition colors/looks rapidly. I've had to shut down my lights and pull the power numerous times, because they'll go "stupid" with the app.

Jon, you guys should look into a way to up-fit/retrofit the original 100's/200's with improved BT. Those of us that bought in early with these originals would really appreciate it.
 
Hi all,

Yes the original Kickstarter lights did have issues with Bluetooth connectivity that are physical issues, we do have the ability to upgrade and improve this. If you are having any Bluetooth connectivity issues with any generation of our lights please don’t hesitate to contact us support@hivelighting.com and jmiller@hivelighting.com and we are happy to help!

Having said that, some lessons learned about Bluetooth, the CX models have external antennas, which significantly improves reception over the original internal antennas of the C-series, the trade off of having durable Aluminum bodies is a reduced range especially depending on angle, this is no longer an issue on the CX with the new antenna system. Also we have made improvements to the C-Series internal antennas and moved their location in the housing so that they also now have improved reception.

The 575-C power supply is 4.8” x 6” x 12” and weighs 8lbs. For reference a Joker 800 ballast 3.5” x 7.25” x 11” and weighs 8lbs. A Skypanel S60 power supply is 3.5” x 7.6” x 15” and weighs 7.7lbs and an Aputure 300D power supply/controller is 3.8” x 5” x 11” (no weight published).

Hope this helps!

Jon
 
Jon Edward Miller said:
Hi all,

Yes the original Kickstarter lights did have issues with Bluetooth connectivity that are physical issues, we do have the ability to upgrade and improve this. If you are having any Bluetooth connectivity issues with any generation of our lights please don’t hesitate to contact us support@hivelighting.com and jmiller@hivelighting.com and we are happy to help!

Having said that, some lessons learned about Bluetooth, the CX models have external antennas, which significantly improves reception over the original internal antennas of the C-series, the trade off of having durable Aluminum bodies is a reduced range especially depending on angle, this is no longer an issue on the CX with the new antenna system. Also we have made improvements to the C-Series internal antennas and moved their location in the housing so that they also now have improved reception.

The 575-C power supply is 4.8” x 6” x 12” and weighs 8lbs. For reference a Joker 800 ballast 3.5” x 7.25” x 11” and weighs 8lbs. A Skypanel S60 power supply is 3.5” x 7.6” x 15” and weighs 7.7lbs and an Aputure 300D power supply/controller is 3.8” x 5” x 11” (no weight published).

Hope this helps!

Jon
Click to expand...

Good info, Jon. Are the wireless/BT upgrades/improvements something you are offering for free or at least at a reasonable cost? I understand there are real costs associated with parts and time to work on a light, but if it does cost the customer something, it goes a long way towards goodwill keeping the cost down to "oh yeah, that's worth it. I'll do that" levels.
 
^ good question R&G ... and thanks Jon for chiming in here. I bought two 100'c in the original kickstarter... so will contact you after the holidays to inquire about improving the BT reception.
 
I love the idea of these and this is definitely the right direction to go to make these more accessible to buy without losing functionality, but I'm always thrown off that the photometrics are about half what I'd expect for the power draw. Perhaps this is because of lower efficiency of narrow spectrum emitters? Or because of the loss from the color mixing diffuser dome? Any way to improve this? Maybe by removing the dome?
 
Hi all,

If you are in the US hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, sorry to have been off the board for a few days. In response to some questions here the Bluetooth upgrades are either free or at cost of labor, parts are covered. Pricing depends on generation of light and make and model. For the first generation Kickstarter there is a free mechanical swap and then an additional antenna option that does include a labor bill, for exact pricing please email support@hiveligthing.com and we can quote out the options.

Noah, I’m not 100% sure about the output you are expecting but to clarify the 100-C is a 75W LED, and the 200-C is a 150W LED. Feel free to email me the equivalent output LED using the same wattage with significantly more output. Of course a COB is more efficient but you sacrifice color control and color quality. Again feel free to email me jmiller@hivelighting.com and perhaps I can help you with your specific application.

Cheers,

J n
 
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